Chapter 38. Marked

There are devilish thoughts even in the most angelic minds.

~Pinterest

Ariana's POV

I love you, Ari.

The words repeated in my head like a broken record while Daniel's lips remained pressed to mine in an ardent kiss.

I knew that Daniel loved me--well, he had indirectly said it before--but hearing those exact words coming out of his mouth gave me a foreign jittery feeling. I suddenly felt high, as if I were on drugs.

When Daniel backed away, his hand tenderly held my face as he looked deep into my eyes,

"I love you so much, Ari. I tried. I tried so much to let you be with him but damn, it hurts! Every time I see you with him, it hurts like hell thinking that I couldn't have had what he does. And when he kissed you, I just lost it. I couldn't keep my anger and hurt at bay. It just...made me see red. But that's not the point. Every time I see you with him, it kills my heart slowly. I hate to admit it, but I feel so jealous of him. I know I don't deserve you. You're too good for me. You're everything a man desires. Whereas I? I'm worthless. I'm a monster. But hell!  I want you. I need you in my life, Ari. 'Cause for me, you're my everything and I'll be damned if I let you go. So, will you be mine forever, Ariana Rodriguez?"

I blinked several times to ensure whether I wasn't hallucinating. Did he just really say that? All of that?

My little heart warmed up in my chest when I saw the sincerity and love in his ocean blue eyes as they stared at me with great intensity.

I stepped ahead, cupped his face, and kissed him on his lips--gently and slowly. Conveying through the kiss what I feel towards him. When I backed away from the kiss, I saw him look at me with confusion in his eyes.

I smiled at him with my palms still cupping his face, "I'm already your's to begin with. You own my heart and my soul from the very beginning. I'm sorry that I lied to you about my feelings and hurt you saying that I loved Anthony. And don't you dare call yourself worthless or a monster ever again. Because just like you said, even you're everything to me. Honestly, that day when I confessed to you about my feelings, it wasn't directed towards Anthony instead it was meant for you. I love you, Daniel."

He seemed stunned for a moment as if trying to make out what I had said--well, I felt the same way.

"Really?" There was vulnerability in his eyes which pained my heart. He had already faced betrayal once. It must be hard for him to believe in love again.

"Truly." I stared into his eyes trying to convey to him that I meant every single word I had said.

Daniel just stared back at me before a wide grin spread on his lips like he had just received the best gift in the world.

"Damn! I love you so much, Ari!" He sang happily and kissed me again. I laughed against our lips as he seemed like a little boy who received his Christmas present.

"Ari, you're mine, aren't you?" Daniel asked suddenly the moment he took his mouth off mine.

I smiled at him, nodding my head.

His right hand moved up to my lips as his thumb stroked my bottom lip slowly and seductively making my breath hitch, "Say it from these lips, darling."

"I am yours," I said firmly although I couldn't quite focus on anything except his darkened eyes that were staring deep into my soul and my eratic heartbeat.

How did he manage to turn from being sweet and cute one moment to being seductive and utterly hot the next moment?

"Then, would you let me mark you?" Daniel held my face, looking deep into my eyes with those ocean blue eyes of his.

"Mark me?" I leaned into his palm while he caressed my cheek with his thumb running it on the length of my cheek's skin.

"Yes. Mark you. I want to make you mine entirely. So, no one would ever put their eyes on you..." the last sentence was murmured in a very low voice even for a werewolf but I caught it anyways which brought a smile on my face for some reason I couldn't fathom. Maybe it's just the fact that Daniel is so adorably cute and utterly attractive when he's jealous.

"Would you let me make you mine forever, Ari? May I mark you?" He asked for my permission and this time around, I, without an objection, replied, "Yes."

That was all he needed as he leaned down to kiss my neck tenderly raising goosebumps on my body at the feel of his lips on my bare neck.

I had felt his lips on my neck before. Heck, he had drunk blood from me before. But right now...it felt different...more intimate and...intense.

Daniel's lips moved along the length of my neck down to my colarbone as he pushed the thin strap of my evening gown down to expose my colarbone completely to him as he trailed kisses along his way. He kissed on a certain spot between my neck and shoulder which for some reason made my breathing shallow and my heartbeat sky-rocket at the intensity.

Daniel sucked on the same spot on my neck making me to bite my bottom lip to prevent myself from moaning, "I found the spot. This is gonna hurt a little bit instead of the usual pleasure a werewolf gets when being marked. I'm sorry, Ari, I cant give you that pleasure since I'm a...you know what and there are consequences of being what I am..." his voice was laced with regret which made my heart hurt for him.

Just how much does he hate himself for being a hybrid? Why doesn't he get that he's perfect the way he is?

