Pandora's Ghost [Book 2]

Chapter 21 : Hatred

I made a long face. "Both."

With a bored groan, Liam fell against a sofa and laid his head back. "Penny needed to see you so badly that she powered through two Sins and a pair of Timories just to do that."

Eros' eyes widened in shock. "She met the sins?" When Liam nodded he scrunched his eyebrows. "And yet you're both here. There's no way they'll let her go that easily."

Liam's eyes switched so fast to its cat-like features. "For some reason, they did. And Braid-guy planned to steal the bond right from under me."

Anger sparked in Eros' eyes for a second. "They are already changing plans."

Liam answered with a nod. I moved to seat beside him, but he grabbed my waist and pulled me onto his lap in one swift movement. I fell against his chest with a squeak, already feeling my body heat up and my mark throb.

Liam pressed me to his chest, urging me to feel comfortable. My cheeks grew warm and l instinctively pressed my thighs together. The thought of him being so close, and me being practically naked in his hoodie, elicited a weird itch.

Liam continued in such a fluid motion, wrapping an arm around my torso. "Apparently, they don't think I'm fit enough to bond with her. They claim my emotions have messed up my decisions, and are scared of allowing the bond to take its full effect. Knowing its power, they want it in the hands of someone 'trustworthy.'"

I frowned, remembering what Liam said during our make-out session.

They'll use Pandora to awaken a deity.

"Isn't there a way to make the bond...I don't know...permanent? So no one can steal it." At my words, Eros and Liam glanced at each other, sharing a wary look. I rose one eyebrow. "So it's possible."

Eros rubbed his forehead as he fell back in his seat. "Yes, it is. But you may not like the necessary requirements for that. It's a bit too intimate and quite sensual. Something only beloved couples have the power to do. And if you want to make Liam your permanent beloved, you should know he isn't typically a green flag."

Liam turned sharply in his direction. "Dude!"

Eros rolled his eyes. "Admit it. You're not an angel. The moment she becomes your beloved, you'll try all the uncivilized things roaming in your messy head. And with you being the god of Lust and sexual desires, the possibilities are endless. If you ask me, you're both children."

Liam stared with a calm but dark gaze. "Oh yeah? And what does that make you?"

The god scoffed."In case you forgot, I'm quite older than you two."

"Not old enough." Liam's hot breath fanned my ears as he grumbled back. "As far as I know, anyone is capable of haunting desires. And Zion isn't a green flag either. The god he carries wants to kill her."

Eros tutted, crossing his legs. "Jealousy doesn't suit you brother. Or should I say...Himeros. You've forsaken your godly name for some reason and I keep wondering why."

My thoughts diverted the moment Liam tapped my knee with a finger. The touch shot straight to my center and I found it harder to keep still.

He buried his nose in my hair and fastened a steady cat-like stare on the god of love. "I prefer my human name. Nothing more, nothing less."

Eros nodded in understanding then focused on me. "So what do you say, Pepper? Have you ever considered having a beloved?"

The question was unexpected -- something I found difficult to answer. I rubbed my feet together in a fidgety manner. "What does it mean to accept someone as your beloved?"