The house was already full of her scent. Crisp fall apples and vanilla. It filled me just walking through the front door. I thought maybe someone was baking something. I should have known though. The second she turned into the kitchen there was no denying it. I was overwhelmed by her. She walked with a bounce in her step, like she was excited to get somewhere. Her hair that was dark as midnight was tinted a soft blue in a sea of black as the sun hit it just right. I noticed she quickly realized something and her golden honey brown eyes finally found mine. Every touch and laugh and movement she made at the party filled my senses to the brim. She was more amazing now. I wanted her, needed her.
Then in a breath she fell to the floor. Before anyone else could move I rushed to her side and cupped her face in both my hands. "Astra what's wrong?" My eyes searched hers. Her face grew hotter as her breathing quickened, like she just sprinted a mile.
I felt a hand on my shoulder pull me up by my shirt. "Back off" Izar, her brother I just met growled at me. Orion growled in the back of my mind as I held myself back. Objectively speaking, this guy has no idea who I am and Astra is on the floor barely breathing. I quickly turned back to Astra, Aella by her side patting her back slightly. I could feel the tension in the air.
"Ma…." Astra barely spoke.
"What?" Aella softly asked, leaning in closer to her.
Astra looked up and her eyes found mine again. I wanted to rush to her once more as I noticed the tears starting to form. Something told me to stay where I was.
"Mate" she spoke softly but loud enough that everyone heard. She never broke eye contact with me. It felt like everyone else in the room didn't matter.
'It's us' Orion broke my thoughts.
'What?' I was almost annoyed at him for breaking my attention away from Astra.
'She can't handle the mate bond Dante. It's us, we're hurting her' Orion whimpered.
What? How could that be? What would that mean for us, for me, for her? I quickly looked over her, burning every detail into my mind. I didn't want to believe it, but something in me knew it to be true. Damnit! How could one of the best, breath taking moments of my life turn into me inadvertently hurting the person I am supposed to protect and love the most. I wish it was just the mate bond calling me to her, but before I even awakened as her mate I liked her, wanted her. If she wasn't so heartbroken over my stupid cousin I would have gone to her in a heartbeat. I growled under my breath remembering Atlas.
"Dante" Astra's voice rang out to me. I looked toward her, how could I lose my focus and worry about anything else with her in front of me. Tears fell from her cheeks. My heart stopped and I held my breath. Seeing her tears before was heartbreaking now it felt like I was being torn in two. "Dante… don't worry. I'll Be okay so don't leave" she whimpered, holding my eye contact. I could tell by the fear and anxiety in her eyes that she knew I was weighing that option. I didn't want to, I wanted to be next to her, hold her, feel her skin against mine. Goddess only knew how much every nerve in my body was reaching out to her. I would do anything to make her better even if that meant running out of this house.
I clenched my fists and gritted my teeth together so as not to run to her side. "I'm hurting you right now Astra" my words felt like venom in my mouth. Burning and acidic.
"It's not you" she shook her head, "Raven told me it's the mate bond… Orion should know as well right?"
We somehow already knew each other's wolves' names. I don't know how, I didn't think it was common even among mates just to know the other's wolf already but it seemed so natural.
"Please Dante… just stay here, I promise I'm okay…" her eyes closed slowly as she fell against her sister. Izar, Atlas, Trish and her dad ran past me straight to Astra. My body felt like it was burning again as I forced myself to stay still. I was afraid if I grew any closer I would ruin her. Orion whimpered in the back of my mind. Neither of us knew what to do, we just watched as her dad picked her up and carried her down the hall.
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I sat at the kitchen table with Owen, Ajax, and Eros. Neither of them said anything to me. While it wasn't explained they knew that for some reason I couldn't go to my mate's side. My hands were tight in fists, just sitting on top of the table. Fuck!
'Dante' , a voice I didn't recognize, broke through my mind. I could feel the excitement from Orion rush over me though.
'Raven!' he wagged his tail vigorously.
'Orion' she spoke lovingly and I could feel the two of them snuggling muzzles together.
