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Chapter 36
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2024-10-29 19:42:56"You're not going to tell me what that was about, are you?" Tyra chuckled dryly, raising her eyebrow in my direction.
"Not at the moment, no." I shook my head.
I wasn't sure what to make of it myself, and the last thing I wanted to do was jump to conclusions. Michelle and Atlas could have easily broken up, or maybe she found her mate and left him. That thought sent a wave of sickening approval through me. It wasn't uncommon for mates to start families early. The other option was one I didn't want to think about, that the child she carried might belong to Atlas. It took a minute to force the thoughts from my mind, bottling them down tightly.
I gave Liam a call that night, giving him a rundown of everything that happened this week. I could've had Dustin make the call, but I felt like Liam and I were growing distant. Things had been strained since he lied and sent Atlas away, but I was beginning to no longer blame him. I conveniently l
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The words had hardly left my mouth before my world shifted. I was slammed against the rough bark of a tree, and grimaced as it scratched my back. The pain was replaced by sparks, and the thick scent of Atlas. Pine needles and male musk, rich and earthy as it invaded my senses. Atlas's face was inches from my own, one of his large hands placed over my open mouth. I had never been close enough to see the depth of Atlas's eyes before, but stifled a ragged breath as I lost myself in them. Light shades of blue mixed with white tones, reminding me of clear sheets of ice."Don't say those words, kitten." Atlas spoke lowly, those captivating eyes burning into my own. His large chest moved against my own, his breathing heavy as the mate-bond between us pulsed like a living thing. As quickly as I was sucked into his eyes and his warm chest, anger flared to life in my stomach. The sparks that danced along my skin reminded me of the fire that once pulsed in my veins. I wasn't
Alpha Atlas   Chapter 38
The cool nighttime breeze was replaced with warm gusts of spring wind, carrying the scent of flowers and something sweet. The speckling of stars that danced across the sky vanished, leaving a bright sun and two faded moons in its wake. Sunlight danced through the clearing I stood in, peering through the trees that seemed much larger in this world. The trees were full of leaves, all varying shapes and sizes. The leaves were a bright emerald that drew my full attention. These trees were nothing like the ones back home. All of the colors here were brighter, like someone placed a filter over the world.The tugging in my stomach had finally stopped, and it took me a minute to realize what I had done. Portals were tricky, never staying in one place for too long. Liam had tracked portal openings all over the country by pinpointing the random attacks, each one more different than the next. One would open on the East coast, only to close and end up in Alaska three years later. There w
Alpha Atlas   Chapter 39
I stumbled to my feet and pushed myself forward, running through the woods as fast as I could manage. The sound of birds chirping helped calm my ragged nerves. I looked at the trees and their big leaves, noting how the color seemed dull compared to the Fae realm. At least nothing here would try to eat me, I told myself. Breathing against the burning in my legs, I called out to Tyra and Dustin.'You there guys?' I reached out to the two of them, sighing in relief when I felt the mind-link connect.'Rae?' Tyra's voice filled my mind, followed by a frantic Dustin. 'Where the fuck have you been?''It's been two days, Rae.' Dustin snapped, worry clear in his voice. 'You couldn't just let us know you were okay?''Get Atlas and Duke, meet me at the house. I'll explain then.' I hissed through the mind-link, ending it as I continued running.My mind was in shambles, trying to process how I had been gone for two days. Two entire days. That would make it Mond
Alpha Atlas   Chapter 40
By the time I emerged from my bedroom, both Duke and Atlas had left. Even though it was the middle of the day, exhaustion was beginning to creep up on me. I blamed it on my sudden disappearance, and the fact that I had lost nearly two days in the span of half an hour. The bout of exhaustion could've also been caused by the horrifying creature that had chased me far from the Fae realm. Either way, my heavy eyelids were begging for a break and I was more than happy to oblige.After letting Tyra and Dustin know about Liam's immediate visit, I grabbed a quick snack and headed back upstairs. While I knew Liam visiting would add more tension to the situation, I couldn't help but hope Nicki would tag along with him. Kris had been busy learning the duties of Beta from his Dad, but I still hoped he would tag along as well. I chuckled to myself as I imagined Liam trying to refuse her. Nicki would blow a gasket if she found out Liam ran off to Atlas's pack without her. Dustin seemed ela
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My head was splitting. Cracked open, exposed like a nerve as I desperately wracked my damaged memory for something familiar, for something that made sense.It felt like I was scanning old photographs, some blurry and unfocused while others were crisp. Some had a strange film over them, too shiny--to accurate.I still remembered the night I lost my memory, the night I hit my head. Dad and I had gone camping, as we had many times before. I could remember the taste of smoke wafting from the campfire, the sharp scent of damp leaves and dirt. I could even remember the brilliant moon, just a small sliver in the sky. I remembered the scent of a wet animal as the large grizzly bear stepped into the small clearing with my Dad and I. I remembered how it stood on its hind legs, its beady little eyes staring us down. How silly the bear must have felt, I remembered thinking countless times. It had thought we were the prey, that we were weak, defenseless humans. It didn't know my Da
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It was then my legs allowed me to move, but instead of walking deeper into the forest like I planned, I stepped into Atlas's backyard. I figured it was the least I could do to give him a good chase, to lead him in circles for half the night before finally retiring back to bed, but my legs had other plans. I hoped the lingering darkness would shield the horrendous blush that stained my face.Atlas was down the stairs before I could blink, standing in front of me with those unwavering crystal-clear eyes of his. I couldn't name another time I had seen those eyes, had seen eyes so blue and so light. They were completely unique to him, an oddity that no one else seemed to possess."Eavesdropping doesn't seem like your style." Atlas smirked, his full lips lifting at the corners."It's not, and I wasn't eavesdropping." I found my voice, and nearly growled at the lack of hostility in it. My head knew how I felt about Atlas, but my heart seemed slow on the update. "It's
Alpha Atlas   Chapter 43
I stood inside of my old house, years before we had ever decided to leave. It was a year after my Dad had died, making me nine years old. The deep navy sofa was still old and lumpy, but newer than I remembered seeing it. There were no lipstick stains from Alyssa and I, or small tears from the time I brought a stray kitten home. My nine-year-old self sat on the couch, bare toes almost reaching the floor. I had a bowl of popcorn in my hands, smiling at the television as some colorful movie played. Dim light from the moon peered through the sheer curtains in the living room. While I recognized this as one of mine and Mom's frequent movie nights, I had no recollection of this particular memory.Mom came downstairs, and my breath hitched as I ran my eyes over her smiling face. She was so close, close enough to touch and yet I couldn't bring myself to move. I traced every line and curve with my eyes, committing her face to memory. Her kind eyes and wide smile, the way she'd always
Alpha Atlas   Chapter 44
"Good morning, kitten." Atlas spoke from where he stood across the room. Leaning against the wall with his muscular arms crossed, Atlas stared at me with those unwavering crystal eyes. "Now, would you like to tell me what the hell happened to you?"I had just a few seconds to decide if I wanted to say anything. I wasn't exactly sure what happened to me. All I knew was I was being haunted by memories I had somehow forgotten. None of it made sense. Not the memories, nor the snippets of information I learned from them.I ran my eyes over Atlas's form, and noticed the dark circles that lined his eyes. His hair was a mess, platinum blonde strands sticking up around his head. His clothes were crumpled and messy. Judging from the light pouring in through the window, I had missed another day of training. Atlas's scent, thick and alluring, lingered in every corner of the room. I stiffened on sight as I realized whose bed, I had slept in. Atlas had brought me inside his house, p
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
