Code of Honor (4)

The three weeks passed by quickly and Marcus spent most of them asleep. Vagn and Berem checked on him regularly, updating him on Neroon's whereabouts and confirming that Neroon would return to his residence the night before the ceremony would take place. Delenn also contacted him a few times and Marcus had even spoken to Lennier and Franklin, but he hadn't told them about his upcoming 'marriage' to Neroon. It was just a farce.

Vagn remained concerned about his condition. He recovered only slowly, battling a serious infection that inflamed his side. His ribs were healing, and the bandage that covered his slashed cheek had been removed, revealing a scar that disfigured his face. Vagn offered to smooth the skin to lessen the scar tissue, but he'd refused; he lacked a reason why. Neither Susan or Neroon cared about him.

"Alyt Neroon will return tonight," Berem said, thoughtfully. Neroon had ordered him to stay at Marcus' side and to make sure the Ranger was well guarded. During these last three weeks, Berem had gotten to know Marcus and he'd learned to see through the Ranger's mask. The depression and sadness that showed in the green eyes alarmed him at times. He'd moved Marcus to Neroon's quarters a week ago, as was custom and recognized the loneliness that surrounded the human; Neroon at times radiated the same loneliness.

Marcus didn't bother to answer. He merely nodded his head, indicating he'd understood. These last three weeks had been hell. He'd forced himself to accept that Neroon didn't return his feelings and that when they had sex it would be formal and bereft of passion. It had taken a lot out of him, but he'd managed to bury his emotions, until only logical thought remained. At times he felt like some sort of robot, emotionless and breathing automatically.

Berem exchanged a concerned glance with Vagn. The young Minbari healer had been there every step of the way, making sure Marcus' injuries were tended to. Vagn also knew how depressed his patient had become and had offered to give him an anti-depressant, but Marcus had refused. Vagn signaled Berem to step outside so they could talk freely.

"He is not getting better," Berem sighed, concerned. The Ranger remained wounded, physically and emotionally.

Vagn nodded his agreement. "The sooner Alyt Neroon returns the better." Berem gave him a puzzled look and Vagn explained. "When the Alyt was still close Marcus responded to him. Now that Alyt Neroon is gone, Marcus is withdrawing within himself. Maybe Alyt Neroon can reach him."

Berem began to regret ever suggesting to Neroon to take Marcus as his mate. Although the Rangers and the warrior caste were trying to get along because of the upcoming marriage, he feared the benefits wouldn't outweigh Marcus' suffering. He'd never thought the Ranger's condition would detoriorate instead of improve.

"I worry about tomorrow. I am not sure he is well enough to take part in the wedding ceremony. He is weak and hasn't been able to walk unaided yet. It is like..."

"Like he lost the will to live," Berem finished for the healer. He hadn't told Neroon about Marcus' condition, hoping the Ranger would improve before the Alyt returned, but now he no longer had a choice. "Neroon will arrive shortly."

"I will try once more to convince Marcus to take the new medication." Vagn felt thankful that a human physician that served the Rangers had examined Marcus and offered a treatment plan, which he was sticking to.

///

Marcus heard them talk in the corridor, but didn't try to decipher their words. They were speaking in Vik and he didn't have the energy to make sense of the few words he recognized.

Staring at the ceiling, he mentally prepared himself for the next 24 hours. Neroon will show up soon and we will spend the night locked up in here. And then... the ceremony. I only hope I've got enough strength left to pull through. We'll have sex, but we won't be making love... no emotions... no emotions.

Feeling miserable and alone he turned onto his right side, cursing the pain in his side. Where will I go? Do I return to Babylon 5? I can stay with the Rangers at Tuzanor. Delenn had given him carte blanche, telling him he could go wherever he wanted. She wouldn't force him to return to the space station. But that's where I will go anyway. I need to report to her, tell her what happened and then... maybe she'll send me on another mission... one I won't return from.

And no one will mourn my passing, not even Delenn. I'm a Ranger, a soldier, and death comes with the territory. Neroon can then select a new mate, one he really loves and I... My ordeal will be over at last. I have nothing left to live for.

