Page 176 of Glitched Fates & Stolen Mates

“Rory,” I said softly.

He didn’t lift his head. “Is everyone laughing at me?”

“What? No. I think they’re… concerned.”

“Teddy?”

“Um… he looked a bit… confused.”

Rory finally straightened, turning to face me with red-rimmed eyes. “It’s his father’s wedding ring,” he whispered.

“Oh.” Understanding slowly dawned.

“I forgot it was still in this jacket pocket. I’m such an idiot.”

I forced him into a hug, squeezing him tight against my chest. His whole body shook, and something fierce and protective roared through me. This wasn’t the reckless kid who I’d dragged to London anymore. Yet I’d never stop wanting to shield him from hurt.

“His mum secretly gave it to me the other day,” Rory mumbled into my shoulder.

“And… you were going to propose?” I asked extremely tentatively.

“I know it’s stupid. Wolves don’t get married.”

“That’s not true. They do.”

“Yeah, legally, on paper. But not the whole rings and ceremony bit.”

“Well, that’s the fun bit, anyway. Plus, Theo’s human. Plus, we can do whatever the fuck we like. We’re miles and miles from the Highlands.” The old pack rules didn’t apply here. We’d both left that world behind for good reason. “Nobody’s going to judge you. Nobody down there is judging you.”

Rory laughed shakily. “Are you joking? I just caused such a scene.”

“Priya’s got them all under control. We’re going to go back down there, and they’ll all pretend nothing happened. And then… when you’re ready, you can give it to him.”

Rory nodded against my chest. “Thank you. For saving me. Like always.”

“Anytime. I sort of owe you one after Switzerland.”

The words felt inadequate, and my throat tightened. How could I explain that watching him panic over a proposal ring—watching him care so much about getting it right—filled me with something that felt like pride mixed with relief? That seeing him this happy, this settled, this hopeful about the future made every sleepless night I’d spent worrying about him worth it?

Rory pulled back, eyes suddenly bright again. “Hey, why don’t you propose to Felix? Then we can have a double wedding.”

I raised my eyebrows. “I think Felix would spontaneously combust at even the idea of having to do that.” The thought of Felix’s inevitable deer-in-headlights expression almost made me smile.

“Nah, he’s a changed man after his adventure with me!”

We went back down, Rory pulling his face into a bored expression, though he glared at Freddy, still perched smugly on the coffee table.

The others had the good sense to continue their chatter as we rejoined. Rory went straight to Theo’s side, melting into the arm that opened for him, and I just caught the whispered, “Are you okay, baby?”

Felix cocked his head at me to ask if everything was okay, and I nodded, settling back onto the sofa beside him.

“I’d love to hear more stories about Issac,” Theo said, his voice carefully neutral as he rubbed Rory’s shoulder.

Flynn raised his hand tentatively, cheeks flushing red. “If it’s okay… could someone tell me how Issac died? I’ve always been too afraid to ask.”

Seb squeezed Flynn’s shoulder, expression darkening.

“We don’t talk about room 303 for a reason, Flynn,” Priya said softly.