Please note: This chapter has mature themes. Recommended only for readers above 18 years of age. This chapter is basically about the mate bond between Rayna and Soren.
Soren further added, "Rayna...can I have the honor to form a mate bond with you? Can I be your mate? Please."
Rayna couldn't stop thinking about what just happened. Her heart was still racing.
Soren... confessed.
A hot, strong, handsome guy like him—sincere and vulnerable for once? It was kind of impossible not to feel something.
Yeah, Rayna had always had a soft spot for good-looking men. She could admit that. But this was different. He wasn't just a face. He'd helped her from the start, carried her here, gave her sandals when she needed them, and even looked out for her like it was second nature.
Sure, he could be sarcastic and annoying—but now, after that quiet, honest confession...
Rayna smiled to herself.
She was falling for him. Maybe she already had.
Rayna had made up her mind. Tonight, in the Nomei Festival, she would choose a mate.
Honestly, she had been leaning towards Ezra. He was charming, sweet, and made her laugh. She liked being around him. A part of her had hoped something might happen with Soren too—but with his cold, distant attitude, she had figured it was a lost cause.
And now, here he was. Not cold. Not distant. But open and real... asking her to be his mate.
After dealing with that annoying leopard earlier, she had realized something important—she was bound to meet cocky, smug males in this world, full of themselves and their strength. And she hated that type.
Soren wasn't like them. He had his own flaws, sure, but he was different—honest in his silence, and strong without being showy. He was like gold in a pile of hay.
Rayna looked at him, her heart full.
But just as her heart was ready to say yes, her brain kicked in.
What if I mess this up?
I've never even been in a real relationship before. What if I do something wrong?
What if Soren regrets choosing me? What if I become a burden instead of someone he wants?
The doubts buzzed in her head. She hated it—this habit of overthinking everything.
Rayna glanced at Soren again.
He wasn't saying anything. He was just standing there, quietly watching her. His eyes were steady, sincere. Not pushy. Not desperate. Just... waiting. Like whatever she chose would be okay with him, as long as it was truly her choice.
And in that moment, something clicked.
Fuck this overthinking, Rayna thought. I want him.
Simple as that.
Rayna leaned in, her heart thudding like a drum in her chest.
She rose onto her tiptoes, just enough to reach him. Soren was too tall after all. Soren tilted his head looking at her.
Rayna's voice was barely above a whisper.
"Don't freak out, okay?" she said quickly.
And then, before she could lose her nerve, she pressed her lips to his.
It was clumsy. Shaky. Her heart was pounding so loudly she could barely hear anything else. It was her first kiss—her first real kiss—and her hands awkwardly hovered near his chest, unsure of what to do.
Soren didn't move for a second. Then, slowly, carefully—he responded. One of his hands gently came up to hold her waist, steadying her.
His lips were soft. Warmer than she expected. She had assumed they'd be rough or chapped from his harsh exterior—but no. They were gentle. Patient.
Rayna felt her cheeks burn. What now? Do I tilt my head? Open my mouth? Wait—how does that French kiss thing even work?
She didn't know, but Soren didn't seem to mind.
Rayna remembered all those things she read and watched online. She tilted her head softly kissing Soren's lips. She was unsure about taking it further, so she just did that.
It was sweet, slow, gentle, filled with warmth. Not too hasteful or fast.
The pace was perfect.
After a few seconds Rayna broke away resting her head on his chest. Rayna was waiting for Soren's response. After a minute when she got none, Rayna looked up at Soren.
"Soren?" Rayna called out.
No response.
Rayna called out his name again. She was expecting a reaction from him, any reaction.
But Soren didn't move.
Not a word. Not a blink.
His face was frozen in place, eyes wide, lips slightly parted like his brain had just... stopped functioning.
She waved her hand in front of his face. "Soren?"
Still nothing.
"...Seriously?"
She leaned in a little closer, examining him. He wasn't blinking. Or breathing, it seemed.
"Oh my gods," she muttered, stifling a laugh. "Did I just break him?"
Soren was standing like a statue—stone-faced, rigid, absolutely overwhelmed. It was like someone had paused his animation.
Rayna poked his arm. "Hey, mighty guardian. You alive in there?"
She grinned. "Wow. I kissed a beastman and he forgot how to function. Add that to my skill set."
And just as she was about to poke him again—Soren blinked. Once. Twice.
