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.

to me, and a wave of disappointment washed over me. Pushing the feeling

bathroom.

me messy hair, tangled from sleep, and bright eyes that 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 its initial intensity. It would heal quickly, completely, if my wolf side

come to terms with it first. She had been eerily quiet. It wasn’t a surprise – I knew she wouldn’t agree with Ivan marking me. She

pain of Alex’s betrayal was fading, replaced by a burgeoning hope for the future. Ivan, with his kindness and strength, was becoming more than

the mark already?” His voice startled me, cutting through the silence of the bathroom. There was

Chapter 92

around, ready to playfully scold him for sneaking up on me, but the playful banter died on my lips. He stood there, casually leaning against the

whispered, my voice surprisingly steady. “Just admiring how beautiful it’ll look when

just a hair’s breadth away, his eyes searching mine. Then, with a tendemess that took my breath away, he reached out and wrapped his hand around my waist, pulling me gently closer. Our bodies brushed,

“You Wer

the question tumbling out

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

ask, a sliver of worry

than to push. There were things he

I changed the subject. “What is going to happen

didn’t answer right

the mark on my shoulder, a silent conversation taking place between

to this war even if you have somehow been the center of it, now more than ever, you

I met his gaze head–on. “But I also know I don’t want to be anywhere else.” The words tumbled out, honest and raw, a confession of my growing feelings for

any sign of doubt or hesitation. Finding none, a slow smile spread across his face. It wasn’t the usual charming grin he wore, but a genuine, heartfelt

in his hands, his thumbs gently stroking my cheekbones. “But I won’t lie to you, Amaya. Things are going to get worse

I leaned into his touch.

hesitantly against mine. The kiss was slow, tender, a promise whispered on the skin. I felt him

to

my fold and I let

haze.