“Some cultural nuances are too complex for the initial orientation,” she said apologetically. “That’s why all newly bonded pairs have monitoring for the first few days. The system alerted me when his vitals spiked.”
I looked back at Solantus, still frozen in his submissive posture. Through our bond, I could feel no resentment or anger—only a steadily building satisfaction, as if something he’d hoped for had been confirmed.
“He’s…pleased?” I asked, incredulous.
Counselor Patel’s expression softened. “Hellhounds value strong mates. By claiming dominance so early—even accidentally—you’ve demonstrated confidence he likely finds appealing.”
“But I didn’t mean to…I don’t want to dominate him. I just want to talk to him!”
“Cultural misunderstandings are inevitable in cross-species bonding,” she said, her voice warm and reassuring in a way that reminded me of my mother. “The important thing is how you navigate them together.”
I rubbed my temples, overwhelmed. “So what do I do now?”
“You have three options,” she explained. “You can accept the dynamic you’ve inadvertently established, you can perform the counter-ritual to equalize your standing, or you can complete the dominance claim properly.”
The idea of “completing” something I’d never intended to start made my stomach twist. “How do I equalize things?”
“I’ll send the cultural guidance to your tablet,” she said. “But perhaps what’s most important right now is acknowledging what’s happened. He’s waiting for your response.”
I looked back at Solantus, still kneeling, still exposing his throat. His amber eyes had lifted slightly to watch me, and the intensity in them made my breath catch. Through our bond, I felt his anticipation, his willingness—his hope.
“I’m so sorry,” I said to him directly. “I didn’t know what touching your ears meant. I didn’t mean to claim dominance over you.”
A flicker of what might have been disappointment passed through our bond, quickly replaced by understanding. Still, he didn’t move from his position.
“You can stand now,” I added awkwardly.
Counselor Patel cleared her throat. “He can’t. Not until you either accept or reject the hierarchy you’ve initiated. It’s deeply ingrained.”
I stared at her, mortified. “You mean he’s stuck like that until I do something specific?”
She nodded. “I’m afraid so.”
I turned back to Solantus, my embarrassment shifting toward determination. Whatever cultural mess I’d created, I needed to fix it. “What exactly do I need to do?”
“If you wish to equalize your standing, you must kneel as he is and offer your own throat,” she explained. “If you wish to accept the dominant position, you would touch his exposed throat, confirming the hierarchy.”
I swallowed hard, considering my options. The bond between us pulsed with Solantus’s emotions—and to my surprise, I realized he wasn’t hoping for equality. He wanted me to accept the dominant role. The realization stunned me.
“He wants me to lead?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
Counselor Patel smiled gently. “Hellhounds have complex social structures. What seems like submission to us might be something entirely different to him. The bond you share should help you understand his true feelings, if you listen to it.”
I closed my eyes, focusing on the connection between us. Beyond the surface emotions, I sensed something deeper—respect, admiration, a desire to serve. Not because he thought himself lesser, but because service was an honor in his culture. A gift freely given.
“I think I understand,” I said slowly, opening my eyes. “But this isn’t what I expected.”
“Cross-species bonding rarely is,” Counselor Patel replied with a knowing smile. “I’ll leave you to resolve this privately. The cultural guidelines will be on your tablet within the hour.”
She departed as quickly as she had arrived, leaving me alone with my still-kneeling hellhound mate.
I looked down at him, my mind racing. Everything I thought I knew about our relationship had just been upended. He wasn’t silent because he disdained communication—he was waiting for me to establish the parameters of our bond. To lead.
The revelation was terrifying and exhilarating all at once.
Solantus remained perfectly still, his amber eyes fixed on mine, waiting. Patient. Hopeful.
I had decisions to make.
