Page 14 of Loved by Aphrodite (Gods and Beasts #4)

Aphrodite

One Year Later…

“And I promise to love you and cherish you until the end of time.”

Aphrodite had heard the words of love many times over the last year, but it never failed to make her heart flutter. And she knew with every inch of her being that Hephaestus meant every word as he said them in front of their closest friends and family as they declared their love for each other.

While they had agreed to figure everything out, Hephaestus had surprised her by proposing a few months ago. She said yes, of course, and once they made the announcement, Artemis had insisted—in her most exuberant way—on hosting it in their territory. “I’ll take care of everything,” she had said. And she made good on her promise, as aside from the dress, Aphrodite didn’t have to worry about anything. From the guest list to the cake to the reception venue, Artemis had arranged it all and made it perfect, which she did while juggling being mom to infant twins. While the outdoor ceremony was simple, attended only by a few people, the Alaskan wilderness made a spectacular backdrop.

“Thank you both, for declaring your intentions,” Hestia, who stood in front of Aphrodite and Hephaestus as the officiant, said. She lifted her hands up so her palms were between them, and a flame appeared. “The hearth is the center of the home, essential for providing food, warmth, and offerings. It must be tended to and guarded, given fuel to continue burning and never neglected.” She gave Aphrodite a smile. “You’ve spent your days answering prayers of love, and it’s only fitting that you finally have a hearth of your own.”

Then she turned to Hephaestus. “The fires of the hearth and the forge are not so different. You already know what happens when the flames of a forge weaken—it produces weak steel. Keep that flame strong and bright, and it will serve you well.” The flames grew larger and brighter as she lifted her arms over her head. “Your vows are sealed and blessed. May your love and happiness be bountiful.” Opening up her arms, the fire shot into the sky as the guests clapped and cheered.

Hephaestus slipped his arms around her and pulled her close for a long, deep kiss, much to the delight of the attendees and Hestia, who applauded even louder.

“Hestia didn’t say you may kiss the bride,” she said as soon as they broke the kiss.

“I know. But, this is our ceremony and we can do whatever the hell we want.”

She chuckled. “True.” She looked out at the faces in the small crowd, zeroing in on one in particular—Eros.

He was the reason that they decided to hold their wedding here, because though a year had passed since he received his punishment, he was still earthbound. And unfortunately, from what she had observed and what Artemis and Cade had told her, it didn’t seem like he’d made any progress. Artemis, of course, had tried to sugarcoat the situation, but Cade did not mince words. Eros was still stubborn, refused to obey unless he was commanded, and caused much trouble in the pack.

Still, as their eyes met, Eros’s smile at this moment was genuine, if smug. There was no denying he was happy for her and Hephaestus’s union.

Hephaestus took her hand. “Come, love, let’s start the party.”

They led everyone back to the barn, where the small reception was being held. Garlands of pink, white, and gold flowers had been strung up overhead, and tables were set up with decor in the same color scheme. Soft music played over the speakers and a table was set up on one side with food and drinks.

“I’m so happy for the two of you,” Apollo said as he, Geri, and Adonis greeted them.

Adonis hugged Aphrodite. “You make a beautiful bride.” He was one of the few humans invited. “I’m still mad you didn’t make me your flower boy.”

“This is our second wedding. We didn’t want anything elaborate.”

“Thank you for coming,” Hephaestus said, reaching out to shake his outstretched hand. While it may seem strange that he was there, Hephaestus had said he didn’t mind at all.

“Aphrodite,” Apollo said. “You look gorgeous as always. And I love the hairstyle! It was a good decision to go back to blonde, and the pixie cut is such a bold choice.”

“Thanks! It feels so light and new.” It was much like her new life now, in more ways than one.

In the past year, she and Hephaestus had enjoyed their time together, not really worrying about where they would settle and live. When they were on Mount Olympus, they would mostly stay in her home, as aside from the workshop and his bedroom, the rest of his house was sparsely furnished. But whenever they could get away, they spent as much of their days in Thessaly.

“And that birdcage veil is gorgeous. I love the shell.”