"I love you, Daniel and it doesn't matter who you are or what you are. Because, for me, you're perfect the way you are and I can't wish for anything better. For you, I can bear a little pain, can't I?" I voiced out my thoughts.

"I love you more, Ari." His lips tugged upwards into a smile against my skin before I felt his fangs peirce the skin on my neck bringing a jolt of pain in my neck. The pain was so much that I had to bite my lip hard to prevent myself from screaming as I clutched Daniel's suit jacket in a tight grip. Daniel's thumb stroked my neck ever so gently easing a bit of pain but it was still too much to bear. Tears streamed down my eyes and I felt my consiouness slipping away by the time he was done. Just as his fangs were out of my skin, I passed out in his arms as darkness took over me.

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Daniel's POV

Ari's petite frame slumped into my arms as she passed out. Carrying her in my arms effortlessly--bridal style--I walked out of the backdoor, of the Wolvesbane pack house, where no one could easily spot me or Ari due to the dim lights and isolated area.

I headed straight to the parking lot towards my car with Ari still unconcious in my arms. Once I was in front of my Bugatti, I opened the door of the passenger seat of the car with my one hand and gently placed Ari on the seat and fastened the seat belt around her. I shut the door and walked over to the driver's seat and got in before driving on the road.

I can't take Ari to the castle. I don't want anyone finding her before I can completely mate with her....especially Anthony. When he finds Ari missing, he'll probably go in search of her and then he'll take her back which Ari and I, we both don't want. And now that I had marked her, it would become tenfold the pain of separation we faced earlier--which was too much to be precise. But if not the castle, where should I take her then?

A distinct image of a penthouse on the top of the mountains flashed in my mind and it took me less than a minute to decide where I should take Ari. With the decision being made, I drove off towards the penthouse where I and Ariel spent most of our childhood.

After about two hours, I finally reached the penthouse as I took into the white stoned walls of the majestic house standing in middle of the huge garden on top of the mountain. I parked my car in front of the house, got out from my seat and took Ari into my arms as I made my way towards the entrance of the house.

The scanner accessed my eyes and my finger prints before it let me in as the main door of the penthouse opened automatically. There wouldn't be anyone here except me and Ari since the housekeeping staff and the butler of the house usually leave by evening after staying from morning to evening looking after the house and it's already night time now so, no one should be here. This is the safest place I can think of.

I walked towards my room in the house, being careful not to wake Ari up. Once I was inside my room, I carefully and gently placed Ari on the bed, covered her with the duvet securely and placed a lingering kiss on her forehead while she laid unconcious.

I knew that it would be a hell lot painful for her when I'd mark her but I didn't know it would cause her so much pain that she'd pass out. But then, I should have considered it before marking her.

To be honest, I had never intended to mark her in the first place. I only attended the pathetic ceremony so that I could take Ari away from here, away from Anthony's clutches--more like abduct her or something. But things didnt turn out the way I wanted.

I didn't think that I would be so jealous of the god forsaken Alpha that I'd want nothing than to re-shape his annoying face. How dare he kiss my Ari! How dare he dance with her! Or be close to her. She's mine.

It just so happened that my fury got the best of me and when I saw her heading towards the restroom, I followed her.

I'm sure Anthony saw me following her and the strangest thing is, he didn't mind in fact he gave me an encouraging smile. Like freaking smiled at me? What the heck was wrong with that maniac?! He's insane, I swear.

Back to the story, when I pulled Ari to the corner, all I wanted was to kiss her like a madman so that I could remove every trace of that maniac's kiss out of her mind. 'Cause at that time, I was afraid that she'd develop feelings for him. Anthony was her mate so it could very likely happen sooner or later. I was afraid that I'd lose her forever. I hadn't even said her about how much I loved her. Or how much she meant to me. And so, before I could even make out what I was saying or doing, those words left my mouth. Oddly, it felt really good confessing about my feelings. I had finally let those words out which I had been keeping to myself since what felt like forever now.

When she confessed that she loved me as well, I was overjoyed. I didn't feel so happy even when mom bought me lollipop when I was little. Sadly, mom and dad couldn't stay long with me and Ariel because of Diana, my stepmother and Carla's biological mother....well, that's a story for another day.

So, I was so happy and I wanted nothing than to keep Ari to myself. I didn't know what took over me and why I asked to mark her. Maybe it was because I knew there was no one like her in my life who understood me, who wasn't afraid of me despite what I am, who always made me feel at ease whenever I was around her, who made me feel normal like I wasn't a cursed creature supposed to be executed....Whatever the reason, but I don't regret my actions one bit. Infact I'm glad that I marked her. Now, she's finally mine. Only mine to love and cherish. Although there's still one more step to completely mate with her....

