Theo
Theo would have gladly busted Germaine in the mouth for his statement. He knew Germaine was just trying to make Gemma feel good and put her at ease, but he didn’t like Germaine flirting with her.
He was being irrational. He was being one of those men who had theI don’t want her, but I don’t want you to have her eithermindset.
There was still that voice in the back of his head telling him he was a fool. She wouldn’t remain single for the rest of her life. There would be other men who would love her.
He would have gladly punched the source of that voice in the mouth, as well.
Theo spent the evening dancing with Gemma and holding her close to him. She had his scent all over her, and he couldn’t get hers out of his brain.
Every time they touched, each time they kissed, Theo felt that intense need. It wasn’t just a physical need. It was also a very emotional need.
That same voice asked, “Isn’t it time to let go of Savannah? She would want you to find love and be happy.”
He told that voice to shut up. He would never betray Savannah.
Theo could almost hear Savannah’s sweet voice, telling him he needed to let himself love again. He heard her say she would want him to be happy and live life the way he should.
Then, he told himself it was just Gemma’s scent and being so close to her that made him hear the words. He couldn’t ever let go of Savannah.
It seemed like everyone in the room, save a couple of women, wanted to visit with them. During the entire time, Theo made sure he acted like the doting man he was pretending to be.
Not only was Gemma’s life dependent upon it, but he really wanted to shut Phoebe’s mouth. She didn’t even want to be on the elder council to help the clan. She just wanted to have the power.
Most of the women and a lot of the men asked if Gemma would show them her wolf form some time. None of them had ever seen a white wolf as it had been centuries since the last one was born.
One of the young women giggled. She clearly had too much to drink. She put her hand on Theo’s arm and gushed, “I wonder what kind of babies you might have. A white dragon? A flying white wolf? A wolf that breathes fire?”
Theo brushed her hand away from him and said, “Sissy. I think you’ve had way too much to drink. I think that your mate is looking for you.”
She giggled and tottered off.
At one point during the night, when Gemma had to use the restroom, he pulled Germaine aside.
“I need your help,” Theo said.
“Again? Your bill is stacking up,” Germaine said. Then in a more serious voice, he asked, “What do you need?”
“I need you to put off the bonding ceremony for as long as you can. I don’t care how you do it, but try to delay it until after her birthday,” Theo said.
“I will do my best,” Germaine said. “Have you given any thought about her future after she turns of age? Are you going to drop her off at the bus station, wish her the best of luck, and simply walk away?”
Theo glared at him. “No. I will make sure she has enough money to last the rest of her life. Heaven knows I don’t need it. I’ll buy her a house in a nice neighborhood anywhere in the world she wants to live in, and I’ll buy her a great car. She’ll have everything she needs for her new life,” he said.
“You have everything planned out nicely for her, don’t you?” Germaine asked. “I bet you haven’t even asked her what she wants or how she feels, have you?”
With that question, he turned and walked away.
When the ceremony ended, Theo was relieved. He had established Gemma as his mate, and she would be protected. He didn’t have to spend more time with her.
They dropped Germaine off at his place and headed back home.
“So, you agreed to the bonding ceremony,” Gemma said.
“Yeah?” Theo asked nonchalantly.
He hated the hurt on Gemma’s face when he said that, but it couldn’t be helped. She had to get over him, and the sooner, the better.
