Page 23 of Becoming D'Vaire
“So, he’s still on the ‘I’m so unfortunate looking I’ll never make him happy’ kick?” Carter asked Idris.
“Yeah, I’m trying to be supportive, but he’s testing my patience.”
“Del, if Idris cracks, the world’s going to stop spinning. He’s the nicest guy on the planet,” Carter cautioned.
“I know, I’m acting like an idiot. It’s just this mate business is some terrifying shit.”
“Fate thinks you’re ready, so put on your big boy pants and go out there—wait, maybe it’d be better to take off your pants now that you’ve met him,” Carter teased.
“Trust me, the thought’s more than tempting.”
“How about a distraction?” Carter asked.
“Lay it on me.”
“I want you two to consider me for Duff’s former position working for the Dark Indigo High Arcanists. I know I’m only nineteen, but I’m more mature than Duff. I’ve been studying magic and unlike him, I want to continue to pursue my education. I’ve found it fascinating despite my inability to cast. I think I could be an asset to you both, and you know I can’t act up or my brother will kill me.”
Delaney studied the young dragon shifter, then turned to Idris who gazed back at him nearly impassively. The decision was going to be in Delaney’s hands; he wasn’t going to ask his best friend to accept or deny Mac’s sibling. Returning his attention to Carter, he asked, “Where do you see yourself a year from now? You’ll be halfway through your undergraduate work by then, and it’ll be time to start deciding what career path you intend to pursue. I think what Dark Indigo needs is stability instead of us making decisions based on friendships or convenience because of our shared family.”
“Since I arrived here and met you guys, I’ve been inspired to get my PhD like you both have. I don’t plan on being halfway done with my undergrad in a year, I plan to be finished. Vadimas tells me there’s no reason we can’t fast-forward my coursework since I’ve decided to transfer to the Spectra Wizardry Academy. My plan was to approach you guys for a position in the Dark Indigo office when Duff’s contract ran out. I was confident neither one of you would be willing to extend it. I know he’s not doing well, and that things are awkward with you, Del.”
“I didn’t know you were transferring to the Spectra Wizardry Academy. You never said anything,” Idris responded. The school that had once only taught wizards was now available to all students who scored high enough. For those that didn’t, there were plenty of other options through the Spectra Wizardry’s renowned education system.
“I wasn’t sure I’d get accepted so I kept it to myself, and Vadimas agreed to keep my application quiet.”
“You didn’t tell anyone when youdidget accepted,” Delaney pointed out.
“Feels kind of weird to ask everyone to applaud for something like that. I’m still getting used to being a part of D’Vaire—I don’t want to jump up and down and demand attention.”
“Would working for us slow down your coursework?” Idris asked. “We don’t want to impede your progress.”
“I don’t think so. I still have evenings and weekends. I know I could be an asset to both of you. I want to be. I didn’t get the chance to make my own choices growing up, so I didn’t have the luxury of figuring out what I wanted. When I got here, I had the world at my feet, but I have the most fun when I’m learning about the history of magickind and what you guys do to craft and create spells. It’s intriguing, and if I don’t work for Dark Indigo when I graduate, I’m going to pursue a career in some field of magical studies—best case scenario in the Spectra Wizardry. It’s education-oriented and I like that.”
“I’m going to offer you the same deal we once gave Duff. Six months. Either party can terminate at any point, and we can discuss long-term only after those six months are up. No hurt feelings if you decide this isn’t for you,” Delaney said.
“Awesome. You guys won’t regret this, I promise.”
“Our goal is to make sure you don’t either,” Idris commented.
“No way. You guys are the best, and I get to work with my brother, so there’s really no way I can lose,” Carter responded. Mac was an invaluable asset when it came to their jobs: He read through Council bills and offered them concise notes on the ones they were expected to assist Vadimas on. His advice on which bills they needed to read fully had so far been perfect and like Carter, he was doing his best to become educated on magical studies.
They all turned to face the door again when there was a rap on the frame. “Hey, guys. Del, why aren’t you getting ready for your date?” Duff asked as he sauntered into the room, taking a seat near Carter.
“I picked out a suit, I’ll shower and put it on before I go out.”
“Let me guess—all black? You don’talwayshave to do the whole dark wizard thing.”
Carter lifted a dark brow. “Dude, he didn’t bust his ass to change the course of his people’s history so he could put in blue contacts or some shit.”
“I know he can’t change his eyes, but he could wear a blue fucking tie.”
“I don’t own a blue tie,” Delaney remarked. “I have one black one for my suit and another nicer one for my tux. I’m not interested in having another one, they suck.”
“You won’t have to wear them after you’re mated. Vampires don’t. You’ll have a necklace to show off to everyone,” Carter said.
“If he can make things work with the drool-worthy Grigori,” Duff pointed out.
“They’re going to be an awesome couple. I asked Fate to bring Del his mate, and she listened. Of course, you did say he didn’t need to be gorgeous, but she obviously decided differently,” Idris responded.
