13. Atticus

13

ATTICUS

W e made our way back to my den, the night air crisp and revitalizing. I was keenly attuned to every nuance of Aria’s presence—the rhythmic cadence of her breath whispering through the quiet, the delicate rustle of leaves under her steps, the sporadic brush of her fingers against mine that charged my blood.

“Beautiful night,” I said.

She looked up, and the stars illuminated her beautiful face. “Peaceful.”

As we walked through the forest, hand in hand, I couldn’t help but savor the warmth of her hand and the peacefulness of our leisurely pace. No rushing about to get ahead of the prophecy, just taking time to enjoy each other.

There was a tranquility here, a big change from the chaos we’d left in Silver Claw Manor. The adrenaline that had been pumping through my veins was ebbing now, bringing with it the chill of the night air. She had been so frightened for herself, forced into her wolf’s form just before I burst through the doors. Merely thinking about it raised my blood pressure.

Aria didn’t need me to save her. She didn’t need a protector. She would have gotten herself out of the situation with Larkin, though I was sure he would be without important parts of his anatomy if her wolf had gotten a hold of him. But without a doubt, I’d put myself on the line again if it meant saving her. Standing up to Ragnar had felt good. He never should have allowed her to be put in that position, and I’d meant what I’d said to him—if he couldn’t keep her safe, I would.

We reached a clearing just before the turn in the trail that would take us to my den. Aria stopped suddenly and raised her face to the sky. I followed suit, and my jaw dropped. Stars shot across the sky in a dazzling display, leaving trails of brilliant light across the dark tapestry of the night sky. Each fleeting streak of light across the black sky felt like a precious gift, a cosmic, celestial wonder orchestrated solely for us. The universe seemed to have conspired this, to make up for the earlier disruptions we had experienced.

Aria found my hand and squeezed gently. “Look at that.”

I squeezed back, lost in the spectacle that unfolded above us. Here we were, two souls momentarily forgetting the world, standing beneath the endless universe that stretched into infinity. It was a reminder that there was beauty in the world. That even in darkness, there could be light.

“Nature’s own fireworks,” I said. It was as if the spirits of our ancestors had choreographed this wonder for us. I was connected, not just to Aria, but to the very universe. The knowledge of that resonated deep in my soul.

“Thank you for coming to me tonight,” Aria said. “I don’t know what I would have done…”

I looked at her profile, her face soft and ethereal in the dim light.

“How did you know?” she asked without looking back at me.

“I felt you,” I said. It was the truth. Something deep inside me had screamed her name so fiercely that I couldn’t ignore it. Her emotions, her terror had demanded I seek her out, reassure her, protect her.

And so here we were, under the stars, brought together by something ineffable yet undeniable, a force that transcended mere attraction or convenience. There was a depth to this connection that defied explanation, and neither of us could resist it.

As the last meteor trailed off, I turned to her. The heavens had gifted us with their brilliance, but it was her face, bathed in the light of the celestial display, that captivated me. The sight uncovered emotions long buried under layers of defiance.

“I couldn’t ignore it, that feeling that you needed me,” I said. It was our unseen tether, an invisible bond.

As she turned to look at me, the gratitude shining on her face, the affection, reflected all that I felt.

I reached out with a gentleness I reserved only for her. I framed the softness of her cheeks with my palms, her skin warm against mine. In this moment, she was not just the woman who had captured my heart. She was the sanctuary I hadn’t known I’d been seeking, a peace I hadn’t realized I needed.

“Atticus,” she said.

“Shh.” I brushed my thumb over her lips. The silence that fell between us was sacred, filled with the words we needn’t speak out loud.

Time ceased its march, and the world narrowed to the space between Aria and me. Her tentative breath tickled against my lips as I closed the distance between us. It was a kiss of questions, asked in whispers too faint for the ears but clear to the heart. My soul had known the answers long before our lips touched. It was always her.

A few more meteors streaked through the sky, each burning brighter than the last. With her, everything was magnified—the connection, the longing, the sheer force of what lay between us. It was as though every glance we’d shared, every moment of silent understanding, had been leading us to this very moment.

