22. Roan

Roan

"I cannot believe you bought that bed."

I slide the keycard into the door lock of the hotel door and shove it open with my shoulder, holding it so Theo can shimmy past the bags digging into my hands.

"That bed is gorgeous and you know it. You can admit you were wrong, you know, you won't keel over and die."

Our bags bump and collide as he tries to make his way past in the narrow entry. I grunt when one of his bags pushes into mine, shoving something pointy into my crotch. Theo winces in apology, but I shrug him off.

We look like a couple of pack mules with all our bags. I knew today was going to be big, but I didn't quite understand how exhausting it would be when I agreed to help Theo shop for the house.

There had been endless debates on the exact shade of white, and we must have felt up at least three hundred different sets of sheets to find the exact right softness. I wish I was exaggerating, but I'm not. It could very easily have been more than three hundred.

Theo stumbles his way into the hotel room, dumping the mountain of bags containing linen and curtains and a bunch of other stuff he deemed essential, before flopping onto one of the slightly too small two-seater cream leather couches in the living area. I'm not complaining because even though I'm tired and every muscle in my body hurts, and somehow shopping is the most intense exercise I have ever experienced, it was also… fun.

Maybe it was just the Theo Effect, because things are just that little bit better with him around. Or maybe it was the mildly disgusting way that we bickered like an old married couple over the furniture that is due to be delivered early next week.

He likes blond woods, I like darker tones; he likes "interesting" patterns and details, and I like clean lines. It became a fiery debate for the dining table, because, even though it was his dining table, he wanted me to agree.

We ended up finding an oval table with delicately carved legs that is going to work in the space. It's actually painted black with blond wood chairs that somehow all blended in. The side table was a natural decision after that.

But somehow, there was a giant gold-framed mirror that was getting delivered, and Theo decided we were painting the room a dark emerald green. He picked up several gold accessories to "tie it all together".

Ok, the rug had been my idea, but it was the same colour green that he was talking about painting the walls and was covered in roses and vines just like the carvings in the house. We agreed that it was meant to be, and that was it.

That bed, though. Ugh. I groan as I kick off my shoes and roll my shoulders, making my way over to collapse next to Theo on the couch. Before I'm even settled, Theo has snuggled into my side, pulling my arm around himself as he digs his feet into the arm of the couch, getting as comfortable as the seat will allow.

At least the bed will be comfortable . The price he paid for the mattress had been eye-watering, but he didn't bat an eyelid as he handed over his card. Sometimes, I forget just how much money Theo has—it's not like he flashes it about or anything.

It definitely showed today with how ridiculously fussy he got over sheets, scolding me about the thread count and origin of the different threads. I have no idea how he's survived on the sheets at the tavern.

I thought the hideous bed was a joke at first, but he was in love with it, and there was no talking him out of it. The headboard was an intricate monstrosity featuring two peacocks framing other smaller woodland animals and flora, all meticulously hand-carved into the piece like wooden lacework and inlaid with mother-of-pearl accents. I thought the thing was ugly enough, until I saw the matching armoire, of which he had bought two after furtively looking at me and blushing adorably at the sales assistant.

That one was specifically for me made me see them in a new light. A tacky, gaudy light, but a new one nonetheless.

"What time is it?" He sounds sleepy and relaxed. Sure enough, when I look down, his eyes are gently closed and he's rubbing his cheek on my inner arm like a kitten. I dig my phone out of my pocket and check the time. There are a couple of messages from Seff and Seldon letting us know they are on their way.

"Late. I'm glad we grabbed noodles at that place you talked about because the guys said they were on their way fifteen minutes ago, which means that they should be here any minute."

Theo whines, burrowing himself deeper into the crevice between me and the couch.

"No. Don't want to go out. Tired."

My laugh jostles him enough that he whines again, and so I use the arm that he doesn't have pinned to tickle at his side.

