TESSA’S POV
The heaviness of the rain, wind howls, and trees’ shudders were the only sounds breaking the silence in the barn. No one dared speak between us. It was as if we were both enjoying the silence and coldness-with which it sat on our bones.
Atlas remained in his position, giving me a warm hug. My heart raced faster than it ever had. I could feel his manly scent all over him as he wrapped his arms around my waist perfectly, like they were meant to be there. Despite the crazy beatings of my heart, I had no idea why I felt safe in his arms. In fact, I’ve never felt this safe before. It was unexpected to feel it from someone who I disliked at first sight.
I took a deep breath, my eyes gazing at the fire across from me, but my thoughts were like a mess. It’s all because of Atlas’ warm fingers on my skin.
“How do you feel, hmm?” he whispered in my ear. His warm and breathy voice sent shivers down my spine.
I swallowed and answered, “I feel… warmth.”
“We’re going to stay this way then until the rain stops,” he uttered. I could not help but wonder why his tone sounded like music to my ears, but it only added to the warmth that he made me feel. “Tell a story. I’d love to hear one.”
“Right now?” I asked, frowning, checking over my shoulder and meeting his gaze.
This was the first time I’d seen his tantalizing marble gray eyes up close. They looked like diamonds that shone in the darkness and wanted to speak a thousand words. They looked as if they were caged by these unvoiced emotions, which I found hard to fathom.
There was no doubt that Atlas Edevane was a head-turner. Compared to the boys in White Bridge, his entire physique stood out. Maybe because he was a werewolf and his genes were somewhat different from those of a normal human being. I didn’t know. But to say that he was gorgeous would be an understatement. He was damn perfect.
“Right now,” he repeated. “Tell a story about how you lived as a human.”
My eyes went back to the fire in front of us. For a brief moment, I was silent. I was not sure how I would tell him something about my past without breaking down. But I still did it, anyway.
“I grew up in a family that made me feel unwanted all my life.” I sucked in a long breath before, as it felt like I was about to go down memory lane. “Ever since I was a child, I have craved their attention and love, but those weren’t given to me.” I paused for a bit to gather my thoughts and shut my eyes as I recalled how my life was in the hands of the Steinfields. “My adoptive sister bullied me, framing me for something that I did not do and making it appear that I was treating her badly when it was vice versa, and my adoptive parents always believed her. My life in White Bridge was pretty much… sad, and it became sadder when I found out that I lived with a family of hunters who were the reason why my biological parents died…”
Atlas did not say a word, and I was glad he remained quiet as my emotions started to well up inside of me. I had never broken down in front of my vampire guardians, thinking it would hurt them a lot if I did so. However, at this very moment, my tears streamed down my face, and I let my emotions take over me.
“I didn’t know why fate seemed to be playing tricks with me. Why did it let me live with them despite the fact that they were the reason I became an orphan? I didn’t even get a chance to meet my parents…” I caught my breath and swallowed deeply. “I didn’t even get a chance to have a memory of them in my head. It was just so cruel that fate had snatched those chances from me. I mean, why me?”
He breathed heavily, and the next thing I knew, he was cupping my cheek, making me gaze at him. I could see the sincerest emotion painted in his orbs, as if telling me that he felt me, and my emotions toward how fate ruined my real family were entirely valid.
Tears fell pooled in my eyes as I looked at him, feeling the greatest comfort that I didn’t expect to receive from him.
“I wish I could do something to ease the pain you feel. You’ve been through the hardest,” he said in his low, soothing voice. “And if I had the power to rectify that, I wouldn’t hesitate to do it.” His thumb wiped my tears away, brushing against my skin like he felt the overwhelming pain that wanted to come out of my chest. “You didn’t deserve any of that, Tessa…”
I gulped. The way he said those words calmed my heart. Why was it so soothing to hear it from someone I disliked? Why was I able to find comfort, not only in his warmth, but also in his words? My heart rate kept increasing as I looked at him longer, and I didn’t know why.
He let out a sigh, and swallowed hard afterward. “I assure you that you won’t feel unwanted here in the pack. I will make sure that everyone sees and accepts you for who you are.” His thumb gently moved, reaching the corner of my lips. His gaze dropped to it and I became breathless, seeing a rush of desire in his eyes. “I will make sure that no one will be able to hurt you anymore. Not even the creature that tried to harm you. Not even my parents…”
“Atlas.” I gasped.
My heart beat so fast, and I felt like something in my gut clenched and ached for something that I didn’t even know. My eyes landed on his lips. It looked so soft, reddish, and wet… I gulped as I felt something within me tingle at the thought.
“I promise…” He leaned down until his lips were just an inch from mine. “That you’ll become the most respected Luna of the pack.”
The next thing that happened was unexpected.
I blinked, feeling the softness of his lips against mine. The desire that came from somewhere within me swirled into my core, and for a split second I was afraid to accept it. However, no matter how I tried to fight that unfamiliar and addictive feeling, it defeated my denial.
Inhaling sharply, I straightened in my position, my hand moved to cup his cheek, and then the next thing I knew, I kissed him back.