Theo looked like he wanted to say something so Serena added, "Don't pity me… It is what it is."
Besides, I don't deserve that kind of pity. Serena thought to herself. I'm just a fake using this body until I can get home for my own revenge. The original owner's pain is my shield to cover the truth.
"I… I didn't mean it like that." Theo said sheepishly, scratching the back of his head. "Eh… I just wanted to say that it was strong of you to put Kiro first despite everything…."
"Thank you…" Serena turned her head away, guilt gnawing at her.
But there was no use dwelling on it. She was just playing a part until it was unnecessary. Still, she decided to change the subject before it went any deeper.
So, she asked, "Do you think the water is ready?"
"Oh right!" Theo stood up and moved to check on the water. After a few moments, he carefully picked it up and brought it over to her. "Careful, it's hot."
He placed it down next to her before taking a seat by her. Serena, meanwhile, dropped the flower into the hot water as instructed by the healer.
She was to leave it in the water for a few minutes before removing it and drinking the water. Afterwards, she needed to go to bed before the efforts took place.
However, waiting for the tea to brew wasn't the greatest experience. Especially when the air was so awkward between the two. Then again, they weren't exactly chatting about the best of subjects.
"So… is there a reason you're on this trip?" Serena asked, wanting to break the tension between the two. "You don't seem like you want to be here."
Normally, those that joined the caravan did it for crystals or for the chance to get closer to a beastwoman and hopefully gain her favor. A much easier thing to do than compete with other males for city beastwomen.
Theo didn't seem like he was interested in finding a mate nor did he seem like the type to have one back in the Forest City. Of course, Serena could've been judging him incorrectly.
"Is it that obvious?" Theo pursed his lips.
Serena nodded her head, shifting Kiro lightly in her arm as her hand grew slightly numb. The cub whimpered for a second before snuggling into Serena's chest.
She gently stoked his head as she answered, "Yeah… So, what's your reason?"
"Well… Richard is actually my uncle. He made a promise to my mother about finding me a mate before she died and is now intent on keeping that promise." Theo explained. "Of course, that means dragging me on these trips in hopes I have better chances of finding a mate."
Theo wasn't sure why he was telling Serena this, but it seemed only fair. He knew quite a bit about her family, even if it was second hand knowledge, so decided to be open too.
Plus it wasn't like Richard being his uncle was a massive secret. Most of the other beastmen on the trip already knew about it. So, there was no point in hiding it.
"I see…" Serena mused, going quiet for a moment. "So, you're not interested in finding a mate then?"
Theo shrugged. "Yeah… It isn't something important to me like for others. Like my uncle…"
He sighed at the last part and Serena felt sorry for him. It seemed Richard was hell bent on finding him a mate, whether he wanted to or not. An idea suddenly hit Serena.
"Your uncle will stop if you find someone?" Serena questioned. "You know get off your back and let you do what you want?"
"I guess yeah." Theo nodded, confused as to where this was going.
"Then why don't we become mates?" Serena suggested calmly.
Theo choked at her words and exclaimed, "WHAT?!"
Kiro yowled at Theo yelling out in shock, making Serena hiss, "Keep it down! Kiro's sleeping."
"I…" Theo took a deep breath and lowered his voice. "Could you explain yourself?"
"Right…" Serena coughed. "I suggested we become mates, so we can help each other…. You need a mate to get your uncle off your back and I need one to stay in the Forest City. But neither one of us wants a mate, so what better solution than to be together. We solve each other's problems and won't need to treat the other as a real mate."
She wasn't keen on the idea of using someone to stay in the Forest City, so this worked out better for her. Theo wouldn't expect her to be a real partner to him and neither would she expect that.
They were equally using each other in this situation. Sort of…
"I mean… I don't really need a mate." Theo mused, making Serena stiffen at his words. "But I guess this would help get Richard off my back… You're not ready for a new mate, are you?"
"You're right I'm not. The Leopard Tribe was going to split my brother and me, so I need a new home… I'm prepared for the cost, but it'd be better if I didn't have to be a real mate. I'm not ready for that… " Serena closed her eyes at the thought.
One romance was enough for her and she would feel better if it was something that he didn't have to do. Of course, she was realistic enough to know she couldn't avoid relationships in this type of world.
But at least she could make them by her own terms if possible.
Serena opened her eyes once more and gazed into Theo's blue ones. She then added, "This is just a proposal so think it over. If you're not interested, then so be it."
She hoped that if he had a chance to think it over, he might be interested in her proposal. Of course, if Theo wasn't interested she wasn't going to push it too hard.
She removed the flower from her tea before picking up the bowl. Serena then stood up and said, "Anyway, I'm off to bed. Thanks for the help."
And with that she left without another word.