Falling Back Into His Arms Again

Anya's Point of View

"Luna, Alpha Marcus is calling for you. He wants you to go to his room immediately," said one of the house staff, a pack member who also lived in the packhouse. I gave her a small smile and responded, "Alright, I'll be there soon."

She walked away while I remained in the garden, picking flowers. I admired the five beautiful blooms in my hand, inhaling their soothing fragrance. After a few more moments of enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, I decided it was time to head inside.

Upon entering the packhouse, I placed the flowers in a vase before making my way upstairs to Marcus's room. Just as I reached for the doorknob, the door swung open violently, revealing his angry expression. Without warning, he grabbed my arm roughly and yanked me inside. I winced at the pain, already knowing a bruise would form by nightfall.

"What took you so long?" he demanded, his tone sharp.

I lowered my gaze before answering, "I was just picking flowers. I'm sorry if I kept you waiting."

He didn't reply; instead, he pushed me onto the bed, forcing me to sit. Marcus moved closer, capturing my lips in a kiss. It wasn't gentle or affectionate-it was just an act of possession. But what could I do? If this was what he wanted, I would give it to him. Wrapping my arms around his neck, silent tears slipped down my cheeks.

Marcus suddenly pushed me down, tearing my clothes apart. His lips traveled from my jaw to my neck, sucking harshly. His hands roamed over my body, exploring without tenderness. I couldn't hold back a gasp as he continued, his touch fueled by desire rather than love.

He quickly stood, stripping off his own clothes before returning to me. His lips found mine again as he forcefully claimed me. I squeezed my eyes shut against the pain. He wasn't gentle-he never was. His movements were rough and demanding.

"Ahh!" I cried out, my nails digging into his back.

"Damn it," Marcus groaned, his pace relentless. The room was filled with nothing but heavy breathing and muffled moans.

"You're mine, Anya," he growled against my ear. I barely managed a nod, my body already exhausted. The pressure built between us until, moments later, we both reached our climax.

Marcus collapsed beside me, breathless and covered in sweat. I turned to my side, wiping away the silent tears that continued to fall.

"Leave," he said flatly.

This was always how it ended. No warmth, no comfort-just dismissal. Swallowing the lump in my throat, I forced myself to stand despite the ache between my legs. I gathered my torn clothes, my eyes flickering toward him. He was staring at me, but there was no emotion behind his gaze.

"Don't disappear or go flirting around-I need you later," he muttered before heading into the bathroom. I sank onto the floor, my body shaking as fresh tears spilled down my cheeks.

"Anya," my wolf whispered, her voice laced with concern.

"I'm fine. Don't worry about me," I murmured, though I knew it was a lie. Curling into a ball under the covers in my own room, I let myself cry.

"Please, stop crying," my wolf pleaded, her sorrow mirroring mine.

I ignored her, shutting down completely. Why couldn't I find happiness? He was cruel, heartless-and yet, I still loved him.

Now, I was getting ready because Marcus had told me that Candice and Blake would be visiting. I slipped into a simple dress and applied a bit of makeup to hide my pale complexion. When I glanced at my arm, I noticed a bruise forming.

"Candice might see this and ask questions," I mumbled to myself. Not wanting to risk it, I changed into a long-sleeved dress before stepping out of the room. To my surprise, Marcus was waiting outside my door.

"What took you so long?" he asked irritably.

"Sorry," I murmured, lowering my head.

He walked ahead, and I followed silently. As we entered the living room, I saw Candice and Blake sitting on the couch. Their children weren't with them.

"Anya!" Candice exclaimed, rushing to hug me. I returned the embrace, forcing a smile.

"You look beautiful! Is my brother taking good care of you?" she asked, her tone lighthearted.

My gaze flickered toward Marcus, who was seated nearby. I knew he heard her question. Forcing my expression to remain cheerful, I replied, "Of course."

"That's good to hear! Come with me!" she said, grabbing my arm excitedly. I flinched when her fingers brushed over my bruise.

"Are you okay, Anya?" she asked, concern creeping into her voice.

"Yes, I'm fine. Where are we going?" I quickly changed the subject, smiling at her.

Before Candice could answer, Marcus approached and took my hand from her grasp.

"I need to talk to her for a moment," he said with a smile that didn't reach his eyes.

Candice pouted, stomping her foot like a child. It was hard to believe she was already a mother of two.

"You always have her! I missed her!" she whined.

Blake chuckled, wrapping his arms around her from behind. The affection between them was obvious, and I couldn't help but feel envious. If only Marcus treated me the same way.

"Let them be, love," Blake murmured, kissing the top of her head.

Marcus, however, didn't wait for a response. He tugged me into one of the guest rooms, shutting the door behind us.

