“I have to get my stuff,” Odette said. “I’m moving into Igor’s apartment this weekend.”
Oh, shit. I didn’t know that. And apparently, Theo didn’t either. “What?” he said.
“He asked me to move in weeks ago,” Odette said. “I must’ve forgot to tell you.”
She didn’t forget. She just didn’t want Theo to know until the last minute. His hands clenched as he growled, “You could’ve mentioned it.”
“Well, it’s really none of your business.” Odette’s tone was short. I sensed an impending argument coming that had happened between them dozens of times.
“You guys aren’t mated. People are going to talk. Do you want your reputation ruined?” Theo questioned bitterly.
“I care about what makes me happy, so it doesn’t matter what everyone else thinks.” Odette turned her nose in the air. “I’m certainly not asking foryouropinion.”
“Well, you’re getting it,” Theo growled. “Odette, don’t do this. It’s a mistake.”
“Says who? You?” Odette yelled. “Look, Theo, you think you know everything about me, but you don’t, so you need to back out of my life and let me make my own choices!”
Several alicorns looked our way as we passed them on the street. I blushed, wishing Odette and Theo had picked someplace more private to hold a screaming match. Without me around, I might add.
“I’ve been letting you, but you don’t care about mine!” Theo cried back. “I’ve told you thatyou’remy mate a million times, and you won’t listen!”
“Where’s the proof?” Odette flung her arms wide. “Where’s the feelings, the magic? You’ve never even kissed me!”
“I would if you asked,” Theo fumed.
“I don’t want to have to chase you, Theo! I want someone who’s ready to be in a relationship with me!” Odette stomped her foot. “You’re too scared of what could happen between us. You don’t want to put yourself out there and risk getting hurt.That’swhy it’s never going to work.”
“You’re already hurting me by being with someone else!” he bellowed.
“Because I got tired of waiting for you!” Tears were welling in Odette’s eyes. “Gods, how much disappointment do you think I can take? At some point I have to quit waiting and go find someone who’s willing to put their heart on the line!”
“I am willing! Odette, I love you!” Theo burst.
“Then prove it,” she fumed. “Prove you’re willing to take a risk. Kiss me right here and now.”
Theo hesitated. It was only for a few seconds, but it sent Odette into a rage. “See! I’m literallyaskingyou to make a move, and you won’t. I don’t know how many signals I have to give to let you know I’m ready!”
“Odette, I don’t want to pressure you. I want you to move at your own pace,” Theo insisted. “It makes me look like a jackass if I insist you should be with me when you already have a boyfriend!”
“I get that, but why didn’t you make it clear how you feltbeforeI got with Igor?” Odette asked. Her voice was nearly on the edge of breaking. “Why did you wait so long?”
“I… I was just…” Theo was so flustered, or perhaps so terrified of making a mistake, he couldn’t get the words out.
Odette shook her head. “Thisis why I’m with Igor. I need to be with a shifter who can be vulnerable. You just can’t do that, Theo.”
“I’m scared of losing you.”
“You’ve already lost me to someone else!” Odette threw her arms in the air. “You make me feel so confused. One moment, we’re just friends, and the next, you’re in love. You go back and forth so many times… I just don’t know what you want. It’s so frustrating!”
“I told you we had a mating bond.”
“Big deal!” Odette was practically screeching now. “The magic means nothing if you won’t follow your heart. You’re too afraid of getting hurt. You’re a coward.”
“I’m no coward,” Theo snapped.
“Yes you are. If you wanted to be with me, you would be,” Odette said. “But you’re not, so that must mean you don’t care about me. Or at least, you don’t care enough to make it official. You can keep playing games, but I need aman. Not a little boy who can’t make up his mind.”
Theo’s face flushed. “You do what you want with Igor. I really don’t care anymore.”
