Sonya woke up to the uncomfortable strain on her back. Opening her eyes, she found herself in a place that definitely wasn't her own room. The ceiling was too high and it gleamed a dark grey, very much like everything else in the bedroom. She remembered through the haze of sleep, that she was living at Axe's house now because of everything that happened at the cafe.

Lifting herself up carefully, she felt the soreness in her back ease but the throbbing ache in her stomach awaken. She laid her hand on her belly and touched the white bandage that was wrapped around her. Memories of the attack flooded her and she tried not to think about it, since everyone walked out of it safely. But a part of her will probably always remember the feeling of being shot and falling in Axe's arms. The agony in his eyes still lingered in her mind and whenever she closed her eyes, she could see the pain etched into them.

Sonya pushed the blanket off her legs and moved off the bed when she didn't hear the chime of her anklets anymore. They were ruined after she got shot and blood tarnished them to the point that she couldn't even get them cleaned if she wanted. She knew that she shouldn't fuss over a pair of silver anklets when everyone almost died, but those anklets were special. Not only were they the ones she got for herself to show that she wasn't alone in the world and she had herself, but she met Axe with them too and he confessed his feelings to her through them. Those anklets were priceless and she couldn't even protect them.

Planting her bare feet on the cold floor, she looked around the massive room that was modern and sleek. There was a modern lounge area across from her and another few rooms attached to here that she didn't know of yet. She glanced over her shoulder at the massive glass doors that exposed the entire forest behind the house, it was a stunning view.

Sonya noticed the small note on the pillow beside her. She reached over and grabbed it. "I'm on patrol. But if you wake up, you're free to do what you want in the room and the house. Treat it like it's yours because everything already is, now that you're mine."

She smiled down at the note as she ran her hand over Axe's name written in the corner. "Now that you're mine," she read aloud to herself, but she heard his soft whispering voice.

Sonya got up from the bed as she placed the note on the table. She was still in the same clothes from the hospital because after they arrived at the house, she didn't have the strength to do anything. Sleep was the only thing on her mind and Axe allowed her to use the bed to rest. She looked at the clock on the wall near the door and it was close to midnight. Everyone must've gone to sleep by now, even Angela.

Sonya crossed the room and opened the door to the bathroom, the lights turned on as soon as she stepped into the room which surprised her. The bright lights revealed a gleaming dark bathroom with emerald walls and a large bathtub with a stand-in shower too on the side, that had gold detailing everywhere. She faced the large oval mirror and her complexion had finally turned a bit golden rather than that sickly pale skin she had after she woke up from surgery. In a sweater and pants, she was comfortable enough to do what she needed. But she was in desperate need of a shower and refresh and a hot cup of chai.

Shutting the door behind her, she stripped out of the clothes and went over to the shower where she spotted all of her things. The soaps she used, her towel and even her toothbrush. Axe thought of everything.

Taking off the bandage from her stomach, she didn't look down at the wound that still had stitches left behind. Dr. Stone told her that the stitches would dissolve over time on their own. She could get them wet and it'd fine. But she'd have to keep them bandaged if she was outside.

Turning the water on, she stepped under the warm water that rained all over her. She let it soak her hair as it poured over her bare limbs. She shampooed her hair twice and clipped it up before she continued on her body. She had to take her time since she couldn't bend down that well, so she placed her foot on the ledge and tried the best she could.

After cleaning every part of her body, she got out onto the mat and wrapped her own towel around her body. She walked right over to the cloudy mirror and swiped her hand over it revealing her face. She opened the drawer on the side and spotted the hair-dryer, which was also her own. She grabbed it and got to work, it took a while and she left her hair a bit damp before she left the bathroom and entered the freezing-cold bedroom. She shivered in the towel and remembered that Axe told her he brought all her clothes here too.

Crossing the room, she went to the door across the bed opening it thinking it was a closet, but it wasn't just any closet. An entire room was dedicated to a range of suits that hung on the tall beam. The dark navy-blue walls shined like glass and she noticed that the air in here was as dark as Axe's cologne. Her eyes landed on the wall far into the room that had a whole shelf dedicated to weapons. There were all sorts of guns that hung on hooks and was kept in its spot, like a treasured possession. Well, if she needed a gun someday, she knew where to look, she thought to herself.

