The Triquetra Bond

Chapter 17

When Eimear woke the next morning, she felt deeply rested in a way she couldn’t remember experiencing before. Her body hadn’t moved an inch during the night, as if cradled in the softest cocoon of safety and peace. Warmth surrounded her, grounding her in a way that felt uniquely right.

A weight on her belly caught her attention. She looked down and smiled softly, her heart swelling at the sight. Aidan and Ronan’s joined hands rested on her midsection, their arms draped protectively across her. They must have fallen asleep holding hands. Her lips curved into an amused smile. These two.

The smile faltered as a thought struck her. She had asked them to wait, to put their desires aside until she was ready. But was that fair? Her chest tightened. What if they were holding back their own happiness for her sake? A flicker of heat bloomed in her core at the thought of them together, and to her surprise, it wasn’t embarrassment she felt—it was longing.

The realization startled her. She shifted slightly, the blush creeping up her neck. Focus, Eimear. She glanced down at their joined hands again, her heart softening. Their connection was so natural, so effortless. Maybe this was what she needed to tell them—it was okay for them to lean on each other until she was ready.

A small sigh escaped her lips, the guilt easing as her mind wandered to another observation. My powers. Since being with Aidan and Ronan, her magic hadn’t flared once. The realization sent a ripple of relief through her. Could their presence truly be grounding her? Anchoring her in ways she hadn’t thought possible? She turned her head slightly, watching their peaceful faces, and felt an overwhelming wave of gratitude.

Her moment of peace was interrupted by nature’s call. Eimear frowned, glancing down at their entwined arms. How am I supposed to escape this without waking them?

With careful precision, she reached down and slowly separated their hands. Inch by inch, she slid out of bed, holding her breath as her feet hit the floor. Success! she thought triumphantly.

Practically skipping to the bathroom, she basked in the lightness of the moment. Everything about this morning felt perfect—safe, warm, and full of possibilities. But when she returned, the sight of her mates smirking at her from the bed stopped her in her tracks.

“We woke as soon as you touched our hands,” Ronan said with a teasing glint in his eye.

“You seemed so determined not to wake us, we decided to let you win,” Aidan added, his grin wide and entirely too handsome.

Eimear froze, her cheeks flaming. Of course, they knew. Traitors. “You two are impossible,” she muttered, though her lips twitched with a smile.

“Come back to bed,” Aidan said, patting the space between them. “We’ve got a busy day ahead, but there’s time for a little more snuggling.”

The warmth in his voice made her heart flutter. Without hesitation, she climbed back between them, sinking into the comfort of their arms.

“Busy how?” she asked softly.

Aidan propped himself up on his elbow, his gaze warm and determined. "Ronan came up with the idea of putting together a schedule for training you," he said.

"We want to help you get ready for whatever might come our way," Ronan added, his tone steady but serious.

Eimear nodded, her brow furrowing. "I agree. I keep getting this feeling like I’m being watched. Even when we got to the island yesterday, it was there. But I didn’t know if it was just my senses in overdrive or what."

Aidan reached out, brushing her cheek with the back of his fingers. “You’re not alone anymore,” he murmured. “We’ll protect you, Eimear. And we’ll make sure you’re ready.”

Ronan nodded in agreement as he traced soothing patterns along her arm. "We’re in this together, Eimear. Always."

Their words filled her chest with warmth, easing her doubts and fears. Before she could respond, Aidan leaned down and kissed her. His lips were soft, deliberate, and full of reassurance. When he pulled back, Ronan was there to kiss her next, his touch playful yet no less comforting.

When her stomach growled loudly, breaking the tension, they all laughed.

"Hungry, mate?" Ronan teased, a grin spreading across his face.

"Starving," she admitted with a sheepish smile. "My appetite seems to have returned since our mate bond ignited."

“I guess we should feed you,” Ronan teased as Aidan started to get out of the bed.

"Wait," Eimear said, holding up a hand. "I need to say something first."

Both men paused and looked at her with full attention, their expressions instantly serious.

"Look," she began, her fingers fidgeting with the duvet. “I know I’m not ready for... everything yet, and you’ve both been so fantastic about waiting for me." She sighed deeply before continuing. "But I don’t want you doing without."

Ronan shook his head, already speaking. "Eimear, we’re more than happy—"

She cut him off gently but firmly. "I know this bond isn’t just me bonded to each of you separately; it’s the three of us bonded to each other.But you two shouldn’t have to hold back because of me. I want you to be happy—together."

Aidan’s gaze softened. "Eimear, we are more than happy to wait. Truly."

"And I appreciate that," she replied earnestly. "But let’s face it—you’re both hot-blooded males, and I want you to be happy and satisfied. It’s important to me."

Ronan looked at Aidan, and the unspoken tension between them became palpable. It was clear that what Eimear had said wasn’t far off the mark—the want was there, strong and undeniable.

"We’ll think about it," Ronan said finally, his voice tight with emotion. "If we do act on it, just know that we want you every bit as much as we want each other."

Aidan nodded, his own desire barely hidden behind his intense gaze. "You’re our mate, Eimear. Nothing changes that."

As if to seal his words, Ronan leaned over and kissed Eimear hard, a kiss filled with passion and gratitude. When he pulled away, he turned immediately to Aidan and kissed him just as fiercely.

Eimear felt her breath hitch as she watched them, her heart racing and heat pooling in her core. Watching these two strong, gorgeous men openly showing their affection for each other sent her mind spinning. She felt like all her birthdays had come at once, a surprising thrill coursing through her as she realized how much their bond truly connected them all.