Then, he very slowly exhaled, eyes darting to her like he was trying to figure out whether it had really happened.
Rayna raised a brow, arms crossed now. "Back with me, or you need a healer?" she teased him.
Soren chuckled—a warm, low sound that sent a flutter through Rayna's chest. It was the first time she had ever heard him laugh like that. And Oh... it was so appealing. Real. Unfiltered.
Before she could say anything, he pulled her into a tight hug, wrapping his arms around her like he never wanted to let go.
"So... does that mean I'm your mate now?" he asked, his voice muffled against her shoulder.
Rayna let out a soft laugh, "Yes, silly," she said, lightly tapping his arm. "The thing I just did with you? Only mates and lovers do that kind of thing."
Soren didn't answer immediately. Instead, he held her tighter, burying his face in the crook of her neck.
"Mhm," he murmured.
Rayna chuckled and wrapped her arms around him too, resting her head against his shoulder.
Soren suddenly scooped Rayna up into his arms, holding her effortlessly. She let out a surprised squeak, her arms instinctively wrapping around his neck.
"Soren! What are you doing?" she laughed.
He looked down at her, a hint of red dusting his cheeks. "You're not hungry, are you?" he asked.
Rayna tilted her head. "Well... I already ate. I could eat more—but I'm mostly full. Why?"
Soren hesitated for a beat, then replied softly, "Because I had something else in mind. Something... important." He cleared his throat and looked away, a rare moment of shyness washing over him. "It's about the mate bond."
Rayna blinked. "The... mate bond?"
Soren met her gaze, steady this time. "I want to complete it with you. But only if you want to too. Do I have your permission?"
Rayna's heart skipped. Her first kiss was barely behind her, and now this? Her stomach twisted—not in fear, but nervous excitement. Her thoughts tumbled: Does it involve... what I think it involves?
Still, she asked, voice quieter now, "It involves mating, right?"
Soren gave a slow nod, "Yes."
Rayna's breath hitched. Oh gods... really? Am I really going to—
She stared up at him, mind buzzing, emotions tangled in disbelief and anticipation.
Rayna clung to Soren's shoulders, her thoughts spinning wildly. What should I do?
She'd imagined it a hundred times before—quiet nights in her dorm, fantasies of soft kisses, gentle touches, the weight of someone above her. But now? With everything real, warm, alive? She was still conflicted.
"...Can we go home first?" she murmured.
Soren didn't ask further. He only nodded, tightening his arms slightly before lifting into the air.
They flew quietly through the night, until they reached her hut. Rayna asked, " Hey can I...go to your tree hut, I was always curious can I have a look inside?"
Soren nodded and he landed on the wide platform and pushed open the entrance.
Rayna was still in his arms, and only now did she slide down, feet hitting the smooth wooden floor. Her eyes widened slightly. The space was simple but cozy—one room, a large bed of hay and hide, neat bundles tucked into corners. It smelled of wild herbs and him. The hut was also built of bamboos.
"You built this yourself?" she asked, running her fingers across the wall.
Soren gave a small smile. "Yeah. Didn't like huts on the ground. Too boxed in. Up here... you get the view."
He led her to the window.
Rayna leaned forward—and gasped softly. She could see the river glinting under the moonlight, trees swaying below, the flickering lights of the bonfire of the village in the distance. A breeze floated in, cool and fragrant.
"It's... serene," she whispered.
Soren stepped behind her and wrapped his arms gently around her waist, pulling her into him. Rayna leaned back, sighing contentedly. His warmth soaked into her. Then she felt soft kisses press along the side of her neck.
She chuckled, a teasing edge in her voice. "Didn't think the cold, sarcastic guardian type knew how to be this gentle."
Soren murmured against her skin, "I have a beautiful mate. Can't help it."
Another kiss. Then another.
"Hey," she laughed, squirming, "that tickles."
But Soren didn't stop.
She turned around in his arms to face him, her gaze finding his lips again. For a moment, they just stood there—eyes locked, breaths mingling. Then she rose on her tiptoes, slid her arms around his neck, and kissed him.
This time, he kissed her back. Firm, certain.
And then—deeper.
Rayna's eyes snapped open as his tongue brushed softly past her lips. Wait—what the heck?
This sneaky bird... How does he know how to kiss like this?
His hand slipped around her back, pulling her closer, and the world spun deliciously. Rayna had no clue what she was doing—but it didn't matter. She followed his rhythm, her body melting against his.
