Checking the occasional clearance, she played with her scanner and stared at her bare ring finger. A yellow auranite band would soon be there because she was to be bonded with two men.
“Alright Daroh, entertain me,” Garr said stepping aside. He picked up his canteen from its place on the small table, opened it up, and took a swig. “I want to hear about the clusterfuck that is your love life.”
She glanced up at the night sky. Two moons shown down, one smaller than the other, illuminating the dark night. She had been on Retaya for six long years and not once had she considered bonding with gebeds. After all their kind was rarely seen around these parts and now, she had two of them.
“What do you want to know?”
“So they asked you to bond with them.”
“Yep.”
“Where are you guys going to hold the ceremony?” he asked leaning out the door to see if more skiffs approached.
“At the guild's sanctuaryon Tundoloth.”
The sound of that scared her. She was born and raised in Border Regions where no governments ruled and people took the law into their own hands. After the expansion of central system rule, only now had society begun to think about taming it. And now she was to go to headquarters of the most powerful guild in the collective and become a life-mate to two of their members? Was she supposed to change her views and become just like them? She became a soldier to protect the innocent, enforcing Collective Law came with it—becoming a book nerd synthesizing every codex that came into her hand in the relentless search for knowledge was out of the question. She stopped going to school for a reason, so she wouldn't have to do homework.
“Are you sure you want to do that?”
She had mulled it over in her mind. She loved them deeply. She couldn't breathe without them. To be without Kellam or Feran would be death for her soul.
“I'm sure.”
“Okay. You know you're my best friend and I'll support you in whatever you do. It’s just that I don't want you to get hurt.”
“I know,” she said smiling Never the one to brag, he always let his modesty and good sense lead the way. That's why she considered him a good leader and friend.
“But we've overcome a lot of that,” she replied grateful for his comfort and friendship.
“I'm not talking about that. I know you said that it's in the past, I don't happen to think it is, but that's for another discussion.”
“What do you mean?”
“They're guys. I don't care how much philosophical training they've had, they’re still men and there will be trouble.”
“Triune bonds have happened before.”
“Yeah but with other monks. That stuff is dangerous. That's why the other guilds won't celebrate a bond like that.”
“I think you're wrong. Kellam had a long talk with his doyen as did Feran and they are certain the guild will allow it.”
He waved her off, “Whatever but back to my point, you're going to have to give up a lot. Think about it. You are a Tech Sargent. The youngest in the history of the security forces, you're even up for a slot at the academy. That all ends the day you so 'I do.'”
She furled her brow in disbelief. “That's ridiculous. They know my job, they know who I am. They won't stop that. Plus they'll be gone all the time.”
“Oh my poor naïve and might I add virginal Zisa.”
She rolled her eyes. “What does sex have to do with it?”
“A lot. Which explains your lack of knowledge. Let me explain something,” he said leaning in close, “you haven't given them any. That's why they're so nice now. But once you do, that's it. You are there's. And things will change. They will change. I can promise you that.”
“What makes you think that?”
“Because I would. Any guy would especially if he loves her.”
A skiff pulled up in front of the booth. He stepped outside and greeted the occupants. She considered his words. Yes, she had caught a hint of their jealousy but that was only because they had not known about each other. Everything was different now.
“And there is the whole thing about non-gebed bonding with two others in the Knowing. It's dangerous,” he said ducking back inside the booth.
She heard the rumors too. She did not know much about the Knowing, only a few things she picked up from people around her. All she knew was that it gave them the ability to synthesize much knowledge taught them how to apply the knowledge they had. Including the use of psy abilities. Not everyone had access to this gift but those who did were quite powerful.
“So I've heard,” she said chewing her bottom lip.
“Hey,” he said leaning in close, “did you hear me?”
“Hunh?”
“I said I didn't mean to scare you.”
“Oh I know that.”
“Good cause I only wish you the best. By the way, where will you guys live?”
Still considering the gravity of the situation, she leaned back in her chair. Suddenly she was scared.
“I don't know. Here on Retaya I think.”
“Excellent. At least we'll be able to keep in touch.”
She glanced at him. “Yeah, we will.”
Chapter Four
Smooth stone floors and elegant yet muted décor were the hallmarks of the sanctuary of the Guild for Applied Gnosis. Gebeds clothed in their characteristic dark grey robes called rhasons passed by speaking to each other in muted tones. Beings of all races and species walked their hallowed halls.
Kellam delighted in showing Zisa the place where had been schooled and raised. She had been quite since their arrival, undoubtedly taking it all in. He hoped that it would not overwhelm her but thought it only fair to give her a tour before their bonding ceremony. Perhaps its beauty could explain why he had chosen to stay in the Life for all these years.
He glanced at Feran who was at his side. His friend since childhood he was grateful for the ability to share his life with him as well. It seemed only right that he be a part of it for they had loved each other for years.
Wearing a a simple tunic and trousers Doyen Weythat stood looking out the window. His short frail frame gave no hint to the powerful mind and spirit that still lived within him. A father to him, he offered counsel, moral support and above all love. But today he sought his tacit approval for this momentous step he sought to take in his life. Kellam hoped he was pleased with his decision.
