AMELIAThe unexpected touch made me tense, his head suddenly buried into my neck, making me feel his hot breath as my lips parted.I turned to find Atlas standing behind me, his eyes locking onto mine. He had a mask on; the mask concealed part of his face, but I knew it was him. I could never miss those golden eyes. His gaze sent a chill down my spine, and I felt an unusual feeling rising inside me, an uneasy knot tightening in my stomach as his gaze held mine.Despite the discomfort, I found myself oddly captivated by his presence.“I prefer to keep my clothes intact, thank you,” I replied, attempting to sound composed despite the unsettling situation. Atlas chuckled as he held my waist and pulled me closer to him.“Such a spirit,” he said, his lips curling into a half-smile. “But don’t worry, I won’t ruin this beautiful dress. We have a banquet to attend, after all.”“Is that what you do before every banquet?” Why was I asking him this? I groaned inwardly. It was not my business if
AMELIAShock etched across my face. What did he mean by that? If this was a setup, why was he still allowing the banquet to hold? Before I could process it fully, he smoothly twirled me around as the music gracefully came to an end.As the music faded, Atlas took a step back alongside the men on the dance floor. He stared at me while the rest bowed their heads to the dancer. Wasn't he going to bow as well? Right! He was the Alpha. I bowed my head slightly to him as one of Atlas's bodyguards swiftly approached, handing him a microphone.With a commanding presence, Atlas gaze left mine and faced everyone. "Ladies and gentlemen, please find your seats and indulge in the delights of this splendid banquet," he announced, effortlessly steering the crowd's attention away from whatever they were doing.They all bowed their head to him and made their way to their seat."Shall we?" Atlas asked returning the microphone to the guard and grabbing my hand in his before I could answer.Navigating
ATLASThe warmth of Amelia’s lips lingered on mine as our lips parted. I have been wanting to kiss her since I saw her in that gown; I knew Ethel would do a good job picking the right gown and seeing her in it only intensified my longing.I could see the curves of her hips, the swell of her breast and all I wanted to do was rip her clothes off. My cock hardened, nearly ripping out of my pants as I kissed her.I wanted more, I wanted to feel her tongue on mine, to nibble on that bottom lips of hers but I could feel the sea of eyes currently looking at us and wondering who the hell she was. I had never kissed anyone publicly before, but I didn’t care about their opinions right now. This was my mate and, as the Alpha, I would do as I pleased.Amelia's eyes slowly opened, her lips still parted in shock as I ran my thumb through her bottom lips, caressing it softly. Her eyes slowly darted from me to the guest, but I held her chin, turning her to face me. “Hey, eyes on me,” I ordered. My
ATLAS“Sage, I don’t make accusations lightly. The evidence speaks for itself,” I replied, my voice unwavering. “I cannot tolerate betrayal, and the safety of the pack is my utmost priority.”Sage’s eyes filled with a mixture of disbelief and confusion. Her jaw flexed, but her face remained stoic.Enzo had said she would have an outburst, especially when I was known to inform her of all my plans, but I had left this one to myself. I knew she wouldn’t accept it and even if she told me she would, she would find a way to protect her father from what was about to happen to him.“There must be a misunderstanding. My father wouldn’t betray you or the pack.” Sage said. “He has always put the pack before him. Even when you were away for two months, he didn’t relent on helping the pack.”The traitors, still held by my guards, remained silent, avoiding eye contact with the accusing gazes of the pack members. The truth hung heavy in the air, and it was just what I wanted. Now even I couldn’t sto
AMELIAOphelia guided me to the room as a whirlwind of emotions built up within me at the realization that Atlas was my mate.When he kissed me, I had felt it. The overwhelming feeling had confused even Lycia.'Mate,' she had whispered in a low voice in my head when his lips left mine.The feel of his lips still lingered on mine as Ophelia led me to the bed, sitting me down and staring at me with a worried look."I will inform Ethel to bring you something to eat," Ophelia said."No, it's fine.""Are you sure? You look....""Alright, I will have something to eat."Ophelia nodded, heading for the door as I called out to her, "You said it was a spell. Do you know who placed the spell on me?" I asked. "You should eat and rest. I will be here first thing in the morning, then we can talk about the spell and how to get rid of it completely.""But I had a mate before I...""You were destined to be with the Alpha," Ophelia interrupted me. "Your first mate would have killed you after accepting
AMELIAI sat up, perplexed by his presence. My eyes scanned the room as the moonlight spilled through the window, casting a soft glow on his features. Confusion etched my face, as I couldn't help but wonder how he had got inside.Did he watch me sleep? "How did you get in here?" I asked, curiosity laced in my voice. He stared at me, his gaze steady. He took a moment before responding. His piercing eyes seemed to search mine, assessing for something."This is my house, Amelia," he replied, a faint smile playing on his lips.Frowning, I couldn't shake the feeling of him sitting there and watching me sleep. Before I could ask him if he had truly watched me sleep. He redirected the conversation, his tone gentle yet probing. "Why were you crying in your sleep, Wildcat?"Surprised by his question, my eyes widened. Did I cry in my sleep? I opened my mouth to speak, but hesitated. "It's none of your business," I retorted.He leaned in slightly, his eyes unwavering. "It is my business now, a