I've got to make it through the ceremony... it doesn't matter what happens next. I have to do this for Delenn, for the Rangers.. I can't fail them like I failed Willie and Hasina.

His eyes grew tired from staring at the ceiling and he closed them, forcing himself to fall asleep again so time would pass unnoticed.

///

"Alyt Neroon." Berem bowed respectfully and allowed a smile to appear on his face.

"Berem..." Neroon followed his second in command into the shuttle that would take him home. He'd been extremely busy these last few weeks and looked forward to getting some rest after the ceremony. "Is everything going according to plan?" he asked, leaning back in his seat while Berem was piloting the shuttle.

Berem suddenly felt nervous, knowing he had to tell Neroon the whole truth. "No, Alyt."

Neroon's brow grew knitted. "What went wrong?"

"It is Marcus," Berem said, searching for the right words. "His side is infected and..."

Neroon glared at his second in command. "Why wasn't I informed sooner?"

"You were busy preparing the ceremony and negotiating between the Rangers and our caste. I didn't want to add to your burden."

"I can't call off the ceremony," Neroon said, thinking aloud. "Both parties expect the ceremony to take place tomorrow. If I call it off now the conflicts will start all over again."

"Marcus told Vagn to give him some pain medication so he can go through with the ceremony," Berem informed him.

"I do not like this..." Neroon mused, thoughtfully. "I will talk to him in depth tonight." They had to spend the night in his quarters and then he could address the matter.

///

Neroon was startled when he saw Marcus again. Dark circles had appeared beneath the Ranger's eyes and he was terribly thin. Marcus was extremely pale and still needed Vagn's support to walk up to him. In Valen's name, what happened during my absence? He didn't look this bad when I left! He was seriously tempted to call off the ceremony. "Marcus," he whispered in greeting, unable to keep the shock from his voice.

"Neroon... It's been three weeks then?"

Neroon gasped, hearing the raw tone to the Ranger's voice. The distant expression in those green eyes told him Marcus was shutting him out. Why was the Ranger acting like this? I should have reacted three weeks ago when something didn't feel right. Instead I let this happen. "Yes, three weeks," he confirmed absentmindedly. "Marcus, you look... ill." Marcus laughed, embittered, and Neroon shivered. "Maybe we should postpone the ceremony. You obviously need more time to heal."

"Thank you," Marcus replied politely. "But that won't be necessary. I asked Vagn for something to numb the pain in my side and the injury won't hamper me during the ceremony. Why don't you step inside? After all, these are your quarters. I'll be leaving in twenty-four hours."

Dazed, Neroon stepped inside and scanned his private chambers with a glance. Nothing had changed; Marcus hadn't moved a single item. It was like the Ranger hadn't lived here at all. "You should lie down." Marcus looked like he was going to keel over any moment now.

Aided by Vagn, Marcus made it over to the horizontal sleeping platform and laid down. "Vagn, please leave us."

The young healer didn't want to leave his patient, but couldn't go against a direct order from his Alyt's mate and left.

Neroon turned away from Marcus, trying to compose himself. He'd expected Marcus to be able to walk unaided and the fact that the Ranger was so weak unnerved him. Turning around again, he sought out Marcus' vacant eyes.

"It's all right, Neroon. You don't have to postpone the ceremony. Everything will be over with in 24 hours. I can rest then." Marcus pulled the blanket up to his shoulders, shivering. Neroon startled him when the Minbari said something in Vik. "What did you say?"

"I ordered the computer to raise the room temperature." Neroon realized there was no way out; he had to face Marcus, but before he got a chance to address the Ranger, Marcus beat him to it.

"There's a second platform in your study," Marcus said, hoping Neroon would take the hint and leave him alone until the ceremony. Vagn and Berem had provided him with details of the ceremony and he wasn't looking forward to playing the submissive role in front of a Minbari audience.

Neroon actually felt thankful that Marcus gave him a way out. "I will wake you in ten hours. That is time we are supposed to spend together before the ceremony can take place."

"I know that... Berem told me..." Marcus rolled onto his left side, turning his back on Neroon. "Goodnight, Neroon."

Neroon murmured something inaudible and closed the door behind him after stepping into his study. Stretching out on the sleeping platform he felt restless. Am I doing the right thing or am I making a terrible mistake? Only time would tell.