'Um… you guys realize I'm still here right?' I'm glad that they can spend time together but my presence alone is making Asty suffer. To say I was jealous of the two wolves would be a bit of an understatement.
'Right, Dante, Astra wanted me to let you know that she is already awake and she is okay. She wanted me to tell you it's not your fault-"
"I know!" I said out loud, cutting Raven off. The other three at the table watched me with concern. I cleared my throat and spoke within my mind again, 'I know it's not my fault, I know it's not her fault, but the mate bond is hurting her. I don't want to be like my idiot cousin and break her heart but I don't know what to do.' I paused, my heart sinking into my chest. 'She's brave and strong, and wildly independent. She likes to dance no matter the music and I love the way she smiles when she is enjoying herself! She's amazing and she is… but she knows… I know that me being next to her is causing her pain. Being with your mate is supposed to be relaxing and at the same time exciting. It's supposed to be the best feeling in the world. It's supposed to bring you strength and power and love. How can I stand next to her when I know all of this? How can I put her through pain?' I wanted to scream. I wanted to run away and run to her side all at the same time. I wanted to be her comfort, someone she could lean on, someone to rely on. I wanted to stand by her side and support her in everything and anything. It hurt more because a few nights ago at the party I was that guy. I should have held her hand longer then, held her tighter in my arms while I could. I needed her bright eyes, and loving laugh, and her touch that set my heart ablaze.
'She will be alright Dante, she is still young, we had to connect sooner compared to most people. Her body will get used to your presence. The mate bond is extremely strong in our case.'
I let Raven's words swirl around me. I couldn't deny the amount of physical, emotional and mental attraction I was feeling for Astra right now. To be honest when it came down to it I'm not sure if I would be able to leave her anyways. I was torn, I would never reject her but seeing how I was having a negative effect on her body I still didn't know what to do. I would have to trust my mate's wolf, and hope whatever was happening to Astra could be overcome with some time.
'Dante' my heart lit up and instantly all the tension in my body disappeared.
'Astra…' I mind linked with her.
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Goddess, how did this happen?! I was laying on my bed feeling both miserable and embarrassed because not only did I faint in front of everyone I know, I fainted in front of my mate! I sighed, I wasn't even paying attention to the crowd of people in my room that were conversing amongst themselves.
'Raven, what happened?'
'You're body couldn't handle both shifting and meeting your mate in such a short amount of time' Within my mind she nuzzles against my leg, to comfort me. 'Unfortunately, I wasn't expecting to meet our mate so soon. I wanted to be able to prepare ourselves." I sat beside her, laying my head gently on her back.
'I don't want to leave him, Raven,' I spoke quietly. The mate bond drew us close and I wanted to be even closer. I wanted to know everything about him, and run my fingers through his golden blonde hair. I wanted to get lost in his forest green eyes that shine in the sunlight, revealing specks of gold and lighter green hidden within that forest. It reminded me of when the sun shines through the trees. I started remembering every time I looked into his eyes at the party, how did they not swallow me whole back then?
'We won't have to,' Raven's words brought me back to our conversation.
'What?'
'This will be temporary Astra, I admit I'm not sure how long. You'll get used to your abilities and you will get used to being near him. We won't have to leave him. The goddess let you and I meet early for a reason and I'm sure meeting Dante and Orion early is also part of her plan' her tail wagged slightly at Orion's name. I giggled at my wolf's cute side.
I had hope and faith in Raven and I wasn't about to let another guy I am crazy about get away. We locked eyes and Raven nodded at me. No words, through the mind or spoken were needed. She wanted to be close to them as much as I did. My strength was still weak and so Raven mind linked ahead of me. I could feel her tug on my consciousness as a warm feeling started to spread from my stomach to the tips of my fingers and toes. I wanted him, I needed to hear his voice. Please let me know what you are thinking.
I took a deep breath. 'Dante' I called out to him, my heart pounding.
'Astra' My name on his lips made my body shiver. Suddenly it was like being next to each other and millions of miles apart at the same time. I wanted to run to him, he was just down the hall! What would be the worst that could happen?
