Chapter 99 MARKED BY FATE
DEREK’S POV
Having Amber in my arms again feels unreal, like something I dreamed too many times and finally woke into. Her body is pressed against mine, warm and shaking, and every breath she takes matches mine.
I have missed her more than I ever allowed myself to admit. Distance nearly tore me apart, and now that she is here, I am afraid to let go.
My hands move over her slowly, like I am reminding myself she is real. She tilts her head up, eyes dark, lips parted. I feel the pull deep inside me, strong and demanding. This is not just wanted, this is needed. This is the bond calling out for completion.
“Derek,” she whispers, my name breaking in her mouth.
“I’ve got you,” I murmur. “I’m here.”
Her fingers dig into my shirt as if she is afraid I will disappear again. I lean my forehead against hers, breathing her in.
Every part of me responds to her. My wolf is restless, pacing, urging me forward. The urge to mark her burns hot in my chest.
“I missed you,” she says softly.
“I know,” I answered. “I felt it too.”
I kiss her then, slowly at first, pouring every feeling I hold back into that single touch. She melts into me, trusting, open. The world fades until there is only us, tangled together, hearts racing. My control slips, and I stop fighting it. She belongs with me. She always has.
“Amber,” I say, my voice rough. “This means forever.”
She does not hesitate. “I know.”
That is all the answer I need. I guide her down with care, staying close, never breaking contact. Every movement is heavy with meaning. My lips trail along her skin, leaving warmth in their wake. She gasps softly, fingers curling into my hair.
When I reach her neck, I pause. This is sacred. This is not just desire. This is a promise.
“Look at me,” I tell her.
She meets my eyes, steady and sure. “I trust you.”
The words hit me harder than anything else. Slowly, gently, I press my mouth to her neck. When I mark her, it is careful, controlled, filled with love instead of hunger.
She cries out softly, clinging to me as the bond seals, sending heat and connection rushing through us both.
I hold her tightly as it settles, my forehead against her shoulder, my heart pounding. She is mine. Not in ownership, but in choice. In truth.
“I’m here,” I whisper. “I won’t leave again.”
She nods against me, breath uneven. We stay tangled together, holding onto each other like the world might try to pull us apart again. For the first time in a long time, I feel whole.
Then footsteps sound outside the door.
Amber stiffens in my arms. I hear the footsteps too, sharp and sudden, breaking the quiet like glass. My senses flare instantly and I know who it is before the knock comes.
“Amber?” Trent’s voice calls. “Are you in there?”
She looks at me, eyes wide, panic flashing across her face. “Oh no.”
I curse under my breath. “Of all times.”
“Derek,” Trent says again, louder now. “I know you’re here.”
I move quickly, grabbing a blanket and pulling it around Amber, keeping her close as I stand. My body is still buzzing from the bond, from her, from everything we just shared. I open the door just enough to face him.
Trent’s eyes narrow the moment he sees me. Then they flick past me to Amber, wrapped in the blanket, marked.
“What did you do?” he demands.
Amber sits up straighter. “Trent, stop.”
“No,” he snaps. “He had no right.”
“She chose it,” I say firmly. “Just like I did.”
Trent steps forward, anger rolling off him. “You think marking her makes this better? You think it erases the danger around you?”
“It makes us stronger,” I reply. “Together.”
Amber stands, holding the blanket tight. “I wanted this.”
Trent looks at her, really looks at her, and some of the anger drains away. “You’re better off here,” he says again, quieter now. “With family.”
“I am with my family,” she says. “And he is part of that.”
Silence stretches between us. I can feel Trent weighing his next words. Finally, he sighs.
“You hurt her,” he says to me, not threatening, just honest. “I won’t forgive that.”
“I know,” I answered. “But I will protect her with my life.”
He studies my face, then the mark on Amber’s neck.
“You’d better.”
Amber steps closer to me, her hand slipping into mine. The bond hums, steady and sure. Trent notices. He shakes his head slowly.
“She’s stubborn,” he mutters.
I almost smile. “That’s one of the reasons I love her.”
Trent lets out a short breath. “This isn’t over.”
“I don’t expect it to be,” I say.
He turns to Amber. “If he fails you…”
“He won’t,” she interrupts gently.
Trent nods once and leaves without another word. The door closes behind him, and the room falls quiet again.
Amber leans into me, exhausted. I wrap my arms around her, resting my chin on her head.
“You okay?” I ask.
She nods. “Yeah. I just wish the timing was better.”
I huff softly. “That’s our story.”
She laughs weakly, then looks up at me. “You don’t regret it, do you?”
“Never,” I say without hesitation. “I’ve waited too long for you.”
Her fingers tighten around mine. “Then whatever comes next, we face it together.”
I press my lips to her forehead, holding her close. The world can knock all it wants. I am not letting her go.
“Do you think he accepted what we said?” I asked.
There was a worried look on her face and I knew she was worried about this because we all knew how unstable Trent could be and I wouldn’t be surprised if he turned around to try to fight me and everything we stood for. He had done it in the past and he could very well do it again.
“Whatever ha
ppens, we’ll get through it.” I said.
ANGER MEETS FURY