Page 69 of Becoming D'Vaire
“I solemnly promise to use all the magic at my disposal to make sure that chocolate is the same beautiful shade of Delaney’s eyes,” Dra’Kaedan vowed.
“I’m going to smother that thing with red and black roses and gold leaf,” Noirin promised.
“Well, family, let’s get to work. We don’t have much time, and this ceremony needs to be perfect,” Aleksander said.
“As perfect as Grigori and Del are for each other,” Mac agreed. Delaney lifted his head, and Grigori brought their lips together. The shifter’s words might as well have come from his own heart.
Chapter 23
Idris bumped Delaney’s shoulder and smiled at him. “I’m so excited for you and Grigori.”
“He’s so incredible. I don’t know how Fate paired us so perfectly, but he gets me, you know? Like you do.”
“Only better, because you’ve got the whole sexual attraction thing going on.”
“Shit, Idris. Now I understand why Duff’s obsessed with getting laid.”
“Yeah, sex is incredible. I’m still glad I waited for Mac.”
“Me too, but sometimes I get nervous. Like, how do I know I’m good at it?”
Idris gave him a disbelieving look. “You can’t figure it out from his reaction? Imagine how much more nervous you would’ve been with a stranger.”
“I couldn’t have done it,” Delaney confessed. “People are frightened by me even when I’m just standing there doing nothing. In my head, I’d be thinking, ‘This guy is going to bail at any moment. I’m a freak and he knows it.’ ”
“You’re absolutely wonderful, and it’s stupid that not everyone can see that. Look at how easily Grigori fell in love with you.”
“Idris, I’m so crazy about him, it’s frightening.”
Idris reached over and rubbed his arm. “It’s supposed to be. You love him, and you want to be sure he’s happy. That fear will make sure you keep him and your relationship a priority. If you didn’t care so deeply for him, it wouldn’t mean anything to lose him.”
“You sound exactly like Grigori. He said almost the same thing. I see your point. I guess I’m not that good at vulnerability. It reminds me of being a scared little kid with nobody.”
“Just keep reminding yourself you’re not him anymore. You’re Delaney the Dark, and you’re in a fantastic relationship with a very sexy vampire who loves you. You also have the best family on the planet.”
“Damn right I do. You’re right about all of it. I just want to be this epic, fearless sorcerer who kicks ass and takes names.”
“Fear keeps us in line. It’s like Saura says, ‘Without the darkness, there can’t be any light,’ ” Idris countered.
“You really are the best.”
“I think the same about you. I’m so glad you have a mate you love. I wanted it so badly for you.”
“It’s nice that I’m not the third wheel with you and Mac anymore too.”
“You were never that,” Idris argued.
“You’re right. Roger’s the weird third wheel.”
They both laughed at Idris’s familiar who never left Mac alone.
“Hey, there’s not supposed to be any fun in here,” Dra’Kaedan called out as he showed up in the doorway of the Dark Indigo office with his brother, their familiars, and their parents.
“Maybe that’s a rule for the Coven of Warlocks, but the Spectra Wizardry has a more enlightened approach to things,” Delaney retorted.
Dra’Kaedan snorted. “Dream on. So boys, are we playing with magic today or what?”
“Let’s have a little chat first,” Dre’Kariston suggested. “Del, I’d planned on shadow walking next Saturday, but now that I’ve got a much more impressive and important event to attend, I need to reschedule. Do you want to come with us the day after your mating ceremony?”
