Chapter 236 — The Third Bond

Nia woke when Ren's hair brushed her cheek.

He had rolled toward her sometime before dawn, bringing the loose strands across the pillow they shared. One arm rested around her waist, and his tail lay along the edge of the bedding.

The inner chamber was quiet. Kael had already risen from the other side of the sleeping place, and Shen's folded covering lay near the wall where he usually slept. Faint sounds from the hearth told her that someone was preparing breakfast.

Ren was awake.

His blue eyes met hers as soon as she opened them.

“Good morning.”

“Were you going to wake me?”

“I was deciding whether you would forgive me if I did.”

“That depends.”

“On what?”

Nia caught a strand of his hair between her fingers.

“How you woke me.”

Ren smiled and kissed her.

She answered by slipping her hand behind his neck and keeping him close. He made a pleased sound against her mouth, then drew back to look at her.

“Will that do?”

“For now.”

His smile widened.

Ren had stayed in their shared sleeping space before, and Kael and Shen were comfortable with his presence. Still, Nia had noticed how carefully he had settled into his place the night before. He had kept his travel bag by the entrance and followed the household's familiar evening arrangements.

When they had lain down, he had taken her hand beneath the covering. His fingers had remained loosely around hers until she fell asleep.

Now he brushed his thumb along her cheek.

“Did you sleep well?” she asked.

“Very.”

“You look pleased with yourself.”

“I woke up beside a woman who asked me to marry her yesterday. I think that's a reasonable response.”

Nia laughed and kissed him again before rising.

Shen had breakfast nearly ready.

The hearth held a shallow pan of browned meat and softened greens. A covered pot of grain stood beside it, and the stronger redneedle seasoning waited separately near Kael's place.

Kael sat at the table sorting patrol markers. He examined the cords securing them, setting aside two with fraying bindings.

Ren brought water to the table while Nia helped Shen carry the food.

They ate as morning light reached farther into the chamber.

Kael had another inspection near the western drainage cut. Shen needed to finish comparing the medicine preparations he had examined the previous evening and deliver his findings to Sera.

Ren expected no immediate summons from the trade shelter. Soren had the receiving assignments, and the next eastern journey would not begin until the carriers confirmed their crossing.

Nia finished her grain and set down her bowl.

“I want to bond with Ren today.”

Ren turned toward her.

They had discussed marriage and the life he would continue living on the roads. She had told him she wanted him as her third husband, and he had accepted.

But they had not chosen a day for the bond.

“Today?” he asked.

“Yes.”

She took his hand.

“I don't want another day to pass just because we can always find more things to arrange.”

Ren watched her for a moment, then turned his hand beneath hers.

“Then today.”

Shen smiled at them across the table.

“I'll leave fresh water and cloths before I go.”

“Thank you,” Nia said.

Kael finished tying one of the patrol markers.

“My work will take most of the morning. If I finish early, I'll stay out until you're ready for company.”

“You don't have to rearrange everything,” Ren told him.

“I know.”

Kael placed the marker with the others.

Ren looked toward Nia again. His fingers tightened around hers, and he lifted her hand to his lips.

After breakfast, the household went about its work.

Shen washed the cooking vessels and checked the fresh water in the inner chamber. Ren helped carry a filled container to the washing area, then brought in the folded cloths Shen had prepared.

Kael collected the damaged patrol markers and his work basket. Before leaving, he kissed Nia, then rested a hand briefly on Ren's shoulder.

Shen kissed Nia as well and exchanged a few quiet words with Ren while fastening his medicine pouch.

When they were gone, Nia listened to their footsteps fade down the passage.

Ren remained near the entrance.

His reddish hair was tied at the back of his neck, although several shorter strands had already escaped. His tail moved once behind him.

“Come here,” she said.

He approached.

Nia wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her cheek against his chest.

Ren held her close.

“I thought I would be the one making you nervous,” he murmured.

“You are.”

“Is that a complaint?”

“No.”

She looked up.

“I'm excited too.”

