Alina’s POV
Then suddenly Lucian gave a confused look.
"Alina... your scent," he said.
My eyes widened. He leaned closer, so close I could feel the heat from his body and see the golden flecks in his eyes.
"It’s different," he whispered, voice rough. "Stronger... sweeter." He leaned in and inhaled deeply, his chest rising. When he pulled back, pure realization lit up his face. "Your wolf... she’s awake."
His expression shifted — surprise lting into sothing deeper, more possessive and full of wonder. His hands gently gripped my arms as he searched my eyes.
"When did this happen?" he asked quietly. "I can feel the bond stronger now. Your power is humming in the air around you. Why didn’t you tell ?"
I gave him a small, shaky smile as tears filled my eyes.
"I just found out, Lucian. I’m just as surprised as you are. I was so sure I was never going to get her... but look at now." My voice cracked. "I can sll you now." A tear slipped down my cheek. "I’m no longer just an orphaned, wolfless oga."
The words barely left my mouth before Lucian pulled into his arms. He hugged so tight, like he was afraid I might disappear. One of his hands cradled the back of my head while the other pressed against my lower back, holding flush against him. His warmth wrapped around completely. I felt truly seen. Cherished. Ho.
He pulled back slowly, his hands cupping my face. His thumbs brushed away my tears with so much tenderness. His eyes shone with love, hunger, and sothing raw and emotional that made my heart ache.
"Alina..." His voice was thick and trembling. "Can I mark you?"
My heart slamd against my ribs. Tears kept falling, but this ti they weren’t from sadness. I looked into his eyes and saw everything — the nights he stayed awake worrying for , the way he fought for , the love that never wavered even when I was broken.
I placed my hand on his chest, feeling his heart racing under my palm.
"Yes," I whispered, my voice breaking. "Mark , Lucian. Make yours."
A deep sound rumbled in his chest — half growl, half sob of relief. He rested his forehead against mine, our breaths mixing.
"I’ve waited so long for this," he said, voice rough with emotion. "I promise I’ll protect you. I’ll love you. I’ll never let anyone hurt you again."
He kissed deeply, pouring all his feelings into it. Then his lips moved to my neck. He kissed the sensitive spot where my neck t my shoulder, soft and reverent at first. His body trembled against mine.
"I love you, Alina," he whispered against my skin.
Then I felt his canines graze . A sharp sting of pain flashed as he bit down, marking as his forever. The pain quickly turned into warm waves of pleasure and connection. I gasped and held onto him tighter, tears streaming down my face.
In that mont, the bond snapped fully into place. I could feel his love crashing over like a wave — strong, fierce, and endless. His joy. His fear of losing . His complete devotion.
I buried my face in his neck and whispered back, "I love you too."
His arms stayed locked around as we both shook with emotion, the fresh mark pulsing warmly on my skin like a promise that would never break.
I broke the hug first and looked up at him. Lucian’s smile was so bright it lit up his whole face, but tears welled in his eyes, making them shine. He looked at like I was his whole world. Then his gaze dropped to my neck. His fingers gently touched the fresh mark, tracing it with wonder.
"The mark is deep," he said softly, voice full of pride. "Everyone will know you are mine now."
My smile faltered. If Aiden saw this... My stomach twisted.
"I’ll cover it with makeup until it fades," I whispered.
The brightness in Lucian’s smile disappeared. Pain flashed across his face.
"It’s for the best," I added gently.
He nodded slowly, even though I could see how much it hurt him.
"I think you should get going now," I said, my voice shaky. "Aiden might see you and I—"
"I don’t give a fuck, Alina," he cut in. Fear and desperation filled his eyes. "I don’t think I can truly stay away from you anymore. It’s killing ." His voice cracked. "How long do I have to stay away?"
Tears stung my own eyes. I stepped closer and caressed his face with my palm. He leaned into my touch like a lost puppy craving love.
"You have marked , right?" I said with a small smile. "I carry your mark now. Trust ... I will co back to you."
"Lucian," I whispered when he still didn’t move.
He let out a soft whimper that broke my heart. "Alright then... I’ll leave."
He pulled in for one last deep kiss, full of longing. When he pulled away, he walked to the window and looked back at .
"You are all mine now," he said, voice thick with emotion.
I watched him jump down from the window. Before I could even reach it, he had vanished into the night. A soft smile touched my lips, and warmth spread through my chest.
Then a sudden knock sounded on the door.
"Alina? Are you asleep?" Aiden’s voice ca from the other side.
My eyes widened in panic. I rushed to the bed, pulled the covers over myself, and pretended to be asleep, heart hamring.
The door opened quietly. I heard his footsteps coming closer. The bed dipped as he sat beside . Then I felt the soft press of his lips on my forehead.
"You know," he started, voice low and heavy with sadness, "I thought I had everything figured out. How I wanted my life to be... the perfect plan after taking this responsibility. Everything was going according to script. But the mont I married you, Alina, nothing followed the plan anymore."
He let out a shaky breath.
"I tried to fix it, but it didn’t work. After I divorced you, I thought everything would go back to normal. I could follow the script again." His voice cracked. "That’s when I realized... maybe I should have thrown the script away. It pains so much to think it might be too late."
He stayed quiet for a mont. I felt another gentle kiss on my forehead.
"I think about you all the ti. I don’t admit this to anyone... but it’s my truth. I regret the divorce. When I said I loved you, it wasn’t a lie. I ant every word." His tone grew even sadder. "Maybe if I hadn’t followed the script so strictly, you would still love the way you always did... and I would have the family I truly deserve."
I heard him stand up. The door opened and shut softly behind him.
The mont it closed, my eyes flew open. I sat up, heart racing.
"What!"
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