Okay, wow, she thought as her knees almost buckled. I'm going to melt if he keeps this up.
As they kissed, time slipped away.
Soren pulled back, breathless. His chest rose and fell fast, and when his eyes met hers, they were darker—something deeper flickering in their golden depths.
"Rayna..." he murmured, his voice low and rough, like a growl that curled straight into her core.
That voice—God, that deep voice.
Her last thread of hesitation snapped.
"I'm ready," she whispered. "For the mate bond."
Her voice was steady. No stutter. No doubt.
Soren froze for a heartbeat, staring at her as if to make sure she meant it. Then his mouth was on hers again—hungry this time, fierce.
He pulled her flushed against his chest, his hands cradling the back of her head as the kiss deepened. She could feel the heat of him, the strength in the way he held her, as if he couldn't bear another inch between them.
She didn't even notice when he moved her backward, step by step.
The soft brush of hide met her legs.
Her knees hit the edge of the bed, and she tumbled gently down onto it, the plush hay rustling beneath her. Her braid now messy, her cheeks flushed, lips parted.
She looked up at him, her thoughts a whirlwind. She couldn't think—could barely breathe.
Soren stood above her, gaze locked on hers. There was something reverent in the way he looked at her, like she was made of starlight—precious.
And Rayna—her eyes were glazed, her body warm, her heart thundering.
This moment. This choice. Finally, she was going to have her first night with Soren.
Soren slowly crawled over her, his movements deliberate, as if afraid one wrong step might break the moment. His golden eyes searched her face—not with arrogance or hunger, but with something raw. Something aching.
He leaned down, pressing a kiss to her forehead. Then another, softer still, on her cheek. His lips trailed along the bridge of her nose, then found her jawline. Each kiss was a silent confession, his breath trembling against her skin.
Rayna could feel it. His hands were shaking.
He was trying to hold back.
Trying not to rush. Not to ruin this.
To be gentle with the person he had waited for without even knowing he was waiting.
And inside him, a storm raged.
Soren's heart pounded like a wild drum in his chest. His inner beast itched to come out, his beast half desperate to claim her, to mark her as his. But he held it down, gritting his teeth behind each kiss. He didn't want to scare her, didn't want to lose the warmth she'd just started giving him.
He wanted Rayna—not just her body, not just the bond.
He wanted all of her.
Her laughter. Her sharp tongue. Her stubborn courage. Her presence beside him every day, every night.
"Rayna..." he whispered against her neck, voice hoarse with restraint. "You don't know what you've done to me..."
She opened her eyes slowly, meeting his gaze. He looked wrecked. Desperate. Like he'd been holding himself together for far too long.
Rayna reached up and touched his cheek, her fingers feather-light.
"You're doing just fine," she whispered.
Soren leaned into her touch. And just for a moment—just one—he let himself feel it all.
Soren traced kisses along side her neck. While kissing he kissed a spot under her ear.
"Mhm", Rayna responded.
Soren found her weak spot. He kept kissing her there, Rayna now squirming under him.
Soren slowly went downward, kissing her collarbones, then lower, just above her dress.
Rayna's hands went to Soren's chest, her hands tracing his chest.
Soren gasps as her hands roam over his chest and abs, the sensation of her touch driving him wild. He buries his face in the crook of her neck, inhaling her scent.
"I always liked your abs, from the moment I first saw them", Rayna says while continuing her exploration.
Soren chuckled, "That explains why you were so blatantly staring at me and your lack of willingness to get off me, back then."
Rayna blushed averting her gaze from him.
"You don't have to hold back anymore, Rayna," Soren murmured, gently turning her face toward him. "I'm yours. All of me."
Rayna looked into his eyes, breath hitching.
Soren asked his hands hovering over her dress. "May I?"
Her lips parted, but no words came—just a small, shaky nod as her fingers curled into his chest, eyes shimmering with silent invitation.
Soren slowly unwrapped her, revealing all of her to his gaze. Bare. Naked.
Soren swallowed hard.
He pushed her hair away from her shoulders, his eyes drinking in every inch of her body. The fullness of her chests. Delectable. It made him drool. Her body was breath-stealing. Alluring. He suddenly remembered that arrogant leopard approaching her. He felt possessive suddenly. "Rayna..." He called softly. He kissed her chest swirling his tongue around her peaks.
Rayna gasped, arching her back. She was squirming. But she felt good. Too good.
