The Scenting Ritual

Eila couldn't think of a single thing to say. She waited, hoping Leonard would continue the conversation, but he remained silent, his icy blue eyes locked onto hers. His gaze was intense, unwavering—almost as if he was trying to measure the depths of her golden irises.

The silence stretched between them like a taut string, making her shift uncomfortably. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Leonard spoke.

"I think we should not reject each other," he said, his tone firm, as if he had already decided this was the best course of action. "But I'm still not ready to mark you and complete the bond. Instead, I will scent you."

Eila's breath caught in her throat. The weight of his words sent shivers down her spine.

Sera, her wolf, practically leaped with excitement inside her mind. Yes! Let him claim us!

Eila forced Sera to calm down before clearing her throat. "Scent me?" she repeated cautiously. "How exactly do you plan to do that?"

Leonard leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. "We'll sleep in the same bed tonight."

Eila's face flushed deep red. "W-What?"

He smirked at her reaction. "It's the most effective way. If I hold you close, my scent will cling to you. After that, no one will question that you belong to me."

Eila's mind reeled. He spoke about it so casually, but the implications were anything but casual.

Sleeping in the same bed?

Being in his arms?

The thought made her heart race.

"Isn't there another way?" she asked hesitantly, trying to maintain her composure.

Leonard arched a brow, his expression amused. "Would you rather I do it here in my office?"

Her face burned even hotter. "No! I mean—" She exhaled sharply, trying to find the right words. "I just… don't think it's necessary to go that far."

"If I don't scent you properly, it won't last," he explained, his voice smooth and calm. "You'd have to keep coming back so I could reinforce it."

Eila's breath hitched. She wasn't sure which was worse—sharing a bed with him once or repeatedly having to endure this level of closeness.

"I'm not sleeping with you," she blurted out. "We can share a room, but I'll stay on my side of the bed."

Leonard's smirk deepened. "We'll see."

Eila groaned internally. This man was impossible.

A sharp knock at the door interrupted the moment. A maid entered, keeping her eyes lowered. "My Lord, the guest room has been prepared."

Leonard gave a short nod before turning back to Eila. "You'll stay here tonight."

Eila exhaled shakily and nodded. There was no getting out of this now.

Nightfall at Blackwell Manor

The guest room in Blackwell Manor was more extravagant than anything Eila had ever experienced. The bed was massive, covered in deep blue silk sheets, and a fireplace crackled softly in the corner, casting a warm glow over the room.

Eila paced, her nerves tangled in knots. She had already bathed and changed into a simple nightgown. The fabric was soft against her skin, but she couldn't focus on anything except what was coming next.

A knock at the door made her jump. She quickly composed herself before opening it.

Leonard stood there, freshly bathed, his dark black hair slightly damp. He had discarded his formal attire for a loose-fitting black shirt and pants. Despite the relaxed appearance, his piercing blue eyes were as unreadable as ever.

He stepped inside, closing the door behind him. The air between them felt thick with tension.

Eila crossed her arms over her chest. "So… how exactly does this work?" she asked, feigning confidence.

Leonard studied her for a moment before answering. "I hold you. My scent will transfer to you. That's all."

That was all? Somehow, it didn't feel that simple.

Eila hesitated before stepping forward. The moment she was within reach, Leonard wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close.

Her breath caught.

His scent—rich leather and sharp tangerine—washed over her, intoxicating and overwhelming all at once. It was warm, familiar in a way that made her heart ache.

Sera all but purred in satisfaction. Perfect. He's perfect.

"Relax," Leonard murmured, his voice lower, softer than before.

Eila shivered, her body reacting to his presence despite her best efforts to remain calm.

For what felt like forever, they stayed like that—Leonard holding her close, his scent weaving around her like an invisible claim. His warmth seeped into her, and for the first time since discovering their bond, she didn't feel anxious.

She felt… safe.

"See?" Leonard's voice was smooth, almost teasing. "Not so bad."

Eila hesitated before looking up at him. The usual coldness in his eyes had softened, just slightly.

Then, without warning, Leonard leaned down

and brushed his nose against the curve of her neck.

A small gasp escaped her lips.

A deep growl rumbled in his chest. "Mine."

Eila's entire body flushed at the possessiveness in his voice.

Sera howled in delight. Yes! Ours!

Eila barely managed to suppress a whimper. The scenting was complete. From this moment on, no one would question who she belonged to.

And she had a feeling this was only the beginning.