Chapter 10: Hello Again

Antonio's P.O.V.

The sun rose slowly over the tops of the trees, and I could not stop admiring how the sun filtered through the open balcony windows, casting shadows across the room. I had not slept a wink and knew that within a few hours, she would be here.

Thoughts from last night flooded my mind, and I was irritated that a woman I barely knew had captivated me so much. I was a well-put-together man, and she had completely blown my mind away.

Every detail about her was perfect, from her cascading reddish-brown locks to her crystal clear sapphire eyes. The cupid's bow to her lip, and every smooth curve to her body had me wanting more.

It was hard thinking about everything I wanted to do to her, how I wanted to hear her screaming my name. Have her begging for the mark I would place on her smooth and gorgeous neck.

The mate bond.

Why did I have to be subjected to such a cruel curse and a heavenly blessing from the goddess?

My mother had always spoken of the mate bond when I was younger, and even though she had not experienced it since her mate died when she was little. She still believed that the goddess did everything for a reason.

'When will she be here?' My wolf growled at me, becoming impatient. 'You should have forced her to come.'

'What are you, a savage beast or an evolved creature?' I retorted, earning a huff of frustration from him.

'You are useless,' My wolf groaned before retreating.

'Thanks, Zeus.'

Rolling out of bed, I made my way towards the bathroom—my reflection showing the evidence of my lack of sleep. I looked like shit. Making the best of an unpleasant situation, I quickly took a shower and headed downstairs. The sounds of my beta and gamma filled the kitchen. Their laughter had me curious as to what was so funny.

They straightened quickly as I entered the room, but the posture was out-lived as soon as they broke into laughter. "So, how was your night?" Joseph, my beta, said with a smirk.

"Who told you?" Narrowing my eyes at him, as he looked towards my gamma Thomas and smiled.

"I knew it. She wasn't lying after all." Thomas crossed his arms over his chest and grinned as if he had won the lottery.

Rolling my eyes, I ripped the piece of bacon from Joseph's hand and stuck it into my mouth. "Who is she?" I questioned curiously. Wondering who was running their mouth about my private affairs.

Thomas shrugged and looked at Joseph, who opened his mouth to speak but was quickly cut off as an eerie expression halted him. "Something is trying to cross the border. The warriors have them. Whoever it is isn't happy."

Turning on heel, I took off out the front door with Joseph and Thomas behind me. Before my feet could hit the dirt, I shifted mid-air, and the merged energies of Zeus and I took hold.

The midnight black wolf charging across the clearing towards the border, followed closely by a gray and auburn wolf.

The only thought crashing through my mind was that Clarissa would be here shortly, and I could not have her in any danger. It was rare for anyone to try and cross over my border without permission.

The consequence was death, and every creature alive who knew me knew that. I was an unforgivable man when it came to protecting what I loved.

The yelling became clearer and more evident as I slowed my pace to a gentle walk. The voices heard were raised, but the smells were very familiar.

My head turned in confusion as I stepped into the clearing and was met with the most remarkable blue eyes. 'Clarissa.' My wolf purred at her name before I sat upon the ground, staring at her, and a very pissed off Alyssa.

Thomas and Joseph soon fell in step next to me, heads bowed in respect.

Alyssa turned her eyes on me, the essence of her eyes flashing a brilliant orange. I could tell she was pissed, and as she stepped towards me, I growled, showing her that she was to watch her tone. Although my wolf and I both knew she would more than likely ignore my warning.

"For an arrogant prick that is expecting his mate, you sure have a way of showing it!" Alyssa's protests were met with a low growl from Thomas before turning and walking back into the tree line.

Thomas reappeared back in his human form wearing a pair of basketball shorts. The anger apparent on his face at Alyssa's appearance at our borders. "Who the fuck do you think you are coming here acting like that blondie?!"

That was all it took from him before he went flying backward into the ground. Alyssa stood with her fist outstretched in anger. She had punched him, and I knew why.

Alyssa and Thomas used to have a fling until he was caught sleeping with a she-wolf. Granted, the she-wolf was his mate, but he didn't tell Alyssa that, which was a wrong move on his part.

Alyssa was relentless when she wanted to be.

Shifting in front of them, I held my hands up, looking at Alyssa. "Was that necessary?"

A soft gasp was heard from Clarissa as she spun around, looking the opposite way.

Confusion filled me with her sudden movements. "What did I do?"

Clearing her throat, Alyssa smirked, pointing down.

The realization hit me quickly. "Shit. I'm still naked."