The room shrank around them. Everything seemed to slow down. She felt her old fears and memories of the past suddenly weaseling in on her as her words hung between them. Her breath caught in her throat as if she suddenly realized what she had done.

But then, blissful silence returned, quieting all of it. Every erratic and traitorous thought and fear was cut off as his lips crashed down on hers.

It was a kiss of hope and love. He took control, his mouth demanding and yet gentle. Passion and joy erupting between them, and this time she met him with an equal ferocity. She didn't even try to hold herself away from him, instead she surrendered to it. To the feelings he was creating in her and the ones he was dragging out of her.

His tongue traced along her bottom lip begging for entrance as his hands drew her into his body. Crushing her into himself as his hands tangled deep into her hair. Without hesitation she opened for him letting him thrust his tongue to explore, to taste. Again she met him with an openness and eagerness that rocked him. Her own arms reached up twining around his neck as she pushed onto toes. Pushing herself as close to him as she could. It wasn't enough though, she just couldn't get enough of him. She wanted to be closer, taste more. Feel more.

A whimper of frustration escaped her. Desperation and need growing in the pit of her stomach as he tipped her head further back. Towering over her he deepened their kiss even more. At the small sounds from her a bolt of arousal coursed through him hardening him to a painful level. Letting out an answering growl into her mouth as he swirled his tongue around hers, relishing the sweet addicting taste of her. He needed more of her. The desire to feel the softness of her skin against his own was almost overtaking him. He fought to hang onto his control. He had to remember that this was his mate. He had to go slow. Go at her speed.

Trailing gentle open mouthed kisses from her jaw to her neck. His teeth softly grazing her skin elicited a sweet little groan of pleasure from her that nearly undid him on the spot. His brain erupted in conflict. Her scent left her desire and need obvious to him, her body's reaction to him was obvious and evident but he had to consider her heart and mind as well. Pulling away from her tantalizing skin he looked down at her. Her breathing was harsh and erratic, her soft pink lips swollen and slightly parted as another whimper left them. Chuckling lowly at the sound he brushed his lips gently over her closed eyelids his hands moving to cup her face. Dipping his head further to brush his lips gently against hers. The touch had her moaning as her body arched into his. His own responded to the invitation, begging him to take her again. To plunder the soft cavern of her mouth, to take the sweetness that her soft body promised. Reigning in his desire he forced himself to ignore his hunger as well as hers. Instead pecking her gently on the nose.

"Kaiden?" Her voice was husky and shaky. Still holding a hint of the breathless encounter they had just shared, as she looked up at him with eyes clouded in desire.

It took a minute for him to respond lost in the ecstasy of hearing her say his name. "Yes?" He murmured out finally, his breath minty and warm as it washed over her face.

"I want you." She said without closing her eyes and leaning into him again, her face tilting up to his.

His body stiffened in response. Desire coursing through him at the words. His mind instantly conjuring images of her sweaty and soft under him as he made her his. Pushing them away he took a few deep breaths trying to get his raging libido under control. Brushing his lips against hers once more. He spoke softly yet firmly.

"You aren't ready." His thumb rubbing softly over her cheek. He smiled as her face instinctively shifted into his touch. Seeking out the source of comfort.

She had come so far. That he was here, touching her, holding her, speaking to her like this in such a short amount of time was beyond remarkable. But he also knew that she was still struggling and would most likely struggle with her past and her fears for the rest of her life. He would not take advantage of her. He never wanted to push her, or have her regret any step in their relationship. He had been prepared to wait years for her and that had not changed. Just because she was progressing quicker than he had thought possible did not mean he would exploit it or her.

Kaiden could feel her thinking. He frowned though when he realized she had withdrawn herself from the bond enough that he couldn't glimpse what she was actually feeling. Unsure what made her pull back he let go of her face wrapping his arms instead around her waist pulling her into his chest. Dropping his face to her shoulder he nuzzled his face into her neck inhaling her scent in an attempt to calm himself and his wolf.

He felt her take a few deep breaths. Her cheek pressed against his chest. He smiled as he felt her relax again, sinking into his embrace. Suddenly he felt the bond reopen fully between them. The only emotion he got from her was one of determination before her head was falling to the side.

Pulling back Kaiden looked down at her. Her face was blank were it lay tipped up on his chest. Her arms wrapped around his waist. The side of her neck he was just nuzzling was now fully on display. He felt his confusion build.

Then her hand was calmly moving up shifting and pulling her hair back and away. Tucking it behind her ear before brushing it swiftly back and over her other shoulder. Without pause she gripped the collar of her borrowed t-shirt before slowly tugging the material.

Kaiden watched stunned. He felt his eyes darkening as the spot that would hold his mark was slowly uncovered before him.

Then reality crashed over him and he grabbed her wrist. Holding it softly, stopping its progression where the top of her collar bone had just been made visible.

"Aislinn you need to stop." His voice was tight and thick with his desire. His control holding on by a very thin string. He wouldn't be able to handle it if she went any further.

"Why?" her voice was soft and cool. Holding no hint of fear or uncertainty.