'OH, YOU MEAN THE FUN PART?' Carlos, my one and only wolf uncle, butted in.

I could almost feel him give me a wolfish smirk and winking at me suggestively while I shook my head to prevent myself from walking down that road.

'YOU THINK THAT WOULD ACTUALLY WORK? SHAKING YOUR HEAD WHEN ALL YOU WANT TO DO IS-'

'Shut up, you idiot!' I rebuked before he could utter anything. Damn, this idiot! Why bring this up now?

'CAUSE NOW YOU'VE MARKED ARIANA AND THE URGE TO DO THINGS TO HER OR SHOULD I SAY FUCK HER WOULD BECOME TENFOLD. BEST OF LUCK, IN ADVANCE! ALSO, MATE WITH MY LOVELY ARIANA SOON, OKAY? I WANT TO MEET HER WOLF SO BAD. MY MATE IS WAITING FOR ME. WOULD SHE HAVE WHITE FUR? OR BLACK? OR SOME OTHER COLOUR MAYBE? WILL THERE BE SPOTS ON HER FUR...WILL SHE BE FEISTY OR LOVELY LIKE ARIANA? I DON'T MIND FEISTY WOMAN THOUGH...THEY CAN BE VERY INTERESTING...OMG! I'M SO EXCITED! I CAN SAY SHE'S GOING TO BE THE PRETTIEST WOLF I'VE EVER SEEN-'

I shut him off before he could continue with his nonsensical talking. This idiot and his idiotic talks. He's so excited as if I'm going to....

My gaze flickered down to Ari who laid on the bed with her chestnut hair sprawled on the pillow, her eyes shut tightly obscuring the view of those beautiful turquoise eyes, her chest rising and falling with her even breathing.

I sat next to her on the bed. Extending my hand up to her face, I tucked a wayward strand of her hair behind her ear.

I can't believe she's mine. How did I become so lucky to have you in my life, Ari?

Just as I leant down to peck her lips, Ari's eyes opened revealing those mesmerising blue-green eyes and I don't know whether it was because of the moment or because of the mark I had placed that when she stared into my eyes with our faces just inches apart and smiled at me, I had an immense urge to take her then and there. To make love to her....

What the-

I quickly got away from Ari as I stood up and maintained a good seven feet distance between us as if I'd be struck by a thunder if I go any closer.

'I DID WARN YOU. WHAT DO YOU EXPECT WITH THE MARK BEING PLACED? YOU'RE A HYBRID FOR HEAVEN'S SAKE! YOU'RE EMOTIONS AND URGES ARE TEN TIMES A NORMAL WOLF'S. ALTHOUGH, I DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'RE WAITING FOR. YOU BOTH LOVE EACH OTHER THAN WHY NOT TUMBLE IN BED ALREADY? I'M A LITTLE IMPATIENT HERE.' Stupid Carlos gave his stupid advice as he always does.

'HEY, I'M NOT STUPI-'

I shut him off and looked back at Ari who is staring at me, her eyes a mix of confusion and...incertainty?

"Daniel?" She sat on the bed whilst removing the duvet off her body.

My eyes involuntarily wandered down to her body as she stood up-- ready to walk over to me--and I had to curse myself for looking down her body.

What the bloody hell is she wearing? It was the very first reason I'd been jealous of Anthony. . . .how dare he hold her when she looked so. . . Hot! I swear when men's eyes were trained on her during the party, I wanted nothing more than to rip their eyes off their sockets. Or simply rip that dress off her body.

Sure enough, when I looked back at her, I wanted to do the exact same thing only the difference was that I wanted to do more than just ripping the dress off her body....

Oh, shit! Why the heck did I even consider that?!

I quickly turned around so that I wouldn't be able to see her or think any more of the horrendous stuff. I took off my suit's jacket throwing it on the couch carelessly and loosened the tie around my neck which felt like it could suffocate me.

I know she's not ready yet. And I don't want to force her into anything she doesn't want.

'EVEN IF YOU'RE HARD DOWN THERE?' Carlos voice was laced with sarcasm which made me groan internally.

'Shut up!' I growled at him before shutting him off.

He has no damn idea.

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Ariana's POV

A frown settled between my brows followed by an unsettling feeling in my gut as I saw Daniel visibly maintain a distance from me. Whenever I take one step towards him, he takes two steps away from me.

Is it really what I think? Does he really....

Tears brimmed my eyes at the possibility. I could feel my heart sink even before I was certain about it.

I choke out in a shaky voice while trying my best to maintain my emotions but failing miserably as tears fall down my eyes,

"Do you.. do you regret marking me? Do you not want me anymore?"

