Page 28 of No Ordinary Drakeling
“Absolutely. Its’s our job as Imperial Dukes.”
“Give it a rest, Dame.”
“Did you hear from Costas today?”
“His parents don’t sound like they’re doing well.”
“No, they’re growing more unable to care for themselves. He’s got two nurses coming in every day to help him. He’s having a hard time watching them suffer at this point.”
“Can’t say I blame him. They’ve been in poor health now for ten years.”
“You realize…when Chrys and Ellery have their ceremony, it’s going to make him immortal?”
“Who’s going to be Imperial Duke after you’re gone? And don’t say me, because I’ll be dead someday myself,” Zane demanded.
“We’ll have no choice but to ask Chand to resurrect us. I wouldn’t trust anyone else watching them. Maybe your mate will be elven or a sorcerer. We’re going to find out soon.”
“What the hell are you talking about?”
“I’ve made it very clear to Fate I need you to be mated before my two guys come along and frankly, I’ve waited long enough.”
“Why do I have to be mated first?”
“So I can focus on my men and not have to worry about your ass being lonely.”
Zane scowled. “Why can’t you just worry about your own life? What if I’m not ready to meet my mate yet?”
“No, I can’t. I want all my brothers happy. Costas is too busy right now with his folks, but you are ready.”
“You don’t know that.”
“When was the last time you got laid?”
“None of your damn business.”
Damian finished off his drink. “A long time.”
“You know mates aren’t there to scratch an itch, and if I wanted to get laid, I could.”
“I know, but you won’t.”
“When was the last timeyougot laid, hypocrite?” Zane demanded.
“I blame Chrys for my current drought. I’m too damn tired after busting my ass all day to go hit a club or bar.”
“I can tell you this—if I did have a mate, I wouldn’t let Wesley tell me I had to wait six weeks to have a ceremony with a man who’s elven and probably expected he’d be exchanging blood within a day or two.”
“Right? Their custom is to have a ceremony and go to bed to get their second hoop. I wouldn’t have delayed that.”
“You’ve got sex on the brain today.”
“There’s a reason I’m going to need two guys in my life,” Damian joked.
“I think you’re insane for wanting two of them.”
“So does Chrys, but I need to prove that it can work. He’s got it in his head that because our parents have this weird-ass thing with Niko, it’s impossible for three people to be happy. I’m determined to show him and the world otherwise.”
Zane shook his head. “When I’m ready, I’ll take one man who I’d like to be the center of my life.”
