Page 89 of D'Vaire or Nothing
“There is no law that states it must be done immediately; elves are usually able to organize them fast. But the tradition is to share it with loved ones. So, of course we’ll wait for your family, Ashby. Tell me about your home. Wait, D’Vaire. You call the sanctuary home?” Zolilara asked.
“Yes, I’m one of the few people admitted into the sanctuary through the application process. It’s a wondrous place of acceptance and love. I discovered myself there.”
“I can’t wait for Selti to do the same there at your side. If it is not too bold, I might add that Selti and Mavi are identicaltwins. They have never been apart. Although I don’t expect you to keep them in a room sleeping together anymore, would you consider allowing Selti to bring a member of his family with him and having Mavi join you at D’Vaire?”
“Don’t worry, Momma always wants to plan our lives,” Seltivare stated dryly. “Momma, Ashby and I met a few hours ago while I was at work. We haven’t had a chance to talk, he hasn’t even invited me to live at D’Vaire…let alone add Mavi too.”
“I’d hate to ask you to leave your garden, but it sounds like that was bound to happen soon, so would you mind living at D’Vaire with me?” asked Ashby. “Mavi, you can come. Zoli, you and Vateltir are also welcome to join us. It’s a large home, and we love having our family together.”
“I’d love to move to your home,” Seltivare responded. A rush of relief nearly had Ashby’s head spinning. “Do you have a garden?”
“Wait until you see the gardens at D’Vaire. You’ll fall in love.”
“Vateltir and I will consider a visit, but our sons need to spread their wings,” Zolilara stated firmly as she set a plate of sliced cheese on the table and sat next to her other half.
“She wants us to have friends,” Mavizare added.
Ashby wasn’t sure what he planned to say next, but his phone rang, and he winced at the flash of the Grand Duke’s name on the screen.
“Hello?”
“Ashby, Sorrel mentioned you were joining him at Hearts bar but never showed. He and Kitchi went up to the suite, but you aren’t here. No one knows where you are. What’s up?”
The raccoon shifter Kitchi D’Vaireaehsepan was also employed by Dérive and a good friend to Ashby, as well as being part of his beloved family.
“I thought you were on vacation and we’re allowed to do whatever we want this weekend.”
“You sound like Dra’Kaedan. My title didn’t wash away a few hours ago. Just let me know where you are in the resort so I can relax.”
“Here’s the thing…um, I met my mate. I’m at his house with his brother and parents.”
“Congratulations. You deserve to be happy, and I’m thrilled Fate paired you.”
“Thank you, Brogan.”
“Now, tell me again the part about how you’re at some stranger’s house.”
“They’re elves; we’re trying to plan our matebond ceremony.”
“You’re a druid. Bring them here.”
“Can you let everyone know that we’re going to have a ceremony after this weekend? Maybe in the evening, once everyone gets off work, so they can all attend.”
“I’ll tell everyone in a group message, including Killian, who is your leader. I’m also going to mention that I currently don’t know where the fuck you are. Have fun explaining that to him. Congratulations again, I can’t wait to meet him.”
Ashby smiled sheepishly at the three elves staring at him owlishly. “He’s going to tell my family. Does Wednesday night work for everyone?”
Chapter 3
Desperate to allow Ashby to enjoy his weekend with his family and still unsure how to handle having a mate, Seltivare hadn’t spoken much with the hybrid in the past few days. That did little to settle Seltivare’s nerves as he prepared to bind his eternal life to Ashby’s. Much to the horror of his mother, Seltivare had refused to invite Ashby to take part in the tradition of having a quiet moment of reflection in a memorial garden before their matebond ceremony.
Seltivare hadn’t lost anyone he’d met, and the public garden owned by Chieftain Tristis was ugly. So, as the afternoon waned, Seltivare had dressed in his finest tunic and pants. Ashby had arrived to teleport Seltivare and his family to his home in Arizona. The blond druid-jaguar was more handsome than Seltivare recalled, and he’d loved the rush of desire flowing into him as Ashby graced him with a smile.
Mavizare had grabbed their belongings, and they’d set off to the Draconis High Court of D’Vaire to face their futures. Their parents were spending the night in a guest room, which was nice. That morning, they’d been informed by Chieftain Tristis that the sale of their business was approved. Fate had set everyone on a fresh path—a thrilling but scary prospect.
Seltivare’s suitcase had been yanked from his hand, and Ashby had whisked him through a crowd of people. Names and faces had bombarded Seltivare as he was introduced to everyone Ashby loved. It was important to make a good impression, especially since Ashby had already endured the childish antics of Seltivare and Mavizare the night they met—so he’d diligently paid attention and greeted everyone with smiles.
It hadn’t stopped his terror as he was faced with title after title. There was even another Tristis elf among the enormous extended circle of family and friends, and the man was a drummer in a rock band. With his head spinning, Seltivare was introduced to the new mate of Brynewielm Duke Heathcliff D’Vairefenix, Brinley Brimstone, and the introductions were finally complete.
