Marked & Aligned

RHEA
Slowly, I opened my eyes with a groan. The bed I was lying on, was much more comfier and larger than the bed I'd been using since I arrived at the pack house. I slowly took in the sight of the large bedroom. The digital clock on the nightstand read 09:20pm.
Judging from the interior designs and the dark colored curtains, I knew that I was in Jaden's bedroom. Besides, his scent was everywhere. I drew in a long breath, his scent flooding my senses in a pleasant way. My wolf growled with satisfaction and I closed my eyes. I heard a door creak open and I also heard someone open the drawers. I didn't want to open my eyes just yet. I wanted to remain in his bed until noon, the next day.
"I know you're awake, Rhea" he said, his husky voice making my heart thrum with excitement.
"Do I have to carry you out of my bed and drop you on the floor?" He asked and I let out a huff of annoyance, kicking my legs into the air as I threw a little tantrum. I cracked an eye open, my cheeks heating up when I saw that he'd been watching my ridiculous display with a raised brow.
He was shirtless, his gorgeous muscular upper body in full display. He'd tied a white towel around his waist. I tried not to think of whatever lay underneath the towel, but I failed miserably. He turned away from me, amused. I sat up slowly, my hair falling over my face messily. My mate had such a nice ass.
An evil smirk worked it's way onto my lips and I stealthily got out of bed, my movements graceful like that of a cat. If he knew that I was approaching him from behind, he didn't show it. He continued to rummage for something in his chest drawer.
Then, I lurched myself at him, attacking him with a back hug. He didn't stiffen or push me away like I thought he would. He let out a low chuckle that rumbled. I closed my eyes, letting out a sigh.
"You're usually all touchy and feely. So, I won't complain" he said and a big smile curved my lips.
"Jaden?" I breathed, my arms still wrapped around his midsection.
"Am I dreaming? If I am, I really don't want to wake up" I said. He remained silent as I continued to hold him in my arms, my cheek pressed to his back.
After a little while, he finally broke the silence.
"Alright, what is this about? Talk to me" he said, turning around to face me. I searched his hazel eyes and saw the sincerity in them. It was all I wanted to see at the moment. I went towards his bed and sat down on it, my fingers splayed over a small area of the soft blue duvet on his bed.
"I've never done relationships, Jaden. I've never known what it means to love someone so fiercely. I didn't grow up surrounded by love. Instead, I grew up alone and miserable. All my life, all I've ever done is struggle to survive" I said and his gaze softened. He stared at me like I was a rare gem he'd just stumbled open. He walked towards me and when he stopped in front of me, he gazed deeply into my eyes.
"Do you want to give us a shot? I'm willing to let you in, Rhea. But, are you willing to let me in?"
"A part of me has always been afraid to fall in love. I've always believed that love is a risk. But, I've realized that what's riskier, is living a life devoid of love" I breathed, our gazes still locked.
"So, yes. Yes, I'm willing to give us a shot. Yes, I'm willing to let you in" I whispered, taking his hand in mine. He brought me to my feet, his lips descending on mine, hotly. I felt my toes curl as he deepened the kiss, our tongues exploring our mouths.
Molten fire raced through my veins, setting my blood on fire. I had gone weak in the knees and had thrown my arms around his neck, hanging on for dear life. When he buried his face in the crook of my neck and nibbled on my skin, pleasure shot through me and I felt my fangs elongate. A moan escaped my lips as his fingers slipped underneath my blouse, tracing lines on my skin.
"Claim me, Alpha" I said, my words, a fevered plea.
"Rhea, there's no going back from this" he whispered in my ear, his hot breath fanning my earlobe.
"I know. Make me yours" I whispered.
He unzipped my blouse and shimmied me out of it. He kissed me again, a low groan rumbling in his chest. He fumbled with the button of my leather pants and unbuttoned it, subsequently unzipping it and sliding it down my legs. He kissed his way up to my thighs and belly button.
