Page 56 of Hexmate

“I’m so glad to hear that,” he hissed, his voice cutting through me like a blade. “Should you fail to make him your familiar, I’ll let you live.” He grinned wide, the specter’s eyes glowing bright. “But I’ll kill him in front of you. And it’ll be all your fault, Caden.”

I couldn’t breathe as he pulled away from me, his words stealing all the air from my lungs. He wouldn’t. He couldn’t. But as I gazed into that horrifying visage of my father, I knew deep in my chest that he was telling the truth.

“You have two weeks to complete the ritual.” He glared down at me, a cruel grin spreading over his face. “And if you fail, he will be the next beast on campus to meet a sticky end.”

Laughter filled the room, building to a crescendo before the darkness suddenly disappeared and the lights popped back on. I sat there, back against the wall, hyperventilating as the last echoes of my father’s cruel laughter died away. It seemed I had only one choice.

Trick my mate into becoming my familiar or let him die.

Chapter 22

Atlas

“Go in pairs please,” Coach Harding called as we headed out of the gym.

It had been a week since the attack and he still smelled of stress and fear. Everyone on the team did. And each night, without fail, we walked one another back to the dorms in at least pairs, if not larger groups.

With a wave to the others, Silver and I headed across campus toward the dorms. However, the moment we arrived at the entrance, I pulled away from him.

“Again?” he sighed, giving me a stern look. “Let that boy breathe a little. He’s not going anywhere.”

“I… I just want to see him. To tell him goodnight,” I replied, avoiding his gaze.

“Bullshit, Atlas. You’ve got it bad.”

He was right of course, but I wasn’t about to admit that. “He’s my mate, Silver. I just need to make sure he’s okay. He’s been… I don’t know, actingstrangethis week. Like something’s bothering him.”

“So? He’ll tell you when he’s ready. You bugging him constantly isn’t going to make it better.”

“I know, I just want to be supportive.”

“You want to get your dick sucked,” Silver chided. “Don’t lie.”

My cheeks burned as I turned away from him. “It… It’s not just that. I actually am worried about him.”

Silver shook his head, knowing there was no point in arguing with me. “Fine. Go. Just don’t get killed by some maniac on the way.”

I nodded gratefully and jogged across campus towards Caden’s dorm. The night air was crisp, a sign of more cold weather and snow on the way. As I approached his building, I caught his familiar scent - earth and green things, the scent of life itself. My wolf stirred, eager to be close to our mate.

I took the stairs two at a time, my heart racing. When I reached Caden’s door, I hesitated for a moment before knocking softly. There was a pause, then shuffling footsteps. The door creaked open, revealing Caden’s pale face, his blue eyes widening in surprise.

“Atlas? What are you doing here so late?”

I drank in the sight of him, my eyes roaming over his tousled blonde hair and the loose t-shirt hanging off one shoulder. All he had on below it was underwear. “I... I wanted to see you. To make sure you’re okay.”

Caden bit his lip, glancing nervously over his shoulder. “I’m fine. You didn’t have to come all this way.”

Something was off. His scent was tinged with anxiety, and he was blocking the doorway with his body. My protective instincts flared. He was acting strange again.

“What’s wrong?” I asked, holding his gaze. “You’ve been acting strange all week. And now… it’s like you’re not even excited to see me.” I paused, searching his face for answers. “Did I do something wrong?”

Caden’s eyes darted away, unable to meet mine. “No, you didn’t do anything wrong. I just... I need some space right now.”

His words hit me like a physical blow. Space? From me? The very idea made my wolf howl in protest. I took a step closer, trying to catch his scent, to understand what was really going on.

“Space? Caden, what’s happening? Talk to me,” I pleaded, my voice low and urgent.

He shook his head, still not meeting my eyes. “I can’t explain it right now. Please, Atlas. Just go back to your dorm.”

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