Page 61 of Sanctuary and Spices
“The garden looks different somehow...”
Ronhar moved through the space with practiced grace, delivering drinks and greeting regulars. His markings pulsed subtly whenever he passed near me, like he couldn’t quite help responding to my presence.
I wasn’t any better. The bond sang between us, stronger each day.
“You’re glowing again,” I murmured as he reached past me for clean cups.
“Your fault.” He nipped my ear. “You’re distracting.”
“Me? I’m working.” I gestured at the dough I was kneading. “Very professionally.”
“Uh huh.” His hands settled on my hips. “And that thing you did with the bond earlier?”
Heat crept up my cheeks. “I was... experimenting.”
“During breakfast service?”
“Had to test the theory sometime.” I twisted to face him. “Did it work?”
His markings blazed. “You know it did.”
I grinned. “Good to know.”
The kitchen timer saved him from replying. Or maybe saved me - the look in his eyes promised delicious revenge later.
The morning passed in a blur of orders and preparations. I lost myself in the familiar rhythm of the kitchen, but part of me stayed aware of Ronhar’s movements through the café. The bond let me track him without looking, his presence a constant warmth in the back of my mind.
Finally, the rush slowed. I wiped down my station, watching Ronhar tend to our ceremonial vine. The plant had grown exponentially since the wedding, its gold-silver blooms unlike anything I’d seen before.
“She’s thriving,” I said, moving to join him.
“She knows she’s loved.” He wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling me against his side. “Like someone else I know.”
I elbowed him. “Sap.”
“Your sap.”
“Always.” I reached out to touch the vine, marveling at how it curled toward my fingers. Through the bond, I felt Ronhar’s satisfaction at the sight.
“I never thought I’d have this,” he murmured into my hair.
“What, a café full of semi-sentient plants?”
“A home.” He turned me to face him. “A mate who understands both parts of me - the warrior and the gardener.”
“Lucky for you, I have a thing for competent men who can both kick ass and nurture things.”
His markings flared. “Lucky for me indeed.”
The kiss started gentle but quickly turned heated. I pressed closer, sliding my hands into his hair as the bond sparked between us.
A crash from the kitchen made us jump apart.
“Sorry!” Pix called. “The new resonance-powered mixing bowl had a slight... adjustment issue.”
“No fire this time?” I asked.
“Minimal fire! Barely worth mentioning!”
