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Chapter 23
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Nicki was one of the lucky ones during the battle. Her car was parked far enough down the block that it hadn't received a single scratch from the fight. Those who parked their cars closer to the park were unfortunate. Some had minor scratches and dents, while others had shattered windshields and missing doors. Nicki let out a long sigh of relief as she spotted her car untouched and without damage.
"Thank the Goddess." Nicki groaned, patting the hood of her car. "Mom and Dad would have killed me if anything happened to this car."
Nicki and Dustin's parents were also trainers, but they often traveled to other packs to offer assistance on training troops. They came home every so often, but even I had only spotted them once since living here. The three of us hopped into Nicki's car and peeled off down the road, the scent of burning bodies fading as we drifted farther and farther from the center of town.
Nicki and Dustin lived in a newly devel
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Dustin and Kris stayed in the den with us, though neither of them had anything more to drink. After another hour, my eyelids began to grow heavy. Dustin offered to bring me back to the packhouse, as it was nearly one in the morning. Figuring it would be late enough to avoid prying eyes, I let Dustin drive me.The world pitched and rolled as I hopped out of the car. I pressed my hand against the cold paint, hoping to steady myself before I fell flat on my back. My legs felt disconnected from my body, moving with a mind of their own. Dustin ran around the front of the car, his hand grasping at my elbow to steady me."Thanks." I said, though it came out in a half-tired, half-drunken mumble."No more drinking with my sister." Dustin chuckled, his laugh thick and rich. "You can't handle it.""I can to handle it." I snorted, placing most of my weight against Dustin as we hobbled to the front door.Dustin wrapped
Alpha Atlas Chapter 25
As it turns out, there wasn't much to be briefed on as Liam pretty much covered the basics. The Northern Star pack takes up most of Washington state, and suffered an attack a few weeks ago by a nameless beast. Nicki had little detail on the beast itself, but told me at least ten lives were lost in the fight. Liam had sent two warriors into the pack to aid with training, but their Alpha had requested a few more for defensive purposes.I rested my head against the cool window of the Ford Explorer Dustin was driving and fought against the remaining thud of my earlier headache. Nicki sat in the back seat, a pair of headphones on as she bounced around to some song I couldn't hear. If I closed my eyes long enough, I could pretend we weren't wedged in between two identical Ford Explorer's, and that this mission made some sense.I still couldn't fathom why Liam would send me of all people. He had been raised in this pack, surely, he could have sent Kris
Alpha Atlas Chapter 26
Shock, denial, confusion, understanding, and anger. Each emotion passed through me, twisting my insides, burning the backs of my eyelids. The plate I held in my hands clattered onto the counter, my fingertips stinging from the heat.Atlas had heard me that day, heard as I called out to him, begging him to stop. He had come here, looking for me. I didn't have a clue what to make of the information. If Atlas had come months ago, I might have leaped at the chance to see him. Now, now I wasn't so sure. Sure, he had come to Liam's pack after hearing my call, but why? I highly doubted he was concerned for my well-being.What brought anger crackling through my veins was Liam. The realization hit me like a blow to the head. He insisted on sending me to the Northern Star Pack, insisted no one else could replace me, that I was best for the job. I wasn't sure how, but I knew Liam had sent me away just in time for Atlas to show up. The feeling boiling in my
Alpha Atlas Chapter 27
One Week LaterThree Weeks Until the Advanced TournamentI glared at the note as it sat on my bedside table, hating it--hating myself for ruining my one chance at reading it. It was clear my Mom had written it before leaving the house to help against the rogue attack. In my blind rage that day, I knocked over a number of half-full coffee cups, soaking the note I had completely overlooked. It sat on the floor of the house for nearly a month, as it had taken me over a month to gather enough courage--or desperation, to finally visit.I wanted to scream, at my Mom and at myself. She always had a habit of leaving half-full coffee cups around the house, making a new one before she finished the first. The dark ink on the thin sheet of paper had ran, and long ago dried into a sticky, fragile mess. I could only make out a handful of words on the paper, none of which made any sense. It was clear she left the note in case something had happened to her, bu
Alpha Atlas Chapter 28
Three Weeks LaterThe Advanced TournamentAs I sat on the metal bench awaiting my turn, my stomach was absent of butterflies. I had trained relentlessly for this day, where I would finally become a warrior in Liam's pack. I trained my body and my mind until it's breaking point, and had reaped the results of my extensive training. After this, I would go through the brief ceremony that connected me to Liam and his pack.Where the Tournament had once been a festive occasion, it was now mixed with worry and loss. It had only been a month since the rogue attack, and this pack had changed during that time. More and more people were stepping up, joining training as they fought to protect their people. With all the new recruits, the Beginner's Tournament had taken nearly two hours to complete.My name was called and I stepped into the fighting ring, followed by my opponent, a large guy by the name of Kendrick. I knew at first glance that K
Alpha Atlas Chapter 29
Nothing had changed during my time away from my old pack. Everything about me was different, but the large town I stood in remained the same. The large, southern houses hadn't changed, with their long porches and creaking rocking chairs. The grass surrounding the houses was clipped short, a brilliant shade of emerald under the blistering sun. Kids screamed and laughed as they ran through a sprinkler in one of the front yards, and I remembered how Alyssa and I had once done the same. Dragonflies darted around, their slender bodies whizzing past my face. I stood in front of my old house, looking up at the freshly painted porch. On a rather boring day where the grief of losing my Dad had become too strong, Mom had insisted we repaint the porch. She let me pick any color I wanted, and grinned as I picked a light shade of lavender. I wasn't sure why the newly painted porch sent a shiver of pain down my spine. Part of me expected it to remain the same, that light shade of lavender.
