Hiding Atlantis

Chapter 21

I just sat on the bed, not daring to move, my eyes still fixed on the now-closed door where Atlas left. My mind fails to process what just happened, and as soon as I manage to think clearly again, I reach out to my wolf to check if she's okay.

I was right. She's devastated that I stopped our mate from claiming us.

"I'm sorry, Laiah," I try to soothe her. "Atlas wasn't in his right mind. It was his wolf who wanted to mate us, not him. As his mate, we can't let him make a decision he'll regret... no matter how painful it is for us." I add, trying to make her understand.

I can feel her resentment and disappointment, but she doesn't howl or make any noise to oppose me.

I understand her. The Goddess knows how much I want to be with our mate. To be completely one with Atlas. It was my young heart's dream, and my soul's only desire. I've never loved anyone but Atlas, and I know my feelings for him won't change, no matter how many years pass.

It is only him I want.

It is only him I've dreamed of having a future with.

So stopping him earlier wasn't easy. Part of me wanted to pull him back to my neck so he could finally claim me. But I know that wouldn't do either of us any good. He might only resent me more for robbing him of a future with his beloved. My sister.

I checked on my wolf again, but she retreated to the far corner of my mind so I couldn't reach her.

I sigh. I know she just needs some time to think about what happened. I only hope she won't take long to forgive me. I need her.

I lie back down. I can no longer feel my heat the same way I can no longer feel Atlas. He's probably gone. He probably instantly regretted what he almost did and ran away so that he could control his wolf from claiming me.

A lone tear escapes my eye, and I quickly wipe it away. How I wish things were easier between us. I can't help but feel jealous whenever I'm around Elaine and Renzo. Even though they're still getting to know each other, I still feel jealous that they didn't have a problem connecting with each other. They accepted the mate bond like it was the most natural thing in the world, because it is. And I wish it were the same for me and Atlas.

I wake up the next morning anticipating the unbearable pain of my heat but it doesn't come. I touch my body and realize it's over.

Thank the Moon Goddess, my suffering is finally over.

I check on my wolf to see if she's still mad at me. I breathe a sigh of relief when I see her timidly smiling while wagging her tail. Her way of telling me she's fine and that she's already forgiven me.

I smile back at her and get out of bed to go outside the bedroom.