Worth It - Lisa Oliver Page 0,18

wonderful shade from a warm overhead sun and blue skies as far as the eye could see.

“It would help if we knew where ‘here’ was.” Wes brushed down his pants. “Nice place. Bit sparse on facilities.”

“I can’t believe it.” Cass did a twirl. “I actually made it to a domain that wasn’t the Underworld. Mama is going to dine out on this for a week when she finds out.”

“I thought, seeing as the tiger was such a beautiful and unusual creature, he might feel more at home having somewhere to roam free from prying eyes.” Ra had changed, appearing taller, and his jeans had been replaced with a long robe that hung to the ground. “But seeing as you’ve shifted back, refreshments are possible.” He waved his arm and a huge table, filled with covered dishes appeared. “Help yourself.”

Paulie hung back, as Cass and Wes dashed forward, lifting lids from bowls and platters. It must have been a while since they’d eaten, but then Paulie hadn’t eaten either since his dinner with his friends. Mind you, I have no idea how long ago that was. His stomach grumbled letting him know food would be a good option.

“I can whisk you up something specific if you like.” Ra materialized by his side. He was bigger in his own realm, a lot bigger. “Indulge my curiosity if you will. Do you always shift back with clothes on? I thought most shifters had to disrobe, and then when they shifted back, they were naked. I was quite prepared to provide clothes if you needed them.”

Paulie looked down at his jeans and shirt. Apart from a few wrinkles, his clothes were clean enough. “I’ve always done it. I know mom didn’t, and neither did any of my half-siblings, but I’d only just started to shift when I left home, so they didn’t know about it.”

“Hmm… living on the streets must have been difficult, especially without any knowledge of who you truly are.” Ra clicked his fingers, a giant roast meat sandwich appearing on a plate in his hand. He handed it to Paulie saying, “Come on, let’s sit over here. Let the two love birds enjoy their feast.”

“Why are you being so nice to me?” Paulie followed the god over to a quiet place, still in sight of the table. “It’s not that I’m not grateful, because I am, but I’m not used to people doing things for me for nothing.”

“I just thought you could do with a bit of time to digest all you’ve learned today.” Ra sat on the grass in a flowing movement Paulie envied. He did the same, although not as gracefully. He didn’t want to lose his sandwich.

It seemed Ra meant what he said because Paulie was able to eat his food in peace. The place Ra had taken them to was nice, quiet, which is something Paulie didn’t realize he’d missed. When he’d carefully cleaned up the last of his crumbs from his plate, he said, “It is beautiful here, but I can’t stay long. I have classes in the morning, and…”

“What are you studying?” Ra interrupted smoothly.

Paulie made a face. “I’d been enrolled in business management papers. I’m working hard, it’s just difficult for me seeing as I never went to High School. I have to spend a lot of time filling in the blanks in my knowledge in my own time.”

“Something else your benefactor should have thought about before he organized your life for you,” Ra said drily.

“I’m not unhappy,” Paulie said quickly. And then remembering how he’d broken down in Wes’s arms and been a shattered mess when Ra turned up, he added, “Not all the time. I know I have to work hard to succeed, and I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity.”

“You truly are a sweetheart.” Ra patted his knee. “That’s a very rare trait to have among the gods.”

“Demigod,” Paulie corrected quickly. “I doubt I have any powers at all except for my glowing tiger form. Perhaps that’s why my dad didn’t get in touch.”

“You can see auras, connections, and you recognize the powers of those around you. I’ve never known another shifter to magically shift complete with clothes except shifter guardians and those who have magic in their blood. I would think the only reason you believe you don’t have any other powers is because you’ve never considered the idea was possible in the first place.”

Paulie thought about that, while enjoying the peaceful surroundings. “I’ve missed this,” he said quietly, rubbing the