I mean, I'm tired too, but even though this night out was entirely his idea, I'm actually looking forward to it. I know Theo thinks I'm just a crotchety old man, but I'm not actually that old. And I like going out, it's just hard with the tavern. Plus, I'm looking forward to seeing him all dressed up and out on the dance floor.

Seldon mentioned something about nipple pasties in passing, and I've spent the last week half hard, daydreaming about what he was going to dress Theo up in.

Theo's laughter has completely stolen his breath as my fingers dig into the sensitive spot under his ribs. Somehow, he manages to squirm and writhe his way around, almost falling onto the floor, but he saves himself just in time to scramble his way into my lap. Breathless, creamy skin flushed pink, eyes bright with laughter, hair a tousled mess, he is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen.

My eyes search his as they flick back and forth between mine, and when his perfect white teeth bite into his strawberry pink lips, my stomach swoops, time standing still in one perfect moment.

Before I can do something stupid like blurt out that I am crazily, madly, deeply in love with him, and I just want to tie him to that ugly travesty of a bed and make love to him and worship him and take care of him for all of eternity, I cup his jaw in both my palms, to pull him slowly down to lay his lips on mine.

In the seconds before our lips make contact, I fear he has seen the truth in my eyes, because his breath hitches, and his hands, which have drifted to my chest, grip my shirt in tight fists. Before he can question me, I crush his mouth to mine, and he opens for me, letting me swoop my tongue in and claim him.

His fists flex on my chest, and he shuffles higher on my lap until his ass is firmly on my cock. The kiss starts soft and sweet but quickly turns hot and hungry as he devours me, desperate to get as close as he can.

Frantic whimpers escape from his lips, his hands fluttering their way down to skirt under my shirt, tugging it from my pants and trying to yank it off me. It's stuck behind me, and he can only get it far enough to show a few centimetres of my stomach before he grunts in frustration and starts undoing my pants instead, nimbly getting the buttons and zipper undone despite my raging erection forcing itself against the seams. Those same fingers dance and trace over the ridges of my cock through the stretched fabric of my boxer briefs.

My dick jerks excitedly, making him laugh softly against me. But then I suck one of those plump lips between my teeth, biting down hard enough to cause pain but gently enough so as not to break the skin, in punishment for his teasing, and I arch my hips hard up into his hands.

Theo hisses at the contact and, the moment he is released from my bite, he is on me, grinding his hips down into my cock, kissing and biting his way down my neck and across my collarbone, leaving a necklace of bruises in his wake.

A deep groan of pleasure rumbles through me, and I lean my head back on the couch, exposing myself to him. Those devious little hands make their way back to my tee shirt, pulling and tugging at the hem trying to expose more of my skin.

"I don't trust anything you have to say, you don't even eat cake, Seff. Your judgement can't be trusted. Oh, why, h ello, what do we have here? " There is the dull thud of the hotel room door shutting.

"I do eat cake, just not that kinda ca—"

Seff's response is cut off as he smacks into the gawking Seldon, gleefully taking in the way Theo is astride me. With an embarrassed little squawk Theo jumps off my lap and onto the arm of the couch, escaping my arms like I'm on fire.

I would laugh, but his escape has just exposed me, and my dick, as it stands proudly straining against my underwear in my open jeans, to our friends. One of whom is my employee .

"Fuck's sake." I mutter under my breath, quickly fumbling with my pants to cover myself, while Theo wipes at his kiss swollen mouth with the back of his hand.

Seff snickers and at least gives me the dignity of turning away to inspect the hotel room to give me a moment. Seldon just winks, the saucy shithead.

"How did you two get in here?"

"You left a key at the desk for us in case we got here before you. Remember?"

No. I obviously don't remember that but rather than admit it, I just grunt like an animal.