///

The next morning soft knocking on the door woke Marcus. He'd grown somewhat accustomed to sleeping in Neroon's quarters, but this was the first time the Minbari was actually at home and sharing those quarters with him.

"Good morning," Neroon started, "I trust you slept well?" He knew the truth though. Nightmares had haunted Marcus' sleep all night long and he'd even gotten up once to check on the Ranger. The circles beneath Marcus' eyes had grown worse over night and he wasn't sure he wanted to go on with the ceremony.

"Alyt? I need to check on Marcus," came Vagn's voice from the other side of the door.

"You may enter," Neroon said and disappeared into the bathroom to freshen himself up.

Vagn entered slowly and then hesitantly approached Marcus. "I brought you the pain medication as promised, but I still think it is too early to proceed with the ceremony. You are still healing!"

Marcus dismissed Vagn's worries. "It will be all over with in a few hours, Vagn, and then you don't have to worry about me any more."

"You are still planning on leaving?" Vagn still hoped the Ranger would change his mind. "You are not strong enough yet!"

"Vagn," Marcus said, giving the young healer a warm smile. "Thank you for worrying about me, thank you for taking care of me, but our paths will part in a few hours." Please don't grow attached to me, Vagn. I will only ruin your life.

"Vagn, I want a word with you... in my study." Neroon had caught Vagn's last words and was determined to question the young healer. If Marcus wasn't up to performing the ceremony he had to cancel it.

"Yes, Alyt." Vagn dropped the pain meds in Marcus' lap and followed Neroon into his study. Waiting impatiently, he hoped Neroon would consider the Ranger's condition and call off the ceremony.

"How bad is he?" Neroon sat down behind his desk.

Vagn noticed that Neroon's injuries had healed. The cast was gone and the bandages as well. Neroon was in prime shape, having completely recovered from his injuries. "He is still running a fever."

"What is causing the infection?" Neroon leaned back in his chair, mentally taking notes. Vagn seemed nervous, even agigated.

"May I speak freely, Alyt?"

Neroon nodded his head. "Yes."

"Marcus has lost the will to live. His body won't recuperate because his mind has given up."

So I was right! Neroon wasn't really surprised, having reached that conclusion as well. "Is he well enough to attend the ceremony?"

Vagn recalled that Marcus had insisted he was well enough to go through with the ceremony. "I do not know."

Neroon inclined his head. "Explain yourself."

"It depends on... how much pressure you will put on his side during the claiming." Vagn felt uncomfortable discussing this behind Marcus' back.

"I see, what position do you think would be best?" Neroon wanted Marcus to feel as comfortable as possible.

Vagn averted his eyes and stared at the floor. "On his side, Alyt."

"I understand... Vagn, what medication did you just give him?"

Vagn's breathing sped up; he had hoped Neroon hadn't seen him slip the pills to Marcus. "Something against the pain in his side. Marcus is determined to attend the ceremony today and..."

"Leave me now. I need to think," Neroon said abruptly.

Vagn quickly bowed and hurriedly left the study. In the living area Marcus was trying to get to his feet. "You should rest." Vagn helped Marcus change into the ceremonial robes which had been delivered while he had been talking to Neroon.

"I've got to do this, Vagn. I've got to do this for the Rangers."

Vagn located the vial he'd given Marcus and noticed it was half empty. Marcus had already taken some pain pills.

"I will tend to him, Vagn." Neroon approached them, inwardly cringing seeing how wobbly Marcus was on his feet.

"Yes, Alyt." Vagn waited for Marcus to lean against the wall for support. Only then did he release the Ranger. Moving quickly, he left the two men along.

"Are you sure you want to go ahead with the ceremony?" Neroon asked, afraid that Marcus would pass out any moment now. The Ranger wouldn't last through the ceremony.

"I'm sure, Neroon," Marcus said firmly.

A knock on the door intertupted them and two warriors stepped inside, wearing ceremonial robes as well. They were here to escort Marcus to the baths where they would prepare him for the ceremony.

