Page 19 of The Ballerina

“I’ll be there for you. I will be your mate.”

“I already have a mate, Jana. I tried to explain this to you.”

Jana sobs and I take the opportunity to peek around my mate once more. I need to know what is going on. She shakes her head before her face blooms red with anger.

“And all the years we spent together,” she yells waving the gun around. “Did it mean nothing? Am I just some whore to you? How can you so easily discard me?” Her voice raises an octave as she waves the gun around. “You said you loved me!”

“Jana.” Atlas sounds sad and defeated. “I love you as much as a person can love another. But this is different. Once you find your mate you will understand.”

“Fuck you!” she screams, pointing the gun at Atlas.

The shot goes off as I try to push my mate out of harm’s way. Jana screams loudly as Atlas wraps me in his arms. It takes a moment for the ringing in my ears to stop. Pushing out of my mate’s grasp, I inspect him, looking for any signs of injury. When I am sure he is fine, I push at his chest.

“You could have been killed!”

“I’m sorry,” he mumbles, pulling me back into his arms. “I had to keep her distracted. I saw Phillip outside and knew he would pick the right moment to intervene.”

He kisses my forehead before releasing me. I watch a man tie Jana’s wrists together with a length of rope that was lying on the floor, her gun against the wall. She is sobbing uncontrollably and even though she could have killed either of us, I just want to hug her until she feels better.

Walking closer, I make my way to her. Sitting on my knees I push her hair away from her face.

“I’m sorry you got hurt,” I say once she looks at me. “I know you’re in a bad place right now but we’ll get you some help. Someday, this will be nothing more than a bad memory.”

“You took my world from me,” she sobs. “Atlas is all I’ve ever wanted.”

“I know, sweetie. But fate had other plans,” I say softly. My heart is breaking for her. I can only imagine how much losing Atlas would hurt but it’s not a thought I wish to dwell on. “Now, we need to get you healthy so you can live the life you deserve.”

Atlas and Phillip stare at me like I’ve grown a second set of eyes, but neither say a word.

Chapter Fourteen

Atlas

It’s been just a little over a week since Jana attacked us and things are finally back to normal. After a lot of arguing, Cathy convinced me and my father not to banish Jana from the pack. All of this has irked my father to no end, which only makes me love Cathy more. He won’t say a thing about it, too afraid to rock the boat while the alliance between our packs is still so new.

She fought tooth and nail for Jana’s second chance, and I admire the hell out of her tenacity. She also enrolled her in a rehabilitation program on the other end of the country. My mate has the biggest heart of any person I’ve ever met. She is even paying for everything out of her own pocket. I asked her why she was doing this, and she simply replied that she would probably end up the same if she lost me. It gave me clarity to the anger I was holding onto. If I ever lost Cathy, I would go on a bloody rampage until someone finally put me down.

Both of us can empathize with the hurt Jana is feeling.

My mate has returned to Dark Side of the Moon for one final shift. The dance studio is finally complete, and we’ve even had some parents inquire about lessons for their children. Cathy is giddy at the prospect of getting to teach little ones, and her excitement is infectious. Her manager has also inquired if she will be up to giving some of the girls lessons and I think it’s a great idea.

I’m excited for a different reason, though. Tonight, I get to fulfill my mate’s fantasy.

****

I stride into Dark Side of the Moon, a true cocky Alpha. Sitting right against the stage, I wait while a woman dressed in ared cheerleader outfit serves me a stiff drink. I know what times my mate will be appearing on stage, and I only have to wait a few more minutes.

I sip on my drink, watching the people around me as they interact with each other and the women who work here. It has always given me a small sense of peace to know that the muscular bouncers ensure the women are safe and respected.

I haven’t been back here since the night before my mating ceremony, and knowing that someone has been looking out for Cathy in my absence calms my wolf.

The lights dim over the stage and the music fades away.

“For your pleasure,” the voice announces through the overhead speakers. “For the last time, here is the Ballerina.”

I clap loudly along with the other patrons as my woman strides onto the stage in a shimmery little salmon-colored dress. Her high heels carry her across the wooden floor until she is at the edge. Her hips sway seductively, her hands caressing her beautiful body.

A man whistles from the back and I would have glared at him, had my mate not made eye contact with me. She smiles seductively at me before twisting away to continue her routine and I know this dance will be for me and no one else.

---