Tanya opened her eyes with her arms wrapped around someone else’s arm. In a very awkward position. She let go and groaned as her head pounded.

  She rubbed her eyes and tried to remember what had happened last night, but her gaze fell on the sculpted face, the long nose, the dark skin, and realized that it was Osiris that was laying against the bed, his head laying on the mattress and his arm stretched out where she had been snuggling it.

  Holy shit.

  She remembered him coming when she’d screamed. Her hand went to her cheek to find a bandage. Okay, so the jackals were real.

  Swallowing, she remembered him coming to get her. Clinging to him as she realized everything was real. He’d said he was taking her to Morgan’s house, but she’d expected that he would have just drop her off, not stayed.

  Of course, if she’d clung to him all night, then maybe he didn’t have a choice but to stay. There had been a few drunken nights that she and Morgan had ended up platonically snuggling together, so she’d expected Morgan.

  Not Osiris.

  She smiled down at him, the way he looked so relaxed, even though he was folded over the edge of the bed. He obviously respected her enough to not crawl into the bed with her, which gained him some brownie points.

  Tanya trailed her hand over his cheek and his eyes shot open, the dark pools of brown pinning her in place with just that stare.

  She pulled her hand back. “Sorry.”

  He gave her a slow blink and then a smile parted on his lips. “That’s a nice way to wake up.”

  She blushed and ran a hand over her hair. “Um… yeah…” She mentally cursed herself for sounding so stupid.

  “How are you feeling?”

  “Embarrassed. Thank you for getting me out of there last night.”

  He pushed away from the bed, leaning back on his hands. “I couldn’t leave you there.”

  She pressed her lips together. “The shadows?” she asked, hesitantly.

  Osiris stood and then held his hand out. “Come on, this conversation requires coffee.”

  She took his hand, and he pulled her off the bed. “Where are we?”

  “Morgan’s house. She had me bring you here.”

  She raised a brow. “How did you get Scottie to let me go with you? You’re a stranger.”

  Osiris was quiet for a moment. “That man is very protective of you. But he talked to Morgan, and she gave him the okay.”

  “Scottie likes to make sure all his employees are safe. That extends to when we’re just there for fun.” She shrugged. “It’s a good quality of his.”

  Osiris nodded. “That’s a good employer to have.”

  Though she had a feeling that’s not what he would have said if she’d told him that Scottie had asked her to move in. “Um, coffee,” she said awkwardly.

  He nodded, and she followed him out of the room and then down the stairs, following the smell of coffee.

  She glanced at her watch and sighed. “It’s almost noon.”

  “It’s Saturday. It’s a day for sleeping in and resting.”

  “I work at five tonight. Saturday night is for making good tips.” And the rent was coming due soon. She rubbed her eyes. “I need to get rid of this headache.”

  They got to the kitchen and Morgan was already sitting at the table, nursing a cup of coffee. She had circles under her eyes and barely blinked when the two of them walked in.

  Like having an Egyptian god in her house was normal.

  “Osiris, we have a problem.”

  “No kidding.” He glanced at Tanya.

  Tanya shrugged and went to get coffee. “Coffee first. I drank way too much last night.”

  “Yeah, Scottie gave me the list. He wasn’t planning on you trying to run off, though. He said someone spooked you.”

  Tanya paused as she was pouring the coffee, trying to think about what had spooked her away from the bar. “Um… yeah. The guy bought me a drink… and… and then asked me if I needed to go outside to get some air.”

  Morgan glanced up from her coffee. “So you ran to the break room.”

  Tanya glanced at Osiris and then at Morgan. “Can we talk about why later?”

  “I think we have more pressing things than why she ran off.” Osiris nodded, and she finished fixing her coffee and came to the table with them.

  Morgan met her gaze and then nodded. “So, I dealt with real jackals, and you dealt with shadow ones last night. So I think he is getting more sure of what he wants. The only question is why.”

  “Tanya?” Osiris asked.