Soren leaned downward and slowly rubbed himself against hers. He kissed her deeply, his tongue exploring her mouth as he continued to hump her.
Rayna could feel his thing getting harder. Curious her hands went downwards feeling it under his feather skirt. He let out a low groan as Rayna felt it up. Rayna pulled down his skirt.
Rayna's eyes widened. Soren was throbbing and big. He broke the kiss, his breath coming in ragged gasps. "Rayna..." he warned softly, his hips bucking slightly as she stroked him gently.
His hands cupped her breasts softly. He squeezed them gently, his thumbs rubbing over her peaks. A sound escaped Rayna's mouth. She was sensitive there.
He traced kisses down her stomach, his hands gently spreading her thighs. His breath hitched at the sight of her glistening core. He looked up at her, his eyes intense with desire and love. "Rayna..." he whispered before planting a soft kiss on her mound.
Her gasp filled the room as his kiss landed on her sensitive core. He smiled against her, his fingers gently parting her lips to expose her core. He licked it slowly, exploring. Her hips bucked involuntarily, pushing herself further into his face.
"Ngh", Rayna moaned out. It feels so good, and why is he doing this so well! She tightened her legs, sandwiching Soren's face between her legs.
Soren moaned softly against her core, the vibration sending waves of pleasure through her body. He began to lick and suck more intensely, alternating between slow laps and quick flicks of his tongue.
His hands gripped her thighs firmly but gently, holding them open for him.
Rayna clenched around his tongue as he sucked harder. He inserted two fingers inside slowly, curling them up to hit that spot that made Rayna's eyes roll back.
He ate her out like he was starving for it - soft kisses mixed with deep sucks and finger thrusts.
"Ahhhh" Rayna clenched around his fingers and her loud moan echoed through the room as she came undone. He kept licking and sucking through her orgasm, drawing it out until she were shaking and sensitive. Only then did he pull away, his face glistening with her juices and a satisfied smirk on his lips. Rayna collapsed overwhelmed.
Soren crawled up her body slowly, kissing her stomach and breasts. Then, he positioned himself between her legs, his hard manhood pressing against her entrance. "Rayna..." he whispered seeking permission. Rayna looked at him and nodded.
He took that as an answer and pushed inside her slowly, filling her up. He threw her legs over his shoulders and started to thrust deeply, hitting her deepest spot.
Her breasts bounced with each thrust. Soren watched her body intently - the way her stomach tightened, her peaks hardened. "Damn"
He grabbed her hips tightly and started pounding into her deeper and faster. The room was filled with sounds of moaning and slapping. "Hngh", "Ahh"
Rayna's loud moaning sounds were driving him wild. He leaned down and sucked her peak hard while continuing his pounding. "Shit...I'm losing it." Soren said breathless.
"Soren...hngh", Rayna moaned his name.
Snap! Soren's final ounce of control crumbled in a heartbeat.
He growled, his manhood throbbing inside her.
"Ahh, why is it getting bigger!" Rayna cried out.
Soren increased his pace going faster and harder.
Rayna screamed. She clenched around him tight, her legs wrapping around his waist, as she felt herself getting close. Soren's manhood pulsed inside her as he no longer could hold it in. "Mmphh", he released his hot load deep inside her.
Both of their bodies shuddered with pleasure. Rayna was totally filled uptil brim with his seed. Rayna collapsed. Soren collapsed too on top of her, panting heavily, their bodies slick with sweat and the room full of a musky scent.
Soren stayed inside her, his manhood still twitching with aftershocks. He kissed her neck gently, then looked into her eyes with a soft smile. He hugged her and slowly pulled out of her.
Rayna could feel his release leaking out of her core as he moved.
He rolled off and lay next to her. Holding her close to him and pressing a gentle kiss on her forehead, "You know... there's a kind of light in you that doesn't fade. You're not just beautiful, Rayna... you're the kind of rare that makes everything else feel less."
Rayna blushed, too tired to say anything.
She had a mate now. That too an extremely handsome and caring man.
And she couldn't stop smiling.
She cuddled closer, content and sleepy in his strong arms. Her eyes slowly drooping and closing.
Soren gently caressed her hair and smiled. "Sleep my dear...I love you. With all my heart."
He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her closer. He was awake for a while like he couldn't just believe what happened and the ecstasy he felt.
Slowly he too drifted into sleep.