Page 34 of Thomas
Devon stared with his jaw slackened, looking back and forth between them. Cameron cleared his throat. “Um, Devon?”
“Your bondingpartner?” he said, his brow furrowed. “Did I… Have I misheard you?”
Cameron and Thomas exchanged a glance. The moment was truly awkward. “Ah, no,” Cameron said. “You did not.”
“Bonding as in mating?” Devon reiterated. “As in, you intend tomatewith this man? How long have you—No. Have you already signed a contract?”
Cameron’s back and shoulders stiffened from Devon’s ostensible rudeness. “Yes, we have. Devon, what?—”
“Cameron,” Devon exclaimed, rounding on him. “How have you suddenly—You told me that you never intended to bond or mate with anyone! What is this? Are you playing some sort of silly game? If so, Ido notfind it humorous?—”
“Devon,” Cameron said sternly, taken aback by his friend’s appalling behavior, “what has gotten into you? You’re being discourteous?—”
“I’m sorry, what did you say your name was? Thomas?” Devon shifted his gaze toward Thomas, who stood watching the two of them, stony-faced.
“Correct,” he said.
“I know you’ve only just arrived, but may I please speak with Lord Ashford alone? Can we talk privately?” His beseeching gaze veered to Cameron. The latter sighed.
“We can, but first, please apologize to Thomas for your ill-mannered conduct.” Cameron stood with his back straight, waiting.
Devon’s jaw worked as he turned toward Thomas. He offered a shallow bow. “I do apologize. Congratulations on your arrangement.”
“Thank you,” Thomas said stiffly.
“If you don’t mind, Thomas, I’ll meet you in the lower library when Devon’s visit is done?” Cameron asked.
Thomas nodded, then turned and made his way back out the door. When it was shut, Cameron looked at his friend. “What inGod’s name, Devon? Have you lost your mind?” Not only wasCameron irritated, but he was wholly and truly embarrassed by Devon’s behavior.
“I might ask you the same question,” Devon responded fiercely. “What is the meaning of this, Cameron? Out of the blue, you’re married to some… some?—”
“Careful,” Cameron warned.
Devon took a breath. “Some random purebred that you’ve never once spoken of? You told me years ago that you had no interest in bonding or mating.”
“And that is the truth. That much has not changed.”
“Then why are you in a bonding contract now?” There was an odd frustration in Devon’s gaze. Hurt? Betrayal?
It couldn’t be…
“My family was pressuring me to find someone—No. Threatening me. So, I did. It’s a simple, transactional arrangement. Thomas and I are mated on paper and it is enough for both of us. Not that it’s any of your business, but we have no intention of sincerely mating. There will be no formal celebrations or ritualistic ceremonies.” Aside from the party that his sister was planning—but that was primarily for her birthday. And considering Devon’s behavior just now in front of Thomas, Cameron had no intention of mentioning it.
Cameron found it maddening that he had to keep explaining his on-paper arrangement to other vampires. First Lennon, then Rachelle, now Devon. Who else? Why couldn’t everyone just mind their own business?
Devon paced the floor, still gripping the wrapped manuscript within his fingers. “But why didn’t you tellme? If you just needed someone on paper, why not… why not askme?”
Cameron frowned. “Why would I ask you? You have a thriving shop in Calais and you’re always traveling. You cannot be here with me?—”
“I could have if you’d asked! I don’t care about that stupid shop, Cameron. I don’t even read these antiquated and tedious manuscripts. I’m not fond of this bookish world the same way you are. I do this because it was thrust upon me, like the estate and Upper Avalon were entrusted to you. I bring these books here because you like it, and I likeyou.” Devon looked directly at him then, his gaze intense.
Instinctively, Cameron took a step back. “We… we are friends.”
“You’re a goddamn tease.”
“I amnot.”
“You are. You sit in your perfectly beautiful manor home, perfectly dressed with your gorgeous eyes and strapping, fuckable body, and you lead me onfor years?—”
