Page 48 of D'Vaire or Nothing
“Dear, what an excellent idea to bring him into our family on a fun weekend when he can explore the resort, meeteveryone, or retreat to the privacy of his room if we overwhelm him,” Saura enthused.
“Dra’Kaedan’s not here yet with the basket?” Grand Warlock Familiar Renny D’Vaire asked.
A banging on the door signaled the arrival of Brogan and Dra’Kaedan, along with the largest basket Josh had ever seen. It overflowed with bright pajamas, stuffed animals, toiletries, and other wrapped goodies. The damn thing was so big it took magic to get it through the door.
“Whoops, we’ve been expanding it with a spell,” Dra’Kaedan said. “I guess we didn’t realize how large we let it get. Oh well, who doesn’t love prezzies?”
Josh was embraced by the Grand Warlock, and he held on a little longer than necessary to take some extra comfort from the vibrant leader of the race the Aqua Superus hadn’t known he belonged to until he was nearly twenty years old.
“It’s okay to be scared,” Dra’Kaedan remarked softly. “In fact, I’d be worried if you weren’t. This isn’t an ordinary spell, and the relationship between warlock and familiar can’t be understated. The only thing that holds greater value in your life is your matebond.”
Bolstered by Dra’Kaedan’s words, Josh offered him a grateful smile as he stepped back. He was nearly close enough to grab Donnell’s hand, but there was another knock at the door. Pleased to find Dre’Kariston, Somerly, and Lucian joining their makeshift welcome committee, Josh rushed forward to give them hugs.
“Are you okay?” Dre’Kariston asked. “Any last questions before we begin?”
“I’m feeling better now that everyone is here, but I’m still fuckity nervous. I should be, right? Because he’s important and I want him to have the best life possible.”
“Exactly. Do you have a name option prepared?” Dre’Kariston asked.
“I was going to ask Saura to pick something like she did for Lucian,” Josh revealed.
Saura grinned. “I may have put together a short list in case I was called into service. I’m leaning toward one, but we’ll have to meet him and get a sense of which suits him best.”
With a nod, Josh swallowed thickly and was grateful that he was soon pressed against a familiar chest. Donnell’s lips landed on his head.
“Imagine how excited you were the day you went to D’Vaire and finally got to meet all of your found family,” Donnell said.
“The rest of them,” Josh corrected. “My first genuine family was the Ursus Arctos-Arturuses. The D’Vaires were the icing on the cake.”
Renny groaned. “Please don’t bring up cake with Dra’Kaedan in the room.”
“Oh, don’t worry, I’m already planning the celebration we’ll have for our newest D’Vaire on our next family weekend,” Dra’Kaedan said. “We’ll have a cake that looks just like him.”
“Dude, maybe rethink that,” Josh remarked. “Not sure how I’d feel spending the weekend with people who used a knife to cut up my body parts and feast on my cake self.”
“Thanks for that haunting image,” Donnell replied. “Are you ready?”
Josh scooped his elemental from the floor and handed Dylan to Donnell. “Will you hold him?”
“Of course,” Donnell said, nestling the little watery bear into the crook of his elbow.
Walking to the center of the room, Josh faced the twins who ruled the Coven of Warlocks.
“Whenever you’re ready,” Dre’Kariston said. “There’s no rush.”
With a nod, Josh closed his eyes and forced himself to stay rooted to the warlock side of his magic. He brought the image to mind that had appeared on his skin a year into his magical studies and watched as a form filled the space in front of him. At five-foot-two, Josh was tiny, and his familiar was perhaps an inch shorter.
His hair was black like Josh’s but lacked the thick teal streak he’d added permanently to his locks. The familiar’s smile flashed as he became a solid figure and rushed forward to hug Josh.
“Thanks for summoning me,” the man said.
“Sorry for taking so long,” Josh muttered as they stared at one another with matching aqua eyes.
“Don’t be, you weren’t ready. And it doesn’t matter, we’re best friends now.”
“I’d like that,” Josh replied, surprised at his sudden desire to weep. “I’d fuckity love that. I thought Saura could pick your name if that’s okay.”
In a flash, the familiar switched positions so he was at Josh’s side. With a courtly bow, he brandished a grin.