Now that I'm all covered up, I finally take a proper look at Seldon and Seff, who's walked back into the living area, now holding four opened beers. Seff is in baggy jeans that sit obscenely low on his ass, showing the band of his underwear; a white tee shirt that is stretched so tight across his body it is nearly see through; and, naturally, his navy baseball cap backwards on his shaggy sandy brown waves. Knowing him like I do, I'm pretty sure he's all set for tonight.

Considering Seldon is holding a giant black duffle bag and is in plain low-slung jeans and a peach baby doll top, I'm guessing he still needs to get ready.

"Oh, yeah. I forgot. Sorry." Theo still sounds a little strung out on lust and not at all sorry. His hand drifts back to my shoulder, kneading it gently, like he can't stop touching me. Seldon drops the bag where he's standing and throws himself dramatically onto the other two-seater.

"Yeah, you totally sound it. Thanks." Seldon accepts the beer Seff hands him as he passes them round and rolls his eyes.

When Seff parks himself next to Seldon on the couch, the fox shifter makes himself comfortable, lying back on the armrest and throwing his legs up over Seff's lap, purring when Seff strokes his calf over his jeans.

Considering Seff's reaction at the bonfire and the numerous abysmal dates, I am pretty sure that nothing is happening between them. It's one of those shifter touchy feely things. They are always an affectionate bunch.

"Yeah right, anyway, you guys ready to party tonight?" Seff claps his hands and rubs them together. I nod and take a swig of my beer.

"Yeah, it's been a while since I've been to Slash. Should be a good one." I feel the heat of Theo's confused stare on the side of my head and, sure enough, when I turn to him, his disbelief is written all over his face.

"I know you said that you used to party but…" He scrunches up his nose a little with a laugh. "I don't see it."

Seldon and Seff snicker from the other couch. And I throw a cushion at them. Unfortunately Seff catches it, but then I turn back to my kind-of, sort-of, not-actual boyfriend, poking his knee playfully.

"What do you mean you don't see it, brat?"

He laughs louder this time, his face scrunches up even more, making his pointed ears twitch.

"I dunno, you're all old and serious. Like, the tavern, yeah, I get it. But a club? Dancing? Nah."

There is a wicked, teasing glimmer in his eye, like he is daring me to punish him for needling me in front of our friends. My eyes narrow, holding his gaze, and I am very tempted to take the dare. His tongue darts out to lick his lips before his teeth come down to bite onto the lower one. My eyes track the movement like a hunter watching its prey, and my cock starts to firm up again as the air between us crackles with electricity and wanting. My hand is halfway to him, to pull him to me when a voice clears from the other couch.

"Yeah, so if you guys are gonna keep this up all night, I'm going to need you to turn it into a group thing or knock it off, kay? Some of us are having a dry spell and don't need their friends rubbing their noses in it."

"Oh, Seffy, babe, you know that if you're ever in need, I'm always here for you. Even if you do have appalling opinions on desserts." Seldon pats Seff's shoulder in a way that starts off comforting, but he immediately gets distracted by the size of the bulging bicep and starts fondling it instead.

"Right, and we're the problem." Theo drains the last of his beer and jumps up from the couch.

"I'm going to shower, and then we can start getting ready. You guys try not to kill each other." He eyes Seldon still fondling Seff's arm. "Or get weird."

"Perfect. And while we're getting ready, I can tell you all about the absolute disaster of a date I rescued Seff from this afternoon. Honestly, it was award-worthy." Seff groans loudly, punctuating the sound with loud exaggerated sobs muffled by his big hands covering his face. Seldon elbows Seff in the chest as he now slumps over the fox shifter.

"Cannot wait. Give me fifteen, then you can tell me everything." You can hear the smile in Theo's sing-song voice as he disappears into the bedroom.

The moment the door is firmly closed, Seldon swings his legs off of Seff's lap, dislodging the bigger shifter. Seldon, obviously done with needling Seff, turns his vivid yellow eyes on me. He leans forward, one elbow resting on his knee. "Have you guys figured out what you're doing yet?"