She grinned up at Hephaestus. “Thanks. I wore it to our first wedding, too.” He had insisted on giving it back to her, since, as he said, he already had the “real thing.” And while she didn’t want to dwell on the past, she did want to acknowledge that they wouldn’t be where they were now if it wasn’t for what happened before.

“Well, I’ll let you mingle with your other guests.” Adonis glanced around. “Besides, I have my own mingling to do. Who knew there were so many hot people in Alaska? It’s like they’re all hiding out here for some reason. Ta-ta, see you in a bit.”

Hephaestus tsked. “You still haven’t told him? I feel sorry for him. Glamouring him all the time can’t be healthy. Look at how dumb he is.”

“I hate to break it to you,” Geri said. “I don’t think it’s the glamouring. He was never the sharpest knife in the drawer in the first place.”

“You really can’t have everything,” Apollo said. “I mean, unless you’re a god, like me.” He waggled his eyebrows at his mate. “Aren’t you happy you’re spending eternity with me?”

She rolled her eyes. “Immensely. Now come on, there’s some people I want to say hi to.”

“Thank you for not making a fuss over inviting Adonis,” Aphrodite said to Hephaestus once they were alone.

“He was a good friend to you when you needed him,” he said. “And I don’t resent him for that.”

And she loved him more for that. While they both acknowledged that they had been with others in the past, they agreed that they wouldn’t hold it against the other. A part of her felt some jealousy, but even though they had some feelings for each other when they divorced, it wasn’t realistic to expect either of them wouldn’t have been with other people. After all, it was more than twenty thousand years ago, and their first marriage was in name only. The only thing that mattered now was that they were together and would devote the rest of eternity to each other.

“Have you spoken to Eros?” she asked him.

“Yes.” An exasperated expression crossed his face. “And no, I don’t think he’s any closer to learning his lesson.”

“Surely there’s something we can do.” The very idea that she could lose Eros forever weighed on her. “Could we convene the council again? I can’t just stand by and do nothing.”

“I love him too.” He placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. “But this is something he needs to do on his own.”

She agreed, of course, but still could not accept that Eros would simply die an old man in about fifty years or so. “But maybe it’s my fault?—”

“No,” he said, cutting her off. “It’s not your fault and you know it. You did everything you could for him, suffered yourself to protect him.” A dark look crossed his face. “If anyone is at fault, it’s that bastard Cyncus. He’s the one who hurt you both.”

“You’re right. And let’s not talk about this now, not when this is one of the happiest days of my life.” Reaching up, she cupped his face. “I can’t believe it’s been a year. Sometimes, it seems fast, and other times, I can’t remember what it was like without you.”

Turning his head, he kissed the inside of her palm and closed his eyes. “I do. And I never want it to be like that ever again.”

“Even when I annoy you?” she teased.

Their relationship wasn’t without its ups and downs, of course. They had been independent for millennia, and even when they were married the first time, they were more like roommates and co-parents rather than a couple. There were days when she grew frustrated at him and him at her. But at the end of the day, they loved each other, and communication went a long way.

He opened his eyes. “Even when you annoy me. Besides, who’s going to remind me not to leave my towels on the floor?”

She giggled. “And who am I going to steal the duvet from in the middle of the night?”

“I bought you that second blanket for a reason, you know.”

“I know, but then I can’t cuddle up to your back while you’re sleeping. You love being the little spoon, admit it.”

His lips twisted wryly. He said nothing and kissed her instead.

“We should probably say hello to our host and hostess.” She nodded toward Cade and Artemis. They walked over to where the couple was seated at a corner table.

“Aphrodite, H!” Artemis stood up, a small child a few months old slept in her arms. “It was such a beautiful ceremony. I was crying the whole time.”

“You made it happen. Oh!” Aphrodite clapped her hands together as she peered at the dark-haired child. “Hi there…this is…”

“Phoebe,” Artemis said. “Liam is sleeping soundly. As usual.” She jerked a thumb behind her, where another child lay inside a mechanical cradle Hephaestus had given the couple the year before.

“Oh, you’re so precious.” She touched Phoebe’s soft, smooth cheek. Long lashes fluttered open, revealing beautiful blue eyes. She looked up sleepily at her and then smiled.

