“And what abilities do vampires have?” I asked. “I know what Hollywood portrays and what the myths say, but I've only met one vampire, and he wasn't very talkative.”
“You've met a vampire?” Re asked. “Were you intimate?”
“I just said that he wasn't talkative,” I pointed out.
“So?” Re shrugged. “What does talking have to do with it?”
“You do recall my protests when you took me home?” I lifted my brows at him. “What makes you think that I would sleep with a guy who I couldn't get to know?”
“Point taken.” Re nodded; looking satisfied.
“Not that it would matter if I had slept with him, right?” I narrowed my eyes at Re.
“Well... I... uh,” Re stuttered.
“How many lovers have you had?” I asked as I crossed my arms.
The gods in the room tried to hide their amusement and failed utterly. Except for Pan; he didn't even try. In fact, he pulled out a pad and pencil; preparing to note down Re's answer.
“That number has nothing to do with you,” Re said. “I have an appearance that affects women. When they come on so strongly, it's very hard to resist.”
“Especially when you're such a nymphomaniac,” Horus pointed out dryly.
“Yes, precisely,” Re said; not at all ashamed by the title. “You've seen my bedroom; you know that I'm an experienced and eager lover. You, on the other hand, refused me several times before our connection finally made you succumb; that sets a different precedent.”
“Sherefusedyou?” Horus blinked in shock.
“Smart woman,” Thor muttered.
Pan was scribbling furiously.
“Are you saying that because I'm not promiscuous, you get to be irrationally jealous over my past lovers?” I asked him.
“Yes,” Re said as if it were obvious. “That's exactly what I'm saying.”
“Oh, dude; that was the wrong call.” Ull shook his head.
“What?” Re looked from the disapproving gods to my glare. “Vervain, I will never lie to you; this is how I feel and this is what I believe. I love that you value intimacy more than I; it's transformed the act from mere pleasure into something profound for me. But it's also placed you on a pedestal; I expect more from you than anyone else. Am I wrong to do so?”
“Nice save,” Pan whispered as he continued to write. “That was so smooth.”
“You have a way with words, Sun God,” I said softly. “Be careful how you use them next time.”
“As you wish, La-la,” Re leaned in to kiss my cheek.
“If we're done with this day's episode of 'As the God World Turns,' could we get back to the business of stopping a war?” Horus drawled.
“By all means; proceed.” Re waved his hand arrogantly.
I groaned and shook my head. Then I narrowed my gaze at Pan and asked, “What are you writing?”
“Ideas for a new porno,” he said merrily.
“I'm sorry; what?” I gaped at him.
“Pan makes porn,” Horus said disapprovingly.
“I can't help it; it's in my nature,” Pan said unapologetically.
