Page 98 of Worthy Promises
“No, explain that you were told she’s your biological mother,” Aleksander suggested.
“Have no concern, I won’t mention you,” Worthington remarked.
Aleksander shrugged. “She has to know who I am.”
“Still, if she’s with a man who loves royalty, I don’t want to give her or King Mardas the idea that the High Kings D’Vaire want to meet with either of them,” Worthington said.
“I’m here for you though, so keep me updated,” Aleksander replied, tugging Rafe close and wrapping an arm around him.
“I will.”
“Good luck,” Mac commented. “Let me know if you want a proofreader or anything.”
“You deal with Council bills constantly, I’d appreciate that,” Worthington replied. “Are you ready to go write something fancy, Owliver?”
Oliver kissed his jaw. “I’m at your service.”
“Well then, let’s write this draft and see what else I can talk you into tonight,” Worthington teased with a smirk.
“There’s little you can’t talk me into,” Oliver assured him.
Heedless of the people surrounding them, Oliver sealed their mouths together and dipped his tongue in to taste the endlessly tempting Worthington. They had a letter to pen, but Oliver refused to allow Ismay to dominate their evening. The purpose of finding her was to aid any other children she’d birthed, and Oliver was eager for information. But his quest to learn more was secondary to caring for Worthington and stripping him once night fell.
∞∞∞
At first, Worth thought the screams were a nightmare. But his eyelashes fluttered up, and a second shrill sound was added to the first. Worth was trying to get his bearings when the arm around his waist disappeared, and Oliver shot up to a sitting position.
“That was Orion,” Oliver exclaimed as he tossed the covers aside and bolted from the bed.
The frantic movements of his mate and the realization that at least one of the people shrieking was Orion flung Worth into action.D’Vaire is a safe place with unparalleled security, he reminded himself as his heart raced. Worth chased after Oliver as Asteria emerged from her space and climbed hispajamas to perch on his shoulder. The owl shifter paused only long enough to snatch Worth’s hand.
“No one can get in the bubble,” Worth said. He wasn’t sure if the words were to calm himself or Oliver.
A man yelled from the hallway, and Worth picked up the pace as Oliver whipped the door open. Wood banged and footsteps thundered through the mansion as people emerged from their suites. The screams continued, and Oliver pushed his way through the growing throng of D’Vaires.
Seconds later, Worth’s gaze fell on Orion. The little boy was visibly trembling. His yellow gaze was wide with shock. Although he was no longer screaming, his mouth hung open.
At his side, Xakiok was clutching someone close to his chest. It was a child with long blonde hair peppered with vivid purple streaks. Part of Worth was pleased that the shouts had ended, but he was confused as fuck. Who was the little girl in Xakiok’s arms?
“How is this possible?” Daravius yelled.
Xakiok glanced at his bemollo, and fat tears slipped from his bright pink eyes. “Sham Bétea bo’moresllila.”
“On she ior’Zarasha?”
“What are they saying?” Oliver asked frantically.
“Thank Fate for miracles,” Renny translated as he tugged a weeping Rorie close. The Grand Warlock familiar swallowed thickly. “Daravius asked…wow…uh, he asked if that was our Zarasha.”
Xakiok nodded while chanting the same words again and again, “Sham Bétea bo’moresllila.”
“For fuck’s sake,” Brogan blurted. “How is this possible?”
“Bétea,” Daravius whispered, wrapping both Xakiok and Zarasha in his embrace.
Orion dashed to Oliver and flung his arms around him. Scooting closer to his mate and Orion, Worth ran a hand over Orion’s disheveled locks.
“I’m sorry, Orion,” Zarasha said. Her voice was muffled thanks to the way she was squished between Daravius and Xakiok. “I woke up. I woke up, and I wasn’t ato’faer. I have arms. Legs. I wanted to show you. I…I…am I dreaming?”