“Want to hold her?” Artemis asked.

“Really? You don’t mind?”

“My arm’s getting tired anyway.” She handed her over.

“You are adorable,” she cooed as she took the child from her mother. Phoebe rubbed at her eyes and let out a yawn. “Sometimes I wish Eros was this small again. He really was the cutest baby ever.”

“I wish he was a baby again, too,” Cade said wryly.

“I’m sorry,” she said to the Alpha. “I know he’s not been the easiest person to live with.”

“It’s not your fault,” Cade said, which Hephaestus answered with a nod. “But he’s nothing I can’t handle.”

“I hope he hasn’t caused any damage around here,” Hephaestus said. “I’ll make sure he fixes anything he breaks.”

“Thank you. However, perhaps it’s the Lady Aphrodite who could repair a few things around here.”

“Me?” She placed a hand over her heart. “I’m afraid I’m not good with tools, as Hephaestus can attest to when I tried to fix a shelf back in Thessaly.” He flashed her a grin.

“The damage isn’t physical, my lady, but rather emotional.”

“What?”

Artemis spoke up. “Eros has been…let’s say, very, very popular with the ladies around here and in town. He’s caused a few fights, and some have turned physical.”

“Two girls got into a brawl at the Moosehead Tavern when they found out he was sleeping with both of them,” Cade said. “PD had to come and break it up.”

“Seems overly dramatic,” Hephaestus said.

A muscle ticked in the Alpha’s jaw. “They were sisters.”

“Oh, Eros.” She slapped a hand over her forehead. She just hoped it wouldn’t take a few decades for him to learn.

“Maybe we can—oh!” Artemis waved her hand in the air at someone behind Aphrodite. “Over here!”

Aphrodite turned to where Artemis was waving and saw a young woman walking toward them. She looked to be in her mid to late twenties, though, with her petite stature and round cheeks, it would be easy to mistake her for much younger.

“Everyone, this is Psyche,” Artemis introduced. “She’s visiting us from the Vancouver Pack and just arrived a few hours ago. Psyche, this is Aphrodite and Hephaestus. I hope you don’t mind, since she’s here anyway, I thought I’d invite her to eat with us at the reception.”

“Of course, we don’t mind. Like I said, you can invite anyone to lunch,” Aphrodite said. “So, Psyche, you’re also a wolf shifter?”

“Yes.”

A beat passed as Aphrodite waited for the young woman to follow up with more information. Instead, her hazel eyes remained unblinking as they stared back at her.

“She’s doing research in the area,” Artemis said, cutting through the awkwardness. “For your PhD, right?”

“Yes. Is that one of the babies?” she asked Aphrodite.

“Uh, yeah.”

Psyche cocked her head to the side. “Can I hold her?”

Aphrodite glanced over at Artemis, who nodded. “Sure.” She handed Phoebe over to Psyche. “Do you have children of your own?”

“No, but I like babies.” She took the child from Aphrodite and held her up, staring into its eyes. “She’s a shifter.” Pressing her nose to Phoebe’s temple, she took a sniff. “Smells like one too.”

At that moment, Phoebe let out a wail.

“She’s crying,” Psyche said.

“Here, let me,” Aphrodite began.

“No, I got it.” Psyche held the baby close and began to rock her. “Slow, gentle motions help soothe an upset baby.”

“I think she wants her mother,” Aphrodite said, trying to be polite as Phoebe continued to cry.

“Is the baby sick? Colic? Maybe she has an upset stomach? Has she been burped?” She frowned. “I read three baby books in preparation for my stay here.”

“You did?” Artemis asked. “Why?”

“My father said I was to make myself useful while I was here, so I thought I could offer my services as a babysitter on my off days.” Of course, she had to practically shout that over the din of Phoebe’s screams.

“What in the world is that racket?” Eros said as he came up behind Psyche. “Oh, it’s you.” His lips pursed as he stared at the child. “Don’t you do anything but scream and cry?”

“It’s a baby,” Psyche said. “It’s how they communicate as they have yet to learn any language skills. They develop?—”

“Here, let me have her.” Without warning, he took Phoebe from Psyche and perched her on his hip. “Be. Quiet.” To everyone’s surprise, the child stopped crying. Her blue eyes went wide as she reached out to smack Eros’s nose.

