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
Atlas’ POV“That feels great.”“Does it?”“Fuck, yeah. Don’t stop. Right… there. Shit!”Crack.“You are very tense. You should not neglect your body this way.”“Well, if I knew you were so good with your hands, I would have asked for you to put them on me a long time ago,” I mumbled into the pillow as Onyx sat on my back giving me the best massage I’ve ever had. We were in the middle of a break after a long night of rough, sweaty, passionate fucking. And, my gods, she was amazing. No big surprise there. But, yeah, I never wanted anyone else. By the way she smiled and screamed, my name 12 times – yeah, I fucking kept a tally, because I loved the way she said it – I was pretty sure she felt the same. She ran her hands up to my shoulders squeezing tightly, up even higher to the base of my head, then she worked her way back down, rubbing and twisting my tight muscles, across my arms. My body was completely melted under her touch. Who knew the hands that had once caused me pain could brin
Atlas’ POVThe sun… when you think about it, it kind of sounds unbelievable. A flaming ball suspended in the sky that makes it possible for life to exist on this hellhole called Earth. It feeds the plants we rely on, provides us with heat, light, and warmth. As a Floridian, there were days I’d just bask in its glory. Without it, would any of us be here? It was such an important part of life, and yet in that particular moment I cursed its existence as it peeked through the window shining down on my sleeping beauty. The way her skin glistened underneath was a sight to see, but it was also a reminder of who she was; not a vampire, but a hybrid. I guess the question about can she survive in sunlight had been answered. I can’t get a break for shit. Hours later, and she was sleeping peacefully. As much work as we had put in through the night, she needed it. My fingers trailed gently down her soft, naked body while my lips followed closely behind planting kisses along the way.A fucking que
The last few hours were but a blurry haze. My life had been completely turned upside down. How is it a being can feel so high only to be dropped so low within such a short time span? It almost seemed unrealistic. But as I stared out the window looking at the beautiful white and fluffy clouds as the sun streamed through them, I was reminded that it was all too real.I had only imagined the sun in my dreams, and that did it no justice at all. Never did I think someone like me would enjoy its warmth, and yet, there I was. My fingers grazed the glass of the small plane window welcoming the bright light as I closed my eyes, basking in the rays. As much as I wanted to fully relish this experience, my heart was all but shattered. Where I thought I had felt pain because of the wolf before, it was nothing compared to what my body experienced at that moment. The ache in my chest could not be quieted. His betrayal cut deeper than any blade. How could he? How dare he? I gave and he t
And so, he began to tell me a story of great love and sorrow. It was odd hearing the details from him and learning the feelings he had for my mother, Iliana, but deep down I had always known he cared tremendously for her. Still, the fact that she was a wolf was surprising. I thought he hated them as much as me. He was the one to coax and mold me into this wolf-killing machine, but thinking back, he had always carried a sadness and a weight on him, the source to which was never known. Has everything truly been a lie?“Your mother was the love of my life. She will forever hold that title. No one can take her place.” My eyes widened at his words as he continued.“Even around 60 years ago, I was still an old and seasoned vampire. I had been leader of this coven for 40. Unlike my father and your grandfather, I preferred to rule with equal diplomacy and strength. Yes, wolves were naturally our enemies, but hunting them without cause was unnecessary. My goal was power, not fruitless death. I