"I've got to go now," Marcus whispered, needing to get away from Neroon. Although the erotic dreams hadn't occurred these last three weeks he didn't want to risk giving anything away. Nightmares had taken their place and kept him awake night after night. Marcus accepted the warrriors' support and slowly made his way into the corridor, leaving Neroon alone in his quarters.

Neroon stared at the Ranger's back and sighed. He'd planned on taking Marcus swiftly and then move on to speaking the vows, but now he realized he couldn't carry out his original plans. You are hurting and I won't add to your pain. Instead of claiming Marcus quickly, he would ease the Ranger's pain. He'd been with men before, lovers, which had come and gone during the wars he had fought in and he knew how to make Marcus relax and allow him to enjoy their mating. There would be no pain, only pleasure and ecstasy.

///

The pills Vagn had given him worked. They numbed his pain and Marcus was able to move without constantly being reminded of his still mending body. His escort took him to the rooms where they'd prepare him for the ceremony and he felt relieved, seeing Vagn waiting them for him. The young healer would be close all the time.

Berem and Vagn had told him what to expect and he co-operated when the three of them began to strip him of his clothes. Vagn was definitely in charge, telling the other two Minbari to be gentle and careful. A few minutes later he was naked and led toward a tub filled with hot water. A sweet fragrance surrounded him and he relaxed in the water.

But the peaceful sensation didn't last long. Vagn asked him to step out of the tub again and the healer rubbed scented oil all over his body. Then red robes were draped over his shoulders.

"You are ready, Marcus," Vagn announced. "How is the pain?"

"Almost gone." Marcus felt nervous, knowing that the ceremony would start in a few minutes. "Vagn...?" He wasn't sure how to bring up this particular subject.

"Yes?"

"During the claiming... Neroon knows what to do, doesn't he?" He hoped Neroon also knew to bring along some sort of lubricant. In his dreams Neroon was a passionate lover, always considerate of his needs, but this was reality.

Vagn recalled what Berem had told him. "Alyt Neroon has had male lovers before so yes, I think he knows what to do."

Marcus released a relieved sigh. At least one of them knew what to do! Neroon didn't know that he'd never had sex before and he intended to keep it that way. He didn't really know why it was so important to him to keep that secret from Neroon... maybe he felt less of a man because he still was a virgin. Neroon had had lovers before and would surely look down on him for being this inexperienced. Well, then again, maybe he was just imagining things and overreacting.

The door to the next room opened and Marcus took a deep breath. Everything would be over within a few minutes and then he could leave Neroon's home. I'll return to Babylon 5... report to Delenn and go on with my life pretending this never happened.

Marcus entered a room, filled with several Minbari warriors. He even saw a few members of the religious caste and he figured they were here to give them their blessing. In the centre of the room was a pile of pillows, surrounded by burning, scented candles. It could have passed for a romantic interlude if it weren't for the audience and the cold nature of their mating.

"Marcus." Neroon approached the Ranger and offered him his hand.

Berem had talked Marcus through the ceremony while Neroon had been away on caste matters and he placed his hand in Neroon's. "Neroon." Both inclined their heads in greeting.

Neroon saw the nervousness in Marcus' green eyes as he led the Ranger to the pillows and felt even more determined to make sure Marcus enjoyed their mating. He'd take his time and prepare Marcus carefully before finally claiming him.

With one practised move Neroon removed the robes from Marcus' shoulders and took in the Ranger's too thin body. Marcus reacted, prompted by Berem, who was part of the audience, and slid the black robes Neroon was wearing from his shoulders as well. Pleased, Neroon helped Marcus sit down, cradled by the pillows. "Lie down, I know your side still hurts."

Nervously, Marcus licked his lips and obeyed. Why was Neroon treating him like China? Didn't he know that the pain meds had numbed his side? Glancing at their audience, he shuddered. He counted ten male warriors, two females belonging to the religious caste and then there was Vagn, eyeing him closely.

"Try to relax, Marcus," Neroon purred, lying down next to the Ranger. He couldn't put any weight on Marcus and would follow Vagn's advice and take the Ranger while Marcus was resting on his side. But now they lay facing each other and Neroon noticed the tense muscles that stood out beneath the taunt skin.

