Page 49 of Worthy Promises
“You did?” Orion asked with surprise and turned back toward Oliver.
“Yes. Everyone forgets stuff sometimes.”
“But you think of everything, Oliver.”
Oliver’s thoughts immediately went to how he’d misread the first years of Orion’s life and his belief that his little brother had been happy. “I make mistakes like everyone else.”
“Okay,” Orion replied, then dashed out. “Hurry up, I want to go to D’Vaire to play with Zarasha and Asteria. I also want to taste s’mores.”
Happy to oblige his only sibling, Oliver dutifully followed him into the hallway and to Orion’s bedroom. Like Orion, Oliver wanted nothing more than to be at D’Vaire and see Worthington again.
Chapter 17
Oliver and Orion arrived at D’Vaire following a quick teleport thanks to the Grand Warlock. Oliver immediately went inside and found the Duke Argent in the great room. A few feet away was a group of single family members ready for their chance to hopefully find their other half at a Fated D’Vaire event. Like Oliver, Worthington was dressed in a dark suit and pink shirt. Unlike the floral one Orion had insisted was perfect for the night, Worthington wore a striped button-down. His beautiful blue eyes were lit with joy and a hint of wickedness.
To Oliver’s great delight, Worth crossed the space and leaned in to press a soft kiss to his cheek.
“Hello, Owliver,” Worthington said. “I adore this lovely shirt on you.”
“He wasn’t sure if he should wear it,” Orion volunteered with an impish grin. “I told him he should. It’s pretty.”
“Whyever wouldn’t you wear it?” Worthington asked Oliver. It amused Oliver the way both the pink dragon and his littlellerka’irrohad curiosity in their gazes as they studied him.
“It’s bold. Not my usual style. I’m not sure what prompted me to purchase it other than I liked the flowers.”
“Does wearing it make you uncomfortable?” Worthington asked.
Oliver thought about it and decided he’d liked the slightly more daring version of himself he’d found in the mirror that evening. “No.”
“I’m glad you took Orion’s advice. It suits you.”
The High Kings entered the great room, and Aleksander released Rafe’s hand to approach his brother.
“Come on, Asteria,” Aleksander coaxed after he greeted Oliver and Orion. It was remarkable how similar Aleksander’s bone structure was to Worthington’s, but in Oliver’s mind, no one compared to his mate.
Although her big eyes were sad, Asteria allowed Aleksander to pluck her off Worthington’s shoulder.
“They won’t be gone too long,” Aleksander assured Asteria as she climbed up to his shoulder. She stayed up there only long enough to spot Orion, then darted down to get pets from him. “They’ll bring you home something sweet.”
“You’re here,” Zarasha yelled as she zoomed into the space with Xakiok on her heels. “Yay!”
“I’ll text Jeremiah to get his ass in here so we can get to the event,” Dra’Kaedan remarked as he plucked his phone out of his pocket.
Worthington lowered to a knee and received a tight embrace from Zarasha. “Your turn, Orion,” Worthington commented. “Give me a hug.”
With both surprise and pleasure, Orion barely hesitated to do what he was told.
“Your brother needs a hug too,” Worthington told the little boy as Oliver stood there wondering what magic his mate had that he could so easily prompt Orion into offering affection. Oliver hadn’t grown up with any of it and had no clue how to ask for it. Although the last thing he wanted was for Orion to be deprived of anything, Oliver was never sure if it was suitable torequest affection instead of waiting until his brother suggested it.
They shared hugs, but they were few and infrequent. Oliver hastily kneeled to hold his brother tightly and closed his eyes to breathe in the moment. It was something so simple, but it meant everything to him.
“Are you ready to go outside and see our tent?” Zarasha asked Orion as Oliver released him. Orion gave Oliver a cheerful smile, then gave his attention to his new friend. A second later, the two children rushed out the backdoor with Asteria chasing after them, and Oliver straightened slowly.
“How did you do that?” Oliver asked Worthington as they both stood.
“Do what?”
“Get him to hug me so easily.”
