Worth It - Lisa Oliver Page 0,64

me one who’ll help me navigate this ever-changing world, with its fast-paced technology and evolving social attitudes. There’s no way my mate will let me make a fool of myself. And that was Zeus’s greatest fear.

Lifting his free arm and settling his hand behind his head, Zeus stared at the night sky, reliving his claiming. The words Paulie spouted just before he’d climaxed had shocked him, momentarily. The language had probably not been heard for centuries, and yet they struck a chord in Zeus’s heart. It was clear Paulie didn’t understand the words, but unwittingly his godly side laid its claim on Zeus as powerfully as Zeus’s had on him.

I think another visit to Owen and Baby might be in our immediate future, Zeus thought as he closed his eyes. Settling the issue of where Paulie fit in the godly realm was moot now he was Zeus’s mate. That position took precedence over anyone else Paulie might be related to, but Zeus wanted to have a few words with Paulie’s father, and Owen could be the key to finding him. And with our own baby on the way…

Zeus sighed happily. Life was good, suddenly brightened by a whole host of new opportunities and experiences he and Paulie could share. Maybe another nap isn’t a bad idea.

Chapter Twenty-Two

“And this place can be anything you want it to be?” Paulie and Zeus were enjoying a late breakfast. For once, Paulie had woken refreshed and energized after sleeping on what could only be described as a cloud. Finding Zeus still beside him, snoring gently was a bonus his heart had refused to count on, but Zeus was quick to remind him of his new commitment, on the mattress, and twice in the shower. Apparently one of the luxuries of Olympus was unlimited hot water.

The room they were in was private, despite having no walls. Tall columns reached up to a bright blue sky, the floor beneath their feet carved out of marble etched in gold. With Zeus’s encouragement, Paulie ‘ordered’ breakfast which appeared as he rattled off the foods he enjoyed. There was a brief moment when Paulie felt sad he hadn’t had those abilities back on his days on the streets, but then Zeus touched his hand, and Paulie forced himself back into the present.

“I didn’t create this realm you understand,” Zeus said, smearing large chunks of marmalade on his toast. “Well, I did manifest this current incarnation, but I built it on the ruins of what was here before. I know it’s all rather fantastical, but you can change our private quarters any way you like. I’m not fussy.”

“We’re not losing that bed,” Paulie said quickly. “That was sheer heaven.” He hesitated, and then, buoyed by the scar and tattoo gracing Zeus’s neck, he asked, “Will we have to live here permanently?” He felt very out of place in his jeans and t-shirt.

“I have been thinking about that.” Zeus scowled as a large clump of marmalade fell off his toast just as he was about to eat it. Within seconds it was back in its original spot, and Zeus took a large bite. “I’m thinking,” he said between chews, “we need a few houses of our own on earth. Bases we can explore other areas from, and spaces we can just be ourselves, especially when the little one comes along. Owen and Baby have a huge old place in Scotland they’re renovating, Lasse has a house in Greece, and Artemas has houses in Australia and New Zealand. Hades has his own place in Greece too and Poseidon spends most of his time now with his mate’s pack in Tulsa.”

Swallowing, Zeus grinned in Paulie’s direction. “So, you see, there is precedent for gods living on earth. I don’t see why we can’t too.”

Paulie gulped. “Homes as in plural?”

“Ah.” Zeus reached over and grabbed another piece of toast. Paulie had already finished his bacon and eggs and was enjoying a cup of coffee that seemed to magically refill every time more than half the cup was empty. “I’m sorry, that was presumptuous of me. You’d be more comfortable with a single permanent home base?”

Paulie nodded. Please don’t be here, please don’t be here.

“And you’re not keen on living on Olympus full time?” Zeus’s grin let Paulie know his mate already knew what the answer would be.

Plucking at his jeans, Paulie shrugged. “I don’t really fit in with all this elegance.” And then, realizing he was being rude to his mate’s home he added,