Page 98 of Tempted By the Forbidden Mate

“I don’t know if I’m thirsty, but we could go by the armory and get me a real-sized trident.”

“Belle.”

“Don’t you Belle me. I need to keep myself safe. That’s what you’re always saying.” It does sound like me.

“Situational awareness, Belle. Tea first and then, if we have time.”

“Is Nico back at the apartment?”

“No, not yet. He said he would send us a message before he headed back.”

“Okay, let’s get some tea. It’s not coffee, but it’s something.”

The tea shop on this side is pearl themed, and it being Vividaria Festival, Permula are packed into it. Everyone is wearing pink and white. It’s not hard to spot Eros in his black pants and tunic, sitting with a pot of tea and three mugs.

“There’s Eros again,” Belle says.

I don’t reply but take her by the hand, weaving through the crowd. I try to take a seat at Eros’s table, but Belle pulls at me. She whispers, “There are three cups. He’s waiting for someone. Don’t sit down.”

“He’s waiting for us.”

“Oh.” Her eyebrows knit together. “Like as a date?”

“Yes, no. I don’t know, but you have to find another mate.” Losing her to lost pod illness isn’t an option.

“I...” Her blue eyes plead with me.

“Do you not like him, Belle?” We’re far enough away that he can’t hear what we’re saying, but his eyes are glued to her. He’s not hiding his desire.

“That’s not the point. Nico could be pulled away at any minute, and I’m out here talking to other males.”

“Talking, Belle. With a trusted chaperone.”

“Right, and who’s going to chaperone you?”

Fuck, I want to push her against the tea counter and show her how I can chaperone her.

Eros clears his throat and gives a smooth incline of his head. His lips tip in a sly smile, and I’m questioning what the hell I’m doing. He’s got a horrible reputation. But then, he’s got a horrible reputation. No one would dare mess with Belle if he was part of her pod. “It’s tea, Belle. Just tea.”

“I get it, but do I have to drink the tea?” Her light smile doesn’t reach her eyes. I know this isn’t because of me, the tea, or me bringing her here. This is the turmoil of Nico, that at any second my block could notify me that Nico has been taken away, that the stay is over and the governors have decided not to give him a reprieve.

“Drink it, don’t drink it. What flavors you like are up to you.”

“I like your flavor.”

I turn my head. She’s going to be the death of me. I look her straight in the eyes, ignoring the last comment. There are just some things she can’t do. And I’m one of them. “I don’t understand what your blubber is with tea. It’s delicious.”

“It’s not coffee.” She inches away from me to Eros, and already I’m wondering if I made the wrong choice in bringing her here.

“Annabelle.” Eros stands and motions to the spot next to him. But she sits in the seat across from him, letting me slide in next to him. “Holter,” he grunts.

“Crazy running into you here.” I put out my hand for him to shake.

“I didn’t think you would show.” He’s back to leaning on the café bench, like we’re out for a celebratory brunch.

“Holter is a male of his word.” Belle stares at the Zaffiro across from her. But now I’m not sure what she’s thinking, and it’s driving me mad.

“I know he is the hero of haste-and-eight.” He cocks his head to me. Like I care that he mispronounces the name of a village I never want to go back to. “Happy Vividaria Festival to you, Annabelle. Are you liking the festival of colors?”

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