Page 32 of Hexmate

Atlas spun me around to face him, his golden eyes blazing. “It doesn’t matter what we’re ‘supposed’ to do,” he growled. “My wolf wants you. I want you. To hell with anyone who says otherwise.”

His intensity both thrilled and terrified me. I’d never been wanted like this before. My gaze dropped to his lips, full and inviting.

“Atlas, I...” I trailed off, lost in the heat of his stare.

He cupped my face in his large hands. “Sorry…” he said. “I’m… I’m having a hard time controlling my emotions around you. Everything feels so… intense.” He took a deep breath, his golden eyes still fixed on mine. “We’re fated mates, the kind that comes out of nowhere and leaves us with little choice in the matter. Our bond was destined by the stars and the gods themselves. I am connected to you whether I wish to be or not.”

“Would you rather not be?”

His gaze darkened. “No. I want to be with you above all else. I felt drawn to you the moment we met and now that I know what this is… I don’t wish to be parted from you. Even if… Even if it will cost me my title and my pack.”

My breath caught in my throat at Atlas’s words. The intensity of his gaze, the raw emotion in his voice - it was overwhelming. I felt myself wavering, torn between the pull of our connection and the weight of everything I’d been taught.

“But your pack,” I whispered, “your future as Alpha. I can’t ask you to give that up for me. We barely know each other.”

Atlas’s hands slid down to grip my shoulders. “Caden, listen to me. I’ve known for a while that I didn’t want to be Alpha. It never felt right. That’s the reason I came to Widdershins in the first place, to put it off as long as possible. But this - us - it feels more right than anything ever has.”

His words sent a thrill through me but doubt still gnawed at my insides. “How can you be so sure? What if this is just some fleeting attraction?”

A low growl rumbled in Atlas’s chest. “It’s not. I can feel it in my bones, in my very soul. You’re mine, Caden. My mate. My other half.”

Before I could respond, he closed the distance between us, capturing my lips in a searing kiss. Heat exploded through my body as his mouth moved against mine, hungry and demanding. I gasped, my lips parting, and Atlas took the opportunity todeepen the kiss. His tongue slid against mine, exploring, tasting. My hands moved of their own accord, sliding up his bare chest to tangle in his dark hair.

Atlas growled approvingly, his arms wrapping around my waist to pull me flush against him. I could feel every hard plane of his body, the heat of his skin burning through my clothes. His arousal pressed insistently against my hip, making me whimper with need.

“Atlas,” I breathed as we broke apart for air. My head was spinning, overwhelmed by sensation and desire.

“Tell me you want this,” Atlas said, his voice rough with passion. “Tell me you want me or I’ll stop.”

I hesitated for a moment, my rational mind warring with the primal need coursing through my veins. But as I looked into Atlas’s golden eyes, dark with lust and something deeper, I knew there was only one answer I could give.

“I want you,” I whispered. “I’ve never wanted anyone like this before.”

A triumphant grin spread across Atlas’s face. In one fluid motion, he scooped me up in his arms and carried me effortlessly to the bed, laying me down with surprising gentleness. He hovered over me, his golden eyes roaming hungrily over my body. I felt exposed under his gaze, even though I was still fully clothed.

“You’re wearing too many clothes,” Atlas growled, his hands sliding under my shirt. His touch left trails of fire on my skin.

I arched into his caress, overcome by sensation. “Then do something about it,” I breathed, surprising myself with my boldness.

Atlas’s eyes flashed dangerously. In one swift motion, he ripped my half-torn shirt clean off my body. I gasped, shocked and aroused by his display of strength. His hands roamed overmy newly exposed skin, rough palms skating across my chest and stomach.

“Beautiful,” he murmured, lowering his head to trail kisses along my collarbone. His stubble scraped deliciously against my sensitive skin.

I moaned softly, my hands clutching at his broad shoulders. Every touch, every kiss sent sparks of pleasure through my body. I’d never felt anything like this before.

Atlas’s mouth moved lower, leaving a trail of hot, open-mouthed kisses down my chest. His tongue flicked over one of my nipples, drawing a sharp gasp from my lips. He looked up at me, a wicked glint in his golden eyes, before taking the sensitive bud between his teeth and tugging gently.

“Atlas!” I cried out, arching off the bed.

He chuckled darkly, continuing his sensual assault. His large hands roamed over my sides, thumbs hooking into the waistband of my jeans. With deft movements, he unbuttoned them and slowly dragged down the zipper.

“Lift your hips,” he commanded softly.

I obeyed without hesitation, allowing him to pull my jeans and underwear off in one smooth motion. Now I was completely bare before him, exposed and vulnerable, my cock hard and pulsing in front of him. A blush crept across my cheeks as Atlas’s hungry gaze raked over my naked form.

“Perfect,” he breathed, running his hands up my thighs. “You’re absolutely perfect, Caden.”

His touch ignited sparks beneath my skin. I trembled, overwhelmed by the intensity of sensation and emotion. Atlas seemed to sense my nervousness, because he pulled back for a moment, his eyes fixed on mine. “Are you alright?” he asked.

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