Marco's POV
The first rays of dawn filtered through the curtains, casting a golden glow over the room. I lay still, my arms wrapped protectively around Matilda's warm, sleeping form. Her soft breaths tickled my chest, her body curled against mine as if she belonged there.
And she did.
She was mine fully, completely, irrevocably.
The mark on her neck stood as proof, deep and fully healed now, tying us together in ways that went beyond flesh. I could feel her emotions through our bond, the way her body sought mine even in sleep, the way her heart seemed to beat in rhythm with mine.
She shifted slightly, a soft sigh escaping her lips. My grip on her tightened instinctively, my wolf unwilling to let her go, even for a second.
But I knew reality was waiting.
A deep sigh left me as I buried my face in her hair, inhaling her scent wildflowers and something uniquely her. I wanted to stay like this, to forget the world outside these walls. But the world wouldn't wait.
There was still a war brewing. Still enemies lurking in the shadows.
Still Alpha Kade, who wouldn't stop until he got what he wanted.
And what he wanted was my mate.
A low growl rumbled in my chest at the thought, my fingers tightening around Matilda's waist. She stirred, a soft whimper slipping from her lips, and I immediately softened my hold, stroking her back to soothe her.
My fierce little human.
She had endured so much already, yet she had chosen me. Chosen us.
Now, it was my turn to protect her to make sure nothing ever took her away from me.
But first, I needed to talk to Darius.
Carefully, I untangled myself from Matilda, pressing a lingering kiss to her forehead before slipping out of bed. She mumbled something in her sleep, reaching for me even unconsciously. I smirked, tucking the blankets around her before pulling on my pants.
I would come back to her soon.
I made my way down the hall, rolling my shoulders as I prepared for the conversation ahead. The bond between Matilda and me was now fully sealed, but there was still work to be done ,threats to eliminate, plans to be made.
The moment I stepped into the meeting room, Darius smirked, leaning back in his chair with his arms crossed.
"Well, well," he drawled. "Look who finally decided to show up. I was beginning to think you got stuck."
I narrowed my eyes at him. "What the hell are you talking about?"
Darius snickered, shaking his head. "Oh, come on, Marco. You finally knotted her, didn't you?" He let out a low whistle. "Poor thing must be exhausted."
A deep growl rumbled in my chest. "Watch it, Darius."
He held up his hands in mock surrender. "Relax, I'm just saying. The first time always takes a toll on the mate.she alright?"
"She's fine," I muttered, though I felt a pang of guilt remembering how weak she had been afterward. "Just tired."
Darius nodded knowingly. "Mhm. The knot will do that." His smirk widened. "You didn't go easy on her, did you?"
I clenched my jaw. "Darius"
He barked out a laugh. "Hey, I'm just making sure our future Luna is still in one piece."
"She's more than fine," I snapped. "She's mine."
Darius grinned. "Yeah, yeah, we all felt it. The bond's strong as hell now. Guess there's no doubt who she belongs to."
My wolf preened at the statement, but I forced myself to focus. "Enough about that. We have more important matters to deal with."
Darius sighed dramatically. "Fine. But don't think Lena won't grill Matilda about every little detail later."
I ran a hand down my face. "Goddess help me."
Darius laughed. "Oh, no, my friend. Goddess help Matilda."
I let out a slow breath, pinching the bridge of my nose as Darius's laughter echoed through the room. Goddess help Matilda indeed.
If Lena got to her first, there would be no stopping the teasing. Matilda was already shy about what had happened between us Lena's relentless curiosity would only make it worse.
I shook my head. "She needs rest. If Lena disturbs her "
Darius waved me off. "Relax, Marco. She won't push too much… maybe just a few questions about how long you lasted, how loud Matilda got"
A growl rumbled from my chest before I could stop it. "Darius."
He threw his head back, laughing harder. "I live for this."
I exhaled sharply, trying to focus. "Did you call me here just to get on my nerves, or do you actually have something useful to say?"
Darius wiped at his eyes, still grinning. "Alright, alright. Business." He leaned forward, his expression turning serious. "We need to talk about Kade."
My wolf snapped to attention at the name, the humor of the moment vanishing. "What about him?"
Darius's eyes darkened. "He's been asking about Matilda."
My entire body went rigid. A deadly growl ripped from my throat. "What?"
Darius nodded. "Apparently, he was curious about whether you'd actually marked her. Seems like he was hoping you hadn't."
Rage coursed through me like wildfire. That bastard had been waiting for a chance,to claim her, to steal her.
"He won't touch her," I snarled.
Darius smirked. "Damn right, he won't. But it wouldn't hurt to remind him why."
I cracked my knuckles. "Oh, I plan to."
I pushed open the door to our room, my gaze immediately landing on Matilda. She was still curled up beneath the blankets, her breathing soft and even, but a slight flush colored her cheeks.
I stepped closer, brushing my fingers lightly across her forehead. Still warm. The fever wasn't too high, but I hated seeing her like this weak, exhausted. The knot must have truly taken everything out of her.
