Chapter 35

Aina POV

He held my gaze, his fingers brushing softly against my cheeks before he leaned forward, pressing his forehead to mine. I could feel the warmth of his breath mingling with mine.

“I won’t force you, Aina,” he whispered, his voice low, roughened with restraint. “Just let me mark you.”

Looking at him like that, I knew I couldn’t refuse. I had always imagined being marked at the mating ceremony, before everyone, when he would proudly claim me as his. But here, now, in his arms, didn’t feel wrong either. It felt real.

I nodded, slowly tilting my head, baring my neck to him. My eyes fluttered closed, bracing myself for what was to come.

His nose brushed the sensitive skin of my neck first, followed by the soft press of his lips. Then came the slow drag of his tongue, wet and deliberate, as if savoring me like candy. The gentle strokes sent shivers racing through me, waves of pleasure curling down my spine, making me crave more of him.

An