“I can feel your nervous energy,” Weythat said not looking hisway. “From the both of you in fact.”
“Yes, doyen,” Kellam replied standing beside soon to be husband and wife.
“Why do you fear? Am I that harsh of a person that you fear my judgment?”
He turned slowly and smiled. “Do not. I am always proud of you. ”
Kellam nodded respectfully barely able to contain his love.
Weythat approached them in a slow manner, his gait slow and measured.
“Feran it is good to see you...”
“Thank you doyen,” he replied bowing.
“Please sit.”
Zisa and Feran followed him to the sofa. With much discomfort, he watched as his mentor walked to a chair across from them. Sitting down slowly, he turned his attention to Zisa. Though no one knew his true age, Kellam guessed him to be at least one hundred and fifty. Very long for a human but not for one so deeply connected to the Knowing.
“Young lady I hope you understand how much he loves you. How much they both do. Originally, I did not approve of this relationship for obvious reasons. For these two have always been ruled by the passions of their heart. It is a trait they must contend with, for the rest of their lives. And yet they are wise gebeds, skilled in the Knowing.” He sat back in the chair and continued. “They are like brothers bound from birth it seems by an invisible tie that no man can break. In spite of my efforts to keep them apart as children. Why did you involve yourself with both?”
“It was not my intention originally,” she replied sounding nervous.
“Bu
t yet here you are.”
“Yes, I admit at first—,” she hesitated. “It was an accident. But now, I know it was meant to be.”
“They said you were spirited.” He smiled then his expression grew serious. “Do you love them?”
“I love them more than I thought capable from myself.”
“You will need that and more to remain with them. A gebed gives of his life and self fully to his mission. His duty it is...to serve others. It is how they are raised. It is what they know. They will be gone for great lengths of time. Unable to contact you, how will this affect you?”
She paused, “I have to admit it will hurt but it is something I'll have to deal with.”
“Deal with? You must live with it. There is no other option. This is their life. Can you handle that?”
“Yes.”
He relaxed and fell silent. The tension eased out of him as he heard Weythat give his tacit approval.
“You are welcome here any time,” he said sitting back in the chair.
“Thank you.”
“You may also visit your child at any time but you must not interfere.”
Placing his hands in his sleeve, Kellam glanced at Feran who stroked his beard. They knew a prophecy when they heard one. It only confirmed the visions he'd been having.
“I'm sorry Doyen Weythat. There must be some mistake—.”
“No mistake. It will be,” he hesitated, leveled a heavy gaze upon Kellam, and chuckled. “intentional. You are a determined man. Still headstrong after all these years.”
He stood with effort, “Kellam a father. It's as if it was only yesterday that I had to scold him for not cleaning his room. Zisa perhaps you will calm that rebellious heart.”
“Thank you for the compliment, Doyen,” Kellam replied receiving the critique with a humble heart.
“As always my son, I speak the truth to you.”
“I know. I know.”
Chapter Five
Feran placed his hand on Zisa's back gentling guiding her into the elevator. The doors closed in front of them giving them some privacy. With Kellam away making the reservations at the hotel, he had Zisa all to himself.
“You are silent,” Feran said to her placing his hands in his sleeves. He had sensed her fear since their arrival on Tundoloth. It was at its height upon meeting Kellam's doyen. Now that they were on their way to meet his, he noticed that it has returned.
“I'm just taking it all in,” she replied sweetly.
“Don't be frightened. Soon we will be bonded and we will start our life together,” he said hoping she had not changed her mind.
“I know. It will be wonderful,” she stumbled over her words.
Caressing her cheek, he gazed at the woman who stole his heart long before he met her. How was he to tell her that she had nothing to fear for he had foreseen many years ago?
As the elevator made the swift rise to the seventy-fifth floor, he pulled Zisa close and kissed her. Her body melted into his arms as their mouths met and opened, allowing their tongues to swirl together. It had been sometime since they kissed so intimately. Because of their eminent bonding, Kellam insisted that they remain chaste until after the ceremony when they could give themselves to each other fully. Reluctantly, he agreed.
Feran pulled away and smiled. “Feel better?”
“Yes,” she said with a glow he had not seen earlier.
The door opened. Guiding her out, they stepped into the hallway where he once played as a child. Now at the ripe old age of thirty-four, he felt like a boy again asking for permission to marry the girl of his dreams.
None of this was a written rule for those in the Life. It was an unspoken one you offered in gratitude to the one you cared for and respected.
“What if he says no?” Zisa asked stopping. “What if the Quorum says we can't bond?”
The Quorum's silence over their request concerned him too. Yes, gebeds were permitted to bond, with other gebeds. But for those outside of the guild, the code insisted on a loser tie of civil marriage, leaving out the binding of minds and souls to those experienced in the knowing. Feran wanted to be more than a husband, sharing a civil contract. He desired to be life-mates withthem. Joining his soul with theirs forever.
