Feral Obsession

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Ruby didn't know whether she was disappointed or relieved that Atlas was not there when she woke up the next morning. When she checked the time, she was startled to find it was half past ten in the morning.

Her stomach sank at the implication that the only reason she had gotten any sleep at all was because of Atlas. She could still feel the ghost of his embrace wrapped around her, his warmth lulling her into a deeper sleep than she'd anticipated.

And the kiss. Her cheeks burned as she recalled just how into it she had been. She flip-flopped between wondering if this was a one off, or if it actually meant something, considering he'd bought her lunch and dinner. And slept in her bed.

She hadn't even invited him over. He'd come, all on his own, worried about her sleeping habits.

Ruby laid there for a moment, her mind spinning. Atlas had called her his mate last night. He'd been fairly confident that this was the truth, too. And, while Ruby hated to admit it, it made sense. Why else would Kierson have assumed Atlas would come rescue her? Even Madison had tiptoed around the topic of mate, smiling sadly to Ruby as if she had been sad for her.

Ruby had assumed it was because she was human, and therefore didn't have a mate. But the truth sunk deep in her chest: Madison had known all along. Hell, Thomas had known.

And what did that mean for Ruby? She pulled on a t-shirt and cutoff jean shorts, rushing out her apartment door. Having Clarice was entirely too convenient, and Ruby had the sinking feeling that Clarice already knew.

When she knocked on Clarice's door, Ruby felt too jumpy to stand still. She shifted her weight repeatedly, cracking her knuckles, crossing and uncrossing her arms. She was half afraid that Atlas would pop out of nowhere.

When Clarice opened the door, it was obvious Ruby had woken her. "Hey," rubbed her eyes with a smile. "What's the fire? We don't have dance today."

Ruby looked down the hallway on both sides hastily. Checking to see if Atlas was hiding anywhere. "Did you know? That Atlas is my mate?"

Understanding lit up in Clarice's eyes. "Ah," she said with a sly smile. She opened her apartment door wider. "Did Atlas pop the question?"

"Question?" Ruby felt her chest getting uncomfortably tight. "What question?"

Clarice tilted her head back, gesturing into her apartment. "How about you come in? I haven't had my morning coffee yet."

Ruby followed obediently. Her eyes searched the apartment, finding cool, sleek tones in the furniture. Clarice had decorated with a touch of modern, everything gleaming smooth metallic. It was meticulous; not a speck of dust in sight. No knicknacks, either. Ruby moved to sit at the bar, watching as Clarice turned on the coffee maker. "Hazelnut okay?"

"Yeah. Sure." Ruby's eyes got stuck on a wooden figurine on the kitchen counter. It was a miniature wolf. "Now, how long have you known Atlas was my mate?"

As soon as Clarice was finished pouring the coffee grounds and setting up the machine, she turned and leaned against the back counter. Her smile was feline with the rise of an eyebrow. "I've known since the moment you moved into this building. Atlas can't keep a secret from me. He's too predictable."

Ruby did the math in her head. "You've known since June? All this time? But Atlas wanted me homeless!"

Clarice waved her hand. "I knew he'd never go through with it. While Brody was pushy about Atlas letting you stay, I was quiet. Waiting. I knew he'd bring you to me eventually. And I knew he'd never actually release you into the city where he couldn't keep an eye on you. Once Atlas knew, it was over for him. Over for you, too." Then, her smile slipped off her face and she took a step forward towards the bar where Ruby sat. "Unless you want out. I was serious about that. Say the word Ruby, and I'll help you escape. Being his mate means nothing if you don't want him. Or this."