  She kept her gaze on her coffee, watching the dark liquid swirl around. “I have no idea why. Last night was the first time they attacked since seven months ago…” She hesitated for a moment.

  “You’ve seen them though, haven’t you?” Morgan asked. “You haven’t said anything, but I can hear it in your voice.”

  Tanya wouldn’t look at either of them. “I don’t see why this is important.”

  “Because the pharaoh wants you for something.” Osiris snarled. “He’s escaped his fate in the afterlife and is now using his control over jackals to hunt you down. You need to take this seriously.”

  Tanya closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “Jackals and pharaohs and gods, and I cannot fathom what else right now. I am hung over, I am overwhelmed, and none of this is making sense.”

  “Take Osiris up on his offer. Take the job and the apartment he’s offering you, and the protection,” Morgan urged.

  Tanya shook her head. “I can’t leave Scottie down a waitress right now. I don’t want to leave the bar. You can’t just drop all this on me and then expect me to flip my entire life.”

  Osiris and Morgan stared at her.

  “Your life is in danger, Tanya,” Morgan said slowly. “You need to—”

  Tanya’s phone rang, and she went to pick it up. “Hey, Scottie.” She walked out of the kitchen, leaving Morgan and Osiris.

  Osiris watched Tanya leave. “She’s stubborn. Any other mortal would have jumped at the chance to be protected from this mess.”

  “Her ex tried to take everything from her. She’s cautious of gift horses.” Morgan shrugged. “The guy was a creep and then almost got her killed. So she’s allowed to be cautious. I’ll see if I can encourage her.”

  “I’ll hang around at the bar and see if we can’t lure the pharaoh out. If we can take care of him, then she’ll be safe and won’t have to change her life.” Though he liked the idea of her working at his office. She was beautiful, and her smile tugged at his heart.

  Morgan nodded. “I think I know where the pharaoh is.”

  “Did you find something last night?”

  “I found a den full of jackals. They were fiercely protecting a building. I’m betting he’s there.”

  “The question is, how did he escape my realm and get into the human realm?” Osiris muttered.

  Morgan snorted. “Seems to me like all the underworlds are having problems keeping their people in place. The important thing is that we put him back where he belongs. And keep Tanya safe. She’s a good human. I’d hate for her to die.”

  But then he could keep her in the underworld with him, by his side, forever. He shook his head to push the thought out of his mind. Keeping Tanya was not an option. She was a human being, and he was a god.

  Mortals didn’t fare well in the godly world. Even his human facade was different. Business trades and assets while she was a waitress. Two different worlds.

  “What are you thinking about?” Morgan asked over her coffee. “You thinking about Tanya?”

  “How we can protect her?” He nodded.

  “You know, I was actually trying to set you two up for an actual date.” Morgan drained her coffee mug.

  He shrugged. “She’s a wild child. I don’t need that.”

  “She’s not that wild. You saw her on her birthday. Get to know her.” Morgan shrugged. “She’s pretty awesome for a human.”

  He nodded. “I would like to get to know her.”

  Tanya walked back in, and Osiris looked at her and then at Morgan.

  “What?” Tanya asked.

  “Osiris was just telling me he was going to take you to lunch. Something greasy to help with that hangover.”

  Tanya raised a brow. “Okay… are you joining us, Morgan?”

  “Nope.” Morgan stood. “I have work to do, but why don’t I drop you off at your apartment so you can get a shower and some clean clothes, and Osiris can pick you up at… I don’t know two?”

  Osiris tried not to glare at Morgan. He hadn’t planned on taking Tanya to lunch, he’d planned on giving her a little space. “That sounds good, and then I can drop you at work after?” he offered.

  Tanya looked between the two of them, her brow still raised. “I feel like this is a plot of some sort.”

  Morgan smirked. “I think I’m the only one plotting, even so, you never turn down free food.”

  It was Osiris’ turn to raise a brow. “Food is the way to your heart, then?”

  “Actually, the way to my heart is up under the ribs, but food helps woo me,” she shot back and then sighed. “Okay, lunch, then work. Scottie wanted to give me the night off, but I need the night of tips.”

