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.

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 my way to

bathroom.

raw edges were starting to soften, the black ink losing its

bond, I needed to 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

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

remove the mark already?” His voice startled me, cutting through the silence of the bathroom. There was a teasing Lit to his tone, but beneath

Chapter 92

on me, but the playful banter died on

whispered, my voice surprisingly steady. “Just admiring how beautiful

tendemess that took my

“You Wer

gone when I woke up.” I whispered, the question tumbling out before I

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

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

For now, at least.” He didn’t elaborate, and I knew better than to push.

subject. “What

didn’t answer right

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

ties you to me, to the pack, to this war even if you have somehow been the center of it, now more

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

doubt or hesitation. Finding none, a slow smile spread across

my face in his hands, his thumbs gently 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…”

it out,” I leaned

lips brushing hesitantly against mine. The kiss was slow, tender, a promise whispered on the skin. I felt him harden as he

the mirror, I caught our reflection 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 into me. I could feel his hardness against my ass and my core tightened

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

haze.