Marco's POV
After the party, I took Matilda home, keeping her close the entire way. The moment we stepped into the pack house, I could still feel the tension lingering in my chest. That bastard Kade… I clenched my fists just thinking about the way he looked at her.
Matilda was exhausted, and I wasn't about to let her stay awake worrying. I walked her to her room, brushing my fingers against her cheek.
"Get some rest, little one," I murmured.
She nodded sleepily, leaning into my touch before stepping inside. I stayed at her door for a moment, listening to her breathing slow. Only when I was sure she was asleep did I turn away.
As soon as I reached my office, my phone rang.
"Alpha Marco," came the voice of Alpha Dominic the host of the party. He was a respected leader, fair and strong, and unlike Kade, he wasn't a threat. "Did you and your Luna make it home safely?"
"We did," I replied, leaning against my desk. "Your security was well-placed. But not well enough to keep certain Alphas from overstepping."
Dominic sighed, as if already knowing who I meant. "Kade."
I let out a low growl in response.
"I apologize for his behavior," Dominic continued. "I invited him out of courtesy, but I see now that was a mistake. He's always had a habit of stirring trouble. But his interest in your Luna…" He hesitated. "That's dangerous, Marco."
"I know," I muttered. My wolf prowled beneath my skin, restless. "If he tries anything, I won't hesitate to put him down."
Dominic chuckled. "I don't doubt it. But be careful Kade doesn't go after something unless he's sure he can take it."
The line went silent for a moment before Dominic spoke again. "Regardless, I hope your Luna enjoyed herself tonight. She seems… strong. But she'll need to be even stronger if she's going to be by your side."
"She will be," I said with certainty. "I'll make sure of it."
We ended the call, but I couldn't shake Dominic's words. Kade doesn't go after something unless he's sure he can take it.
I exhaled slowly, my claws digging into the desk.
He'd learn the hard way that Matilda wasn't his to take.
The next morning, I stood in my office, arms crossed, as Darius paced in front of me. He was agitated, his wolf on edge, and I knew exactly why.
"You need to mark her soon, Marco," he said firmly. "It's been too long. The others, Alphas Kade especially see it as a weakness."
I exhaled sharply, my jaw tightening. "You think I don't know that?"
Darius stopped pacing, turning to face me. "Then why haven't you done it?"
I ran a hand through my hair. "She's not ready."
"She's your mate," Darius countered. "You don't need her permission to claim what's yours."
I growled lowly, eyes flashing. "I will not force her."
Darius sighed, rubbing his temples. "I'm not saying to force her, Marco. I'm saying talk to her. Explain why it's necessary. The mark will protect her it will show everyone she belongs to you. Right now, without it, she's vulnerable."
I knew he was right. Without my mark, Matilda was still seen as unclaimed. And with an Alpha like Kade lurking in the shadows, waiting for an opportunity, that put her at risk.
I clenched my fists. The thought of another Alpha even thinking they had a chance with her made my wolf furious.
Darius stepped closer, lowering his voice. "I know you want to give her time. But time is a luxury we don't have. Kade is watching. Others are watching. The longer you wait, the more they'll think she's available."
I exhaled, my wolf restless beneath my skin.
"I'll talk to her," I finally said, my voice low. "But I won't rush her."
Darius nodded. "That's all I ask."
But as he walked away, I couldn't shake the feeling that my patience might cost me more than I realized.
The morning sun streamed through the windows as I sat at the dining table, waiting for Matilda. I had sent for her, asking her to join me for breakfast. Today wasn't just about sharing a meal I needed to talk to her about something important.
When she finally walked in, dressed in a soft cream-colored dress that Elera must have picked for her, my chest tightened. She was breathtaking, yet so unaware of the effect she had on me.
"Good morning," she said softly as she took a seat across from me.
"Morning, little one." I gave her a small smile, watching as the maids served our plates. "Did you sleep well?"
She nodded, taking a sip of her juice. "Yes, but… you seem deep in thought. Is something wrong?"
I exhaled, setting my fork down. "Not wrong. But there's something we need to talk about, Matilda."
She paused, her blue eyes searching mine. "What is it?"
I leaned forward, resting my forearms on the table. "It's about the mark, Matilda. About claiming you as my mate."
Her lips parted slightly, her fingers gripping the edge of her fork. "The… mark?"
I nodded. "I wanted to wait until you were ready, but after what happened last night with Alpha Kade, I don't think we have the luxury of time anymore." My voice was calm, but firm. "As long as you remain unmarked, other Alphas might see you as unclaimed. As if they have a right to challenge me for you."
She swallowed hard. "So the mark… it's to protect me?"
"Yes. It will make it clear to everyone that you are mine. No one will be able to challenge my claim on you." I studied her carefully. "But it's not just for protection. It's a bond between us, something deeper than words."
She fidgeted with the napkin in her lap before looking up at me again. "How… how does it work?"
I took a slow breath. "When I mark you, I will bite you where your neck and shoulder meet. It will seal our bond, allowing us to feel each other's emotions more strongly. You'll be able to sense me, just as I'll sense you."
She touched the side of her neck absentmindedly. "Does it… hurt?"
"Matilda," I said, my voice steady. "I won't lie to you. The mark… it will hurt."
Her breath hitched, and she looked up at me with wide blue eyes. "How bad?"
I exhaled slowly, choosing my words carefully. "It's not just a bite, little one. It's more than that. When I sink my teeth into you, my venom will enter your bloodstream, binding you to me. Your body will fight it at first that's why it burns."
She swallowed hard. "Burns?"
I nodded. "It will feel like fire spreading through you, claiming every part of you. The pain will be intense, but it won't last forever. And once it fades, you'll feel the bond settle."
She was silent, absorbing my words.
I reached for her hand, my fingers brushing over hers. "I need you to trust me, Matilda. I will never let you suffer more than necessary. But I won't sugarcoat it the moment I mark you, your body will change. You will become more sensitive to me, more aware of our connection."