Alpha Atlas Chapter 30
As my head snapped up and I looked into those painfully familiar eyes, I hurried to compose myself. Lighter than Liam's eyes, Atlas's blue eyes were nearing the verge of white--like a sky filled with fat tufts of clouds.My heart hammered in response, but I refused to look anywhere other than his eyes. I knew that if I traced the grooves on his face, or looked over each strand of platinum hair, that I would be lost entirely. I had never held so much hate for the mate-bond until now. Even after everything Atlas had done, the mate-bond was still working to pull us together. I clicked my teeth together and fought against the pull, grimacing when one of Atlas's blonde eyebrows raised."A stray kitten wandering around my house." Atlas commented, the corner of his sinfully full lips twitching. His voice had been everything I remembered, and so much more. His voice alone could be my undoing, if only he knew the right words to say. Deep, and somewhat ra
Alpha Atlas Chapter 31
Dinner finished quickly and I all but leaped at the chance to leave. Dustin enjoyed the irritated looks Atlas would give him if he got too close to me. I found the entire thing annoying, as I knew it was only the mate-bond tugging on Atlas's heart--or lack of. I could feel his eyes on me the entire time, even as we left the house.The empty house Atlas had placed us in was four houses down from his, and eight houses down from my old home. I had vehemently declined when we were offered a suite within the packhouse. Tyra and I walked down the street while Dustin pulled the car into the driveway. The house was only a quarter of the size of Atlas's home, but I could care less about looks. The outside of the house was painted a light shade of mint green, strange but it suited the old house nicely.The inside had been fully furnished, and I wondered who lived here at one point. Tyra bounded up the stairs and claimed one of the bedrooms, shouting that there
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Alpha Atlas Chapter 129
One Year Later “You could be over here with your true mate and not sweating your ass off, but no—violence prevails.” I sighed dramatically, grabbing a grape, and plopping it into my mouth. Atlas was easily a hundred feet away, his skin porcelain and shimmering with sweat. I eyed the thick muscles that spanned his shoulders and back, running down the length of his thick arms. “Well, I guess the view isn’t that bad.” “Speak for yourself, I love a little violence to start off my day. Nothing gets the blood pumping like political intrigue, vigorous training or a good old-fashioned fight.” Nicki grinned manically, leaning against the thick truck of the tree she sat in front of. Her chestnut hair had lightened from spending the year in Liam’s court, beneath the blistering sun and thick humidity. It now held golden undertones that matched her tanned skin. The dress she wore was bound at the shoulders with golden pins and reminded me of the Greek goddesses taught in
Alpha Atlas Chapter 128
I pulled Nicki into my arms, my heart swelling with the strength of my best-friend. I said nothing because Nicki needed no reassurance. She could see the flame that burned within her as well as everyone else; Nicki never once doubted her place in the world, or her own importance. Even on my darkest days, when Atlas’s rejection sapped the happiness from even the smallest of things, the undying confidence Nicki had in herself and the people she loved fueled me. Once Dustin appeared and dragged her away, I was able to catch up with Liam and see how things were going—and to get some elaboration on the previously mentioned assassination attempt. Atlas had kept his snarling to a minimum when Liam pulled me in for a bear hug, even if his eyes were hardened shards of granite afterwards. “Really, it was awful. Not even a whole-hearted attempt.” Liam shook his head, disappointment for the unskilled assassin. His lips twitched into a smirk, and the teasing note in his v
Alpha Atlas Chapter 127
Three Months LaterMy stomach was twisted with nerves and excitement as I stood beneath the magically crafted arch of waterlilies and cherry blossoms Tyra herself had created. Atlas was at my side, his arm looped through mine as I leaned against him for support.We were initially skeptical about the pure white flowers, but the delicate aroma they emitted was well worth it. Clusters of tulips, orchids, and peonies were strewn throughout the courtyard, which had been completely remodeled for the grand ball I had been planning for months now.With Atlas by my side, I stood atop a long staircase looking down at the arduous work of countless fae, myself included. It was easy to forget about the sprawling crowd down below, watching us with interested and eager eyes.From the decorations to the guest list, I had full reigns of this project. Of course, I had a near endless supply of assistants at my side, all of which were introduced to me by Alette and Adelina.
