The Triquetra Bond

Chapter 14

As they stepped into the room, Eimear paused, relief washing over her. The bed was neatly made, her clothes folded and tucked away, and the soft, soothing scent of lavender lingered in the air. Whoever had tidied up had spared her the embarrassment of revealing her typically cluttered space. By the large bay window, Aidan and Ronan’s bags were neatly set to one side, adding a sense of inevitability to their shared situation.

The two men moved further into the room, their gazes wandering curiously. Aidan lingered by the overflowing bookshelves that framed a cozy reading nook, complete with a pile of mismatched cushions and a well-loved blanket. Ronan’s eyes trailed over the twinkling fairy lights strung around her bedframe, their soft glow casting a warm, magical feel across the room.

Eimear remained near the doorway, her heart pounding so hard she thought it might burst. The thought swirled in her mind, pressing against her nerves. I am alone in my room with my two mates. A wave of panic coursed through her, but she kept her face steady.

Aidan turned to her, his expression calm and reassuring. He stepped close, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. “It’s okay, Eimear,” he said softly. “We’ve got this.”

His words settled her racing thoughts, and she exhaled slowly, trying to ground herself in the warmth of the bond connecting them.

Sensing her tension, Ronan made a show of rummaging through his bag and pulling out a neatly folded shirt. “Right, Aidan,” he said, grinning mischievously, “let’s get all dolled up for our mate. Point me to the shower, Eimear.”

His lighthearted tone broke through her nerves, and she laughed despite herself. “Through there,” she said, pointing to the ensuite. “Towels are in the closet outside.”

Ronan winked at her before disappearing into the bathroom with his bag in tow, leaving Eimear alone with Aidan.

Aidan turned back to her, his eyes warm. “You’re doing great,” he said, his tone encouraging. “And Ronan’s right—you’re going to have to prepare yourself because we’re pulling out all the stops tonight.”

Eimear raised an eyebrow, trying to ignore the heat creeping up her neck. “Oh, really?”

“Absolutely.” Aidan’s smile turned teasing. “We have to impress our mate, after all.”

Her cheeks flushed, but this time, the nervous energy in her chest softened into something lighter.

Aidan moved to his bags and picked out a clean outfit. “I’ll use the main bathroom to shower,” he said, heading toward the door.

Before he could leave, Eimear reached out and grabbed his hand. “Aidan, wait.” She hesitated, tugging at the hem of her oversized sweatshirt. “I’m not a girly girl. I don’t do makeup or hair or nails. This is me most days,” she said, motioning to her leggings and sweatshirt. “I wish the first time we met, I wasn’t all dressed up, so you could see the real me.”

Aidan stepped closer, cupping her cheek with his hand. His eyes softened, and a small smile tugged at his lips. “Eimear, you could wear rags, and we’d still think you’re the most gorgeous woman in the room.”

Through the bond, Aidan shared what she had said with Ronan, who immediately chimed in. “He’s right, you know. Fancy or casual, you’re still our perfect mate.”

Eimear’s lips curved into a small smile. “I’ll wear a dress for tonight, but I won’t have any makeup on.”

“Good,” Aidan replied, his voice gentle. “I much prefer to see your pretty face without it.”

Blushing, Eimear nodded as Aidan left the room. Once he and Ronan were in their respective showers, Eimear dashed to her mother’s room to shower and get ready herself. After quickly cleaning up, she chose a simple black dress that fell just above her knees. The neckline framed her Triquetra mark perfectly—a detail she picked deliberately. She brushed her hair out, leaving it loose, and took one last deep breath before heading back to her room.

When she returned, both men were waiting for her. She paused in the doorway, momentarily stunned. Despite their casual outfits—simple button-up shirts and jeans—they somehow looked even more breathtaking than they had at the ball. The sight of them sitting side by side sent her pulse racing.

Both men stood as she entered, their gazes locking onto her. The bond surged to life, a rush of warmth flooding her senses. It was as if a spark had ignited between the three of them, the heat of it pulsing in her chest and tingling at the edges of her awareness.

“Little mate, you look amazing,” Ronan breathed, his voice laced with awe.

He crossed the room to her, his eyes dark with intensity, and gently trailed a finger over the Triquetra mark on her chest. The touch sent a shiver down her spine, and she gasped softly.

“I can feel that too,” Aidan murmured from behind Ronan, his voice low and husky. “In my mark.”

The heat between them was undeniable, and Eimear’s knees wobbled as she tried to steady herself. Both men stilled as the sensation rippled through the bond, their eyes darkening in response.

Eimear groaned softly, breaking the charged silence. “We need to talk. About this arrangement.” She gestured toward her bed, her cheeks flushing. “I’m really sorry, but I don’t feel comfortable with the idea of being... intimate under my parents’ roof.”

She stepped back, trying to clear her head of the overwhelming feelings coursing through her. “Can we wait until we have our own place?” she asked, looking down and wringing her hands nervously. “I’m sorry. I know the mating bond is pushing us all to—”

“Eimear, stop,” Aidan interrupted, holding up his hands in a calming gesture. “Please don’t apologize. We meant what we said—we’ll take everything at your pace.”

Ronan stepped closer, his usual playful grin replaced with sincerity. “As much as we’d all like to get to know each other better, we can and will wait for you. No pressure.”

The sincerity in their voices made Eimear’s heart swell with gratitude, and she felt the tension ease slightly. But then her eyes flicked between them and noticed something—Ronan was looking at Aidan with a twinkle in his eye, a gaze filled with curiosity and something deeper.

Eimear gasped softly when she saw Aidan return the look, his lips curving into a small, knowing smile. The connection between them was unmistakable, and it hit her all at once.

“You two...” she started, her words trailing off as her cheeks turned pink.

Ronan chuckled, glancing back at her. “We’re figuring this all out together, Eimear. The bond connects us all in more ways than one.”