The pup looked altogether better, which was a relief.“If only he’d made Sage dress properly for a change, that would’ve been the best outcome.But you cannot win all the time.”
Peter considered his phone again.He could potentially text Sage and task him, in his professional capacity, with making sure Theodore was all right.Then again, that would bring questions, and much like Michael, Sage was anything but an expert when it came to the ethics of caring for a lover.
“He’s also terrible at lying.That’s the worst of it.He’d never have been able to ransom a hostile chieftain and barter for a good lausnargjald, though I tried to teach him some skills.”Peter clicked his tongue.“I always bankrupted him when we played Monopoly, and I didn’t even have to cheat to do it.”He rubbed his eyes.“I’d not dare play Monopoly with Celeste.”
Peter eyed his phone again, wondering whether he should attempt to text her, but the truth of it was that he knew Celeste would sense his intent, even through something as simple and innocuous as a text.Metaphorically speaking, he’d rather she hold her shield next to him than aim her sword at his heart.
And so, Peter waited.It was the only option.He waited like he had done so many times before he’d become a vampire, when he’d lain in ambush to deliver an attack or strike a death blow—ready to act, but patient.
After what felt like the better part of a boring century, he saw something that made him even more uneasy.A car left the parking lot, and Theodore was in the passenger seat.One of the security people—Carl, Conrad, something or other—was behind the wheel.In the back, Peter could just about make out Corvin and Sage’s pup.
“What by the Norns’ tits is this?”
Peter put the car into gear, though he waited a little longer.He doubted the security man was as easily followed as Theodore and Corvin, but follow them he had to.He wasn’t sure what the plot was, but it was thickening as surely as the ocean was wet.
Chapter 5
“Lookatthesepotatoes.And the churros!”
Theo couldn’t help but smile at Will’s excitement about the food.He recognized it.He’d never had the chance to eat out much himself, so he could see how this was special, even with the ridiculous credit card in his pocket.
They’d found a nice table in a quiet corner, and Carl and Corvin were still roaming the buffet display.
“Are those the only things you got?”Theo asked Will.
Will nodded.“Yup.I can get you some too?”
“Nope, I’m good.”
Will looked at Theo’s plate.“That’s a lot of salad.”
It was.Fiber’s important.Maybe not so much if you’re a witch though.
“I never got a chance to ask.How old are you?”
“Oh.Twenty-one.You’re older, right?You look older.Not in a bad way!I definitely think you’re attractive.”
Theo chuckled.“Thanks.I’m twenty-four.”
Will nodded.“And you’re a student.Is that fun?”
Theo considered that.“Probably not as much fun as learning magic, but I like it.I had a lot of credits to make up for over the summer, but that worked out pretty well, all things considered.”
Will opened his mouth to ask another question, but before he could, Carl came back, drinks in his hands.
“I got the nice server to make you mimosas, just orange juice for me.”He handed them each a glass and placed Corvin’s at his place, then he eyed Will’s plate.“Are you planning to eat all those churros by yourself?”
Will turned to Theo.“Can I?That’s okay, right?”
“Sure.”
Will straightened.“See?If you want some, you’ll have to get your own.These’re all mine.”
Carl huffed.“Whatever you say.”
Corvin sauntered back with two plates in his hand.“Carl, here’s yours.Thanks for the drinks.”He slid into his seat and raised his glass.“What are we drinking to?”
“Getting off work early,” Carl said.