"Marcus! What are you doing?" I protested, but he ignored me. Instead, he grabbed the sleeve of my dress and tore it, exposing my arm.

"You have a bruise," he muttered, his voice quieter this time.

I looked up at him, momentarily catching a glimpse of something in his eyes-regret. But just as quickly as it appeared, it vanished. Instinctively, I covered the bruise with my hand.

"You deserve it," he spat coldly before walking away, leaving me standing there in stunned silence.

A faint voice broke through the silence. "You have a bruise."

Instinctively, I covered it with my hand. My gaze met his, and for a brief moment, I caught a flicker of guilt in his expression. But just as quickly as it appeared, it was gone, replaced by cold indifference.

"You deserve it," he muttered before walking away, leaving me standing there, frozen in place.

---

Anya's POV

Sunlight streamed through the window, warming my face and stirring me awake. I realized I had fallen asleep still wearing the clothes from last night. A dull ache settled in my chest as I recalled Marcus' order not to leave my room. Had Candice noticed my absence? Would she be upset with me?

With a deep sigh, I pushed myself out of bed and made my way to the bathroom. The emptiness beside me confirmed what I already knew-Marcus hadn't slept here. He never did. He only called for me when he needed a distraction, never treating me as his mate.

I placed a hand over my chest, feeling the weight of my emotions pressing down.

"Stay strong, Anya," my wolf whispered.

"I'm sorry for shutting you out last night," I murmured in response.

"It's alright," she reassured me.

A sharp knock at the door interrupted our conversation.

*Knock. Knock.*

Opening it, I was met with the bright, cheerful face of Lorraine Angeli-L.A. for short. She was Michael's mate, and Michael had recently been appointed as Marcus' beta.

"Good morning, Luna!" she greeted warmly. "Alpha wants you in his office after breakfast."

I nodded. "Alright, I'll be there."

As she left, I couldn't help but wonder what Marcus wanted from me now. Pushing the thought aside, I headed downstairs and found breakfast already set on the table. I grabbed a plate and started eating, my mind still clouded with thoughts.

"Where's your mate, L.A.?" I asked between bites.

She smiled. "Alpha assigned him a task."

I sighed. At least she always seemed happy. Unlike me, constantly yearning for something Marcus would never give-love.

"Sit with me?" I invited, needing the distraction.

She agreed and chattered excitedly about Michael, her eyes sparkling with affection. I tried to keep up, but the stark contrast between her happiness and my own situation drained any enthusiasm from me.

She noticed my silence and her expression softened. "Are you okay, Luna?"

I forced a small smile and nodded before finishing my meal.

---

After parting ways with L.A., I made my way to Marcus' office and knocked on the door.

"Come in," his voice commanded.

Pushing the door open, I hesitated before stepping inside. He stood there, his posture rigid.

"You wanted to see me?" I asked cautiously.

"Sit," he ordered.

I obeyed, taking a seat in one of the chairs in front of his desk.

His sharp gaze narrowed. "Did I say you could sit there?"

I quickly stood, confusion knitting my brows. Did he expect me to sit on the floor?

He sighed impatiently before gesturing. "Here. On my lap."

Blood rushed to my face. "W-What?"

"I said, sit on my lap," he repeated, his voice edged with frustration.

Heart pounding, I hesitated before doing as he asked. His warmth enveloped me, sending shivers down my spine.

"Look at me," he demanded.

I lifted my gaze, my embarrassment growing under his intense stare. Then, without warning, he cupped my face and crashed his lips against mine. His kiss was urgent, almost punishing. But I kissed him back just as desperately, lost in the moment.

His hand roamed over my body, slipping beneath my shirt. His touch sent sparks of pleasure through me. His lips trailed from my jaw to my neck, and a soft moan escaped me as he skillfully unfastened my bra.

*Knock. Knock.*

We both froze.

Flushing, I quickly pulled away, adjusting my clothes while Marcus cursed under his breath.

"Fix yourself," he muttered before calling out, "Come in."

Michael entered, his brows raising slightly at Marcus' irritated expression. Then, his gaze flickered to me, and he offered a polite smile. I returned it weakly.

"I came to report, Alpha. We've located the rogue hideout. Damien is there."

The name sent a wave of tension through Marcus. His fists clenched, and a dangerous fire burned in his eyes. Damien had escaped once, with Veronica's help. Though she was now imprisoned in the Blue Moon Pack's dungeons, Damien remained a threat.

"Prepare to attack," Marcus growled. "Gather the sentinels. That bastard will die for what he's done."

Michael bowed. "Yes, Alpha."

