Page 51 of Becoming D'Vaire
“Del told me your grandparents recently passed away. I’m so sorry,” Grigori offered.
“Thanks, I appreciate it. They were very special to me, and I know they’re still with me in my heart.”
“They were fantastic,” Idris added.
“Unlike your grandfather, who was awful,” Delaney stated.
“It’s taken me a long time to be able to say that about him, but he wasn’t nice. And because he left me alone, I was perfect prey for Latarian,” Idris commented with a frown.
“Do you mind¬…I mean I know bits and pieces, I guess, about her,” Grigori said. “I know she manipulated you into helping her kidnap Renny and Gedeon, right?”
“Yeah, she had this plan to turn one of the warlocks or their familiars into hers,” Idris explained. “It was the same thing Carvallius did to Dra’Kaedan. He thought he was Latarian’s familiar for over six centuries. They were stashed away in a cottage with no idea that all the warlocks, save a few in hiding, were dead. Carvallius wanted the twins and their parents gone because he coveted the Grand Warlock title, but he wasn’t half the sorcerer he thought he was. Dre’Kariston battled him and won. I helped Latarian with power—she didn’t have any and I did. Only I didn’t really know how to use it and I didn’t like hurting people.”
“I wanted so bad to be able to go with everyone when they left D’Vaire to find you guys. I had to stay home because I was sixteen, and Aleksander thought I was too young to be put in danger. It’s probably the only time in my life I’ve been pissed at him,” Delaney threw in.
“He made the right decision, you know,” Mac said.
“Yeah, I know but at sixteen, I had this new family and I wanted to help. I reveled in the idea of unleashing my magic and taking down the D’Vaires’ biggest enemy. I won’t be satisfied with being tucked in my bedroom when we find that bitch this time around.”
“Me neither. I want the chance to make up for helping her in the past,” Idris remarked.
Delaney narrowed his eyes in irritation at his best friend. “Don’t you start that. You were a kid, and no one had ever cared for you. She pretended she was your friend, and you needed someone. You had zero experience with people, and she’s a sociopath who can sense an easy mark.”
“I don’t like the idea of not taking any responsibility for my actions,” Idris countered.
“Guys, how many times have you circled this wagon? You’re both too stubborn to change your minds so for the sake of my sanity, let’s move on,” Mac encouraged.
“Sorry Mac, but your mate drives me nuts,” Delaney said. “Anyway, the D’Vaires—along with Vadimas and Chand—went to Idris’s old home and after she died, he came to live with us. I think we were best friends on the first day. We’re a lot alike, and we have a ton in common. He’s basically my brother minus the DNA.”
Idris nodded so enthusiastically, his curls bounced as their waitress reappeared and they all put in their burger orders.
“So Grigori, did you finish your coffee additive?” Idris asked.
“Almost. I’m still not happy with it. I want it to have a deeper, richer taste. I’ve also started working on enhancing the current vampire aphrodisiacs available,” Grigori revealed and gave Delaney a sly glance. “Care to guess who inspired that?”
“Do aphrodisiacs even work?” his mate with the oversized brain asked.
“I have no clue what they do for nonvampires, or people not mated to one, but for us, we get to enjoy ramping up our senses. I want them stronger though, and I know my people will enjoy something with more of a kick—so to speak,” Grigori answered.
“Mac and I could test it to see if it works on nonvampires,” Idris suggested.
“What do you say, Mac? Do you want to test some aphrodisiacs with Idris?” Grigori asked.
“It’ll be a tough assignment but yes, I’ll volunteer,” the dragon shifter replied.
“Speaking of sex, did I tell you Greggory licked Grigori’s balls this morning?” Delaney asked.
Grigori frowned at Delaney. “How is that related to sex?”
“Tongue to balls?”
“Gross. I didn’t have any kind of sexual relations with your familiar,” Grigori argued. There was humor dancing in Delaney’s dark eyes, and Grigori was delighted about it, though he would prefer to forget the unfortunate incident.
“You see, sweetheart, that’s why I wore pajamas when Roger slept alone with me and why I refuse to let him under the sheets now,” Mac said.
Idris was too busy snickering to respond.
“Anyway, let’s talk about your super-cool club meeting,” Grigori suggested.
