Chapter 126: Mating Bond And Whispered Plots
**Draven**
The air in the grand hall of the Balans estate is thick with the scent of polished mahogany and the faint, lingering aroma of the evening’s dinner. Avery and our friends are gathered near the fireplace, our laughter echoing off the high ceilings as we share stories and jokes. It looks like the Trio has forgiven and has forgotten our encounter with the Ancient One, and for that I am thankful. Avery’s radiant smile lights up the room, her presence a beacon of warmth and camaraderie. I, however, stand apart from the group, my sharp blue eyes scanning the room with calculated intent. I spot Jace standing by the window, his slender frame bathed in the soft moonlight that spills through the stained glass. Jace’s silvery-blonde braid glistens, and his violet eyes reflect the hues of the night sky. My lips curl into a faint, predatory smile as I approach, keeping my movements deliberate and purposeful.
“Jace,” I said, my voice smooth and low, cutting through the background chatter. Jace turns, his expression polite but guarded, his hands clasped loosely in front of him. “May I have a word?”
Jace’s gaze flickers briefly to Avery and the others before settling back on me. “Of course,” he replies, his tone formal yet tinged with a hint of curiosity. “Shall we step outside?”
I nod, and we move toward the terrace, our footsteps quiet on the marble floor. The night air is cool, carrying the faint scent of blooming jasmine. I lean against the stone balustrade, my long black hair cascading over my shoulders like a curtain of midnight. “I wanted to introduce you to someone,” I say, my eyes glinting with a mixture of mischief and sincerity. “Rory. She’s… special. And I think she could be special to you as well.”
Jace’s brow furrows slightly, his violet eyes narrowing in confusion. “Rory? I’m not sure I understand.”
Before I can respond, a bold voice interrupts from the shadows. “You don’t need to understand, Jace. You just need to feel.” Rory steps into the moonlight, her thin frame exuding a confidence that belies her youthful appearance. Her wolfish features are accentuated by her sharp, playful smile. She wears a form-fitting dress that clings to her curves, her dark hair cascading in loose waves down her back.
Jace’s eyes widen slightly, his demeanor shifting to one of shy curiosity. “Rory, is it? It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Rory saunters closer, her movements fluid and deliberate. “The pleasure’s all mine, Jace. Draven’s told me so much about you.” Her gaze lingers on Jace’s delicate features, her expression softening. “You’re even more beautiful than he described.”
Jace’s cheeks flush faintly, his hands twisting nervously in his braid. “Thank you. That’s… kind of you.”
I push away from the balustrade, stepping closer to Jace. “Rory’s not just here to meet you, Jace. She’s here to help us explore something… deeper.” My voice drops to a whisper, my eyes locking with Jace’s. “The mating bond. Between you and me. And perhaps… between the three of us.”
Jace’s breath hitches, his violet eyes widening in surprise. “The mating bond? But I thought… I mean, I never expected—”
Rory places a gentle hand on Jace’s arm, her touch warm and reassuring. “Don’t overthink it, Jace. Just let it happen. Draven and I both sense it—you’re meant to be part of this. Part of us.”
Jace’s gaze flickers between me and Rory, his expression a mix of uncertainty and longing. I reach out, my fingers brushing Jace’s cheek, my touch electric. “Trust me, Jace. Let go. Let yourself feel what’s between us.”
Jace closes his eyes, his breath shallow as he surrenders to the moment. My magic hums in the air, a subtle energy that wraps around us like a warm embrace. Rory steps closer, her presence grounding, her scent mingling with the night air. “Kiss him,” she whispers, her voice a seductive command. “Show him what you feel.”
I do not hesitate. I lean in, my lips capturing Jace’s in a kiss that is both tender and hungry. Jace gasps softly, his hands coming up to clutch at my shoulders as he melts into the embrace. My kiss is a promise, a declaration of desire and devotion. My tongue traces the seam of Jace’s lips, coaxing them apart, their breaths mingling as they deepen the kiss.
Rory watches, her eyes gleaming with approval, as Jace’s resistance crumbles. She steps closer, her hands sliding up Jace’s sides, her touch light but insistent. Jace shivers at her touch, his body responding instinctively as my kiss grows more fervent. My hands move to Jace’s waist, pulling him closer, our bodies pressing together in a dance of desire.
“Join us,” I murmur against Jace’s lips, my voice thick with need. “Let us show you what this bond can be.”
Rory steps into the circle of our embrace, her hands roaming over Jace’s slender frame, her touch bold yet reverent. Jace’s eyes flutter open, his gaze meeting hers as she presses a soft kiss to his neck. “You’re safe here,” she whispers, her breath warm against his skin. “Let us take care of you.”
Jace nods, his body trembling with anticipation. My magic intensifies, a shimmering aura that envelops us, heightening our senses and deepening our connection. Jace’s dragon heritage stirs within him, his violet eyes glowing with a soft, iridescent light as his shifter instincts awaken. He feels my desire, Rory’s hunger, and his longing all intertwine in a symphony of emotion.
I break the kiss, my gaze burning with intensity as I look at Jace. “Are you ready?”
Jace swallows, his voice barely above a whisper. “Ready for what?”
My smile is dark and knowing. “To be marked. To be claimed. To be mine.”
Rory’s hands move to Jace’s shoulders, guiding him to his knees. “Let him, Jace. Let him mark you. It’s a gift, a bond that will tie you together forever.”