He was Alec’s.
Everything he’d been through in the last two days had been worth it for this exact moment. Maybe it was too soon for the words bursting to come out, but they were bonded now. His skin still throbbed from Alec’s bite. “I love you.”
Alec’s breath hitched, and he trailed kisses along Mark jaw until his mouth found the mark he’d left. With a soft sigh, he whispered, “I love you too.”
EPILOGUE
One week later
Mark woke to the feel of Alec wrapped around him like he had every morning for the past week. The steady hum of their bond sat in the back of his mind, both reassuring and thrilling. Being mated with Alec was nothing like he imagined, but he wouldn’t change it for anything.
The phone vibrated again, and Mark reached over to stop it this time instead of snooze. Unlike the other mornings, they had to be up at a reasonable hour today. Cam had given Alec time off from all pack activity, and Jason had done the same for Mark.
Today, the alpha council were coming to give their decision about the fate of P-pack.
Alec appeared dead to the world still, but Mark knew better.
“Stop pretending. You can’t get away with that anymore.” He nudged Alec in the ribs and was rewarded with a grunt.
“Bonding with you was the worst idea I’ve ever had.”
Alec’s sleepy contentment was the only thing Mark felt through their connection, and he laughed softly. “You can’t lie to me. Remember?”
Another grunt, but Alec tightened his arms, pulling Mark back against him. Soft, warm lips tickled the back of Mark’s neck, and he sighed, closing his eyes for a second and enjoying Alec’s touch.
But they had places to be. “We need to get up. The meeting’s in less than an hour.” They were cutting it fine as it was, and Mark knew that Alec hated being late to anything, let alone a meeting involving both packs and the alpha council. “Come on. I want to find out what’s going to happen to my pack.”
Alec kissed him once more, his mouth finding the spot on Mark’s neck where Alec had bitten him, then he rolled onto his back with a sigh. “You’re right. Let’s shower together to save time.” He squeezed Mark’s arsecheek, making Mark chuckle.
“Like that’s ever saved us time.” He still let Alec lead him out of bed and into the bathroom.
Under the hot spray, Alec drew him close. “Are you worried?” He squeezed shower gel onto his hands and began to wash Mark with slow, thorough motions.
Mark tilted his head back onto Alec’s shoulder and let him work. “Yes.” He shivered as Alec neared his groin. “I mean I’m glad Newell’s gone, but what if the alpha who replaces him turns out to be just as bad?”
Alec hummed as he eased Mark forward to get at his back. “The council won’t put your pack in danger. Whoever they choose will be someone they have the utmost trust in and will no doubt be closely monitored.”
Their connection remained steady, but something in Alec’s tone made Mark turn and face him. “You know who they’re going to choose?”
“No, but I have theories.”
“Care to share?”
“We’ll find out for ourselves soon enough. There’s no point.”
Mark narrowed his eyes, frustrated, but he’s learned over the past week that trying to get anything out of Alec was useless. Bond or no bond, if he didn’t want to talk about something, he wouldn’t. “Fine.” He huffed and turned away again. “It’s only my future we’re discussing. Nothing important.”
Alec tugged him back against his chest. “I don’t want to get your hopes up, that’s all. It’s just one option that they could choose. I have no insight into their decision making, so I’d rather not comment. Okay?”
Mark had an idea of what Alec’s theory was, and to be honest, he was trying not to think about it either. “You’re right. Sorry.”
“It’ll be okay, Mark.” Alec kissed that spot on Mark’s neck and held him close for a moment longer. “Now let’s get dressed and get this over with.”
When they got up there, the meeting rooms were empty apart from Cam and the other betas. Mark still felt like he was intruding. Sensing his discomfort, Alec took his hand and threaded their fingers together.
Mark didn’t need to ask if the council were here, he’d smelled them on the stairs as they walked up.
Alec walked over to the coffee machine in the corner, taking Mark with him, and fixed them both a drink. Leaning back against the desk, he asked, “Where are they?”
