9.You don't know who's listening.

Angered, Eros ran into the forest, avoiding anyone who got in his way. He had a goal in mind, and he went for it. He didn't go there often, usually only on important occasions, but he knew that she was waiting for him, no matter what- the only woman who understood him completely. Frantically, he looked around, making sure that nobody was following him, and his secret was safe. He ran, dodging the branches, and jumping over the fallen trees, eyes fixated on the spot, where soon enough, the little forest cabin would come into view. His heart was racing, Ares growled and snarled from the back of his mind, demanding Eros to turn back and kill every human male they can find.

"Shut it!" Eros growled at his beast.
"We can do it! Let's kill them all; in that way, we will make sure that her lover boy will never approach mate again. And you know how? There will no longer be a breathing lover," Ares laughed coldly. Even the beast couldn't understand whether he was more angered or hurt. Jealousy overtook them both, and Eros almost agreed with his beast’s plan.
"We can, but we won't. Now zip it, I have to see her," Eros stopped in his tracks and sniffed the air. They were close. Ares didn't talk anymore; instead, he acted like an offended toddler. Eros scanned the area of trees and smiled after noticing the little house. It was the same as a week ago; nothing had changed. A wave of calmness overtook him, he had hidden her away, in safety, and nobody had approached the place yet. Thankfully. He went straight for the door and knocked on it three times. Nothing. He knocked again, this time his fist colliding with the door four times. He smiled, she had listened to what he had said and kept herself safe.

"I'm coming!" A gentle, feminine voice said from the other side of the door.

"Don't rush; you might hurt yourself. We have a lot of time," Eros said, with a genuine smile on his face. It felt as if a rock had fallen from his chest after hearing her voice. The door opened. An old, blue-eyed lady stood before him, opening her arms, waiting for a hug. Eros gladly wrapped his arms around her fragile frame and held her tightly. She giggled in his arms, just like she did whenever they met.

"Come in, son, don't stand outside; it's cold," she tapped her palm on his back.

"Technically, I can't freeze to death, Grandma," Eros laughed, letting go of her.

"I can, you little shit. Now come, I made us some beet stew, you'll love it," she winked at him and hurried inside the tiny house.

"Of course, I'll love it, it's my favourite. But how did you know that I would visit? Were you expecting me?" Eros entered the house right after her, taking off his shoes as he questioned her.

"I'm always expecting your visit, especially since your mother found her new mate and won't even look my way. Life out here is pretty lonely, but don't you dare to assume that I'm complaining. Frosts never complain," she placed a tray of food on the table and sat down, eyeing Eros curiously. He sat down and thanked her for the meal; she observed his movements. Eros couldn't eat, not under her heated gaze, he felt uncomfortable. She was the only woman who was able to make him feel anything at all, that is- before Eve came into his life.

"Spill the beans, boy. I'm not getting younger here," she suddenly blurted out.

"What are you talking about, Grans?" He smirked, holding back a fit of laughter.

"Damn you, it's JoJo, stop making me feel older than I am. Now. Spill the beans." She rolled eyes, pursing her lips.

"Okay, there might be someone," he let out a breath he didn't know he had been holding until now.

"Oh, someone interesting. And whom this someone might be?" She moved her chair closer to his, excited for the good news. JoJo knew that the news most likely could be bad. Eros visited her on rare occasions, mostly when he was hurt and needed family support- the type of support his mother never provided him with. Sometimes, JoJo felt hurt for being left alone, living in the middle of the forest, but she knew that her grandson was trying to protect her.

"My mate," Eros dropped the spoon, which he was holding, afraid to bend it in anger. He had to stay calm for the sake of his grandmother's health.

"But that's wonderful, my boy. Congratulations! I bet she is the most beautiful and kind woman alive. When do I get to meet her?" JoJo was genuinely happy for her grandson. For the last couple of years, she was worried that she wouldn't live long enough to see him get married or have children.

"She's a human," Eros didn't need to say anything more, he had given enough information for her smile to drop instantly.

"I see. Let me guess- you, being the kind soul I raised, claimed the girl, following all traditions and protocol. Your mother thinks it's outrageous, and the Alpha is on her side. As for your mate, I'd assume that she's comfortably wrapped in your bed sheets. Hidden in the safety of your home and is waiting for your return." Her words were rushed, but the tone of her voice was rather calm. Eros knew how much she waited for this day to come, yet nobody could have guessed that he would be mated to a human.

"Almost," he sighed.

"What do you mean by almost?" JoJo questioned, once again, moving closer.

"My mate doesn't want me because I am a shifter. She has no idea about the half-human side of me, though. We fought, and she confessed that she has a lover. I threatened her boyfriend's life and left in the middle of the argument, heading straight to your house." Eros confessed his doings. Right after he closed his mouth- came the one thing he knew would happen. JoJo's palm collided with the back of his head, smacking him as hard as she could.

"Boy, if only I would be a couple of years younger, I would beat your ass!" She groaned, standing up from her chair and took his plate away.

"Hey, I was eating that!" he objected.

"You don't deserve it, leaving the poor girl, confused and alone. Have you thought of how she feels? What if she's scared for her life? You said it yourself- she's a human and mated to a shifter. Damn it. I would be terrified if something like that would happen to me. Poor, poor girl," she shook her head in disapproval, looking down at her grandson with sadness in her eyes.

"I know, I fucked up. But I don't know what to do anymore. I tried to be gentle; I tried to be nice and caring. It didn't work. Instead of forcing her to leave him, I gave her one week. She will get the last week with her lover, and then I'll take her home. Despite the fact that she's my true mate, I promised our relationship to be strictly a deal. She will carry my pups and live with me while I'll provide for her, and I promised to keep emotions aside. No love," Eros closed his eyes. It hurt JoJo to see him broken. She had seen him at his worst, but this time was a different story. Since the age of six, Eros always spoke about his mate and how much they will love each other. He used to dream about building a perfect family, something he never had. He had it all planned, and now, at age thirty-two, he finally found her. Just to be slapped with the harsh reality- dreams don't come true.

"Give her time. Take some time for yourself also. Just sit back and think, be the best person you can ever be, and see how things will change. You're a charming young man, and I can't believe that she wouldn't fall for you. Eros, I've raised you well, I do believe that you will have your happily ever after," JoJo placed her hand on his shoulder and squeezed it in encouragement.

"I'll try," Eros whispered, placing his palm over hers.

"So, what about that stew?" He looked up and smirked at her.

"Eh, wolves, always hungry," she joked and placed a cold dish in front of him. Eros didn't seem to mind; he gladly ate the whole portion, enjoying each bite. His grandmother's words made him feel better about the whole situation; somehow, he found himself calmer and more relaxed. They chatted about a lot of things- JoJo found out everything Eros knew about Eve. She told him bits about her everyday life and invited him to stay for the rest of the week- that way, he will have a good company, and his thoughts won't be as occupied with Eve. They laughed, cooked together, and spoke about his childhood, understanding how much both have missed each other. It seemed like a disastrous day had turned into a state of euphoria.
Was it? Little did he know that he had missed a stranger's scent, who sat outside the little forest cabin and listened to each word. His secret was no longer safe, neither was the secret of his mate.