Thomas turned his head and smiled at Maya. “They sure do. As do you and Gabriel.”
“Charmer!” she teased and walked to stand next to him. “Listen, Thomas, I wanted your advice on something.”
He raised a questioning eyebrow, then allowed her to lead him a few steps away from Eddie and Cain.
“About?”
“I feel that some of us treated Oliver a little too harshly when this whole thing with Ursula and the blood brothel went down.”
Thomas remembered all too well how everybody had tried to save Oliver from himself.
They’d realized only later that he was stronger than they’d all assumed and was dealing with the temptation that Ursula’s blood represented well enough on his own. “Don’t remind me. But you know as well as I do that we had to be strict with him. His history—”
She raised her hand to interrupt him. “You don’t have to tell me. We all had our reasons. But now that things have worked out for the best and he’s conquered his bloodlust, I feel we should celebrate that fact.”
Thomas smirked. “I have the feeling he’s celebrating that fact every day in private with Ursula.” His eyes searched the crowd, and he saw Oliver talking to his sire, Quinn. Oliver appeared relaxed and happy.
Maya nudged him in the ribs. “That’s not what I’m talking about!”
“I know that. Just thought I’d throw it out there.”
She rolled her eyes. “I’m talking about a party with more than two people.”
“The usual suspects?”
Maya nodded. “It’s just I need to find a pretense for this party. I don’t want Oliver to know what we’re planning, but I want to make sure he and Ursula will be there. And I’m not quite sure even what to tell him at the party. Sorry we weren’t nice to you?”
Thomas contemplated her words. “Hmm. Not sure. Have you talked to Zane about it? From what I recall he was his usual asshole self. Maybe he’s got some ideas.”
Maya grimaced. “If I even mention it to him, he’ll go ballistic. You know what he thinks of apologizing to anybody. I don’t think he knows how it’s done.”
“Not his strong suit, you’re right.” He ran his hand through his hair. “Why does it have to be a party at all? Can’t we just send him a gift?”
“A gift?”
“Yes, maybe an all-expenses-paid trip for him and Ursula to somewhere nice. I don’t know, Venice, London. You tell me. I’m sure he’d rather go off somewhere with Ursula than hang out with us oldies.”
Maya’s forehead furrowed as she let his suggestions sink in. “Hmm. I’ll think about it.”
“You know he’ll have to figure out something for his honeymoon anyway. Why not take it off his hands?”
“Honeymoon?” Maya repeated.
“Shhh!” Thomas cast a look around him to make sure nobody had heard Maya. “Yes, honeymoon. He’s going to ask her sooner or later. Every idiot watching them can see that. I’m guessing we’ll have another blood-bond before the year is out.”
“You think so?”
“Absolutely. Actually, I’m a little surprised that it hasn’t happened already. Just look at him now.” Thomas pointed toward Oliver, who was still talking to Quinn and Rose. “See how he fidgets? He can’t stand being away from Ursula. Ten bucks says he’ll be the first to leave the party. And another twenty says he’ll ask her to marry him before the week is out.”
Maya grinned. “You’re on.”
“What are you guys betting on?” Cain asked, drawing closer.
Behind him, Eddie had turned to look at them too.
“Nothing,” Maya answered.
“What if I want in?” Cain probed.
“Fine,” Thomas caved, chuckling to himself. “We’re betting on when Oliver is going to ask Ursula to marry him. I’m saying it’ll happen within the next week.”
“You’re shitting me. He’s only been with her for what, a month? And he’s how old?
Twelve?” Cain asked.
Thomas shrugged. “Twelve? I seem to remember that he turned twenty-five not too long ago.
Besides, stranger things have happened.” He noticed Eddie joining them, shoving his hands into his pockets, but saying nothing.
“Way too early. Those two are kids!” Cain said.
“Wanna put your money where your mouth is?” Thomas challenged, enjoying himself now.
“A hundred bucks says you’re going to lose.”