'Astra, don't. You still need to recover' I flinched, as I could feel his need for me he must have felt my excitement to see him.
'This is torture though Dante, you're right there' I could hear the desperation trying to break free of my voice. I didn't want to seem so weak in front of him. He was going through the pain as well, it wasn't just me.
'Asty' his voice was sweet. 'We have time, Raven told us that we don't have to break our bond and I would rather wait to be by your side then to never be able to be with you'
My heart skipped at his words. To think the puppy love I felt for Atlas a few days ago was completely stripped away once Dante became my mate. Damnit can't I just be with him?! I felt the mind link weaken, everything in me tried to reach back out but I couldn't. I sighed.
"Dad" I interrupted the conversation, not that I was paying attention anyways. "Could everyone leave?" I smiled but was exhausted. Frustrated by my own weakness.
"Sure nugget!" So glad Dante wasn't here for that. My dad started to usher everyone out of the room as they tried to protest or tell me their quick wishes of recovery. "Do you need anything?" He asked as he was about to shut the door behind him.
"Dante" I smiled softly as I watched my dad's eyes widen for a second. For a moment he stood in my doorway, his eyes wondering in thought. "Dad, please."
He looked toward me, a small hint of concern on his face. "Alright nugget" he slowly closed the door.
My heart started to race once more, I focused on my breathing trying to calm my anticipation of being next to my mate. I have to stay calm, I have to breathe so I don't pass out again. Dear goddess, please don't let me pass out again.
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Astra suddenly disappeared from the mind link. Anticipation and confusion swallowed my body. She was fine, I could tell from our bond. I watched as everyone started to come down the hall back to the kitchen.
"Dante!" Atlas walked over to me with a mixture of pity and joy on his face. He put both hands on my shoulders. "I'm so glad you found your mate buddy! Don't worry about Astra, she's a strong cookie, she'll definitely be okay." I could tell he was genuinely trying to comfort me but the thought of how Astra loved him and her tears those few nights ago made me clench my jaw for a moment.
Control yourself Dante. "Thanks, I appreciate it Atlas" I sighed and quickly noticed Astra's dad coming up to me. Shit, not only did I just meet my mate but I also get to meet her family… right after she fainted… because of me… Oh goddess, don't hate me Mr. Astra's dad.
I felt like I was holding my breath as he came up to me holding out his hand. I took it in a firm grip. "Nice to meet you sir, I'm Dante Shaw."
"Styrmir Alder" his grip was just as firm but in a friendly kind of way. He paused for a moment before speaking. "I'm going to be blunt with you," he sighed.
"Yes sir" I felt like a robot with how stiff my body and voice were from my nervousness.
"We have no idea what is happening with Astra. As you all know she shifted extremely early. All of these changes including meeting her mate" he glanced over at me making sure we made eye contact, "Is not good for her. Every sense, every amount of energy that comes with each milestone in our lives is hitting her all at once. Luckily her body seems to be holding out but I'm still weary about anything that could affect her" This time he was staring into my soul. "Dante, as my daughter's mate I'm sure you want to protect her. I know you do, I can tell just by looking at you." The room was silent as I felt the others' eyes on us. "So I am counting on that fact and hope you remember to put her safety above everything else that comes with the mate bond." He places both hands on my shoulders, his firm grip trembling with his next words, "Put her safety above your love and passion for her. She is a child of the wind and stars and will try to continue to push past her limits especially for those she loves. Do you understand?" My voice caught in my throat. I knew what he was saying was for the best but putting a wall between myself and Astra seemed impossible. An image of her fainting flashes through my mind. Orion whimpers as the feeling of causing her pain rushes over me for a second.
"I understand sir" Styrmir was still holding my shoulders and I placed one of my hands on his to reassure him.
He sighed with what I hope was relief. "Astra would like to see you Dante"
"But dad, we don't know what can happen!" Izar protested hitting the table with his hand as he stood up.
