Page 69 of Lore of the Wicked Wood
This was it.
This was where he was supposed to find a wife, and not just the beginnings of a sham courtship. He was expected to propose.
Atlas roughed a hand over his face, groaning at his prospects. Perhaps he should’ve made more of an effort when it came to throwing this damn ball. Then at least he could’ve ensured it wasn’t like a loud, raging parlor in Starysa but an actual event where he could hear those around him talking. But no, he’d tossed that responsibility aside and was now forced to suffer through finding a bride in an atmosphere reminiscent of his current reputation.
Loud.
Chaotic.
Overly sexual.
Resigned to the fate his father chose for him, Atlas attempted to slacken his jaw, but it was locked tight. Most of the females in attendance who were available were pretty, beautiful even, but none of them were Ever. Their smiles all looked the same—practiced and feigned. All of them were well aware of his magic, they’d heard the rumors, likely fell victim to their own fantasies, and the gleam in their eyes made his skin crawl with unease. Atlas wanted to be more than someone’s bragging rights. He didn’t want to be seen as a trophy or prize, he didn’t want to fuckingsettle. But his options were to be tossed into a sea of flesh-eating females and be eaten alive, or be sent to Rizenrok Forge, where the only one waiting to greet him would be death.
Atlas pinched the bridge of his nose with his thumb and forefinger, rubbing away the ache that had started to form. He shoved off the railing and turned around, only to find Caedian standing in the doorway with his arms crossed, effectively blocking the path to the staircase that would lead to the ballroom below.
His Captain of the Guard stood there, one ankle cocked over the other, a fierce line of disapproval set between his brows. In the wild flash of lights, Caedian’s white hair reflected an array of colors, but his gray eyes darkened to slate in the play of shadows bouncing between them.
Shackled to his own misery, Atlas nodded toward the door. “Let’s get this over with.”
Caedian didn’t budge. “You’re making a mistake.”
No shit.
Of that, Atlas was well aware. He flung his arms out to the side, letting his shoulders rise and fall. “What would you have me do?”
Caedian rolled his wrist, flipping his hand palm up in a mock gesture of contemplation. “You could start by telling her the truth.”
“I already did,” Atlas snapped, clenching his teeth so the ache in the center of his forehead spread to his temples and down to the back of his neck.
“Oh, really?” Caedian countered, one stark white brow arching. “When?”
“The overlook.” Atlas shifted on his feet, anxiety gnawing at him, and his palms dampened. “I told her she was annoying and that I’ve wanted her since the first day I laid eyes on her.”
“Wow,” Caedian drawled, inspecting the hilt of the sword fastened to his waist. “That’s quite the profession of love.”
Atlas bit back a snarl. “Everinne is hardly the type to swoon over pretty words and bouquets of flowers.”
“I don’t know.” Caedian’s gaze flicked to him. “She fell hard enough when that lord of stars was kissing her wrist and showering her with compliments.”
Damn it.
Lord Tovian had practically swept her off her feet. She’d blushed and fluttered her lashes, enjoying every minute of his attention, and what had Atlas done in return? First, he’d scorned her for her behavior out of pure jealousy, then used his magic on her when she sucked his cock. Hardly chivalrous and not at all worthy of winning her heart. Even now, just imagining those lips of hers on his shaft sent a thrum of desire coursing through him. His blood heated, and he raked both of his hands through his disheveled hair, hating himself for giving in to her so quickly.
But it was more than just physical attraction on his behalf, it was a bone-deep longing, the kind that made him never want to be separated from her. All those days, all those years he’d spent avoiding her, had been nothing short of torture.
And that fucking mating bond…the one that sizzled and frayed whenever she was near, waiting to snap into place, wound itself into a knot inside of his chest, threatening to cleave his heart in half.
Atlas stalked toward the doorway, but Caedian held up one hand, halting him.
“I know you, Atlas. I’ve known you longer than you’ve known yourself. I’ve seen the way you look at her, taken note of that jealous streak that morphs into cold-blooded possession. I’ve seen such a shift before, almost intangible to the naked eye, yet clear if you recognize the signs.” Caedian tilted his head, his gaze narrowing. “It’s more than love, isn’t it? She’s your mate.”
Atlas could only stare at him.
His mind emptied of all rational thought because someone else knew, someone elserealizedwhat was happening to him.
Thank fuck it was Caedian and not Veros.
“Choose her.” Caedian’s voice was quiet, yet the words rang in Atlas’s head, echoing like warning bells.
