Page 42 of Becoming D'Vaire
“I haven’t tasted your blood yet, but your magic already has me addicted.”
“I didn’t know it would feel like that.”
“Tell me what it felt like,” Grigori begged.
“It’s going to sound stupid.”
“That’s just not possible.”
“Forever. Kissing you felt like forever.”
Grigori’s smile bloomed. “What did your dick think?”
“That it’s still a bad idea for us to be alone together right now.”
Bending a little to account for their six-inch height difference, Grigori gave his cheek a quick peck. Then he opened the door and grabbed Delaney’s hand as they stepped out into the hall. Since it was devoid of people, he said, “I’m already thinking about the other things I want to do with my mouth and the rest of you.”
“I’m making a list myself.”
“How is it ordered? As you think of it or by level of desire?” Grigori asked as they walked.
Delaney smirked. “It’s alphabetical.”
“I appreciate the extra mile. Now tell me, where the hell am I leading us?”
“We’re just going down the hall toward the living room. I hope you’re okay with being bombarded by questions from a million different people—they’re all going to be in there.”
“There are only thirty-five D’Vaires—that’s including you and the two visiting former warlocks—plus the dragon familiars who can’t speak.”
“I like that you know that off the top of your head. Did I thank you for being willing to consider living here?”
They reached the end of the hallway and were about to walk into a large living area packed with D’Vaires, but Grigori needed a moment with Delaney first. “I will live here. By your side. In our room. Together. Best friends as well as lovers.”
“Don’t forget I’ll be your blood slave.”
“It sounds sexy when you call it that.”
“Get in there so I can introduce you to everybody,” Delaney demanded.
Grigori winked at him, then stepped into chaos. He shook hands with the man who ruled D’Vaire and was happy he’d memorized names before he arrived, because it was a blur of friendly faces. Even Duff was grinning, but Grigori didn’t find it a very trusting look. All the while he kept Delaney at his side with their hands locked. He wanted everyone to see them from the start as a couple, especially the wizard who didn’t realize yet that he held Grigori’s heart.
“It’s such an absolute pleasure to meet you,” Grigori said to T’Eirick and Saura. That was the moment he discovered he’d gotten through meeting everyone without a drop of sweat. His instincts told him it was because Delaney was close and inviting and because of the relaxed atmosphere of D’Vaire.
“We’ve heard so much about you, Grigori,” Saura told him. “Del’s been wreathed in smiles for days.”
“Except for when I stupidly missed our first date.”
“Oh, please. You don’t think we all haven’t done foolish things after we met our mates? Seriously, T’Eirick once asked me if I used magic to cover the blotches on my skin. He wanted to know what I looked like without any enhancements, and the fool still thinks it was a compliment,” Saura complained.
“As I’ve explained for thousands of years, I didn’t realize anyone could be that beautiful without a little help,” T’Eirick countered.
“I hope you don’t think I’m being too forward, but I did mention to my parents that you were visiting D’Vaire. I’d like to ask if you’d consider allowing them to come here and meet you.”
Saura reached out and gave his arm a friendly squeeze. “Grigori, you’re family now. So are all your relatives. Del tells us your butler and his mate are considered Volkovs as well. All of you are welcome at D’Vaire whenever you want. I would adore getting the chance to meet the Vampyress and her consort. Right, Aleksander?”
“Absolutely, and they’re welcome to stay as long as they’d like. We have more than one permanent guest room in this place,” the D’Vaire king responded. Grigori was pleased to find them just as Delaney described—warm, friendly, and open-hearted.
“Good, because honestly, you might not ever get my mother to go home. She’s been so annoyed with Nikolai since he insisted she wait to come to D’Vaire until they could get their schedules free at the same time. On the car ride home the night I met Delaney, she made him apologize for keeping me from my mate,” Grigori said.
