Chapter 0043

"This might sting a little." His whisper brushes against my skin as he presses forward.

A soft whimper escapes me at the sharp sensation. His lips find mine in a gentle kiss. "Just for this first time."

He moves slowly, inch by inch, giving my body time to accommodate his. When he's fully sheathed within me, he begins a gentle rhythm, watching my every reaction.

As my lips part to moan his name, his thrusts grow more urgent. He drives into me with increasing force.

My moans seem to fuel his passion. He slams into me repeatedly until my body convulses with release. He follows moments later, collapsing atop me.

His lips trace patterns across my skin while he continues moving, emptying himself inside me.

"Was that what you needed?" he murmurs softly.

My fingers brush the fresh mark on my neck as I nod.

"Next time, don't hold back your sounds. I want to hear you let go completely." He tucks a stray strand of hair behind my ear. "Come, you need to clean up."

He crosses the room and starts the shower. Alexander extends his hand toward me. "Now."

I catch my reflection in the mirror, noticing the dried blood on my neck and shoulder.

He pulls me into the shower, pressing me against the cool tiles as he parts my thighs with his knee. His passionate kiss meets mine under the streaming water as I wrap my arms around him.

"I'm far from finished with you." He lifts my legs around his waist.

He suddenly stills, his grip keeping me upright as dizziness washes over me. The world turns hazy, sounds amplifying unnaturally. Water droplets hit the floor like gunshots. Even Alexander's breathing echoes around us.

A strange scent fills the steam—woody and earthy, like ancient forests.

"ATHENA?"

My hands fly to my ears. Why is he shouting?

"ATHENA?"

His voice rings in my ears as he continues calling my name. He finally stops and cuts the water. Wrapping a towel around me first, he frowns thoughtfully rather than angrily. The silence feels like a blessing.

He guides me back to bed before dressing himself and selecting clothes for me.

He signals me to wait before hurrying out. Returning minutes later, he gestures for me to follow without speaking.

He leads me to his office where Isabella waits. The strange woody scent from upstairs lingers here too, mixed with something else.

"Why is everyone so quiet?" My own voice sounds unnaturally loud.

Alexander and Isabella communicate through their mind link. I watch Isabella nod and frown.

"Will someone—" I cover my ears again, unable to modulate my volume despite speaking normally.

'I believe I've discovered why Marcus never properly rejected you.' Alexander's lips don't move, but his mental voice wraps around my mind, calm and reassuring despite the sensory overload. 'To break the binding, you needed to be claimed properly. That couldn't happen while he still held sway over you.'

Isabella approaches with orange foam earplugs. 'These will help until you adjust.'

She gently inserts them. "Better?"

"Thank you," I mumble.

"Everything looks and smells different too, doesn't it?" Alexander asks aloud.

I nod.

"That woody scent is likely my natural aroma to you now. The other scent belongs to Isabella. Everyone has unique scents, though mine will be strongest since I've marked you."

"I'm... free from the bond?" I whisper.

'It appears my mark shattered the binding. The sensory overload comes from never having experienced the full spectrum of our abilities. It will take time, but you'll adapt.'

"I'm truly free?" I need absolute confirmation.

"Yes. But now I think you should meet Caleb."