Athena
"When will Tristan arrive?" I asked, "Are you certain he's going to show up?"
So far, things seemed normal. Sebastian had shaken off that distant demeanour and was behaving as he usually did. The hesitancy in his steps, the unwavering gaze, and every subtle movement I had noticed upon my return had faded away. To be honest, it eased my concerns.
I didn't want him to dwell on the past. I wanted him here, with me, in the present, fighting alongside me instead of fighting against himself. He had his reasons for feeling guilty, but it didn't mean he should spend the rest of his life burdened by that guilt and regret.
He deserved happiness, and I wanted to bring him joy. I wanted to witness him living the life he had been deprived of. Despite the impending war that awaited us, I still held onto hope that amidst the chaos, a glimmer of hope would emerge and we would overcome this havoc.
And if not, at least between me and our baby, our baby would survive.
"Yes, love. I'm certain. I've talked things through with him," Sebastian assured me, setting aside the book he had been reading to me and pulling me close. "Don't worry, alright?"
"Alright," I nodded, snuggling my head against his chest. "By the way, I never realized you had such a soothing voice."
"Is that so?" A chuckle escaped his lips. "How is it that you only noticed it today?"
"Because this is the first time, I am hearing you reading slowly and taking your time with a book," I admitted truthfully. "I tend to get easily obsessed, so I'm afraid I'll be asking you to read to me often."
A smile spread across his lips. "I'd be more than happy to indulge in an obsessed mate. At least that way, I can have your undivided attention all day."
"We're acting like teenagers," I giggled. "It's crazy."
"Then shall we try to act like adults and do what they do?" he smirked. "What do you say?"
Heat rushed to my cheeks, turning them a rosy shade as I looked up at him. "What?"
"I know you heard me perfectly, Athena," his arm around me shifted to settle around my waist, blocking any potential escape route.
"Um... I-I..." I struggled to find the right words, but as always, my brain seemed to fail me. I didn't know why, but he always had this effect on me, and surprisingly, I didn't mind it. I had grown fond of the butterflies fluttering in my abdomen and goosebumps covering my skin— It was special.
My cheeks were ablaze, and the heat reached even the tips of my ears. It was challenging to maintain eye contact when his mesmerizing blue eyes constantly drew me closer to him in an inexplicable way.
"Relax, love. I was just joking," he chuckled, pressing a gentle kiss to my cheek. "You're adorable."
I released a nervous laugh. It would have taken only a few more minutes for me to lose it and dive into the passion forgetting everything else in the world.
"Let's start reading again, okay?" He asked with a simple smile. A cute one indeed.
"Sure, I think that's the best thing to do right now," I said, now laying my head on his lap and making myself comfortable.
And he began reading once again, holding the book with one hand and using the other one to gently run his fingers through my hair locks, brushing away a few that'd fallen over my face. In that tender embrace, his voice became a melody, his touch a gentle caress. The morning sun's rays painted a halo upon his face as he read, and I couldn't help but be captivated by his every word. He kept reading and I kept listening to him, and watching his face as he uttered each of the words; each of them falling off of his lips felt like a melody. In his flaws, I found perfection, and in his touch, a soothing symphony that stirred my soul.
Lost in the world of words, his eyes danced across the pages, yet his hand, seemingly independent, continued its tender exploration. It traced the contours of my cheek, weaved through my hair with gentle finesse, and brushed against my forehead.
It spoke volumes— His touch spoke volumes.
In him, I found something unparalleled— A feeling that consumed every fibre of my being— Love. He embodied perfection in its rawest form, a beautiful disaster that I cherished with all of me, heart and soul. He was my beautiful disaster, and I could never love anyone in this world, more than I loved him.
"How can someone be so handsome?" I blurted out, unable to contain the thought that had been swirling in my mind.
Sebastian's gaze shifted towards me, confirming my worst fear that my inner thoughts had escaped my lips.
Shit, you stupid Athena!
"I might be able to answer that question if you can tell me how it's possible for someone to be..." He trailed his finger gently along my forehead, down to the tip of my nose, and finally lingering on my lips. "This beautiful?" A smile played at the corners of his mouth, sending my heart into a frenzy.
I had no idea how to respond. His intense gaze left me breathless, igniting a passionate fire within me, and making me fall in love with him all over again.
Words seemed insufficient to express my feelings. I was deeply and completely in love with him, and yet, I felt as if my love for him could expand infinitely. I could keep falling in love with him once again, and then over and over again. It wouldn't end, ever.
"Love... Love makes everything seem beautiful," I finally managed to say. This time, I didn't regret that my words had escaped my mind. His smile widened, and his eyes sparkled with something new that succeeded in mirroring the surreal feeling blossoming in my own chest.
"Can I make a shameless confession?" Sebastian asked, setting the book aside.
I did not know why both of us were smiling, but I did know we felt the same way, "Well, what is it?"
"I don't want anyone in this world to love you more than me," he confessed, his voice filled with sincerity. "That's a battle I never want to lose."
A warm smile spread across my face as his words touched my heart. "Don't worry. I think there's anyone who could even come close."
He posed another question, a mischievous glint sparkling in his eyes, "Am I allowed to steal a kiss?"
My heart skipped a beat, and I grinned, "That depends," I teased, "On how long you're planning to kiss me."
