Page 10 of D’Vaire or Nothing (D’Vaire #44)

“A re you sure you want to do this?” Duke Argent Worthington D’Vairedraconis asked his sister.

Worth had met her far too recently for his peace of mind, but he enjoyed her company. They likely had other siblings out in the world, but they didn’t know how to find them or how many existed. Worth hoped their relatives would contact them someday, but he couldn’t worry about it constantly.

Imogene D’Vairedraconis grinned at Worth, and he could detect no reluctance or anything but happiness in her blue-gray scaly eyes.

“We’re going to have a slumber party. I bought a ton of snacks in the little shop downstairs. If we get bored, we’ll go shopping. But I honestly think we can find ways to entertain ourselves without leaving the room.”

Worth glanced over at the two children growing up much too fast for his liking.

They were already in the wild pajamas every D’Vaire owed by the dozens.

Orion’s yellow gaze was fixed on Zarasha’s face, and the little fairy with the pointed ears was gesturing with her hands as she explained something to her best friend.

There was nothing in their body language to suggest that they were upset about the adults in the family enjoying the resort while they stayed upstairs in a suite with Imogene.

That didn’t stop Worth from feeling guilty that he was excited to have his mate to himself for a few hours.

At his side, Duke Argent-mate Oliver D’Vaire sucked in a surprised breath.

Immediately concerned, Worth cut his gaze to the gorgeous snowy owl shifter to find out what had startled Oliver.

The situation was immediately obvious. Asteria was a small Fae pet resembling an extinct pink-and-black llerka’irro once found only in a now-destroyed realm.

She had hopped off Oliver’s shoulder to join the chattering children.

“Have you been abandoned, Owliver?” Worth asked, resting a hand on Oliver’s lower back and kissing his temple.

“I guess I have.”

“Are you guys leaving?” Orion asked. “We can’t start our slumber party until you’re gone. Right, Imogene?”

“It’s the truth. Get out,” Imogene told her brother.

“Cruel woman,” Worth retorted as Oliver laced their fingers together and led them toward the door of the massive suite they were sharing with many D’Vaires, including Worth’s two brothers.

“Call me if you need anything at all, even a hug,” Oliver said to the children.

“We aren’t going to call you,” Zarasha sang, her purple eyes brimming with joy. She did a little happy dance that offended Worth.

“I had no idea our presence was so abhorrent,” Worth groused.

“We decided you and Oliver should have a date downstairs,” Orion explained. “Mates are supposed to put each other first, but you guys are always taking care of us.”

“Plus, being with Imogene is super fun,” Zarasha added, winding a long strand of her purple-streaked blonde hair around her finger as she grinned at them.

“I’m fun too,” Worth muttered.

“Just give us hugs and go downstairs to strengthen your matebond,” Orion insisted.

Temporarily letting go of Oliver, Worth bent to hug the children. “I assure you, my matebond is as strong as possible. Owliver is loved, and my devotion to him is absolute.”

“I know,” Zarasha whispered. “When I grow up, I want to have a matebond like yours. But right now, I want you to go away so you can have a date. We have snacks to eat, and Imogene is going to teach us some card games.”

“Don’t get too wild,” Worth replied as a wave of tenderness and love flowed through him.

For so long, the entire D’Vaire clan had worried over Zarasha.

She’d been accidentally stuck as a stuffed animal who could not age or enjoy life fully.

Now, she was so secure in her future that she’d already made decisions about her adulthood. It was music to Worth’s ears.

Once Worth had embraced both Zarasha and Orion, he stood and tugged Imogene into his arms.

“If they’re far more devious and evil than we know and tie you up to escape the suite, someone should be up here eventually to free you,” Worth said.

Imogene rolled her eyes. “I got this; everything is awesomesauce. If we get bored, we’ll do some horrible stuff, I promise.

Maybe I’ll call up Gavrael and call Gedeon Geddy again.

He was mad for weeks, as if I knew beforehand that Gavrael’s the only one who uses that nickname. Sentinels are hardcore.”

Easily recalling the incident that had happened the same day Imogene had rescued herself from their mother’s home, Worth chuckled.

