Page 83 of Becoming D'Vaire
“They’re lovely, and the world needs them,” Irina stated.
“We can’t talk about it, Mom,” Grigori warned.
“I know,” she whispered. “I’m just excited.”
“Okay, but be excited quietly.”
Ignoring her son, Irina said, “Del, did Grigori tell you everything you need to know about tomorrow’s ceremony? It’s going to be a little uncomfortable when your fangs form, but I understand it’s just pressure and some tingling.”
“I know I’m getting fangs, but when? After we exchange blood or after he bites me?”
“It’s a good thing I asked,” Irina commented dryly with a pointed stare at her youngest child. “You’ll get them once your blood mixes, so it’ll be during your ceremony. It only takes a few seconds, then you’ll have them. They’ll elongate when you’re both ready to seal your bond with a bite. That doesn’t hurt, it will just be a strange sensation the first time it happens.”
“Um, is there anything else I need to know?” Delaney asked. Before he could think better of it, he added, “Sorry about being a sorcerer and, you know, a really powerful dark one. I know this would be easier if I were a vampire. I wouldn’t have a lot of stupid questions or worries, and Grigori wouldn’t have to set three alarms just to drink from me.”
The Volkovs all wore expressions of complete bewilderment and exchanged glances with each other. After a few seconds of strange silence, Nikolai spoke. “No one here is upset about who and what you are, Del. Least of all my brother. Your blood’s a gift, one we’re grateful you can give him. If I had one wish, it would be to have a mate who could offer me the same. Our culture, our very way of life, depends on blood. Without it, no vampire can survive. The reality is, Grigori’s going to be just fine after the two of you get used to that life-giving exchange and the effects it’ll have on him. I cannot believe Fate’s going to do anything to make it unpleasant between you if you’re careful and start slow. You’re both too intelligent to stray from your plan of doing just that. Fear of the unknown is normal, so we’ll all feel better when you both conquer that first time drinking and can answer the question of what impact it’ll have on Grigori. We’re proud that Fate has given Grigori someone much the same as he is—smart, driven, and humble. You’re honoring us by carrying the Volkov name and besides the personal satisfaction we all take from this great match, we’re also excited about an alliance with you and your family.”
“Thank you, Nikolai.” Delaney turned to Grigori and grabbed his hand. “You’re right, your brother’s super charming and eloquent.”
“He got all the Volkov grace. There wasn’t any left over for me.”
“I disagree,” he told Grigori, then returned his attention to Nikolai. “I feel like Grigori’s the real gift here, and I’m the type of person who worries over stuff. I just don’t want to hurt him. That’s what’s most important to me. All my life the darkness inside me has beckoned me, propelled me forward and brought me to this place where I can be proud of it. I like being powerful, and I enjoy pushing my magic to greater heights. I know it’s scary for everyone around me, so it’s kind of natural for me to apologize for it.”
“It didn’t occur to me to be frightened of you or be upset that we were matched,” Grigori responded. “Fate gave you this path.…What choice did you have but to follow it? I don’t think you should ever apologize for who you are or what you’ve worked so hard to be. There’s one dark wizard. Just one. And he’s mine. Do you have any idea how incredible that is or how it makes me feel?”
Delaney smiled up at him, then pressed their lips together in a soft kiss. “I love you,” he said, trying not to be embarrassed because Grigori’s family heard him say the words that he simply couldn’t hold back.
“I’m so fucking in love with you, Delsaurus.”
“Irina, these two are going to be just fine,” Alexei remarked.
She let out a little sigh. “They’re exquisite together,” Irina replied. “Nikolai, we simply must find your mate.”
Without taking his attention away from Delaney, Grigori said, “Talk to Idris. He bargained with Fate for Mac, then to get Del and me together. Maybe he can help. Or you can speak with the warlock twins. They both scryed to find theirs.”
“I’m going to let this weekend be about you and Del, but don’t think I won’t be speaking with all three of them afterward,” Nikolai retorted.
Delaney wrapped his arms around Grigori and wished for his brother to find his other half. He wanted everyone to be able to enjoy the same things that were flourishing in his heart for Grigori. With a sense of wonder, he thought about this being only the start for them and was suddenly impatient for the ceremony they would share the following day. The sooner Grigori was his in truth, the better.
Chapter 28
If asked, Grigori would have insisted that standing in front of any large group of people where he was the center of attention equaled extreme anxiety. But, as he stood in the beautiful memorial garden built by Court D’Vaire, he focused on a set of enigmatic black eyes and was calmed. They were dressed in matching black cloaks heavily embellished with fresh roses.
Although he’d only met Delaney weeks before, he had waited forever to tie their lives together. The wizard was smiling as Aleksander and Dra’Kaedan stood nearby, ready to conduct their ceremony. All around them was the fragrance of perfumed blooms; Dravyn had scattered petals in the large fountain, and there were thick swags of flowers all around the gazebo.
“We’re just waiting for everyone to shut up,” Dra’Kaedan grumbled loudly.
Aleksander raised a dark brow at the warlock, looking especially regal in his crown. “Did you mean for them to hear you, Squirt?”
“Of course, this is about Grigori and Delaney. Do you think I care if I hurt everyone else’s feelings?”
Once the assembled family and guests quieted, Aleksander asked, “Are you ready to begin?”
“Absolutely,” Delaney assured him.
“Ladies and gentlemen, today is a truly incredible day. The Grand Warlock and I have the distinct pleasure and honor of presiding over the mating ceremony of two people whom Fate matched perfectly. Vampyr Lord Grigori Volkov-D’Vaire has chartered new ground since he was in his teens. It’s in his nature to be humble about his incredible mind and fortitude, but he’s allowed me to share with you all the gift he gave to his people. At the tender age of fourteen, he crafted a formula which takes a few drops of blood and multiplies it into vast quantities. This creation has saved countless lives among the Vampyr Clutch. Such an accomplishment might fill a person with pride and conceit, but not Lord Grigori. He’s modest, kind, and has a delightful sense of humor. We’re privileged that he’s decided to make D’Vaire his home, and it’s difficult for me to believe he wasn’t born to be one of us. As king, I’m also thrilled at the alliance this fabulous match has created between our family and the Volkovs,” Aleksander said.
Dra’Kaedan smiled broadly. “One day the idea of our sanctuary was born with the goal of assisting outcasts. With the dedication of our small family and the open minds of the Council of Sorcery and Shifters, Dra’Kaedan’s Coven opened its doors. Our first applicant was a dark wizard and when he walked through our doors, he changed all of us for the better. High Arcanist Delaney Volkov-D’Vaire has forged boldly ahead his whole life to pursue his destiny. Though there are those that misunderstand him, and the gifts Fate has bestowed on him, it hasn’t altered his personality or his determination to be a part of the leadership of the Spectra Wizardry. Like his mate, he’s unpretentious, compassionate, and witty. I don’t know how else to say our family wouldn’t be the same without him. The future for this wonderful pair is bright, and we are looking forward to watching their love flourish.”
