Lycan's Mate (His Claim) Chapter 113

Fiona's POV

The sound of a low growl echoed across the room as I noticed Linda's eyes turn a shade darker. Seldom was it to see Linda's wolf step forward and make itself known to others, especially when she was a short woman that didn't seem to have a single bone in her body that could threaten you. And yet, she always proved me wrong

"Watch you mouth, mister," Linda said, her voice huskier than her normal tone. Despite the way she spoke, I could hear the hint of laughter in her voice as she made her way around me and slapped Marcus's shoulder.

He chuckled softly before draping his arm lazily over her shoulder. He towered over her easily, but that didn't stop her from wrapping her arm around his waist and shaking her head, a ghost of a smile threatening to spill on her lips

"You know I was your favorite when it came to Anthonio and I," he said, winking my way before looking back down at her

"Not exactly," she said with a shake of her head

Marcus stepped back appalled, dropping the apple on the counter and placing a hand over his heart. His mouth fell open as he stared at her with wide eyes and quivering lips. In a blink of an eye, he was suddenly sprawled out on the floor, the sound of sobs escaping his lips as he thrashed his hands and legs around him in a childish manner. This boy was truly something else.

Linda rolled her eyes heavenward, stepping around him before saying,

"But you did always make me laugh, which is the only reason why I allowed Blake to keep you around"

Marcus halted his foolish behavior and sat up, looking over his shoulder as Linda exited the kitchen.

"Fair enough."

As quickly as he had fallen on the floor, he stood up in one swift movement and was now standing beside me, reaching around my small frame to grab the apple he had purposely dropped. Walking around the island, he sat comfortably in front of me and gave me the goofiest grin he could manage. I shook my head and leaned forward, analyzing his features. Though he seemed his usual relaxed self, his eyes were a different matter. They seemed troubled, and I could have sworn they were rapidly changing from their usual brilliant blue to a darker tone every so often, as if he was having a deep discussion with his wolf

"Why are you here?" I asked slowly, raising my eyebrow as I awaited his response

He shrugged his shoulders, avoiding my gaze as he took another bite of the apple. Seconds passed before I cleared my throat and captured his attention once more. I tilted my head in question, waiting expectantly for his answer. Something in my expression must have amused him because he was suddenly chuckling in front me with a shake of his head

"You're just as persistent as Linda, you know that?"

I shrugged my shoulders before placing my chin on the palm of my hand and moving the chair forward.

"It's a Luna thing, I guess"

He remained quiet, his eyes searching mine before he let out a soft sigh.

"As much as I would like to say that it was Blake who asked me to be here, that's not the reason."

"Then what is?" I asked, taken aback from the seriousness in his tone. It was very unlike him to be this way, especially when it was just us. He always took advantage of our time together to crack some jokes or pick on me, so this was completely out of character

He stared harshly at the granite counter top in front him, his eyes shifting color every so often before they met mine once more.

"My wolf has been restless since we got back from Jersey. He keeps urging me to go back, but doesn't tell me exactly why we should. It's gotten to the point that it's driving me crazy! I can't even go out for a run without him fighting against me for control."

He let out a harsh groan of frustration as he bit into the apple, never once taking notice how large the bite truly was. And yet, he munched on it thoughtfully, his eyes revealing the evident battle that was occurring inside him. I bit my bottom lip, pondering his words. Why would his wolf be so unsettled after their trip to find me? Wolves wouldn't become so easily disturbed and insist on taking over without a cause. Unless…

My eyes widened as I stared at his rigid form. Aside from him being tense, I could see his shoulders shaking slightly as the inner battle continued. His free hand gripped the counter harshly and I was surprised to not seeing it crack under his tight grasp. He was clearly fighting his wolf with every bit of strength he still possessed, but I was shocked to see him lasting this long. Despite some werewolves being of low ranks, it was sometimes difficult for them to contain their wolf due to how powerful the beast inside them truly was. Marcus was third in command, instantly making him a strong wolf despite his position, so I could only imagine how troublesome it could be to keep his wolf at bay.

I straightened my stance, cautious of his shaking form before speaking.

"Do you think it's because your mate was in the other pack?" I asked quietly, my voice barely above a whisper. The last thing I wanted was to agitate his wolf even further in case I was indeed correct

Marcus took another bite of his apple before he looked up at me, his eyes a darker hue.

"I contemplated this, and it sometimes feels like that might be the case. But I also feel like it might be something else…." His voice trailed off, his eyebrow furrowing together in frustration and confusion altogether. His eyes continued to shift, the speed increasing with every second that passed.

I reached forward and grabbed a hold of his free hand, which was still gripping the counter tightly. I was so small that I nearly had to climb over the island just to reach him. Squeezing his wrist, which was the only thing I could grab due to his position, I urged him to look at me. His eyes met mine and I almost gasped at how dark they appeared. I had never seen them this obsidian, his pupils barely visible despite the bright light that shined over our heads. I could feel his hand trembling beneath my grasp and it worried me to see my friend in this state.

I smiled softly at him, staring deeply into his eyes.

"It's okay," I said reassuringly, squeezing his wrist once more.

"Whatever it is, I'm sure he'll stop being stubborn and let you know what's bothering him"

I received a growl in response, but by the color of his eyes, I knew it wasn't Marcus's doing. For some reason, the mere thought of knowing that it was Marcus's wolf who had just growled created a bubble of anger inside me that was threatening to explode. I glared down at Marcus, and I instantly took notice of how his wolf backed down at my expression. He may be worried about something and perverse at the situation, but he had no right to growl at me that way.

Releasing my hand, I settled myself in my chair and leaned both elbows on the counter.

"So you came here to try to distract yourself from your wolf."

Marcus nodded, an apologetic smile filling his lips as he took the last bite of the apple before throwing its core at the garbage bin across the room. I was not surprised to see how perfect his aim was as he did so.

"It was getting a bit claustrophobic back home, especially with my mom on my ass about why I was acting so weird."

"She's simply worried," I assured him

"Yeah, I know. My dad hasn't let it go so easily either. He knows me well enough to know when something's off. I would have gone to Blake or Anthonio but…..they're busy."

My heart nearly broke at the sight of his expression just now. His eyes swirled with a mixture of sadness and embarrassment as he avoided my gaze. It was clear to me that he felt ashamed for feeling so helpless and alone, but the last thing on my mind was thinking for one second that he was weak for not standing his ground and figuring this out on his own

"They're not the only ones you can talk to, you know. And besides," I said, jumping off my seat and making my way to the stove,

"I'm free today. So how about I continue to teach you how to cook a decent breakfast to distract your mind a little?"

I began to look through the cabinets to find what I needed, glancing back at Marcus who smiled my way. He stood up before grabbing my arm, which now held a frying pan. I looked at him in puzzlement

"Actually, I've been practicing since you taught me back in Jersey. How about I make you that omelet you made us that first morning?" he asked with a proud grin on his face

"You sure you're not trying to poison me?" I asked jokingly, moving away from him as he began to settle things on the long counter

He snorted, walking towards the refrigerator and grabbing the carton of eggs.

"Like I've said before, if I wanted to kill you, I might as well kill myself in the process. I'd rather die by my own hand than by dear Mr. Alpha's."

I laughed quietly as I settled myself back in my previous seat where I was now facing him fully.

"Then you shall commence, Marcus," I said jokingly in a deep tone as I saluted him in a mocking manner

He rolled his eyes but grinned nonetheless, continuing to grab what he needed. This should be fun

"Are you finished yet?" I whined, dramatically sprawling my upper body on the counter as I looked up at Marcus's large form moving about in the kitchen as he removed the pan from my hand