Theo’s heart ached with the rest of his body.
The tree was important to him. Had been. It was the first place that he had felt comfortable with his mates. They’d eaten breakfast together under his tree after the weekend that the truth had come out. After Theo had run away. But his mates hadn’t given up on him. They would never give up on him.
Their tree might be gone but they were a team. And Theo wanted to get to his mates. Theo rubbed his palm over the strange bark as he came up with his plan.
Fae.
What did he remember exactly? Tate had written an entire list of rules. Theo had skimmed over it. What were they?
Okay, he could do this.
Theo closed his eyes, putting himself back to where he’d read that passage.
He’d been in Dario’s living room, sitting on the floor as Wylder had run his fingers through Theo’s hair. Dario had been on the phone in his office. Alek had been reading a book whileMitch had been in the gym. They’d been together and that was what Theo remembered the most.
Focus.
Theo had skimmed the list. He could remember. He could!
Never Give Your Name:Never tell the Fae your full or true name, as they can use it to control you.
Do Not Consume Fae Food/Drink: Eating or drinking in the Fae realm often makes you their permanent subject or property.
Never Say “Thank You”:Saying “thank you” implies a debt is paid, whereas Fae view relationships as a constant, ongoing exchange. Instead, say “You are most kind” or “I appreciate your generosity”.
Avoid Making Promises:Never make a promise you cannot keep, as the Fae take oaths seriously and will punish broken ones.
Trade, Don’t Take:Do not accept free gifts; always offer something in return to avoid owing a debt.
Okay. Okay, that was good. That should keep him safe. He needed to remember those. There had been more. What else?
There was a royal line but Theo didn’t think that they would be found on the dark side, as Steve called it. He’d skipped over the parts about fae creatures and regretted it now. He had planned to go back when he had more time. Well too late now. Theo would just be sure not to trust anyone they met blindly.
Which meant they needed to decide on a course of action.
He turned toward Steve. “We need to get into range for me to call my mates.”
Steve sighed pushing up off the ground. “It’s going to be a long walk.”
Theo nodded. That was too be expected. “You know the way?”
“That way.” Steve pointed farther into the forest.
Theo caught Garrett’s eye. “Can you walk?”
Garrett gave Theo another wide fangy grin. “I practiced while you were asleep.”
That was adorable. Mentally Theo vowed that when he was reunited with his mates, they would find a way to treat Garrett. Theo had no idea if Garrett would return to his stone form or if he was changed together. No matter what, Theo would take care of his gargoyle friend.
“Let’s walk,” he decided.
“Just be careful where you step,” Steve advised. “Avoid any circles made of stones or mushrooms. Those are traps.”
“Good to know,” Theo commented carefully.
“If you hear music or whistling, ignore it,” Steve told them as he started to walk.
“Okay,” Theo agreed.
