Bonds

Chapter 92

-Maya’s POV-

We stared at each other, the air thick with a silence that stretched on for what felt like an eternity. His eyes were now focused entirely on the mark that marred my shoulder. He opened his mouth to speak, then closed it again, as if searching for the right words.

“Amaya,” he finally managed, “…” The sentence trailed off unfinished, hanging heavy in

the air.

My own hand instinctively reached up to touch the mark, my fingers traced the mark. The memory of Alex’s mark, once vibrant in the same spot, flickered in my mind. It had faded over the years, mirroring the weakening of the bond after his rejection. Now, Ivan’s mark sat boldly on top, a new claim etched onto my skin.

“You marked me,” I whispered, the words catching slightly in my throat.

The silence returned, heavy and oppressive. He ran a hand through his hair, “I didn’t…” he started, but I cut him off.

A grin, genuine and unexpected, split my face open. “You marked me,” I repeated, this time with a hint of amusement dancing in my voice.

His brow furrowed in confusion. “You’re not… angry?” he stammered, clearly surprised by my reaction.

I shook my head slowly, letting my hand linger on the mark once more. “No,” I smiled, a blush creeping up my cheeks that I couldn’t quite control. “Actually,” I continued, my voice dropping to a husky whisper, “I’ve wanted you to do this for a while now. I wanted you to claim me.”

He held my gaze for a long moment, his eyes searching mine as if trying to decipher the truth behind my words. Then, a smile, slow and hesitant at first, spread across his face.

In a swift movement, he pulled me towards him, his arms wrapping tightly around my body. I melted into his embrace, the warmth of his touch a welcome comfort. He rested his forehead against mine, his breathing ragged and uneven.

“Thank you,” he murmured into my ear, his voice thick with emotion. Those were the last coherent words I heard before sleep claimed me, pulling me into a world of dreams where worries and anxieties melted away.

dusk. The warmth of his body was no longer next to me, and a wave of disappointment washed over me. Pushing the feeling aside as quickly as it came,

bathroom.

sparkled with a newfound happiness. But the first thing I noticed was the mark on my shoulder. The raw edges were starting to soften, the black ink losing

She had been eerily quiet. It wasn’t a surprise – I knew she wouldn’t agree with Ivan marking me. She was still attuned to Alex, forever marked by his rejection. But I also knew, with a deep certainty, that

by a burgeoning hope for the future. Ivan, with his kindness and strength, was becoming more

me, cutting through the silence of the

Chapter 92

playfully scold him for sneaking up on me, but the playful banter died on

whispered, my voice surprisingly steady. “Just admiring

eyes searching mine. Then, with a tendemess that took my breath away, he reached out and wrapped his hand around my waist, pulling me

“You Wer

gone when I woke up.” I whispered, the question

leaned back slightly, a flicker of apology crossing his face. “I’m sorry. Something came

couldn’t help but ask, a sliver of worry creeping

now, at least.” He didn’t elaborate, and I knew better than to push. There were things he couldn’t share with me,

changed the subject. “What

answer

back to the mark on my shoulder, a silent conversation taking place between him and the symbol

to the pack, to this war even if you have somehow been

met his gaze head–on. “But I also know I don’t want to be anywhere else.” The words tumbled out,

looking for any sign of doubt or hesitation. Finding none,

want you anywhere else either,” Then, he cupped my face in his hands, his thumbs gently stroking my cheekbones. “But I won’t lie to you, Amaya.

out,” I leaned into his

slow, tender, a promise

in it. He stood behind me, his hungry eyes stared back sending shivers down my skin. His hands found their way to my hips and I moaned as he pressed himself

my thigh from behind. His fingers brushed my fold and I let out a moan closing my eyes and my head falling backwards. “Open your eyes,

haze.