HOLLOW

•TEN•

•Natalie's POV•
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I felt shuffling beside me, causing me to wake up with a start. "Sorry," I heard Athanasios' gruff morning voice beside me. A light blush had taken over my face when I noticed we had slept in each other's embrace. "It's okay. I would've woken up soon anyway." I explain.

I was going to get up but Athanasios held me in place. "We fell asleep late, go back to sleep." He says, stroking my hair. I nod, placing my head back where it was on his chest. I could hear his steady heartbeat as he inhaled and exhaled. I found my left arm winding around his torso in a slight hug.

I could feel his muscle all around his midsection. I don't think there was an ounce of fat on this man's body. I felt his hands play in my hair and I would be lying if I said it wasn't relaxing. If I could wake up like this every day, I would. His left arm was wound under me, keeping me close to him. I felt his hand drawing circles on my back as I fell deeper into sleep.

When I woke up again, I was in my room. I felt a wave of sadness wash over me as I wished Athanasios was here. The more we touched, the more my greed for him grew. Do you know how some people are addicted to food, drugs, or anything? I was starting to feel as if he was my addiction.

I grudgingly got in the shower and did my usual morning routine. When I washed my hair, I thought about how he had run his large hands through it this morning. It was one of the most relaxing things I've ever felt. When we touched, I felt like nothing in the world mattered.

A knock on my door broke the silence within my room. I was starting to get used to the early morning knocks on the door. I doubt it would stop anyways. On the other side of the door was Ioanna. I remember when she brought me food in that cell. "Hello!" She chirped. I returned her greeting with a grin.

"What brings you here?" I ask. She shrugs. "Just thought you would like to do something." She says. I didn't have anything planned for today and I haven't seen her in a while. "Sure. What did you have in mind?" I question. She shrugged again but this time with a small smile. "I've been needing a girls day for the longest." She says. I laugh and nod before walking with her.

We ended up getting our hair and nails done. After that, we went shopping. I still had the credit card that Zephyra gave me. With that, I bought a few dresses and outfits.

"Try that one, I think it would look nice on you," Ioanna says. We were back in my room trying on the clothes we bought. While we were out, I had my hair curled loosely and my nails painted a nude color. I took the dress that she handed me and changed into it in the bathroom.

When I looked in the bathroom mirror, I saw that I looked so different. My hair looked to have more volume and the bodycon dress hugged my body nicely. I guess Ioanna really did have a good eye for these things. I walked back into the main room and waited for Ioanna's reaction.

"Oh my gosh! If Athanasios saw you he would drool!" She squealed. I looked at her with a curious face. I heard her snicker and she playfully rolled her eyes. "It's obvious that you and Athanasios are mates! Everyone knows." She says. Was it really that obvious? I was never really good at hiding my emotions.

"As I was saying! Athanasios would drool if he saw you... So let's go find him!" Before I could comprehend her words she had a death-grip on my arm and was dragging me out the room. "What are you doing!?" I ask as I followed closely behind her. "Oh please! It would be a shame if he missed out on the view!" She says completely ignoring my panicked tone.

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•Athanasios' POV•

I waited impatiently in the ballroom for my mate. Today was her birthday and I wanted to do something special for her. I felt bad for keeping her here when she wanted to go home. I want to make it up to her. The ballroom doors were pushed open and I saw Ioanna push my mate into the room. My wolf growled. "Gentle," I said loud enough for Ioanna to hear. "Sorry!" She let the door close behind my mate and my attention quickly diverted to her.

She's unbelievably beautiful. I fell in love the first time I saw her. Her beautiful hair, intricate eyes, and her body. The dress defined all of the little curves she had. She is a lot more than I ever expected. "Come here," I said to her. She began making her way towards me. She did that shy walk of hers all the way to where I was standing.

I rested my hands around her waist and pulled her closer to me. My wolf couldn't bare having her so far away. She was so small as my hands took up most of her torso. "Look at me," her head slowly rose to meet my eyes. I finally had a closer look at her.

"You are very beautiful," I tell her. The blush that I loved covered her small face. I felt my lips slightly curl up into a smile. "T-thank you," She stutters out. My hand pulled a stray piece of hair behind her warm ear. "I have a surprise for you," I say, swaying us side to side. "What is it?" She asks. I loved hearing her voice every day. Whatever problems I have, her voice alone can solve it. "I know you miss your home. So, I'm going to let you visit them for a week."

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•Natalie's POV•

I felt them. I felt the sparks, and I smelled his scent. "Really?" I ask him. I've been wanting to see my family. Mostly because I didn't want them to worry about my disappearance. Athanasios nodded. I rested my head on his large chest as he rubbed soothingly on my back. "Happy Birthday," I heard him whisper in my ear. My head shot up from his chest. I looked him in his eyes and saw a glint of playfulness. "You are very sneaky," I said to him causing a chuckle to break through the air. "Anything for you."

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It was later that night and I was trying to pack my bags. Athanasios told me that we would leave in two days that alone had me panicking. I was having trouble choosing outfits. Anyone would with a wardrobe this big would. I would need some hep from Ioanna sometime tomorrow. Right now I had two outfits packed and we were supposed to be staying for a week.

With a final huff, I threw the articles of clothing across the room. They landed somewhere in the pile of unfit clothes. I give up on packing for today. It was stressful. I climbed into my bed and curled up under the comforter.

I can't do it. I just could not do it! My mind kept me awake with thoughts of my mate. Athanasios, Athanasios, Athanasios. Oh how he held me the night before, how his hands stroked me so softly. I was cold without his warmth and I have had enough of this. I threw the useless blanket off of me and made my way down the hallway.

I knocked on the door and waited for him to come to open it since I couldn't. Soon, the door was opened by a shirtless Athanasios who was only in boxers. He looked wide awake. "Couldn't sleep," I answer his questioning look. He opened the door wider and I easily passed through.

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