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.

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 and made

bathroom.

to soften, the black ink losing its initial intensity. It would heal quickly, completely, if my wolf side wasn’t

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. But I also knew, with a deep

was fading, replaced by a burgeoning hope for the future. Ivan, with his kindness and strength, was becoming more than just a welcome distraction. He was becoming my

voice startled me, cutting through the silence of the bathroom. There was a teasing Lit to his tone, but beneath it, I sensed a

Chapter 92

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

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

and walked towards me, 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 out and wrapped his hand around my waist, pulling me gently closer. Our bodies brushed, sending a jolt of electricity sparking through

“You Wer

I woke up.” I whispered, the question

a flicker of apology crossing his face. “I’m sorry. Something came up that needed my

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

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

I changed the subject. “What is

didn’t answer

the mark on my shoulder, a silent conversation taking place

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

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,

none, a slow smile spread across his face. It wasn’t the usual charming grin he wore, but a genuine, heartfelt smile that reached

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

I leaned into his

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

hands found their way to my hips and

brushed my fold and I let out a moan closing my

haze.