"Enough Izar, I trust him, and if we kept your sister away from him all hell would break loose." A small smile filled his last words and the image of Astra causing an uproar almost made me laugh. Styrmir looked at me and I gave a quick nod. With his permission I stared down the hallway and slowly started walking toward Astra's room.
I didn't need anyone to show me her room. I followed the scent of fall and home. "Astra" I felt as if my voice was small, for some reason I was nervous and excited all at the same time. I cleared my throat, "Astra, it's Dante" I said with more confidence.
"Come in" her voice carried a melody that hypnotized me and I slowly opened the door. The sun showed through her window and through her hair. It created a halo of light around her as she sat in bed with the covers over her legs. My breath caught in my chest as I stared at her. She's lovely. Even before the pull of the mate bond I thought she was beautiful, but now I couldn't even pretend that I wasn't staring at her. I didn't want to pretend I wasn't staring at her, I wanted to give her my everything. I wanted to give her all of my attention, all of my love. I wanted to wrap her in my arms and never let go. 'Put her safety first' Styrmir's voice faintly rang in my head, jolting me from my daze. Once back to reality I realized I was still standing in her doorway.
She tilted her head, resting on her palm and knee, and smiled softly at me. "You going to come in Dante?" Oh Goddess, please don't say my name, I don't know what I might do. I dug my nails into the palm of my hands trying to keep my composure.
"I think I'll wait here," I said slowly, unsure of my own words. She gave me a confused look and sighed a slight pout found its way on her lips. Goddess her lips, soft, full - I dug my nails deeper before my thoughts could run wild. 'Damnit Orion we need to control ourselves' I sharply said to him within my mind.
'I am in control, you're the one with bedroom thoughts Dante' he snorted. Damn animal instincts are driving me crazy.
"You know I won't break Dante" Astra tucked her midnight hair behind her ear as she stared into my eyes.
I swallowed, louder than I meant to. "I know… I just want to take it slow, I don't want you to faint just from my presence" I laughed nervously.
"Then go slow" her eyes sparked as her voice teased me. A flash of those eyes looking up at me as I was over her filled me with desire. 'Then go slow' played in my ears again as the image continued to grow stronger. I couldn't help but imagine making her blush and having her beg me with her seductive eyes, as I bit her neck- Wait. I realized that it wasn't just the image that was growing inside of me as other things were starting to pop up.
BAM! I slammed my head on the door frame, to bring myself back to reality.
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I jumped as he slammed his head on the door frame. "Uh… you okay?" I asked, confusion in my voice.
He rested his head there for a moment. "Yeah had to calm things down and this was the only way I could do it" He rubbed his head while still standing in the doorway. I wanted him closer, I needed him closer but he was holding himself back. I mean didn't he hear Raven during the mind link?
'Our bond is strong, he's having a hard time controlling his desire' I could hear Raven chuckle in my mind.
I giggled to myself and it soon turned into a small laugh. I wasn't naive, the second she said that I understood and it made me happy to think I drove him crazy enough that his body couldn't help but react. "Dante" I called to him again. "Just come sit next to me". I watched as his eyes followed every trail of my body. Those eyes are what drove me crazy. The sun from the window hit his forest green eyes allowing me to see the hints of emerald and light yellow that were sprinkled in them. They were eyes that I wanted to wonder in, the same way that you would wander through the forest in the warm sunlight.
My thoughts were broken as I saw him slowly step closer pulling the chair that was left in the room just close enough that he was barely out of reach. I pouted some more. "Dante, can't you come closer?"
He crossed his arms and hugged himself close to the chair. "No this is close enough, honestly it's too close. I know the pull of the mate bond is supposed to be strong but isn't this a bit extreme? I'm barely hanging on over here" his face flushed red slightly. I giggled seeing him struggle and being so honest about it.