Unhurried, he scooped me into his arms. I instinctively wrapped my legs around his waist. Soon, we were on the bed with him hovering over me. When our lips met again in a searing kiss, I was convinced that my brain had been fried. Blindly, I reached for the towel around his waist and yanked it off. The sight of Jaden's impressive manhood only made me more eager. Skin against skin we were aligned. I moaned out his name the first time he thrust into me, hard. Then, I felt his fangs pierce the skin on the right side of my neck. Pleasure built within me and I let out a cry as he closed up the bite wetting it with his saliva. I was seeing bands of colors and in this fevered state, I marked him too. Our souls entwined, our bond strengthening. He was mine and I was his.
...
I lay naked in Jaden's arms, my head pillowed on his chest. He stroked my hair and I closed my eyes, listening to his heartbeat.
"I'm going to introduce you to the whole pack by tomorrow" he told me and a
lazy smile curved my lips.
"You will officially become luna after tomorrow night's ritual" he rasped.
"I can't wait" I said, letting out a yawn. He pressed a kiss to the top of my head and I hummed under my breath. I felt like a lazy cat. I was warm and sated. It felt really good.
'Goodnight, beautiful' I heard Jaden say through the mindlink.
'Goodnight' I responded and fell asleep shortly after.
...
JADEN
I was slipping on a grey shirt when she awoke. She sat up slowly and rubbed her eyes with her fists. Her hair was messy. I found it cute. "Morning" she rasped. I gave her a smile.
"Did you sleep well?" I asked and she nodded.
"Definitely the best sleep I've had in ages" she said, stepping out of bed, giving me a full view of her glorious ass. She had a teasing smile on her face.
This woman was such a temptress. She made her way into the bathroom, winking at me before she shut the door behind her.
Her vanilla scent which was now my favorite, was everywhere. The previous night, I'd claimed her, and it had been much better than I'd imagined. I traced the new mark on the side of my neck, snorting in amusement. She'd marked me in the heat of the moment.
'Gosh, your shampoo smells divine. I think I should start using them from this point onwards' her voice invaded my mind.
'Whatever you say, beautiful' I responded and she chuckled out loud. When she stepped out few minutes later, she had a towel tied around her chest and she was blow-drying her hair.
I watched her keenly, appreciating her unrivalled beauty.
"Why are you staring at me?" She asked, a pink flush blooming over her cheeks.
"You're stunning" I told her and she blushed harder.
After she'd blow dried her hair, she slipped on her underwear and a pair of jeans trousers. Earlier, while she slept I'd asked Dana to bring Rhea's clothes over.
"Can I have one of your shirts please? Just one?" She said and I jerked my head towards my closet.
"Take the one you want" I told her. With an excited grin, she went towards my closet and took out a black T-shirt with the inscription 'Get Lost'.
She slipped it on and I nodded in approval. She definitely looked better in my shirt than I usually did.
Half an hour later, we were standing in front of the main building with every member of my pack standing in the fields, gazing at us.
"I know you've all watched me grieve over Sheila. You've probably felt sorry for me for loosing my mate at a young age. But, Mother Selene has smiled down on us" I said and my pack members cheered in response.
"Standing right beside me is the woman I can now call my own. This is Rhea Stone, my mate and the Luna of this pack. Isn't she gorgeous?" I said with a smile tugging at the corner of my lips. My pack began to cheer louder. They chanted Rhea's name joyfully. I held out a hand to her and she took it. I pressed a kiss to the back of her hand. Then, I lifted it up. They all cheered and whistled with joy. It warmed my heart.
After introducing Rhea to the pack, some of the pack members wanted to hang out her. She was a natural. She was all smiles and she talked to them like she'd been preparing for this moment, her whole life.
My phone rang and I picked the call immediately.
"Jaden Blackwood"
I frowned when I realized that it was the king speaking.
"I need you to come over to see me. We need to talk. It is very important" he said and the line went dead.