I woke up to the feeling of someone holding. I opened my eyes about to panic when I saw it was Marcus. I calmed down and snuggled closer to him. I haven't slept that well since I was younger. I didn't have another nightmare and actually feel rested.

I looked up and admired the different features of Marcus's face. He looked so peaceful while sleeping like he didn't have a care in the world. He had a slight curve in his nose from where it seemed to have been broken and not set back correctly.

I brought my hand up and started to lightly trace my finger over his face. I went over his forehead down the side of his face and along his jaw line. I still can't believe he was mine. I know he deserved better, and I knew I was going to try harder to connect with him more. I hope after today we will be able to move forward better with our relationship.

Marcus started to stir awake and slowly opened his eyes. He wanted for his eyes to adjust to the light before he looked over at me. He smiled at me after realizing I was snuggling into him.

"Good morning, my love," Marcus said while pulling me closer. His voice sounded great first thing in the morning.

"Good morning," I said enjoying the comfort from him. He was really warm, and I didn't mind.

"I won't lie. I thought I dreamed sleeping next to you last night till I woke up just then." Marcus pulled himself to sit up against the headboard and brought me with him. I giggled as he put me on his lap before pulling the blanket back up on us. "It is something I could get used to. Of course, only if you want that."

I knew I liked sleeping next to him. He kept me warm and the nightmares away. "I would like that." I admitted looking at Marcus. The smile that came to his face took my breath away. I could tell he was so excited me telling him that.

"Really! You mean it!" Marcus pulled me to him in a hug and squeezed me. I laughed at his ways and pulled away. He had a light smile on his face like he just won the best prize.

"I know it means a lot to you. I promise I will try more with us. I know I probably wasn't what you were excepting in a mate- "Marcus cut me off by kissing me. I still wasn't used to him kissing me, but I didn't pull away.

He kissed me with as much passion and love he could convey in the kiss. He pulled away and rested his head against mine. "Don't ever think you aren't good enough. You are absolutely perfect for me, and I wouldn't change a I think about you. I loved you from the moment I looked at you. I know you might not feel the same way about me right now, and I am okay with that. I am going at your pace. I will never make you do anything you don't want to. I will never pressure to think you need to change either. You mean the world to me. I couldn't have asked for a better mate."

I was crying by the end of Marcus's little speech. I knew I loved him, but I was too scared to tell him. I gave him a little kiss then wiped my tears away. "Thank you."

He pulled me into a hug, and we cuddled in bed a little longer before realizing we had woken up around 10:30 and would need to get ready for lunch and my fight soon.

"I know you are going to do great today. Just make sure to pay attention and don't lose focus." Marcus said after we both were dressed and headed down the stairs. I nodded my head before entering the dining room.

Everyone bowed their headed slightly as we walked by and continued to eat their food. I wasn't too hungry and knew I didn't need to eat to much before my fight. I was already dressed in leggings, a sports bra, and a loose tank top. I could tell there was tension in the air for what was to come right after lunch. I knew there was talk around the pack, but I didn't let that bother me.

I was quiet at lunch, and no one tried to push me to talk. I was done eating before everyone and just watched the people around me. "I knew Willow wouldn't mind fighting the bitch who decided to challenge us in the first place.

Willow was never one who minded fighting. She enjoyed it. I think it is her way to show she can protect us.

I was pulled from my thoughts when Marcus lightly placed his hand on my arm. "Its time to go." I could tell he didn't want this to happen, but there was nothing he could do about it now.

I got up and made my way over to the training grounds. There were already people there waiting for the fight. Challenges don't happen all the time, so when one happens it usually spikes the interest of everyone in the pack. I knew they were here to see who their Luna would be.

Stacy was already there with a smirk on her face. I couldn't wait to wipe that smirk off her face. Marcus had to leave my side and go stand with Everett and Sam. I stood in front of Stacy while the last of the pack made there way outside. I could see Brian, Clover, and Polly standing behind the other three. I know they were all worried, but I would be fine.

Everett stepped forward before speaking, "The challenge today is for the title of Luna and Alpha Marcus' mate title. The rules are simple. The first one to get the other to submit or unconscious wins. Do not kill each other. You can fight in any form. Are there any questions?"

Stacy and I both shock our heads no, never taking our eyes off each other. We waited for them to tell us when to go. "Begin." Marcus was the one to start the fight.

We both brought our hands up and started circling each other. I watched as she made the first move. She rushed forward and swung her arm out trying to punch me in the face. I ducked dodging her and hit her in the stomach. She growled before swinging again and hitting me in my arm. I quickly recovered and swung my arm to hit her in the face.

She moved out the way and grabbed my arm before landing a punch to my face. I stumbled back not expecting her to do that. I moved back as she tried to hit me again. I brought my foot up and kicked her in the ribs. She doubled over trying to pull air in. I took the opportunity to punch her in the face.