“Consult with the children and come up with a plan that doesn’t include having elite assassins grumbling whenever you come near.”

“Sure thing, now scoot, Your Grace,” Imogene insisted.

“Sometimes she’s as annoying as me,” Worth complained as Oliver laced their fingers together again and they stepped out of the suite to wait for the elevator.

“It was sweet of her to sacrifice her Friday night to have a slumber party with Orion and Zarasha so we could explore the resort,” Oliver remarked.

The elevator arrived, and Worth followed the platinum blond through the doors.

“You’re right. The children were so excited. I should be grateful.”

“You are grateful, but you’re also annoyed that they’ll have fun without you.”

“Owliver, you know me far too well. Where are we headed this fine evening?”

Despite not knowing their destination, the elevator took them to the casino level, and they stepped out.

“Food is unnecessary; we had an excellent meal with the children and Imogene.”

“Yes, I’m still full. Shopping?” Worth asked as he stood next to Oliver.

The handsome shifter wore a dark suit with a pink floral shirt Orion had helped him select.

It was the same rich salmon color as Worth’s beast, and both man and dragon glowed with triumph that Fate had given them such a wonderful partner.

“I’ve nothing in particular to look for, though perhaps we should consider purchasing something for Imogene and the children.”

“Not a bad idea. But if we start with shopping, we’ll have to lug around a bag or two as we entertain ourselves in the resort.”

“I love that you always think of the practical,” Worth said and was rewarded with a soft kiss from Oliver. “What if we did something entirely unexpected?”

Oliver’s gaze grew wary. “Like what?”

“There is hesitation on your face. What’s wrong?”

Tugging on Worth’s hand to get him to move so they were away from the elevators and had some semblance of privacy, Oliver turned to face him again. “I love you, Worthington.”

“I love you too. Has that suddenly become a problem for you?”

There was no seriousness in Worth’s question.

Oliver’s heart belonged to him, and Worth never had moments of insecurity about his other half.

There was no need; Oliver was a considerate, caring partner who favored honesty and great communication.

It was a delight for Worth to have Oliver in his life.

The owl shifter was a better mate than Worth could’ve imagined for himself, and though Fate had waited far too long to bring him into the Duke Argent’s orbit, he tried to thank the goddess instead of cursing her tardiness.

“Absolutely not. I had a terrible thought when you suggested we attempt something entirely unexpected.”

There was a fire in Oliver’s bright yellow gaze that had a lightbulb illuminating in Worth’s gray matter.

“Owliver, did you think I was suggesting we might find some public place to make love? For shame, sir. As if I would share your exquisite body with the world while you are in the throes of passion. I was going to surprise you with the idea of doing a bit of gambling, not running off to the gift shop to buy lube.”

“Honestly, you proposing we make love in public is more in line with your character than finding you at a gaming table or slot machine. You aren’t frivolous with your funds.”

“Neither are you, but I consider it entertainment. A small fee to enjoy myself. Let’s find out if I hate it and spend the rest of the evening castigating myself for throwing money away. Then you can purchase some lube and fuck me in Elf’s fancy garden to better my mood.”

Oliver shook his head slowly as if he couldn’t believe Worth’s audacity, but the Duke Argent didn’t miss the tiny smile on his kissable lips.

“Let’s go to the casino, Worthington.”

Falling into step alongside Oliver, Worth gave his hand an affectionate squeeze.

“I hope it is understood that no matter which way this evening unfolds, I do expect to have your lovely dick inside me before I fall asleep tonight. A bite from your owl would not be remiss either. My dragon may even want to chomp.”

“My owl and I are happy to make your every dream come true. But upstairs in the privacy of our hotel room. Now, are you playing slots, or are we going to a gaming table?”

“A gaming table would be a waste of time; I have no clue how to play advantageously, and it’d be more efficient to toss my life savings into the bin.”

“Slots it is.”

“Have you ever played slot machines in the past?”

“Me? No, but the bright lights and sounds are appealing.”

The round casino was situated so that it forced patrons to cross it to get almost anywhere in the resort. Once they were in the middle of it, Worth stepped to the side so he wasn’t in the main walkway and smiled at Oliver.

“What machines should we pick?”