Sonya shut the door and wondered where that man put her clothes. She didn't want to keep opening doors without his permission, even though he told her to do as she pleased. But it was still strange to do this in someone else's home. Except, she was freezing and she wasn't going to bother Axe while he was working.

She went to the door right next to this one and opened it. The lights turned on with just her single step inside and a huge golden room revealed itself. There were shelves everywhere and clothes hanging around the room. A massive dresser sat in the corner with a round mirror too, there was a vase of roses on the table that made her smile.

Sonya found another note by the door. "For you," she read it before she lifted the rose by the note. She brought the sparkling red petals to her nose and breathed in the vibrant fragrance.

She walked into the room and the door shut behind her, there was a round rug on the ground so her feet were cold anymore. There were dozens of shelves and cupboards, but she grabbed the first door and slid it open. Her eyes fell on a range of sarees that were all various colours and styles. She ran her hands on the different fabrics that were beautifully crafted. She walked over to the next door and slid it open revealing more clothes, this time there were lenghas and other Indian suits. This was insane, she thought to herself.

Closing the doors, she walked over to the cabinets by the dresser and opened it. Her mouth fell open when she saw perfectly arranged bangles that all hung on racks for her. The mesmerizing sight of the colours and styles made her heart pound out of her chest. She shut the drawer and opened the next one that only revealed more jewelry for her, earrings and necklaces. Everything she could think of was here. Axe had even arranged a tray of perfumes and her favourite makeup supplies that he must have seen when he brought her stuff here.

Sonya couldn't feel her legs anymore. She needed to sit down and slumped against the golden chair by the dresser table. This was too much to accept even if they were together now, she thought to herself. Holding the rose in her hands, she wondered what Axe was thinking while getting her all this stuff.

Sonya still needed something to wear tonight even though she would love to wear one of the sarees Axe got her. But she'd try one on tomorrow morning. She got up when she caught the glint of something golden on the other side of the room, it was a golden chest that reminded her of the one her grandma had when she used to put on her golden bangles. Sonya walked over and grabbed the metal latch to lift the lid, she spotted a red velvet cushion and something chimed when she lifted the lid away. A pair of golden anklets sat in the box and her heart leaped out of her chest.

She ran her fingers along the gold as the prink of tears burned her eyes and she couldn't help but let them fall. No one ever gave her anklets, this was the first time and they were beautiful. More than anything she could ever ask for in her lifetime. She wiped the tears off her cheeks and turned to look for him when she saw her appearance in the mirror. She was still in a towel.

Sonya quickly searched for something simple and found a pink dress that was in another closet. She found lingerie too and slipped it on. She sat down on the seat as she grabbed the anklets and hooked them on, they sat perfectly while gleaming up at her as they even made the same soft sound with the bells.

She got up and walked out the room with a smile on her face that it was hurting her cheeks. She clipped her hair up and looked at the note on the bed. Axe was still working otherwise he'd be back if he was done by now. Where would she even find him at this time? she thought.

She left the bedroom and strode down the long hallway where the huge living-room revealed itself. This house was exactly like the Luciano brothers, it was dominant in its style and the dark colours brought out the sturdy structure that was indestructible like the bond those two brothers had.

The bells of her anklets were all she could hear echo through the empty halls when she found a kitchen on her left. She had a feeling that there wouldn't be any chai here and she knew that she should've put some in her purse like she usually did when she travelled places.

Feeling a bit ravenous now that she saw the kitchen, she walked inside and looked around the clean space.

Suddenly, someone cleared their throat behind her. Sonya almost screamed but she covered her own mouth and turned. A tall woman stood sternly behind her in a suit, it was Scar. She was dangerously scary with her dark purple eyes and the scars that marred her skin. But she was the only one that could probably work here with all the things that Axe and Trez do.

"Did you need something, madam?" Scar asked.

Sonya faced her. "Er- I was just a bit hungry," she answered.

"I can cook you something," Scar lead her to a seat and allowed her to sit down. "What would you like?"

"I don't want to bother you," Sonya said. "I can just make myself a sandwich and get out of your way."

"It's no bother, I am happy to serve my master's mate," she answered before she got the stuff out to make a sandwich.

