Her Human His Lycan

Mark

Emma POV

2 Days Later

I was struggling, my heart pounding relentlessly in my chest, causing my breaths to come out in ragged gasps. My heat was making it difficult to think clearly or function properly. Inara, was restless and agitated, her presence a constant whirlwind of emotions within me. Despite understanding why I hadn't gone to our mate, she was still wild and untamed.

The room Jennifer had provided me was stifling, the air heavy with the scent of unfamiliar surroundings. I found myself grateful for her hospitality, even though my mind was preoccupied with worry. As I lay on the bed, beads of sweat formed on my forehead, trickling down my temples and dampening the sheets beneath me.

Noah's voice echoed in my mind, breaking through the chaotic thoughts. It was a comforting presence amidst the turmoil. "Emma, how are you?" he asked, his words carrying concern and genuine care.

"Managing," I replied. I could sense his understanding, his ability to sense my struggles.

"You're struggling, Emma. I can feel it," he observed, his voice filled with empathy.

"I am, but I'll handle it, Noah," I reassured him, my determination unwavering.

Noah proceeded to inform me of the hunters' activities, their plans to launch more attacks, bringing them dangerously close to our kingdom.

"Thank you, Noah. Keep me updated. Jennifer and the local packs, especially soon-to-be Alpha Ryan, have been instrumental in helping me," I said.

"We're working on a plan to uncover the hunters' base. Taking them down on this end could alleviate much of the trouble in our realm," I shared my thoughts with Noah, our mental connection allowing for seamless communication.

"I agree. Let me know what I can do to assist. What about your mate, Emma? His identity has been revealed in our realm, and many packs are demanding his sentencing," Noah's voice held a hint of concern.

"I don't know," I admitted, feeling the weight of the complicated situation. "As the princess, I can't simply free him from this."

"Emma, I know you won't like this, but perhaps you should have him marked by a witch with a slave's seal. It can be removed over time, but it will ensure he can't defy your orders and may appease those who want him sentenced," Noah suggested, his voice tinged with hesitation.

I sighed, knowing that the mark he spoke of was highly controversial, even within my own family. It was a mark reserved for prisoners deemed risky. While it would physically bind him to me, preventing him from harming me, it was a difficult decision to make.

"You are right, Noah," I said to my brother as we ended our link. As I stood up from the bed, I inhaled deeply. With each step down the hall, the sound of my footsteps echoed softly against the walls. Finally, I entered the room where Ryan was waiting. The sunlight streaming through the window cast a warm glow on his face as he greeted me with a gentle "Good afternoon."

I could feel the weight of his gaze as he studied me, his eyes scanning my appearance. "Princess, you are torturing yourself," Ryan said, concern lacing his words. "I can tell you're in heat. I can have an unmatched warrior from my pack come here to help you."

I shook my head. "I appreciate the offer, but..." My gaze drifted towards the staircase. Ryan seemed to understand. He didn't push further.

"The sentencing of the other hunters captured with him will take place tomorrow morning," Ryan informed me. "My pack elders, as well as my father, the current Alpha, ask for Clay to be sentenced as well."

"He will," I replied, my voice filled with conviction. "Jennifer will accompany us to ensure safe transportation. I have agreed to a temporary sentence for Clay and ask that the other hunters not be sentenced to death, for they may be needed if we are to move forward with taking down the hunters."

"Ryan, Jennifer, please accompany me to the room where Clay is being held," I requested. Ryan turned to me, concern etched on his face. "Are you okay around him?" he asked.

"Yes," I replied, my voice steady.

Ryan's worry remained, and he asked with a hint of apprehension, "Does he even know you're in heat?"

"No," I answered, meeting his gaze. Then, my eyes shifted to Jennifer. "I have one more request. I ask that you test Clay's blood. It is clear he feels this bond, more so than a human should with me. I need to know if he is perhaps a hybrid, as he should know as well."

"I will grab my blade," Jennifer replied.

"What punishment have you decided for him?" Ryan asked me.

"He will be given a slave's mark. I will have Jennifer perform the spell," I said, my voice resolute.

"Can you handle watching him get it, Emma?" Ryan asked, his voice filled with concern. "That mark is excruciatingly painful. I've seen one other human endure it before."

I took a deep breath, the scent of anxiety lingering in the air. "Yes, for now, it's the only way to keep him alive," I replied, my voice tinged with sadness. "I'll be honest, even with what he has done, I don't wish for him to suffer this pain. But if we let him go unpunished, it may cause rifts within the kingdom. Packs might turn against us for protecting a hunter."