Alpha Atlas Chapter 126
Micah and Liam could only stay for a few short days, each one packed full of planning and introductions. Micah and Finn were helping Atlas and Liam, teaching them the differences between High Lord and Alpha—though they technically were both. We hadn’t figured out a way back to the human realm, but there was plenty here to keep us busy; for now. Our first day in the castle, Alette confided in me that during the last moments of battle, she had flung a gust of ice and rage at Aralia, sending her flying into a portal. I followed Alette through the castle, while Adelina rejoiced over the fact that Melia was alive and well, along with her five sisters. “There’s no way she would have survived it. Not when it hit her square in the chest like that.” Alette insisted, her eyes welded forwards as we wandered the maze-like halls of the castle. She knew where she was going without a fault, while I had become lost an hour ago. “I assumed she would end up here, in th
Alpha Atlas Chapter 125
Nicki and Dustin had taken charge, helping the newly turned Fae that came through the wall. Every five minutes another blinding flash of light would appear, leaving spots that danced in our vision and more fae in our wake.My attention momentarily flickered over to Atlas, who was speaking with a group of warriors, some of which had passed through days ago. Duke stood at his side, silent but always watching. A flash of midnight hair and clothing darker than the night sky appeared from the western corridor. Ambrose, High Lord of the Night Court’s slender form appeared from around the corner.Ambrose was the only one to have improved in looks after the battle we had all endured. He had been thin before, a testament to the damage his sister had done on his body and court. His face had filled out since the battle ended; his slim frame now etched in lean muscle. He approached Atlas and Duke, nodding at the various warriors who bowed in his midst.“Oh, don&
Alpha Atlas Chapter 124
We formed a line, with each of us walking in pairs of four.Most who chose not to pass through lingered, watching with eyes that bordered on curiosity and fear. It was that flicker of curiosity that gave me hope, because sooner or later they might feel the call of this place.There was a part of me that trembled with excitement, almost desperate to return to the vibrant colors and scents, and the rush of magic within every gust of wind and drop of water. I wanted to learn the secrets of this realm and explore the hidden corners of the court under Atlas’s rule, mastering the wild magic that fluttered in my chest.Another part of me, the small part that would always remain mortal, mourned the memories, and ghosts I was leaving behind.At the very back of the line were the warriors. A sea of metal headpieces and colorful armor stood out as fae from every court gathered. Those who fought to the death days ago, now walked side-by-side.There had b
Alpha Atlas Chapter 123
Surprise and indecision rippled across countless werewolves faces as the word spread, and they finally began to understand the decision that lie ahead. I never enjoyed public speaking. Having the attention of so many eyes burning into my skin was unsettling, but I wasn’t alone. Along with the steadying presence of Atlas beside me, I had friends who had stood by me through all of this. Each of us had taken turns speaking, sharing our story and what we had come to learn. I told the crowd what I had done, merging the two realms together, separating them with a wall of pure magic. It was the only choice I had, the only thing that would have saved them both. The very connection that brought our realms together would have destroyed us both. It was Atlas who revealed the truth of the past, that werewolves were not from the human realm. A very small few of us had come here a long time ago, forgoing immortality for this new world. The only thin
Alpha Atlas Chapter 122
Something rippled behind Liam, towards the center of the charred circle of earth.The scent of rain filled my nose, marred only by the slightest hint of blood. The fae and werewolves must have been busy, identifying and burning the dead. My heart threatened to sink for the families who had lost loved ones in the battle, but I couldn’t let myself drown in the emotion, forever stuck in the past. I needed to press forward.The ground crunched beneath my feet, and I stopped when Liam placed a hand on my shoulder. I tilted my head, watching closely as the sun crested the trees, hitting the spot where we all stood.It looked like a thin film that spanned west and east, far into the sky where it vanished within the fiery light of the sun. I marveled at how it shimmered, the colors rippling like shaky water. When its color rippled like that, it was near impossible to see through. There seemed to be nothing on the other side, just the rest of the park.&ldqu
Alpha Atlas Chapter 121
I woke Atlas as the sun began streaming through the curtains, turning his platinum hair silver. His eyelids were pale blue, the dark circles beneath an even deeper shade.He shifted in his sleep, eyebrows furrowing as he felt my guilt. He really was exhausted.I tried to pry at the thick arms that were wound around my torso, pinning me to his chest. His plush lips moved as he mumbled, letting out a satisfied hum as he tightened his hold.The voices coming from the first floor of the house were growing louder. Tyra and Dustin were talking, heading through the kitchen and towards the stairs that would lead to Atlas and me.I smirked and pinched his bicep, “Tyra and Dustin are seconds away from knocking on this bedroom door. Either I can get you up, or they can.”A surprised yelp escaped my mouth when he rolled in bed, never once loosening his grip on me. My legs dangled uselessly as he stood from the bed, holding me against his chest.
