“Wolven are drawn to their mate by an unknown force. For some it happens instantaneously, but for others it takes time for the urge to mate with their partner to form. That’s what I thought would happen with Jade, and it just never did. She wasn’t my fated mate.” He bit his lip and scrubbed his hand over the back of his head. “I know this is probably overwhelming…” He trailed off and looked away, his brows furrowed with concern.
Mates?
Was he implying what I thought he was implying?
Did Atlas think that we were mates?
“W-what happens? When you find your mate?” I whispered, my voice wavering just the slightest as my heart beat a rapid rhythm in my chest.
“Well, for wolven, one partner will bite the other and claim them. Then they’re connected.” He paused a beat before speaking. “Forever.”
My dream came to mind and heat pooled low in my belly at the thought of Atlas sinking his teeth into my skin. Claiming me. Bonding me to him forever. Things were still so early on in our relationship that the very idea of being bonded with him for the rest of my life should have made my skin crawl, but it didn’t.
It excited me.
“I understand if this is too much for you.” His voice was heavy with distress, his eyes wide and pleading, obviously hoping that it wasn’t too much for me.
There was so much about this that was new, different even, but it wasn’t going to deter me from pursuing something with Atlas, but that’s when I remembered.
“It isn’t. But, um, during rut, would I be safe? With you?” I hated asking, but I honestly didn’t know if Atlas would be able to control himself around me when he was in that state.
Before I knew what was happening, Atlas bolted upright, his computer chair toppling to the floor with a loud crash as he made his way around the desk. He held me to his chest, his muscular arms wrapping me in a tight hug.
“Tegan, I—I would never—” His voice was strained. “I would never hurt you. At least not in a way you didn’t like,” he mumbled as he rubbed the soft fur of his face along the column of my neck. “I promise.”
I draped my arms around his scruff, reveling in the warmth of his body and the certainty of his words. I knew deep in my heart it was the truth. Just like I knew that he wouldn’t be spending another full moon with anyone else but me.
Thirty-Five
Atlas
“As much as I’m enjoyingthis, don’t you have to get ready for work, baby?” I peppered kisses along her jawline and flared my nostrils, inhaling as much of her scent as I could.
“Yeah, you’re probably right,” she said as she buried her face in the fluffy hair of my ruff. “But you’re just so warm.” She let out a small sigh and I could have died from cuteness overload.
This was everything I had wanted for so long.
“Come on. That’s a good girl,” I said as she peeled herself away from my body and rose to her feet. “Let me help you get your stuff to your car. I’m sorry for even dragging you here in the first place.”
I reached for her bag, but Tegan grabbed it before I could get to it. “It’s okay. I got it.” She ran her fingers through the fur of my arm. “I can walk myself out. I’m sure you have work to do.” She tilted her head toward the stack of papers gracing the corner of my desk. Unpaid invoices, time sheets, and promotional proofs all awaited my approval.
“Are you sure?” I whined, and nuzzled her softly.
“Positive. I’ll text you later.” She stood on her tiptoes and placed a light kiss on my snout.
When she pulled away, I let out a groan, which had her smiling. I didn’t want her to go, but we were adults with lives and responsibilities. It wasn’t like I was never going to see her again.
“Bye,” she said, clutching the doorframe of my office.
“Bye, baby.” I watched her walk away, staring after her like an idiot for a moment before sitting down at my computer.
I puffed out a breath and ran my fingers through my fur.
Of all the times for Jade to show her face around here, it had to be when Tegan was with me. In a way, it had worked out, though.
Tegan and I needed to have this discussion.
I hated it, but some of the things Jade brought up made sense. Wolven were different during the full moon. Would I be able to control myself around Tegan? Sure, I told hernowthat I wouldn’t hurt her, but what if I was too rough with her during rut?
