Page 20 of Hexmate

“You’re really passionate about this stuff, huh?” Atlas said softly when I finally paused for breath.

I felt my cheeks flush. “Yeah, I guess I am. Sorry if I’m boring you with all the details.”

Atlas shook his head, his eyes still locked on mine. “Not at all. I like seeing you excited about something. Your eyes light up when you talk about it.”

My heart skipped a beat at his words. I took another sip of my chai to hide my reaction. “Well, what about you? What are you passionate about besides wrestling?”

Atlas leaned back, stretching his muscular arms over his head. The movement caused his shirt to ride up, exposing a tantalizing strip of toned abs. I quickly averted my gaze.

“Honestly? I’m not sure,” he said with a sigh. “Wrestling is great, but it’s not exactly a career path. And being Alpha...” He trailed off, a shadow passing over his face.

“You don’t want to be Alpha?” I asked softly.

Atlas was quiet for a moment, his brow furrowed. “It’s not that I don’t want it. It’s just... a lot of responsibility. Sometimes I wonder if I’m cut out for it.”

I reached out without thinking, placing my hand on his arm. “Atlas, from what I’ve seen, you’re a natural leader. I’m sure you’ll make a great Alpha when the time comes.”

He looked down at my hand on his arm, then back up to meet my eyes. The intensity in his gaze made my breath catch.

“Thanks,” he said softly. “That means a lot coming from you.”

We sat there for a moment, just staring at each other. I could feel the heat radiating from his skin under my palm. My heart was pounding so loudly I was sure he could hear it.

Suddenly, Atlas cleared his throat and shifted away slightly. The moment was broken.

“So, uh, how are your other classes going?” he asked, his voice a bit rougher than before.

I reluctantly pulled my hand back, trying to ignore the tingling in my fingertips where I’d touched him. “They’re fine, mostly. Except for Professor Blackwood’s class. I swear that woman has it out for me.”

Atlas’s eyes narrowed. “What do you mean? Has she been giving you a hard time?”

I shrugged, not wanting to make a big deal of it. “She just has a lot of ideas about keeping magical bloodlines pure and no respect for witches who lack sufficient power. Like me.” I shook my head. “She reminds me a lot of my father.”

Atlas’s jaw clenched, a low growl rumbling in his chest. “That’s bullshit. Your power doesn’t define your worth.”

I blinked, surprised by the vehemence in his voice. “Thanks, but it’s fine. I’m used to it.”

“It’s not fine,” Atlas insisted, leaning closer. His scent enveloped me, making my head spin. “You’re brilliant, Caden. Anyone with half a brain can see that. Your knowledge of herbalism alone is incredible. Professor Blackwood is an idiot if she can’t see your potential.”

My cheeks burned at his praise. “I... thank you. That’s nice of you to say.”

Atlas’s golden eyes softened as he gazed at me. “I mean it. Don’t let anyone make you feel less than you are.”

We were so close now, I could feel the heat radiating off his body. My heart pounded in my chest as I found myself leaning in, drawn by some invisible force. Atlas’s eyes dropped to my lips, his breath hitching.

Just as I thought he might close the distance between us, a loud group of students burst into the student center. We both looked up to see Rowan and his little gang of witches coming down the stairs onto the main floor. They’d all just gotten out of Professor Blackwood’s class. The moment I looked up, Rowan’s gaze zeroed in on me and he started my way.

“Fuck…” I groaned, leaning back against the arm of the couch. “Not again.”

Beside me, Atlas growled under his breath. If he’d been in wolf form, I knew his hackles would be up and his teeth bared.

Atlas’s arm snaked around my waist, pulling me closer to him on the couch. The sudden contact made my breath catch.

“Ignore them,” he murmured, his lips close to my ear. “They’re not worth your time.”

But Rowan and his cronies were already approaching, smug grins plastered on their faces.

“Well, well,” Rowan drawled, coming to a stop in front of us. “If it isn’t the powerless witch and his pet dog. Skipping class again, Cromwell? I’m sure Professor Blackwood will be thrilled to hear that.”

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