Daniel turned around in a quick move at my words and came walked towards me coming to stand in front of me. He cupped my face with his palms and stared into my eyes, "How can you even think that I'd regret marking you? I love you, Ari. More than anything in this world. I don't regret my decision one bit. Infact, I'm glad. You're finally mine, Ari."

"Then why were you running away from me few minutes ago?" I stare into his eyes as I place my hand over his which is holding my face. The intensity of the stare causes his eyes to darken visibly as he gulps slowly.

As if he had been suddenly electrocuted, Daniel quickly takes his hand of my face and steps back, turning around, not looking at me.

"What's wrong? Are you okay? Are you still not sure whether you regret-"

"No, it's not that..." his voice faltered as he turns to look at me again, "It's just that...um...I need to say you...something....oh, fuck! It doesn't matter." He cursed out loud and came straight towards me.

His hands darted out to cup my face and before I knew it, he crashed his lips on mine taking me by complete surprise and shock? The suddenness of the moment causes me to gasp in surprise giving him the much needed opportunity to delve his tongue into my mouth.

Daniel kisses me with a fervor which makes my whole body burn with need. His hands leave my face to hold my waist, pulling me closer - gluing me to his body as his lips leaves my mouth to latch onto my neck, kissing and nibbling, before going back to my lips.

Somewhere along the kissing and teasing, his hand moves over behind my back to unzip the zipper of my dress and in one fluid movement, he pushes down my dress upto my waist leaving my upper-half bare in front of him except my bra. His hands start caressing my sides which causes a shiver to run down my spine at the feel of his hands on my bare skin.

"You're so fucking beautiful, Ari." His eyes burning with desire as he stares into my eyes and kisses me harder than before leaving my head spinning, making me feel dizzy.

I feel my whole body burning with need at his onslaught on my mouth and his wandering hands roaming on my body.

"Daniel?" I ask unsure whether all of this is happening for real.

I feel his hands become still on my waist and his entire body stiffen as his movements come to an abrupt stop making me internally groan as to why he stopped.

Daniel's face slowly moves back to look at me and I see guilt in his eyes which causes me to frown. What is he guilty about now?

"I'm sorry, Ari. I went too far. It's just that my emotions are all over the place ever since I marked you. I have this immense urge to...um... make love to you. And because I'm a hybrid, its even more hard to contain them. I'm really sorry...."

"Then why aren't you doing just that?" The words leave my mouth before I can comprehend what in the world I was speaking and I feel my cheeks heat up as I realise what I had just implied. I had asked him why isn't he...you know what right?

His eyes widen at my words as he looks at me almost in disbelief, "What?"

Oh my moon goddess, what had I said! Anyways, there's no point refusing it now. If I'll say otherwise, he would feel insecure about himself again.

I know that every werewolf has this immense urge to mate with each other once they're marked. Daniel had once said me, that due to his against the law transformation, he feels all of his emotions ten times a normal wolf does, which at the beginning was unbearable because he couldn't control his bloodlust. But with time, he managed to control his emotions. But this is new for him since he hadn't even marked Kiana before and I can understand, he must be containing himself back just for me, which makes my heart flutter. I'm so lucky to have you, Daniel.

"Why don't you just mate with me then?" I confirmed my words feeling more confident than before although my heart was beating crazily in my chest.

Daniel blinked his eyes a few times and when he looked at me, I saw his eyes as dark as the midnight sky but he looked concerned about my consent, "Are you sure about this? Do you really want this? I don't want to force you into anything? I can stop if you want-"

I kissed him on his lips, preventing him from speaking further and also conveying to him about how much I wanted him too.

Daniel smiled against our lips as he carried me up with my legs wrapped around his torso. I saw him walk towards the bed with our lips still connected to each others.

It wasn't until my back hit the soft mattress of the bed and I saw Daniel's body hovering over mine as he started unbuttoning his white shirt, did I realise what was happening.

But at the same time, I wanted this as much as he did. We both wanted each other in a different level right now. And it didn't matter how it all started. How I had married him just because of the truce. In the end, we both fell for each other, and we both love each other more than anything. I trust him more than myself. And I'll never regret giving my virtue to him.....

With that in my mind, I let Daniel take me into a whole different level of bliss and pure pleasure.

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So....how's the chapter?😆😆

Did you'll enjoy the chappy? Let me know your thoughts. By the way, this is the longest chapter of the story with 4,000+ words.

Anyways, Enjoy some of Daniel and Ariana's lovey dovey moments before I jump to the shocking part or more like the climax of the story...

Until then, Goodbye🤗

Have a nice day ^_