Page 45 of Worthy Promises
As for Oliver’s brother, Orion had run around, played, and eventually exhausted himself. He’d fallen asleep on an oversized chair in the living room with Zarasha zonked out at his side. Worth’s cousin, Noirin, had produced a blanket, and Oliver had tucked the pair in, so he didn’t need to end his evening with Worth yet.
“I really appreciate your idea for Orion,” Oliver said to Worthington. The Duke Argent had asked the Grand Warlock to create a book from magic. For each beast in the entire extended D’Vaire family there was a page with their picture, and it was now being passed around to those inside so they could write a little note or sign it for Orion. Worthington had already invited the pair to attend the next monthly gathering when everyone would be present so no page would be left without a signature. “He’s going to love it.”
“I feel bad I had so little time to talk to him today,” Worthington confided as he stretched out his long legs on the chaise next to Oliver. “But he was having such fun with Zarasha that I didn’t want to interrupt.”
“It was so good to see him be a little kid. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him so happy.”
“Zarasha is irresistible,” Worthington said, then glanced around him. “So is this place my brother built. It has a way of soaking into your soul and mending hurts.”
Oliver nodded. It was rare for him to feel at peace, and he hadn’t known a place could offer contentment, but he and his owl were uncharacteristically relaxed. Or maybe it was the enigmatic man at his side soothing him. “It’s definitely special. So is Zarasha.”
“Since we’re alone, I’ll tell you her tale if you wish to hear it.”
“I don’t want to pry, but I am curious.”
“I hope you will consider my family your own and Orion’s too. That makes everything that goes on under this roof your business. Never doubt that, Owliver,” Worthington replied, his blue gaze darkening with seriousness as he studied Oliver’s face.
What does he see when he looks at me?Oliver wondered.
“I’ll try to keep that in mind.”
Worthington nodded. “You met all the Fae. Do you recall Zarasha’s cousin, Xakiok?”
The entire population of the Fae lived at D’Vaire and, sadly, only numbered nine. “Xakiok had the pink tunic and streaks in his hair. Also, the fewest beads and braids.”
“Yes, the poor man was tortured for years and detests having his hair tugged on.”
“Dear Fate, what the hell?”
“At the tender age of thirteen, Xak already had years of practice minding a herd of children. His parents and the other adults in his family heaped the responsibility of their broods on his young shoulders while he was just a boy himself. As you can imagine, he had days of frustration and irritation. One day, young Zarasha was annoying him. To get her to stop, he cast a spell to turn her into ato’faer. His magical lessons were nearly nonexistent. He didn’t understand that separating her soul from her body would be permanent.
“The second the spell was cast, his hair turned dark. Any Fae judged by Fate—who they call Bétea—as a Dark Fae was forced to a separate realm. At that point in Fae history, both Fae realms were run by people undeserving of their titles, but the former Valiant Defender was a sadistic, horrible man. Xakiok and Daravius were tortured for a child’s mistake. Although Zarasha will never grow or have a normal life, she holds nothing against Xak. He does everything in his power to ensure she has the best life we can give her.”
Oliver’s heart broke for everyone involved in what had happened to Zarasha. “That’s terrible. I can hardly believe someone would be cruel enough to torture anyone for a child’s mistake.”
“I doubt Xak will ever forgive himself.”
“I’m glad he’s here,” Oliver said. “If this is a place that can truly heal someone, maybe he’ll find a way to make peace with the past somehow.”
“Look at you already believing in the power of D’Vaire.”
“I don’t consider myself an optimist,” Oliver explained. “Nor do I bother with being negative. I prefer to be realistic and accept what is. Fate made you my mate. This is your home. I would never ask you to leave it. Where I live is just a building. One filled with memories that are better left behind. Someday I hope we can reach a point where Orion and I feel comfortable and welcome here.”
Worthington grinned so brightly Oliver smiled back at him immediately. “I was constructing a brilliant plan in my head to convince you that D’Vaire is a perfect home for you and your brother. You’re making things easy on me.”
“What arguments did you have lined up?”
With a flurry of movement and the scraping of his chaise across the deck, Worthington positioned himself close enough to grab Oliver’s hand. Once Worthington was relaxed against his cushion again, he toyed with Oliver’s fingers.
“Well, I mentioned the peace and tranquility.”
“You did.”
“One of my dearest friends in the house, Lex, has recently met his other half. Our fair Rutledge requires a room upstairs to get access to the outdoors easily since gargoyles can only shift at night. Lex left behind the bedroom next to mine when he moved upstairs to be with his mate. I thought that would be a perfect space for Orion. It’d be close enough for him to come get one of us if he needs a cuddle after a bad dream or wishes to tell us more dragon facts.”
Inexplicably moved that Worthington had already considered Orion’s needs, Oliver was wondering if it was wrong to be losing his heart to the pink dragon at his side so quickly.Oliver was still struggling to get to know Orion and to help him pick up the pieces following the death of their parents, and he wanted dearly for his brother to know he was there for him, no matter what.
“That is definitely a good thing to suggest and point out.”
