Page 33 of Worthy Promises
Desperate to change the subject, since Oliver could do nothing about Orion and his failure to properly reach out to the grieving child at the moment, he forced a smile. “He’ll probably like you.”
“I’m mostly irresistible.”
“Only mostly.”
Worthington drained the rest of his champagne and grinned, but it was missing his earlier verve. “You’re my first mate; I don’t want to assume I’ve swept you off your feet already.”
Reaching out to snag Worthington’s empty glass and setting it on the stone tablet next to his own, Oliver leveled a sincere gaze at the beautiful dragon. “You are unlikely to get another mate.”
“Aren’t you interested in finding another so we can indulge in threesomes?”
Oliver’s owl grew antsy and hooted in his head, as if declaring Worthington his territory. “I’ve never been good at sharing anything. My owl is losing his shit in my head, so I’m guessing he’s not interested in allowing anyone else to sink their fangs into your neck.”
“My dragon is rather pissed at my glibness too. Cheating is also out of the question, Owliver.”
“Of course it is. Worthington?”
“Yes?”
“It’s fair to assume you’re sweeping me off my feet.”
The Duke Argent grinned in a way that had Oliver curling his fingers around the edge of the bench so he wouldn’t grab Worthington to taste his mouth. “Good, I like you too.”
As he stared deep into Worthington’s scaly eyes, he dared to dream about a happy future with the dragon. From what Oliver had read about the D’Vaires, they were a tight-knit family, and he couldn’t expect Worthington to give up living with them to wander through the house in St. James filled with unfortunate memories. Somehow, Oliver would have to prepare his brother to eventually leave the only home he’d known.
How was his brother going to react, and what would it mean for his grieving process? Oliver didn’t have any idea what to expect, but surely a loving family would be a better environment for Orion. Since Oliver wasn’t prepared to walk away from his gift from Fate, he’d have to figure out how to combine the two very different worlds he was now straddling.
The happiness of both Orion and Worthington was up to Oliver, and he promised himself he wouldn’t fail in giving them everything he could. He hoped his brother would be as excited as Oliver about getting to see the fantastic dragons of D’Vaire.
Fate believed he was meant to be with Worthington, and Oliver and his owl desperately wanted the goddess to be right.
Chapter 12
Eyes narrowed, Worth swept his gaze across the dark blues and black of his bedroom. It was beautiful, but it didn’t suit a snowy owl whose favorite color was pink. Worth could do nothing about it right now. He’d met Oliver the previous night; he could hardly invite him over to discuss drapes and sofas.
What if Oliver doesn’t want to move to D’Vaire?
An icy chill crept along Worth’s spine at the thought of leaving his family. It didn’t last long. If Oliver had other plans, Worth would have to convince him how wonderful D’Vaire would be for him and his younger brother, Orion. D’Vaire was a terrific place to heal, to build lasting relationships, and Worth wouldn’t give up until he had both owls living in his home.
Asteria hopped out of her little private area in the corner of his bedroom and jumped on the bed.
“Took a little nap while I was showering, did you?” Worth asked as she climbed up his button-down to his shoulder and nuzzled his neck. “A little extra sleep was something I needed this morning as well. I wish you’d been with me last night and met my mate. You’ll adore him, I’m sure.”
Worth reached up to pet her as she settled into a sitting position. Although Worth wasn’t one for secrets, he’d opted to tell no one the previous night about the gorgeous blond he’dmet. He’d decided almost immediately after his blood cooled and he’d adjusted to the miracle of having Oliver that he wanted to tell his entire family together.
Breakfast was perfect for his announcement—everyone would be assembled, and Worth couldn’t keep it to himself any longer or he’d burst. Eager to celebrate the unparalleled joy of finally finding his other half, Worth left his bedroom with Asteria. What would Oliver think of Worth’s Fae pet?
With a smile, Worth strode down the hall and entered the busy mayhem of the D’Vaires grabbing their breakfast from the long buffet set up on the counter. It was always a balm to Worth’s soul to join his family for the morning meal. Night wasn’t his favorite time. He hated being alone and had no choice but to retire to his lonely suite to sleep.
As soon as a new day dawned, he eagerly rose and was often one of the first in the kitchen to eat the delicious meal lovingly made by Noirin and her other half, Seneschal Duke-mate Kendrick. The pair stood near one of the two stoves and shared a kiss. Worth smiled and imagined himself doing the same with Oliver someday soon.
“I guess your late-night partying had you sleeping in this morning,” Lex teased Worth.
Kitchi grinned, and humor danced in his brown eyes. “Not that I’m one to gossip, but I saw the Duke Argent speaking with what I can only describe as a seriously hot blond last night.”
“Did he now?” Lex asked, lifting a brow as he wrapped his arms around his gargoyle mate, Rutledge.
Worth tried his damnedest to hold in his smile but failed miserably. “Mind your own business, Lex. Grab a plate for our fair Rutledge and stop intruding upon my affairs.”