My groan is loud and long, and it feels like I'm competing with Seff in the melodrama department. He offers no sympathy though, the traitor. Instead, he perks up, pulling a cushion into his lap to hug. Searching for how best to answer, I scrub my hand down my face. "Not you, too. Why is everyone so invested in our shit?"

"Because we love Theo." Seldon pauses and see-saws his head. "And you, too. But also because the whole, ‘will they won't they' thing. I mean, you two are well beyond that, but now we are invested. We want to see your little red-head grumpy babies with their cute little horns running around the tavern."

"Yeah, well. First, that isn't going to happen because, well, we're men. But look, not that it is any of your business, but no. We haven't had the talk about being exclusive or labels or anything like that. But I don't want to be with anyone but him. I am pretty sure he knows that."

"What if he sees someone tonight and wants to hook up with them?"

The feral other side of me wants to burn the village to the ground at Seff's suggestion, but I manage to choke out an even reply around the bile rising in my throat.

"If that's what he really wants, I'm not in any position to stop him." They both laugh loudly, Seldon playfully slapping Seff's chest with the back of his hand.

"Yeah, right, boss. I'm actually impressed that you managed to get that one out around the berserker rage there."

Shit, I hadn't even noticed the way my body had become inflamed at the suggestion. I inspect the veins on the back of my hand, watching them recede and fade as I try to control my breathing.

"Stop being a dickhead. Of course I don't want Theo sleeping with anyone else."

I manage to keep the he is mine to myself.

"But one of the reasons I've held back on all of this is because I don't want to stop him from experiencing this new life he is making. If someone else is what he wants, well, then, that's his choice."

Seff's eyes narrow slightly. He's leaning back on the couch, dwarfing the thing with his giant body sprawled low over it. His elbows are spread wide as he cups the back of his head casually in his hands, fidgeting with the bill of his cap, making it jump on his forehead.

"Sounds bullshit. But whatever. Just don't push him away in some noble sacrifice. He knows what he wants. Listen, when he tells you." Seff holds my eyes for a moment until he's sure that I understand.

Something in my face must reassure him because he nods and slaps Seldon on the calf.

"Go and get ready. I know you have something crazy planned, so get on it or all the hot guys will be taken and it really will have to be a group thing."

Seldon's laugh is musical as he stands and makes his way back to the giant duffle he'd dumped on the floor. He groans as he lifts it, making his way to the bedroom.

"Yeah that's not at all the incentive to get moving that you think it is. The only downside is how badly Edith would kick my ass over missing it! And besides," Seldon taunts, poking his head back out the doorway to the bedroom, "I thought you weren't hooking up anymore?"

His cackle of laughter echoes behind him as he disappears to go get ready for the night.

I watch the empty space for a second and turn back to Seff, now violently red with his blush. "Not hooking up, hey? Wanna explain that one?"

Seff slides impossibly lower onto the tiny couch. He's basically horizontal. How he's managing to fit, I have no idea. "No, Roan, no I do not."

***

This was a mistake, I am realising far, far too late. Absolutely nothing good is going to come of this, surely.

We arrived at the bar to the usual gawking that follows Seff wherever he goes. If that wasn't bad enough, Theo and Seldon were attracting the rest of the attention. And yes, of course I'm jealous. Not that I want the attention for myself. I just don't want any of these vultures anywhere near Theo.

We'd started off with the round of absolutely toxic cocktails still sitting on the table, helpfully procured by Seldon and his flirting. Seldon is in fine form tonight, stirring up the table as much as he can, continuing to torture poor Seff with his absolute shambles of a love life—the guy is a mess. It was only when Seldon dropped Daddy in my direction that Theo had dragged him to the dance floor.

Which is not helping the violent battle of emotions raging inside me. Watching Seldon and Theo writhing around together on the dance floor is making me a confusing and dangerous mix of horny and jealous.

Between the pair of them grinding all over each other and the predatory eyes of half the men in the club watching them, my body doesn't know what to do with the ferocity and the heat inside of me. I want to rage. I want to fuck.