"Shouldn't I... Berem said I had to kneel before you?" It would symbolize his submissive role and assure their witnesses that he accepted Neroon as the dominant partner.

"You are in no condition to kneel, Marcus, your side is still causing you discomfort." Something flashed in the Ranger's eyes and Neroon leaned in closer to whisper into the other man's ear. "Just let me take the lead. Do not take the initiative and we will have honored the rules."

Marcus nodded his head. "What do you want me to do?"

"Relax, try to enjoy this." Neroon cupped Marcus' face in the palm of his right hand and rubbed his thumb over the Ranger's cheek. Marcus quivered beneath his touch and Neroon gently claimed the Ranger's lips, suckling the bottom lip, refusing to let go just yet. After checking Marcus' eyes and seeing the surprise there, he deepened the kiss and parted the Ranger's teeth. He wanted Marcus aroused; it would relax the Ranger and hopefully he would enjoy their coupling too.

Shocked, Marcus stared into Neroon's eyes. The Minbari was kissing him, deepening the kiss and suckling his tongue! The sensation slithered through his stomach and pooled in his groin. As Neroon continued to kiss him, he grew hard and moaned softly.

"Yes," Neroon purred and released Marcus' lips to leave a wet trail down the Ranger's chest. He teased one nipple into hardness and rolled the other between his fingertips. Marcus bucked hard and the Ranger's erection pressed against his stomach. Marcus' passionate reaction surprised him, but he assumed it was the medication Vagn had given Marcus that was making the Ranger react in this way.

He curled his fingers around Marcus' cock and stroked slowly. Curiously, he watched as the foreskin moved over the head of the Ranger's cock and then released it again. His other hand cradled Marcus' heavy balls and he massaged them firmly, wanting the Ranger to come before taking the next step.

Marcus' eyes widened, seeing Neroon move between his legs and then... Bloody hell, he's going down on me! Neroon's lips closed over his aching cock and he thrust into the wet warmth. He'd forgotten about their audience as Neroon's tongue licked up and down his length. Suddenly one of Neroon's fingers pried his lips apart and acting instinctively, he sucked it.

Neroon was pleased to find that a human's body reacted to his caresses the same way a Minbari's would and he pumped Marcus' cock harder. The Ranger moaned when he removed his finger and teasingly he traced the outline of Marcus' lips before touching his now wet finger to the Ranger's entrance.

Marcus startled, feeling a finger push against the guardian ring, but managed to relax. He'd better not fight this, because it was going to happen anyway! Neroon's caresses however, assured him that the Minbari was focused on their pleasure and he didn't fight the intruder when Neroon's fingertip slipped past the ring of muscle.

Neroon purred, growled and moaned, suckling Marcus' cock, tasting pre-ejaculate. The Ranger wouldn't last much longer and he thrust slowly, his fingertip brushing Marcus' prostate.

"Ne...roon!" Marcus' eyes nearly bulged from their sockets as pleasure sliced through him. Finally locking eyes with Neroon, Marcus found the pupils dilated with lust. Bugger, he's enjoying this, getting off on getting me off! Small vibrations traveled through his lower body when Neroon brushed his prostate again and again... and now Neroon was measuring his strokes to pumping his cock! The sensation was too much and Marcus gasped, coming hard.

Neroon gazed into Marcus' draped eyes and pulled back. Fascinated, he watched Marcus' come drip down his belly and thighs. Reaching for a flask filled with oil, he coated his erection with the slippery liquid and moved Marcus onto his side. The Ranger was shaking like a leaf and Neroon sucked on the skin beneath Marcus' collarbone, nibbled on an earlobe and left a passion mark on his throat.

Sensory overload made it hard for Marcus to concentrate on what Neroon was doing. The Minbari was now spooned behind him and a hard cock was pressed against his ass. This is it, he's gonna do it... Fear and ecstasy rolled through him and his cock twitched, growing hard again. Well, I'll be damned... I didn't think I could come a second time!

"Are you ready?" Neroon parted Marcus' buttocks and touched one wet finger to the Ranger's entrance, once massaging softly.

"Yes, do it!" Just let it be over with! This isn't about love! No matter how passioantely he touches me, he doesn't love me! Marcus fought hot tears, but then Neroon's fingers wrapped themselves around his cock, stroking him back to full hardness.

