Mark of Mars

My eyes fluttered open to a throbbing headache. Mars was deep in conversation with a man I didn’t recognize.

The stranger was shorter than Mars, but his towering height and broad shoulders suggested he was a werewolf too.

“I want her found immediately. No mistakes.”

“Yes, Alpha.”

Mars’s gaze shifted to me, his tense posture relaxing.

“We’ll continue this later. Leave us.” The man bowed and quickly exited the room.

Mars moved to sit beside me on the bed, cradling my head against his chest, his arms wrapped around my waist. “How are you feeling, mate?”

“I’m okay. How long was I out?”

“You’ve been asleep for two days, little mate.”

I shook my head in disbelief as Mars lifted me onto his lap. His touch eased the ache in my body.

“I’m so sorry, mate. I should’ve been with you. I shouldn’t have let you out of my sight. I was so foolish to—”

I gently cupped Mars’s face, my thumbs tracing his cheeks, interrupting his self-reproach. I dropped my hands to sign.

“You couldn’t have known. It’s okay, you came when I needed you. You saved my life, Mars. I wouldn’t have appreciated your overprotectiveness then, so I’m glad you didn’t follow me.

“I just needed some time alone. But now I know that you really would do anything for me…” I sniffled, wiping away tears, my body trembling at the memory of that day.

“Little Fawn…”

“I was so scared, Mars. They were going to rape me and probably kill me.”

Mars growled, pulling me closer as I gasped for air.

“I’ll never let anyone hurt you again, mate.”

I sobbed harder as he gently pushed me away so he could read my hands. “I was so helpless, I’m weak. I’m not worthy of you, Mars; I’m not strong enough.”

Brushing away the hair stuck to my face, he soothed me, “Shh baby, you are not weak. I couldn’t be prouder of the mate I’ve been blessed with. You held your own. I just finished the job.

“Honestly, I think the pack is in for a surprise when they realize what a little firecracker their new luna is.”

I playfully shoved him and he laughed harder, coaxing a quiet chuckle from me. “I’m not the one going around and ripping heads off though, am I?!”

His eyes widened in mock horror. “Oh yes, of course, and if memory serves right, you’re just the woman who stabs people’s eyes out!”

“It was self-defense!”

“I know baby, I know.”

I leaned back against Mars, letting him hold me close, feeling safe again.

“You told me a little on the way home but is there anything else you could tell us about Melissa that would help us find her or find out why she would want to hurt you?”

My mind flashed back to the scene, to the look on Melissa’s face when she left me with those men. “No, I have no idea why she would do any of this. We were like sisters.”

Mars’s large warm hands traced soothing circles on my back, helping me relax into him.

“It’s okay, love. We talked to the restaurant manager and searched the place. There was no sign of her ever working there, no one had heard of her. They must have known we were going to be there and planned it all.”

I was stunned. I couldn’t believe that had all really happened. “Why would she hurt me like this?”

“I don’t know, little one, but what I do know is you aren’t leaving my side ever again, and we’ll be doubling the security everywhere from now on.”

I nodded, and Mars had one of the maids bring in a large assortment of food, insisting I eat more than I usually would.

Afterward, we went in for a shower. I didn’t resist this time, knowing I needed his help. Mars was extra careful around my wounds, helping me clean myself and making sure I didn’t fall.

After our shower, Mars set me down and I slowly walked over to the mirror, scared to see the damage that had been done to my face and body.

I gasped a little, tears welling in my eyes. My eye was swollen shut, black and purple coloring my lid, with an angry yellow underneath.

My jaw had a large bruise, a few scabs covering some scratches in the middle. I looked horrible.

Looking at Mars in the mirror I saw anger, sadness, and worst of all, guilt. I didn’t miss the low growls that rumbled from his chest.

“We will find them, mate. They’ll pay for what they did to you.”

Mars picked me up and held me against his chest as I cried my heart out. He swayed gently until I finally fell asleep in his warm arms.

The next day I woke up on Mars’ broad chest. I felt a rumble beneath me before he opened his eyes.

“Good morning, sunshine,” he whispered.

I smiled up at him. Despite the aches, I was in a good mood. “Time for breakfast?!” I quipped.

He chuckled at my enthusiasm for food. “Yes, time for breakfast.”

Mars carried me downstairs and, as usual, sat me on his lap and fed me until the plate was clean.

“The mating ceremony is coming up soon, Fawn.”

I cringed at the thought, avoiding his gaze and focusing on the orange juice in my glass.

“Let’s take a walk,” he suggested.

A sense of unease washed over me as he gestured for everyone in the house to leave as we headed toward the back door.

Once we were outside, Mars set me down and let me explore the beautiful, expansive garden. It was breathtaking—every flower, every fruit you could think of was there.

