Page 35 of Finding Embers and Stars (Twin Flames Duet #1)
Chapter thirty-five
I ’m so excited to run with Maverick’s wolf. I’m hardly showing the stoicism I should be as a powerful Alpha wolf. It’s hard to hold back my urge to bark and play like a puppy while I wag my tail for all to see.
“Goddess, what have Piper and Sage done to me? I’m acting like an over excited pup.”
Piper snorts out a laugh, the gentle sound rolling through my mind. So much for keeping that thought to myself. “Atlas, don’t be embarrassed. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to run with another wolf. I think this is a great way for you and Maverick to bond. Besides, I like your puppy antics.”
I may not have ended up with my intended person, but I’m grateful every day that Mother Universe was able to match me with Piper. I’m sure that Alpha Dick isn’t the only one that feels that a male animal spirit paired with a female is an abomination, but I’ll be forever grateful for this second chance.
I feel Piper hand over control for me to shift. Letting the magic wash over my body, I fall forward landing on my paws. Shaking out my fur, I stretch my front legs out in front of me, relishing in the many scents the wind carries past my nose.
An excited yip draws my gaze to where Maverick is standing, now in his Dire wolf form. I’m surprised to see that we’re the same height, though I think I’m a bit heavier, with more muscle mass through my shoulders.
His fur is a deep black that glints blue in the sun. The only difference in our appearance is that he is solid black while I have white toes and the raven symbol on my chest to represent Sage.
He bounds towards me, showing all that puppy playfulness I was reluctant to. When he pauses in front of me and drops into a play bow, I throw all attempts at maintaining my dignity out the window.
Letting out an amused bark, I match his bow before dashing off through the trees. As we chase each other through the woods I can feel Piper’s insecurities floating through the back of my mind.
I focus on my connection with her to make sure she is blocked when I reach out. “Mav, I’m worried about Piper. As hard as she’s trying, her insecurities have been present her whole life and they aren’t easily dismissed. Would you be willing to help me talk her down?”
“Of course. You lead, and I’ll join in when I have the whole picture.” He bumps my shoulder in a ‘you’re it’ gesture, then dashes off again.
My gratitude for my new brothers continues to grow. All of them have been so good to Piper. They all seem to take her insecurities and need for reassurances in stride.
Reopening my connection with Piper, I make sure Maverick can hear me as well. “Okay, what is going on with you? I can feel your worry, and it’s enough to give me indigestion.”
I can feel her roll her eyes at me. “Well, excuse me. We can’t have that.” Her amusement fades away and I feel her sigh. “I don’t know what my problem is. Every time I think I have a handle on our relationship, I remember what a mess I am. Why would five gorgeous, amazing men want me for a mate? Sage is beautiful, short, and curvy. In comparison, I’m a giant that’s covered in scars. Without the mate bond, they wouldn’t give me a second look.”
Maverick’s wolf growls his indignation, and Piper lets out an embarrassed shriek when she realizes he heard everything. “Atlas! What the fuck?!” Her screech is loud enough to hurt both our ears and we wince in pain.
“Embers, listen to me!” Maverick stops and faces me, staring into my eyes as if he can see right through me to Piper. “Please don’t be mad at Atlas. We need to be able to communicate. That’s the only way this is going to work with seven people in a relationship. I promise it’s not the bond that’s making me fall further in love with you every day we are together. My brothers can tell you themselves, but I swear meeting you is the best thing that’s ever happened to me. You and Sage have brought us closer together. The two of you complete us. As soon as I’m done playing with my new brother, I’ll show you exactly how much I want you and your stunning body.”
I let out a wolfy snort at the wave of embarrassment that washes over Piper. She slides to the back of my mind, hiding from both of us for now. Maverick and I take off running and gradually I feel her relax. I’m glad he could hear her for himself. Hopefully, it will help him, and our other brothers understand her fears.
I lose all track of time as we play and run together. Dashing out of the trees, we race across the sand and into the surf, splashing like pups.
“Thank you for this, Mav. I’ve missed running and playing since we’ve been here. Hopefully, the rest can join us at some point.”
He bumps my shoulder with his before shifting back. “I had a blast today. Anytime you want to run, just let me know. The guys and I have been making a plan for all of us on Atlas day, so you won’t have long to wait before our next outing.”
I let Piper take back control and bring on our shift. I love the life we have, but I’m starting to see how much we needed to find the rest of our family. Mother Universe is truly watching out for us.