Chapter 37 Second Marking Adonish Walsh
Adonis
I saw Phoebe running toward me. One thing I knew for sure—she wasn’t looking for me, nor did she want to come to me. I could feel the anger radiating from her expression.
Finally, she stopped right in front of me, tilting her head up to meet my gaze. Without warning, she grabbed me and kissed me. Her trembling lips pressed against mine, and I wasn’t about to let this moment slip away.
I returned her kiss with deep emotion, pouring out all the desire and longing I had been suppressing for so long.
In the distance, Hayden stood frozen, watching us. I could see the shock and fury on his face. That only made me deepen the kiss even more. I cupped the back of Phoebe’s neck, pressing her between my body and the wall, giving her no room to retreat. I wanted her to know she wasn’t alone. I was here for her.
“Don’t hold back, Phoebe,” I murmured, my voice low and husky as I pulled away for a brief moment. Her face was wet with tears, and I gently wiped them away with my thumb. My heart pounded uncontrollably.
“You know the truth now, don’t you?” I whispered, searching her teary eyes. “Hayden isn’t as good as you thought. You can use me.”
Phoebe bit her lip, hesitating before finally nodding. I held her hand tightly, then led her away from there.
I took Phoebe to my room, away from Hayden and the pain she had just endured. Closing the door securely, I guided her to sit on the edge of my bed. Her body trembled slightly.
“I need to talk to Finley,” I said, reaching out to my Beta through the mind link.
‘Hold Hayden back. I don’t want him bothering us tonight.’
\[What’s going on with Phoebe?\]
‘She’s crying, probably because of Hayden. I’m trying to calm her down. She’s safe with me, Finley. I can control myself. Don’t worry.’
\[Alright.\]
I turned back to Phoebe. “What made you cry?” I asked softly.
She lowered her head, her voice barely above a whisper. “I just saw Hayden kissing Lily…”
I let out a long sigh. I had expected this ever since I saw Lily walk into Hayden’s room. Kneeling before her, I took her hands in mine, squeezing them gently. “Phoebe, you need to know something. Hayden has been betrothed to Lily for a long time. It was his father’s decision.”
Her eyes widened in shock. “What?”
“He never told you?”
“No. He told me he loved me.”
I ran my fingers over the back of her hand, trying to offer warmth and comfort. “He was never going to tell you, Phoebe. He never truly chose you.”
“Is this what heartbreak feels like?”
“Listen to me, Phoebe. In our world, feelings will always lose to fate. If Hayden really loved you, he would have proven it. He would have marked you, claimed you as his mate. But he didn’t, did he?”
“No, he didn’t.” She let out a bitter laugh. “In your case, Finley marked you first. He loves you—I’ve known that from the first time we trained together.”
“And what about you?”
“I never wanted to deal with love. A troubled Lycan like me is better off pushing feelings away.”
“Then why haven’t I marked you?” I asked, my voice steady.
“I want you to think, not just feel. You, me, and others—we have to follow our fates so we can live long and have offspring. Like I said, you can use me to get back at Hayden.”
More tears rolled down her cheeks. She looked at me, her expression full of hurt—but there was something else in her gaze, something I hadn’t expected.
“Adonis…”
I waited, giving her space to continue.
“Zion said I’ve already tamed you…” Her voice wavered. “Prove it. Mark me now.”
For a moment, I froze. Her words flowed so naturally, as if it was the most obvious request in the world. My eyes locked onto hers, searching for certainty.
“Do you understand what you’re asking for, Phoebe?” My voice was deep, almost a whisper. “My mark isn’t just a claim—it binds us forever.”
She nodded without hesitation. “I want this, Adonis.”
My blood burned, not with anger but with an overwhelming desire and need. Phoebe had chosen me. I wasn’t about to let her go.
I cupped her face between my hands, my grip firm yet tender. “You won’t be able to run from me after this.”
“I know you’re my mate, Adonis,” she said with conviction. “Just do it. You told me to think, didn’t you? I’ve thought about it, and this is what I want.”
A low growl rumbled in my chest before I leaned in, sinking my teeth into the soft skin between her shoulder and neck. Her body tensed, a sharp breath hitching in her throat as my fangs broke through, injecting my Lycan essence into her. My body trembled at the intensity of the bond forming between us. I was marking her, claiming her as mine.
Her muffled cry filled the room. Her hands clutched my shoulders tightly, her nails digging deep. After a few seconds, I withdrew my teeth, licking the wound to help it heal faster.
I looked into her eyes, both of us breathless. There was warmth in her gaze now. I brushed my thumb over her lips, tracing their softness. “Now, you’re mine, Phoebe.”
She didn’t respond, only closing her eyes and nodding. I pulled her into my arms, letting her lean against my chest. My fingers ran through her hair, soothing her. Tonight, I won’t leave her alone.
I reached for the blanket and draped it over her. “Sleep,” I whispered. “I’ll keep you safe.”
She didn’t say anything, just curled closer to me. I pressed a kiss on the top of her head, a sense of warmth spreading through my chest. I had marked her, but more than that—I had claimed her in a way deeper than I had ever imagined.