"How long have you worked here, Scar?" Sonya asked while the housekeeper took her steps like she measured her space before she moved.

"A few years, madam," she answered. "Mr. Luciano rescued me."

"Was it from the cage-fights?" Sonya asked carefully as she remembered that Axe told her about it.

"Yes," Scar seemed surprised that Sonya knew despite being human. She continued to make the food and Sonya spotted the slices of cheese she cut up to put between the turkey and tomatoes. "Here you go," she placed the plate in front of Sonya. "Enjoy."

"Please, stay," Sonya said as Scar moved to leave. "I don't like eating alone."

Scar took a seat on the stool as Sonya took a bite of the sandwich, that was delicious with the cheese oozing out and the spices bringing out the burst of tomato and meat.

"Would you like a drink?" Scar asked.

"Do you have black tea?" Sonya might as well ask.

"Oh, master told me you like to drink chai," Scar said. "So, he had it prepared at the house for you. Would you like a cup?"

"Axe brought chai stuff here?" Sonya astounded.

"He did," Scar answered. "I will make it for you."

First, the anklets and now the chai. Axe was going to make her fall in love with him all over again.

"Wait," Sonya got up from her seat and joined Scar by the stove. "I like to make my own chai if you don't mind." Scar understood and stepped back but gave whatever Sonya requested like fennel seeds and cardamom too.

The chai was ready in a few moments and she strained it into a glass cup that Scar gave her. She sat down by her food and finished off the delicious sandwich with still a bit of chai left.

"Thank you, Scar, that was delicious," she said.

"You're welcome," Scar answered. "Do not hesitate to ask me for anything in the future." She turned to clean the dishes even after Sonya insisted to do it herself.

"Is Angela in bed?" she asked her.

"I believe so," Scar said. "She is staying in Mr. Luciano in his room."

Sonya bit back her smile at her friend who was also romancing it up with her mate. She took another sip of the warm chai, that eased her right away.

"And where's Axe?" she asked then. "Is he still at work?"

Scar dried her hands on the towel. "Yes," she said. "He'll be back late."

Sonya guessed she was going to bed alone then. "Okay, thanks," she smiled at Scar. "And please, call me Sonya."

Scar shook her head. "You are my master's mate, so I can't do that," she said.

Sonya didn't push since they just met, but she'd need to find a way to warm herself to this one. "Alright, I'm going to head to bed then," she said. "Goodnight, Scar."

Scar bowed her head, letting the silver strands of her hair fall before her eyes. "Goodnight," she walked away from the kitchen.

Sonya grabbed her cup of chai and took it to the bedroom, so she could finish it there. She wondered if she should call Angela but she didn't want to disturb her friend, especially if she was in the room with Trez.

Returning to the room, she shut the door behind her and noticed the chairs outside the glass doors. She walked over and grabbed the black latch that allowed her to open the door. The crisp night breeze engulfed her in its clutches, but it was a beautiful night to be out. She put her chai cup on the table and walked out on the concrete terrace. The wind rustled the tall pine trees and she loved the way the dark sky blanketed the entire property. There was nothing here except nature and it was a mesmerizing view.

Sonya leaned on the stone ledge as she felt the wind cool her skin, the rich scent of pine swept through the breeze and she closed her eyes. However, something rustled before her that made her open her eyes again. She noticed between the tall trees that there was a dark black figure between the cover of the shadows.

Sonya stepped back when she spotted carnal eyes looking right at her. Although, she recognized the dark blue in them and waited. The blue that shifted in the light and was as powerful as the ocean itself, this made her realize that she had seen these eyes before, it was through Axe whenever he was near her.

A massive black beast stepped out from under the shadow and revealed himself. She had never seen a wolf like this before, not even in India. This beast had a thick coat of fur that prowled with an air of arrogance in him, like he knew that he was the most dangerous predator that walked these woods.

Sonya didn't know what to do. A part of her told her to run away, but then, a streak of danger insider her screamed to go to the wolf and let him do what those eyes promised.

The wolf stepped forward, his massive paw dug into the ground and she felt like the air in her lungs stopped. Her heart hammered in her chest but she couldn't move her eyes from him. The dark fragrance that clung to him reminded her of an ocean wave that swallowed everything in its wake, and right now, it was her. His fragrance clung to her body, wrapping its grip around her limbs and it seeped into her skin like it was marking her. She felt this before and that's why it didn't scare her.

