18. A Quiet Morning
18
A Quiet Morning
Dorian
I let out a soft groan as the first tendrils of wakefulness tugged me from sleep. The unfamiliar firmness beneath my back sent a momentary jolt of confusion through my sleep-addled mind. This was certainly not the plush comfort of my bed. The surface was far too unyielding, the angle of my neck too awkward. It was then that I registered the warm weight pressed against my side, the gentle rhythm of breaths tickling the sensitive skin of my neck.
My eyes fluttered open, blinking away the remnants of drowsiness. Ren was nestled snugly in the crook of my arm, his body molded perfectly to the contours of my own. Tousled locks of raven hair spilled across his brow, contrasting starkly with the paleness of his skin. In the soft glow of the fading embers, he appeared almost ethereal, a vision of unearthly beauty that stole the very breath from my lungs.
A smile tugged at the corners of my lips. I’d extended the invitation for him to stay as long as he liked the night before. Yet this was unexpected, though not at all unwelcome.
Memories of the previous night drifted back, warming my face and heart. Even now, our magic lingered in the air as silver threads of necromantic power weaving through the cottage's usual protections. The dried herbs overhead had bloomed overnight despite being long dead, responding to our combined energy. Gran always said magic remembered love, and now I understood exactly what she meant.
The way he had trembled beneath my touch, his skin flushed and heated as he guided my hands to the most intimate parts of him. The breathy sighs that escaped his parted lips as I explored his body with reverent fingers. It was a gift, a precious offering of trust and vulnerability that I cherished more than any arcane treasure.
The protection runes I'd carved into the cottage's foundations years ago had shifted overnight, adapting to include Ren in their embrace. Ancient spells recognized ancient truths. Some souls were meant to find each other across time and circumstance.
My heart swelled with an emotion that transcended mere physical desire. Of course, I couldn't deny the familiar stirring of want that coiled low in my belly as I drank in the sight of him. The delicate curve of his neck, the sharp lines of his collarbones peeking out from beneath his rumpled shirt. But it was more than that. It was the brilliant mind, the wry humor that caught me off guard in the most delightful ways. It was the strength of his convictions, the unwavering determination to forge his own path in a world that so often tried to define him.
Ren shifted slightly, a small furrow appearing between his brows as he burrowed deeper into my embrace. A fierce surge of protectiveness washed over me, mingling with the tender affection that had grown with each passing day. The road ahead of us would be fraught with challenges, but I was more resolved than ever to help Ren remove the mark from his forehead, and to see him succeed, both at Blackstone and abroad.
Unable to resist the temptation any longer, I leaned in, brushing my lips against his brow in a featherlight caress. Ren stirred, a small sigh escaping his parted lips as he nestled closer, seeking the warmth of my embrace. I trailed a path of gentle kisses along the slope of his nose, the curve of his cheek, until at last, I captured his lips in a slow, languid kiss.
Ren's eyes fluttered open, still hazy with the remnants of sleep. A slow, lazy smile curved his lips as he met my gaze, his dark eyes sparkling with a mix of affection and desire. “Good morning,” he murmured, his voice rough with disuse, yet impossibly alluring.
“Indeed it is, mo grá,” I replied, my accent thickening with sleep and contentment. “Though Gran always said mornings were magic's favorite time for blessings, and waking up beside you feels like the sweetest blessing of all.”
A soft laugh bubbled from Ren's throat, a sound that warmed me to my very core. “You’re such a shameless flirt.” He reached up, slender fingers threading through my hair as he pulled me down for another kiss, this one more heated than the last.
Our magic surged between us, as eager to reconnect as our bodies. Silver threads of power wove around us as I deepened the kiss, drawing a soft moan from Ren's lips. The mark on his forehead warmed where it pressed against my skin, no longer feeling like a dark brand but something transforming into our own magic.
“Dorian,” he breathed against my mouth, his fingers tightening in my hair. “I want... can we...?” His hips rolled against mine, making his intentions clear. The sweet, needy sound he made shot straight through me, awakening every nerve ending.
“Are you sure, love?” I murmured, even as my hands slid under his shirt, tracing the warm skin of his back. “You're not too sore?”
He shook his head and captured my mouth in another searing kiss.
Everything felt different in the morning light, more real, more intense. Each touch sparked magic between us, creating patterns of light and shadow that danced across our skin. When my fingers found him, already slick and wanting, the surge of shared power nearly overwhelmed us both.