His voice turned deeper, filled with desire as he replied, "I can go on forever."
I slowly sat up, leaning closer to his face. "Then you are more than welcome," I whispered, my voice filled with anticipation, "Kiss me, Sebastian."
He slipped his hand around my neck, settling at the back of it as pulled me even closer; The sudden moment caused a small gasp to slip past my lips and my hands resting on his solid chest to balance myself. Both my emotions and body wanted nothing else than to melt into his.
He ensnared his hand around my neck, cradling the back tenderly as he drew me in closer; The unexpected gesture elicited a breathless sigh to escape my lips, while my palms rested on his solid chest to balance myself, both my emotions and body that wanted nothing else than melting into his.
"This kiss would mean, you are officially mine, again," He whispered against my lips, "Love, life and death— We share everything."
"Accepted, Alpha," I uttered, a smile spreading on my lips, mirroring the breathtaking smile that graced his face.
"I love you," he confessed, his words a prelude to the passionate kiss that followed. Our lips collided, he pulled me closer, and an electrifying sensation coursed through my body as his tongue delved into my mouth, exploring every corner. It was an attack of sparks, driving me to the brink of craze, yet I had no desire to resist.
So I, too, drew him nearer, unapologetically immersing myself in this tidal wave of emotions that engulfed us both.
It felt like the first kiss I had long yearned for. It felt like the dream I had concealed while stealing glimpses of the sky through the narrow gap of a window, locked away by my own parents to make sure I knew I would forever be a hopeless woman with none beside me. It felt like the warmth I had craved during the coldest moments of my heart.
He accomplished that—He melted the icy barriers that had encased me
He filled me with a sense of fulfilment, all over again. He became the flickering flames of hope within me that I needed to make sure I don't lose this fight. He became the strength, the light and the companion I had always wanted— The last piece of the puzzle of my soul He became my other half, my soulmate. My mate.
As our lips reluctantly parted, sealing those precious moments within the memories of forever, we clung to each other, unwilling to allow even an inch of space to separate us.
A smile spread across my face, "She's happy. Partly dancing in my head," I said, a chuckle escaping my lips at the thought.
"Though mine doesn't talk to me much, I can tell he's head over heels in love with you," he confessed, joining in the laughter.
"Mine doesn't say much these days either. They're probably too busy having their own secret conversations," I chortled, envisioning the amusing scenario, "It might take them a few days to get back to their normal selves."
"Trust me, it's going to take more than a few days for things to settle," he chuckled, planting a sweet kiss on my lips. "Because, personally, I can't get enough of you. So you can imagine how hard it is for my wolf to make up for all the lost time." He began showering affectionate kisses from my cheek to the side of my neck, each one filled with tenderness. "He longs to be under your skin."
"It looks like you're the one in need of it more," I giggled, attempting to halt his kisses as he continued his assault on my neck and jaw.
"I think you might be right," he breathed in my scent, his eyes filled with desire. "I need it more than he does."
"Sebastian, cut it out," I pleaded, laughter escaping me uncontrollably. "Your stubble is tickling me."
"Oh?" He glanced at me, seeking an honest response.
"Yes, it definitely does."
"Then I won't be stopping today," he chuckled, gently guiding me onto the sofa, causing me to land flat on my back. This time, he intentionally brushed his stubble against my skin as he showered me with kisses.
"Sebastian, that's enough," I laughed, my attempts to halt his playful advances once again proving fruitless as he locked my hands firmly above my head. "It's tickling!"
"I have no intention of stopping," This was his clear response.
"Seriously, stop it!"
"Not a chance."
My stomach ached from the laughter as I struggled to regain composure. "If you don't stop, I'm not going to talk to you anymore!" I threatened, met only with laughter in response.
Just as I was about to reiterate my threat, the sound of someone clearing their throat sliced through the air, followed by a familiar voice. "Alpha, there's someone here to see you."
I attempted to sit up, but my efforts proved futile as the man atop me refused to budge, sparing only a brief glance in Jake's direction. He seemed poised to utter something undoubtedly foolish, evident from his reluctance to move away. Frustrated, I summoned all my strength and forcefully pushed him off me. "Jerk!"
Fixing my dishevelled dress, a deep shade of embarrassment flushed my face. To vent my frustration, I slapped him on the arm, "Shameless."
"What did I do?" he asked, appearing utterly clueless about the reason for my outburst. "It's his fault for interrupting."
I observed the flustered expression on Jake's face, which, to be honest, should have been mirrored on Sebastian's countenance. Yet, this man displayed not even a trace of embarrassment.
My jaw practically hit the floor. "You seriously have no shame, do you?"
"Why should I be the one feeling ashamed? It's my house! I'll romance wherever I want with my mate," he declared, a bewildered look crossing his face. It was abundantly clear that the concept of shame was foreign to him.
"You know what? Never mind. This is way beyond your understanding," I shot him a glare before redirecting my gaze towards Jake.
God, what must this poor guy think of us?
"Is the person who's come here, Tristan?" I inquired.
"Yes."
Both Sebastian and I snapped out of our previous haze, our expressions turning serious. Before I could speak, Sebastian intervened on my behalf. "Let him in."
"Alright, Alpha," Jake acknowledged, and within seconds, Tristan Perez entered the room.
"Well, nice to see you two again," he greeted, flashing us a smile.