Page 105 of Consort's Glory
Viktor’s howl ended with a hoot of very human delight. Snapping his head back to grin at the couple, he bounced forward on long, muscular legs and gave Theodore several wallops on the back. “I’ll be damned! I’m going to be honest, there was a part of me that definitely thought you were going to chicken out when the sigil part came up.”
Slinging an arm around her shoulders, Theodore used drawing her in close as an excuse to evade any more of Viktor’s thumps. “I told you not to question me,” he archly replied.
Viktor backed off with his hands up, an unrepentant look on his handsome face. “I was just doing my job, Teddy. It’s nothing personal.”
“Your job?” Margot lifted her eyebrows. “What job?”
With painstaking care, Kaz tucked the ember into the inner pocket of his suit, saying, “The one where he nearly made my brother tear his hair out by questioning his motives for marrying you and threatening to end him if he treated you poorly.”
“Oh, that’s all?” She lifted her shoulders in a shrug, ignoring the incredulous look her new husband aimed her way. “Of course. That’s what my family would have done.”
“See?” Viktor pointed at Margot, vindicated. “I told you!”
Theodore moved his arm from around her shoulders to cup the back of her neck. Twisting to give Petra an appreciative nod, he announced, “I think this has been enough socializing. My wife and I have a celebration waiting for us.”
Margot’s heart kicked as a slow, steady burn of desire sparked where his leather-covered palm massaged the back of her neck.
Falling into step with the couple as they moved to step down from the altar and down the aisle, Viktor teased, “Is there food involved? You know, most weddings have a big dinner for everyone afterwards.”
Margot’s steps stuttered when Theodore’s silky inner voice whispered, I have dinner plans, but not the kind I’m willing to share with him.
Flushing a furious pink, she shot back, Stop that! We are with people!
There was laughter in his voice when he firmly replied, No, I don’t think I will. I like you bothered, wife of mine.
While she stewed on that, he answered Viktor with a bland question of his own, “If we did, would you join us? I’m sure the family would love to see you again. Cammie specifically—”
Margot watched, fascinated, as the men locked eyes. In an instant, all playfulness evaporated from Viktor’s demeanor. His eyes were coyote amber when he replied, “I think I’ll pass.”
Theodore shook his head slowly, disappointment bleeding into their bond. Not for himself, she felt, but for another. A sympathetic sort of pain. “You’ll be at the Summit tomorrow, though.”
Viktor looked away. His normally open expression shuttered. “Yes. Of course I will.”
“Good.”
Her husband cast a look over his shoulder, calling out, “And you, Priestess?”
“I cannot imagine a thing the Temple would like me to do more,” Petra replied, her dry tone echoing off of the cathedral’s walls. “I would not miss it for anything, Sovereign.”
Satisfied, Theodore pulled Margot in close to press a hard kiss to the top of her head. Desire thrummed a steady, throbbing beat in the electric current of their bond. It warmed her from the inside out and made the beast in her stretch languidly, readying itself for the promise of pleasure.
“Good. It’s about time I took my wife home, then.”
Margot’s thighs clenched reflexively. For a post-wedding lunch?
The sharp tip of a silver claw traced the line of her pounding jugular. Only if you’re willing to eat in bed.
Why would we do that? She hid a smile as the bright, early afternoon light slanted through the open doors. Theodore urged her onward, down the steep steps, moving a little bit faster than before. Opening the door of their strategically placed get-away vehicle, he nudged her in.
Because,he answered, a growl rumbling in his chest, once we’re home, I’m not letting you out of my bed, wife.
Margot let him usher her into the dim interior of the sleek vehicle, her pulse pounding between her legs in time with the throb of their bond. Who says you can keep me there?
Kaz snapped the door shut as soon as Theodore had his legs in. He was taking his own car back to the Tower, leaving them alone in the self-driving vehicle. Viktor would return to his pack until the Summit opened. Until then, it was just her and her new husband.
…Who currently had a hand up her skirt.
Theodore bent over her, crowding her against the door as he blindly reached toward the center console. The car came to life with a low purr.
Rasping in her ear, he asked, “I think the real question is: Do you honestly think you’ll want to leave?”