The universe vanished around us, leaving Aria and me suspended in a timeless expanse beneath the shooting stars. The spirits’ approval enveloped us. Her hands found their way to my hair, fingers weaving through the dark strands, tugging gently, urging me closer.

“More,” she said, echoing the desire that had taken root in me.

I pulled her body flush against mine. Our kisses grew fervent, an unspoken conversation growing louder with urgency. There was no holding back the tide of yearning that surged between us. Neither of us wanted that, anyway. In the shelter of darkness and sporadic light, where the ethereal glow of the meteors cast an otherworldly radiance on us, we found a hunger that could only be sated by each other’s touch.

We pulled apart, both of us gasping for air. The taste of her remained on my lips as I fought to steady myself. The heat radiating off Aria would not be tamed, so I clasped her hand in mine, the softness of her skin feeling so right against the roughness of my own, and led her to my den.

I looked around at my chosen brethren, who lounged in the dimly lit space of our common area. “Aria will be staying with us tonight,” I stated.

Their nods came silently. They knew better than to question my decision. I ushered her to my room.

Aria looked up at me hesitantly. “Could I... may I take a bath? I need to wash the day away.”

“Of course,” I said as I gestured toward the bath area.

Carved from the mountain itself, the bath was a wonder of nature’s artistry, time and intention having shaped its curves and hollows. It wasn’t fashioned in grandeur or adorned with jewels, but water trickled from an overhead crevice in a soothing melody, filling the basin below.

“Take your time,” I murmured, stepping back to give her the privacy she craved.

As she stepped behind the waterfall curtain, I turned from the sanctuary of my room and strode through the dimly lit corridors to the common area.

Joren shot me a smirk that irked me more than it should. “Found yourself a lost little bird?”

I gave a low growl. “Aria had a rough night with her father. She’s staying here.” My tone left no room for argument, though their jesting didn’t cease. It was the way of our kind, rough-and-tumble affection wrapped in barbed words.

As they continued to chuckle and tease, I busied myself putting together a meal. It was a hodgepodge of leftover game meat and salad. I snatched a bottle of bourbon from the shelf, the amber liquid sloshing gently against the glass. It should do the job of easing some of the rawness of tonight’s revelations.

The laughter and chatter died down to murmurs as I padded softly back to my room, balancing the tray in one hand, the bourbon cradled in the other.

The sight that greeted me sent a sharp jolt of lust into my belly. Aria stood there, water droplets glistening on her skin, clad only in a towel that clung to every curve. My name on her lips was a plea, innocent yet laden with an undercurrent of something else.

“Hey, Atticus,” she said. “Could I borrow a shirt?”

“Of course.” I pulled a shirt from the shelves and handed it over, along with a pair of boxers. The mundane objects were suddenly charged, heavy with unspoken meaning.

The towel fell away, and she dressed in my clothes. A flush crept up my neck as her actions seemed to strip me bare as well. She was engulfed in my clothing, in me. My scent enveloped her in an intimate hold that sent shockwaves through my system.

“Thank you,” she said.

I nodded, swallowing her hard. Aria, with her impulsive spirit, drew me in, keening to the feral part of my soul. As she moved about the room, the air pulsed with the subtle hint of her scent, and I breathed it in deeply.

“Feels like home,” she said, and the words struck deep. Home. The concept was both foreign and achingly familiar, a longing intricately entwined with fate and choice.

“Does it?” I asked.

“More than you know,” she said, a smile touching her lips as she met my gaze. In that moment, I knew. This was right. Everything that led us here—the pain, the beauty, the prophecy—was meant to be. Aria belonged here, with me, in my den, in my arms.

I set the tray down on the table and poured us each a glass of bourbon before I settled on my bed. Aria navigated the space with a newfound curiosity. She lightly touched the books stacked haphazardly on my shelf, fingers tracing the spines as she perused the titles.

“Have you always been into mythology?” she asked, pulling out a book of ancient legends and thumbing through it.

“Since I was a kid.” I took another sip of the bourbon, its amber fire warming my chest. “Stories of heroes and monsters always felt like echoes of our own world.” The words tumbled out with more ease than I expected, the alcohol loosening me.

