Disclaimer: Gargoyles belong to Disney. This is the story of how our
favorite heroes bonded, for those of you who want to see a little more
romance between Onyx and Raina. This takes  place after Rowan joins the
clan. Mature Audiences only please. Flames, adoration, etc, etc, send to
waffle@micrord.com Enjoy;)

Thunder In the Night
					Montanna of Moonsong


Onyx laughed and shook the water from his hair as he carried Raina inside
the Line Cabin in the upper reaches of the ranch's north pasture. The storm
had arrived suddenly, giving them no chance to return to the Keep. He
glanced down and his breath caught in his throat. The wet cotton of her
shirt clung to the curves of her breasts like a possessive lover. 

He set her onto her feet and moved to start the fire. All the while praying
that the dim light hid the change arousal made in his body.

Raina swayed on her feet as the effect of sliding down Onyx's body slowly
passed. Drawing a slow breath, she waited until the fire was burning bright
in the woodstove, then laid a gentle hand on his shoulder. Slowly, she ran
a soft hand between his shoulder blades to caress his wing-joints. 

Onyx felt passion surge within himself. Turning to her, he whispered, "Is
this what you want? Think carefully on this Rainy. If you become my mate,
there's no going back."

"I don't want to go back. I want to be your mate Onyx."

With a groan, he wrapped his massive arms around her. Then he gently eased
her clothing aside. His huge hands found her breasts as he caught her up in
a passionate kiss. Raina clung to his shoulders, trying to steady her
spinning senses. He murmured soothingly to her as he shrugged out of the
tunic style shirt she made for his Rebirthday. 

"Easy darling," He whispered.

She arched against him nestling her pelvis next to him. His breath hissed
inward, and his control fractured. Sweeping her into his arms he made his
way to the bed. Raina felt the cool sheets against her skin and opened her
eyes to the sight of his nude body. He lowered himself next to her,
cradling her head in his on his arm. Then he made slow sweet love to her.

His gentle hands were doing things to her that made her senses spin. Heat
rolled over her until she was sure she glowed. Each movement seemed to push
her to an unknown peak. When the moment arrived, Raina felt as though a
wire had been twisted in her, only to snap. Gasping she called out his
name, hearing her own name echo thoughout the cabin as he roared. Her mind
was filled with his image, memories of Onyx. In wonderment she whispered,
"What's happening?"

"We're bonding love. We are one, for longer than forever."

A long time later Raina was being held in Onyx's arms, as he wrapped a
blanket around them both. They were cuddling in the aftermath of the
explosive consummation of their love. Holding her tightly, Onyx thought of
the moment when he realized that despite her incredible romance novels, she
was innocent to what came between a warrior and his mate. The honor he felt

at that knowledge built within him. He would carry that pride with him for
the rest of his life.  

Onyx turned her in his arms and kissed her. Then he looked into her eyes
and said solemnly, "You are my mate, I shall protect you for all our days
together. I will be your left hand, your right eye, your hearts bravest
defender till east of eternity."

Raina felt tears well in her eyes. Holding his hand in both of her own she
murmured, "I will love for the rest of my life, Forever and a day. I will
guard you though the days and love you in the night. You are the other half
of my soul. I take you for my mate, Onyx of Storm Mountain."

Idly, Onyx remarked, "You know your father is gonna kill me."

"Why would daddy do that?"

"Because, in the eyes of your culture, we're not married..."

"Oh, yeah. Well I consider our bonding just as legal as a wedding ceremony.
But it would be nice to have Daddy walk me down the aisle."

Thinking carefully he said, "Is there a Reverend in the local PIT group?"

Raina's face lit up. "Yes there is, Pastor Mara. Do you really want..."

"I want you to be my mate in your culture, as well as mine." Reaching into
the pouch he carried on his belt, Onyx took out an antique filigree style
ring made of gold and turquoise.

"Raina Marie Starr, Will you marry me within the eyes of your people?"

"Oh Onyx, yes!"

next: Family Reunions and the wedding plansJ