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, I pulled myself out of bed

bathroom.

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 wasn’t so weak. But even with the delayed healing,

do the same but my wolf would have to 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 was still attuned to Alex, forever marked by his rejection.

replaced by a burgeoning hope for the future. Ivan, with

the silence of the bathroom. There was a

Chapter 92

up on me, but the playful banter died on my lips. He stood there, casually leaning

my voice surprisingly steady. “Just admiring

his movements slow and deliberate. He stopped just a hair’s breadth away, his eyes searching mine. Then, with a tendemess that took my breath away, he reached

“You Wer

the question tumbling out

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

but ask, a sliver of worry

a reassuring smile. “Everything’s under control. For now, at least.” He didn’t elaborate, and I knew better than to push. There were things he

subject. “What is

didn’t answer right

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

Amaya. Marking you… it ties you to me, to the pack, to this war even if you have somehow been the center

I also know I don’t want to be anywhere else.” The words tumbled out,

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 smile

stroking my cheekbones. “But I won’t lie to you, Amaya. Things are going to get worse before they get better. The war with Alex, it’s escalating. Your father…” he trailed off, his jaw clenching

I leaned

lips brushing hesitantly against mine. The kiss was slow, tender, a promise whispered on the

way to my hips and I moaned as he pressed himself into me. I could

fold and I let out a moan closing my eyes and my head falling backwards. “Open your eyes, watch

haze.