Chapter 16

**A Heartfelt Confession**

For years, I had been suppressing my worries, keeping them hidden so deep within me that not even I could completely understand their significance. But now that Jake was in front of me, staring at me, I could feel them all coming up to the surface like a tidal wave that was about to swallow me whole.

My inner turmoil was reflected in the storm outside. The cabin's windows were battered by rain, and the hardwood floor was covered with flickering shades from the fire in the fireplace. He had been too patient, Richard. I knew he was done waiting when he let me run and hide.

So was I.

Even though the room was warm, I suddenly felt freezing and wrapped my arms around myself. With my words hardly audible above a whisper, I confessed, "I've been running for so long." "From all of it, not just you."

Jake stepped closer, slowly. He remained silent and did not push. His presence was grounded and solid as he simply waited.

"I discovered what betrayal really felt like when I was nineteen," I added. I was given the impression that I was cherished and safe by Dominic. However, it was all false. He took advantage of me, manipulated me, and when he no longer needed me—" I stumbled over the words. "I was broken by him."

Jake clenched his hands at his sides and his jaw stiffened. "If I ever manage to get my hands on him—" I promise you, Emma.

I shook my head. Dominic isn't the only one involved. It has to do with what he stole from me. My faith in him was so completely betrayed by him that I doubt I can ever fully recover. Gazing into Jake's eyes, I took a sharp breath. That's the reason I fled from you. Because if I allow myself to have faith in you, in us... and you ended up being just like him, I wouldn't make it through it.”

Jake's eyes darkened with an underlying, genuine emotion. His hands cupped my face with such affection that it made my breath catch as he walked across the distance between us in three long steps. "I would sooner die than harm you the way he did, Emma," he whispered.

My cheek began to well up with tears. "That's what I want to think."

“Then trust it,” he said. "Trust me. Have faith in our possessions.

I was hesitant. The words felt heavier than they should have in my mouth. "There's another thing," I admitted. "Something I didn't tell you."

Jake became rigid. “What is it?”

I drew back, putting my arms about myself once more. My throat was being clawed by fear as my heart hammered against my ribs. "Dominic wasn't a simple traitor. He made a mark that I cannot remove.

Jake's demeanor changed from bewilderment to awareness as he scowled. What do you mean, Emma?

When I mumbled, "I have his mark," I looked out of reach, unable to look at him.

Stillness. Suffocating, thick quiet.

I could see the range of emotions on his face when I ventured to look back at him: amazement, rage, and something more profound—something injured.

“A mark of claim?” He gave a rasping sound. “You were claimed by him?”

I swallowed forcefully. “He made an effort.”

Jake tightened all over. I could sense his wolf clawing to the surface, the barely contained energy pouring from him. "What does the word 'tried' mean?"

My hand was shaking as I combed through my hair. He left me with a mark, but it was never entirely taken. There was something... wrong. According to his pack, it was because my soul turned away from him. The mark, however, never went away. It is still present.

Raking a hand through his hair, Jake stepped back. You were always so aloof because of this. That is the reason you continued to push me away.

I felt tears in my eyes. "I was scared," I confessed. I fear that you wouldn't want me if you ever saw it or learned about it.

Jake blew out a short breath, his intense eyes blazing. "You don't understand, Emma? There is absolutely nothing that could ever make me stop wanting you.

After I let out a sob, I found myself in his arms. With his fingers running through my hair and his breath warm against my temple, he held me as though I were the most valuable thing in the world.

"I ought to have informed you," I whispered against his chest. "But I was unsure of how."

He let out a trembling breath. "I finally understand. I do. But you must know something, Emma.

I stepped back a little and glanced up at him. “What?”

He became serious. "A mark like that... If it didn't work out, Dominic never really let you go. Even though it is weak, he still has a claim.

Ice formed in my gut. “What are you saying?”

Jake tightened his hold on my waist. "He's probably coming back for you,"

The room whirled, and I felt my breath catch in my throat. "It's not feasible."

Jake's eyes grew dimmer. "You are aware, just as I am, that nothing is impossible in his universe."

As thunder roared outside, there was a sudden, piercing knock on the door.

I could sense the change in the air as Jake went rigid and his wolf surfaced so quickly.

I felt my heart race. “Who—”

The knock returned, this time with greater urgency.

With a deep growl, Jake turned to face me. "Remain in my rear."

Before I could even react, he strode to the door. The air changed as soon as he wrenched it open.

I suddenly caught sight of him.

Dominic.

Grinning. Holding out.

With a silky voice, he added, "I told you, Emma." "You can't avoid me forever."

My entire being let out a scream.

With a painful snap, Jake's fists struck Dominic's jaw as he lunged before he could take another step. Dominic stumbled back, but he didn't seem to be bothered. As he wiped the blood from his mouth with the back of his palm, a slow, unsettling smile appeared on his lips.

With his amused amber eyes, Dominic pondered, "Jake, you were always rash." "Your poor temper will be your undoing."

Jake stepped forward again, his muscles rippling as he roared. However, Dominic held out his hand before he could launch another attack.

I felt it after that.

The agony surged across my wrist, burning and acute. My knees almost gave way under me as I gasped and gripped it.

At once Jake turned. “Emma?”

I couldn't respond. My breathing was labored. I raised my hand, my vision hazy, and I saw it 

the mark.

It was shining.

A deep crimson that pulsed, as though it had been aroused.

Dominic laughed ominously. "Oh, Emma." Was it truly your belief that I would ever let you go?

An unseen force struck me as soon as he finished speaking, and everything turned black.