Page 55 of Voices in the Stars
I glanced over his large figure before asking, fighting the urge to shift away from him as my mouth opened and closed several times. I thought Atlas was a murderer this entire time, but having Leon admit it so casually sent a chill down my spine. The only thing stopping me was the haunted look in his eyes.
“Because you wanted to?” I questioned, swallowing the lump in my throat.
“No.” His laugh was void of humor as he shook his head. “Eris threatened to kill Atlas if I didn’t join the soldiers sent out to slaughter the villages. He’s the closest thing to family I got.”
“I understand.” I nodded even though I wasn’t fully sure I did.
There was so much I was willing to do for my sister. I still was hoping to find a way back to her so I could show her everything I’d learned. That there was so much more around us than the marriages arranged for us. The difference was that I was no longer alone. I had Atlas. If things had turned out different, I could imagine the desperation I would feel to get back to my family and keep them safe.
“There’s a whole town full of humans,” I offered Leon, hoping it would ease his torment.
His face relaxed with a smile as he glanced over at me. “Saeva have a terrible reputation because of Atlas’ sister and father.” Leons voice was soft as he explained. “They are creatures that feed on the magic of others through their blood. They absorb it through consumption. It makes them deadly, causes them to go into some sort of frenzy.”
“Has Atlas ever…” I trailed off, stomach twisting at the thought of finishing my question.
“No. My mother was strongly against all of that.”
I jumped, turning at the sound of Atlas’ voice above me. His eyes were dark as he stared at the two of us.
“Atlas.” Leon jumped up, shaking the ground as he stood.
Atlas placed a hand on his shoulder with a smile. “It’s alright. I’m glad you two seem to be getting along,” he said before turning to me, holding out a hand to help me up.
I accepted it, legs still shaking slightly as I stood in front of him. Heavy steps signaled Leon’s leaving. Atlas slightly turned his head, watching his friend leave.
“He shouldn’t be teaching you to fight,” Atlas commented before looking back at me.
“And why not?” I asked, crossing my arms across my chest.
“I told you; you aren’t coming with me,” he argued, face scrunching together.
“I can still learn something to defend myself. Everything in this world tried to kill me on our way here,” I argued back, hoping he wouldn’t see through my words.
“Why not ask me? I’ve got more training than he does.” There was a faint hurt running through his eyes with his question.
“You would’ve said yes?” I questioned him before the start of a plan formed as I talked. “Plus, there was something else I was hoping you could help me with.”
His brow raised as he waited for me to continue.
“I need to learn how to control whatever this is inside me.” I started having a hard time keeping his eye contact as I asked for help. “Everyone seems to think I can do all these great things, yet I can’t control any of it.I’m a danger to everyone around me. Being in a wood house is just a disaster in the making.” My laugh was humorless as I stared at the ground.
Atlas was silent. I squeezed my eyes shut as I waited for his rejection. He barely wanted to talk about his own issues; I doubted he wanted to help me with my own. A warm hand pulled my head up, so I was looking at him now. His thumb traced along my jaw.
“You aren’t dangerous. You’re the flame that’s going to light the way for Feycrest’s new future,” he whispered before leaning in for a gentle kiss. “With me by your side. Of course I’ll help.” His words were a soft murmur against my lips.
“Thank you,” I mumbled before leaning up to kiss him once more.
My eyes closed as our lips danced together. I felt his groan as I ran my hands up his chest. Everything started heating up as I pulled him closer, wrapping my arms around the back of his neck. I couldn’t remember there being any windows on this side of the house. Though, at this moment, I wasn’t sure I cared if we were giving someone a show.
“Wait,” Atlas mumbled, separating us. His eyes were almost black as he stared down at me.
I groaned in disappointment, though it didn’t last long. Atlas spun me, so my back was pressed against his front, both of us facing away from the house, making me doubt the lack of windows. His hands started their slow travel along my arms, goosebumps rising in his wake. Fingers intertwined with mine the same moment lips started trailing along the side of my neck. A soft gasp escaped me as I leaned my head against his chest. A chuckle left Atlas; I felt his lips turn into a smile. I shivered as his fangs dragged across my skin.
“Yes,” he breathed, pressing a kiss to the side of my neck. “We have to make you a full witch.”
Atlas shuddered behind me as I wrapped my arms across his. The sweet moment was only temporary as I felt his hardness pressing against me as he shifted impossibly closer. His breath hitched as I rubbed myself against him. His hips jerked forward, chasing me with a groan. My arms fell to my sides as he moved.
They moved up to hold my breasts, his thumbs tracing across my nipples. A sigh left me as I sagged against him, fully following my wordsas I trusted him to keep me standing. My breath hitched as his hands quickly moved again now, tracing up my bare legs. My dress slid up my body as his hands made their way toward my center. A moan slipped out as I felt his fingers caress me. His one hand moved to grab my thigh as the other kept playing with me. My eyes closed as I felt a finger slide in me. Our groans sounded out together as he started thrusting his finger. My legs spread apart as a second quickly joined the first.