“Please,” Ren gasped, arching into my touch. “I need to feel you again.”
Our magic twined together as I pleasured him, power recognizing power in the most intimate way possible. The protection runes in his clothes began to glow, responding to our mingled power. Even the cottage seemed to hold its breath, the wards pulsing in time with our racing hearts.
This time, when Ren shattered in my arms, our magic exploded in a shower of silver sparks that rained down around us like falling stars.
As Ren lay trembling in my arms, I could feel his arousal still pressing against my palm, hard and hot, his magic reaching for mine with eager need. “Such a good boy,” I murmured against his ear, making him shiver. “So responsive for me. Do you want more?”
“I... what?” Ren's voice was shaky, confused. “ More? ”
I smiled against his neck, pressing a soft kiss to his thundering pulse. I circled my thumb over his sensitive flesh, drawing a startled moan from his lips. “Oh, darling. Let me show you just how much pleasure your body can take when properly guided.”
Ren shuddered in my arms, his hips jerking involuntarily against my touch. “Dorian,” he whimpered, the sound somewhere between plea and protest. “I don't know if I can...”
“Trust me,” I murmured, my free hand coming up to cup his face, making him meet my gaze. “I'll take care of you. All you have to do is let yourself feel.”
His dark eyes were wide with a mix of uncertainty and desperate want, but he nodded, surrendering himself to my touch with a trust that made my heart swell. I captured his mouth in a deep kiss, swallowing his moans as I worked him with practiced fingers. Our magic danced around us, amplifying every sensation, making him writhe beneath me.
“That's it,” I purred, watching his face contort with pleasure. “Let me take care of you. Let me make you feel good.” I could feel him getting close, his body fluttering around my fingers. “Come for me again, love. Show me how good I make you feel.”
He shattered with a cry of my name, his magic exploding outward to twine with mine. I held him through it, murmuring praise against his skin, until the aftershocks subsided.
“Beautiful,” I breathed, pressing kisses to his flushed face. “You’re so lovely when you come for me, love.”
I slowly withdrew my fingers, bringing them to my lips. Keeping my eyes locked on Ren's, I sucked them into my mouth, chasing the taste of him with a low groan of appreciation. His eyes went wide, pupils blown with renewed desire as he watched me savor his essence.
“Delicious,” I murmured, my voice rough with want. “Just like I imagined you'd be.”
Ren made a soft, broken sound, his magic surging with embarrassment and arousal. The blush that spread across his cheeks was utterly enchanting.
Ren's hand slid between us, reaching for the obvious hardness in my trousers, but I caught his wrist gently. “No need, darling. This was all about you.” I brought his hand to my lips, kissing his palm. “Besides, I rather enjoy the anticipation. Gives me something to look forward to next time.”
His eyes darkened at my words, and I could feel his magic pulse with renewed interest. “Next time?”
“Oh yes,” I promised, my voice dropping to a low purr. “There will definitely be a next time. When you're properly rested and ready for a more... thorough lesson.”
Regretfully, I extracted myself from Ren's embrace, the loss of his warmth an acute ache in my chest. As I sat up, a wince escaped my lips, my back protesting the night spent on the unforgiving surface of the couch.
“Oof,” I grunted, the sound lacking all of my usual gentlemanly decorum. “I'm afraid this old couch has done a number on my spine. Perhaps we should invest in some cushions before our next late night rendezvous.”
I arched my back, trying to stretch out the kinks and knots that had taken up residence in my muscles. Ren's eyes followed the movement, a flicker of concern crossing his features.
Before I could assure him that I was fine, just a bit sore, he was on his knees behind me, his hands coming to rest on my shoulders. “Here, let me.”
I opened my mouth to protest, to insist that he needn't trouble himself, but the words died on my tongue as his fingers began to work their magic. He kneaded the tense muscles with a firm yet gentle touch, his thumbs digging into the knots with a precision that bordered on divine.
A low groan rumbled in my throat as he found a particularly stubborn spot, his touch both soothing and electrifying. I could feel the tension melting away, my body turning pliant and boneless. It was a different kind of magic than the one we practiced in the classroom, but no less potent.
“Ren,” I breathed, my voice strained. “You don't have to—”
“I want to,” he interrupted. “And I want you to let me. You deserve to be taken care of too, you know.”