"Because if you don't, I won't be able to stop myself."

"I don't want you too."

"I won't take advantage of you."

"You aren't. Kaiden I want you. I love you. I-I ... I have no one Kade. No one in the whole world. I don't want to be alone anymore. I can't do it anymore. And I'm tired of being broken, of being this person. You said I'm yours. I want that. I want to be yours and I want you to be mine. I'm ready. Ready to stop being scared and to stop running from it all but I can't do it by myself. I want to do it with you. My dad he loved my mum so much. I want that. I want what they had, what they wanted for me."

"Aislinn..." His voice was torn, unsure. He wanted to give her whatever she wanted but didn't want to hurt her. To do anything she would regret. And this was something he couldn't undo once it was done.

"Please Kaiden?" Finally her eyes opened so she was looking up at him, her neck still bared to him. Her hand still ready to pull away that last bit.

His breath caught in his throat his gaze flicking between her face and her neck. His eyes drawn to the spot. That spot right were her neck and shoulder met. The spot everything in his body was begging him to press his lips, to taste. The spot right where he would sink in his canines making her his forever.

"Aislinn" He tried again but she cut him off.

"Kaiden I want you to mark me."

That did it. Those words demolished the last of his control. His eyes flashed black as a low possessive growl dragged out of his very depths, fueled with lust and desire. His hand fell from the light grasp it held on her wrist.

Letting out a sigh of pleasure Aislinn's eyes slowly shut again. With deliberate slowness she peeled the shirt away from her neck until her entire shoulder was bare to his gaze. Looking at the soft creamy skin had him groaning his arousal and need back in full force. His hands moving so that one wrapped protectively around the base of her head his fingers threaded into her hair. Cradling her head he tipped it further so that he had unobstructed access to the vulnerable soft skin of her neck and shoulder. She let out a little moan. Goosebumps rising over her flesh as his hot moist breath hit her cool skin. His other hand moved to the small of her back. Tugging up the hem of her t-shirt, his hand greedily slipped under the cotton. Landing on the bare skin of her back and sending shocks of electricity and need exploding throughout her body. She let out a gasp as his fingers splayed out over her. Warm, rough and powerful they pressed her closer. Holding her into his larger strong frame.

"Aislinn are you sure?" His voice was so thick now he barely sounded like himself. An animalistic noise ripped from him as he forced himself to pause, he was almost completely lost but he had to make sure. Had to give her one more time to back out.

"Yes." It was but a whisper but the sureness and confidence it carried was enough.

Finally letting his inhibitions go he let his head move those last few inches. Pressing a soft open mouth kiss to her skin he groaned at the feel of her shuddering beneath him at his touch. The whimper that left her sent another spike of desire through him as he licked the spot that would hold his mark. His hold on her tightened as he felt his canines descend, his wolf finally allowed to push through. Breathing in the scent of her arousal. Pulling back slightly he smiled before darting down and sinking his teeth into her.

Pain.

White hot and searing it ripped through her. It resonated out from her neck, the juncture near her collar bone that was now on fire. She felt as his sharp teeth pierced her. Her thin skin only able to offer the slightest barrier against his assault. It felt like she was being torn apart as she felt it break, give out under him. His extended long, sharp canines then sinking deeply into the muscle and tissue beneath. She couldn't help the small cry that escaped from her or the tears that sprang to her eyes.

A tremble shook her frame as she fought the waves of pain and panic. The need to run and escape clawing at her and it was only furthered by the iron tight grip she was restrained in. After a few excruciating seconds she felt as they began to retract. His teeth slowly leaving her abused flesh. She whimpered lowly. Then there was the feel as his moist tongue ran gently over the wound. Softly lapping at the puncture wounds, soothing the irritated flesh. A shudder and a bolt of desire and need like nothing she had yet to experience jolted through her directly to her core as he pressed a gentle kiss to what was now his claim. Wetness instantly pooled between her thighs, erasing any lingering echoes of pain that the marking had caused her.

Pulling back Kaiden looked down at his mate in his arms. Her body was limp and only his hold was keeping her steady. A light sheen of sweat covered her. Traces of her blood stained her skin around the slowly healing wound. The sight of it against the snowy perfection of her skin made him cringe. His eyes swept over her face. Finding her slightly pale he didn't hesitate to sweep her up and into his arms. Holding her against his chest he carefully made his way over to the bed.

"Ais, are you okay? I'm so sorry! Fuck!" He hated himself in that moment. He knew that a claiming hurt, that the change to her wolf would leave her weak. He felt her pain as it had happened, and part of him knew that it was normal and that that was how it always went but that didn't make it any easier for him. Because of him she had been in pain. His touch had brought her pain, had left her like this and it killed him.

"Shh!" Her voice was weak and wobbly. Adding to his guilt as he laid her exhausted body on the cool sheets.

"Kaiden." She tried speaking again but he stopped her pressing his lips to her forehead his fingers wiping the tears away that had caught in her lashes. His heart twisted.

