The Mark
Aurora's pov
The room was quiet except for
the soft crackle of the fireplace and the steady rhythm of Roman’s breathing filled the space.
I lay beside him, curled slightly on my stomach, careful of my back. My head rested against his shoulder, his arm draped loosely around me warm and protective.
My fingers traced idle patterns against his chest, my thoughts drifting… until one question refused to leave my mind.
The mark he mentioned about earlier on. I wanted to know more about it.
“Roman…” I murmured.
His hand moved slightly, brushing along my arm. “Hmm?”
I hesitated for a second but then spoke.
“The mark…” I said softly. “Will it hurt?”
There was a brief pause.
“A little,” he admitted honestly, his voice low and calm. “But not in a way you won’t be able to handle.”
I shifted slightly, lifting my head just enough to look at him. “And… if you mark me… will I become a Lycan?”
His lips curved faintly, almost amused.
“No,” he said. “You’ll still be human.”
I relaxed slightly at that but curiosity still lingered.
“Then what exactly does it do?” I asked quietly.
His hand moved again, this time brushing gently through my hair, slow and absent-minded.
“It strengthens the bond,” he explained. “What we feel now… it becomes deeper and stronger.”
I watched him closely as he spoke.
“I’ll be able to feel you more clearly,” he continued. “Not just your pain or emotions… but your thoughts as well.”
My eyes widened slightly.
“My thoughts?”
He nodded. “We’ll be able to communicate without speaking. Mind to mind.”
A strange warmth spread through my chest at the idea.
“That sounds…” I trailed off, unsure how to finish.
“Intense?” he offered.
I gave a small nod.
“It is,” he said. “There are no secrets between mates once the bond is complete.”
His words settled over me, heavy but not frightening.
“And the mark?” I asked again, softer this time. “Where will you put it?”
His hand stilled slightly against me.
“Here,” he murmured, his fingers brushing lightly against the side of my neck.
A shiver ran through me at the touch.
“It’s a claim,” he added quietly. “One every Lycan will recognize.”
I swallowed, my heart beating a little faster.
“And after that…?” I asked.
His arm tightened slightly around me, pulling me closer.
“After that,” he said, his voice softer now, “you’re bound to me completely.”
I rested my head back against his shoulder, absorbing everything he said.
My fingers curled slightly against him as I whispered, “I’m not afraid.”
His chest rose beneath my cheek.
Then his lips brushed gently against my hair.
“You don’t have to be,” he murmured.
And as I lay there, wrapped in his warmth, listening to the steady beat of his heart I realized…
I wasn’t.
______________________________________________
I stood by the door of Roman’s chambers for a moment, my hand resting lightly on the handle. It had been a week since I last stepped outside these walls.
A week of healing, rest and of Roman hovering over me like a shadow I didn’t mind but today… I needed more. I needed normal and I needed my life back.
Taking a steady breath, I opened the door and stepped out into the hallway.
My body still ached slightly, my back pulling with each movement but it was better, it was almost healed and for the first time in days I felt like myself again.
I stood infront of Kiera's door feeling a little nervous. I haven't seen Kiera for days, I needed to apologize to her after what happened at the club. I hope she wouldn't be mad at me.
I knocked lightly, waiting for her to answer the door.
After a few seconds the door opened and Kiera's eyes lit up.
“Aurora!” She yelled excitedly, wrapping her arms around me carefully, mindful of my back.
“I missed you,” she said, pulling back to look at me. “How are you? I wanted to come see you, but Roman said you needed time.”
I smiled softly. “I’m okay… better now.”
There was a brief pause before guilt crept in again.
“I’m sorry,” I said quietly. “For what happened at the nightclub.”
Kiera waved it off immediately. “Don’t worry about that. My brother’s fine—completely healed.”
Relief washed over me.
“Why didn’t you tell me he was your brother? I had no idea.”
Kiera smirked.
“Would I have let you dance with a complete stranger?” she teased.
I tilted my head, confused.
“And besides,” she added casually, “he’s not even into women.”
I blinked. “What?”
Kiera grinned. “He’s gay, Aurora. He prefers men.”
“Oh…” I nodded slowly, the realization settling in.
She laughed lightly, then clapped her hands together. “Come on, enough of this. I'm headed to the training grounds, want to come along?"
I hesitated for half a second then nodded.
“Yes.”
______________________________________________
The morning air was crisp as we stepped outside, the sounds of clashing weapons and voices growing louder as we approached the training grounds.
When we arrived, I spotted Darius and Rynn immediately.
They turned as we approached.
“Luna,” Rynn greeted with a nod.
Darius grinned. “Look who’s back from the dead. How are you?”
I rolled my eyes slightly. “I’m fine.”
He studied me for a second, then smirked. “So… how are things between you and the Alpha?”
Heat crept up my neck. “He’s been taking good care of me.”
Kiera snorted beside me.
“Oh really?” she teased, leaning closer. “Taking good care of you?”
I frowned slightly, not catching on.
Then she added—
“So… have you guys done it yet?”
I blinked. “Done what?”
Then Rynn, Darius, and Kiera burst out laughing.
I looked between them, completely confused.
“What?” I asked, my brows furrowing.
But before anyone could answer the abruptly stopped.
I turned slightly and there he was.
Roman, he was walking toward us.
His presence alone was enough to silence the entire training ground.
______________________________________________
Roman’s pov
The moment I stepped onto the training grounds, everything stilled.
Voices faded and movements slowed.
And then my eyes found her. Aurora she was standing there in the morning light… alive and healing.
Something in my chest tightened.
I crossed the distance without hesitation.
Without a word, I reached for her carefully not to hurt her back and pulled her against my chest. She fit there like she belonged, like she always had.
I tilted her chin up slightly and kissed her.
I wanted everyone to see and acknowledge that she was mine and mine only.
When I pulled back, my hand remained at her waist, steadying her.
“How are you feeling little one?” I asked, my voice lower now.
“I’m fine,” she said, meeting my gaze.
I studied her for a moment, searching for any sign of pain… weakness.
But she stood steady. She looked like her old self again.
Then I lifted my gaze and saw Kiera, Rynn and Darius standing behind her. They seemed very interested in Aurora and I.
“What are you looking at?” I asked coolly. “Back to training,” I added.
That was all it took. They moved instantly, dispersing like nothing had happened.
My attention returned to her.
Aurora shifted slightly, her fingers brushing against my chest.
“Roman…” she said softly.
“Yes?”
“I’m ready.”
Something in her tone made me still.
“Ready for what?”
Her eyes held mine steady, certain.
“To complete the bond.”
My jaw tightened slightly.
“You’re still healing,” I said immediately. “You don’t need to rush this.”
“I’m fine,” she insisted. “My back is almost healed. I feel much better.”
I searched her face looking for doubt,
Fear. Anything but there was none
Only certainty.
I exhaled slowly, my hand tightening just slightly at her waist.
“Are you sure?” I asked quietly. “Because once we do this… there’s no going back.”
“I know,” she said. “And I want it. Tonight.”
Silence stretched between us for a moment.
“Fine,” I said, my voice low. “But only if you’re certain.”
“I am.”
That was all I needed.
My hand moved to her jaw again, tilting her face up toward mine.
This time, when I kissed her It wasn’t restrained. It was deeper and hungrier.
The bond pulsed between us, stronger with every second, every touch.
And tonight It would be complete.