Ren lowered his head and kissed her.

When he tried to draw back, Nia followed his mouth. He smiled and kissed her again, keeping his hand against the small of her back.

“Come with me,” she said.

Ren took her hand.

In the inner chamber, the bedding had been straightened, and Shen's clean cloths rested beside the washing basin.

Nia turned toward Ren and reached for the tie holding his hair.

“May I?”

He lowered his head.

She loosened the cord and drew it free. His reddish hair fell across his shoulders, and Nia combed her fingers through the longer strands.

Ren closed his eyes as she worked her fingertips gently against his scalp.

“You've discovered one of my weaknesses,” he said.

“Only one?”

“I wouldn't want to make things too easy for you.”

Nia smiled.

“You've never seemed particularly difficult.”

“That's because you've been very persuasive.”

She kissed him before he could explain himself further.

Ren brought one hand to her waist. The other settled against her back, drawing her closer as she wound her fingers into his loosened hair.

He met her kiss with his usual confidence, following when she changed the angle and smiling when she caught his lower lip between hers for a moment.

Nia felt his tail curl around the outside of her leg.

She moved closer.

Ren's fingers spread across her back, and when their mouths parted, he remained bent toward her, his forehead nearly touching hers.

“You've gone quiet,” she said.

“I was thinking about yesterday.”

“About what I said?”

“About how you said it.”

Nia waited.

“I've had merchants promise me things they never intended to deliver. I've had people welcome me into their homes because I carried something they wanted.” He brushed his thumb along her cheek. “You came down to a room full of goods and accounts and asked me to become your husband.”

“Because I wanted you.”

“I know.”

Ren looked at her for another moment.

“I keep remembering that you asked me to stay.”

Nia moved closer.

“I did.”

He bent to kiss her, and she held him until his shoulders relaxed beneath her hands.

Then she took his hand and led him toward the bedding.

Ren sat beside her. Nia settled close enough that her knee rested against his thigh, and he brushed his fingers along her arm.

She caught his chin and kissed him again.

When she drew back, Ren touched her cheek.

“I like looking at you.”

“I've noticed.”

“Then I hope you'll let me continue.”

Nia smiled and guided his hand to the fastening of her tunic.

“Help me.”

Ren eased the tie loose, keeping the cloth clear of her hair. He let her lift the garment away, then took it when she handed it to him and set it on the low bench.

She stepped closer and loosened the ties of his tunic. Ren lifted his arms to help her ease it from his shoulders.

Nia laid the cloth beside hers, then placed her hand over the bare skin above his heart.

“Your orchid will be here.”

“Yes.”

“Have you wondered what yours would look like?”

“I know the shape.”

“Ren.”

He laughed softly.

“Sometimes. When I was younger, I imagined meeting a mate somewhere along a distant route. I thought I would persuade her to travel with me.”

“And if she liked staying home?”

“Then I might have had to learn to stay somewhere longer than a few days.”

“You don't have to stop traveling.”

“I know.”

She moved her hand against his chest.

“I'll be here when you come back.”

Ren covered her hand with his.

“I'll look forward to coming home.”

Nia smiled at the word.

She leaned down and kissed him.

Ren drew her onto his lap, adjusting his position so she could settle comfortably against him. Nia rested one hand at the back of his neck and the other on his shoulder while he kissed her again.

His loose hair fell against her arm.

She moved it aside and kissed the warm skin beneath his jaw.

Ren's breath caught.

Nia lifted her head.

“Did you like that?”

“Yes.”

She returned to the same place, lingering there before brushing her lips against his cheek.

Ren held her a little closer.

“I may have underestimated how much trouble you'd be once you knew you had my attention.”

“You've had mine for a while.”

“I know.” His voice softened. “I've enjoyed it.”

Nia touched the base of one fox ear.

Ren closed his eyes and leaned into her palm.

She stroked it gently again. When she withdrew her hand, he opened his eyes and caught her wrist lightly.

“Please don't stop because I stopped talking.”

