Page 43 of Becoming D'Vaire
“You don’t call him Del?” Duff asked.
“He didn’t mention it was his nickname,” Grigori replied, although he didn’t think it was Duff’s business what he called Delaney.
Delaney stroked his thumb over the back of his hand, so Grigori turned to his amused face. “I forgot to mention it.”
Grigori grinned. Delaney failed to mention it because Grigori already gave him his own pet name. He was ridiculously thrilled that they had their first inside joke. “No worries, Delsaurus,” he responded with a wink.
“So Grigori, how often do you go to vampire clubs?” Duff asked.
“It’s been awhile, actually. Over a year.”
“You should take all of us,” Duff said.
“I’d be happy to at some point, but right now I’m focused on making my relationship with Delsaurus work. We’re getting to know one another, and it’s difficult to do that with a lot of people around. When we’re ready to give up our time together to include a large group, we can plan something,” Grigori explained. “Right, Delsaurus?”
“Exactly.”
Duff’s response was to give him an aggrieved expression; then he strode across the room.
“You guys should go to the restaurant Mac took me to on our first date,” Idris suggested once Duff was gone. He got Grigori’s immediate attention. Getting to know and befriending Idris was a top priority for Grigori because the wizard was important to Delaney.
“I’d love it if the four of us could go together,” Grigori responded.
“We could certainly do a double-date, right sweetheart?” Mac answered.
“If it’s okay with Del,” Idris said.
“They make awesome burgers, and I’d like Grigori to know you guys.”
“Look at us, Delsaurus. We’re already making plans as a couple.”
Delaney bumped his arm with his shoulder playfully. “I guess it’s now my responsibility to make sure you actually show up.”
“Fate did stick you with me.”
“Believe it or not, I have no complaints.”
“Of course you don’t. We’re perfect together.”
“You, me, and Greggory.”
Mac chuckled. “I found it more difficult to get used to being a dragon perch than I did building a matebond.”
“I’m afraid if I tip too far forward, he’ll topple right to the floor, and then I’ll be a jackass for not being able to care for my mate’s dragon.”
“Roger’s got an amazing ability to adjust himself on the fly. I haven’t lost him to the floorboards yet.”
“Mac, you have no idea what a relief that is to know. I’ve already missed a date. I can’t handle another bad mark against me.”
“You’ve earned more good ones along the way,” Delaney said, making Grigori’s heart soar. “The odds are definitely not against you.”
Out of nowhere, Dra’Kaedan’s familiar, Renny, showed up next to where the four men were standing. From his height of just barely over five feet, he stared up at them with his arms folded over his chest for a few awkward minutes. Breaking the tension, Renny grinned and reached up to shake Delaney. “You look so good together I can’t stand it!” he exclaimed, then released Delaney and jogged away.
“So Grigori, did Del mention everyone here is insane?” Mac asked.
“I’m going to live here anyway,” Grigori responded. His statement caused Idris to smile brightly.
“You talked about it,” he said to Delaney. His indigo gaze swung toward Grigori. “He was so nervous you’d think it was too soon to talk about it. He trusts you a lot to tell you he was worrying over the living arrangements.”
