Chapter 182 The marking 2

Chapter 182: Chapter 182 The marking 2

Talia’s POV

After the gathering, Kaelen went with Cain to discuss pack matters. While I walked to the kitchen and found Piper and Nora.

The kitchen was warm and busy, and the smell of fresh bread filled the air. I spotted them in the corner, with their heads bent together, laughing at something.

Piper’s face lit up when she saw me. "Talia!" She rushed to me and hugged me tightly. "I have not seen you in days."

"I have been busy," I said, laughing.

Nora smiled and handed me a cup of tea. "Sit with us, and tell us everything."

I sat with them and talked about the pack, the rebuilding, and the future. Piper told me about a young wolf she had been helping train.

I listened to her stories, and I felt a warmth spread through my chest. This was what normal life felt like. With laughter, friendship, and peace.

Nora told me about the kitchen and how the cook had been experimenting with new recipes.

I felt happy, and at peace.

After a while, I stood up. "I should go. Kaelen might be back soon."

Piper winked at me. "Go. We will talk later."

I walked back to the room and found it empty.

The room was quiet, and I felt a sense of calm wash over me. I was alone, and it was peaceful.

Kaelen should still be with Cain, discussing pack matters, and making decisions.

So I decided to shower.

I walked to the bathroom and turned on the water, letting the steam fill the room. I needed to relax, to clear my mind.

The water was warm, and I let it wash away the day. I took my time, enjoying the feeling of the steam and the heat.

When I came out, I was wrapped in a towel.

I dried my hair and stepped out, and I was surprised to see him standing there, because I had not heard him come in.

Kaelen was standing in the middle of the room with a tray of food in his hands.

I blinked. "When did you come back?"

"Just now," he said. His eyes moved across my body, and I saw the warmth in them. "I brought dinner."

I smiled. "Give me a moment to dress."

I quickly pulled on a soft nightgown, while Kaelen set the tray on the desk and went to shower.

When he came out, his hair was damp and his chest was bare. He wore only loose pants, and he sat down beside me at the desk.

The food was not simple bread and soup, because I could smell the richness of the meat and the herbs, and my stomach growled.

Kaelen must had gone through a lot of trouble for this meal.

There was roasted meat, vegetables cooked in herbs, warm bread with butter, and a bowl of fresh berries.

We ate together, and I savored every bite.

I closed my eyes and let the flavors wash over me. It was the best meal I had eaten in a long time.

The meat was tender, and the vegetables were seasoned perfectly.

"This is wonderful," I said.

Kaelen smiled. "Stephanie outdid herself."

After dinner, we lay on the bed, tangled together. His arm was around my waist, and my head was on his chest. The fire crackled in the hearth, and the shadows danced on the walls.

The room was warm, and I felt safe in his arms, and I did not want this moment to end.

"Talia," he called.

I tilted my head to look at him. "Hmm?"

He was quiet for a moment. Then he said, "I want to mark you."

I froze.

I felt my breath catch in my throat, because I had not expected him to bring this up. Or at least, not tonight.

My heart stopped. I stared at him, with my eyes wide.

"What?" I asked.

He reached up and touched my cheek. "I want to complete the bond. I want to bite you, to mark you, and to make you mine fully."

I opened my mouth, but no words came out. I had not expected this tonight.

"It will hurt," he continued. "The bite is painful. It will burn, and it will leave a scar."

His voice was soft, and I could hear the worry in it, like he was afraid of hurting me.

I swallowed hard. "What does it feel like?"

He was quiet for a moment. "I have heard it is like fire, and like you are being burned from the inside. But the pain does not last. And when it is over, the bond is complete."

I stared at him, and my heart was pounding.

"I have not asked you before because I did not want to pressure you, or make it look too fast for you." he said.

He said it quietly, and I could hear the vulnerability in his voice. He was giving me a choice, and he was afraid of what I might say.

"But I want this, and I want you, forever." He said finally.

I looked into his gray eyes, and I saw the hope, the desire, and the fear. He was afraid I would say no.

I reached up and touched his face.

"Yes," I said.

He blinked. "Yes?"

"Yes," I repeated. "I want this too, Kaelen. I want to be yours completely."

He pulled me close and kissed me. It was soft and slow, and full of promise.

I kissed him back, and I felt the love swelling in my chest.