“It’s your money, so you should get to select your slot machine.”

“You aren’t interested in joining me as I gamble away my hard-earned funds?”

Oliver shrugged. “I’m not sure yet. It depends on how quickly the machines devour your money.”

“Ah, so the pressure is on to find a machine that will treat me fairly,” Worth said, surveying his options.

The entire room was bright with the vast array of slots, and Worth had to admit the casino was alluring despite his innate frugalness.

“The machines with the little bonus games look the most fun.”

“What are the odds that you get to actually play the bonus games?”

“I doubt the casino advertises the odds.”

“Of course not, or everyone would run from here without wasting a cent.”

“Perhaps you should give up dealing in art and offer yourself to resorts like this one as a marketing genius,” Worth teased his pragmatic mate.

“I would be fired in an hour.”

With a chuckle, Worth narrowed his eyes as something caught his attention. “I doubt it would take an hour, my dear man. Come along, Owliver, I believe I have found the machine for me.”

“Lead on.”

Worth wove through machines and distinctly heard Blodwen’s cheer of triumph.

The necromancer was at a craps table with her mate and the two sentinels once tied to their souls.

Things were apparently going well if Blodwen’s glowing smile was any indication.

Pleased at his beloved family enjoying themselves, Worth left them to their fun and stalked closer to his prey.

“Look at that,” Worth exclaimed. “Just as I suspected. Those Emperors had to put this in here on purpose.”

There was a small bank of machines featuring owls in the multiple lines of images, shapes, and numbers on the screen.

Worth dropped onto a tall chair that could easily sit two.

Like everything in the Council, especially the venues designed by the dragon Emperors, mates were prioritized so they didn’t have to be separated, even if it was for a spot of gambling.

“Owls. Let’s hope they’re feeling generous,” Oliver said.

“My owl is endlessly generous with me. Now, how does this contraption work?”

Worth tugged out his identification card that also served as a direct connection to his bank account.

To his surprise, Oliver snagged it from his hand and tapped it on a sensor.

Shock had Worth’s mouth dropping open as the machine automatically suggested he add a three-digit amount to act as credits.

“I was thinking of losing a few dollars, I didn’t really think I’d be gambling away my hard-earned salary on a silly game,” Worth grumbled. It took him less than a second to find the button that allowed him to enter his own amount, which was significantly lower than what the machine wanted.

At his side, Oliver chuckled. “I suppose I shouldn’t get too comfortable; we won’t be here long.”

“Have faith. I trust owls. They won’t lead me astray. Or eat my money in a flash.”

“You have to play seventy-five credits as a minimum for each spin.”

“Why not call it cents? Foolish to try to convince me my money has suddenly morphed into credits.”

“Frivolous fun game, remember? No need to take on the gambling industry and complain about their tactics.”

“Right,” Worth said. He kissed Oliver for luck, then rested his free hand on the owl’s thigh.

Sucking in a deep breath and consigning his money to the other side of the veil, he hit the spin button.

The machine played music as the reels on the screen spun.

To his delight, three of the owls lined up in a perfect row. “Look at that, I won!”

“Sixty credits. Your spin was for seventy-five. You won, but you still lost.”

“Frivolous fun game, remember?”

Oliver chuckled. “I’m sorry for shattering your illusions.”

“As you should be. Thankfully, I know you to be a gentleman who ensures I am never slighted. And I’m privately hoping the guilt will force you to love me until the bright Nevada sun rises from behind the mountains to fill our hotel room with light.”

“That was my plan all along.”

“Which is one of the many, many reasons I adore you. I’ve won again, Owliver.”

“One hundred and fifty credits, you doubled your money on that roll.”

“Exciting stuff until you remember the currency is a single cent.”

“It’s a multi-denomination machine; you can raise it if you want.”

Worth shook his head. “My frugal heart can’t handle it.”

“I’m having heart palpitations just watching you. I understand.”

“Hold me, Owliver. Somehow, we’ll make it through the night.”

Oliver laughed as Worth had wanted and was delighted with the kiss on his cheek. While it wasn’t like Worth to be trivial with money, he considered Oliver’s smiles more than worth whatever funds the machine ate.