V’Aidan gave a weak laugh. “A Skotos who is evil to the bone, imagine that.”

“Well, therein is your problem. Unlike the others, you never were. I never could kill that last tiny bit of goodness in you. That last bit that was capable of honor. Capable of sacrifice.”

V’Aidan frowned.

“M’Ordant told me what you did for Erin. Both on earth and here. As a result, Hades has informed me that he can’t keep you in Tartarus. Only souls who are completely incapable of love can stay here.”

A burning sensation started in V’Aidan’s body, and with every heartbeat that passed, he felt himself growing stronger.

“It seems to me, boy, you have a decision to make.”

*   *   *

Erin opened the door to her apartment. The familiar hole in her heart burned as she imagined what it would be like to come home, just once, and have V’Aidan here.

She’d been doing that a lot lately. Daydreaming. She’d never really daydreamed before. And she’d been writing. But there was no one to share it with.

That hurt most of all.

Toeing her shoes off, she set her keys down on the mantel and happened to see a white rose petal on the carpet. She frowned as she noticed several more.

They seemed to form a trail leading to her bedroom. She followed them.

When she got to the doorway, her heart stopped.

V’Aidan was asleep in her bed. His sleek black hair was spread out over the pillows, the covers tangled in his long, tawny limbs.

He was the most gorgeous thing she’d ever seen in her life.

Erin laughed as tears welled in her eyes. How? How could he be here?

Rushing to her bed, she dropped to her knees and tried to wake him.

He didn’t budge.

No matter what she tried, he wouldn’t wake.

“V’Aidan?” she said, swallowing in fear. “Please, look at me.”

Nothing.

Terrified, she saw a small note card on the nightstand.

Picking it up, she read it:

It is through true love that all miracles are performed. If you really love me, Erin, kiss my lips and I will be born into your world as a mortal man. Otherwise, I shall be waiting for you only in your dreams.

You have until midnight to decide.

V

She didn’t need until midnight to decide. Cupping his face in her hands, she kissed him with all the love in her heart.

His chest rose sharply as his arms wrapped around her and held her tight.

Erin laughed happily as V’Aidan deepened their kiss. Her head swam from his warmth, his passion, and she never wanted to let him go.

Nipping her lips, he pulled back to smile at her. The love in his silvery-blue eyes scorched her. “I take it you want to keep me?”