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.

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

bathroom.

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 brand on my skin, a constant reminder of the bond I

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 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 certainty, that she

future. Ivan, with his kindness and strength, was becoming more than just

to remove the mark already?” His voice startled me, cutting through the silence of the

Chapter 92

him for sneaking up on me, but the playful banter died on my lips. He stood there, casually leaning against the doorway, his

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

the

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

everything okay?” I couldn’t help but ask, a sliver of

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

changed the subject. “What is

answer

shoulder, a silent conversation taking

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

“But I also know I don’t want to be anywhere else.” The

or hesitation. Finding none, a slow smile spread across his face. It wasn’t the usual charming grin he

won’t lie to you, Amaya.

it out,” I leaned into his touch.

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

to face 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

my thigh from behind. His fingers brushed my fold and I let out a moan closing my eyes and my head

haze.