Atlas POV
I felt a sense of peace. It was as if a void within me had finally been filled when Mia marked me. She had always been the missing piece in my life. As I lay in a state of unconsciousness, something strange happened. It felt as though my mind and body had formed a link with Mia's, allowing her emotions to blend with mine. I wondered if this meant that our bond was successfully completed. I also sensed a shift within myself, as if something was stirring and transforming. I felt a newfound strength and a heightened connection to everything around me.
Gradually, I began to stir in a soft, cozy bed. The gentle glow of a soft light seeped into the room as I slowly opened my eyes. To my surprise, I realized I was alone in the unfamiliar room, different from where I had fallen asleep with Mia. A flicker of panic took hold of me as I sat up in bed. I could hear the sound of footsteps outside the room, followed by the rapid opening of the door. And there she was, standing in the doorway - Mia. Our eyes locked onto each other.

Before I could utter a single word, Mia leaped onto the bed, straddling my body. Her lips met mine in a perfect, electrifying kiss. I eagerly wrapped my arms around her, pulling her closer, savoring the taste of her breath and the sensation of her against me. In that moment, I realized that I was already deeply and madly in love with her. I couldn't fathom a life without her, nor did I want to.
Finally breaking the kiss, Mia spoke, her voice filled with happiness. "I'm so glad you're awake, Atlas. How are you feeling?" Her eyes sparkled with joy.
"Good, better than I've ever felt," I confessed, unable to contain my own smile. Mia smiled back, her happiness radiating through our connection.
"Where are we, and how did you move me?" I asked her.
"We're at Bryn's house, outside of the city. It's safer here, and she has a large property where Inara can roam freely. I carried you with the help of Bryn," she admitted.
I tried to imagine her carrying me, but she was so petite. As I watched her pull away, taking her in, I noticed she was dressed in a loose-fitting tank top and shorts, revealing her flawless skin. Strands of her hair cascaded down her back, with a few wisps drifting to the front.

"I've been busy going over a lot of the information Bryn gave me," she said. "She called and said she'll be back to her house from her shop in an hour. If you want, you can come downstairs with me." I agreed and got out of bed.
"There is a connecting bathroom. I've already placed clothing in there for you. How about you get freshened up and then come downstairs and we can spend some time together." She offered.
I followed Mia's outstretched arm and made my way to the bathroom. I glanced around and noticed a neatly arranged set of clothing and a plush towel awaiting me. A small chuckle escaped my lips as I saw that Mia had not forgotten the condoms, placing the boxes on the counter.
Without wasting any time, I turned on the shower and quickly prepared myself. Once I was done, I descended the grand staircase, passing by several closed doors on the second floor. Finally, I reached the lower level, where a spacious living room awaited. Mia sat in an oversized chair, her legs playfully swinging in the air as she read through some documents from a file.