However, she still stepped back when the wolf's sharp white fangs revealed as he growled at her. She didn't know why but it felt like she upset him by being out here. Maybe, it'd be better to go inside.

Sonya moved to grab the cup of tea and go inside, but the wolf growled at her again. She flinched at the sound and felt her skin crawl from the heinous sound. This animal wasn't one to let anyone walk away from him. What was she going to do? What if this wolf hurt her?

Sonya stepped in front of him when the chime of her anklet carried through the air. The wolf's eyes dropped to her ankles that were adorned with the golden chains. She moved her foot again making the bells dance for the wolf. His eyes followed her foot again and she couldn't help but laugh.

She didn't know why she was scared before. This wolf was just Axe; the one she loved with all her heart and he'd never hurt her, despite his beastly exterior. Putting her foot down on the step, letting the anklet jingle away, she was about to go to him, when suddenly, someone grabbed her arm. She turned and saw Axe's older brother.

"Don't move," Trez ordered sternly as his eyes stayed on the wolf. "My brother's wolf is temperamental and he's capable of hurting you."

Sonya looked back at the wolf. "I don't think he'll hurt me, Trez," she said.

Trez shifted his eyes off the animal and down to her. He lifted the sleeve of his shirt revealing the scars through the tattoos. "He did this to me a few years ago," he told her. "Axe won't forgive me if you get hurt because I let you go to his wolf." He dropped her arm. "Wade, Darius." Two men appeared from around the corner and they came up the stone terrace together. They were dressed in black and she recognized them from when they were attacked.

"Damn, his wolf is here," Wade- the one with the playful eyes spoke first. "Anyone got a tranquilizer?"

"No," Darius- the serious one replied.

"I was making a joke, brother," Wade retorted.

"Wade, take Sonya inside and lock the doors," Trez said. "Axe was out here to be on patrol not hunt us all."

"What do you mean?" Sonya asked.

"Axe only shifts in his wolf to keep the property safe," Trez explained. "But once he's in his wolf form, anything that moves out here is a target."

"Let's go, Sonya," Wade said with his enchanting smirk, that must charm any girl that looked his way. He put his hand on her arm, when a menacing growl reverberated through the air.

"Go now," Trez exclaimed before he walked down the stone steps towards his brother.

Sonya stared over her shoulder as Wade dragged her towards the door. She saw the way Trez stood in front of the massive wolf ready to fight him if he needed to. However, the wolf's menacing eyes stayed on her as she walked away.

"Eyes on me, wolf," Trez commanded as he faced him.

The wolf roared alive, barring his fangs and he scrunched his snout showing that he was ready to bite any part of Trez off. Sonya couldn't let that happen and she had to do something to stop this fight.

"Wade, let go of me," she said.

"Nope, I got my orders," Wade retreated as he opened the door.

Sonya stomped in front of him. "And I'm telling you that I can stop that wolf," she pulled her arm away and passed the two domineering brothers. "Axe!" She yelled as she ran onto the field.

"What the hell, Wade!" Trez astonished.

Wade held his hands up in the air in defeat. "She's scary like her mate," he admitted.

Sonya ignored them as she walked onto the field, the grass mushed under her bare feet as the sound of her anklets caught the wolf's attention right away. She smiled at him as Trez stepped in front of her.

"Let me see him," she told Trez.

"You'll get hurt," he affirmed.

"That'll only happen if you stand in the way," she said.

Something shifted in Trez's hardened eyes as he realized the truth behind her words. He took on hard look at the wolf before he stepped to the side and let her face the beast on her own.

Sonya smiled at the wolf knowing that he would never hurt her, even if he tried. She reached her hand out to him, his nose leaned forward and she felt the soft brush of fur tickle her palm. Even though, she was standing before him, his height surpassed hers. He could easily push her down and sink those teeth into her neck. But instead of his teeth, he nuzzled his snout into her neck and she ran her hands through his fur.

"Hello," she whispered to his ears. "I was hoping to meet you." Sonya wrapped her arms around his thick neck that she couldn't even close her arms fully around him. He moved forward into her, like he was trying to get closer but she stumbled back from the force.