I want Theo.

He looks fucking incredible out there—Seldon truly outdid himself. I'm starting to think his talents are wasted at the Black Stump. He dressed Theo in tiny denim cutoffs, ones that accentuate the burgeoning muscles in his thighs - muscles he'd earned working on the house and the gardens - heavy black boots, and a sheer crop top that cuts off just under his nipples.

Seldon teased Theo's soft copper curls into a contrived sexy mess, the curls bigger, bouncier, framing his face artfully. It looks like he'd been fucked, and fucked hard, while someone had locked their fingers into those strands to hold on for life while they ploughed into him.

Or maybe I'm projecting.

He's wearing makeup tonight, too—they'd argued over it, but Seldon had won. Of course he had. They covered each other in glitter and highlighter, across cheekbones and collar bones, highlighting the arches of their faces and bodies until they shimmered like mirror balls. The slight smudge of eyeliner and mascara wasn't overly done, but the effect was perfect, highlighting the innocence of his eyes.

They are a sight together under the flashing lights. Seldon's taller frame is a perfect complementary contrast to Theo. Seldon's fiery red hair is pushed back in a way that seems effortless but I knew for a fact it took twenty minutes of exact styling, with a careful lock falling just so over his brow.

He is his best flamboyant self out there on the dance floor, in a short black pleated leather skirt, heeled boots, and a halter top that is actually just silver chains threaded over his body.

They grind their bodies together, hands dancing carelessly over each other, not even in a sexual way, just caught up in the rhythm of the pulsating music. The colourful lights of the club flash over them again, highlighting a yellow-haired fae sliding in between the pair, rubbing his chest in Theo's face as he does so. Rage boils inside me, my fist clenching dangerously around the cocktail glass in my hand.

A hard whack to my leg pulls my attention from the asshole on the dancefloor just as Seldon and Theo manage to get rid of him.

"How's Mauvy?" It takes me a second to switch my focus, but I swing back to Seff, just catching the roll of his eyes as he settles back on the couch. He manages to distract me with chatter about the bar and Mauvy just long enough for the anger to subside. I wonder, if Theo stays, will all this uncontrollable rage be a permanent thing? Because that sounds exhausting.

Speaking of exhausted, my eyes wander over Seff. Really looking at him. Maybe it's the colours of the lights against his face, or knowing just how bad today's date went for him, leading to his completely out of character vow of abstinence, but there's tiredness in his face. More than tiredness. A heaviness to his entire being that has been growing. He's good at hiding it, an expert really, but it's there.

"You okay? Really?"

He blinks at my question, confusion written all over his face. Because really, how often do we question him on that one? Eventually he bobs his head, but it's a little too zealous to be believable.

"Yeah man. I'm fine. Just been busy at work. Tired."

Well, that's a lie if I've ever heard one.

"That is putrid." I make the mistake of having a sip of my cocktail, my face contorting involuntarily while I try not to gag on the drink.

"Just with everything with Theo… I don't wanna miss things again. If you need to talk, we're here, you know. We all went through something big. It's cool if you need to talk."

Maybe the overpowering music of the club gives him the cover he needs because he talks. Not a lot, but a little, admitting he's been having nightmares and a few other problems. It's hard to talk over the throbbing bassline, but hopefully it's enough to let him know that he can talk to us at least.

The conversation peters out and Seff does what he does best. Distraction.

"He really doesn't believe you can dance does he?" He nods in Theo's direction on the dance floor.

My grin takes over my face, and I shake my head. "No, no, he does not."

"Think we should show them a thing or two?"

Having edged myself for what feels like hours of not touching Theo, I am more than ready to hit the dancefloor already. I almost tip the table with my enthusiasm, earning me a warning look from a passing glassie. "Oh, it's on."

***

The crush is almost oppressive, but I still love it. The feel of all those bodies up against me, the way the music vibrates through me, the subtle pulse of energy and magic filtering through the air as drunk and horny beings let go of their control.