His words struck a chord deep within me, resonating in the hollow spaces I'd long since learned to ignore. How long had it been since someone had shown me such tenderness, such care? I was so accustomed to being the one offering comfort, guidance, and support. To have the tables turned, to be on the receiving end of such gentle affection...it was both unfamiliar and profoundly moving.
I leaned back into his touch, surrendering to the soothing warmth of his hands. “Thank you,” I murmured, my voice thick with emotion. “For this, for listening last night, for... everything.”
Ren's hands stilled, coming to rest on my shoulders. “You don't have to thank me, Dorian. I care about you. I want to be here for you, just as you've been there for me.”
I twisted around to face him, cupping his cheek with my palm. “And I will continue to be, for as long as you'll have me. But for now, as much as it pains me to say it, we should probably get you back to your dorm before anyone notices your absence.”
Ren winced. “Luca’s definitely noticed by now I didn’t come in last night.”
A wry grin tugged at my lips as I imagined the impish gleam in Luca's eyes, the endless teasing that would no doubt ensue. “Ah, the perils of having a perceptive roommate. Perhaps we should come up with a plausible excuse for your absence. Late night study session? Impromptu stargazing expedition?”
Ren snorted, his dark eyes dancing with amusement. “Somehow, I doubt he'll buy either of those. Luca's got a nose for gossip that rivals any bloodhound.”
He rose to his feet, stretching languidly like a contented cat. I couldn't help but admire the lean lines of his body, the strip of pale skin that peeked out as his shirt rode up. Desire stirred within me once more, but I tamped it down with a rueful shake of my head.
“Well then, I suppose we'll just have to weather the storm of his curiosity. Ren...” I caught his hand, my thumb tracing gentle circles on his wrist. “Last night was wonderful. Amazing. Everything to me. But I want this to be more than stolen moments. I'd like to continue to court you properly. More dinner dates, long walks, afternoon teas… Without any pressure to ever do more. I meant it when I said I would move at your pace.”
Ren's eyes softened, a warm smile spreading across his face. “I'd like that,” he murmured. “Very much.” He laced his fingers with mine, giving my hand a gentle squeeze. “And for the record, I'm enjoying the pace we're moving at. Last night was... incredible. But I'm not in any rush. I want to savor every moment with you, Dorian.”
My heart swelled at his words, a rush of affection and gratitude flooding through me. “As do I,” I replied softly. “Every single one.”
With a tender smile, I leaned in, my lips seeking Ren's in a soft, sweet kiss. He met me halfway, his mouth warm and pliant against mine. The kiss was unhurried, a gentle exploration that spoke of affection and promise. I lost myself in the slide of his lips, the soft sigh that escaped him as I drew him closer.
Just as the kiss began to deepen, a familiar clatter of bones jolted us apart. I looked up to see Bones, my faithful skeletal companion, trotting into the room with an almost smug gleam in his empty eye sockets. His tail wagged enthusiastically, the bony appendage rattling against the hardwood floor.
“Well, good morning to you too, you incorrigible rascal,” I chuckled, reaching out to scratch Bones behind his skull. The skeleton dog leaned into my touch, his jawbone parting in a canine grin.
Ren laughed, the sound bright and warm in the cozy confines of my quarters. “I think someone's feeling left out,” he teased, crouching down to offer Bones a gentle pat. The skeleton nuzzled into Ren's hand, clearly taken with my beloved.
As if on cue, a soft rustling drew our attention to the bookshelf, where a familiar fuzzy form was making quite a meal out of one of my treasured grimoires. “Grim!” Ren exclaimed, hurrying over to retrieve his familiar.
I chuckled as Ren scooped up the mischievous familiar, cradling Grim against his chest. “Seems like our familiars are determined to keep us on our toes this morning.”
Ren grinned, stroking Grim with a gentle finger. “They do have a knack for interrupting at the most inopportune moments, don't they?”
“Perhaps it’s for the best.” I rose from the couch, wincing slightly as my back twinged in protest. “Now, off with you,” I said, shooing him towards the door with a playful swat to his backside. “Get some proper rest in an actual bed. We'll reconvene this evening to work on your summoning skills and perhaps get some answers.”
Ren grinned, a mischievous glint in his eye. “Yes, Professor,” he purred, the title taking on a decidedly suggestive tone.
I groaned, shaking my head even as a laugh escaped my lips. “You'll be the death of me, Ren Wickens.”
“But what a way to go.”
With that, he slipped out of my quarters, leaving me standing there with a foolish grin on my face, my heart fluttering in my chest like a lovesick schoolboy.