Chapter 18 Another Mark
Dust
The morning light spills through the gaps in the curtains, illuminating the room with a soft, golden glow. I stir awake, feeling the warmth of River’s body pressed against mine, a comforting feeling that grounds me in this moment. The events of last night flicker through my mind, a whirlwind of emotions. My heart races at the memory of our shared intimacy, the way he claimed me, marking me as his mate and Luna. It feels unreal, like something out of a storybook.
I turn slightly to face him, my heart swelling at the sight of him… his strong jawline, the tousle of dark hair framing his face, and the peaceful expression that softens his features in sleep. I trace my fingers along his arm, feeling the solid muscle beneath my touch, the injury already fading to a scar, and a smile tugs at my lips. He stirs, eyes fluttering open, and when he meets my gaze, a slow smile spreads across his face, making my heart skip a beat.
“Good morning, Princess,” he murmurs, his voice husky with sleep.
I chuckle softly, the term still feeling foreign yet delightful to my ears. “Morning River.”
“I am happy this will be the first thing I see every morrning for the rest of my life,” he kisses me softly. “Your beautiful face I mean.”
Smiling softly, I gently touch his cheek, “I never expected you to be like this, River. Everyone always said you were… well, kind of evil.”
His grin widens, and he leans closer, brushing his lips against my forehead. “That’s the reputation I’ve earned, I suppose. But I can be ruthless when the situation calls for it.” The gravity in his tone makes my stomach twist, and I can’t help but feel a hint of apprehension. “I will never hurt you though.”
“Is it true then?” I ask hesitantly, the weight of my question hanging in the air, but I need to know. “That you force yourself on she-wolves when they attack other packs?”
He pauses, and I can see the conflict in his eyes. “I’ve never taken a she-wolf against her will, Dust,” he says firmly, his expression serious, and I believe him. “But I can’t deny that some of my warriors have done terrible things. I’ve heard the stories.”
My heart sinks at his admission, the memories of the two warriors who tried to attack me surfacing, their hands too rough and their intentions too clear. “So some of your warriors have,” I remind him, my voice strained. “Those two who tried to… well, you know… You stopped them, bu only because I am your mate, elseway you have looked the other way.”
River’s jaw tightens, and I can see the anger simmering just beneath the surface. “That might have happened. But I’ll make it right, I promise you. I’ll make sure it never happens again.”
I search his eyes, looking for sincerity. “Good, because If I’m to be your Luna, that can never happen again. I won’t accept it. Not now, not ever.”
He nods, determination etched across his features. “You make me want to be better in every way, Dust. I’m sorry I haven’t stopped it before. I will protect you and everyone in this pack. And from now on no woman will be harmed by anyone in this pack… and I will do everything to redeem the harm I have caused by ignoring it before.”
As we talk, River’s fingers dance across my stomach, drawing delicate patterns that send shivers down my spine. It’s intimate and sweet, grounding us in this moment of vulnerability. But then, as his fingers glide lower, he suddenly stops.
“What’s this?” he murmurs, his brow furrowing as he notices something on my hip. The warmth of his touch contrasts with the sudden chill that runs through me.
I glance down, my breath hitching as I see the mark, I never gave it much thought. “It’s… it’s a mark,” I whisper. “A birth mark, nothing else.”
River’s expression shifts from curiosity to awe. “No… it is a lycan mark. You’re a true Lycan,” he breathes, his voice low and reverent. “You are the lost Lycan princess.”