Page 86 of Distinctly Daray
Victor laughed. “Have fun hanging out with your mate, Chand.”
“I’d glare at you, but I need hugs so I can congratulate you properly,” Chander replied.
“Do not forget to change into your formal uniforms for dinner,” Alaric ordered as Darays headed toward where Keegan was standing with his mates to congratulate them.
“I literally can’t wait,” Victor enthused.
Phillip’s dark gaze met Keegan’s. “I can grab ours from home if you would like.”
“Thanks,” Keegan said, brushing his lips with Phillip’s. He wanted to do the same with Victor, but the cat shifter had already dropped his hand to embrace Chander. Keegan mentally shrugged. Happiness bubbled through him. He had to share Victor and Phillip for now, but later he’d have his mates to himself. Then they could celebrate and break in the new bed Victor had ordered for their permanent guest room at the mansion.
Keegan grinned with anticipation; he was already counting down the hours until nightfall.
∞∞∞
Since the weekend was planned by Alaric, an integral component of the festivities was related to weapons. Sentinels in the extended D’Vaire family didn’t stick to daggers alone, so men and women were spread across the vast backyard with swords, bows, and spears too. Keegan had a keen interest in learning as much as he could, but he was determined to improve his dagger skills at every opportunity.
His goal was to become a worthwhile sparring partner for Phillip and not require constant coaching. So, Keegan was wearing one of his new T-shirts with a cute caricature of himself,Phillip, and Victor on the front as he searched for someone willing to practice with him. The fact that Jeremiah had opted to put a tiara on Victor was probably Keegan’s favorite detail. As for the cat shifter, Victor had no interest in weapons, so he was inside hanging out with Evergreen and other D’Vaires.
Keegan wasn’t sure what their plan was, but he had no doubt that Victor would enjoy himself. The other man Keegan loved was currently charging toward Coven Lord Bridger D’Vaire with the same fierce expression of concentration Phillip wore when they were making love. It made Keegan wish he could drag Phillip and Victor back to bed and be put in another Spicy-Sparkle sandwich, but there would be time for that later.
A tall man with dark purple skin and black hair that flashed with hints of navy in the sun walked up to where Keegan stood on the deck.
“Need someone to spar with?” Brynewielm Duke Heathcliff D’Vairefenix asked.
“As long as you don’t mind pairing up with someone who’s only had a few months of practice,” Keegan replied to the phoenix shifter with a self-deprecating smile.
“You’re a fallen knight mated to a sentinel; you’ve probably had tons of experience already," Heath said.
Keegan chuckled. “Yeah, that’s true, but I live with a lot of sentinels, and I train at the sentinel complex. I start every training session wanting to apologize for being a beginner.”
“I’ve had years of practice now, and I still feel like apologizing to the sentinels. Should we do this?”
“I’d love to,” Keegan answered and unsheathed his weapons from his dragonskin holster.
At his side, Heath did the same as they searched for a spot to battle that wouldn’t interfere with anyone else. Like Keegan, Heath had blades made by Madeline. But their creator and shape were all the weapons had in common.
Keegan’s were mostly black with a splash of charcoal gray and sparkles for his mates. Heath’s daggers were the same iridescent dark blue flashing in his silver eyes and black hair. The blade itself was marked like a feather, and it glowed faintly.
“Your weapons are so cool,” Keegan said.
Glancing at his hands, Heath smiled. “Yeah, sometimes I forget how remarkable they are. Madeline creates so many beautiful weapons, I’ve started to think everyone has gorgeous ones like yours and mine.”
“What’s it like living here at D’Vaire?” Keegan asked, curious about both the Brynewielm Duke and the D’Vaire household.
“In a word: Mayhem. But I love it. This isn’t where I intended to live. After I came here to help my brother, I wanted to find a sanctuary so I could learn about the Council and find some purpose. I was told in no uncertain terms that this is a sanctuary and I belonged here. Turns out everyone was right. Now, I can’t imagine living anywhere else. What’s it like sharing a home with the Darays?”
“I’m not sure what the levels of mayhem are, but there’s definitely a wild component. Like you, I’ve found my place. Fate wanted me there, and I don’t know why she gave me my mates so close to my resurrection, but I’m nothing but grateful.”
“Should we pretend we know what we’re doing with these blades and square off?” Heath asked.
Keegan chuckled and nodded. “Just try not to squash me like a bug. Phillip’s dragon is overprotective and might murder you.”
“Thanks for the warning,” Heath muttered. “Something you could’ve mentioned before you accepted my invitation to spar.”
With another laugh, Keegan surged forward, and his right weapon clanged with Heath’s.So much for the element ofsurprise, Keegan mused to himself.Heath pivoted on his left foot and twirled back toward Keegan. His right arm swung out, but Keegan was ready, and he sidestepped the would-be attack.
“At least you’re fast,” Heath said. “I didn’t even have that going for me at the start. I’d been considered a warrior my entire life and didn’t know I couldn’t survive any genuine attack.”