“Maybe because they are,” she said, her laughter mingling with the lingering steam from her bath.

“Perhaps.” I offered her the glass, watching as she hesitated before accepting it. “You might need this tonight.”

“Thanks.” Aria took the glass and brought it to her lips. “Tonight’s been...” She trailed off.

“Rough,” I finished for her.

“Precisely.” She took a small sip, grimacing before settling back onto the bed beside me.

We spoke of inconsequential things, stories from the books, anecdotes from our childhoods that seemed both distant and achingly present until the words fell away, leaving only a comfortable silence.

“You can have the bed.” I stood up and stretched my arms. “I’ll take the couch. You’ve had a long day.”

Aria’s gaze caught mine, and the imploring look in her eyes tugged at the very fibers of my being. “Would you stay? Please? I don’t want to be alone tonight.”

“Of course,” I said without hesitation. I would not leave her side. Not now, not when she needed me. There was no place I’d rather be than here with her, ensuring she was safe, wanted, cherished.

The bed dipped slightly as I settled back beside her. Aria nestled closer, her head finding the crook of my shoulder.

“Atticus,” she said. Her hand lay tentatively on my chest, moving to the short sleeves of my shirt and tracing the outline of the tattoos inked on my biceps.

“Shh.” I placed my hand on hers to reassure her. “You’re safe here with me.”

She relaxed, her body molding to mine. Her silver hair cascaded over my arm, the luminescence catching the scant moonlight that made it down to the bed.

Gently, I cradled her face, turning it up toward mine. I caressed her cheek with my thumb, a simple gesture that spoke volumes of how much I cared for her.

The connection between us sparked, igniting a fire that had been smoldering since the moment our paths crossed.

Aria shifted, draping her leg over mine. I resisted the urge to claim her then and there, choosing instead to explore this newfound tenderness between us. She shivered as my palm grazed her side. The heat of her skin beckoned beneath the cotton, and I drew my hand in slow, languid circles that ventured along the curve of her waist.

Her fingers tickled the lines of muscle along my arm, hesitantly at first, but growing bolder with each pass.

“Let me take care of you,” I said. I needed to show her, in actions rather than words, exactly how much she meant to me.

"Yes," she whispered. "Atticus, please."

The shirt she wore—my shirt—was a barrier I yearned to cross. My hands slipped beneath the soft fabric, making contact with the silk of her skin. The sensation of her, so close yet still veiled with the thin cotton, was a tantalizing torment.

Gently, I tugged the material up and over her head, then tossed the shirt to the floor. I palmed her soft, heavy breasts, cupping them reverently, drinking in the sight of her body, the enticing curves that begged to be touched. Her skin was like satin beneath my fingertips, her nipples pebbled and hard against my palms as I traced gentle circles around them.

She arched into my touch, and I leaned in to capture a nipple with my mouth. The taste of her was electric on my tongue, and I reveled in the low moan that left her.

I moved higher, kissing each ridge of her neck before trailing kisses along her collarbone. My mouth found hers then, hungry yet tender as she parted her lips for me. Our tongues tangled together, a dance of passion that seemed both delicate and wild.

Aria’s hands roamed over me, under my shirt, and our lips parted only long enough for her to remove it. She traced the lines of muscle on my chest before dipping lower to skim downward. Her deft fingers slipped along the waistband of my pants, teasingly pulling at the fabric. My body shuddered with anticipation as her fingers traced circles on my abdomen, and goosebumps rose on my skin.

Her touch was electric, every brush of her fingertips sending shockwaves of pleasure through me. Each gentle stroke made my heartbeat quicken. Desire thrummed through me, urging me to take her there and then, skin on skin. But tonight was for tenderness and comfort, not for taking—not yet. It was enough to know that she was willing, that she trusted me enough to explore this together.

Her palm glided down my chest and stomach, lightly grazing the curls of hair that trailed towards my groin. I gritted my teeth as she made contact with my hardness. I wanted her so fucking badly that it hurt.

