Marco's POV
I stepped back, watching Matilda struggle to catch her breath. Her cheeks were flushed, her lips slightly parted, and damn, if she didn't look tempting.
Teasing her had been far too easy. The way she reacted to me so innocent, so unguarded made it impossible to resist.
She was mine.
And soon, the whole world would know it.
I let out a slow breath, forcing myself to rein in my wolf, who was practically purring at her scent. I had to be patient, no matter how much I wanted to mark her right now.
Matilda crossed her arms, glaring at me. "You're impossible," she huffed.
I smirked. "And you're adorable when you're flustered."
She groaned, turning away. I caught her wrist before she could escape. "Hey," I murmured, tugging her back gently. "Look at me."
She hesitated but finally met my gaze.
I softened. "I know Lena probably overwhelmed you. But, Matilda…" My fingers brushed over her wrist. "I would never rush you into anything. When you're ready, we'll be ready."
She swallowed, nodding slightly. "Okay."
"Good." I smirked again, because I couldn't help it. "But just so you know." I leaned down, my lips barely an inch from hers. "When that time comes, you won't be teasing me about my size. You'll be begging for it."
Her breath hitched, her whole body tensing.
Satisfied with her reaction, I let go of her and stepped back. "Now, let's go eat. You'll need the energy for all that blushing you'll be doing later."
She gawked at me, speechless.
I laughed. Goddess, I loved teasing my mate.
As we made our way to the dining hall, I could still feel Matilda's gaze burning into my back. I didn't need to turn around to know she was still flustered, her mind racing with my words.
I smirked to myself.
She was so easy to tease, so easy to fluster—but I also knew there was more to it. A part of her wanted this bond, was drawn to me just as much as I was to her. She just wasn't ready to admit it yet.
But she would.
Soon.
The moment we stepped into the dining hall, Lena and Darius were already there, along with a few other warriors. The second Lena spotted Matilda's red cheeks, she practically vibrated with excitement.
"Oh, something definitely happened," she sing-songed, nudging Darius.
Matilda stiffened beside me. "N-Nothing happened."
Lena's grin widened. "Mhm. Sure." She leaned in. "So? Did you find out how big the Alpha is?"
Matilda nearly choked.
I let out a low, warning growl, pinning Lena with a glare. "Behave."
She just snickered.
Darius sighed, rubbing his temples. "Lena, stop making the poor girl combust."
"Oh, come on," she pouted. "It's fun."
Matilda quickly took a seat, still avoiding my gaze. I sat beside her, resting my arm on the back of her chair, keeping her close.
As the servants brought in the food, I took the opportunity to steer the conversation
"We need to discuss the marking ceremony," I said, my voice turning serious.
Darius nodded. "Agreed. You don't have much time, Marco."
Matilda stiffened beside me.
I turned to her, my expression softer now. "You asked me how it works," I reminded her. "You should know everything before making your decision."
She hesitated, then nodded. "Okay."
I exhaled slowly. "It will be done in front of the pack."
her grip on her fork tightening.
"It's okay," I assured her. "I will be with you the whole time."
She swallowed, looking down at her plate. I could sense the anxiety rolling off her, and it made my wolf restless. I wanted to protect her from this fear, but I also needed her to understand the importance of the bond.
"You have time to decide," I continued. "But we can't delay it for long. Will you agree?"
The table fell silent. Even Lena and the others, who normally found ways to joke, were waiting for her answer.
Matilda's fingers trembled slightly before she whispered, "Yes."
I frowned slightly. "Are you sure?" My voice was gentle, but firm. "I can wait if you need more time."
She shook her head. "It's okay," she said softly.
Relief coursed through me. This was necessary, but I didn't want her to feel forced into it.
Darius leaned forward. "This is good because if Marco doesn't mark you soon. someone else might try."
A flicker of fear crossed her face.
Darius nodded grimly. "Kade is already interested. And unmarked mates are vulnerable, especially to Alphas with… questionable morals."
Matilda instinctively moved closer to me. My wolf rumbled in satisfaction at the silent acceptance of our bond.
I laced my fingers with hers. "You will be mine, Matilda. No one will take you from me."
She nodded, but I could tell she still had questions.
I brushed my thumb over the back of her hand. "I'll take care of you," I promised. "No matter what happens."
She inhaled deeply, then exhaled.
And in that moment, I knew she was ready. Scared, but ready.
I exhaled slowly, taking Matilda's hands in mine, feeling how small and delicate they were compared to my own. She still looked nervous, her fingers slightly trembling, but there was something else in her eyes determination.
I needed to be sure.
"Matilda," I said gently, rubbing soothing circles over her knuckles. "This is not something I take lightly. Once I mark you, there's no going back. You will be mine in every way, bound to me, connected to me forever. I need you to be certain."
She swallowed hard, her eyes flickering to Lena, who gave her an encouraging nod. Then she looked back at me, her lips parting slightly.
"I… I'm sure," she whispered.
Relief flooded through me, but I didn't let it show. Instead, I lifted her hand to my lips, pressing a soft kiss against her skin. "You have no idea how much this means to me," I murmured. "How much you mean to me."
Her cheeks flushed, and she lowered her gaze, clearly flustered. I smirked.
"I love you, Matilda," I admitted, my voice deep and filled with raw sincerity. "From the moment I saw you, you became my world. And I will protect you, cherish you, and love you for the rest of my life."
Her breath hitched, and I saw the way her lips trembled. She wanted to say something I knew she did. But instead, she only managed a small nod, her face burning red.
I chuckled. "Still too shy to say it back, huh?"
She glared at me, but the warmth in her eyes betrayed her. "You're impossible," she muttered.
I grinned. "And you're adorable when you're flustered."
Lena suddenly cleared her throat, breaking the moment. "Alright, alright, save the intense eye-staring for later. We have a marking ceremony to prepare for."
Darius chuckled, shaking his head. "Marco, try not to make her faint before then."
I laughed, but my gaze never left Matilda.
Because soon, she would be mine completely.
And I couldn't wait.