As I approached her, she placed the file down, her eyes meeting mine. "My mark, it doesn't hurt you, I hope," she said, concern lacing her words. I moved my hand against the mark, feeling a slight sting, but nothing too painful. "It doesn't hurt much," I admitted.
Mia stood up, her gaze fixed on the mark. "My wolf and Bryn believe that some of my power may now reside within you. You're still human, but it may help you become stronger and aid in your healing. We're not entirely certain yet," she explained. "My wolf is also insistent that even though you're not a werewolf, we can communicate mentally through our bond. However, it may take time for that connection to fully form. Since we completed the bond, we can sense each other's emotions and even feel a fraction of each other's pain as well."
"So can you feel my emotions right now?" I asked her. "Yes, I can," she responded. A smile adorned her face as I gently placed my hands on her, the warmth of her skin sending a surge of electricity through my body. It was a different kind of touch now, one that ignited a tingling sensation, a sensation I never wanted to let go of.
"You feel it, don't you?" she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I've felt it since the first time you brushed your hand against my wolf," she confessed, her words dripping with vulnerability. "The feeling of pleasure coursing through your body with a simple touch, the sense of completeness when we're near each other or touching... it's nice."
As my hand glided against her exposed skin, I felt a rush of desire. "I'm yours now, Atlas, as much as you are mine," she murmured, her words laced with devotion. "My heart will only ever beat for you." I couldn't tear my gaze away from her captivating purple eyes. "I won't fail you, Mia," I promised, my voice filled with determination. I longed to say more, to confess that I was already in love with her. Perhaps she could already feel my love, just as I could feel hers. But for now, I didn't want to rush things with mere words.
Suddenly, Mia stiffened against me, her body tensing. A low growl escaped her lips as her gaze fixated on the door. Concern washed over me. "What's wrong?" I questioned, my voice filled with worry. "I smell a shifter, not just any shifter, a traitor," she revealed. Just then, the door swung open, and Bryn walked in. "Atlas, I'm glad to see you awake," she greeted, her voice tinged with relief. But Mia's growl intensified as a guy stepped in behind Bryn, flashing a smile in our direction. Mia's reaction made it clear that she recognized him.
"It was a mistake to trust you," Mia spat, her voice dripping with anger as she glared at Bryn. "Mia, calm down. Flint is not the traitor you think he is," Bryn tried to reason with her, but it was clear that Mia was worked up. "Fight me, that's what you want, right, Mia?" Flint taunted from behind Bryn, baring his neck for a brief moment. Mia's growl grew fiercer, her eyes locked on Flint's provocation. "Fine," she growled, determination etched on her face.
Before I could react, Mia bolted towards the door, chasing after Flint. Concern flooded my being, and I couldn't help but snap, "What's going on? Will he hurt her?" My voice held a mix of fear and frustration.
"He won't hurt her. Flint is an old friend of Mia's. It may seem like I've been deceiving her, but I had my reasons for not telling her about Flint being here. He's on her side."Bryn reassured me.
As I watched Mia literally pounce on Flint outside, tackling him to the ground, I couldn't help but feel a mix of worry and relief. The scene unfolded before me, a whirlwind of emotions and actions, leaving me desperate to protect the woman or should I say shifter I loved.
I made a swift move towards her, but Bryn blocked my path at the door, extending her hand. "I won't let any harm come to Mia, Atlas," she said firmly. "Let her handle this on her own. Instead, why don't you watch her?" Flint rose from the ground, attempting to gain the upper hand on Mia. The two of them continued their fierce struggle in human form. Mia effortlessly dominated, slamming Flit to the ground.
"She's incredible, isn't she?" Bryn remarked, her eyes fixed on the intense battle. "And Flint, he's strong and giving it his all, but Mia is a force to be reckoned with. I've always wanted to see her fight. I've heard stories about her, but witnessing it firsthand is a whole different experience."
"Did you orchestrate all of this just to see her fight?" My voice dripped with anger as I asked.
"No, but I'm glad to see that you're already looking out for her, Atlas. Flint is from Mia's pack. Her father sent him to the human realm to investigate rumors of trouble. It was an undercover mission, so Mia was told he had left the pack. To her, he seemed like a rogue. We used witchcraft to make it appear as though his pack bond was severed. But now, as Mia fights him, she can smell the truth. Flint has been staying with me, and fortunately, you two ended up nearby so he could connect with her and provide assistance.” Bryn explained.
Flint was back off the ground as I watched. He seemed to land a hit on Mia, causing me to step forward again. The adrenaline rushed through me, every part of me screaming to go out and help her. I did not care what Bryn said about this guy being an old friend or someone that Mia could apparently trust. He laid a hand on her, and that angered me. It was a feeling I was not used to, but with Mia, I never wanted any harm to come to her. Although I think I had to get used to her running out into fights like this.
Mia dodged Flint as he tried to get her again. The sound of their movements filled the air, the clashing of their bodies creating an intense symphony. But I noticed her angered expression was gone now, replaced by a sense of enjoyment. I could actually feel the waves of satisfaction emanating from her. It was that weird sensation again of feeling her emotions.
I watched in awe as she maneuvered around him again, her movements graceful and precise. Then, with a masterful kick, she landed a blow on him, sending him crashing to the ground. The impact reverberated through the ground, the earth shaking beneath us. And then, I watched as she released herself, and he flipped her around, causing her to laugh. But again, I got this strange sensation of distaste for him touching her.
Bryn seemed to notice my unease, her voice cutting through the chaos. "She marked you, Atlas," she said, her words tinged with understanding. "It intensifies the feelings you have for her. And I can already tell, you are madly in love with her. It is normal for a mate not wanting others of the opposite sex touching their mate, even if it is harmless. I am sure you will see the same behavior from Mia with other women trying to get close to you since it is clear she also loves you, Atlas."
Mia and Flint walked back up towards the house, their footsteps crunching on the gravel path. "I see the two of you are on good terms now," Bryn said to Mia. Mia nodded. "Yes, I just wish my father had been more honest with me," she replied, her words tinged with a touch of bitterness.
"Atlas, this is Flint. He was a warrior in my pack and my older brother's best friend. Flint, meet Atlas. He's my mate," Mia introduced.
Flint extended his hand and introduced himself, "So, a human for a mate. I didn't see that coming, Mia. But I'm sure you must be worthy to have been chosen. Welcome to our crazy world, Atlas." He said as he extended his hand towards me.
I took Flint's hand but remained skeptical. Mia came to my side and leaned against me, her touch calming me. "Don't worry, Atlas. Flint means no harm," she reassured me. Then, she kissed me, as if to show that Flint was just a friend and to display our connection.
Her actions earned my respect. It showed that she took relationships seriously and never wanted to cause discomfort to her partner. "Now that we're all friends, let's go inside and talk," Bryn suggested.
As Mia and I walked hand in hand inside, I made a conscious effort to absorb every detail of her world. I needed to know the challenges she faced—so that I could fully immerse myself in her life.