It's a heady mix, intoxicating even. But my eyes are only on Theo. He's too short to watch our progress into the crowd, so I manage to sneak up behind him. Wrapping my arms around his waist I haul him against me. Underneath my hand on his waist, I can feel his muscles tense as he freezes, a strange burst of white hot lightning skittering up my arms.

I hiss at the unexpected pain, unsure where it came from and lean in close to Theo's ear. "Come here often, hot stuff?"

Instantly his body relaxes, and the sizzling pain firing up my arm ceases. It's weird, but I don't have a moment to consider it before Theo turns in my embrace, sliding his arms around my waist, hands burrowing under my shirt, untucking it to stroke the skin at the base of my spine.

The colours of the lights dance around us, the music forgotten with his perfect, impish face tipped up to look at me, that luscious strawberry pink lower lip between his teeth. Overtaken by the impulse, I duck my head to kiss him hard and fast, my tongue darting out to lick those delectable lips, desperate to taste him.

It's been too long. He tastes like sweat and alcohol and Theo, and I send a silent prayer to the Gods that he doesn't have too much to drink tonight. I have plans for that hotel room of ours.

I manage to pull myself back before we take it too far, and I'm rewarded with the sight of Theo's lips chasing mine, his eyes closed in bliss. He must feel my chuckle, blinking his eyes open a few times before he grins at me again with a lazy smile. I begin to move my hips to the rhythm, subtly guiding him with me as my body rolls in time to the pulsating beat.

It takes Theo a few moments to catch up, his body is flush against mine, and I can feel the hard line of his cock against my thigh. His eyes flick down to where his chest is pressed against me and back up again, his grin turning devilish.

"You can dance ! How did I not know this?"

I laugh again, pleasure and outright happiness bubbling through me. Behind me, I spy Seff and Seldon dancing together, platonically grinding on one another.

"I told you, brat." I have to lean down awkwardly to yell into his ear, but the way he shivers makes it worth it.

I kiss my way down his neck until I can't reach any further, my teeth finding the sensitive skin there, biting and sucking until I know that I have made my mark there. Branded him so every one of the lecherous eyes on him knows he is mine . When I pull back, Theo's eyes are soft and dreamy, and he spins again so his back is pressed to my front, and we dance together wrapped up entirely in ourselves.

More than once, someone attempts to join us, but they all leave disappointed, Seldon happily collecting any that take his fancy. Late in the evening, after what feels like hours of dancing, our bodies sweaty, our thighs fatiguing from the constant grinding, one brazen man—a fae I am guessing from their black eyes and flat face with strangely sharp cheekbones—tries to get in between us.

The being's hand slides around my front, boldly slipping between us, trying to pry us apart to slide on in. Before I can react and remove the offending appendage, Theo spins, his curls flying as his head snaps to see who dares to intrude on our fun. His eyes narrow and darken, a crackle of energy flying through the air. The being jumps, withdrawing his hand as if he's burnt, cradling it against his bare chest.

"No need to be a bitch about it. Gods ." His voice warbles, almost like he is talking under water, but he turns on his heel and stalks off through the crowd before either of us can reply. Theo watches him go, murder in his eyes, until the being finally disappears into the crowd.

"What was that about?" Seff spooks us both, coming up on our other side, making us jump.

"Fuck's sake, Seff. Guy was just being a dick."

We hardly leave the dance floor—the lines are too long to bother waiting for shitty overpriced cocktails anyway. By unspoken agreement we dance together, Seff and I sandwiching Theo between us, Seldon lost to the crowd, having disappeared somewhere with someone. A flash of worry spikes in my mind. He is an employee, and fast becoming a friend, too. But then I remember he's a big boy who can more than handle himself and once more lose myself to the music, to the feeling of being pressed into the crowd and, most importantly, Theo.

