Page 98 of D'Vaire or Nothing
But what captivated Ashby was how animated Seltivare was as he happily chatted with his brother and parents. It was obvious the four were close, and it thrilled Ashby that their recent matebond had done nothing to pull apart their family. The fact that they’d all agreed to live at either D’Vaire or Elven D’Vaire was something Ashby was especially ecstatic about, andhe intended to do his part to ensure they felt blissful, especially Seltivare.
Eventually, the twins said farewell to their folks and ended the call. Ashby grinned like a fool as Seltivare rushed over to the couch, squished himself against the lucky druid, and pressed a cheery kiss on his greedy lips.
“You’ll never guess what our parents have done now,” Mavizare exclaimed excitedly as he sat cross-legged on a low sculpted-back chair opposite the sofa.
“Tell me everything,” Ashby said as he ensured Seltivare stayed tucked next to him by putting an arm around the elf and resting his warm hand on his hip.
“We’re no longer D’Vaires,” Seltivare responded excitedly. “Our parents were offered the choice of taking on the name of any of the tribes involved in the sanctuary and they chose Valzadari. So Mavi and I will be hyphenated again. So will they.”
“Did they say why they chose Valzadari?” Ashby asked.
“Yes, they wanted to select one of the tribes with painted skin,” Mavizare explained.
“Chieftain Kalthekor Valzadari wears mostly blue and black,” Seltivare added. “Obviously, his skin is blue and so is his sword mark from Fate marking him as leader. His mate’s centaur is black, so his clothing reflects that. It allows our parents to freely wear D’Vaire colors and call them their tribal ones since they reflect what Kalthekor elects to put on. Which is how Valzadari won among the equally wonderful tribes.”
“Momma is no fool either,” Mavizare said with a rueful grin and mischief in his blue eyes. “They want every elf to see that the sanctuary is run by an elven couple with rich traditions and a powerful tribe name. It may sway some people who need help that they have such an influential connection.”
“I have my doubts,” Seltivare remarked, his gaze far gentler and more serious than his exuberant twin’s. “Elven D’Vaire has been connected to the Valzadari from the start. Some have even been caretakers. They can’t tell us every part of the arrangements they’re discussing with the board, but at least we know our parents are safe and they’re so happy to be doing this.”
“And we can ask Ashby or anyone here to teleport us to visit them whenever we want,” Mavizare commented. “We don’t have to bother Brogan to get permission either, because they’re under a bubble of magic like us.”
“So, you have doubts that the changes they’re making are going to work to add new residents to the sanctuary?” Ashby asked, brushing a kiss against Seltivare’s temple.
“I want it to work,” Seltivare responded immediately. “I’d love that for elves in trouble. Personally, I also don’t want our parents to grow frustrated and want to do something more exciting if nothing changes.”
“I’m not worried about that,” Mavizare said. “Mom and Dad want to build relationships with the resurrected elves there. They also want to create something meaningful and permanent. I think they’re going to dig their roots in and never want to leave.”
“Unless their son never finds his mate and they decide they have to concoct a plan to push him out of the nest again,” Seltivare drawled.
Mavizare’s mouth dropped open, and Ashby had to bite his tongue to keep from laughing at the mixture of horror and outrage on his face. “Push me out of the nest? I’m thirty.”
“Complain to Ashby. That’s what he said to me two weeks ago. He looked me right in the eye and told me he was grateful Momma pushed her little elves out of the nest.”
“Up until this moment, I had a mixture of joy and—if I’m honest—envy about your relationship,” Mavizare retorted with his eyes narrowed. “I thanked Fate and even cursed her a little because I want to be with someone too. But now I’m no longer jealous. I thought I’d want a man like you, Ashby. But nope. The nerve. Push us out of the nest. We’re grown elves.”
Ashby shrugged, delighted at the outraged twins. “Didn’t she suggest you guys apply to Deck of Cards and sell their business to keep it from being your backup plan?”
“Selti?” Mavizare asked.
“Yes?”
“I want to kick your mate in the shin,” Mavizare stated firmly.
“What’s with you guys wanting to kick people?” Ashby asked.
“Well, we can’t turn ourselves into ninja kittens or teddy bears, so it’s our only way of dueling,” Seltivare replied with a shrug.
“You don’t have to choose violence,” Ashby informed the disgruntled elves.
“It’s a good thing you are far more kissable than kickable,” Seltivare grumbled.
With a chuckle, Ashby ran his hand through Seltivare’s growing locks and rested their heads together as he gave his attention to Mavizare. “Are you going to stay and watch TV with us?”
Mavizare glanced at the television and rolled his eyes. “Do I look like the kind of elf that likes to sit around watching gardening shows? No, I’m not Selti.” The elf hopped to his feet and charged toward the door that led into the mansion. “Have fun. Make lots of interesting plant design plans. And for Fate’s sake, do something soon about the sleeping situation and mybrother’s lack of a second hoop. I’m sick to death of listening to him complain about it. See ya later.”
Ashby laughed at the bright blush on Seltivare’s cheeks as Mavizare sauntered out and shut the door, sealing the couple into their suite alone.
“Bitching to your brother about us?” asked Ashby.