  Osiris was about to say something when Morgan piped up. “Okay, I’ll stop by the bar later to check in. I’ll hang around if you want a ride home.”

  “I can take a cab.”

  Both of them looked at her with concern.

  She sighed. “Or I’ll wait for Morgan to give me a ride home.”

  Morgan nodded. “That’s a better plan. I don’t want you stepping outside of the bar without me or Osiris with you.”

  “The jackals attacked in the break room last time.” Tanya sighed.

  Osiris stared at her. If he had his way, he’d drag her down to the underworld now, but she probably would never forgive him for that. Though it would solve the ache in his heart.

  Morgan nodded. “No break room alone either, or the door opened. What was Scottie thinking?”

  “He thought I was drunk and too warm,” Tanya said slowly, and then her eyes widened. “Scottie knows, doesn’t he?”

  Osiris glanced at Morgan. That would explain why Scottie was so protective of Tanya.

  “Scottie is a retired hunter. He knows. A lot. He’s a panther shifter.” Morgan shuffled her feet. “He’s my brother.”

  Tanya opened her mouth and then closed it again. “Your brother?”

  “Half, but yeah, we don’t worry about that.” She waved a hand. “But yeah, he knows. So he shouldn’t have opened the door last night.”

  A sinking feeling claimed Osiris’ stomach. “You don’t think he did it on purpose, do you?”

  Morgan shook her head. “No, he probably really thought Tanya needed some air.”

  “I think it’s time for me to go home.” Tanya went and put her coffee mug in the sink.

  Morgan stood. “Yeah, let’s get you home. I’ll see you in a bit, Osiris.”

  He didn’t answer as he tried to piece things together from the night before. Other than a little protest, Tanya seemed to accept the supernatural easily.

  She could just be denying what the pharaoh wanted, and that’s why she wasn’t telling them.

  Fuck, this was going to be more complicated than he thought.

  Tanya looked at herself in the mirror, and, despite the dark circles under her eyes, she didn’t look half bad. She’d taken the bandage off her cheek, and the slice there had scabbed nicely and was less noticeable than the giant white square.

  She touched it gently and sighed. Osiris had stayed with her last night, taken care of her, made sure she was safe.

  Just like he said he wanted to do.

  Maybe she should consider his deal. Maybe his office position paid more. She walked out of the bathroom and grabbed her leather jacket off the couch. Osiris would be here soon, and the fall chill in the air would hit while she was at work.

  Tanya wasn’t really looking for a relationship, but Morgan had gone through the trouble of setting up another date for the two of them, so it was the least Tanya could do, besides…

  Her groceries comprised cheese, bread, and pasta right now. Lunch would provide a good meal and some leftovers for tomorrow.

  She glanced down at the side table and saw the reminder that her rent was due and let out a sigh. She’d be able to run the rent check by the office on Monday as soon as she deposited the last two nights of tips.

  There was a knock at the door, and she pushed the dread of the pending bill away. She forced a smile when she opened the door to see Osiris standing there.

  “How did you get past the code at the apartment door?”

  He smirked. “I’m a god, remember? I get to pop in and out of places.”

  “A handy ability, for sure.” She stepped to the side. “I just need to get my shoes on and then I’m ready to go.”

  Osiris stepped in, and she didn’t miss his gaze taking in the apartment.

  Certainly, it wasn’t much compared to wherever he lived as a god. “Um, go ahead and have a seat. I’ll be right back.”

  She padded down the hallway to find her shoes. When she returned, she saw him staring down at the rent due notice. Cringing, she decided not to say anything, even though he was probably tucking it away to have more ammo to convince her to take his offer.

  “Ready?” she asked.

  He looked up at her, his lips in a tight line. “Your rent is due.”

  “Yeah, and I’ll pay it on Monday, not that it’s any of your business.” She crossed her arms.

  He stood. “I’ll just take us from here for lunch.”

