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𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐞.

CHAPTER IX
markings.

He was angry— No, fuming with rage. Despite having just let out a lot of his anger on not one, but two wolves. Leaving one on the verge of death while one laid rotting in the woods. He bared his teeth and clenched his jaw. The pure amount of anger cleared any doubt in his mind about her being his mate. Never in his lifetime had he felt such burning hot rage.

It felt like fire in his chest. A low menacing growl escaping his throat as he clawed at the hardwood floors. He was trying his best to keep himself from shifting, if he gave in to the monster he knew he would probably tear the house to splitters. Including her.

He took a deep breath, continuing to clench his fists. Calm yourself, think. It doesn't mean what you think it means. Remember, she was attacked by an entire pack of them. She's injured, of course she might smell a little different.

He let go of the breath he has holding. Still growling under his breath, but was overall much calmer then before. There was no confirmation on what he was thinking, aside checking. He didn't want to but if he didn't he might run wild and malicious.

He let out a shaky sigh and went back to his spot beside you on the floor. Still calmly resting, his rigid posture relaxed in your presence. The tense stance now more relaxed and tranquil. As inappropriate it might be, he needed to know.

First, he sniffed your neck. It was overall the same but, slightly off. Like whatever it was, was fading. Then, he moved onto your injured side. His nose filled with the scent of iron and wolf. Despite smelling another on her, it wasn't the same smell as her neck. Her wrist was the same. And now, the moment he dreaded. He couldn't exactly check this area so, he did the next best thing. He sniffed your stomach instead seeing as it was the closest he could get without it being intrusive. Nothing.

He sighed in relief but, his questions remained unanswered. The scent wasn't someone else's on her, rather it was just her. He hummed as he tried to find a solution to whatever had happened.

And then his breath hitched, his eyes wide in disbelief. If someone didn't lay claim on her then— No... His eyes darted to the bite mark on your wrist, he gently pulled it to his nose. He snarled as he identified a third scent. Iron, wolf, and venom. Those bastards!

He gently laid her wrists back down. This was probably worse then someone laying claim on her. They tried to turn her, and they succeeded. She had wolves venom running through her veins, and within a couple days. She would be one of them.

FUCK! He slammed his hand against the floor, causing the wood to give in and snap in half under his hand. Splinters stuck in his palm, but it didn't matter. This couldn't happen, it wasn't suppose to happen!

How would she cope with this? Would she be able to take it? I'll have to teach her how to hunt, how to gain control. Hell! She isn't even accept the idea of werewolves yet! I'd have to teach her about the packs and the court and territory and—

FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK! I couldn't even protect her. How am I gonna protect a pup? She might go outta control, get caught by the court, be executed— No! She won't be, I won't let them have her. They can't take her away from me!

A voice. A voice in the back of his head. A voice laughing at him like it was the funniest joke in the world. He almost didn't recognised it, it's been years since he decided to shut himself off.

'I leave for a couple years and you grow a backbone and find yourself a mate, eh? About time, I thought you were into dudes at one point.'

Damen chuckles at the remark. How nostalgic. The playful taunts in his own voice. The sensation odd after so many years alone in his head. Despite it being his own voice, the words it spoke completely different.

Ivo, although being a pain in the ass sometimes Damen missed him nonetheless. After years of having a little someone in your head and then for it to suddenly go quiet, it was maddening. Even the man in his mind had abandoned him.

'Don't worry, I'm here to stay this time. She's my mate as well don't forget. Plus, I need to help you train her.'

"What a pain. You only come back for the girl, huh? And you're one to talk about training when we're the literal dog."

'We'll talk about my leave after we take her to the den. It's not safe here, it doesn't feel right. Go. Or i'll do it myself.'

And at that, it was quiet once more. Except this time, it would be temporary. He didn't question Ivo, his senses were never off. He may like to joke a lot, but he would never joke about a threat.

He shoved the pain-killers into the duffel bag. Placing you once more onto his back, he grabbed the bag off the floor and ran out of the ruined home. Eyes darted back and forth, accounting the area with his eyes.

'How bout you let me take over? I think i might rust if you leave me in here any longer.'

Damen chuckled once more. Already feeling him trying to take over. "Just don't leave me out in the middle of fuck-all, yeah?" Damen says before retreating to the back of his own mind as he closed his eyes. And when he opened his eyes, the rose colour was once again a bright gold.

"Heh, no promises." He looked to the girl on his shoulder. "So, you're the lucky one. Quite the looker aren't you, bunny?" His voice barely above a whisper before turning back towards the open woods. The area was empty, but just to be safe he'd take the other route.

He took off in a 'random' direction, holding you close to him as he ran at full speed. He indulged in the feeling of the cold wind on his face, it had been so long. Ivo knew he would have to explain himself to his other half soon, but for now, they had to take care of their mate.

Ivo, being more in touch with their unnatural senses, felt the mate bond more then Damon did. Even the feeling of his mate against him made him want to howl out in joy. His possessiveness only reaching an all time high. And if they were in wolf form? Might want to avoid the big bad wolf.

Soon, he began to wonder. Maybe his mate turning wouldn't be so bad. Especially after the essential part anyways, he sighed dreamily as he daydreamed.

We could hunt together, snuggle up together. Oh, we could could on a midnight run together! If he had a tail, it would be wagging between his legs. He might have even jumped up and down in excitement. He couldn't wait to experience all these new things with her. But, for now,

IT WAS TIME TO TAKE HER HOME.

1236 word count.
edited: 28 MAY 2021