With a sigh, I stood, stripping off my shirt as I made my way to the bathroom. I turned on the faucet, letting the tub fill with warm water. The tension in my muscles was still there, the conversation with Darius lingering in my mind. Kade wouldn't dare come near Matilda now, but I'd make sure of it.
I slid into the water, letting the heat soothe my body. My thoughts drifted to Matilda how she'd looked beneath me, the way she'd whispered my name, how perfectly she had fit against me. Mine.
But she needed rest, and I needed to take care of her.
After finishing my bath, I wrapped a towel around my waist and stepped back into the room. Matilda hadn't moved. I dressed quickly, then headed to the kitchen to prepare something for her. She'd need to regain her strength.
As I moved through the halls, warriors nodded in greeting, but I barely acknowledged them. My mind was already back in that room, already thinking about the moment she'd wake up and I'd be there,ready to take care of her.
I sighed, brushing a few strands of hair from Matilda's face as she lay in bed, her body still recovering from last night.
"How are you feeling, baby?" I asked softly.
She shifted slightly, wincing at the movement. "Sore… very sore."
A mix of pride and concern swelled in my chest. I leaned down, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "I'll run you a warm bath," I murmured. "It'll help with the soreness."
She gave a small nod, her eyes half-lidded with exhaustion.
I made my way to the bathroom, turning the water to a perfect temperature and adding soothing oils to ease her muscles. By the time I returned, Matilda was attempting to sit up, her body still sluggish from exhaustion.
I smirked. "Need help, little mate?"
She huffed. "I can do it." But the moment she moved again, she winced, biting her lip to hold back a whimper.
I didn't wait for her protest I scooped her into my arms effortlessly. She let out a surprised gasp, her hands flying to my shoulders.
"Marco! I-I can walk!"
I chuckled, carrying her toward the bathroom. "You can try later. Right now, I've got you."
As we reached the tub, I set her down gently, letting her stand on shaky legs. She pulled the blanket tighter around her .
I watched as Matilda clung to the blanket, her cheeks flushed, eyes darting away from mine. Even after everything we had shared last night, she was still so shy.
I smirked, stepping closer. "What's this, my little mate?Matilda, I've seen every inch of you," I teased, stepping closer. "I've kissed and touched every part of this body, and After all that, you're suddenly shy?"
Her grip on the blanket tightened. "I-It's different in the daylight,…" she mumbled.
I chuckled, reaching out to brush my fingers along her jaw, tilting her chin so she had no choice but to look at me. "Different how?"
She swallowed. "I don't know… I just…"
I leaned in, my lips grazing her ear. "Matilda, I've seen and touched every inch of you." My voice dropped into a low, teasing whisper. "I've kissed places no one else ever has. And yet… you're still hiding from me?"
Her body shivered at my words, her heartbeat quickening.
I pulled back just enough to see her expression, my eyes glinting with mischief. "Do I need to remind you just how well I know your body now?"
Her blush deepened, and I could tell she was torn between embarrassment and the pull of our bond.
I smirked. "Come on, baby," I coaxed, my hands tracing the edge of the blanket. "Let me take care of you."
She hesitated, her fingers gripping the fabric then, with a deep breath, she let it slip from her shoulders, revealing herself to me once more.
My gaze darkened, drinking her in. "Beautiful," I murmured, my hands moving to her waist, pulling her close. "Absolutely perfect."
Her breath hitched as I lowered my head, pressing soft kisses along her collarbone. "Let's get you in the bath, my love," I murmured against her skin. "And maybe… I'll join you."
Matilda's eyes widened in alarm the moment I leaned against the tub's edge and smirked down at her.
"I think I'll join you," I said casually, my fingers already working on the buttons of my shirt.
Her entire body tensed. "W-what? No!"
I arched a brow. "No?"
She scrambled back against the edge of the tub, her wet skin glistening. "You—you just said this was for me to relax!"
"And I'll be very relaxed bathing with my mate." I smirked as I slipped my shirt off and tossed it aside.
Her eyes darted away, cheeks burning, but she peeked through her fingers as I reached for my pants.
"Marco…" she warned.
I took my time, enjoying the way her breath hitched as I undressed completely. Her flustered expression was too adorable.
"Are you peeking, little mate?" I teased, stepping into the water.
She immediately turned her back to me, splashing water in her panic. "I am not!"
I chuckled as I sank into the warmth, pulling her gently against me. She stiffened, her back flush against my chest, but I ran my hands down her arms, coaxing her to relax.
"Matilda," I murmured, pressing a soft kiss to the nape of her neck. "I just want to hold you."
She hesitated, but then her body slowly melted into mine, her head resting against my shoulder.
"You're impossible," she mumbled.
I grinned, nuzzling her neck. "And you love it."
She huffed, but the way she snuggled closer told me she wasn't that upset.
I ran my fingers through the warm water, caressing her skin lazily. "See? This isn't so bad, is it?"
She sighed. "No… it's nice."
I smirked. "Told you."
She rolled her eyes, but the soft smile on her lips didn't go unnoticed.
And as I held her there, skin against skin, with nothing but the warm water and our quiet breaths between us, I knew this was exactly where we were meant to be.