Chapter 196

Summer's POV His eyes darkened, a possessiveness radiating from him in waves. "Isabelle won't take this lying down. When she finds out about us—and she will—I don't trust what she might do." His grip on me tightened protectively. "With my mark on you, you'll be safer. The entire Pack will recognize you as their Luna returned, and no one would dare touch what belongs to me." The intensity in his voice sent shivers down my spine. Despite everything, I couldn't deny the appeal of being claimed so completely by him again. "I understand your concern," I said softly, pressing my palm against his cheek. "But the binding ceremony is sacred. It should be done when we're both ready, not rushed out of fear." His jaw tensed beneath my fingers. "I can't risk losing you again." "You won't," I assured him. "How about a compromise? You can mark me tonight—but we'll wait for the formal ceremony until things are more settled." Something primal flashed in his eyes. "You'd let me mark you now?" "Yes," I w