Page 13 of Hexmate (Widdershins Supernatural Academy #1)

Chapter 13

Caden

A tlas’s form began to shrink around me. In a matter of seconds, the muzzle shrank back into the handsome face I recognized, the fur fell away, and the claws retracted. What was once a hulking monster of a werewolf was now a familiar man, albeit still large and muscular. I slid forward, not wanting to encroach on his personal space. However, the moment I glanced back at him, my gaze dipped to his groin, getting a full view of his cock in all its glory.

It was bigger than I expected.

My face turned bright red as I turned away. “Oh my god…” I said, shaking my head. “I’m… I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to do that. It just kind of?—”

But my words were cut off as Atlas’s arms wrapped around me once more, pulling me close. “It’s okay, Caden. I don’t mind.” He paused for a moment. “Do… Do you like the way I look?”

I swallowed hard, my heart pounding in my chest. Atlas’s warm breath tickled my ear, sending shivers down my spine. I wanted to turn and look at him again, to drink in every inch of his chiseled form, but I was paralyzed by a mix of desire and trepidation.

“I... yes,” I finally managed to whisper, my voice barely audible. “You’re beautiful, Atlas.”

His grip on me tightened, and I felt something hard pressing against my lower back. A small gasp escaped my lips as I realized what it was. Apparently my words had more of an effect on him than I thought.

“I’m glad you like it,” he said softly, his chin resting on top of my head. He paused again. “And… uh… sorry about my… you know.”

“I-It’s okay,” I stuttered, trying to pretend it didn’t send a thrill shooting right through me. My own body reacted, my jeans suddenly very tight. “So… uh… what did you mean by me being your mate?”

Atlas’s chest rumbled with a low growl as he nuzzled into my neck. “It means you’re mine, Caden. My wolf chose you the moment I first caught your scent. I might not have realized what was going on, but now that I do, I know it’s true.”

His words sent a shiver through me. Part of me wanted to melt into his embrace, to give myself over to this primal connection between us. But another part hesitated, remembering all I’d been taught about witches and werewolves and any kind of shifter for that matter.

“But... we can’t,” I whispered. “It’s forbidden. Witches and shifters aren’t supposed to...”

Atlas spun me around to face him, his golden eyes blazing. “It doesn’t matter what we’re ‘supposed’ to do,” he growled. “My wolf wants you. I want you. To hell with anyone who says otherwise.”

His intensity both thrilled and terrified me. I’d never been wanted like this before. My gaze dropped to his lips, full and inviting.

“Atlas, I...” I trailed off, lost in the heat of his stare.

He cupped my face in his large hands. “Sorry…” he said. “I’m… I’m having a hard time controlling my emotions around you. Everything feels so… intense.” He took a deep breath, his golden eyes still fixed on mine. “We’re fated mates, the kind that comes out of nowhere and leaves us with little choice in the matter. Our bond was destined by the stars and the gods themselves. I am connected to you whether I wish to be or not.”

“Would you rather not be?”

His gaze darkened. “No. I want to be with you above all else. I felt drawn to you the moment we met and now that I know what this is… I don’t wish to be parted from you. Even if… Even if it will cost me my title and my pack.”

My breath caught in my throat at Atlas’s words. The intensity of his gaze, the raw emotion in his voice - it was overwhelming. I felt myself wavering, torn between the pull of our connection and the weight of everything I’d been taught.

“But your pack,” I whispered, “your future as Alpha. I can’t ask you to give that up for me. We barely know each other.”

Atlas’s hands slid down to grip my shoulders. “Caden, listen to me. I’ve known for a while that I didn’t want to be Alpha. It never felt right. That’s the reason I came to Widdershins in the first place, to put it off as long as possible. But this - us - it feels more right than anything ever has.”

His words sent a thrill through me but doubt still gnawed at my insides. “How can you be so sure? What if this is just some fleeting attraction?”

A low growl rumbled in Atlas’s chest. “It’s not. I can feel it in my bones, in my very soul. You’re mine, Caden. My mate. My other half.”

Before I could respond, he closed the distance between us, capturing my lips in a searing kiss. Heat exploded through my body as his mouth moved against mine, hungry and demanding. I gasped, my lips parting, and Atlas took the opportunity to deepen the kiss. His tongue slid against mine, exploring, tasting. My hands moved of their own accord, sliding up his bare chest to tangle in his dark hair.

Atlas growled approvingly, his arms wrapping around my waist to pull me flush against him. I could feel every hard plane of his body, the heat of his skin burning through my clothes. His arousal pressed insistently against my hip, making me whimper with need.

“Atlas,” I breathed as we broke apart for air. My head was spinning, overwhelmed by sensation and desire.

“Tell me you want this,” Atlas said, his voice rough with passion. “Tell me you want me or I’ll stop.”

I hesitated for a moment, my rational mind warring with the primal need coursing through my veins. But as I looked into Atlas’s golden eyes, dark with lust and something deeper, I knew there was only one answer I could give.

“I want you,” I whispered. “I’ve never wanted anyone like this before.”

A triumphant grin spread across Atlas’s face. In one fluid motion, he scooped me up in his arms and carried me effortlessly to the bed, laying me down with surprising gentleness. He hovered over me, his golden eyes roaming hungrily over my body. I felt exposed under his gaze, even though I was still fully clothed.

“You’re wearing too many clothes,” Atlas growled, his hands sliding under my shirt. His touch left trails of fire on my skin.

I arched into his caress, overcome by sensation. “Then do something about it,” I breathed, surprising myself with my boldness.

Atlas’s eyes flashed dangerously. In one swift motion, he ripped my half-torn shirt clean off my body. I gasped, shocked and aroused by his display of strength. His hands roamed over my newly exposed skin, rough palms skating across my chest and stomach.

“Beautiful,” he murmured, lowering his head to trail kisses along my collarbone. His stubble scraped deliciously against my sensitive skin.

I moaned softly, my hands clutching at his broad shoulders. