Chapter 41 Third Marking: Hayden Grey
Phoebe
‘Should I reply to his message?’
Honestly, I’ve been thinking about it. Hayden has been occupying my mind ever since he disappeared. Not literally, but he hasn’t reached out to any of us. He used to be close to Zion, or maybe now he trusts Finley more. Even if he didn’t want to talk to me, he should’ve at least told them something.
For the past half hour, I’ve been stuck in this dilemma, staring blankly at the night sky above Yellowstone, weighing whether I should respond or not. But all of my hesitation crumbled the moment another message popped up.
\[I know you’re inside, Phoebe. We need to talk. Come out.\]
My eyes widened as I read his words.
Is Hayden here?
I immediately looked out the window, scanning the inn’s yard, but he was nowhere to be seen. My curiosity only grew stronger. I grabbed Phoenix’s hoodie and stepped out of my room, making my way down the corridor to the front of the inn.
The main door was locked, but I was lucky—the key was hanging on the wall. I quickly unlocked the door and stepped onto the porch, searching for any sign of him. Still, I couldn’t see him.
“Where is he?”
As I turned around, Hayden emerged from behind the inn’s promotional sign. His face looked tired, as if he hadn’t slept in days. He was wearing a white long-sleeve shirt under a denim jacket, looking a little disheveled, but even that did nothing to dull his striking presence.
“Phoebe, I’m sorry,” he said, his voice thick with emotion.
This was it—the moment I had to listen to his explanation, just like Zion told me to. The anger I once felt wasn’t as overwhelming as before, but a lingering trace of disappointment still clung to me.
But one thing was undeniable—I missed him.
“It’s cold out here. Let’s talk inside,” I finally said.
“No. Not inside,” he refused. “I don’t want anyone to see us.”
My mind raced, searching for a private place where we could talk. He was right—no one should see us. I had a feeling this conversation would get emotional.
“I know a place. Come with me.”
I led him toward a secluded cabin, far from the main inn. We walked in silence, the sound of our footsteps and our breath mingling in the crisp night air.
When we arrived, I pushed open the wooden door, which creaked slightly from age. The dim glow from the hanging lamp cast a warm, intimate light inside. The space was small—just an old sofa, a wooden table with a few chairs, and an unused fireplace.
I only now realized how different the cabin felt. It wasn’t abandoned, yet it had that untouched, forgotten air to it.
Hayden stepped in first, then turned to face me. His eyes were filled with emotions I couldn’t quite read.
“I don’t even know where to start,” he muttered, his voice heavy. “But I need you to know that I’m really, truly sorry.”
I lifted my chin, watching him carefully, my heart tightening with anticipation. “Why did you do it?” I finally asked.
He exhaled slowly before answering. “I never loved Lily. The engagement was just an arrangement between our families. That kiss… it was my way of making it clear that it’s over. I wanted to end it, Phoebe.”
A weight lifted off my chest, but I still needed answers. “Then why did you disappear? Why didn’t you message anyone?”
Hayden lowered his head. “I had to handle everything with my family. They didn’t agree with my decision to break off the engagement. I had to fight back, deal with the pressure, and make sure I could walk away without causing even more damage. But I realize now… by disappearing, I only ended up hurting you more.”
I swallowed hard, trying to process everything he said. There were so many things I wanted to say, but before I could form a response, Hayden stepped closer.
“Phoebe,” he murmured, his voice raw. “I’m really sorry. I never wanted you to think I chose her. Because I never have. I’ve only ever chosen you.”
His hand lifted, fingers brushing softly against my cheek. The warmth of his touch sent a shiver down my spine, a feeling both familiar and intoxicating.
“I missed you so much,” he whispered.
I closed my eyes for a brief moment, savoring the sensation. When I opened them again, his gaze was locked onto mine, intense and unwavering.
“Can I kiss you?”
I didn’t answer with words. Instead, I pulled him in, and in an instant, our lips met.
The kiss was slow, tender—filled with longing and unspoken apologies. Hayden kissed me as if trying to prove something, as if pouring all of his regrets into this moment. His arms wrapped around my waist, pulling me flush against him, and I melted into his warmth.
I lost myself in him. Every touch, every movement, felt so right. Like it was always meant to be.
When we finally broke apart, our breaths mingled in the small space between us. Hayden rested his forehead against mine, his hands still holding me close.
“I’m not leaving again,” he murmured. “I’m choosing you. I swear.”
I nodded slowly, letting myself believe him. Because deep down, I knew—I didn’t want to let him go either.
And then, in one swift motion, Hayden slid my hoodie off. I followed suit, peeling his jacket away, our movements guided by pure instinct.
He laid me down on the old sofa, his eyes burning with emotion as he hovered over me.
“You know, Phoebe,” he murmured against my skin, his lips trailing lightly along my jaw, “your scent is so soothing. Like sandalwood. A Seer from my pack once told me that my mate would have that exact scent.”
“Oh?” I teased, breathless. “So, am I your mate then?”
His expression turned serious. “Yes. I have no doubts anymore. The Moon Goddess gave me that sign, and I won’t hesitate again.”
And then, in a single moment, he ripped my thin shirt away. The soft tear of fabric was the only sound in the room, mingling with my own ragged breaths.
\[He’s going to mark you, Phoebe. I’ve been waiting for this.\]
Persephone’s voice echoed in my mind, urging me to surrender to Hayden’s touch. And I did. I gave in completely, letting the warmth between us take over.
I wanted him.
Hayden’s fangs sank into my skin, right above my heart. There was no hesitation in his movements—only pure certainty. A burning sensation spread through my chest, but it was drowned out by the overwhelming pleasure surging through my veins.
“You are mine, Phoebe,” he whispered against my skin. His voice sent a shiver straight through me.
“I want you to be my first, Hayden. I want to mate with you.”
His breath hitched, eyes darkening with emotion. “Are you sure?”
I smiled softly, running my fingers through his hair. “Yes. I want to remember this moment forever.”
And as his lips claimed mine once more, I knew—this night would change everything.