Page 67

Of course, Theo remembered that day. He remembered every day he’d spent with Phoebe over the years. He thought about that day a lot. He thought about spending the day here with Fee and her friends. When things got really bad, he imagined what it would have been like if he’d stayed.

He leaned back in his chair, letting his head rest against the high back. A pleasant warmth ran through his veins.

This was what it would be like.

He liked being around people.

He liked being crammed into this kitchen, with the smell of fresh-baked cake and a warm cup of tea, and old friends telling stories about each other, and Fee’s sweet smile every time he caught her gaze.

Theo was tired of being alone.

“Well, he was my type,” Amie said with a laugh. “That long hair and rough voice … very hot.”

“You just described half the pack.”

“Then maybe I just have a thing for wolves.” She winked at him.

“And what about you, Theo? What type do you go for?” Daphne asked, a teasing smile on her face.

He glanced at Fee and watched the blush creep up her cheeks. “I don’t really have a physical type,” he said, and all the dryads tittered.

“That’s a cute way to say you’ll sleep with anything,” Runa quipped, but the whiskey had softened her bite.

“I guess we’re the same that way, Runa.”

She narrowed her eyes at him, but a begrudging smile crossed her face. “Okay, werewolf. Maybe.” She closed her eyes and leaned back in the rocking chair.

Theo grinned at his victory, but when he looked at Phoebe, the smile had dropped from her face. He’d actually been thinking about how he didn’t care what color she dyed her hair or how short she cut it or if she was wearing one of her flowery dresses or yoga pants. Fee could wear a paper bag, and he’d still think she was fucking gorgeous.

But he couldn’t very well say that out loud, now could he.

Although…

“Actually,” he said. He put his arms behind his head, relaxing back in his seat. “I’m considering becoming a one-woman kinda man.”

The dryads froze. A small gasp escaped Amethyst’s lips.

“Why on earth would you do that?” Daphne asked, and Theo almost laughed at the pained expression on her face, like he had told her he planned on giving up eating.

He shrugged. “Rafe found his Mate. Looks kinda nice.”

Amie’s gaze was flicking back and forth between Theo and Phoebe like she already knew things Theo didn’t want to admit. Or share at this tiny table. No matter how tipsy he was feeling or how loose the whiskey had made his tongue.

“Yep. Sorry, ladies. I guess that means I’m off the market.” He winked at Daphne and she giggled.

When he looked back at Fee, she was staring at him with a dazed expression on her face. She was either drunker than he was, or he’d shocked her into silence. He stood and stretched his arms over head, a loud groan escaping him.

“I’m beat. I’ll head home.”

“No, you can’t! You’ve been drinking.” Amie stood like she might try to block his way to the door.

“Yeah,” chimed in Daphne. “You should probably stay at Fee’s tonight.”

“There’s no space,” Phoebe said, emerging from her stupor. “Mom’s staying with me.”

“Nonsense. Runa can stay here,” Amethyst offered with a wicked smile.

“No, I don’t think⁠—”