Page 18 of Worthy Promises
“Did everyone react this way?” Vampyr Lord Grigori Volkov-D’Vaire asked his mate, High Arcanist Delaney Volkov-D’Vaire.
“Pretty much,” the dark wizard replied with a grin.
“Lex, your parents were approved as well. Next time they visit, we’ll be sure and give them the drink,” Aleksander said. Lex whooped with joy as Aleksander threw his arms out. “All right, D’Vaires. We have an eternity together. We’ve vanquished our enemies and added some incredible people into our family. Any clue what we do next?”
“I don’t know…but whatever it is, we’ll be ready,” Delaney shouted.
Worth was hauled into his brother’s arms, and he clung to Aleksander. It was impossible to find any words to show his gratitude, and now that the side effects of the potion were wearing off, Worth’s heart overflowed again.
“I need a moment,” Worth whispered.
“Go on, I’ll help cover for you and pretend I didn’t see you sneak out,” Aleksander replied as he clapped him on the back and released him. His brother understood him so well, Worth didn’t have to explain how overcome he was, and it was one more beautiful thing to add to his intense emotions.
With a nod, Worth kept a hand on his coronet as he took advantage of the chaos in the room to escape. He sprinted through the empty house until he got to the door bearing a plaque with his name on it, which had been placed there by Madeline. He sailed into his dark space. Worth sank to the floor and huddled next to the bench at the end of his bed as he wept tears of happiness.
Being a D’Vaire and serving Aleksander had grown to mean everything to him. Knowing that he’d now be a Dukeand live eternally was beyond his wildest dreams, and Worth thanked Fate for bringing him where he was meant to be.
Chapter 7
Three years later
“Ithink what you’ve done with this place is admirable,” Killian the Dwyer said. It was the druid’s first time attending the weekly D’Vaire meeting, and Worth was pleased to see his cousin, Dravyn, and his mate so happy. “The warmth starts from the moment you walk through the door. I was able to sense that, even with my substantial issues. I commend all of you.”
“Thank you, our goal is to be a family, and everything centers around that,” Aleksander replied, reclining in his usual spot at the heart of the room.
“Your cousin never minces words. Is this the sort of space where if we had an issue with people and not with how anything is working within your house or sanctuary, we’d discuss that?” Killian asked.
“Whenever possible we try to avoid secrets, and our meetings are a great place to clear the air.”
“I want to talk about Dravyn’s past,” Killian stated. “I’m not content with the scant details he’s given me. What’s wrong, Dray?”
“I don’t want to upset anyone,” Dravyn responded quietly.
“What’s to get upset about?” Worth asked, no longer fazed by anything in his past. Man and dragon were in perfect harmony, and Court Ethelin was a lifetime ago. The D’Vaires were a noble family now connected intimately to Court Draconis as the lone High Court, which had to burn Boian’s ass.
Aleksander had been crowned dragonkind’s first High King, and his Dukes had unique titles too. Worth had become Duke Argent thanks to his affinity with numbers, and he’d dedicated himself fully to learning whatever he could about financial matters. Boian had thought little of Worth, but he’d long ago proven his father wrong.
“You want to discuss Boian? I’m happy to,” Worth said. “The man’s a shit. Do you need the whole history?”
“No, a lot of it was in the news, so I read plenty,” Killian replied. “Let’s talk about Duke Drogo.”
“Why do you want to talk about my dad?” Lex asked, his brows furrowing in confusion.
“Okay, Dray. You never mentioned Drogo’s son lived here.”
“How didn’t you figure that out when you met Drogo? He lives next door,” Dravyn retorted.
“I met him briefly. I know he’s the first Duke for King and Queen Bera. All I know about them is that they’re the Reverent Knight’s parents and you like to grill with Aeron.”
“Why are you angry at my dad?” Lex asked, affronted.
Killian scowled. “I’m not mad at him. I just want to know what he knows about Noir and Dray’s parents.”
“If he knows anything, he’s never said it,” Brogan remarked, his brow furrowed in thought.
“Would you bring up someone’s dead parents if they didn’t ask?” Killian countered.
“Okay, you’ve got a point.”
