Page 20 of Distinctly Daray
“Congratulations,” Dra’Kaedan enthused. “Congratulations to all three of you. And don’t worry, I’ll keep this quiet until you’re ready to announce your news.”
“I do not wish to keep it a secret, Grand Warlock,” Phillip replied. “Unless, of course, Keegan and Victor disagree.”
“I’m good with telling anyone,” Keegan commented quickly.
Both cat and man were excited at the enthusiasm of their mates, so Victor was nearly weeping happy tears.
“You can announce it to the whole family if you like,” Victor assured Dra’Kaedan as Brogan pushed his way past his mate to offer Victor a hearty embrace.
“Congratulations,” Brogan echoed. “I know some men in a couple of triple matebonds that would love to offer their support, so I’m glad we can share your news.”
“We all know them,” Dra’Kaedan drawled. “They’re family. Victor can call them up whenever he wants.”
Brogan rolled his eyes. “Let’s go home.”
They shimmered from view seconds later.
“Phillip. Keegan. Grab whatever seat you want,” Victor ordered, idly wondering if his dinner rolls were burned as he bustled into the kitchen.
“Can we leave a seat between us for you, Victor?” Keegan asked.
Victor flashed a smile at the fallen knight. “If it’s okay with you, I’d prefer Phillip in the middle.”
“Perfect idea,” Keegan responded.
The Darays finally cranked into motion, and Victor tried in vain not to notice the way no one had congratulated them but the visiting D’Vaires. Perhaps the shock needed to fade a bit before everyone would be able to remember that the last sentinel to find himself in a triple matebond had succeeded in binding himself lovingly to his elf and enchanter. While he wasno sentinel himself, Victor was a determined man, and he would honor Fate—no matter how long it took or what obstacles were thrown in his way.
Chapter 8
Phillip breathed easily for the first time in his brief life. With Victor on one side of him and Keegan on the other, Phillip’s dragon was in ecstasy. Unfortunately, the man in question was growing uneasy. While Victor appeared excited to meet him and Keegan, there was also a crease between his brows as food was passed around the round table.
The Daray home was pleasing. Past the wooden table loaded with dishes, there was an enormous kitchen filled with cabinets and shiny stone countertops. The dining table sat beyond a row of teal cushioned barstools. A few feet away was a gigantic living area, complete with a magical lagoon where a gray river otter with butterfly wings floated.
Couches in a deep chocolate brown that reminded Phillip of Keegan’s beautiful eyes were arranged around a big television. To break up the monotony of color, there was a plethora of throw pillows in varying shades of teal. Adding to the ambiance was a wash of fading sunlight through the windows stretching from ceiling to floor. Pinks, peaches, and even a hint of purple painted the sandy mountains and the Las Vegas skyline.
It was an enviable view but less striking to Phillip than the handsome redhead and pretty blond Fate had granted him. Phillip wanted to revel in Fate’s bounty, but the tensionin Victor’s slight frame gave him pause. Apparently sensing him staring, Victor glanced up at Phillip. His green eyes were accented with liner and shadow, and Phillip idly wondered how long it’d taken his mate to perfect his artistry with make-up.
Someone cleared their throat, and Phillip turned to his leader.
“Is everyone done filling their plates?” Alaric asked with irritation as he glared at the other Darays.
“Babe, what’s wrong?” Chander asked.
“The Daray family is finally alone, so I can offer my congratulations to Victor and his mates, but it has taken everyone entirely too long to pass around the food,” Alaric complained.
“Phillip’s time is limited,” Samson pointed out. “We’re trying to allow him to eat his entire dinner before he needs to go home.”
“What do you think Phillip is more excited about?” Alaric asked belligerently, one dark brow rising. “Eating or celebrating an incomparable day thanks to Fate?”
“Who’s stopping you from congratulating them now?” Chander asked.
Alaric narrowed his glowing gaze at his other half briefly, then turned toward Phillip and his mates with a bright, winning smile. “Phillip and Keegan, allow me to officially welcome you to the Daray family. I have no question that the three of you will be happily mated. Sentinels never fail, and neither does Victor.”
“Of course they aren’t going to fail, but it won’t kill you to compliment a fallen knight,” Arvandus teased. “Keegan won’t fail either.”
“Definitely not at this,” Alaric agreed.
“Are Phillip and Keegan moving in today?”
