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.

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 the feeling aside as quickly as it

bathroom.

first thing I noticed was the mark on my shoulder. The raw edges were starting to soften, the

quiet. It wasn’t a surprise – I knew she

was fading, replaced by a burgeoning hope for the future. Ivan, with his kindness and strength, was

the silence of the bathroom. There was a teasing Lit

Chapter 92

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

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

off the door frame 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

“You Wer

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

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

ask, a sliver of worry creeping

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

changed the subject. “What is going to

answer

His gaze drifted back to the mark on my shoulder, a silent

even if

I also know I don’t want to be anywhere else.” The words tumbled out, honest and raw, a confession of my growing feelings for

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

won’t lie to you, Amaya. Things are going to get

figure it out,” I leaned into his

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

my skin. His hands found their way to my hips and I moaned as he pressed himself into me. I could

legs and then running his tongue up my thigh from behind. His fingers brushed my fold and I let out a

haze.