My chest heaved heavily as I struggled to catch my breath. I looked at the faces around me feeling the many eyes looking back at me in return. Never would I have ever imagined being in a room like this so conflicted on where my loyalties lie. Ezekiel lie still on the ground with Araya beside him. She looked frustrated and defeated emotions I rarely recognized on her. Luna Ximena was in the corner obviously upset. Acelin and Alpha Adrian leaned against the far wall with their brows furrowed seemingly in deep thought. I stood by Atlas attempting to calm him. He had a thin layer of sweat on his brow and his powerful aura that had once filled the room finally was starting to dissipate. Manix and Wolfe’s wounds had begun to heal. Their eyes darted from person to person but they still seemed to be confused. So much had happened in so little time. I should not be so surprised. This was not the thought-out plan it should have been. Although my feelings had seemed to change and perhaps, I was
Atlas’ POVHolding back my grin around her was becoming one of the hardest things I’ve had to do. She made me smile like no one else could. I knew I pushed her fucking buttons. It had become a favorite pastime of mine. She got worked up so easily and it was pretty entertaining, but somehow things had gotten easier between us, smoother. This was starting out to be the best damn birthday of my 26 years of life. I wasn’t sure what was to come after this, but I could only hope it would be one of many spent with her.Yeah, I took a big chance fucking with her in front of her people. Normally she was a bear you didn’t want to poke. But after the generous kiss we shared last night, I was feeling lucky. Even with everything happening around us, I couldn’t get that kiss off my mind. One that I didn’t have to steal, because she gave so willingly. Although there was so much more I wanted to do, I held back, needing to be patient and not willing to push her over the edge. Slowly but su
“Just the pair I was looking for,” Ezekiel’s face lit up when he saw me and the wolf walk into the room. My eyes darted to Luna Ximena who stood off to the side. Like her son, she wore her emotions on her sleeve, and it was very evident something was upsetting her. Now was not the time to be falling apart. Within a few minutes, the stooges would advance on us, and without knowing exactly what Ezekiel’s reaction would be, on top of not being able to calculate for all mishaps, we were treading in dangerous waters. Araya would be able to mask their presence, but once inside, once in the room, there was no telling how long it would take for her to fix this issue. How long would we have to hold others at bay? We had enough man power, two alphas, two vampires, one spat out straight from hell, a disheveled luna, and a witch, but still things never go quite as planned. Perhaps my negative outlook on life was tainting my perception. As much as I tried to calm the wolf, I was also on edge about
Somehow things had finally began to calm down in the room even though my heart still beat rapidly inside my chest. The space was solemn, quiet, a little too quiet for my liking. The wolf was obviously distressed. He sat on a chair with his elbows on his knees and face in his hands. Oh, how I missed his annoying and lighthearted humor at that moment. It seemed even he was not in any mood for pleasantries. Ezekiel still lied under the watchful eye of Araya even though she had completed her task. His affliction was no more. We all breathed a heavy breath of relief, but his body had sustained abuse, so we not so patiently waited for him to regain his strength and awaken. Acelin and Adrian eyed and glared between me, Manix and Wolfe, apparently still very unimpressed with the way their mate had been flung about so recklessly. I matched their glares unwilling to put up with their pettiness. But the confusion and question on their faces very evident. To put it simply: what exactly was I do
Atlas’ POVWhen an opportunity presented itself, I took it, because I was an avid believer that things happened for a reason. So when my beautiful headache of a mate stayed back to speak with her brother, after I got Dad settled in his room with Mom, I backtracked and caught up with Alpha Adrian and Araya. They were kind of funny, actually. He was a prick alpha, not much unlike me, and she was this small thing, yet she held so much power and it was pretty damn obvious she had her mates wrapped around her fingers. I should know, Onyx had me entrapped the same way. “Hey, wait up.” I called to them from behind eyeing some stragglers who looked their way curiously letting them know it was time to keep it moving without even saying a word. They quickly sped past me in submission. I wasn’t surprised that everyone might be a little on edge knowing a witch, an alpha from another pack, and even another vampire was in our presence. I’m sure some of them could even surmise as to who they were, b
“This one will look great on your ass.” I jerked my head to Araya as she dug into the closet pulling out dresses for tonight’s celebration. Why would she be looking at my ass?“I do not see why that is a concern of yours.” I retorted with narrowing eyes.“I’m just trying to help you out. Make sure you’re looking great for Atlas later.” She winked at me again. That was about the fifth time that day, and it had begun to grate on my nerves. She was fighting for the top spot of those who annoyed me, closely tying with the wolf. I sighed deeply realizing she had a point. It was obvious the attraction he felt for me, but even still, tonight was a night of great celebration. It very well could be my last with him, because I was unsure of what tomorrow would bring. So, yes. I did want to look good for him. I loathed the fact she was right.She laid the black revealing dress on my bed beside some other options she had chosen for me. For someone’s services who had not been requested, she was ver
How long had we stayed like that? I was unsure. Time and space seemed to stand still under his comforting warmth. The way he made me feel was inexplicable. Those emotions and the way my body yearned for his were foreign experiences, but in that moment where I had finally conceded and stopped fighting, I felt so free. Who knew letting go would be so exhilarating?I had always been the strong one, never needing another to protect or watch over me, never wanting it, but he offered all of those things and I believe I was willing to accept. He relieved me of a burden I never knew I carried. With him, I did not have to be strong. He had the strength for both of us. But he took nothing from me. I never felt like he wished to overpower me. No. He allowed me to be who I was. He accepted who I was completely, but I do not think I was that person anymore.Those deep blue eyes wanted to consume me like the sea. Perhaps drowning was not so bad…“What are you thinking about?” He asked curiously tilt
Atlas’ POV“It seems someone was expecting company.” The corner of my lips pulled into a smirk as I watched her take in the scene shutting the door behind me. The mood was set. I made sure of that before. The low sensual tones of an R&B song played in the background. Crackling sounds filled the room from all the lit candles as flames danced against the walls creating a dim lighting. Rose pedals were on the floor and bed. I really wasn’t even sure if she liked the shit, but I was hoping she’d appreciate the effort at least.“Just hopeful that tonight my wish might come true.” My eyes were locked on her like a predator, like a fucking kid in a candy store, and I couldn’t wait to have another taste of her delicacies. I didn’t think it was possible, but she looked more beautiful tonight than ever. As soon as she entered the ballroom, I sensed her. Shocked would be an understatement when my eyes took in the sight in front of me. That color on her, and the fact it matched me almos