"Sonya," Trez alarmed.

Sonya stopped him from coming near them. "I'm okay," she told him before she faced the wolf's blue eyes. "Don't be so rough with me. I'm still injured, remember?" The wolf's eyes hardened but then he eased back his body from her. "Good boy," she kissed his cheek. "See, you're not scary at all. Just a big fur-ball that's got a lot of sharp teeth." She laughed at his immediate disappointment. He could understand her clearly, which was extraordinary.

She ran her hands through the fur around his face and she guided them to the ground, so she could sit with him. He held his head high like he wasn't truly relaxed yet, it was probably because of the three men behind her that were still here.

"Don't worry about them," Sonya met his blue eyes. "I'm right here with you and I'm not going anywhere." She leaned into his face and hugged him. He proved to be a great shield from the cold breeze.

"This is crazy," she heard Wade astound behind her. "Is anyone taking a photo?"

"Why would we do that?" Darius asked.

Wade must have taken out his phone because she heard it unlock. "Because when Axe gets mad at me for skipping work, I'll blackmail him with the photo," he replied.

"He'll kill you," Trez said.

Wade stiffened because it definitely was true.

Sonya sat a little longer with the wolf as he continued touch her in subtle ways. He'd lick her neck before he'd lay his paw on her lap. She held him close and wished he'd relax with her too. But it seemed with the three men behind her that he wasn't calming down.

She turned looking over her shoulder. "Are you three going to stand here all night with me?" she asked because she knew that it was the only way this wolf would stop sneering at everyone.

Wade and Darius shared a look of concern but it was Trez that sent them off with a wordless command from his eyes alone. She saw Trez stand at the top of the stairs with his arms crossed as he watched his brother's wolf.

"Make sure he gets some rest tonight," Trez asked of her.

Sonya smiled at him. "I will," she promised. "Take care of Angela, please."

Trez smirked before he dropped his arms and walked into the house through the large glass doors and disappeared from the wolf's intense gaze.

They were finally alone and Sonya sensed the wolf's glare ease away and he covered his sharp silver fangs too. He pulled back from guarding her and then sat down on the ground before her. She waited as he rested his fluffy head on her lap like he trusted her with everything. A wolf like him probably never gave a chance to show his vulnerable side, since he was raised to protect his human part at all times. Axe and his wolf lived to survive and fight, their guard was always alert because that's what they had to do to ensure their safety.

Sonya ran her hands through the fur before she leaned down and kissed between his eyes. "Thank you for trusting me and saving my life," she said because he was the one that suggested giving her his own blood.

The wolf lifted his head and showed his striking blue eyes. He leaned in and licked her hand before he bowed down in front of her. She ruffled his fur and started teasing him by grabbing his chubby cheeks between her fingers. The wolf glowered at her as she pushed him onto the ground and got on top of him playfully.

"You're so cute," she chuckled as she saw the greyish-blue fur that was under his neck and near his chest.

Suddenly, the wolf moved with speed and she fell off him before he pushed her down and got on top of her. He stepped between her legs and faced her with those sharp fangs near her throat. She wasn't scared or nervous because he wasn't going to hurt her. However, she sensed the dark fragrance that always clung to Axe, it was like this wolf had turned into the man again and both of them were holding her down. She reached out and stared into his eyes wondering if Axe could see her.

"Okay, fine, you're not cute," she teased, "you're big and scary."

The wolf made a gruff sound before he collapsed on her and she cuddled him. But when she lifted her arms too quickly, the stitches on her stomach pulled and she winced in pain, which was a bad idea because the wolf stood to guard and growled his concern.

Sonya lifted off the ground and held her stomach, that stung painfully. "I'm okay," she told the wolf so he wouldn't worry.

Suddenly, the wolf shifted away and a pair of hands that she recognized grabbed her. Axe straddled her legs as he held a stern expression, his blue eyes flaming with concern for her. She should be alarmed over the wound on her stomach, but she forgot about all that when she faced him again. He was powerful in front of her without a shirt on and her eyes noticed all the tattoos on his bronzed chest and arms. The dark ink swirled all over the hard ridges of his abdomen and into the band of his pants.

"Are you in pain?" his voice etched with pain like he was the one shot and not her.