She nipped at my bottom lip, pulling away just enough to look into my eyes. A flutter of fear and anticipation danced within those beautiful depths.

I cupped her cheek gently and brushed away a lock of hair, murmuring reassurance against the silence that hung between us. “Take your time.” My voice was thick with desire but full of patience. I wanted her to know she was safe with me, that we had all the time in the world to explore this bond that burned bright between us.

She studied my expression before leaning in for another soft kiss, slower and more deliberate than before. Her fingers slipped back down to the waistband of my pants, undoing the buttons and zip and lowering the fabric down my legs until I kicked them off. She traced the fabric of my boxer shorts and tugged at the elastic gently, pulling it down just enough to peek beneath.

“Holy hell,” she whispered in awe, then placed a tender kiss on my chest, right above where our bodies touched, a sign of surrender and trust.

Her hesitation gave way to curiosity as she traced circles around my navel, her fingers moving lower still. Aria grazed the head of my erection through the thin fabric, and I groaned softly into her hair.

She leaned in closer, tracing the head of my cock through the fabric, teasing me with a gentle swipe. Our heavy breathing filled the room as we succumbed to the passion that had been building since our first encounter.

“Aria,” I moaned, my hands tightening on her hips as she continued to tease me. I could feel her hesitation, the uncertainty that lingered on her tongue like honey.

Aria nudged my boxers down, releasing my aching cock into the cool air. Before I could think twice, her hand curled around me. She stroked, learning the length of me, tracing every vein and ridge as she teased the sensitive head. I gasped at the contact, my back arching off the bed. Every nerve ending tingled as she continued to stroke me. She sighed against my skin, her other hand finding its way to my shaft as her grip tightened around it.

“I can’t quite believe this is real,” she murmured. Her movements were cautious but purposeful as she pumped me with both hands.

I tangled my fingers in her hair and pulled her closer. “Slow,” I rasped out between clenched teeth, knowing she needed to take it slow despite my growing desperation for release.

She nodded against me, understanding me perfectly even through our mutual want. She trailed kisses up my neck and jawline, nipping at my earlobe.

“Do you want me to… do you want my mouth?” The whispered question sent a bolt of lightning straight to my groin, and I shuddered in response.

“Oh, fuck. Only if you want to,” I groaned as she leaned back, eyes searching mine for confirmation. Her lips puckered slightly as she looked between us. She craved the taste of me just as much as I craved feeling those plump lips wrapped around me. When she lowered her head and took me into her mouth, a guttural groan left me.

She moaned against my cock as she sucked me, her tongue swirling around the head. My eyes rolled back in my head. The sensation was overwhelming, sending shivers down my spine and up again. The bed gave slightly as she leaned further over me, her hair cascading like a sheltering curtain. She bobbed her head gently, taking more and more of me into her mouth with each downward glide. Her cheeks hollowed out, and I moaned in delight. Her lips were warm and wet, just right, and as she raised her head to meet my eyes, I found the desire in hers matching my own. My fingers dug deeper into her scalp, urging her on even as I tried to hold back.

“Aria,” I gasped, helpless against the pleasure.

She smiled around my throbbing cock before taking it deep into her mouth again, until I hit the back of her throat. My hips jerked up off the bed, begging for more of that delicious friction. She picked up speed, sucking hard on the sensitive flesh that had me biting back groans. With each gentle moan from her throat, I felt myself getting closer and closer to exploding into bliss.

The scent of her body, of the lavender from the bath she took, filled the air between us like a sensuous perfume as she brought me closer to release.

Before I could finish in her mouth, I pulled her up, flipping her onto her back and grinning as I slid down her body. She’d never put on the boxers, and she held her knees together demurely.

“Spread your legs for me,” I whispered. “Let me see you.”

Her knees fell apart, and I took a moment to drink in her beautiful pussy as she spread herself for me. The sight of her glistening folds was intoxicating. My mouth watered, and my tongue darted out to trace the shape of her curls. I moved in closer, pressing a soft kiss to the inside of her thigh before dipping lower.