ATLASThe loud knocking on my door yanked me out of my sleep. As my eyes opened, adjusting to the brightly lit room, I stared at Amelia lying in my arms, captivated by the rhythmic swell of her breast beneath the soft fabric.My lips curled up in a smile as I tucked a strand of hair on her face behind her ear. She looked so peaceful this way.I could have sworn I heard the sound of the door or was it a dream? I looked at the window; the room was bathed in the golden hues of dawn as the sun streamed through the window, casting a warm glow upon every surface. Startled, I abruptly rose from the bed, a jolt of realization coursing through me at the realization that it was daybreak. Rising from the bed, a sense of unease settled over me like a shroud.It was daybreak? I had never slept in till daybreak. I had never slept without dreaming.My eyes fell on Amelia, who was now stretching on the bed, opening her eyes slowly. My action seemed to have woken her up. "A-Atlas," she murmured, dr
ATLASMy gaze bore deep into hers as she struggled in my grasp. I could see the desperation in her eyes as she tried to break free, eyes wide, face etched with fear as her body writhed in the air. "P-please," she struggled to beg, her words strained as her gasp for air slowed down, her tight grip on my hand loosen as Amelia's voice breaks through my thought."Atlas let her go, you..you will kill her," Amelia said in a low voice, but I could hear the urgency in her voice. Maybe I should, just one tiny twist to either side. I will hear the sound of her bones breaking. She had defiled me, privately and now publicly. She spoke to me without fear. "Please," Amelia pleaded. Why was she begging for this woman? I released my grip on her neck slowly, letting her drop to the floor, gasping for breath. Anger still pulsating through my veins, but I couldn't let it consume me. Not in this moment."Have her locked in her room, until I figure out what to do with her," I ordered through clenched
AMELIA My heart swells with pride and joy as I hug Atlas tightly. I can't believe that he was chosen as the Alpha King. In a way, I dreamt of him being the Alpha King but I was also accepting if he came home otherwise. It all didn't matter to me but this is a testament to his strength, courage, and leadership qualities. He is a good leader who always puts his pack first and I know he will do well to protect his pack and other packs at large. "I'm so proud of you," I whisper this time, my voice thick with emotion. "You're going to do great." He smiles down at me, his eyes filled with love and admiration. "Thank you, my love," he says. "I couldn't have done it without you, so 'We' are going to do great." He gently cups my face in his hands and leans in to kiss me. The kiss is slow yet passionate and filled with all the love and longing we have been feeling for each other during our time apart. When we finally pull away, I can't help but smile. "I love you, Atlas." "I love you," h
_TWO WEEKS LATER_AMELIAI roll over in bed, waking up to the sunlight streaming through the window and casting a warm glow across the room. I stretch and yawn, then roll over to check my phone on the bedside table. There is a message from Atlas.[Good morning, beautiful. Miss you tons here. Another day closer to seeing you. :)]My heart skips a beat as I read his words. It has been two weeks since he left for the Alpha King Chosen Games, and I miss him more than anything. We have been communicating constantly over the phone, but it isn't the same as being with him in person.To think he just got back after being away and now we have to talk over the phone again, I just hope this doesn't become a constant thing. I get out of bed and walk over to the window, looking out at the forest below. The trees are still bare, but I can see the first hints of spring in the air. I wonder what Atlas is doing at that moment. Is he training? Is he competing in one of the challenges? Is he thinking a
~ONE WEEKS LATER ~ATLASIt has been one week since Amelia's mother died, by rites we had to conduct the burial two days later but the burial was shifted to today because Amelia wanted her mother to be cremated.In her words, she doesn't want anyone to be able to use her mother's body ever again. I know her mother's death took a toll on her, so I made sure to keep the burial within the mansion.We stand by her mother's body watching it burn into ashes, Amelia sobs silently in my embrace. She has barely said a full sentence over the past few days, as long as she eats and allows me to comfort her I do not bother her about talking. I understand the pain she must be going through, to lose someone yet again, and this time right before your own eyes knowing you could have saved them if you knew sooner. In a way, she blames Griffin. I saw it in her eyes when we left the room as she cried out in my arms. She blames him for keeping her out of their plans for years and she blames herself more
AMELIA"Don't be, my child," my mother whispers, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's not your fault."I shake my head, tears streaming down my face. "But it is," I sob. "I should have been there for you, I should have protected you."If I had not been so naive, if I had been more observant then maybe I would have seen that her death wasn't real. Maybe I would have picked up on her closeness with Griffin and why? I squeeze her hand tightly not wanting to let go of her, tears streaming down my eyes uncontrollably."You couldn't have known," she says softly. "This was meant to happen.""No, it wasn't," I argue. "You didn't deserve this." The Alpha King did this to her, and I am grateful he is dead now but I can't lose her, I can't lose her again. She needs to fight this and stay with me."I know, my sweet," she says. "But it's too late now and we must accept our fate."I grip her hand tightly, refusing to let go. "No, it's not too late," I say fiercely. "I'll find a way to save you.