As soon as he left, I turned to Marcus hesitantly. "Marcus-"

I reached out, but he slapped my hand away as if my touch burned him. His glare was filled with barely contained rage.

"Don't touch me!" he snarled.

Pain lanced through my chest. My throat tightened as I blinked back tears. "Marcus, I-"

"Get out, Anya!" he snapped.

I swallowed hard, nodding before hurrying out of the office. On the stairs, I ran into L.A.

"Are you okay, Luna?" she asked gently, concern evident in her eyes.

Forcing a small smile, I nodded before retreating to my room.

I should have known better. I should have stopped hoping.

But no matter how much pain he caused me, I couldn't stop loving him.

And that was my greatest weakness.

"Don't touch me!" he shouted, his voice filled with fury. It felt like a dagger piercing my heart. He was angry again. I wiped away the tear that escaped my eye. "Marcus, I--" I tried to speak, but my voice faltered.

"Are you okay, Luna?" L.A. asked with concern as she gently placed a hand on my shoulder. I forced a small smile in response before heading to my room. Why do I keep hoping Marcus will change? My thoughts whispered the painful truth-I already knew the answer. I smiled bitterly.

Because I love him. Because I love him, I keep waiting for the day he'll finally treat me like his mate.

Marcus' POV

I slowly opened the door to Anya's room, stepping inside quietly. She was fast asleep, her expression serene. I sat beside her, watching her peaceful face. Gently, I brushed a few strands of hair away and lightly caressed her cheek.

"M-Marcus..." she murmured softly. Was she dreaming about me? I smiled, but my gaze darkened when I noticed the bruise on her arm. My fists clenched. Memories of her begging me to reject our bond resurfaced. Instead of setting her free, I had kept her close, hurting her in the process.

"I'm sorry for hurting you, but it's the only way to keep you by my side," I whispered with quiet intensity. She belonged to me. She was mine alone.

"Alpha, everything is ready for the attack," my Beta informed me through the mind link.

"I'll be there soon," I replied. I pressed a gentle kiss to Anya's forehead, lingering for a moment before leaving her room. I gave L.A. strict instructions not to tell her I had been there.

"You're going to pay for this, Damien. I will kill you."

Anya's POV

"Where are you going, Anros?" my mother asked my father as he put on his shoes.

"I need to grab some things from Andres' house," he replied before stepping out.

My mother turned to me. "Are you heading to the Pack House today?"

I shook my head while washing the dishes. "Not yet, Ma. I need to run. My wolf needs to stretch her legs. I'll head there later."

After finishing the dishes, I went to my room to change. My father was already gone when I came back downstairs. Stepping outside, I shifted into my wolf form-a brown-furred wolf-and took off running into the forest. The wind against my fur felt exhilarating.

I ran and ran until exhaustion set in, then collapsed onto the grass. I closed my eyes, letting the sounds of nature surround me. Suddenly, the scent of chocolate mixed with cinnamon filled the air. My heart raced.

My mate was near.

My eyes snapped open. A magnificent gray wolf stood in front of me, staring with intense eyes.

"Mate," he growled.

I jolted awake. Why was I dreaming about that day? The day I first met Marcus Cepheus Kingsley. Sighing, I got out of bed and headed to the bathroom.

"Good morning, Anya," my wolf greeted.

"Morning," I replied, yawning.

After brushing my teeth and freshening up, I went downstairs to eat.

"Damn it!" Marcus' furious voice echoed through the house. My heart pounded. What was going on? I hurried to the kitchen and was met with broken dishes scattered on the floor.

"What happened?" I asked, my concern growing. Marcus didn't respond. Instead, I turned to Michael, who stood off to the side, watching the chaos unfold.

"Michael, what's going on?"

"Damien and his men found out about our attack plans. Someone warned them, and they escaped," Michael explained grimly.

I glanced at Marcus. His expression was deadly, his hands clenched into tight fists.

"Marcus," I whispered, stepping closer and touching his fist. Who could have betrayed him?

"Call the Silver Moon Pack," Marcus commanded. "Tell Alpha Jhoseph I need his help tracking Damien. And find the traitor, Michael. I want them dead."

Michael nodded and left immediately. A traitor within the pack? That meant Damien still had allies here.

Marcus turned his gaze to me. "I want you now, Anya," he murmured huskily, pulling me against him. My heart pounded at the way he said my name. He kissed me fiercely, and I responded with equal intensity, wrapping my arms around his neck.

"Ahem."

We turned to see Michael standing there awkwardly.

"What!?" Marcus snapped, annoyed by the interruption.

"Alpha Jhoseph and his pack will arrive tomorrow," Michael informed him.

Marcus nodded before grabbing my hand and leading me toward his room. "Now, no more interruptions," he said before capturing my lips again.