“We are meant to be. Nothing will stand in our way.”
Though confident that Quorum would give their blessing, there was a chance they could disapprove. It was not the first time a mixed marriage had taken place within the guild, but it was the first one in recent memory. Concerned, he wondered, if they did not allow it, would he go against their decision? And marry her anyway? He gazed at Zisa. The answer was obvious. He would.
Feran placed his palm in front of the lock to his doyen's quarters. It slid open immediately. Stepping inside, the deep burgundy colors of the floor and furniture transported him to his boyhood. Many times, he stared out the window dreaming of the day when he could go on adventures in service to the Collective.
“Please sit,” he said to Zisa.
She sat down on the sofa while he remained standing.
“Feran, you are here,” a gentle voice said in the other room. It's light tone always made him feel secure.
“Doyen Efar, I would like for you to meet my espoused, Zisa.”
A short woman with black hair and almond shaped eyes walked into the room with his hands behind his back. A great smile lit up her expression.
“Good to meet you Zisa. He has spoken highly of you,” she said sitting in a chair across from them.
“Thank you. He has said only good things about you and it is a pleasure to meet you.”
She chuckled. “You are kind. Feran, she is beautiful and very sweet. You have made a wise choice.”
“Thank you doyen.”
“I have spoken to the Quorum on your behalf and reluctantly they have agreed to allow you and Kellam to bond with her. But only on one condition.”
“What is that?”
“You must not abandon your life here. Meaning you must maintain a residence in the dormery here and continue your life as committed.”
“We will,” he said with a sigh of relief. “Thank you so much for doing this. It means a great deal to me. To us.”
“My son, for you it was no effort.”
****
Water splashed against stone in the distance. Zisa felt calm, serene knowing this was where she was suppose to be. To be committed to two the people she loved most for the rest of her life, was right. She sighed and closed her eyes.
“Join hands,” the healer said to the three.
Zisa smile and grasped Kellam and Feran's hands. They squeezed reassuredly making her smile, alleviating the flutters of her stomach. Knitting their fingers together, they nodded towards the healer.
A shiny amber colored stone called a Light Core rested on a stand in front of her. Translucent and shiny, it appeared to glow from within.
The healer raised her arms and held her hands over their heads.
“Let the Knowing bind your lives together.”
Radiating like fiire, she closed her to keep from being blinded. Suddenly unable to hear the healer or feel Kellam's or Feran's grip, she panicked. Then a strong comforting presence surrounded her mind.
Sweetheart we are here. Do not fear.
It was Kellam. She heard him but was not sure if she heard him in her mind or with her ears.
Then an image appeared in Zisa's mind. Three dots joined by a circle. As the light from the ring grew, she felt a jolt of electricity go through her body. Suddenly she felt Feran's anxiety and Kellam's quiet certainty. Their feelings were hers and she knew hers were theirs.
Chapter Six
“Do you think he plans on joining us?” Zisa asked Kellam as he grasped her ankle.
Lifting her leg, he squeezed the sponge in his hand pouring soapy water all over it.
“I should hope so,” he replied distracted by her leg.
She nestled her back against his firm and muscular chest.
“He is bonded with us,” he continued lowering her other leg.
Zisa giggled enjoying a soothing bubble bath. Only an hour into their lives as life-mates, Feran was gone. Where, she did not know.
“Is he going to be this absent throughout our life?” she asked, concern gnawing at her mind. Ever since the bond, something changed inside of her. She could feel their emotions as hers and hear their thoughts. It was strange yet comforting to be so close.
Kellam's thickening penis pushed against her back. He sipped the wine from a goblet they both shared and placed it on the ledge of the tub.
“Love you should know him by now. He's high strung.”
She caressed his powerful thighs. Every bit of his body was powerful. He was raw energy filled with the Knowing that flowed through him. Yes, he could be gentle too but many times when they allowed their passion to flow free his desires overwhelmed his control releasing the strength that was so evident in his giant form.
She tensed when she thought about making love for the first time. She was opening herself for the first time to two men.
Will there be a lot of pain? Will I be any good? The questions gnawed at her brain.
“Are you nervous?” Kellam asked placing the nearly
empty goblet on the edge of the stone tub.
She lifted the glass and sipped the dry wine. “A little. I mean, I'm not totally naive. I know what to expect but I am afraid.”
His soapy hand caressed her chin. “Of what? We love you.”
She smiled. “I'm afraid I will be a disappointment. I'm not very skilled in
the art of love making.”
Embarrassed she stared at the bubbly water.
“This isn't a competition nor is it a test,” he said kissing top of her head. “We shall discover each other together. As for the-rest-—I will be your teacher.”
She nodded fully trusting him.
“Okay. But I must warn you. I love being the teacher's pet.”
“Ahh, an eager student,” he said squeezing water on her head.
She retaliated causing a water fight soaking them both. After rinsing off, Zisa reached for a thick towel, surprised watching it fly into her hand.
Bonded (Soul Ties, #1) Page 2