"Apparently everything with me lately is a bit extreme so what's one more thing?" I tossed off the blanket and swung my legs over the side of the bed so that I could face Dante. He tried to sink deeper into the chair, his eyes trailed over my body lingering on every curve and exposed skin that caught his eye. I felt my heart start to race as heat pulled to my core. "Dante" I said his name as seductively as I could. I felt the pull to him as well, the difference between him and I was I wasn't trying to fight it. I stood up from the bed and slowly made my way a few inches over to Dante. I watched in amusement as I could see the internal struggle of him deciding to stay put or run away.
I put my hands on either side of him on the arm rests. "Please Astra… I don't want to hurt you." His voice through gritted teeth made me shiver. I could feel every inch of me screaming to feel him.
I smirked, and leaned forward my lips right next to his ear, "What happens if I want you to hurt me?" I whispered. A low growl escaped from Dante's lips and my legs almost gave out. Dante caught me in his arms and held me upright. Everywhere he touched sparked like fireworks on my skin. I could feel my face redden as my whole body filled with heat. I was almost panting.
"See Astra, this is what I was trying to avoid" his jaw was clenched and his body tensed as he scooped me up and laid me back in bed. He went to take a step back and I quickly grabbed his hand.
"I want you" I basically moaned through panting breaths. I watched as his eyes darkened and returned to normal in a flash. He laced his fingers in mine and kissed my wrists, his eyes sharp as he stared into mine.
"Your body can't handle me right now Astra" his voice was low and it vibrated through my body. Goddess he was right, just from his small touches I was already soaking wet between my legs. I could tell he noticed as well as his eyes kept flashing back and forth between dark and normal as he fought his desire. "I'm going to leave before we both regret doing something before you're ready, or before you faint again" His hand slowly slid away from mine with a smile on his lips. Neither of us wanted to let go but he was right, my body's reaction was too much to handle right now. Goddess why are you doing this to me? The fact that I wasn't a virgin might have been the only thing keeping me sane, at the same time it made me crave him so much more. How would he make my body react once he was over me? How would it feel when he slowly inched his way into me. I caught a moan in my throat. Why am I so sensitive right now?! I wanted to scream out. As he took steps further away from me my body started to calm down. My inner desire was still a raging forest fire but at least I could control my body.
"Dante" I sat back up as he reached the doorway. I bit my body lip and looked at my hands as I spoke "This might sound desperate… But even Raven said we would be fine so… don't give up on me okay. I'll get whatever is happening to me under control so we can be together… And I know you want to protect me. I know you feel like right now you'll only hurt me, but that's not true. At the party and even now you have been by my side encouraging me, caring for me. In the short amount of time I've known you I have never felt so happy and safe and comfortable in my life, so don't reject me…" I don't know why that fear suddenly enveloped me but I found myself speaking before I thought.
He stopped in his tracks and quickly looked around at me. A look of concern and hints of hurt in his eyes. "I would never Astra. I'm a very patient man believe it or not" he chuckled. "I won't leave, and I thought about trying exposure therapy until both of our bodies calm down but as of right now, day one of therapy is me not going past this door frame" he smiled softly at me as he leaned against the door. Goddess why is he so perfect? I trailed my eyes over his body, following down from his cut jawline, to his collar bones that rested perfectly under his neck. His shoulders were toned and his arms were just the right amount of muscle and… A flash from the party of us jumping around came into my mind. I remember seeing his v-line right at his pant line as his shirt raised up while his hands were in the air. I felt my face grow at least ten shades redder at the memory. I quickly covered my face with my hands and threw my head back.
"You okay?" I peered at Dante from in between my fingers, he took one step back into the room stopping himself before he got closer.
"Yeah, just this mate pull is going to be the death of me" I mumbled into my hands. I removed my hands and stared at him for a moment. "I like you Dante" his eyes went wide for a moment at the unexpected confession. "It's not even the mate bond, I was already starting to crush on you hard, the second I met you" I smiled and his shocked expression turned into a grin.
"I'm glad I wasn't the only one crushing hard that night" he chuckled slightly. My heart filled with delight and my eyes started to feel heavy as some of the tension was leaving my body. "Go to sleep Astra" his voice was gentle.
"But I want to talk with you more…" my eyes refused to stay open.
