Page 10 of Becoming D'Vaire
“Yeah. Yeah, I think I will.”
Vadimas smiled. “Wonderful. I don’t want you to be deterred by the length of the application. Be as honest as possible. I know things haven’t been easy for you growing up at the school—not that you’ve ever complained—but it’s important they know how you’ve been treated. I’ll let them know you’re filling out the form and what an asset I believe you’ll be to their family.”
“Thank you, Vadimas.”
“You’re an incredible young man, Delaney. You work hard, and you’re a joy to be around. The Spectra Wizardry’s lucky to have you. A dark wizard is a wonderful thing, and you’ve done an excellent job of charting new ground.”
Delaney ducked his head in embarrassment. “Thanks.”
“Now, go up to the computer lab, and fill out that application.”
“Yes, Prism Wizard.” Delaney was given another hug; then he sped out of the room. It was a heady feeling to consider having a family, but Delaney wasn’t going to get his hopes up. Just because he filled out the application didn’t guarantee that he would get into this new sanctuary. If he did make it through the doors, it wouldn’t mean they would automatically like him, but it was sure nice to imagine the possibility of being somewhere where he could be himself without restraint or judgment.
Chapter 4
“Welcome to Draconis Court of D’Vaire and the home of our sanctuary, Dra’Kaedan’s Coven,” King Aleksander said as he shook Delaney’s hand.
“Thanks, and thanks again for accepting me,” Delaney managed as he stared up at the handsome dragon shifter. The man was at least five or six inches over six feet and had black hair which hung all the way to his shoulders. Peeking through the strands was what appeared to be a full layer of navy blue. Both colors were also apparent in his eyes, which were marked with a silver line around the pupil by Fate when she gave him a kingdom.
What no one could explain was why he also had a gold circle which should have been given solely to the Emperor—who oversaw not only the dragons but the entire Council. Aleksander was extraordinarily good-looking with his strong jaw and defined cheekbones. Delaney was doing his best not to drool at his feet. He hoped his gorgeous face didn’t mean he was a jerk like that asshole Conrad at school.
“Absolutely our pleasure, Delaney. We’re so glad Vadimas believed you’d be a good fit for us, and we’re so excited that you’re our first sanctuary resident.”
“It’s pretty exciting for me too,” Delaney answered as he continued to gape at the dragon shifter.
“And Greggory, you’re our second sanctuary resident,” Aleksander told Delaney’s familiar as he petted him. Greggory was behaving himself and resting comfortably on Delaney’s shoulder, but the inquisitive dragon wasn’t going to stay put for long. The D’Vaire mansion was enormous, and Greggory would be nosing around every square inch once he had the chance.
“Now that you’ve dropped your stuff off into your new space, would you like to come into the living room and meet everyone?” Brogan asked from Aleksander’s side.
“I’d love to.” Delaney had teleported to the porch with his small amount of stuff after being sent a photo of his new home. The door had been opened by Duke Brogan, who was standing next to Aleksander. Like the D’Vaire king, he was handsome, although Delaney was finding he preferred the intense black of Aleksander’s hair to the duke’s brown tresses.
Delaney trailed after Aleksander and Brogan as they turned the corner into a vast living area that included a family room, kitchen, and dining area. Fully prepared to try and memorize tons of names, Delaney only found about a dozen people sitting on the comfy looking furniture in front of a massive two-story stone fireplace.
“Everybody, this is Master Wizard Delaney D’Vaire. Delaney, I’m going to let them all introduce themselves,” Aleksander instructed.
Not knowing what else to do, Delaney waved. “Hi.”
“A dark wizard. How cool is that? Ineedto pet your dragon,” a blond man said. His navy eyes were full of mischief, and he was seated next to a man who resembled him a great deal. Delaney sensed they were magickind, but he didn’t recognize their race, which could only mean they were warlocks.
“The rude guy on my right is my familiar, Renny,” the other blond said. “I’m Dra’Kaedan.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Grand Warlock. Grand Warlock Familiar, you can pet Greggory if you want. He’s very friendly and affectionate.”
“Don’t worry about titles, we check them at the door,” a dark-haired man sitting to the Grand Warlock’s left remarked. “I’m Dre’Kariston, and this is my familiar, Derwin.”
“Hello,” Derwin offered, then turned his attention to the phone in his hand.
Greggory swooped off Delaney’s shoulder and sprawled himself over Renny’s lap. “He’s the best,” Renny crowed as he rubbed the little dragon’s belly.
“He’ll be your best friend forever if you give him cookies,” Delaney told him.
“Noir, we’re going to need cookies.Lotsof them,” Renny told a raven-haired woman who resembled Aleksander.
“I’m Noirin. I’m responsible for keeping all these pigs fed.” She placed her hand on the back of the man sitting next to her. “This is my younger brother, Duke Dravyn. The beautiful gardens outside belong to him.”
“I can’t wait to see them. There was a garden at school, but it was really small,” Delaney responded. He’d always been fond of flowers; roses were his favorite. He liked their strong perfume and the beauty of their petals.
“You’re welcome to it whenever you want,” Dravyn told him.
