talking 30
1276 Words
chapter 30
Ivory POV
After my phone conversation with Ceder, I told Axel about the way some males treated their mates…the control, the smothering, the betrayals I had seen. That’s the main reason I had never wanted a mate. All I had ever wanted was what I had seen in my parents: love. They would smile, laugh, even argue, but they always made up. They always came back together. That’s what I wanted.
“Call your parents,” Axel said. “Tell them what you’ve seen and heard. Your father seems like a straightforward man…he’ll deal with it.”
He was right. I was worried, but I wasn’t part of that pack anymore. They couldn’t punish me for speaking up. The girls might be upset at first, but they would understand eventually. Taking a deep breath, I dialed my father. The video call connected on the fourth ring.
“Ivory, is everything okay? Is he treating you well? Is something wrong?”
I wanted to laugh at the flood of questions, but I didn’t. I took a deep breath.
“Dad, Mom, everything is fine here. But there’s something I need to tell youthe real reason I never wanted a mate.” I hesitated for a moment, then forced the words out. “I told Axel about it already, but I need you to know too. It’s because of the way some males treat their mates. I would overhear them controlling their partners, or cheating, or treating the females like they didn’t matter. The girls often didn’t care. The only couples I’ve seen that were truly mated were you and Mom, and Caddy and Justin. Everything else is cruel, Dad. I’m sorry I didn’t say anything sooner, but you need to address it. They knew the rules…and they broke them anyway.”
Tears slipped down my face. I quickly wiped them away. I hated crying…it made me feel weak, but I couldn’t stop the truth from coming out.
“Honey, thank you for telling me,” my father said. “Trust me. I’ll handle this. As soon as we hang up, I’ll call a meeting with every mated couple and unmated female. This has to stop. A pack built on lies and broken trust will fall apart. Thank you for having the courage to speak up.”
“I’m going to college here,” I said. “Axel is setting everything up, and I’ll have a job too. I want my life, even as I become queen of the dragons.”
“I’m so proud of you, sweetheart,” Dad said. “I’m logging off now so I can deal with this. We love you. Goodnight.”
The call ended. I was so lost in thought I didn’t notice Axel until he waved his hand in front of my face.
“I asked if you’re okay. Let’s go to our room. Your bag is upstairs. I’m sure you want a shower before bed. Don’t worry..I won’t do anything until you’re ready.”
“It won’t be tonight,” I said. “About the ceremony…we could have it in three days. That should be enough time to prepare. And about mating, can we wait until it’s official? We can mark each other tonight if you want.”
His eyes widened, and I knew what he was thinking. I just hoped he didn’t assume that the marking meant control. I would make sure he understood…We headed upstairs. He opened the door for me, and I walked in first. He followed, closing the door behind him. The bed was massive, a king-size with piles of pillows. The windows opened inward, and there was a balcony I liked. A huge flatscreen dominated one wall…He showed me the closet and dressers. “One half is yours, the other half is mine. The dressers are yours..I had them brought up when I found my mate, knowing you’d need room for your things. The bathroom is in here.”
He led me to a bathroom that could have fit five people in the tub. The shower was spacious. The sink was a white marble with gold faucets. I set down my toothbrush, mouthwash, and hairbrush.
“The shower heads spray down on you. Hit the buttons.. Two is hot, three is cold. I’ll be right outside when you’re done.”
I nodded and kissed his cheek quickly, my heart racing. “I’ll be out shortly.”
Then I shut the door behind me. I was alone, finally, and nervous. I had never been alone with a male before. I knew the theory from movies, but this was real.
Ivory POV
I took a deep breath as I stepped out of the bathroom, still in my shorts and matching shirt. My heart was racing. This was it..the moment Axel had been waiting for, the marking. But I needed to make one thing very clear: this didn’t mean he could control me.
He was sitting on the edge of the bed, watching me, his expression calm but intense. I felt a flutter in my chest, but I squared my shoulders.
“Axel,” I said, my voice steady. “Before we do anything, I need you to understand something. The marking… it doesn’t mean I’m yours to command. It doesn’t change me, or my life, or my choices.”
His gaze softened slightly, but he didn’t look offended.
“I know,” he said. “I’ve waited for you, Ivory. I’ve never wanted anyone else. The marking is a promise, not a leash. I will never control you.”
I studied his face, trying to read him. He meant it. I could feel it in the way his eyes held mine, steady and unwavering. But I wasn’t going to give in just because he asked nicely.
“Then let’s do it,” I said. “But I decide when it happens. You don’t get to push me or rush me. And this…marking, mating…whatever comes next…it happens on my terms, not yours.”
Axel nodded. “Agreed. Always your terms.”
I moved closer, feeling the tension in the room, the weight of what was about to happen. I could feel the heat of his presence and the strength in his body, but I kept myself grounded. This was a union, not a surrender…We both sat on the bed. I let him take my hand first. The connection was immediate, almost electric, but I focused on steadying my breathing. I would not lose myself in this moment. I was here by choice, and I would remain my own person.
The marking was formal, silent, and intimate. Not romanticized…just a binding of promises and trust. When it was done, I pulled back slightly and looked him in the eyes.
“Now,” I said, “we start as equals. I won’t be afraid of you, and I won’t be controlled by you. If either of us forgets that, we stop, we talk, and we fix it. Do you understand?”
“I understand,” he said, voice low but unwavering. “You are my mate, Ivory. Not my possession. Not my property. My equal.”
I felt a sense of relief wash over me. This was exactly what I needed..clarity, respect, and honesty. The marking had happened, yes, but it had not changed who I was. I was still Ivory. I was still in control of my life, and Axel respected that.
For the first time in a long time, I felt a small spark of peace. I could do this. I could be a queen. I could be a mate. And I could still be me.
- Writer