“Yeow!” he yelped. “What did you do that for?” The child, however, seemed amused at the god’s discomfort as she let out a peal of laughter. “Oh, is that funny?

“I didn’t think you’d be good with children,” Hephaestus remarked.

“Probably a fluke. I think something is wrong with this child.” Phoebe, however, curled up against his shoulder and began to suck on her thumb. Eros’s nostrils flared as Hephaestus covered his mouth, trying not to laugh. “Don’t think I’ll be babysitting for the two of you anytime soon.”

Aphrodite sent Hephaestus a meaningful look. Of course, they had talked of having children of their own, and they agreed they might try in the future. But for now, they were happy to be together and make up for all the lost time apart.

“So, are you the new nanny?” Eros looked Psyche up and down. “I’m no baby, but you can sit on me anytime.”

“Eros!” Aphrodite admonished. “Psyche is a guest of your Alpha.”

“He’s only my Alpha because of this stupid punishment.” He licked his lips at Psyche. “What did you do to get stuck out here, sweetcakes?”

“Did you know titanosaurs have no toes on their front feet?” she said, her voice flat and emotionless.

“Huh?”

“They evolved that way, no one knows why,” she continued. “They walk around on these stumps made of metacarpal bones.”

Eros blinked. “What are you talking about?”

“Titanosaurs,” she said flatly. “They’re a type of dinosaur.”

“Psyche is getting her PhD in paleontology,” Cade offered.

“Paleoichnology, to be exact,” Psyche said. “With a focus on paleoclimatology.”

“How interesting,” Aphrodite said. But that wasn’t the only thing she found interesting, as she couldn’t help but notice her son scowling at the she-wolf, his face a mix of confusion and perhaps, some fascination. Most women who first meet Eros were immediately enamored of him, and he turned even the sternest matrons into giggling girls. This Psyche, however, seemed immune to his charms. A first for the god of love and desire, probably.

“I think everyone’s waiting for you two to start the festivities,” Artemis said. “Right, H?”

“What does that mean?” Aphrodite lifted an eyebrow at him. “Hephaestus?”

“Look,” he began. “I know we said we wouldn’t have a fancy program or formal reception. But there was something we didn’t do at our first wedding.”

“And what’s that?”

“Dance.” A slow song began to play over the speakers. “During our first wedding, I saw your face as you watched everyone else on the dance floor. You were disappointed, and I still kick myself each time I think of it because I couldn’t give you the one thing that would have probably cheered you up that day.”

“We agreed, that’s all in the past. Besides, I didn’t think you’d want to dance.” She wouldn’t have subjected him to something he didn’t want to do.

“I didn’t,” he said. “And thank you for thinking of me at that time. But, now, let me make up for it.” He held out a hand to her. “Will you dance with me, Aphrodite?”

“Of course.”

He led her to the middle of the dance floor and placed his arms around her, holding her close. She followed his lead, swaying to the beat of the music. At one point, he even twirled her around. “Wow, did you take lessons or something?”

“Not quite. I had Apollo teach me.”

“Apollo? Really?”

“Yeah.” He turned her, then dipped her dramatically, much to the delight of the crowd. “But you’re a much prettier partner.”

She stared at him, amazed that he would go through all that trouble just to learn to dance with her. “And your leg? It doesn’t bother you.”

“Not at all. Though…” He frowned. “I’ve been trying to improve on the sound. It’s still making too much noise, especially when I pivot on my toes for the dip. I’ll fix it for the next time.”

“Next time? You want to dance with me more?”

“Of course I do. I’ll dance with you anytime, all the time.”

Her heart nearly burst from all the emotion building inside her. “You don’t have to fix the noise, Hephaestus.”

“It doesn’t bother you?”

“Nuh-uh, not one bit. There’s nothing to fix.” She reached up and cupped his jaw with her hands, peering straight up at his dark eyes. She didn’t need to use her powers to feel the love from him. “Like I said, it’s one of those things that’s just you.”

The End.

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