Page 36 of Heart of the High King
Heat went to Rafferty’s cheeks as he realized in his excitement that Aleksander didn’t get up until almost seven, and he’d completely forgotten about the time difference. Not sure how he could’ve been so stupid, they never texted this early. Aleksander hadn’t called him “babe” before, but instead of it weirding him out, Rafferty decided he liked it.Sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you. Go back to sleep. Text me when you get up, okay?
How am I going to sleep now knowing you’re super excited about something? Tell me.
Rafferty wasn’t going to get caught up in talking to Aleksander when the High King should be resting, so he picked up a magazine from the stack on the table and started to read. A new notification popped up a few seconds later.
Now you’re ignoring me? Come on Rafe, I’m not going to fall asleep now. Talk to me.
I fucked up your whole day, sorry.
You’re killing me.That statement was followed with a gif of an overly dramatic cartoon death.
Okay. I talked my family into letting me visit D’Vaire.
That’s awesome! When?
The majority of the D’Vaires were likely still in bed, so Rafferty had no issue waiting for them to get up and have their breakfast. When they were done, they could decide how best to come and get him.I’ll tell you later.
You get up this morning and decide you want to torture me?
Of course not.
All he got in response was a line of angry emojis.
Fine. I’m already in Arizona.
For real? Ready for me to open the gate for you? I need to get you your own code. Don’t hit the button, it’ll wake Brogan and Gavrael if they aren’t already up.
I don’t have a rental car.Rafferty wished he had the money to get one now since he was suddenly uncomfortable asking for help in getting to Aleksander’s house.
I’m confused. Shit, I need coffee. My brain doesn’t function without it. I need to hop in the shower first, though. Why are you in Arizona without a car? How’re you going to get between the hotel and D’Vaire?
Unease swept Rafferty. Although he’d refused it often, Rafferty had assumed Aleksander would extend his invitation to stay at the house. Rafferty had just enough money to get back to Virginia and wondered if he should return to Court Kestle.Does that offer of staying at D’Vaire still stand?
Absolutely! I’d love that! I can get Noir to get a room ready. Two nights?
I can stay up to a week if you want.
Of course I want. Where the hell are you, Rafe?
Sitting in the Dérive station.
There was silence again, so Rafferty went back to reading as his heart hammered against his ribs, though he couldn’t pinpoint if it was anxiety, excitement, or a combination of them both. About ten minutes or so passed, and Rafferty changed the settings on his device to both sound and vibration since he didn’t have to worry about any Kestles complaining for the next week. Several more ticked by when his phone finally pinged.
You owe me big time.
Rafferty was wondering how to respond, when across the room, in his peripheral vision, three people teleported in.
“Hey, get over here,” Dra’Kaedan yelled, causing Rafferty to jump.
Glancing up, his attention went straight to Aleksander. Without thought, he hopped to his feet and raced to him. Wrapping his arms around his neck he brushed their lips together, then held him tight.
“Was that okay? The kiss?” he whispered to him. The comfort of his embrace was filling him with absolute joy.
“Always.”
Next to them, Brogan let out a dramatic sigh, and Rafferty opened his eyes. They widened as he took in the Grand Duke and his mate. They were both wearing the loudest pajamas he’d ever seen in his life. Dancing giraffes decorated Dra’Kaedan’s, while Brogan’s sported disco elves.
“I’ll get your bag so we can get out of here,” Brogan groused, stomping to the seating area with his flip-flops snapping loudly in the near-empty building.
Dra’Kaedan yawned so big, his jaw cracked. “Welcome back, Your Highness. Let’s get the hell home. I’m going to need extra pancakes.”
“I guess I do owe you,” he told Aleksander.
“You don’t owe Giganteus shit. I’m the one with the magic,” Dra’Kaedan snapped.
“You need coffee, Squirt.”
“Yep, so I get first dibs. Let’s rock and roll.”
Without letting go of Aleksander, Rafferty closed his eyes. Whether it was because he was in the arms of his best friend or if it was due to his excitement, his reaction to Dra’Kaedan’s spell was more muted than normal. His tummy gurgled but didn’t pain him, and his mouth never changed, although he swore his lips still tingled from Aleksander’s kiss. Grinning, Rafferty planned to enjoy every moment of the next week.
