Chapter 24: Marking

Kairos

Stepping into my home, the darkness and silence were as expected at two in the morning. I made my way to Adelie’s room, her sweet scent lingering in the air outside her door.

Should I go in? She might be asleep. I did promise to see her when I returned. Maybe I could just peek in to see if she’s sleeping.

I pushed the door open, my eyes adjusting to the darkness. The sight of her body on the bed stopped me in my tracks. She was turned away from me, still in the same dress.

She was so quiet, I didn’t want to disturb her. But then again, she shouldn’t be sleeping here. She should be in my bed, in my arms, where I know she’s safe.

I’m such an idiot. I wasted the entire night she was here. I should have told her how much I adore her. How could I ever consider letting her go to someone else? She’s mine, only mine. And I’m hers, forever and always. That’s how it should be.

I was about to close the door quietly when I heard her soft voice. “I’m awake,” Adelie said, not moving an inch. “What happened?” she asked immediately.

“I’m handling it,” I replied, though I wasn’t sure if I was. I had no plan yet. How could I negotiate with the vampire coven? What could I offer them?

“What happened?” she asked again.

I didn’t want to tell her. She’s been through so much already. Besides, what could she do to help? I’m the Alpha. I should know what to do. But if I don’t, would she?

“You don’t need to worry about it,” I told her, and she seemed to let it go. “Did I wake you?” I asked, moving closer to her bed.

“No,” she replied softly. “I can’t sleep. I wish I could, just to give my mind a break. I hate the thoughts I’m having. They’re not fair to either of us.”

“What are you thinking?” I asked. She didn’t answer for a while. “Tell me,” I urged her.

“I don’t think you want to know. And I can’t lie to you anymore.”

“I want to know. No matter how terrible or crazy your thoughts are, I want to know you. Talk to me. That’s what mates do, right?” I spoke in a half-whisper, as if we weren’t alone.

“I’m thinking about Hans,” she admitted. Of course, I didn’t want her to think about him for even a second. And of course, I was jealous. I couldn’t help but ask, “Do you think you made the wrong decision?” She sat up quickly and turned to face me.

“No! Of course not!” she exclaimed, her eyes meeting mine.

“Your sleep is troubled because thoughts of him are overwhelming. Why did you choose me? He’s your original mate, he could have loved you.” I needed answers. Was I just being selfish, or did I deserve some answers?

Adelie’s eyes sparkled, even in the dim light of the room.

“His love wouldn’t be enough, it wouldn’t be the same. You make me feel things that seem impossible with anyone else. I’ve always known my choice, and I’m sorry for making you wait. And I’m sorry for lying to you. I promise there’s nothing you don’t know about me now.” Her voice was sweet and high.

I moved closer, cupping her chin in my hand and lifting her face to meet my gaze. Her eyes were red and tired, but still as beautiful as ever.

The darkness was a welcome blanket, making me feel more daring than I usually was. I reached out, taking Adelie’s hands and gently pulling her up from the bed. She stumbled slightly, but I was there to steady her.

I tenderly brushed her cheek, my hand slowly moving down to rest over her heart. She didn’t resist, just let out a shaky breath as she tried to steady herself. Her dress had a plunging neckline.

There was nothing but her soft skin beneath my hand. I let my palm rest there, feeling her heart pounding wildly. I wanted to make her entire body react the way her heart was reacting to my touch.

I wanted her to crave my touch, just as I craved hers. I wanted her to imagine us together in ways that were so wrong, yet felt so right. Her scent was intoxicating, and I wanted to be enveloped in it. I wanted to taste her. I had so many desires...

I knew she was still hurting. “Does it hurt?” I asked, even though I already knew the answer.

Adelie swallowed hard, her throat moving slightly. “More than ever,” she managed to whisper, her lips trembling. If my hand wasn’t resting on her bare skin, she might have been able to speak more clearly. But I liked the effect I had on her. I liked knowing that only I could make her feel this way.

“Because of him?” I asked, already knowing she was hurting because of Hans.

“Y...yes,” she stuttered. He was still her mate until I marked her. I moved my hand back up, gently brushing her hair aside to reveal her neck.

My hand rested on her shoulder, my thumb rubbing the bare skin of her neck. I imagined my mark there. One bite and Hans would be gone from her heart.

One bite and she would be mine. Everyone would know she was mine.

Adelie was the one who reached up, her hands cupping my face as she pulled me in for a kiss. I didn’t hesitate, it was as natural as breathing. The moment our lips met, it felt like I couldn’t live without her.

The kiss deepened, becoming more than just a simple, soft kiss. Adelie’s kisses were never simple. This kiss was powerful, passionate, unlike any we’d shared before. I’d never felt this intoxicated before. I wanted her. I needed her.

One hand was wrapped around Adelie’s waist, the other tangled in her long curls. The thought of her being with me in this way was driving me wild. My hands seemed to have a mind of their own.

I couldn’t resist moving down to her neck. Our breathing was heavy as I left a trail of kisses along her skin. When I found the spot where her shoulder met her neck, she let out a moan. It was the sweetest sound I’d ever heard. “Mark me,” she whispered.

My inner wolf, Kye, was struggling to break free. I knew I shouldn’t mark her yet, not with my impending trip to the vampire coven, but Kye didn’t care. I pushed Adelie against the wall, torn between my desire to mark her and my need to protect her.

I wanted her in every way possible. My hands were gripping her sides, my kisses becoming more intense. She was pressed against me, as close as she could possibly be.

“Kairos, mark me!” Adelie demanded, her voice filled with desire. I couldn’t resist any longer. My teeth sank into her neck. Adelie groaned in pain, her nails digging into my back through my shirt.

With each passing second, I could feel her losing control. I pulled back, removing my teeth from her neck. It wasn’t long before she collapsed, unconscious, in my arms.

I gently laid Adelie down on her bed, my gaze lingering on the mark I’d left on her. She was mine now, and our connection would only deepen from here.

I didn’t want to leave her side, so I settled down next to her. Sleep had never come so easily before. As I closed my eyes, darkness enveloped me.