  She let out a relieved sigh he wouldn’t push the subject. “Okay.” She went and double checked that she’d locked the door after letting him in.

  He held his hand out, and she slid hers against the warmth of his skin.

  “Where are we going?”

  “It’s a surprise.” He grinned and a thrill of excitement went through her.

  The world around them disappeared in a swirl of colors, and when it reappeared, Tanya and Osiris stood in an alleyway hidden from the hustle of downtown.

  Something sweet scented the air, and Tanya looked at him. “Where are we?”

  “Downtown. Come on, there’s a great steak house around the corner.” He pulled her into the fray of people enjoying their Saturday afternoon.

  She let out a small laugh as he maneuvered them through the crowd and to the front of a restaurant.

  “You do like steak, right?” He smiled at her.

  Tanya shrugged. “Guess it’s a bit late for you to ask that.”

  She swore he looked embarrassed. “Sorry, I should have asked before we left. I’m a little out of practice with dating and wooing.”

  “Okay, well, luckily for you, I do like steak. Also, how out of practice?”

  He laughed. “It’s been a couple of years since I’ve taken anyone out on a date.”

  “It’s been awhile since someone took me out on a proper date.” She paused as they walked into the restaurant. “Well, you took me out last night.”

  Osiris waited until they were seated before he spoke again. “How long?”

  “It’s been about two years since I went out on a date.” She played with the edges of the fabric napkin.

  “Your last relationship ended seven months ago.” Osiris raised a brow. “You’re telling me you didn’t go out on a date for a year and a half while with him?”

  She shrugged. “Well, you know, after you’ve been together for so long, you kind of stop going. I got busy with work, he got busy with other things.” She was sure those ‘other things’ were probably cheating on her, but she never had the proof, and Osiris didn’t need to know that. What about you? You’re a god. Are you telling me you haven’t had a hookup in a few years?”

  “Never said I didn’t have a hookup.” His eyes glinted. “Said I hadn’t had a date or had to woo anyone.” He picked up his water glass.

  She raised a brow. “Well, I guess you are a god, and you probably have women flocking to you to get into your pants.”

  He choked on his water. “That’s one way to put it, but I mean, you probably don’t have to try hard for a one-night stand. You work at a bar. Probably have patrons falling over themselves to be at your beck and call.”

  She felt the heat flush her face. “I’ve had some offers. I can satisfy myself, though, without the worry of some clingy, stalker bar patron.”

  “Mm,” he said, and she wasn’t sure what to make of it.

  The waiter came before she could ask what his ‘mm’ was supposed to mean. The two of them gave their order and then handed the waiter the menus.

  Osiris smiled at her. “So, what do you do for fun?”

  “When I’m not working, I’m actually going to classes.” She shook her head. “It’s silly, and they aren’t college classes or anything like that.”

  “What kind of classes are they?”

  “Pottery classes.” She shrugged. “There’s nothing like throwing things on the wheel and seeing what creation I can come up with.” A friend had gifted her six months' worth, and Tanya loved it so much she struck a deal with the teacher. “I stay late and help clean up and unload supplies and other odd jobs so that I can continue to take the classes.” For some reason, she wanted to hide her face.

  But Osiris looked genuinely interested in what she was saying. “I didn’t see any pieces around your living room.”

  “Most of the stuff I bring home are mugs.” She shrugged. “I have some bigger pieces that are at the studio that are going to an art show soon.” She shrugged. “It’s just something fun and relaxing.”

  The waiter came and set salads down in front of them before moving back to the kitchen.

  “You light up when you talk about it.” Osiris smiled. “That means you really like it.”

  She cleared her throat. “So what about you, Lord of the Underworld? What do you do for fun?”

  He glanced away from her, and she raised a brow. “You don’t have fun, do you?”

  “I do. I’ve just been busy trying to keep souls where they belong.” He shrugged one shoulder. “And I run a trade business in the human world, as well as manage some hunters like Morgan. There’s also the human population to watch out for, as I’m also a god of fertility, and there’s this stubborn human girl that refuses to allow me to protect her.”