“I wasn't going to.”

Nia resumed, and Ren tilted his head toward her.

He let his hand fall back to her waist while she took her time. His eyes remained closed until she kissed his cheek, and when he looked at her again, she noticed that he was smiling.

“What?” she asked.

“Nothing you need to change.”

She leaned forward and kissed him.

Ren answered slowly, holding her close when she settled against him.

They shifted on the bedding. Nia moved from his lap to lie beside him, and Ren adjusted the covering beneath them so it would not bunch against her leg.

She turned onto her side to face him.

His hair had fallen forward again. Nia swept it behind his shoulder and rested her palm against his cheek.

Ren looked at her.

“You have a very serious expression.”

“I wanted to look at you.”

His lips curved.

“That sounds familiar.”

“It should.”

She traced the line of his cheek with her thumb.

Ren stayed still while she studied him. His fox ears turned toward her voice whenever she spoke, and his blue eyes followed her even when she leaned close enough to kiss his forehead.

Nia brushed her lips against his cheek.

He caught her hand and kissed her fingers.

For once, he offered no clever remark afterward.

She moved closer until her shoulder rested against his chest, then slid her arm around him.

Ren returned the embrace, his hand settling between her shoulders.

Nia kissed him, and he followed her when she drew back. She answered with another kiss before resting her cheek against him.

His breathing was quicker than before.

She lifted her head.

“Are you comfortable?”

“Yes.”

“Then come closer.”

Ren shifted onto his side beside her. He drew the covering higher over them, keeping it loose enough that neither had to struggle against it when they moved.

Nia rested her hand at his shoulder.

He kissed her temple, then paused to move a curl away from her eyes.

“Nia.”

She looked at him.

“I love you.”

She placed her palm against his cheek.

“I love you too.”

Ren closed his eyes briefly.

When he opened them, he was smiling, but he made no attempt to turn the confession into a joke.

Nia drew him close.

He rested his forehead against hers before kissing her again.

Their affection deepened as they stayed together, and the morning passed without either of them needing to watch the time. Nia guided him when she wanted to change their position or draw him nearer. Ren remained attentive, responding when she spoke and pausing whenever one of them needed a moment.

At one point, Nia laughed softly because his hair had fallen between their faces again. Ren swept it out of the way himself, then returned to her with a smile that disappeared into their next kiss.

As they made love, his voice grew quieter. He still spoke to her, but the practiced ease of his earlier teasing had given way to simple words and affectionate touches. Nia held him close, enjoying the unfamiliar sight of Ren without another playful answer ready.

Afterward, they rested beneath the covering.

Ren lay beside her with one arm around her waist. His breathing gradually steadied while Nia rested her hand over his heart.

Workers were calling to one another somewhere along the upper passage, but their voices were faint.

Ren touched her cheek.

“Are you comfortable?”

“Very.”

He smiled and kissed her forehead.

Nia settled against his chest.

For a little while, they lay together without speaking.

Then she lifted her head.

“Ren.”

“Yes?”

“I want the bond.”

He looked at her hand resting above his heart.

“Now?”

“Yes.”

Ren sat up beside her.

“Then I want it too.”

They settled together on the edge of the bedding.

Ren moved Nia's hair away from her neck, gathering it over her opposite shoulder so the skin at the junction of her neck and shoulder was clear.

Nia already carried Kael's tiger mark and Shen's snake mark, each distinct and familiar.

Ren brushed his thumb lightly along the unmarked place where her neck sloped into her shoulder.

“Here?” he asked.

“Yes.”

She turned slightly to give him a comfortable angle.

Ren kissed the spot.

His lips rested against her skin for a moment before he raised his head to meet her eyes.

Nia placed her hand at the back of his neck.

“I'm ready.”

Ren lowered his mouth to the junction of her neck and shoulder.

His teeth pressed into her skin, then broke it in one deliberate bite.

Nia caught her breath at the sharp pain. Her hand tightened against his back as warmth spread outward from the bite and deepened beneath her skin.

