“You keep saying I am your mate,” I continue, forcing myself to hold his gaze. “But you have never actually explained what that means.”
The silence that follows is not uncomfortable. It is charged. When he speaks again, his voice has lost the teasing edge it usually carries.
“It means many things.”
He steps closer. The bond warms immediately. And suddenly I feel very very hot.
“It means your life is bound to mine in ways that cannot easily be undone.”
Another step.
“It means your safety is my responsibility.”
My breath catches slightly as he stops directly in front of me.
“And it means,” he continues softly, “that the bond between us is not only power.”
I swallow.
“What else is it?”
His eyes darken.
“Claim.”
The word sends a ripple of heat through the bond.
“Protection,” he continues.
“And eventually… union.”
The meaning behind that final word is unmistakable.
I should feel nervous. Instead, I feel something else entirely. Curiosity. Anticipation. And the warmth of the link that has been growing stronger between us with every passing day.
“You said earlier that a claim requires consent,” I remind him.
“It does.”
“And if I chose it?”
The question leaves my mouth before I can overthink it. Threxian goes completely still.
“Elowen,” he says slowly, “that is not a choice you make lightly.”
“I know.”
“Once the bond deepens,” he continues, his voice low, “it does not return to what it was before.”
“I know that too.”
Silence stretches between us. Then I step closer. Close enough that the heat of him brushes against my skin.
“I’m not afraid of you,” I say quietly.
His gaze searches my face.
“I know.”
