“Oh. Okay. Uh, yeah. I like Greek food. That sounds good.”
“I will get us a Greek feast!” Ace jumped to his feet. “It's a celebration after all.” He snatched my hand and kissed it. “I can hardly believe that I have you here, safe, at last. And don't worry. I know you need some time to understand all of this. I won't pressure you.” He grinned broadly. “We have eternity now. We can fall in love all over again.”
“That sounds . . . wonderful.”
“I'll be back soon.” He looked at the puppy. “Bruno, look after our girl.”
Bruno woofed, then went back to sleep. Not exactly a Hound of Hades.
Ugh! I had to stop thinking about them. Why is it that knowing you can't have a man, or men, makes you want them even more?
Yes, that's it,I thought as I watched Ace leave the bedroom.It's simply that I know I'm not their mate. I'm notdestined to be with them. So, now, my contrary heart wants them. That's all it is. It has nothing to do with love.
But the ache in my chest disagreed.
Chapter Thirty-Three
Twenty minutes later, I heard Ace return. Bruno lifted his head and stared at the doorway. My heart lurched.
As soon as Ace left, I had explored his home. There was a lot to see. Airy rooms with vaulted ceilings, balconies with ocean views, and a collection of art that made me drool. But no way out. I mean, I could leave the house, but only to enter the gardens. Once outside, I could see Ace's territory. More importantly, the borders of it which ended in thick mist. Something told me not to venture into that mist.
Not that I was trying to escape. I wasn't a prisoner. Ace had taken me there to protect me. And he was right—this was the best place for me. Secure. No one could get to me there. Including my hounds.
They weren'tmyhounds. Ugh!
Anyway, after I did a quick walk-through of the house—palace, really—I went back to the bedroom and reclaimed my seat. Bruno, who had accompanied me, sat beside me in his original spot and went to sleep. It was as if we hadn't moved. I thought that would be for the best. I didn't want to upset Ace.
Except it wasn't Ace.
The man who walked into the bedroom looked a lot like Ace, but he was more. More handsome, more muscular, and more magical. I could feel power radiating from him in waves. Heatwaves.
Power and hatred.
I jumped to my feet, my eyes going wide, and faced the man with the chaise between us. “Who are you?” Then I answered my own question, “You're Apollo, aren't you?”
His stare narrowed. “I'm hurt, Selene. You still don't remember me? And after all this time.”
My whole body shuddered as if a great beast was inside me, trying to get free.
Apollo chuckled and stepped closer. He neared the back of the chaise.
Bruno stood up on the cushion and started growling.
Apollo's golden gaze—the one that had haunted me through centuries of incarnations—slid toward the dog.
“Bruno,” I said.
The dog went quiet but moved to stand beside me on the couch and press his side against my leg. I laid a hand on his back.
“Why have you persecuted me?” I demanded. “What did I do to you?”
Apollo chuckled. “Yes, I think it's about time for a recap,Sister.”
“Sister?” I gaped at him.
“Oh, yes. You're no more human than I am, Selene.” He chuckled again. “So many times you've come close to the truth, your names have even echoed your origin. But my curse has held you down. A brother's curse can do that. We share blood, after all.”
“Hold on.” I made a choking sound, then recovered. “I'm a fucking goddess?!”
