Spike narrowed his gaze.“I know it must sound crazy, but it’s the truth.And I think you know it is, you just don’t want to acknowledge it.”
Before Theo could respond, Spike implored his gaze with a serious one of his own.
“Izzy bit me, because she’s a vampire, and if you remember, last semester when I was out for that big test in lab...well, it was because I was sick.Because she bit me and ourbondwasn’t complete.”
“Vampires, Hellhounds, and bonds, oh my,” Theo muttered as Spike crossed his arms.
“Izzy and I were fated mates.Just as Mars and Lorelai, and Cate and Gunner, and Hades and Darcy, and?—”
Theo shook his head.“Spike, you’re talking nonsense.”
Spike pursed his lips once more.“The diviner is what showedthemtheir bonds.It’s an artifact, one Professor Leehan had uncovered and brought here, where it’s been on display for the last six months, and now it’s gone.”
“So the thing that’s missing is some kind of fate-diving artifact that tells you who you’re going to marry or whatever?”
Spike’s expression was stoic.“No one said anything aboutmarriage.”
Theo scoffed, shaking his head.“Of course not.”He turned away from Spike for a moment.“Don’t you have to get back to the gallery or whatever?Look for this diviner?”
Spike nodded.“I do, but...”
Theo nodded toward the door.“Then you should probably go.”
Spike looked between Theo and the door, before he spoke.“I should.”His words were careful, steady.As if Spike himself felt obligation or guilt for the situation, even though it made no sense.
And something about that made Theo feel as if he’d gotten off on the wrong foot with Spike.With Calliope.
Who was next?Trick?
“Thanks for the ride,” he said as he moved to head to the door that lead inside the building to the elevators.
Spike did not chase after him.He only said, “Five pm.”
Theo turned to see Spike standing in the lobby, in the same spot he’d left him.
“What?”
“Iz and I work until four on Sundays.Callie usually comes in around two, stays until five to close up the gallery.”
Spike twisted his lips as he shrugged.“Figured as the new work study, you might want to know the hours ourbosskeeps.”
Spike’s words settled on Theo.Calliope washis boss.Miss Perfect was the gallery manager.What were the odds?
Though Theo couldn’t help but feel a spark of hope, despite knowing this truth.Callie may have been his boss, but she was still a person outside the gallery.A woman with desires and wants and needs, and they justhappenedto have this—the gallery—in common.That had to count for something, right?
“Okay, thanks for the heads up,” Theo said as Spike headed for the door.
Theo spoke again, stopping him.“You, uh...still have my number?”
Spike turned and nodded.“I do.Why?”
“I mean, if you guys need any help later...or you have an update or something...you know, on what I’m supposed to do or...just, keep me posted?”
Spike gave him a reassuring smile.“Yeah, of course.”
And with that, Spike left Theo alone once more.
When Theo had managed to make it up to his dorm room, he was surprised to see it was quiet and empty.No Trick, or Shaun, or anyone.