Neroon positioned himself behind the Ranger and then slowly pushed past the guardian ring, never forgetting to stroke his partner's cock. If Marcus had been his lover he would have crooned soothing words into the Ranger's ear, but now he held back, uncertain if Marcus would welcome such reassurance. Licking Marcus' back and neck instead, he felt the Ranger relax and pushed in further.

Marcus bit his bottom lip. Neroon pushing inside didn't really hurt; only a burning sensation spread through his lower body and he waited for Neroon to completely bury himself inside his body.

Neroon was now buried to the hilt in Marcus' body and his balls slapped against the Ranger's buttocks. He built a slow rhythm, not thrusting too deeply or too fast, giving Marcus a chance to grow accustomed to his presence. Taking Marcus' earlobe between his teeth, he sucked on it, nibbled at the hot flesh and increased the speed and intensity of his thrusts, aiming for Marcus' prostate.

Although he'd just come, Marcus felt the familiar sensation in his groin, telling him he was about to come again. Involuntarily, he moved with Neroon's thrusts, pushing back when the Minbari thrust again. He lost himself in the rhythm until his world only existed of pleasure and a fine layer of pain bordering on ecstasy.

Neroon regretted that he couldn't last any longer and buried himself deeply in Marcus' body, experiencing a shattering orgasm and releasing his come inside his partner's hot channel, claiming him.

Marcus was helpless in Neroon's embrace and loosed his own orgasm when Neroon firmly pumped his cock. Shivering, he panted hard, watching his come spread over Neroon's fingers. Why? Why did it have to feel like making love? Why couldn't it be short, cold and formal? Why kiss me? Lick me, go down on me? Why, Neroon, why? His heart broke, knowing the charade for what it was.

Their witnesses mumbled some words in Vik, bowed their heads and then left the room, leaving them alone.

"I am going to pull out now," Neroon announced and his sated sex slipped from Marcus' body. Concerned that he had somehow hurt the still healing Ranger he turned Marcus onto his back and checked the clouded eyes. "It is over. I claimed you."

Marcus averted his eyes, unable to return Neroon's stare. "Now what?" He wanted to curl up and hide from Neroon's eyes, but that was not an option right now, first they had to complete the ceremony. He was strangely touched when Neroon used his own robes to cover his shivering body with.

"Vagn will look after you and dress you. We still have to say our vows." Neroon stared at Marcus, wondering about the Ranger's behavior. Marcus had been much more passionate and responsive than he'd thought possible and before the Ranger had closed his eyes he had caught an expression in those orbs that confused him.

Marcus nodded his head once and struggled into a sitting position. He was lightheaded and dizzy and needed help. Accepting Neroon's hand, he allowed the Minbari to pull him to his feet. "Thanks."

"Marcus?" Concerned, Neroon tried to catch Marcus' elusive stare. When Marcus didn't react, he called out Vagn's name. The healer appeared at once, also casting worried glances at Marcus.

"Take good care of him," Neroon ordered. "Examine him, bathe him and dress him."

"Yes, Alyt. Marcus, come with me." Vagn wrapped one arm around the Ranger and guided him out of the room.

Neroon shivered, seeing the slowness in Marcus' movements. Had he just made a terrible mistake?

///

Marcus barely noticed Vagn tending to him. The warmth of the bath finally managed to get his attention and he wished he could scrub Neroon from his body. He even marked me! But his hands remained in his lap as Vagn washed him, dried his skin and then helped him into some green robes that were made with a silk-like texture. He wasn't looking forward to exchanging vows with Neroon, but at least then he could leave Minbar and lick his wounds!

"Marcus, do you still remember the words?" Vagn was worried that Marcus was going into shock and tried to talk to him, make him respond to his question. "Marcus, do you?"

"Yes, I hear you," Marcus mumbled. His body was still humming from the ecstasy he had experienced, but he also felt sore. "Let's do this."

Vagn guided Marcus back into the room, where Neroon, dressed in his uniform, was waiting for him. The witnesses had returned and had formed a circle around Neroon. They stepped aside to let him pass and Marcus took his place at Neroon's side. An elderly Minbari warrior stepped up to them to conduct the ceremony and Marcus bowed his head as required, showing them that he accepted Neroon's dominance.

