Page 35 of Mystique of the Fallen
“Make yourself proud first and the rest will follow.”
“I like you, Roman.”
With a grin, Roman slipped a magical patch out of his pocket and gently adhered it to Grant’s uniform. “I like you too, Venerable Knight Valerius.”
“I was resurrected first. Do the fallen knights in my graduating class all have Latin last names because of you and me?”
“Don’t ask me, I didn’t pick it.”
“Like I can question the Arch Lich.”
“He’s part of your family now. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to ask him whatever you want.”
“Then the first thing I plan to say to him isthanks. I hope I didn’t forget to say it the day I was resurrected. Being a fallen knight is turning out to be the most wonderful experience.”
“Are you ready to graduate?” Roman asked as they shared another smile.
“Hell yes.”
“Good. Let’s go to the ceremony and you can introduce me to your graduating class.”
“They’re going to lose their fucking minds,” Grant remarked. “Pretty sure I am too, once this sinks in. I’ll have to relax with some popcorn later and think about the hot guy I met this afternoon.”
“Or you could go out to dinner with me instead.”
“Invitation accepted.”
“Good, I’d like that.”
“I’m still going to want some popcorn.”
With Grant on his heels, Roman opened the door and motioned for Grant to walk ahead of him. “I think that can be arranged.”
“Make sure and check out my ass,” Grant said, wiggling his impressive tush. “It’s pretty damn fine.”
“You’re not lying.”
Roman was delighted, and his nerves were long gone. He stepped into the hallway and thanked Fate for his second chance with Grant.
Chapter 14
Grant’s head was spinning. He’d barely wrapped his mind around the title he’d earned, and before he heard it announced, he’d met the other half of his soul. Glancing over at Roman, Grant smiled. The man was gorgeous. He was also one of the most revered fallen knights in history. Was the fourth fallen knight ever resurrected disappointed that Fate had paired him with someone who’d yet to work a full day?
“Congratulations,” Roman said, his beautiful mouth curling into a grin Grant wanted to trace with his fingertips and tongue.
Ducking his head, Grant stuffed his hands into his pockets. “Thanks.”
“Do you want me to stop embarrassing you now?” Roman asked with a chuckle.
Grant blew out a heavy breath. “If one more person compliments me, I might become the first fallen knight to melt into a pile of unrecognizable goo.”
“Pretty sure your entire race being proud of you isn’t a terminal illness.”
“Oh yeah? Did you have to sit through a graduation ceremony? Stand in front of a room full of fallen knights, sentinels, and their families as they clapped and cheered? I bet you’ve spent the last six and a half centuries avoiding the spotlight. Instead, you’ve done your job so damn well that everyone speaks of you reverently. So, no teasing me about being embarrassed by praise.”
“You got me there,” Roman said. He leaned closer, and Grant swore his blood pressure rose as the buttery popcorn scent of his mate flooded his senses. “In fact, I’ve categorically refused any request to give the Venerable Knights a recognition ceremony or any of the other similar efforts presented to us to acknowledge our service. I don’t mind commanding a room, but I like my work to speak for itself. I’m far more comfortable handing out awards than accepting them.”
“It’s weird, right? I want people to be happy with my efforts but discreetly send me a thank you note or something.”
