Page 77 of Destined Mate

“Sir,” the waiter said.

“Oh, yes. Where are my manners?” He beamed. “Thank you.” He tugged my hand, and I almost fell over my feet. His strong grip kept me upright until I got my four-inch heels underneath me.

Heavy footsteps pounded behind me, the cadence telling me who they belonged to—Theo. He wouldn’t let Jack take me away from him, and my stomach sank further. His presence should’ve comforted me, but his and Bodey’s animosity toward each other could escalate an already uncomfortable situation.

Worse, after seeing how friendly Jack was with me, Theo would interrogate me later. I was certain he didn’t realize how much the advisers had hung out at Bodey’s and included me in their conversations.

I glanced around the patio. There were so many people here, the men in suits or sports jackets and slacks and the women in cocktail dresses. I was surrounded by the top alphas throughout the Northwest territories. Everyone here was wealthy, and power radiated off them in waves, crashing over me and making me realize how weak I truly was. No wonder Tina had stayed at the edge of the gathering. That was where I needed to be as well.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Miles and Samuel. Bodey wasn’t with them, thank goodness.

The crowd pressed in on me, and my heart raced. I had to get out of here. I ducked, attempting to free myself from Jack’s arm, then pivoted and almost ran right into Theo.

Theo’s eyes bulged at my sudden change of direction just as Jack gripped my wrist.

Jack arched an eyebrow. “Where do you think you’re going?”

“If she doesn’t want to talk to Samuel, she doesn’t have to,” Theo growled and puffed out his chest.

Lovely. This was one reason I wanted to avoid them. I had to de-escalate this before we ruined the dinner. Besides, Jackhadto know why I was trying to escape. I refused to humor him. “This is Samuel’s day, and he’s clearly busy.”

“Exactly why you should say hi to him.” Jack’s usual mirth vanished, replaced by a strained expression. “He’s missed you, and he wanted to call and invite you here himself.”

My throat constricted. “But he never called.”

“Jack, what the hell?” awaytoo familiar voice said.

I couldn’t move or breathe. Bodey stepped up beside Jack…and the world tilted.

“Callie,” he breathed, sounding just like the best lyrics to a song I’d ever heard.

He looked more handsome than I remembered, which shouldn’t be possible. I’d heard the saying, “Absence makes the heart grow fonder,” and boy, did those words suddenly make sense.

I’d hoped that time apart would heal my heart some, but the agony of his rejection swirled tightly in my chest again.

His black suit fit his body like a glove. He wore a white button-down and a black bow tie that he somehow made sexy as hell.

We stared at each other, and the rest of the world disappeared around me. I wanted to kiss him, but that wouldn’t be welcome. My eyes burned, and despite myself, I took a step toward him. “How are you?”

A sharp ache streaked through my heart, forcing me to suck in a breath. This was worse than I’d imagined.

A possessive hand landed on the center of my back as Theo moved up beside me. Everything inside me wanted to veer away, but that wouldn’t be fair to Theo. I had come here with him, and more importantly, Bodey had let me go.

Bodey’s head jerked back, and his indigo eyes darkened, but when his gaze landed on me, he smiled sadly. “I’ve been better.” He leaned toward me as he murmured, “You look gorgeous.”

“Thank you.” I didn’t know why, but Theo touching me felt all kinds of wrong. His hand was too warm, and he wasn’t the person I desired.

I had to remind myself I wasn’t doing anything wrong. Theo knew we were only friends.

But guilt churned in my stomach.

A gorgeous woman close to my height without heels strolled over to Bodey. She was the opposite of me in every way: long, dark, and wavy hair, dark-violet eyes that reminded me of wild iris, and curves I’d kill for, which she was showing off in a tight red dress.

When she touched Bodey’s arm, I wanted to slap her. Instead, I took a deep breath. Maybe this was his fated mate. They looked amazing together and would have beautiful babies.

My heart fractured more, and I wondered, once it was confirmed who she was, whether I’d have any pieces left.

“Hey, the others are looking for you two.” She gestured to the spot where I’d seen Miles and Samuel earlier. I followed her gaze and found the other royal advisers, their parents, Samuel…and Zeke.

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