Fighting the exhaustion overcoming her, Aislinn managed to open her eyes. "Kaiden look at me." Reluctantly he did. His eyes were dark with guilt and regret. Anger welled in her. "Don't you dare!" She snapped at him taking him back slightly with her tone. He went to speak but she narrowed her eyes cutting him off this time. "No you are going to listen to me. I'm okay. I knew it was going to hurt. "

That was all she got out before she was interrupted by a vicious snarl from him as he turned from her his hands running through his hair in agitation, before fisting at his sides. Anger flooding him at the reminder of her pain.

The thud of a fist pounding on the door demanded their attention but they both ignored it. Kaiden was too engrossed in the turmoil of his emotions to hear it. While Aislinn was too angry and exhausted to care.

"I hurt you." He groaned out his hands coming up to cover his face in shame his back still to her. He couldn't bear to see her, to look at her knowing it was his fault.

"Kade! If you don't stop this right now I will get someone to kick you!" Thankfully at the threat he turned to look at her, it might have been out of pure surprise but she'd take it.

"Come here." She said more gently gesturing the best she could with her weak muscles to the spot next to her. Slowly he moved to the edge of the bed but refused to sit or get closer to her. She let out a breath of exasperation. "Kaiden stop this! You are ruining this for me and I won't have it."

He frowned at her words.

"My mate claimed me today." She said her voice getting wistful her eyes sparkling with flecks of silver, "Of course it hurt but then..." she trailed off looking for the words to sooth his guilt. "Then it was perfect."

"Perfect?" he scoffed in disgust. "You felt pain at my touch As. Something I promised would never happen."

"Yes but then I didn't. Please don't ruin this for me? I just want to feel one thing the way I was supposed to. The way I was always promised. The absolute joy and completeness when I finally found my own prince charming." She smiled up at him willing him to believe her. "Please just come hold me. I'm tired and you're annoying me." As if to prove it she let out a yawn her eyes dropping.

"I'm sorry. You're right you need to rest. Sleep." His voice was heavy with a new wave of concern and guilt. Gently pulling up the duvet he pulled it over her, tucking her in with such hesitance it was as if he thought he would break her with the lightest touch. "The claim takes a lot out of you. The bond, it puts a huge strain on your body, your energy." Another thing he had done to her, he realized. His guilt rising even higher.

"Stop Kade. Please just hold me so I can sleep." She didn't' know what to say to him to get him to believe that his touch didn't scare her. She saw with their new deepened bond that he was terrified that she would flinch away from him again. And she didn't know how to get him to see that there wasn't a cell in her body that was scared or unsure about this, about him. "Please?"

His eyes swung to her face. The last plead tore at him, he thought he should stay away give her time, but her face begged him to give in and get closer. As he searched her face another round of pounding came from the door. Sighing he finally nodded at her, how could he deny her after what he had done?

He kept his eyes on her as he moved around the bed pulling down the covers, watching for any sign from her. Letting out another sigh he slipped under the covers. The sheets cool and soft as he tried not to jostle the bed and her.

"Kaiden you aren't going to hurt me." She ignored his scoff instead she rolled onto her side. Shuffling over so she could snuggle into him. He was stiff as he laid on his side as she cuddled up against his broad chest. Tucking her face into his shoulder he felt a shudder race over her before she relaxed against him, her body curled into his side. She reminded him of a kitten in her little ball.

He looked down at her helplessly, his hand hanging in the air. Shaking his head he slowly brought his hand to rest on her hip keeping the pressure as light as he could. Still nervous around her. At his touch she let out a contented sigh nuzzling deeper into him. He couldn't help smiling.

Another round of knocking pounded through the door. Kaiden noticing this time, called out to 'come in' without lifting his eyes from Aislinn's resting form.

He scented Richard as the door swung open. Realizing what must have happened he kept his voice low and soft so as to not wake her. He hadn't been exaggerating before when he had said her body needed rest. Claiming was an intense process, it put a huge strain on her body and mind.

"She's fine I have her."

"I felt pain - physical pain. What happened?" Richard didn't move far into the room staying near the door but his eyes were heavy on the sight of her back and the splay of silver hair across the pillows.

"She asked me to mark her." Kaiden couldn't help the emotions that leaked into his words, guilt, satisfaction and wonder mixing together. "You felt the claim. She's fine, she just needs to rest."

"You claimed her?"

"I did." He answered. Suddenly smug as reality hit him, a smirk tugged at him as he looked down at her with tenderness. His guilt forgotten for a moment. Happiness and contentment overcoming him.

"That changes things." Richard's voice was careful as he spoke not moving from his spot knowing better than to dare take a step into the room, especially after such a revelation.

"I know."

"She's okay though?" Richard's voice was harder now as he scented the air picking up the change in Aislinn's scent and noting the lingering trace of her blood.

"I have her. She'll be okay."

With a nod he turned and left closing the door softly behind him.

Letting himself settle deeper into the bed on a sigh. Kaiden let his hold tighten around his mate. Wrapping his arms around her protectively he pulled her into his chest shielding her from the world. Pressing his face into her hair he let himself succumb to sleep.