"So, what is going on between you two?" Lexi asked as soon as we were in the kitchen.
"I have no idea what you're talking about," I answered.
"Uh huh, sure you don't. That's why Dimitri had a scowl on his face when you came with me. Did you two argue?" Lexi questioned.
I sighed. "No, we were actually having a good time, but Savanah knocked on the door and ruined it."
"For you or for him?" Lexi raised her eyebrows.
"Me, obviously. That girl always turns up at the wrong time," I complained.
"Because of her, you're taking your anger out on Dimitri now." Lexi smiled knowingly.
"Well, she's only knocking on our door because of him. Then he decides to open the door with no shirt on, so of course she starts checking him out," I vented.
"Ahh, so the whole thing is because you are jealous." Lexi laughed.
"What's so funny? I bet if the same thing happened to you, then you would be jealous too." I rolled my eyes.
"You're right, but it's nice to see someone act like this over Dimitri. He needed someone like you in his life," Lexi said softly.
"You think so?" I asked.
"One hundred percent. You both complement each other so well. It's unbelievable the effect you've had on him in such a short space of time."
"Hmm… I guess we do," I admitted, thinking about Lexi's words.
"We can all see the change in Dimitri. And I know you got thrust into this whole thing quite suddenly, but I can see a change in you too," Lexi added.
"Me? How?" I was curious.
"You have a glow, like you're in your own bubble of happiness that no one can burst. It doesn't take a genius to figure out who is making you so happy." Lexi nudged me.
"Did you change to a lycan?" I asked.
"No, but I'm guessing you're worried about the change?" Lexi guessed correctly.
I nodded, and she sighed. "Most werewolves don't struggle, as the changes aren't too drastic. However, there are a few who suffer because they can't handle it—it's too much. You being mated to the king means you'll have enhanced senses like him, which might be difficult to deal with. Unfortunately, it's all new for everyone, so we don't know. But with Dimitri by your side, I'm sure you'll be fine. Plus, you're not a weak werewolf."
Wow. That was a lot of information to take in, but it was useful. A part of me was terrified for the change, but the other part was excited. Being a lycan would mean I'd have enhanced senses, which was so cool. It also meant I would be on par with Atlas.
"Thanks, Lexi." I smiled and hugged her.
"Anytime! Now, you can either help me bake some cookies, or you can go to your mate." Lexi winked.
"No, I'll help you bake cookies. We could use some time apart," I replied.
Lexi laughed. "He's spent enough time away from you, but this way you can bring him some cookies. I'm sure he'd love that."
Rolling my eyes, I pushed all my worries to the back of my mind and helped Lexi bake. Honestly, it felt nice to have some girl time, but I found myself missing Atlas. Was this how it would always be? This feeling like I was empty without him?
I wanted to ask Lexi but decided against it—she might think I was being silly. Maybe I was. Maybe I was being extra needy because of the changes my body was going through.
Once the cookies were baked, Lexi put some on a plate and handed it to me. "Go to your mate now." She chuckled.
This time I didn't argue. I just smiled, took the plate, and walked out of the kitchen. Looking around the massive place, I wondered where he would be. His addictive scent filled my nostrils, and I smiled as my feet moved on their own, following it.
I stopped outside a door I presumed was his office. Being polite, I decided to knock, but I didn't even have to. The door flung open, and Atlas stood there with a tense look on his face.
"Um… I made cookies?" I said awkwardly.
His tense expression faded, and he smiled. "Come in, little one."
Atlas moved out of the way so I could enter. Smiling, I walked into his office. It was massive, but also very organized. Filing cabinets lined the walls, everything was labeled neatly, and there wasn't a paper out of place.
This man never failed to surprise me.
Atlas sat in his chair and raised his eyebrows. "Are you going to stand the whole time?"
"What? No, I was just looking at your office," I mumbled, sitting down and placing the plate of cookies in front of him.
"Did you have fun with Lexi?" Atlas asked, picking up a cookie.
"Yeah, it was nice to chat with her," I replied.
Atlas nodded and took a bite of the cookie. He moaned, "These are amazing."
My brain couldn't even form a response. That sound made me struggle to control my desire. Atlas was totally oblivious to my peril as he devoured all the cookies. He even made eating cookies look hot. How was I supposed to survive?
My stupid mind drifted to fantasy land, imagining Atlas lying me down on his desk, his lips trailing lower and lower until—
"Anaa?" Atlas's voice made me jump.
"Yes?" I asked, clearing my throat.
"Are you all right? You look flustered." He looked at me, concerned.
"Me? I'm fine!" I said too quickly.
Atlas didn't look convinced, but he nodded anyway.
Shit. This wasn't good. My whole body suddenly felt like it was on fire. I shifted uncomfortably in my seat as he continued to study me. What was happening to me?
"Um… I'll be back." I stood up and rushed out of his office.
My legs felt weak, but I forced myself to run toward my room. I ignored the concerned looks from guards, my focus only on reaching it. Once inside, I locked myself in the bathroom. My breathing was heavy as I splashed cold water on my face. It didn't help.
I felt weaker. My knees gave out, and I fell to the floor. Groaning, I tried to stand, but I kept collapsing.
Holy shit, this wasn't good at all.
Suddenly, I felt the urge to throw up. With my legs failing me, I crawled to the toilet and emptied my stomach. I thought it might make me feel better—maybe it was something I ate—but it didn't.
"Anaa?" Atlas's worried voice reached me.
This time I couldn't even answer. My breathing grew heavier.
"Anaa, answer me! Are you in here?" Atlas's voice grew frantic as he banged on the door.
I couldn't form words. My eyes darted to the bottles of shampoo and conditioner on the bathtub's edge. With all the strength I had left, I knocked them over, letting them clatter loudly into the tub.
"That's it, I'm coming in."
The door came off its hinges, and Atlas stood there, terrified. My heart ached to see that expression on his face. He tossed the door aside and rushed to me, carefully lifting me into his arms.
"Anaa. Holy shit. What's happening? Focus on my voice. Stay awake. Don't you dare close your eyes, you hear me?" His voice trembled with fear as he ran.
The warmth of his body made me want to close my eyes, but I fought it.
Atlas ran at full speed, his panic clear. My heart broke at the thought of what he must be feeling. I didn't know what was happening to me, and neither did he.
"Get the fuck out of my way!" Atlas growled at the guards, who quickly stepped aside when they saw me in his arms.
"Where's the fucking doctor?" he roared.
He laid me on the bed gently, and I shivered, missing his warmth instantly. A doctor rushed in, her face horrified at the sight of me.
"What's wrong with my mate?" Atlas snarled. He was losing control, and the poor doctor looked terrified.
I lifted my arms slightly, catching her attention. She glanced at Atlas, then back at me. "I… I think the queen wants you to hold her."
Atlas's gaze snapped to mine and softened instantly. He didn't hesitate to pick me up again, wrapping me tightly in his embrace.
"I'll find out what's wrong. Don't worry," the doctor said firmly as she began examining me.
My eyelids grew heavy. I fought to keep them open, but I was losing the battle.
"No, no, no. Little one, stay with me." Atlas patted my cheeks desperately.
Nothing worked. My eyes drifted shut.
The last thing I saw were Atlas's hazel eyes, filled with fear and pain, as he whispered, "Please don't leave me…"