Page 45 of Guiding Desire

Orrey told himself it was the drugs, the blast, anything, but in this moment, he embraced the magic of imprinting with all his heart. This perfect, easy experience they had just shared, Orrey couldn’t have wished for better.

13

SENLAS

To Our New Ferrean Conduits!

Dear fellow Conduits,

I know you had an exciting time getting here from Ferrea and thus, you experienced our Team Three doing what they do best: causing me paperwork.

On a more serious note, welcome, and I am happy that minor attack on your convoy was thwarted as quickly as it was. You are moving to Argentea for the first day of Covenant Week, which has speeches and the Guardian Parade as well as the fireworks in the evening.

During the former, you’ll be busy moving into your accommodation, but once you are settled, please feel invited to watch the fireworks with your new neighbors. Argentea’s Grounds has many rooftop terraces for the purpose, but some of our courtyards also have a decent view. It will be a chance for you to meet other Conduits and Guardians.

I’m attaching a schedule for the rest of the week. One thing about Argentea that might surprise you is that the streets around the Grounds, everything from the Judiciary to Meridian Park, are considered very safe. You will regularly see Conduits head outside unaccompanied by a Guardian. Doing so is not considered risky. For those who wish to explore, I’m attaching a few regular-run establishments you might want to visit (I highlighted my favorite coffee place! Do check it out.)

Please feel welcome here, please make Argentea your home.It has been mine for many years, and I found my family here.May you find happiness and joy in our city.

Conduit Coldis Solara

G&C sixth rank operative

Notsurprisingly,Orreywasout like a light. Senlas had only sensed buffering from his Conduit, also not surprising given how sensitive he’d been to touch. Senlas didn’t mind at all. The image of his Conduit, spent, sweaty, drowsy with bliss, it was seared into Senlas’s brain, the kind of thing he’d be easily able to get himself off to.

In the darkening room, Senlas kissed Orrey’s shoulder before getting off the bed and heading into the bathroom.

It was a guest bathroom no longer, was instead filled with Orrey’s things now, although there wasn’t much of them, just basic things. Senlas smiled at Orrey’s powdered toothpaste in candy flavor, then sniffed his Conduit’s shower gel.

This isn’t right, it’s intrusive,he thought and put the dispenser back in its place on the tub’s rim.

Senlas set the water temperature to just above body temp and wet a cloth in the sink. He wrung it out so it was damp, made his way back to his sleeping Conduit.

Orrey was still lying on his stomach, and cleaning his back was easy enough. Senlas worked slowly, careful about not waking Orrey.

Something about the situation reminded Senlas of the G&C Clinic, of Orrey sedated. The urge to press the Conduit to his chest and hold him, feel him, wake him just to make sure he was fine, gripped Senlas’s mind hard, but he refused. He allowed himself much more time to clean his Conduit than was strictly necessary, a tradeoff for Orrey’s benefit.

And that beautiful ass. Fuck, but did he have to look so good naked? I won’t be able to think about anything but being with him again.

In the end, Senlas finished cleaning Orrey up, carefully turned him over so his still healing face wasn’t against the pillow, then wrapped him in the sheets.

“I’ll be right outside, kitten. Sweet dreams,” Senlas whispered into Orrey’s ear, and, for good measure, folded the comforter over the sleeping Conduit.

Senlas dropped the cloth down the laundry chute in the bathroom, quickly collected his shirt, and took the time to fold Orrey’s things and put them at the foot of the bed.

Back in the living area, the other three were still busy watchingMy Secret Guardian.

“You took my advice,” Karmine said, sounding entirely pleased with himself.

“No, I took care of my Conduit when he asked me to.”

“If he’s okay with me not wearing a bathing suit, then does that mean I really don’t have to wear a bathing suit?” Taros asked.

Karmine nodded to Taros. “You’re right. The cutie has our big, fearless leader under his thumb.”

Senlas walked along the back of the couch and flicked both their heads, though Karmine saw the movement coming and almost managed to get away.

“My screen?” Senlas asked, and Karmine handed it over.