“Do you function as his soldier?” Drekkoril asked.
“I feel bad I’m not using your titles properly. Can you tell me how to speak to you appropriately? And yes, sir. We’re soldiers, but we answer to our leaders first, followed by the rulers of the Council of Sorcery and Shifters.”
“You can call me Rorie. I do not mind dropping my title, unlike Drekkoril. He should be addressed as ‘Noble Protector.’ Tell me about these rulers of your council. Have they magic? My well is not what it is supposed to be, and I must return to the fairy realm immediately.”
“They aren’t magickind; we’re led by dragons. I’ll call my bosses. They can get you in contact with the dragons. I’m sure Emperor Chrysander and Emperor Ellery Draconis would love to meet you both, and they can find help for you if it exists.”
“Thank you, FK4 Cosmo Vetere,” Rorie responded with a grin. His soul was tied to a Faedrekan, and if dragons somehow led the rocky world, all would be well shortly. Rorie aimed a smirk at Drekkoril, who wore his usual sour look. By bedtime, he would be snuggled under a mound of covers in his castle.
Chapter 2
Grand Warlock Familiar Renny D’Vaire jogged to where his High Kings were standing, and he smiled. “Do you think we’re ready to start?”
Aleksander’s attention turned to Rafe, who grinned. “I think so. There’s plenty of food, and everyone has their cards ready to go.”
Renny’s good humor increased as he surveyed the extended D’Vaire clan who were seated at tables and chatting amicably at the first event Team Rafe had put together. As Renny had predicted from the moment he saw Rafe with Aleksander, not only was his newest ruler determined to love his mate, but he also made their family a priority. Fate had done an excellent job of choosing Aleksander’s other half, and it made Renny’s heart bloom with happiness whenever they were together, which was constantly.
Reaching down, Rafe ruffled the fur of his wolf’s head. Before being resurrected as the first wolf sentinel, Mortis had saved Rafe’s life, and now he rarely ventured far from the High King’s side. To give Mortis a chance at eternal happiness with his mate, Chander had tied a second wolf to Aleksander’s soul and though he protected him, both animals often followed Rafe around.
Renny didn’t think they believed he was less capable of handling himself or that guarding Aleksander wasn’t a priority—they simply were more protective of Rafe. Considering all that their High King had endured, it did not surprise Renny. His magic had been used to help heal Rafe after he’d survived horrific torture.
“Aren’t you guys going to play?” Renny asked the High Kings, who were still watching each other with adoration flowing beautifully between them. It was a salve for Renny to know Aleksander had a man who was perfect for him, and it made him ache to find the same for himself.
“Of course we are,” Rafe said.
“Okay, good. You guys go find seats and I’ll go do my job,” Renny assured them.
“Thanks for volunteering,” Aleksander told him, leading Rafe away, their wolves trailing barely a foot behind them.
“My pleasure,” Renny called out. A second later he nearly rammed straight into Grand Duke Brogan D’Vairedraconis, who held out his big hands to keep Renny from hitting the floor on his butt.
“Shit, sorry, Renny,” Brogan grumbled. Once he was sure Renny would not topple over, he yanked him into his arms.
It made Renny grin yet again. Feeling lucky to be surrounded by such wonderful people, Renny gave Brogan an extra squeeze before he released him. “No worries, I’ve gotta get this thing started.”
“I’ve been ordered to get snacks for your warlock.”
Renny’s warlock, who’d given him life by summoning him fourteen years ago, was a notorious empty pit who ate constantly, and he preferred sweets, especially cake. “I’d say I was surprised he wanted more when I just saw him inhale a whole plate full of crap, but we’d both know I was lying.”
“So true. Hey, you’re going to do great tonight and have fun, okay? Holler if you need anything.”
After getting a second hug and basking in the way Brogan and his mate, Dra’Kaedan, always made sure he knew that he was loved, Renny thanked the dragon and jogged to the podium they’d set up earlier that day. Climbing up onto the stool they’d determined that a man who barely stood an inch or two above five feet would need, Renny waited for the room to quiet. Several minutes passed, and the yammering continued, which had him rolling his navy eyes. If the extended family was at the mansion, it was always a party atmosphere, so why Renny thought his presence would be enough to silence them was a mystery to him.
While Renny was pondering over what action to take, a loud whistle ripped through the space, causing heads to turn—including Renny’s—to find the source of the noise.
Duke Argent Worthington D’Vairedraconis was standing a few yards away with one black brow lifted as he surveyed his family staring at him. “Do you not see the Grand Warlock Familiar waiting for you to shut up so we can start this thing?”
Trying unsuccessfully not to snicker, Renny gave a little clap. “Thanks, Worth. Is everyone ready?”
There was a chorus of affirmative responses as Worth sat in a chair next to his older brother, Aleksander. The pair were close, and they cherished the bond they’d built after discovering each other.
“Okay, everybody, welcome to our first Team Rafe family event! Thanks to your votes, our activity for tonight is Bingo. So, this is no longer the Draconis High Court of D’Vaire, but just for tonight, you’re in the House of Dab,” Renny said, throwing his arms up to a round of raucous applause. “Does everyone have their dabbers ready to go? We’re going to start with traditional bingo. Any line, straight or diagonal, or the four corners of your card is considered a win. All wins must be verified.”
Once Renny was sure everyone was ready to go, he plucked a little ball from a gilded cage. “I-21.”
“Bam!” Worth shouted and slapped his hand loudly against that of his cousin, Seneschal Duchess Noirin D’Vairedraconis, who was laughing.
Renny bit his tongue to keep his humor from escaping and dutifully grabbed a second orb. “B-6.”