We dance for hours, Seldon drifting back and forth to our group, Seff dancing with others for a song or two but always returning to us, almost like we were a refuge from the groping hands pulling at him.

Something is off with Seff though, he looks a little too… wolfy. It's a big no-no in the club to be so obvious as a predator type, but his wolf-self is simmering just below the surface, his body primed and ready for… something.

"You alright?" I mouth at Seff over Theo's head, and he waves me off. But then he only gets worse. The change is shimmering all over him, his body tense and covered in a sheen of sweat. I can't tell if he's excited or about to go completely feral. I don't know if he's going to start throwing punches or puke.

Really concerned for him now, I get Theo's attention. He takes one look at Seff with his shallow, fast breaths, and then frowns up at me.

"What the fuck?" I shake my head at Theo, and we both try to gently shake Seff to attention. He stares blankly at us as we question what the fuck is wrong with him.

People press in around us, bumping us as they grind against us. One guy behind Seff is essentially using him as a wall to dance against at this point. He goes tumbling when Seff's attention snaps suddenly, spinning his body to face… I can't tell. He's looking at the balcony overlooking the dance pit, but with the sea of beings I can't tell who he's focused on.

Theo tugs on Seff's giant bicep, trying to pull him back to us, yelling his name.

"I'm fine guys. I just gotta…" At least he is gentle when he bats Theo off, so I don't have to thump him. But then he's off, moving through the crowd, like he's on the hunt.

Or being hunted.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see movement on the balcony, a man dashing in the same direction as Seff.

"What's up with Seff?" Seldon yells into my ear over my shoulder. I can only shake my head with a shrug because I have no idea what we just witnessed.

Tugging Theo close to me, the three of us edge our way through the crowd until we find them.

Talking.

It was the guy I saw, but Seff certainly doesn't seem threatened by his presence now. Just the opposite. Or maybe both?

The man is tall but not as tall as Seff. Nor does he seem to match him for strength, either. But he has Seff held in place, almost lazily so, with a simple hand on the shoulder. Even in the miasma of the club, you can sense the tension rolling between the two as they lean in to talk to each other.

When Seff looks in our direction, neither Theo nor Seldon let the moment pass with dignity, hollering and flashing rude gestures in Seff's direction. It only gets substantially worse when Seff indicates that he's leaving with the guy.

"Should we, I don't know? Stop him?" Theo has to yell to be heard, his head tilted back against my chest. Seldon and I exchange a look because yeah, that was all weird as fuck. But we'd both seen Seff on the pull before. And there are some things that you just don't interfere with. My knowing is telling me this is one of them.

I shake my head down at Theo, tugging him close as he turns in my arm so we're chest to chest. "Nah, he'll be fine. I feel like it's a shifter thing."

Seldon murmurs his agreement, rolling his eyes as Theo's hand snakes up to my shoulder, squeezing the juncture of my neck.

"Ugh, you two are gross." Seldon slugs back a drink he got from who knows where - honestly, he needs to stop hanging out with Edith - and puts it on a nearby table before slapping us both on our shoulders. "If Seff's gone, I'm out."

Theo twists enough to look at Seldon properly without removing himself from being plastered against me, our bodies swaying as one to the music. "You sure?"

Seldon nods, his eye back on the sea of dancers. He seems to find what he is looking for, waving to someone in the distance with a flirty smile.

"Absolutely. Unless I'm the meat in the sandwich, I have no interest in third wheeling. You two have fun though." He winks and pulls Theo in for a quick hug and gives me another pat on the arm. One that seems to require a quick grope, too. Our goodbyes are quick before we lose him too.

I tip my face down to Theo, who's staring up at me, his lip between his teeth, watching me with a fiery gleam in his eye.

"You ready to go?" I squeeze my arms around his waist, letting him feel my hardness against him.

"About time. Let's get out of here already."

He grabs my hand quickly, and I let him pull me hastily from the club, my laughter smothered by the music.