The garden was home to the most climbable tree I’d ever seen. I made a beeline for it, ready to scale its branches, but Mars scooped me up and perched me on his hip before I could get far.

“Hold on, little lady. You’re still healing. Let’s take a breather.”

“I’ve been cooped up for so long, I need to move!” I cast a longing glance at the tree as Mars led me to a nearby bench.

“Fawn, I’ve made sure every home in every human sector has enough food for everyone. They all have proper shelter and medical care now.”

My face broke into a smile and I leaned in to plant a kiss on Mars’ cheek. “That’s amazing!”

But something was bothering him. His eyebrows knitted together, a crease forming on his forehead. “Now it’s your turn, Fawn. You need to step up.”

I was taken aback. I wasn’t sure where he was going with this. “I know, and I will. I just need some time to figure out what I need to do. This is all so new to me. I need time to adjust.”

He covered my hand with his, a mix of guilt and excitement in his eyes. “You’re ready, Fawn. It’s time.”

A wave of unease washed over me as our eyes locked. I stood up abruptly, pulling my hand from his.

“No. I’m not ready. I’ll do it. I know I will. Just give me some space. I need to get away for a bit. This is all too much.”

Panic surged through me as his eyes glowed a brighter green and he towered over me, seeming larger than ever. I backed away, but he closed the distance in a single stride.

“Come here, mate.”

I shook my head, tears streaming down my face.

“Now, mate! I won’t ask again.”

As he reached out to grab me, I bolted. I ran as fast as my legs would carry me, veering off the path in an attempt to lose him.

My dress snagged on branches, tearing in places, and I scraped myself on the underbrush. Once I was clear of the garden, I darted towards the castle’s back door.

Inside, I sprinted up the grand double staircase to the east wing, reserved for guests.

Looking for a hiding place, I ducked into a maid’s closet and sprayed myself with cleaning solution to mask my scent.

I knew hiding from him was a long shot, but it would buy me some time to come up with a better plan.

My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of Mars’ heavy footsteps echoing through the house.

“Come out, Fawn. You know hiding won’t work.”

I held my breath, trying to stay as quiet as possible.

“This is the next step, Fawn. We’re ready, the pack is ready. You can’t keep running.”

I knew he was right, but I wasn’t ready. I needed more time. The whole situation terrified me, and I wasn’t even sure why.

“Alright, little mate. You want a chase? You’ve got one. Then I’ll huff and I’ll puff, and I’ll blow your house down!”

I squeezed my eyes shut, tears streaming down my face. The suspense was unbearable.

The house fell silent—no maids, no guards, just me and him, somewhere out there. As I waited, a wave of dread washed over me.

Suddenly, the closet door was ripped from its hinges. I nearly wet myself as I let out a silent scream.

A loud crash echoed through the air as pieces of the door scattered across the floor. And there he was, grinning.

“Gotcha, little lamb.”

I almost blacked out as he reached for me. In a last-ditch effort, I grabbed the spray bottle and squeezed.

Unfortunately, it was set to the smallest setting, and only a thin stream hit him in the cheek. He chuckled as he pulled me from the closet and slung me over his shoulder.

I pounded on his back, trying to break free, but he didn’t even flinch. He gave my backside a firm smack as he continued walking.

Finally, he stopped and tossed me onto his bed. I looked up at him, my tear-streaked face pleading.

“Please Mars, I’m not ready, please! Don’t do this!”

He ignored my pleas, pinning my hands above my head with one hand and tearing off my already tattered dress with the other.

I started to hyperventilate, struggling to free myself from his grip.

“Shhh, I’m just going to mark you, mate. We need this for our relationship, and so I can protect you, Fawn. This is the only time I’ll ever hurt you, my love. I promise.”

I shook my head, trying to resist as he nudged my head to the side and buried his face in my neck, inhaling deeply.

He growled in satisfaction as he sucked and bit at my neck, sending waves of pleasure through me. Then I felt his canines scrape against my skin, snapping me out of my daze.

I thrashed and kicked, trying to get away. He slid his hand down to my rear and squeezed, drawing my attention there. I gasped. The next thing I knew, he sank his teeth into me, and I threw my head back in agony.

It was the worst pain I’d ever felt. It radiated from my neck, engulfing my entire body, making me feel like I was on fire. Tears streamed down my face as I convulsed in pain.

After what felt like an eternity, I heard a voice in my head. “It’s okay, mate. Just relax. Almost done.”

What’s happening to me? Why can I hear Mars’ voice in my head?

Before everything went pitch black, a timid, gentle voice echoed in my ears. It was a voice I’d never heard spoken aloud before, yet I knew it was my own.

“Mars.”