Neroon wondered about the defeat he saw in Marcus' eyes and barely heard the opening words of the ceremony. Why does Marcus look... broken?

"Alyt...!" Berem urgently called out to Neroon, as his Alyt remained silent when he should be speaking his vows.

Neroon cleared his throat, took Marcus' right hand in his and cupped the Ranger's chin in his other hand, raising his partner's face to look him in the eyes. For this occasion he had rehearsed his vows in Vik and in Standard. "Marcus, I take you as my life mate. I will defend you in battle and honor your wishes. I will love you until the day I die."

Marcus shuddered. He'd always wanted to hear those words, but now they were empty and meaningless; Neroon didn't love him, didn't feel that way about him. Gathering his strength he repeated Neroon's vow. "Neroon, I take you as my life mate. I will defend you in battle and honor your wishes. I will love you until the day I die." Nothing, the words mean nothing!

The warrior who was conducting the ceremony growled a few words in Vik and then turned around, moving away from them.

Marcus felt empty and ready to collapse. He'd managed to stay on his feet during the ceremony and now that it was over he swayed on his feet.

"Vagn, Berem, take Marcus to our quarters," Neroon ordered.

Our? Marcus' brow grew knitted. He's just holding up appearances, that's it. Aided by Vagn and Berem he started his way back to Neroon's quarters.

///

Marcus curled up on the sleeping platform that Vagn had rigged for him so it would stay horizontal. "Tell Neroon that I want to leave before sunset." Now that the ceremony was over he had to leave. He couldn't stay here, living a lie and pretending Neroon loved him when that love didn't exist!

"But you are in no condition to travel!" Vagn protested and exchanged a concerened glance with Berem.

"Tell him and now leave me alone!" It was the first time he had issued something that resembled a command and Vagn and Berem stared at him in disbelief, apparently uncertain how to react. "I said, leave me!"

Vagn and Berem nodded their heads; now that Marcus was officially Neroon's mate, the Ranger had the power to issue commands and left.

Marcus fought back the tears that surfaced in his eyes. All I ever wanted was for someone to love me and now it's become a farce! Closing his eyes and saving his strength, he hoped Neroon would co-operate and let him leave. You promised, Neroon. You promised I could go wherever I wanted!

///

Neroon marched into his quaters and walked up to Marcus. "What is this about you wanting to leave?" His own emotions were in turmoil, telling him something had changed between them since the ceremony.

Marcus didn't open his eyes. "You promised."

Neroon reacted calmly. "I did."

"And I'm holding you to it." Marcus still hadn't opened his eyes, knowing the expression in them might give away the love he felt for Neroon.

"But you are still healing!"

"My mind's made up." Marcus shrugged deeper beneath the cover of the blanket and ignored Neroon.

Neroon paced the room and shook his head. "You need rest." But he had promised Marcus the Ranger could leave after the ceremony. "Do not leave yet, Marcus. Recuperate first."

But Marcus remained silent. After a few minutes of silence he whispered, "You promised. I played along during the ceremony and now you'll let me go."

Neroon approached the platform and was frustrated when Marcus' eyes remained closed. "Is there something I can do to change your mind?"

"No. You don't want me here. You're no longer indebted to me and it's time to go our separate ways." He was tired, beaten, and felt defeated. He had to get away from Neroon before he caved in and stayed. "Let me go."

Neroon's instincts were warning him not to let Marcus go, but his hands were tied. The Ranger had fulfilled his part of the deal and he had promised Marcus that he would be free to leave after the ceremony. "At least take Vagn with you."

Marcus sighed. "I don't need a baby sitter."

"Humor me."

"Why?"

"Because I am your mate."

Marcus finally opened his eyes. You're playing dirty, Neroon. But I'll take Vagn with me if that will buy me my freedom. He's inexperienced and I will quite easily slip away from him. "Agreed, I'll take him with me."

Neroon didn't like this development one bit. I will tell Vagn to keep a close eye on him and, if necessary, I will enforce my rights as his mate and force him to come back to me. This is not over yet.

Part 5