Ren released her when the mark took hold.

He lifted his head at once.

“Nia?”

She breathed out slowly.

“It hurt for a moment. It's easing.”

His hand settled against her upper arm, below the fresh mark.

Nia glanced down.

A fox mark was forming at the exact place Ren had bitten her. Its lines sharpened until the design lay clearly against her skin, distinct from the marks Kael and Shen had given her.

Ren drew a sudden breath.

Nia turned toward him.

Above his heart, a pale orchid was appearing.

The petals emerged one by one, their outlines becoming clearer as the mark settled against his skin. A gentle light passed through the shape before fading.

Ren lowered his gaze.

His hand hovered near the new orchid.

Nia rested her palm against his chest, carefully avoiding the fresh mark.

“There it is.”

Ren looked up at her.

Nia became aware of another presence through her bonds.

It was different from seeing Ren or hearing him breathe beside her. Even if he had moved out of sight, she would still have known the direction of his presence.

She understood that the connection would also allow them to recognize distress across a distance, as she already could with Kael and Shen.

Ren turned toward the chamber entrance, then back to her.

“Can you feel it?”

“Yes.”

He took her hand.

“I can tell where you are even when I'm not looking at you.”

Nia smiled.

“That's the bond.”

“I know.”

He glanced down at the orchid once more.

“I've watched bonded males turn back on the road because something was wrong with their mates. I've heard them talk about finding their way home when the paths changed.”

He lifted his eyes to hers.

“I knew what they meant. Now I can feel it myself.”

Nia brushed his hair away from his face and kissed him.

Ren held her tightly.

When he finally drew back, his gaze moved toward her fresh mark.

“I've imagined seeing that on you,” he said.

Nia smiled.

“Do you like it?”

“Very much.”

She touched his cheek.

“I do too.”

Ren kissed her again.

Nia examined the fox mark in the polished mirror beside the washing basin.

Its outline was clear against her skin, though the bite remained tender.

Ren stood beside her with a clean cloth.

“Does it still hurt?”

“Only if I touch it.”

“Then let me help.”

He dipped the cloth in the clean water Shen had left and carefully washed around the mark, taking care not to rub the tender skin.

Nia watched his reflection.

His hair hung loosely over his shoulders. The orchid above his heart was partly visible beneath the open collar of his tunic.

When he finished, she took the cloth and set it aside for washing.

“My turn.”

Ren looked at her.

“Your turn?”

“Let me see your mark.”

He opened the collar enough for her to examine it.

The pale orchid rested above his heart, its petals distinct and no longer luminous.

Nia touched the skin beside it.

“It's beautiful.”

Ren looked down.

“It is.”

She smiled at his answer.

He caught her hand and brought it to his lips.

Afterward, they dressed at an unhurried pace.

Ren gathered his hair and secured it loosely at the back of his neck. Nia smoothed his collar, then accepted his hand when he offered it.

They returned to the bedding.

Beyond the chamber, workers called to one another as they carried supplies along the upper passage.

Ren turned toward the sound for a moment.

“I still have that eastern journey.”

“I know.”

“And the bag fastening needs repairing before I leave.”

“You have time.”

Ren looked at her and smiled.

“Yes.”

Nia settled against his side.

His arm came around her shoulders, careful not to press against the new fox mark. He drew the covering over her legs and kissed the top of her head.

Nia could feel the warmth of his body and hear his breathing. Beneath those ordinary sensations, she remained aware of the new bond and the direction of Ren's presence, even when she closed her eyes.

“Do you want to rest?” she asked.

“For a little while.”

They lay down together.

Ren's tied hair rested against the back of his neck, with a few shorter strands loose near his cheek. Nia brushed one away from his face, then placed her hand over the orchid beneath his tunic.

He covered her fingers with his own.

Beyond the chamber, the household passages remained busy, but Ren stayed beside her as the afternoon continued.

https://imgur.com/a/eEpqZME Ren and Nia being intimate