"Er- no, I'm-" she couldn't even finish her thought when Axe grabbed a hold of her and anchored his arms under her knees and lifted her off the ground. She instinctively reached to hold onto his neck so she would fall from this height. "Axe, I'm okay, really," she told him.

The man was definitely not listening to her and he crossed the field and back up the stone stairs. He pushed opened the glass door with his back and strode into the dark room. Sonya braced herself as he gently placed her down on the bed and he sat by her feet.

"How could you be so reckless getting out of bed with that injury?" Axe schooled.

Sonya bent her knees as she smiled at him. "Your wolf didn't think that I was being reckless," she jested.

Axe's eyes flashed like his wolf appeared through them again and she now knew what she was seeing before. "He could have hurt you," he said grimly. "You can't be so-"

"He would never hurt me-" she intervened. "And you know that too."

Axe gritted down on his teeth that she noticed the hard lines of his jaw tightening. "Still, I won't let you get hurt again," he vowed.

Sonya felt her heart squeeze when she saw the anguish in his eyes, like he was blaming himself for the wound on her stomach. "None of this was your fault, Axe," she told him.

Axe shook his head. "It was," he affirmed.

Sonya laid her hand on his cheek. "Don't forget that I was the one who jumped in front of the bullet willingly," she reminded.

His eyes darkened. "Which you will never do again," he reprimanded.

Sonya laughed. "Yes, sir," she said even though she knew and he did too that she would take a bullet for him any day, because she loved him. She would spend her whole life protecting him like he kept her safe too.

A soft touch brushed her foot and she glanced down seeing his tattooed hand cover her. He ran his fingers up towards the golden string that was wrapped around her ankle. Axe lost himself in thought as he touched the bells and it chimed that sweet tune.

"You wore them," he said softly as he looked up into her eyes.

"Of course, I would," she confessed. "My mate got them for me." Axe's lips parted like he drew in a sharp breath when he heard that from her. "I also saw everything else you got me and it's too much to accept."

"If you don't like then I can have everything replaced," Axe said.

Sonya laughed. "No, that's not what I meant," she told him and realized that he wasn't going to return anything that he gave her. "Why did you get me so much stuff?"

"You deserve a lot more," Axe said. "I just wanted to make sure you have everything here, especially after-" his voice fell.

"After?" she prompted.

"After the attack, your clothes and jewelry were destroyed," Axe answered. "I couldn't just sit by and not provide sufficient replacements, that would please you."

Sonya shifted off the bed and got onto her knees in front of him. She placed her hands on his shoulders and kissed his cheek softly. "You got me everything I could ever dream to have," she told him and he was pleased. "But you weren't here to show it to me."

Axe put his hands on her waist as he drew her in and gathered her onto his body, so she spread her legs and straddled his waist. "I was on patrol tonight," he said. "And you were asleep."

Sonya brushed her fingers over the strands of hair that fell over his forehead. "Don't leave me in bed alone next time," she whispered as she laid her head against his own.

Axe wrapped his arms around her body and his warmth protected her from the entire world, like nothing could harm her, but if something tried then they'd face his unbreakable wrath.

"Sonya," he whispered her name like a wishful prayer that he'd be graced by an angel if she answered.

She lifted to face his eyes when she felt his hand slid down her neck towards her nape gathering her close to his lips. His fingers caressed the back of her neck as his thumb pressed against the pulsing nerve on her throat. He felt her heart hammering in her chest and it was clear that she was nervous but her body responded to him without any secrecy.

"Can I touch your hair?" he asked suddenly.

Sonya frowned wondering why he'd ask, but she was impressed that he did. "Why are you asking?"

"I remembered when you told that foolish man at the club that no one could touch your hair without permission," he revealed.

Sonya gasped. "You were listening," she said as she remembered that she might have said something like that because that's what she believed. No one was allowed to touch another person's hair without permission. "You're always allowed to touch my hair," she told him.

Axe reached around her head to the clip that held her hair, he grabbed the two edges and released the thick length down her back in heavy waves. "You have beautiful hair," he praised as he brought a few strands around her shoulder.

