Chapter 118

• ZARA POV
• Hero gently shifted me, and I couldn't help but whimper. A strange, intense itch pulsed where he'd just marked me. It was a burning, tingling sensation, like a thousand tiny needles. But then, just as suddenly as it had come, the itch subsided. I cautiously reached back, my fingers tracing the area. It felt smooth, almost healed, but there was a distinct ridge, a permanent mark. A teeth mark. My mark. A symbol that I belonged to him.
• Hero, with a tender touch, cleaned me up, his movements careful and soothing. He then pulled me close, holding me securely against his chest. A wave of exhaustion washed over me, and I gratefully closed my eyes, the warmth of his embrace a comforting blanket.