Just like tonight? Felix’s ears swiveled forward. Was this asshole seriously comparing Avery to his mother again?
Callum smiled at the memory. “They weren’t in love at first. But they built their life together. Something strong.” He paused. “The thing they had most in common, though, was that they were ambitious, and it made them unstoppable.”
“That’s... nice,” Avery said.
“It is.” Callum turned to look at her. “They always tell me that love is a choice. That real partnership is about choosing someone who makes you better. Someone you can build a life with.”
Felix involuntarily gagged like he had a furball, earning a glare from Callum while Avery only stifled a laugh behind her fingers.
“I know this might seem sudden.” Callum reached out, taking her hand delicately like a doll he would break. “But I’ve admired you for years, Avery. Since we were kids. You’re brilliant and funny, and you don’t give yourself nearly enough credit.”
“Just a reminder he said you reminded him of his mother.”He purred as he felt her confusion rippling through the bond.
“I think we could be good together,” Callum continued. His thumb brushed over her knuckles. “Really good. I could help you with your studies. My family has resources and connections. And you, you’d make me better too. You always have.”
“I don’t know what to say.”
“You don’t have to say anything yet.” His smile was hopeful. “I just wanted you to know how I feel.”
“I...” Avery started. Her voice still carried the slight slur of wine. “I need time to think.”
“Of course.” Callum squeezed her hand. “Take all the time you need.”
They sat in silence for a moment, the night stilling along with their conversation.
“You’re shivering,” Callum said softly. He shifted closer, arm moving to wrap around her shoulders. “Here.”
Felix’s vision narrowed at the contact. The warmth that should be his, not this preening peacock’s He shouldn’t be jealous; he had no right to be, but with Avery, he was a frog in boiling water. And soon he would be absolutely cooked.
“Better?” Callum asked.
Avery nodded, but Felix felt how uncomfortable she was through the bond. She didn’t want this. Her body was rigid, tense. He could see it even from here, the way her shoulders had gone stiff. She didn’t pull away, though.
Enough.
He jumped on the bench, meowing and forcibly wedged himself between them, using his small body to pry them apart as far as possible. God, his dignity had flown so far.
“Your familiar is uh…attentive,” Callum said.
Avery snorted. “Yeah, something like that.”
“I really do care about you,” Callum murmured. Turning toward her, his free hand came up to brush a strand of hair from her face. “I have for so long.”
“Callum...”
“I know you’re scared. I know everything feels uncertain right now.” His touch lingered for a second too long, and every fur on Felix’s body stood up. “But I promise, if you give me a chance, I’ll show you what we could be.”
Time slowed as Callum leaned in slowly. Giving her time to move, to protest. His eyes started to close, lips parting slightly. Oh, this fucker was really going to do it. He was really going to kiss her.
Avery hesitated.
Do it. Knee him in the balls. Headbutt him. Something!
She didn’t. Time slowed as Callum puckered his lips toward her. Not on his furry watch. She was far too nice to do anything. Felix surged his anger through the bond, pushing it all into Avery.
In a split second, Avery’s hand came up and connected with his face. The slap rang out across the clearing was the best sound he had ever goddamn heard. A moonlight slap sonata, if you will. Felix purred loudly. He hadneverbeen proud of a witch. This was a first.
“Are you serious?” Avery said, turning toward Felix, her voice laced with anger.
