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.

my eyes, the room was bathed in the soft glow of dusk. The warmth of his body was no longer next to me, and a wave of disappointment washed over me. Pushing

bathroom.

front of the mirror, I took stock of myself. My reflection showed 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 wasn’t so weak. But even with the delayed healing, the mark would eventually become a permanent

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. But I

hope for the future. Ivan, with his kindness and strength, was becoming more than just a welcome distraction.

the bathroom. There was a teasing Lit to his tone, but beneath

Chapter 92

on me, but the playful banter died on my lips. He stood

surprisingly steady. “Just admiring how beautiful it’ll look

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, sending

“You Wer

I whispered, the question tumbling out before I

crossing his face. “I’m sorry. Something

I couldn’t help but ask, a sliver of

smile. “Everything’s under control. For now, at least.” He didn’t elaborate, and I knew better than to push. There were things he couldn’t share with me, burdens of the pack leadership that weighed heavily on

I changed the subject. “What is going

answer right

my shoulder, a silent conversation taking place between him

to this war even

anywhere else.” The words tumbled out, honest and

at me for a long moment, his eyes searching mine as if looking 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 smile that

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. Things

it out,” I

promise

eyes stared back sending shivers down my skin. His hands found their way to my hips and I moaned as he pressed

fingers brushed my fold and I let out a moan closing my eyes and my head falling backwards. “Open

haze.