Marco's POV
The second I saw her, everything else faded.
Matilda stood at the entrance of the hall, her white dress hugging her perfectly, silver pins glinting in her dark hair. But it wasn't just her beauty that struck me it was her. The way she held herself, nervous yet determined, her eyes scanning the room until they landed on me.
I moved before I even thought about it, closing the distance between us. My hands found hers, and instantly, I noticed how clammy her palms were.
"You're shaking," I murmured.
She swallowed hard, trying to smile. "I'm fine."
I didn't believe her for a second, but I didn't push. Instead, I lifted our joined hands and kissed the back of hers. "Stay with me," I whispered.
She nodded.
With her hand still in mine, I led her to the raised platform at the front of the hall. Few pack member had gathered, warriors, elders, even visiting allies. Their eyes were on us, waiting, whispering. But I didn't care.
I only cared about her.
I turned to face the crowd, keeping my voice steady and strong. "Welcome, everyone, to the marking of our Queen."
A cheer erupted, but I barely heard it. I glanced at Matilda, watching the way her chest rose and fell quickly, her fingers tightening around mine.
I leaned in slightly, lowering my voice so only she could hear me. "Are you sure, baby? You look scared."
She hesitated, her lips parting. For a second, I thought she might say no, that she wasn't ready. And if she did I would stop this. I would wait forever if she needed me to.
But then, she looked me right in the eyes, her voice quiet but firm. "No. I want this. I want you."
I exhaled sharply, my wolf stilling inside me.
"Yes, I'm scared," she admitted, voice trembling. "But I want this. I love you."
My entire world stopped.
I barely noticed the gasps from the audience. I barely heard Lena's muffled squeal somewhere in the crowd. All I could focus on was those three words.
I love you.
It was the first time she had said it.
I gripped her waist, pulling her close. "Say it again."
Her breath caught. "I love you."
A slow, dangerous grin spread across my face. "You have no idea how long I've waited to hear that."
Then I kissed her deep
The hall fell silent.
Matilda's words still rang in my ears—I love you but now, the moment of truth had arrived.
I turned to the elders for their approval. They gave a solemn nod. The ceremony had begun.
I looked down at Matilda, my hands still holding hers. "Are you ready?"
She swallowed hard, her heartbeat wild against my chest. But she nodded. "Yes."
I cupped her face gently. "It will hurt, baby."
She exhaled shakily. "I know."
I hated that I had to hurt her, but this was necessary. The mark was sacred, binding, unbreakable. It would tie our souls together, strengthening our bond. And it would make her mine forever.
I lowered my head, my lips brushing over the side of her neck, just above her collarbone. Her body trembled, whether from fear or anticipation, I didn't know.
Then, I sank my fangs into her.
Matilda screamed.
Her entire body jerked violently, her hands shoving at my chest, trying to push me away.
I didn't let her go.
I tightened my grip around her waist, keeping her still as I deepened the bite, my canines piercing her delicate skin. Her blood rushed into my mouth, warm and intoxicating, filling me with power, with her.
She thrashed against me, whimpering in agony. Her nails clawed at my arms, her legs weakening beneath her.
"No—no, it's too much" she gasped, her voice breaking.
My wolf snarled, demanding I finish. The mark had to take.
Matilda tried to slack in my hold, her body going limp, but I held her tighter. "Stay with me," I whispered against her skin. "You're almost there."
But she couldn't hear me anymore.
Her entire body convulsed. A choked sob left her lips before her head lolled back, her eyes fluttering shut.
She had passed out.
Her body was drenched in sweat, reacting instantly to my mark. The bond was already forming, overwhelming her human body, forcing her to adjust to the new connection.
I finally released her, pulling back just enough to cradle her against me. I wiped the blood from my lips, my golden eyes locked onto the fresh mark on her neck. It was red and raw, glowing faintly as the bond sealed itself.
The hall was silent. Watching. Waiting.
Then, the elders spoke.
"It is done."
A deafening cheer erupted, but I ignored them. My focus was only on Matilda, her unconscious form weak in my arms.
I leaned down, brushing my lips over her forehead.
"My Queen."
And with that, I lifted her into my arms and carried her away.
I carried Matilda straight to our chambers, ignoring the cheers, the celebrations. She was unconscious in my arms, her body drenched in sweat, her skin clammy yet burning with fever. The mark was working through her, changing her.
I kicked the door open and walked straight to the bed, laying her down gently. Blood had soaked into her clothes, staining them. The sight of it made my wolf uneasy.
I grabbed a damp cloth and wiped the sweat from her forehead. She whimpered softly in her sleep, her body curling into itself.
"Shh, baby," I murmured, brushing my fingers over her cheek. "I've got you."
I needed to get her out of these clothes. They were sticking to her skin, uncomfortable and stained with her own blood. Carefully, I unbuttoned her clothes, peeling it away from her trembling body. She let out a small, pained sigh, her skin reacting to my touch even in unconsciousness.
I swallowed hard, forcing myself to focus. This wasn't about that. This was about taking care of her.
I grabbed a fresh shirt from the dresser and slid it over her, covering her delicate frame. Her breathing was uneven, her body still adjusting.
Then, I climbed into bed beside her.
She was burning up.
I pulled her close, wrapping my arms around her, pressing my body against hers. My wolf stirred, anxious, instinct driving me to keep her close. She needed my touch, my presence.
She whimpered again, her fingers weakly grasping at my shirt as if seeking comfort.
"I'm here," I whispered against her hair. "I'm not letting go."
Her fever raged on, and all I could do was hold her, whisper to her, let the bond settle between us.
Hours passed.
I never let go.
Then finally, as the night deepened, she stirred.
A soft groan left her lips. Her body shifted against mine.
And I knew she was waking up.