Page 36 of Vampire's Promise
“One of these days, we will take things slow,” he breathed into her ear.
She let out a chuckle. “Fast, slow, I can’t get enough of you either way.”
“Mmm, me neither.” He kissed her as he pulled free and helped her get back on her feet.
“We should finish showering so we can get back to Edala.”
“I hate you are right. I like your little home here in the mortal world.” He moved under the spray and cleaned up while she pondered what was next.
“Where will we live, Kian?”
He reached for her hand and pulled her to him. “Wherever you are happy.”
As his erection pressed into her, she smiled, knowing that Edala would have to wait just a little while longer.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Kian walked into the room,his nerves strangely tight. Gwen had insisted he go this one alone, the visit with his mother the goddess of destruction. His mate claimed it was best for the two of them to talk about everything that had happened. After all, Netasis had also been a pawn in the game of the gods, the same as Kian.
Surprised was a slight understatement to explain his emotions when he saw the goddess who had raised him sitting on an ottoman, wringing her hands. Her own nervousness was clear as she glanced up at Argathos, who leaned against the large oak desk.
“Mother.” He found the word slipped from his mouth as natural as it always had. She looked at him, the emotions passing through her eyes went from relief to love to fear. Did she worry he would now reject her?
She rose, the red gown pooling around her feet. “I am pleased to see you alive and well.” She took a step toward him, but then stopped. He’d never seen her unsure of herself before, so he moved to her and as he had always done, he kissed each cheek.
“You look well.”
She smiled. “As well as can be expected under the circumstances.”
He looked to Argathos. “Father, I owe you an enormous debt.” Had it not been for the god of vision, Kian wasn’t sure he would have pulled his shit together enough to save his mate.
“You only owe me your happiness.” He moved from the desk. “Netasis… Your mother and I have been talking about you. She has filled me in on your childhood antics.”
He looked between the two. “Are the two of you okay?”
She touched his cheek. “You are my son, no matter if you are not my blood. I carried you in my womb. I kissed your scrapes, and I taught you to fight.” She looked to Argathos. “Your father understands that, and I am sorry for the time he missed.” Her smile warmed him. “I knew your mortal mother and while I did not agree with his choice to marry her, it was not my affair to get involved in. When the war came, I fought on the side of our king for I did not agree with the murder of an innocent mortal.” Her brow jacked up as she looked at Argathos. “I also did not agree with the lot of you running off.”
She pulled in a deep breath and focused on Kian again. “Brianna was a kind soul, and she deserved to raise you as her own.” A tear slipped down her cheek and he had never seen his mother shed one before.
“I am honored I was chosen to take her place. You will forever be my son.”
“What about my mate? She is not who you would have me marry.”
“She may not be a goddess, but I understand she is quite the warrior, and I cannot wait to meet her. Cera has chosen and not even I would dare question the sovereign goddess. A fated mate is a blessing.”
Kian was surprised at his mother’s outlook on this entire situation. Especially when it came to his mate. But then again, asshe pointed out, who wanted to question his grandmother, the most powerful goddess to live.
“Even though you and I may not see eye to eye at times, you will always be my mother.”
Her smile went all the way to her eyes as she dipped into a low curtsy and bowed her head. “I am honored that you call me that, Prince Kian.” She rose. “With your permission, I will make proper introductions to your mate.”
He nodded, and Netasis was gone in a flurry of red silk.
“I’ve always been called a prince but today it sounds strange.” He looked at his father and, with everything finally settled, he realized the two of them had lost so much time. “What now?”
“Khedeus is in custody, brought in by Gabriel. The king has questioned him regarding your prison time, and it seems that a tangled web of misunderstandings was behind his little tirade. He thought Netasis had carried another man’s child, and she thought he had left her.” He came to stand in front of Kian. “The two of them have some things to iron out. As far as his punishment, since there was no actual harm done to you or Gwen, his punishment will consist of ninety days in confinement. Unless, of course, you think his punishment should be more severe?”
“No. He really didn’t harm either of us, and I can understand his anger was misguided.”