"You can, when you wake up just call me. No matter the time"
"Okay… I lo- yo-" I sighed as my words trailed off. My body too tired from the excitement of the last few days to fight sleep any more.
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I watched as Astra fell asleep. It took everything in me not to place a soft kiss on her forehead. I gently shut the door behind me and ran my fingers through my hair. The moments of Astra luring me in suddenly came to mind. I sighed and crouched down. "This mate bond is going to be the death of me too" I sighed leaning my back against Astra's door. I didn't want to leave but I couldn't exactly stay here. I mean not even for the fact that this is her family's house, though that does have something to do with it, but for the fact that my mere presence could put her in danger for the moment. Goddess I really hope my uncle gets some answers on what is going on.
"Hey" I turned my head down the hall standing there was Astra's brother Izar. We locked eyes for a moment, his face was stern and his eyes narrowed slightly into a glare. Something tells me he doesn't like me. I sighed inwardly and stood slowly as he walked over to me. He stopped, a few steps in between us and before I could greet him he quickly spoke. "You need to stay away from my sister" his voice was firm and unwavering.
"I can't promise that" I spoke my voice just as firm.
"You saw what happ-"
"I can promise" I cut him off, "that I won't put her in danger." His eyes searched mine as I continued. "I already promised your father to put her safety first. As much as I don't want to leave her side, as much as it physically hurts to take one more step away from her, I also won't get close enough to cause her pain." I turned and looked at her closed door. I felt like if I stared at it long enough I could see through it and see her. I gently placed my hand on the grain of the wood. "To say I was in love with your sister before the mate bond would be an exaggeration. But Izar" I turned and looked him in the eyes "I might not have known her long but before the bond I cared about Astra and now that we are fated to be together I won't do anything to break that bond. The goddess has blessed me with being her mate and I will protect and love her for as long as Astra will let me."
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I looked over Dante again. Fuck why does he have to be a good guy? I kind of hoped that he would have been scared of the responsibility of this terrifyingly unknown situation. No one knew what was happening with Astra. I hope he was going to reject her and run away. Sure I'd have to kick his ass for breaking my little sister's heart but after some time she would heal. She wouldn't have another problem causing her pain. The image of her fainting so soon after waking up played in my head again. I looked Dante in the eyes again. His determination shown through his eyes, his hand still lovingly resting on the door to Astra's room. Fuuuck.
"Fuck" I growled, "Just because you use some sweet words doesn't mean you're off the hook. If you do anything, and I mean ANYTHING to cause my sister any kind of pain I swear I'll rip your head off" we locked eyes. To an extent I was glad this guy wasn't backing down, it showed he had resolved to fight alongside Astra.
"I'll make sure she doesn't even know the meaning of the word pain".
"Good" I quickly turned back down the hall and headed out the front door. Scratching my head in frustration I made my way around back. It was so fucking stupid what was happening to Astra and I felt pathetic. I'm her older brother, the strongest besides dad in the house and I'm completely fucking useless.
"Hey love" I heard a soft voice and quickly turned to see Eros standing by the house staring at me with soft eyes. I just stared at him, like an idiot. I felt… off? No… weird? That wasn't it either… I sighed I didn't know what I felt around Eros and I think that was the problem. He wasn't a bad guy, he never gave me any weird vibes and if anything he was always great to me and my family but it was me. Me around Eros just made my heart race like it did in a fight, the same way it raced when I got nervous. He slowly walked up to me and I stayed frozen in place. This was the other thing he did to me when it was us, alone, my body would go and not listen to me. I felt weak around him and I couldn't figure out if that was a good or bad thing. He was right in front of me staring into my eyes searching my face. We were both about the same height, his light blonde hair seemed almost white in the sunlight, his blue eyes like crystals staring back at me. "You going to be okay?" I watched his lips move, just staring at them. "Izar?" My name on his lips broke my trance.
