Page 23 of Hexmate

“I don’t know about that,” I sighed, staring up at the ceiling. “He was probably just being nice. That’s all.”

Wild snorted, shaking his head. “Nice? An Alpha wolf doesn’t just protect any random witch out of niceness. There’s more to it than that.”

I sat up, frowning at him. “What do you mean?”

“I mean,” Wild said, leaning forward with a glint in his eye, “that our dear Atlas might have some feelings for you too.”

My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but I quickly squashed it down. “Don’t be ridiculous. He’s the Alpha’s son. There’s no way he’d be interested in a witch. And there’s no way he’s into men. That’s incredibly rare for werewolves.”

“And yet,” Wild countered, “he’s gone for coffee with you twice now, and stood up to other witches for you. Face it, Caden, there’s something there.” He paused, a mischievous grin pulling at his lips. “And let me tell you something about werewolves, they don’t care if you’re a man, woman, or somewhere in-between. A hole is a hole to them. I’ve seen it.”

My heart raced as several images came to my mind’s eye all at once. Atlas naked, his sweat-covered body leaning over me as he had his way with me. That golden glow in his eyes as he took everything he wanted over and over again.

I flopped back onto my bed, groaning and hugging my pillow. It was just a fantasy. It could never be more.

“Even if there was something - which there isn’t - it doesn’t matter. Witches and werewolves together? That’s practically forbidden.”

“Forbidden fruit tastes the sweetest,” Wild sing-songed, spinning in his chair. “And I know you’re curious how big he is.”

I threw my pillow at him, which he dodged with a laugh. “You’re not helping.”

“I’m just saying,” Wild continued, undeterred by my pillow assault, “you should explore this. When was the last time you actually let yourself feel something for someone?”

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. “You know I can’t, Wild. My father would kill me if he found out I was even thinking about a werewolf that way. Or doing anything but practice to make my magic stronger. And Atlas... he has responsibilities. He’s going to be the Alpha of his pack one day.”

“All the more reason to have some fun now,” Wild argued, his green eyes twinkling. “Come on, Caden. Live a little. What’s the worst that could happen?”

I shot him a look. “You really want me to answer that?”

Wild waved his hand dismissively. “Details, details. The point is, you’re attracted to him, and he’s clearly interested in you. Why not see where it goes?”

I flopped back onto my bed, staring at the ceiling. “Because it can’t go anywhere, Wild. It’s just... impossible.”

“Nothing’s impossible,” Wild said softly. “You witches of all people should know that.”

I closed my eyes, remembering the day I discovered my true heritage, the day my whole world came crashing down around me. I’d be nothing if not miserable ever since. Sure, there were tiny moments of happiness here and there, but nothing significant enough to light the darkness that had become my life. It sounded a bit dramatic, but I really had neglected myself almost completely these past two years in pursuit of magic and acceptance from my father that I was certain I would never get.

So maybe Wild was right. Perhaps it was time to do something for myself and have a little enjoyment. Besides, if myfather’s threats were to be believed, I only had another year or so before he put me into an early grave. And one thing was for certain, I didnotwant to die a virgin.

“Do you really think we could be something?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

“I’ll level with you, Caden,” Wild said, his tone surprisingly serious for once. “I don’t know if this Atlas guy is your one and true love. Nobody can tell you that. But coming from a guy with alotof experience, I can tell you that he’s interested in you. Werewolves are inexplicably drawn to what they desire. He keeps finding you and that tells me that he wants something from you.” He looked up at me, a genuine smile on his face. “And considering you don’t have any power to offer him and being around you would only complicate his life further?—”

“Thanks for that,” I muttered.

“And yet he still keeps finding you,” Wild nodded. “If that’s not something, I’ll cut off my ears and pretend to be human.”

I couldn’t help but laugh at Wild’s dramatics, but his words had struck a chord. Maybe there was something there with Atlas. The thought both thrilled and terrified me and filled me with hope.

“So, what should I do?” I asked, sitting up and hugging my knees to my chest.

Wild grinned. “Well, for starters, you could try flirting back a little. Show him you’re interested too.”

I felt my cheeks heat up. “I wouldn’t even know how to start.”

“Oh, come on,” Wild teased. “You’re not completely hopeless. Just... touch his arm when you laugh at his jokes. Make eye contact. Lick your lips when he’s looking at you.”

“Wild!” I exclaimed, scandalized.

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