Page 79 of Destined Mate

Great.Of all nights, tonight would be the one he chose to be my keeper. “I won’t drink it as fast. I just don’t know when they’ll come back around again.”

His brows lifted. “Okay.” But his tone indicated it was, in fact, not okay.

“I’m just uncomfortable here.” I hated showing vulnerability, but it was the truth. Maybe he’d be more understanding.

Tina followed my lead, taking two glasses of her own. “I am, too.”

“Fine.” Theo frowned and grabbed one for himself. I wondered if he hadn’t taken two in case I tried to grab one of his.

Then the three of us drank in silence.

* * *

As I drainedmy second glass, Theo placed an arm around my waist, drawing me to his side. I’d made it clear that we were just friends, and this was the second time he’d made a possessive move. I didn’t like it.

“Theo…” I started.

“Callie,” Samuel said from behind me.

That had to be why Theo was acting territorial. I turned.

Samuel was dressed in a royal-blue suit with a golden paw print over his left breast. Of course, he noticed the two empty glasses of wine in my hands and smiled. “Having a fun night?”

I winced. If only that had been my goal.

He must have noticed because his expression fell.

“I’m Theo, as I’m sure you know, and this is my mother, Tina,” Theo interjected, extending a hand.

Samuel paused as if he might not take Theo’s hand, but then he shook it and schooled his features. “Hello.” He turned to me again and asked, “Can I steal you for a minute?”

“Of course you can talk to us.” Theo stood taller.

“Just Callie.” Samuel lifted his chin. “I want to talk to her. Alone.”

It wasn’t like Theo could say no, but I watched his eyes flash as he considered it.

Extending an arm to me, Samuel raised a brow. I moved to slip mine through his, then paused.

He laughed, taking the glass from that hand. “There. Problem solved.”

I smiled. Being with him felt nice. I slipped my arm through his, and we walked into the crowd. Unlike with Theo, people parted for us, giving us a walkway.

Once we were a safe distance from Theo, Samuel sighed. “I’ve been worried about you.”

“Really?” I observed him, taking in his tall frame. He was still two inches taller than me in my heels, and his wolf’s magic was pouring out of him more than normal. “You never texted.”

He winced. “I was going to, but we’ve been busy planning, and Queen Kel has been sending scouts outeverywhere. Also, Bodey said you needed space, and I didn’t want to disrespect that. I know something happened between the two of you.”

“Zeke has been kinder to me since I returned.” Though I wasn’t certain how long that would last. I changed the subject. “Will your date get upset with you for walking with me like this?”

“Date?” Samuel laughed. “Nope. Don’t have one of those. In fact, the only royal advisers who have dates are Miles and Zeke, and Zeke isn’t currently with his wife.”

I stared at him, probably looking deranged. “I thought everyone was bringing a plus-one.”

Samuel rolled his eyes. “I assume that’s how Theo got you to come with him?”

My cheeks burned, providing his answer. However, all I could think about was that Bodey was alone.

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