Page 25 of Lord of the Lone Wolf
“The first stage of intellectual arousal,” Kisano began, adopting the rhythmic cadence of a formal lecture, “is what the Order called ‘Intellectual Awakening.’ It begins with the presentation of a compelling idea that captures one’s complete attention.”
He unlaced Sephen’s tunic, revealing more of his chest with each word. “The physical manifestations are subtle but unmistakable. The pulse quickens.” His fingers traced the vein in Sephen’s neck, feeling the rapid beat there. “Breathing becomes shallow. Awareness narrows to focus on the source of stimulation.”
Sephen hung on every word. “Is that what happened when you first read the text?”
“Yes,” Kisano admitted. “I stayed awake for three days, unable to set it aside. My body forgot its need for food and rest. There was only the knowledge, unfolding before me like a revelation.”
“And the physical response?” Sephen asked, drawing Kisano closer.
“Unmistakable,” Kisano said with a small smile. “Much like yours now.”
He pushed Sephen’s tunic off his shoulders, baring his torso to the blue-tinted light. “According to the text, the first stage is characterized by a state of heightened receptivity. The mind opens itself completely to new information, while the body prepares for deeper connection.”
His fingers found a sensitive spot below Sephen’s ribs, and his mate gasped. “The scholars believed that certain points on the body correspond directly to intellectual centers,” Kisano explained, circling the spot with his thumb. “This one, for instance, connects to the capacity for abstract thought.”
“That explains why it feels so good when you touch me there,” Sephen joked.
“Tell me,” Kisano murmured against Sephen’s skin, “what is the most interesting idea you have encountered recently? What subject has awakened your intellectual hunger?”
Sephen’s hands tangled in Kisano’s hair, holding him close. “The possibility of trinity bonds,” he answered without hesitation. “Three souls connecting as perfectly as two intrigues me. Knowing their love could expand without taking away from what already exists. I have so many questions.”
Kisano smiled against Sephen’s skin, pleased by the answer. “An excellent example of Intellectual Awakening,” he praised, shifting his attention to another sensitive spot below Sephen’s collarbone. “The concept captures your imagination, makes you want to explore further, and leaves you hungry for more knowledge.”
“Yes,” Sephen agreed, arching into Kisano’s touch. “I can’t stop thinking about it.”
“And does your body respond when you contemplate this idea?” Kisano asked. His hands moved lower, tracing the waistband of Sephen’s breeches.
“You know it does,” Sephen admitted, his cheeks flushing. “Especially when I think about specific applications of the theory.”
“Ah,” Kisano said, a knowing smile playing on his lips. “Then you are already transitioning to the second stage.”
His fingers worked at the fastenings of Sephen’s breeches, undoing them with deliberate slowness. “The second stage is called ‘Conceptual Exploration.’ In this phase, the mind begins to process and explore the introduced concept in greater depth, while the body experiences the first true stirrings of desire.”
The breeches came loose, and Kisano tugged them down to expose the sharp cut of Sephen’s hip bones. “The scholars believed that during this stage, one should prolong the anticipation. To rush would be to diminish the eventual understanding.”
Sephen squirmed under his touch. “That sounds like torture,” he complained, though his voice was thick with desire.
“It is a sweet torture,” Kisano corrected, pressing a kiss to Sephen’s hip. “One that heightens eventual pleasure. The mind needs time to fully engage with new concepts.”
He continued their slow exploration, avoiding the areas where Sephen most wanted to be touched. “Tell me how you would explore this concept of trinity bonds. What questions would you ask? What aspects would you investigate first?”
Sephen’s breath hitched as Kisano’s fingers brushed close to his arousal without making contact. “I would want to know the historical precedents. Are there records of successful trinity bonds in the past, especially involving humans?”
“An excellent starting point,” Kisano praised, rewarding him with a firmer touch. “What else?”
“I’d want to understand the magic theory behind it,” Sephen continued. “Does it require different types of magic to balance, or are the personalities and strengths of the bondmates more important than their magical affinities?”
Kisano hummed approvingly, slipping his hand beneath the fabric to wrap around Sephen’s length and stroke. “And what about the practical aspects? What would you want to know about the day-to-day reality of such a bond?”
Sephen gasped at the contact, his hips lifting for a more substantial touch. “How the physical relationship would work. Would all three always be together, or would different pairs connect in different ways at different times?”
Kisano continued his measured strokes. “You demonstrate excellent Conceptual Exploration, considering both theoretical and practical implications.”
He withdrew his hand, earning a frustrated groan from Sephen. After removing Sephen’s boots, Kisano used both hands to tug his breeches down his legs. Sephen lifted his hips to help, kicking the garment away once it reached his ankles.
“What about your clothes?” Sephen tugged at the hem of Kisano’s tunic. “Shouldn’t my teacher demonstrate these concepts?”
“In due time,” Kisano promised with a smile. “The Order believed that asymmetry of exposure created a productive tension that enhances learning.”