"Thank you," she muttered as she bit her lip. "I used to be very insecure about it." Axe lifted his blue eyes and waited for her to explain why she would be insecure. "I wasn't raised in a household like other girls, so no one took care of my hair and it became frizzy and dull." She remembered walking down the streets watching other young girls who had their silky black hair in perfect braids. "I used to keep my hair very short because it was easier to take care of. But then I met my grandma and she taught me how to heal my hair." She ran her hand over the length on her shoulder and wondered what would've happened if she had been all alone. No one would have helped her and she still would have short hair. The threat of tears pricked her eyes and she grew regretful. "Sorry," she tried to move when Axe steadied her.

He kissed her cheek softly before he laid back on the bed and guided her down with him too. She braced her hand on the mattress as she faced his blazing blue eyes. Her hair fell around them like black drapes and hid them from the world.

Axe ran the back of his fingers down her soft cheek before he lured her closer. She tried to breathe but it was as if he had that under his power as well. However, the enticing pull that he had on her made her realize that she was the one on top of him. He was a dominant man who probably never let anyone control him, yet he seemed perfectly content letting her be the one holding him down.

"Axe," she whispered.

He drew her in, mesmerizing her while she forgot her thoughts. She fell under his spell and let his eyes take her into a world that she never visited before. This world was a dark place, but she wasn't afraid. She only wondered what lingered in the darkness between his blue eyes, like he'd show her something that she didn't know about.

Axe ran his possessive hand over her spine, she trembled under his touch and pressed into him. The curves of her body melting over his hard muscles, it was divine. Sonya let him draw her closer before he laid his lips softly against her own. She gasped sharply at the contact and she couldn't contain her heart that thundered away.

Axe licked her bottom lip like he was charming his way into her defences, it was working. She let him part her lips before he caressed her mouth with his own. This sensation was foreign to her, since she didn't have any experience with men before. Truth be told, she was always afraid to give herself to anyone, especially when there was a chance that they could hurt her. But that wasn't possible with the one who was under her now.

She gave in to his control and let him lead her through the sweet kiss, that made her yield her soul to this man's devotion. He was gentle and soft despite being a Luciano who were known to be ruthless. She pressed her body against his, letting the belt of his trousers burn into her belly. Just when she reached for more, he broke the kiss and she tried to move but his hands stopped her. She caught the blazing heat growing in his eyes and that was enough to warn her that he was done being patient.

Suddenly, he rose off the bed and she found herself being pinned down onto the mattress. Her black hair cascaded around her and she felt the skirt of her dress rise above her thighs. He settled between her legs and his hungering gaze locked onto her lips.

Axe collared her neck; his thumb tipped her head back so he could lock their lips in a heated kiss. And the only thing that she thought was, finally.

He devoured her mouth the way she needed him to. He was merciless as he stroked her tongue with his own, she had never been drawn into a trance before like this. She tried her hardest to match his pace, but he knew what he was doing when he deepened the kiss and growled into her mouth desperately. The sound pierced through her entire body, heating her blood and sending this pulse of ecstasy to the juncture of her legs.

She whimpered against his mouth and gripped his rigid biceps trying to hold on to this ride, that was unforgiving but magical. He tilted his head, which allowed him to push deeper into her and she allowed him to do what he desired. His tongue danced with hers and she never let him stop.

Everything about his body aching to be with hers made her realize that they truly were meant to be together. How could she deny the bond when her body and soul had already submitted to his will? And all this time, he had captured her heart. Axe was her soulmate and she would cherish him and love him with every single bone in her body.

Combing her fingers through the hair around his nape, he groaned into her and she gathered him closer. But it was like he didn't want to put his weight on her, which was probably because of her injury. She didn't care about herself though, she only needed him with her and lost in this hypnotizing moment.

Axe pulled away first and he was breathless just like her. "Fuck, I wasn't supposed to let it get this far," he grumbled darkly.

Sonya tried to control her breath. "Wh- what?"

"You're injured," he reminded her but himself too.

She grabbed him before he lifted off her. "Don't go," she said.

He stared down at her with that untamed wolf in his gaze. "You need to rest so you can heal," he advised.

Sonya knew from his eyes alone that he didn't want to put any strain on her body, so she didn't push him. Besides, the pain in her stomach had returned and she only noticed now that he was off her.

"My stomach is hurting," she mumbled.

