Page 91 of Mystique of the Fallen
Grant pressed his lips to Roman’s, and his heart bloomed in his chest. “In this life, I got exactly the man I needed.”
Roman kissed him again. “So did I. Let’s eat some more cookies and argue with these guys about who should do what in our matebond ceremony.”
Rubbing his hands together, Arvandus grinned. “I may have already thought about this and have some suggestions.”
“And by that, he means he’ll suggest himself for everything,” Samson teased.
Confused and astonished, Grant forced himself to set aside Reginald and Grant Calisto until later. He’d work through his feelings about it with the aid of Roman, but there was already a growing fire in him to learn whatever he could. It’d have to wait until Grant could handle the news with ease. But Grant needed to know how Calisto’s tale had ended.
Chapter 31
Roman’s matebond ceremony had yet to start, but tears were already threatening as he stood across from Grant in the expansive D’Vaire backyard. They wore matching cloaks of black and silver designed by Larissa, and Dra’Kaedan had filled the air with the scent of lime popcorn. The entire extended D’Vaire family was seated in the memorial garden, which was decorated in giant swags of the ranunculus flowers designed for Grant and Roman.
It was a dream come true for a man who’d begged Fate to bring him his other half for years, and the gorgeous brunet a few feet away was everything he’d ever wanted in a partner. Desperate to touch him, Roman reached out and grabbed his hands.
“I love you,” Roman said quietly.
Grant smiled and brushed their lips together. “I love you too.”
“I guess I don’t need to even bother mentioning that they’re doing things in the wrong order,” Dra’Kaedan called out from his chair in the front row. “Everyone does what they want without any desire to follow tradition anymore.”
“The one tradition you strictly adhere to is demanding cake at every event, so stop criticizing people and let Grant and Roman enjoy their day,” Grand Warlock Familiar Renny D’Vaire retorted, his navy gave narrowed on the man who’d summoned him.
“If you guys aren’t ready to begin yet, that’s cool, but this is a warning that the D’Vaires are going to spiral out of control soon,” Aleksander remarked. “We aren’t really known for our good behavior.”
Roman chuckled. “We’re ready, right, baby?”
“Oh yeah, we’re ready. My soul is one hundred percent willing to be joined with Roman’s.”
Aleksander’s brother, Duke Argent Worthington D’Vairedraconis, whistled loudly and earned the glares and stifled near-curses of everyone around him.
“We were already quiet,” Dra’Kaedan told Worth.
“Just a moment ago, you were arguing with your familiar, as is your habit,” Worth replied. “It was necessary to warn everyone to shut up and appreciate the solemnity of this occasion. Is that not right, Owliver?”
Worth’s other half, Duke Argent-mate Oliver D’Vairescandiacus, closed his eyes and shook his head. “I adore you, but don’t bring me into this.”
Aleksander elbowed Rafe. “Start the ceremony or we’re probably going to have to kick Worth off the property.”
Whipping his head toward Aleksander, Rafe scowled. “What? You usually start them.”
“Let’s change things up today,” Aleksander suggested, grinning at Rafe.
“Oh man, someone go inside and grab me some popcorn so I can enjoy this fight,” Dra’Kaedan demanded.
“There isn’t going to be a fight,” Rafe commented with his dark gaze still fixed on Aleksander. “I’ll begin, but this was not how I laid things out in my agenda.”
Roman had to bite his lip to keep from laughing, and he refused to glance at Grant. From the corner of his eye, he could see Grant’s shoulders shaking. His other half had already lost the battle to contain his hilarity.
“Are you guys ready?” Rafe finally asked Roman and Grant.
“Didn’t they already do this part?” Dra’Kaedan called out.
“They’re holding hands,” Rafe pointed out. “They can’t start like that, which is why I asked.”
Roman reluctantly released his hold on Grant. “Please begin whenever you’re ready, Your Highness.”
Rafe’s lips pursed, but he lifted his chin and smiled. “Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us today on this special day. Sander and I are thrilled to be officiating a matebond for Venerable Knight Roman Calixtus and Venerable Knight Grant Valerius and are grateful Fate brought them together.”