The taste of her was sweet and so fucking addictive. I inhaled deeply, drawing her exquisite scent into my lungs as I circled her entrance with my tongue, teasing her folds. She squirmed beneath me, her fingers digging into the bedsheets, holding on as I parted her lips gently with my index finger and teased her entrance. Aria’s soft moans were music to my ears as I pressed my tongue against her entrance and tasted her small pearl of desire.

I flicked my tongue over her clit and pressed my finger inside her, her heat clamping down around me. She bucked against me, crying out softly as I found just the right spot inside her and began to move in time with my tongue on her clit. Her hips rose off the bed as I added a second finger, pushing deeper still. Her breath caught in her throat as I stretched her tight channel, pulling back before thrusting back in again. She tasted like every fantasy I’d ever had and more, sweet yet salty from sweat and arousal. My tongue danced against every nub and fold, lapping up the nectar that beaded on her skin.

Aria’s chest rose and fell rapidly as she panted beneath me, her hair splayed out on the pillow like a waterfall of silk. She was every bit as stunning as she was breathtaking, her eyes half-lidded with pleasure as she tossed her head from side to side. She tasted so sweet, like the finest of wines, and I savored every drop of her essence like it was the very thing that gave me life. I listened to the music of our moans, the rhythmic slap of our skin against skin, even the rustling of the bedsheets under our movements.

Every inch of her body seemed made for me. My free hand found one of her breasts, cupping and squeezing it gently. My teeth nipped at her sensitive flesh, and the soft gasp she let out sent shivers down my spine. I sucked on her neck softly while my fingers found a faster rhythm inside her, reaching for that spot that would send her over the cliff.

She clenched around my fingers, so close to the crescendo of pleasure. Aria’s moans grew louder and more desperate for release, and with one last flick of my tongue, she came apart on my mouth. The sweet, salty taste of her flooded my senses as she arched off the bed and cried out in ecstasy. I groaned into her before pulling back to look up at her, admiring how beautiful she was. Especially now.

I crawled up her body, my eyes on hers the entire time. Her pupils were dilated with passion, and she breathed heavily, a slow smile curving her lips. She was beauty personified, every curve begging to be touched and worshipped. Cupping her breast tenderly, I slid my other hand between us and positioned my cock at her entrance.

Our eyes locked as I slowly thrust inside, filling her tight heat with every inch of my length. She clenched around me, slick and hot. With a cry, she arched off the bed as I pressed past that thin barrier in one swift stroke. I leaned in for a tender kiss as our hips met in harmony, groaning into her mouth as our bodies moved together.

“Are you okay?” I whispered as I stilled, wanting to be sure I hadn’t hurt her.

“I’m fine.” She blushed. “Please keep going.”

I moved, trying to go as slow as I could, but my restraint soon gave way. Our skin slapped together, creating a percussive soundtrack to our lovemaking. My muscles tensed under her touch, every nerve alight with desire as I met her stroke for stroke. Aria mewled, her hands exploring my chest and back before trailing down to my ass cheeks. Her fingers dug into my flesh, pulling me closer still as she urged me on, demanding more.

She rocked her hips in time with my thrusts, moaning when I sucked on her bottom lip. Her taste was addictive, making me crave more of her. I slipped a hand between us, finding her clit and circling it with gentle fingers as I plunged deeper inside her. Her body tensed and relaxed in response to my ministrations until finally, she cried out again, her body shivering underneath mine.

“Fuck,” she hissed against my lips. The sound vibrated through my cock straight into my core. Her legs curled around my waist for leverage, her moans filling my ears. Her nails dug into my shoulders as she arched her back, taking me in even deeper.

The head of my cock brushed against her G-spot with every thrust. As I teased her clit with my fingers and licked the side of her neck, she squirmed underneath me.

Our breathing grew ragged as my own orgasm drew closer. Our movements became more frantic and urgent as we sought release together. With one last thrust deep inside her, I groaned into her mouth and emptied into her. She moaned against me, taking every drop of me as my body shook with the force of my orgasm.

It was intense and fast, as if we were trying to outrun the dawn that would eventually find us. But in those precious times, nothing mattered but us, a bond forged in the abyss of our beings that spoke of love and of a future written in the stars.