I cleared my throat looking away from him, "Yeah, I mean, once we figure out what's up with Astra I'm sure I'll be okay" I felt my voice heavy in my mouth. Why was I always so vulnerable around this guy? He placed a hand on my shoulder, "She'll be fine Izar" I placed my hand on top of his. Fuck why does it feel like my body is on fire where he touches? He slowly let go of my shoulder but I couldn't seem to make myself let go of his hand. He stared at me with soft and confused eyes and I just searched his face for answers. I wasn't sure what I was looking for while I stared at Eros. I noticed one small dark freckle under his left eye. I noticed as he smiled slightly at me he had a dimple on his right cheek. What was I looking for? … Fuck.
________________________________________
I quickly went home with Trish, Ajax and Atlas. I had so many questions and I was hoping my uncle could maybe give me some answers. No one planned for Astra and I to be mates, but maybe he could help me figure out a way to be next to her without draining her. Unfortunately for me my uncle was nowhere to be found. "Dante!" I heard Atlas call me from the kitchen. I quickly walked over to him. "Dad went to go see Alpha Reinhart again" he held up a note that was hanging on the fridge. Damn.
'When will he be back?' Orion whined in my mind. We just saw Astra maybe 20 minutes ago and now we were both impatient. I sighed loudly and leaned against the counter clenching my jaw.
"Hey man you okay?" Atlas looked over at me concerned. I shook my head.
"This is frustrating," I groaned.
"I kind of get that, I can't see Nat until the end of the month cause she is finishing up an internship" Atlas whined.
"But you can see her, you can be next to her, and touch her, and kiss her. I'm afraid to be in the same room as Astra! I'm afraid that she won't survive being next to me because of how our bodies react right now. Not the sexual tension either. I physically make Astra weak right now Atlas" I was annoyed. I know my cousin was just trying to let me know I wasn't alone in this, but I have no choice but to stay away from my mate. He was choosing to, even if he didn't want to, he still chose to not stay by his mate's side and that was his problem. I dug my nails into the palm of my hands.
"Hey Astra's not weak, and if anything having a mate is only going to make her stronger" he started to chuckle "hell I don't know how much stronger she could get though. You should have seen her at Trish's and her prom a few months ago. She was in this super cute light green dress. You know the ones that are cut upfront like mid-thighs and are long in the back? No idea what the style is called but anyway this guy who has apparently been bothering Trish for a few weeks wouldn't leave her alone at the dance. Owen and I were chaperoning, and before either of us could go save Trish all I saw was Asty pull him down by his tie and sock him right in the nose!" He was laughing now, "Do you know how great it was to this maybe 5'4" girl pull a dude almost six feet down to her level and knock him the hell out?"
My body filled with mixed emotions, the image Atlas painted made a small smile form on my face. It didn't surprise me that Astra did that for Trish, didn't surprise me she knocked a dude out either. It made me proud of her knowing she wouldn't hesitate to stand up for those she loved, but a hint of jealousy was swirling around with that pride. I could tell Atlas was fond of Astra, if he ever had a crush on her who knows but it wouldn't have surprised me. It wouldn't have mattered though he had his mate and Astra was mine but the way he looked off into the distance remembering their good times made me tighten my fists.
"Oh and this one time, I think she was in middle school and she came over to the house. She heard Owen was sick and even though we are a doctor family she ran from her house to ours to bring him some medicine and his favorite snacks, she was like thirteen and covered in sweat. I think I started to admire her at that point" he grinned thinking of the memory, my heart stopping. "I never saw someone so small work so hard to make sure others were safe, made me want to openly care about everyone ya know?" He looked over at me, a bright smile on his face and a fond memory in his eyes and before he could finish the story I gripped his collar.
A low growl escaped from my body, "Listen I get you have a mate Atlas, but I would appreciate the path down memory lane about Astra when I can actually hold her in my arms" he put a hand on my wrist that held his shirt.
"You're right, I do have a mate, one that I would die for. One that I would give anything to be with." His eyes softened "I'm sorry for talking without thinking, but Astra has been part of our family even before you were her mate Dante" I couldn't argue, I knew how I was acting was stupid. "I just wanted to tell you stories to let you know not to worry. She'll be fine." Atlas put his hand on my shoulder gently.