AMELIAAfter Atlas leaves, I close my eyes hoping to fall asleep but my eyes open at the sound of a knock on the door. I tilt my head slightly to find Griffin by the door with a grin on his face, he steps in and closes the door behind him."Hey," he says walking towards the bed. "I thought to come and check on you after what I heard happened to you."I straighten up on the bed pulling the duvet over my chest, "Atlas told you?" I ask wondering how he knew I was in Atlas room. He shakes his head in a sign of No, "I have my ways Amelia, the only issue I am having currently is getting into your head," he replies grabbing a chair in the corner of the room and placing it next to the bed. His eyes fall on the table broken into pieces by the side of the room as he takes his seat, he smirks at the sight of it and turns his gaze to me. "What have your beloved mate been up to?" He asks. "I thought he would have died by now but turns out he has been able to hold on for a little longer."My eye
ATLAS I get up from the bed reluctantly, my mind filled with worry and uncertainty. As I walk down the corridors of the packhouse towards the living room, I mind-link one of the guards to get me Ophelia but I find her in the living room discussing with one of the guards. "Alpha," she turns around sensing my presence, and bows her head. "I was discussing with the guard to watch over our Luna, I suspected that you might be tired from the journey," she says a hint of concern in her voice."I need to talk to you about something," I reply, my voice filled with urgency as I raise my hand in the air waving the guard off. The guard bows his head and excuses us."Something is happening to me, something strange," I admit to her going to sit down on one of the couches, she follows behind and takes a seat opposite me. Ophelia's eyes narrow as she studies me, sensing the gravity of my words. "What is it?" she asks.Taking a deep breath, I begin to explain everything that has been happening. The
ATLASShe responds eagerly, her arms wrapping around my neck. It is a kiss filled with passion and longing. As we break apart, I gaze into her eyes, seeing the love and trust reflecting on me.She sits up and leans closer to me wrapping her hand around my waist and pulling me closer to her, a smirk falls on my face watching what she is doing. She places her head on my chest snuggling in, "You feel so warm," she mutters.I place my hand to her shoulder pushing her off slowly away from me. She raises an eyebrow at me with a questioning look but her eyes soon soften when she sees me getting in bed with her. Pulling her closer to me she snuggles in closer to me again resting her head on my chest as I wrap my hand around her.My hand suddenly trembles on her, I raise it to look at my hand feeling the darkness consuming me again, she raises her head to look at me wondering what's wrong. As her eyes meet mine, her lips part, "your eyes," she says sitting up straight. "It's red." I nod agr
ATLASI stare at her neck yanking her hair further back as she swallows in, her eyes flickering with fear at what I am about to do to her.Placing the silver blade to her neck, a knock suddenly falls on the door. I stare at Easton, and he nods going to check who dared to interrupt us. Easton opens the door slightly making me unable to see who is on the other side but I don't miss the words of the woman behind the door. "Ophelia asked me to inform the Alpha that our Luna is awake."My hardened gaze softens at the realization that Ophelia was able to keep her alive. I let go of Nicole's hair, she breathes out relief washing over her face. "Take care of them," I instruct Easton, gesturing the silver blades toward Zayn and Nicole. "A slow death."Easton nods, "Yes, Alpha."I rush out of the cell following the woman back to my room, my heart pounding with a mix of anticipation and fear. As I enter, I see Ophelia and the other witches by her bedside. "She is better now but will take awhi
ATLASEaston quickly nods and rushes out of the room to carry out my orders. I can sense the fear emanating from him, knowing that he has let me down in the worst possible way. I turn my attention back to Amelia, my heart aching with every passing second. Her breathing is shallow, and I can see the struggle on her face. It's as if time has slowed down, and the weight of the world rests on my shoulders.I lean closer to her, "I am right here, Wildcat," I say aloud hoping she can hear me.I can feel the connection between us vibrating with energy as if begging her to hold on, to fight. I pour every ounce of love and strength I have into the bond, hoping that it will somehow reach her and ignite a spark of hope within her.Minutes turn into hours, and I refuse to leave her side. I whisper words of encouragement, recounting the moments we've shared, reminding her of the love that we shared. But still, there is no response.I decide to freshen up, I reek of blood and sweat and if she wake