As we walked towards the door, the sound of our footsteps echoed in the hallway. I hesitated, feeling a knot of apprehension tighten in my stomach. Stepping into the room with Ryan, I could see Clay on the bed, his back pressed against the wall. His eyes immediately locked onto me, intense and focused.

"Tomorrow, you will be taken to Ryan's pack lands to be sentenced," I explained, my voice resonating with authority. "Warriors will come to escort you out of this room. A witch will mark you for your role in all of this. It's a mark that will prevent you from harming me or disobeying any orders given. Once the sentencing is complete, you will be returned to this house, and we will request your help in bringing down the hunters. There may be moments when you're allowed to leave, but this room will be your primary dwelling, your cell, so to speak. You are a prisoner of Ryan's pack, as they played a significant part in apprehending you. Freedom is no longer yours, not after what you've done. However, I can promise that if you assist us, we will help you seek justice for your family."

Jennifer entered the room. "Jennifer, please test him," I spoke, my words laced with a mixture of concern and curiosity. . Clay's gaze met mine, his eyes searching for answers. I could see the flicker of uncertainty in his eyes, his emotions palpable in the charged atmosphere.

“Clay, you must allow her to perform the test,” I stated. “If you resist, Ryan will restrain you.”

"I won't fight," Clay replied, his voice steady but with a hint of vulnerability. She asked him to hold out his hand, the sharp metallic scent of blood filling my nostrils as she ran the blade against his skin.

I watched as a small droplet of blood fell into a small bowl, the soft plop of it hitting the surface creating a ripple of sound. Jennifer then held her hand over the bowl, her words turning into a melodic chant. The air became tinged with a faint, sweet aroma as a purple smoke rose from the bowl, creating an ethereal visual display.

"He has wolf in his bloodline," Jennifer revealed, her voice carrying a mix of surprise and intrigue. "Yet it is weak, he does not possess a wolf and is human. However, he may have slightly more strength than a human, and he will sense and recognize a bond, much like a werewolf. He can't smell it, but he can feel it."

"I have wolf in me?" Clay murmured, his tone filled with a mix of wonder and irony.

Ryan, standing nearby, added his own comment, his voice tinged with a hint of bitterness. "You would be surprised how many humans have a little. Ironic, isn't it? You've been hunting wolves, yet our lineage is in your blood."

Ryan's hand rested on my shoulder. I observed a fleeting flash of anger on Clay's face, a fire that danced in his eyes before quickly being extinguished.

"I've said all I need to," I said, breaking the silence.

"I will come back tomorrow at 10am," Ryan said.

Clay winced, his face contorting with pain. "Your wounds," I said, noticing the pained expression on his face.

"He has refused to tend to them and has not taken the medicine." Jennifer explained.

I sighed in response. "I'll be fine." Clay said,

"Where is the healing balm?" I asked Jennifer.

"It's in the attached bathroom." She replied.

"I'll take it from here then. We will be ready tomorrow. Thank you, Ryan and Jennifer. I can handle Clay alone." I said, They both left the room, and I shut the door behind them. Clay remained silent as I entered the bathroom, my heart pounding. I grabbed the healing balm and a few bandages. Clay still didn't have a shirt on, making it easier for me to tend to his wounds. However, being this close to him right now with my heat raging was also a challenge.

"Sit down." I ordered.

"I'm fine." he replied.

"I'm not in the mood right now. As I've said, I'm stronger than you. I will restrain you, even though I don't want to." I snapped. Another wave of heat washed over me, and I bit my lip, struggling to hold myself and Inara back for a moment.

"If you get a bad infection, your life will be at risk." I warned him.

"Wouldn't it make it easier if I just died?" he said.

Inara whimpered in my mind. "I do not wish for your death, for then I would not have a chance to forgive you." I said as I gently removed his bandage, noticing that he was healing but slowly. "This may hurt a little," I warned as I rubbed some of the balm on him. The sensation of touching him intensified the bond between us, as I fought against my heat. Once I finished, I applied a new bandage. "Let me see the one on your arm," I requested, and he allowed me to treat it as well.

"Was that so hard?" I asked him. "Now get some rest, for tomorrow may be hard, although I hope it won't be too bad." It was difficult to maintain eye contact with him, my desire threatening to consume me. I needed to leave before my heat overwhelmed me.

I started to move towards the door, but he stood up and took my hand. "I know I have no right to ask you this, but stay with me," he pleaded. I stood still as he moved closer, his hand gently resting on my face, guiding me to look at him.

"You have a fever," he said with a hint of worry. I knew I needed to leave, but it felt as if my legs were glued in place. Before I could react, his lips met mine, and his free hand pulled my body closer to his. I struggled to regain control, but the desire was too strong. Instead, I gave in, allowing myself to taste him, to feel him, and to embrace the bond we shared.