Worth It - Lisa Oliver Page 0,55

over Paulie’s belly and then said, “I’m sorry,” Paulie wondered how many breaks his heart could take. But it’d been him that was wrong that time, and after Zeus explained, Paulie could see what had happened between them with a new perspective. I’m going to have to learn to trust my mate, the same as he will learn over time to trust me.

Paulie’s tiger was restless, and given their surroundings, Paulie wasn’t surprised. Unfortunately, Zeus’s grip was firm and Paulie didn’t want to disturb his sleep. I wonder… Keeping his eyes focused on a spot ten foot from where Zeus was sleeping, Paulie felt a tingle in his limbs. Seconds later he was standing, looking back at where Zeus was sprawled on the grass.

Come on then, he sent to his tiger, waiting for the change to come. But no biting. Our mate needs his rest. The tiger was quite happy to comply.

Chapter Nineteen

Zeus awoke to the sound of loud banging and an equally loud growl. Pushing himself up in the sitting position, the first thing he saw was his mate’s beautiful tiger, glowing like the sun was pouring out from every hair, his mouth curled in a snarl showing off his huge fangs. But the tiger wasn’t looking at Zeus, he was standing protectively between where Zeus was lying and bright dings that were flashing across Zeus’s wards.

“Hey, beautiful creature.” Zeus kept his voice low, unwilling to startle Paulie’s animal side. “It looks like the family got word we’re here and decided to make a scene. It’s okay, they can’t get in unless I allow it.”

He got up, moving to stand by Paulie’s side. “I should’ve probably warned you. I rule a rather dysfunctional family. Very few of them visit earth, and consequently, they get bored easily.” He indicated a bright flash that skittered across his wards. “As you can see.”

The tiger snarled, his front paw lifting as though he wanted to hit the lights as they flew across the wards. Or more likely, the people behind the light show. Zeus wouldn’t mind, but their efforts to break the wards were damn noisy. “None of them would ever raise a hand or their powers against me personally if they were standing in front of me. They know better than to ever do that. Although, they can talk your ear off given half the chance. You think we should let them in and find out what they want?” He rested his hand on the tiger’s broad head.

Sinking down on his back haunches, Paulie nudged his hand. Zeus was going to take that as a yes. Waving his hand, Zeus caused the wards to drop, but left the grassy area intact. Standing tall, he watched with narrowed eyes as five people stepped onto the grass.

Hera, Demeter, and Persephone, he expected. Ares and Hermes flanking them was a surprise. Hera could barely tolerate Ares and he was known as one of her sons, and she refused to acknowledge Hermes’ existence given he was supposedly the result of another one of Zeus’s affairs. At least Ares left his bloody spear at home, Zeus thought with a sigh.

Zeus waited until he knew they were within hearing distance, and then held up his hand. “That’s quite far enough. I would’ve thought the wards were indication enough that I wanted my privacy respected. What do you want?”

Ares was the first to speak, leaning on Persephone as if his legs couldn’t hold him. “Indulging in another spate of bestiality, Father? Honestly, when gossips said you’d fuck anything, I didn’t think you actually would.”

“Still haven’t grown a spine, Ares?” Zeus cocked an eyebrow coolly. “Leaning on the ladies as per usual. What did your mother bribe you with to accompany her this time? Gossips can’t stop talking about how much you two hate each other.”

“I am the god of War.” Ares stepped forward angrily, but a growl from Paulie’s tiger stopped him in his tracks. “When you seek to upend the Olympians who else is mother dearest going to call?”

Zeus turned to his sister Hera who was eyeing Paulie with her usual disdain. “Ares is here in his position as God of War. Are you declaring war on me Hera?”

“I simply want you to see sense.” Hera kept her tones cool, but Zeus was used to it. “You made outrageous claims about this… this… tiger thing, as if he were your fated mate, and that just can’t be allowed.”

“Hmm.” Zeus scratched Paulie’s fur behind his ears. “Allowed by whom?