Page 97 of Heart of the High King
Chapter 39
Rafe had spent months reminiscing about every kiss, touch, look, and conversation he ever had with Aleksander. Those memories were still his most precious commodity, and it was nearly impossible to comprehend that somehow, he was adding to that treasure trove. But considering what kind of person his mate was, Rafe shouldn’t have been so surprised to find himself being treated with kindness and consideration.
Asleep shortly after dinner, he didn’t know if Aleksander had tucked him in, but Rafe doubted his other half hadn’t fulfilled his promise. Aleksander was not the type of man to misspeak or give half-truths, and Rafe supposed that was why he trusted him despite the betrayal of his family. Or perhaps he was simply too stupid to comprehend when someone was toying with him. Either way, Rafe was happy with the friendship rising from the ashes.
It was the reason he was walking outside to attend the Sorcery D’Vaire meeting. There wasn’t anyone else around because he was running late. Having taken a nap after lunch, if Aleksander hadn’t texted him, Rafe likely would’ve missed it completely. Although he would’ve preferred to use his wheelchair, there was a step up into the building that housed the offices of D’Vaire, so he was using his walker, even though his arms were trembling with fatigue. Managing the single step, he got inside. In front of him were a bunch of closed doors. Leaning against the wall, Rafe pulled his phone out as Mortis stared up at him with curiosity in his blue gaze.
Sander, which door is it?
Third floor, it’s the only one up here.
So, where’s the elevator?
For fuck’s sake. One second.
There was a stomping sound above him; then Aleksander bounded down the stairs with Dra’Kaedan just behind him.
“No one thought about how we’d get you up there. We’re stupid and I’m sorry,” Dra’Kaedan said. “I’ll teleport us up.”
“It’s fine, you guys aren’t stupid,” Rafe countered, closing his eyes. His stomach reacted as it always did, but it was essentially lost in all the issues he already had.
“Sorry, babe,” Aleksander said, walking over to a stunning round table in a room that was filled with old books and abounded with knowledge and prestige.
“Have a seat, Mr. President,” Renny invited. Pulling out a chair, he smiled. Assuming he was speaking to Aleksander, Rafe tried to go around him but the familiar frowned. “Dude, it’s a great chair.”
“I’m not the president.”
“You’re Aleksander’s mate. He’s president, so you are too,” Renny patiently explained as Rafe lowered to the seat and to his surprise, was pushed in. “There you go.”
“Thanks,” Rafe replied. Once Aleksander was next to him, he leaned in so his mate could hear his whisper. “I’m not really the president of this, am I?”
“Trust me, you’ll never get used to it. I haven’t.”
“Not really an answer, Sander.”
The High King simply winked at him and turned to the remarkable people around them. “Ready to get started?”
“Absolutely, and since we only have one project, there’s really only one question,” Saura stated. She smiled brightly at Rafe. “Well, dear, are you going to let us heal your wounds?”
“I’ve thought about this all day, and I’m willing to discuss it.”
“Dr. Suricata’s willing to speak with us; should I call her?” T’Eirick asked.
“Yeah,” Rafe replied. They got the meerkat on the phone and greeted her warmly.
“I’m so pleased you’ll consider moving forward, Rafe, and I can’t tell you what it means to me to have the chance to work with Sorcery D’Vaire. How are you feeling today?”
“All the swelling is gone from where the Lichpriestess healed me yesterday, but I need some reassurances before I can give my consent.”
“Like what?” Aleksander asked.
“I know you guys can’t rule out the possibility of a blood transfusion, but I need that to be only used in anextremeemergency. I don’t want to rob either Aleksander or myself of the choice,” Rafe stated.
“I would like you to consider completing your matebond,” Dr. Suricata insisted. “With the blood of His Highness in you, we could move faster and safer forward with your treatment plan.”
“None of this comes with any guarantee other than I might not have open sores on my hips. I will not complete my matebond. It’s not fair to either of us to be stuck with the state of my current health.”
“Dr. Suricata, I would be willing to complete our matebond, but I’m not going to badger Rafe about it. I want him to be comfortable with the decision, and my priority right now is making him better. At this point, I think it would be best if we shelved the conversation. I’m grateful he is even willing to consider the healing of his wounds,” Aleksander said, and Rafe smiled at him for allowing him to make the right call. Trusting that Aleksander would be true to his word, Rafe was confident there wouldn’t be any further insistence that he do the unthinkable in binding their lives.
