Chapter 378 Marked and Claimed (Bonus)

Theo took a steady breath before turning fully to Hazel’s parents, knowing that this moment mattered more than any battle he had ever fought. He straightened his shoulders, not as a Gamma or a Lycan, but as a man asking for trust, and his voice came out calm and sincere."I will be taking Hazel with me to my place," he said slowly, making sure every word carried weight. "I know she is your daughter, and nothing can replace that bond, but she is also my mate.

I swear to you that I will protect her with my life, that I will never let harm come to her, and that I will treat her with respect and care in everything I do. She will not be lonely, she will not be neglected, and she will always have a place where she belongs. I will walk beside her, not ahead of her, and I will listen to her, even when it is hard. You have my word."

Arthur watched him closely, his sharp eyes searching Theo’s face as if trying to find any crack in his resolve. What he saw instead was certainty and devotion, and that somehow made it hurt more. He nodded once, slow and heavy, his chest tightening as he looked at Hazel.

Hazel stepped forward and wrapped her arms around her father, pressing her cheek against his chest. "I’ll be okay," she whispered. "I promise."

Arthur rested his hand on her head, closing his eyes briefly as if committing the moment to memory. When she finally pulled away and followed Theo, he stood there, unmoving, watching his daughter walk toward a future he could not follow.

Sarah slipped her arms around Arthur’s waist, hugging him from the side and resting her head against his shoulder. Her eyes were damp, but her voice was gentle. "It’s just you and me now," she said softly. "We did our best, and she’ll be happy."

Arthur let out a long breath and nodded, even though the ache in his chest refused to ease.

...

When Theo and Hazel reached his place, the world felt quieter, as if everything else had faded away. The room was warm and cozy, filled with his scent and the faint sounds of the pack beyond the walls. Theo turned to Hazel and lifted his hands to her face, cupping her cheeks gently.

"You look a little sad," he said softly. "What’s going on in that beautiful head of yours?"

Hazel lowered her gaze, her fingers twisting together before she spoke. "I’m going to miss them," she admitted. "And I know they’re going to miss me too. It feels strange, leaving them behind like that."

Theo brushed his thumb along her cheek. "Your parents are here in the Bloodshade pack," he said reassuringly. "You can see them whenever you want. This isn’t goodbye, Hazel. It’s just a new beginning."

She looked up at him then, and their gazes locked. The bond between them pulsed warmly, wrapping around their hearts and quieting every doubt. Time seemed to slow, the air growing heavy with emotion as neither of them looked away.

Theo leaned in and kissed her, slow and unhurried, pouring everything he felt into that single touch. Hazel responded instinctively, her hands sliding up to rest against his chest as she melted into him.

The world outside ceased to exist as they moved together, guided by the pull that had brought them together in the first place.

They took their time, exploring each other with care and tenderness, every touch meaningful and expressive. There was no rush, only a deep sense of belonging that settled into their bones.

Slowly their clothes littered the floor, and the bed deepened beneath their weight. Hazel stared longingly at Theo.

Theo almost lost control when his gaze met hers, his wolf struggled to come out, but he didn’t want to scare her.

He claimed her lips, this time a little desperate, his fingers leaving trails of love along her skin. He gave attention to her where it was needed.

Soon the beautiful rhythm of their love echoed through the room.

Beads of sweat formed over their body. Theo lowered his head to her collarbone, showering kisses on her.

He cradled her close, his forehead resting against hers as he whispered softly to her, "Can I mark you now?" Letting her know she was safe.

Hazel nodded, her fingers tightening in bed sheets, her eyes filled with emotion.

Theo kissed her one more time, then he pulled away, his fangs elongated and his claws protruding out of his fingers. He pressed a reverent kiss to her neck, giving it a lick as if preparing the skin.

Hazel’s heart skittered in her chest. Then she suddenly felt the sharp piercing of his fangs breaking into her skin.

Warmth spread through Hazel, her eyes squeezed shut from the pain, as a cry escaped her lips. The sensation was so hot, that it heightened everything, the fiery pain was later drowned in pleasure, a thin line she could no longer distinguish.

Theo ran his tongue over her wounds, ever so gently. A growl of satisfaction rumbled from his chest.

He caressed Hazel, who was now exhausted, her eyes fluttered closed, her temperature slightly rising.

His fangs and claws retracted back, and his eyes returned to their normal hazel shade. He pressed a long kiss on her forehead.

Afterward, he lay quietly beside her, and he tucked her against his side as he wrapped his arms around her. Fenrir settled contentedly within him, calm and satisfied for the first time in a long while.

"Thank you, moon goddess," Theo muttered with his chest brimming with contentment.

.....

(Ember POV)

My eyes fluttered open to the faint sound of magic. The sky was blue and sunny, and it was so beautiful that I almost thought it was heaven.

Well... that was until a redhead suddenly came into view, muttering distorted words I couldn’t make sense of.

"Are you okay?" The words finally made sense, and my ears began functioning properly.