Page 91 of Distinctly Daray
“Wow. I shouldn’t be surprised considering how talented everyone in Sorcery D’Vaire is, but…wait, does that mean others were approved too? They had to be, right?” Keegan asked.
“Everyone but the youngest of the D’Vaire clan has already drunk it,” Victor replied. “I’m sure as soon as they’re old enough to understand immortality and can be trusted to keep it a secret they’ll have some too.”
“It is a relief to know we need not lose anyone in our extended family,” Phillip remarked.
Victor leaned over to kiss him. “I love hearing you include yourself as part of the incredible family who adopted this little kitty.” He stretched to brush his lips with Keegan’s too. “Thanks for the immortality you two would’ve shared with me next week if Sorcery D’Vaire hadn’t already given it to me.”
“We should be thanking you for suggesting we have Alaric and Chander assign roles for our matebond ceremony,” Keegan said with a grin. “Did you ask them to reserve any spots for your parents if today goes well?”
Victor shook his head. “No, I only want the Darays and our dearest friends to be involved. They’re the ones who’ve supported me—and now you two—unconditionally from the start. The only thing my parents approve of is my job. Having Alaric and Chander handle the arrangements will ensure there are no hard feelings, and I didn’t ask them to save spots for any Antonovs.”
“Sentinels are competitive for sure, so I’m glad Alaric and Chand are helping us. I understand why you want family and friends involved; you’re a vital part of the Darays, and they love you,” Keegan responded.
“The Antonovs don’t know that part. My parents expect me to keep a professional distance from the Council leaders in my home. I should know my place and sneak off to my room the minute I clock out. Feather dusters and crowns don’t mix.”
“You are a housekeeper with a tiara. They clearly know nothing,” Phillip stated with a small smile.
“Damn right you are, Sparkles,” Keegan added.
“Okay, let’s go inside and get this over with so we can enjoy the rest of our Sunday,” Victor said, forcing himself to let go of Phillip’s hand and exit the car.
Once he’d scrambled out, Victor waited patiently for Keegan and Phillip, then led them down the short walk to the house. He opened the front door, and ignoring his siblings and their offspring, Victor went to the kitchen with Keegan and Phillip on his heels.
As he expected, his mother and father were preparing food, and Loria was with them. It was rarer to find her apart from his parents than at their side. Allowing no emotion to cloud his voice despite the anxiety growing inside him, Victor introduced his Cinder Lords to his mom, dad, and sister.
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Antonov,” Phillip said as Keegan reached out to shake their hands.
Loria flung her arm in front of Phillip, and Victor moved forward to partially block her from getting any closer to his mate.
“Sentinels don’t touch strangers,” Victor reminded his sister. It was public knowledge, and given that Victor had worked for sentinels for decades, he didn’t have to ask if Loria knew better. She was being deliberately provocative. It was ironic. Victor was thought to be the one drawing attention to himself with loud clothes and make-up, but Loria could act rude or speak her mind without thought to anyone’s feelings, and she’d never experienced an ounce of disapproval from their parents.
“Have a seat,” Victor’s father invited, pointing to the barstools at the island. “We have much to discuss.”
“We do?” Victor asked. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to or not, but he sat and encouraged Keegan and Victor into the seats on either side of him. At least the three of them were in this together.
“Of course, your life is about to change a great deal,” his mother said.
Loria smiled, but it raised Victor’s hackles. Something about it was sly. Or maybe it was his tension growing in anticipation of disapproval.
“Yes, according to you, Fate has paired you with the Cinder Lords,” Loria remarked.
“You don’t have to use their titles,” Victor commented.
“Fate paired the three of us together,” Phillip stated. “I know I speak for Keegan when I say we are grateful for Fate’s choice. We have been incredibly lucky too. Many people wait a long time, yet Keegan and I were brought together with Victor shortly after our resurrection.”
“Did you ask the Arch Lich to resurrect men you found attractive?” Loria asked.
“That’s not how it works, Loria,” Victor retorted. “The Arch Lich resurrects men and women at the specific request of the Reverent Knights, Lich Sentinel, and Lich Reaper. Those decisions are based on the needs of the Council. Even if I were audacious enough to approach Chander about resurrecting someone specifically for me, he would refuse. But let’s say he did; it still wouldn’t work. Sentinels lack sexuality with everyone but their mates.”
“We did read that,” Victor’s father said. “Your mother and I tried to learn what we could of sentinels and fallen knights.”
“I would’ve been happy to answer your questions,” Victor replied. “I’ve lived with them for decades now.”
“And added Daray to your name,” Loria muttered. “You’re a cat shifter, not a necromancer. That name belongs to the Arch Lich and his family.”
“I’m not going to argue you with about my last name or my relationship with the Darays,” Victor said.
“There is no need for hysterics,” Victor’s mother stated, her stern green gaze landing on Victor’s face. “We are asking questions. Nothing else. Your future must be decided.”