Axe got off her right away. "I knew I shouldn't have pushed you," he circled the room to the counter across the bed. Sonya got up and sat down when he grabbed something off the table and came back to her. "Take this," he held a white pill and a glass of water, "right now."

She looked up at him. "What is it?" she asked.

"Pain killers," he answered sternly.

She grabbed the pill and put it in her mouth before she swallowed it with water. He took the glass and put it on the table.

"Get some sleep," he said.

"I can't," she answered.

Axe looked down at her. "Why?"

"My feet are dirty from being outside," she said as she stood up. "Let me-" she gasped when Axe picked her up in his arms again. "I can walk."

Axe stared at her with his loving blue eyes. "But I love carrying you in my arms," he answered making her smile until she blushed embarrassingly.

They stepped into the bathroom and the lights burst alive. He walked right over to the tub and set her down on the ledge. She noticed now that the lights allowed her to see better, that the dress had gotten dirty too. There were green stains on the pink and a bit of mud on the rim, she should get changed as well.

Axe turned the tap on letting the tub fill with warm water. She soaked her feet and she poured some soap on them, rubbing them together to get cleaned. Sonya looked down at her feet and they were sparkling clean in seconds. Turning on the edge of the tub, she saw Axe return to her side with a towel.

"It's okay, I can-" he didn't let her speak as he grabbed her small feet in his hands and dried them off with a towel. He finished that off and she leaned down laying a kiss on his cheek. "Thank you."

His blue eyes radiant under the lights gleamed up at her. "Anything for you," he avowed.

Sonya got up from the edge and held her arms out to him. He couldn't help but laugh as he picked her up again. "Can you take me to my new closet, please," she requested since he was being an efficient carrier.

Axe opened the door to the closet with his back and the lights turned on again. "What do you need?" he asked her.

Her eyes landed on the nightgowns that hung off the rack. "Something to sleep in," she told him as she let him put her down on her bare feet. She walked over to the rack and grabbed the white gown, that was soft as silk between her fingers.

Axe didn't leave the room, but he turned his back to her so she could take off the dress and replace it with the nightgown. She changed carefully and made sure not to pull on her stitches that she already strained too much.

Pulling the silk over her naked body, she glanced over her shoulder and Axe really was facing the wall with his arms crossed. She wondered what expression he held right now.

"Okay, done," she came around to him.

Axe faced her with his rigid eyes and his lips held in a stern line. "Bed," he ordered like a domineering wolf.

Sonya followed him out of the room this time and the lights behind her closed on their own as he shut the door. She didn't turn to see him but she felt his eyes as they tracked her every single move. The bed was before her and she was eager to get under the blanket to shield her from the cold, but also, to cover her body from his wolfish eyes.

Sliding under the duvet, she met his eyes as he stood by the foot of the bed. "Are you going to leave?" she asked him.

He shook his head. "I've assigned other guards," he told her as he moved around the bed to the other side.

She tried not to watch but she couldn't help it. Sonya turned onto her side and saw him take the watch off his wrist and he placed it by his phone on the table by the bed. He raked his dark hair back but it just fell right back in place over his eyes. Just when he turned back, she closed her eyes and let him see that she wasn't watching.

However, she may not have been able to use her eyes, but every other sense of hers heightened. She felt the way the bed moved with the weight of his body as he sat down. The sound of his breath was steady and the dark fragrance that clung to him came over to her. She felt as if his scent was the one that tucked her safely under the blanket. But as she focused when he lifted the blanket and got under it, she remembered the sweetness of his kiss, that lingered on her lips even now.

"Sonya, come here," his deep voice lured her and she felt his arm wrap over her waist, his strong hand pressed against the small of her back. He pulled her right against him and she had to put her head on his arm.

The strong heat from his body warmed her bare legs and arms. It wasn't long before the exhaustion in her eyes started taking her away into an endless void of dreams. But she didn't want to sleep because she wished to remember this night a little longer. She basked in his protection and let herself rest with ease, which felt like something she hadn't done in years. His arms that held her made her feel safe and she could let everything go, even her past that followed her everywhere.

"Axe," she called out before sleep took her away and confessed what was in her heart, "I love you." She didn't hear if he said anything back because she fell asleep right then and there.

But his arms tightened around her and she felt the softness of his lips press against her forehead. And that was all she needed to know before she succumbed into a dream.

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