I kicked my leg out and knocked her off her feet. I jumped on her and started to hit her in the face and ribs.

I wasn't going to give her an easy fight. I was fighting to win.

She eventually blocked me and threw me off her. She was a bloody mess while I was mostly unfazed. Stacy came at me with more fiery and was able to land a couple hits to my ribs and face. I also landed more hits to her ribs and stomach.

I had a feeling I had cracked a rib or two of hers. I could tell we were both tiring. We were covered in sweat and blood. I hadn't noticed the crowd around us had been cheering the whole time. I was so focused on Stacy I forgot we had an audience.

I took my eyes off Stacy for a moment. I looked over and saw Marcus standing there with no emotion on his face. He was staying strong in front of the pack. Stacy took the opportunity to charge at me while I was distracted. I barely dodged her kick before she punched me in the face.

My nose was bleeding now, and this just pissed me off more. I was ready to end this fight. I was over this bitch in front of me. I rushed her and started to throw punches at her left and right. I kicked her down to the ground again and this time didn't let up hitting her. I punch her with as much force I could use and knocked her out. I got off her and sat on the ground. I was tired and need to rest.

Everett went over to confirm she was unconscious. "Stacy has been knocked out. The winner of this challenge is Madelyn Rivera." Marcus rushed over to me to make sure I was alright.

"Everett get someone to take Stacy to the infirmary and to have her looked after until she wakes up." Marcus never broke eye contact with me while talking to Everett. He helped me off the ground before pulling me in for a hug. I guess he didn't care I was sweaty and covered in blood. My body was aching, and I really wanted to take a shower.

"You did amazing out there Mads," Brian said making his way over to me along with Polly and Clover.

"He is right you did great out there. Also, good job beating that bitch up. Maybe now she will learn to keep her mouth shut." Polly said while Clover nodded her head in agreement.

"Thanks, you guys." I was stilling standing with Marcus. I looked up to see he was already looking at me.

I looked away and blushed. I went to pull away, but he wouldn't let me go. Everyone else were making their way into the house, leaving me and Marcus outside.

"Madelyn, I am so proud of you. I am so sorry I every once doubted you. I knew you could do it. But are you okay? I know she got a few good hits on you." Marcus was looking me over. I knew I looked rough but not as bad as Stacy.

"I am okay just a little sore. I have had worse happen. I really just want a shower and to relax." I knew I would be alright by tomorrow.

"Alright but after your shower we are going to get you checked out to be sure." Marcus took my hand and led me into the house. I didn't complain as he took me back to the house. We got to the stairs, and he picked me up and carried me up to our room.

"I can walk you know." I giggled as he pushed our door open.

"I know. I just like to be close to you," he admitted setting me down in the bathroom. Marcus turned the water on for me and left saying if I need anything to call for him. I slowly got out of my clothes and got in the shower. I stood under the hot water and let it hit my sore muscles. I sighed as my body relaxed a little.

I grabbed my body wash and washed the rest of the blood, dirt, and sweat from my body. I got out the shower and dried off. I walked over to the mirror and saw the bruises that were on the stomach and ribs. I could also see the bruise on me cheek. I nose thankfully wasn't crooked, so it would heal fine.

"Shit..." I forgot to grab clothes before I came in here. I knew Marcus was out there waiting for me. I wrapped a towel around myself and opened the door. I stepped out and Marcus turned his head to look at me. His eyes darkened when he looked over at me.

He let his eyes roam from my legs up to my face. He looked angry when he saw the bruise on my face. He got up and came over to me.

Marcus carefully grabbed my face. "I'm sorry you got hurt, my love." He was rubbing his finger over my cheek.

"Its alright. I will be fine." I looked into his eyes. He had so many emotions in his eyes. He leaned down and started to pepper kissed on my face while being careful of my bruise. Marcus then brought his lips to mine and started to kiss me softly.

He was being really sweet and careful of me. I wrapped my hands around his neck and pulled him closer to me. The kiss became a little rougher and more passionate. I was enjoying the feelings he was giving me. He growled when I pulled at the hair at the nape of his neck. We pulled away from each other breathing hard while keeping our lips close to each other. "We have to stop before we do something you aren't ready for." I could tell Marcus was holding himself back.

I knew I wasn't ready to go further than what we have, but I knew one thing I wanted him to do.

I looked up to Marcus through my lashes. I knew I wanted this.

"Mark me."

**********

I hope you guys enjoy this chapter. I was trying to figure out how I wanted the chapter to play out. I can't believe Madelyn wants Marcus to mark her!!! I am so excited.

I also just hit 1K reads! I know it isn't a lot compared to other books, but I am still proud of that! So thank you to everyone who has read so far!

What is something you want to see in this book?

I have some ideas for different POVs and some new characters to come in. Let me know what you guys think.

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