Page 101 of Worthy Promises
“Great, now I feel guilty and awful,” Jeremiah complained, bowing his head slightly. The long layers of his blond hair highlighted with a pale pink fell forward, covering his unique glittery gaze. “It was dumb of me not to take you up on your offer, Oliver. As for mates, mine hasn’t shown up. Only Fate knows how long that’ll take. I hope I’m ready when he does.”
“I thought I was prepared,” Worthington confided. “For so many years, I wanted to end my loneliness. Owliver helps with that, but that’s really a minor thing it turns out. What he does is complete my soul. There is a contentedness I can’t explain. As close as I was to my dragon before, we share an affinity now that we lacked. No matter what, we are mutually dedicated to Owliver. I can’t wait for you to have that in your life.”
“I’ve spent so much time studying the bond between man and beast, I can’t help but be curious about the changes that occur following a matebond ceremony,” Jeremiah replied.
“You paint so much from your heart, and it shows on your canvasses,” Oliver commented. “It’ll be fascinating to see how your art transforms too.”
“It seems impossible for your art to get better, but I know it will,” Worthington added.
Jeremiah huffed out an annoyed breath. “Okay, okay. Stop being so nice to me. I won’t be able to stand myself if youkeep feeding my ego. I prefer you being upset that I interrupted your little make-out session.”
“My darling Magister Duke, there is nothing little about any kisses from Owliver,” Worthington said.
“Be nice to a man who’s going to bed alone tonight, and spare me the details,” Jeremiah insisted.
“Your Grace, this room has plenty of singles in it,” Worthington retorted. “Peruse the space and use that handsome face to pick up someone who interests you for the night.”
“I’ll pass. My art is up and being judged by everyone in here. No matter how many shows I do, the anxiety never gets better. I can’t really handle the added pressure of trying to pick up some guy. Honestly, I suck at it.”
“Anyone who doesn’t think your art is of the highest quality is clearly incapable of appreciating beauty,” Oliver stated.
“Trust my Owliver, he has incomparable taste,” Worthington said, grinning. “After all, look at his mate.”
Oliver chuckled. “That was Fate’s doing, but it was kind of her to offer me a man without flaws.”
“Without flaws?” Jeremiah asked. “Wow. Suddenly I’m super eager to have some guy who can’t find anything wrong with me. Maybe I need to rethink my reluctance about finding my mate right away.”
“Of course you do,” Worthington drawled. “The sooner you’re matched, the better.”
“Should we go check in with Lex and Rutledge and offer our assistance for anything they need?” Oliver asked.
“Yes, and we should let Chrys and Elf know they can give us their little toast whenever they want,” Worthington said.
“On a side note, how long do you think we’re going to keep Noir from the kitchen?” Jeremiah asked. “She’s already trying to sneak in there and cook.”
“I expect she’ll be demanding her return within a week or two at most,” Worthington said, leading their little group to the front of the room where Lex and Rutledge were standing. “Thank goodness Zarasha has insisted on giving Henry recipes and Noir another list of things she wants to try. I don’t think Noir could handle Henry getting to share all those firsts with our small Fae goddess.”
“I’m still trying to wrap my head around her change fromto’faerto little girl,” Oliver confided. “Every morning seeing her, it’s a shock to my system. But I’m thrilled for her. She is so excited about everything she can do now. She and Orion are even more inseparable than before. I don’t have to worry about homework or tests because they’re devoted to school.”
“Fate definitely works in mysterious ways,” Jeremiah commented.
“Yes, like why it took her so damn long to bring Owliver into my life,” Worthington complained.
“I prefer to focus on the fact that we’re together now instead of how long we waited for each other,” Oliver replied.
With a gorgeous smile that lit up his blue eyes, Worthington kissed his cheek. “Always the voice of reason. Thank Fate for you.”
“I love you too,” Oliver replied.
∞∞∞
Oliver was drying his hands in the bathroom when he heard the door to his bedroom slam shut and Worthington shout, “Owliver!”
Immediately concerned, Oliver left the bathroom and rushed to Worthington. Oliver grabbed his biceps and searchedhis blue eyes. His heart rate settled as he noted there was a mixture of love, excitement, and impatience, but no fear.
“What’s wrong?” Oliver asked.
Worthington kissed him firmly. “I didn’t mean to worry you, but there’s been a development, and I’ve searched everywhere in the house for you. It’s the middle of the afternoon; you’re supposed to be at your desk expertly running your art empire.”
