Page 40 of Hexmate

He shook his head, cupping my face gently. “You’re not weak. Your magic is different, but it’s not less powerful. You just haven’t learned to tap into it yet. Or maybe a familiar bond is just what you need to awaken the powerful witch inside that I know you are.”

The intensity in his golden eyes made me shiver. I could almost imagine it - the two of us, our powers intertwined, facing down any threat that came our way. But doubt still nagged at me.

“What about your pack?” I asked. “Wouldn’t they object to you being a witch’s familiar?”

Atlas’s expression darkened slightly. “They might.”

“My father would probably congratulate me,” I sighed. “But only because I was powerful. As soon as he found out you and I were mated, he’d probably kill me.”

“Your father… doesn’t sound very nice.”

“He’s not,” I said plainly. “In fact, he’s threatened to remove me from the family by the end of this year if I don’t show more promise.”

Atlas’s grip on me tightened, a low growl rumbling in his chest. “He won’t touch you,” he said fiercely. “I won’t let him.”

I felt a warmth spread through me at his protectiveness, but also a twinge of fear. “Atlas, you don’t know what he’s capable of. He’s... he’s not just any witch. He’s powerful, and he has connections. He has the entire academy in his back pocket.”

Atlas pulled back slightly, his golden eyes blazing with determination. “And I’m not just any werewolf. I’m the future Alpha of my pack. And even if my father kicks me out of the pack, I’m still more than a match for any witch thanks to my heritage.”

I swallowed hard, torn between hope and anxiety. “Your Alpha form?”

He nodded. “That’s why Rowan’s magic didn’t affect me. In that form I’m practically impervious to spells.”

“Is… Is that common?”

He shook his head. “It may seem like it here at Widdershins, but that’s only because the oldest and most powerful families send their children here. But compared to the rest of the werewolves in the world, my gift is incredibly rare. Most Alphas can only attain that form during a full moon that falls on Halloween and they lose control completely. But I can call it up whenever I want and maintain my sentience.”

“So… you really could stand up to my father…”

“I could,” he nodded. “But I’d rather not if I can help it. Still, if he insists on hurting you, I’ll have no choice. Although I’ll try not to kill him, for you.”

I couldn’t help but scoff. “Kill him. I’d prefer it.”

Atlas’s eyebrows shot up, his jaw falling open slightly. I could see a thousand different questions on his lips, so I lifted a finger to silence him.

“We can talk about family trauma later,” I said. “Right now, I just want to enjoy being with you.”

Atlas’s arms tightened around me as he pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead. The warmth of his body enveloped me, making me feel safe and protected in a way I’d never experienced before.

“I want that too,” he murmured against my skin. “Just being with you like this... it feels right.”

I nodded, nuzzling into the crook of his neck. His scent - a mix of summer rain and something wild and untamed - filled my senses, making my head spin. Despite our agreement to take things slow, I couldn’t deny the pull I felt towards him. Every cell in my body seemed to cry out for more contact.

As if reading my thoughts, Atlas’s hand began to trail down my side, his touch igniting sparks along my skin even through the fabric of my pajamas. I shivered, pressing closer to him instinctively.

“Caden,” he breathed, his voice husky. “I know we said we’d take things slow, but... can I kiss you again?”

My heart raced at his words. I pulled back slightly to meet his gaze, seeing the same hunger I felt reflected in his golden eyes. Without hesitation, I nodded, unable to find my voice. Atlas smiled softly before leaning in, his lips meeting mine in a tender kiss. Unlike our frantic kisses from earlier, this one was slow and sweet, as if he was savoring every moment.

My hands found their way to his chest, feeling the solid muscle beneath his shirt. Atlas growled low in his throat, deepening the kiss as his tongue traced the seam of my lips. I opened for him eagerly, moaning as his tongue slid against mine.

The kiss quickly grew heated, our bodies pressing closer together as passion overtook us. Atlas’s hand slipped under my shirt, his warm palm splaying across my lower back. I arched into his touch, wanting more.

“So,” he said, clearing his throat as he pulled away, his cheeks a blaze of pink. “Where… uh… do you want to go on our first date?”

I couldn’t help but smile. Having this Alpha wolf so enamored with me was a new feeling, and one I was quickly learning to enjoy. He was so soft and sweet with me. It made me feel like the luckiest boy in the world.

“Let’s go somewhere private so we can get to know one another,” I offered. “Someplace you like to go.”

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