“What are you doing?”
I snap my head up and look at Theo, who is finally on his feet.
“Nice to see you up,” I say.
“Wish I could say the same for you.”
“Still upset?” I ask.
“You were up
set when you smelled me on her,” he says.
“Why did you do it?”
“For the same reason you did,” I say.
“Should I accuse you of taking advantage of her, too?”
I growl at him as Clarissa continues sleeping on the couch. She stirs softly, flipping over onto her side. Her hair falls into her face, and it tugs a grin across my cheeks. She’s beautiful when she’s resting. Peaceful and angelic. I smooth the hair out of her face and feel her warmth against my skin.
“She’s running a little hot,” I say.
“Hot to your touch, or hot to anyone’s?” Theo asks.
“Here. Come feel,” I say.
The moment Theo kneels at her side I see his nostrils flare. So I’m not crazy after all. He furrows his brow and puts his hand on her head, then turns his eyes over to me.
“She doesn't feel warm to me,” Theo says. “So it must be your sensitivity to her.”
“But you smell that, right?” I ask.
“I do. It smells like—”
“Garlic,” we both say.
“Is it Clarissa?” Theo asks.
“It is. Dip down and smell her.”
“What?” he asks.
“Just do it,” I growl.
I watch as Theo places his nose against her cheek and nuzzles her closely. I have half a mind to sink my claws into his head and rip him back. But I know I can’t. I have to respect the mutual bond she formed with Theo just like she formed with me.
But that doesn’t mean I have to be okay with it.
“She does smell like garlic. But the odor isn’t harsh,” Theo says.
“Not harsh?” I ask.
“Yeah. It’s almost soothing,” he says.
“You must really like the smell of garlic then,” I say.
“No, actually. I don't like the taste of it, either.”