I let go of his shirt running my hand through my hair, "Fuck Atlas… I'm sorry, for whatever reason I can't get this mate bond under control. That's not an excuse. Fuck" I sighed and flopped into a chair.
"Dude, you're good. I get it, when Nat and I first met I was a mess. She was so beautifully independent and strong willed and I wanted to follow her around like a lost puppy. I felt desperate in a way I didn't even know was possible to feel. Shit I'm a grown man and all I wanted to do was be the only thing she saw. I felt like a kid pouting ninety percent of the time until we got time alone together." He sat down at the table next to me.
I would be lying if I said I wasn't curious to hear more stories about Astra, but I don't know if my wolf and I could handle those amazing stories coming out of another man's mouth right now. I rested my head on the table. "Tell me more about Nat" Atlas's eyes lit up and he pulled out his phone to show me about 100 pictures of Natilie as he started to ramble. I instantly regretted asking Atlas to tell me about his mate. Something told me I was spending the rest of the day at this kitchen table hearing every story he had.
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I never thought I would be tired of sleeping all day, but I was over it. I stared up at my ceiling finally waking up… again. Maybe this time I could stay awake for more than twenty minutes. I jolted up suddenly. I could smell Dante's calming scent. Where was it coming from? I looked around on my bed and sitting next to me was a soft plush Raven. It was about the size of two softballs and was covered in my mate's scent. I scooped it up with care and laughed to myself at the plush choice. He most likely got it before he came over earlier and he didn't know then that Raven was my wolf. I felt Raven's tail wag as we took in our mate's smell. I laid back down and snuggled close with the plush breathing in every bit of Dante.
'Raven'
'I know Astra'
'What do we have to do to be able to stay by his side?'
'Exposure therapy and time?' She gave a dry laugh. Just as much as this was killing me, being away from Orion was tearing her apart as well. 'I really wish I knew Astra.'
I sighed and squeezed Dante's gift close. 'What do you know?' I was in front of Raven and I stroked her head in between her ears. She nuzzled into my hand.
'All I know is that the goddess sent me to you early. She said something important was going to happen and somehow we will be involved in it.'
I didn't like the sound of that. Raven and I sat down on a field of grass as our space started to form the more we were next to each other. 'I don't want to be some kind of chosen one Raven.'
She laid her head on my lap, her head alone easily covered my lower body. I continued to scratch behind her ears and her head. 'I don't think we have a choice Astra. I wish I knew exactly what role we'll play, and when exactly whatever this was, was going to happen but all I know is that the goddess felt that we were both ready to begin this journey.'
I sighed heavily, 'Maybe she didn't have a choice but to start the journey.'
'Maybe.'
'Don't agree with me, that just worries me more.' I flopped back on the grass. I stared at the surroundings that Raven and I created in our minds.
A large, lush, green field materialized. Wild flowers spread across it like sprinkles on a cake. A creak bubbled through the middle of it. The sky was clear and the sun felt warm on my skin. 'What is this place?' I asked in a calming awe of my surroundings.
'It's our place. When we are synced we can come here and exist together. It's a mixture of our minds and some type of spirit world I think. This is where I spend most of my time and when we shift this is where part of your physical body will rest' Raven lifted her head and stared lovingly at the environment around her.
It was calming and familiar. It felt like everything that involved my wolf came with a feeling of being home. Maybe because we were literally two parts of the same soul but everything just felt right. As much as I was enjoying relaxing with Raven I knew it was time to get up. Maybe see if dad heard anything from Dr. Arche, maybe finally get some answers.
Suddenly a knock came to my door bringing me back to reality. "Astra?" Dad called from the other side and slowly opened the door. "You awake nugget?"
"Yeah what's up?" I sat up in bed as he opened the door all the way.
"Dr. Arche wants us to come to Alpha Reinhart's house. Do you feel like you're up to it?"
Perfect timing. "Yeah! I was wondering when we would hear from him" I felt my heart race in my chest. Please Moon Goddess let there be some good news.
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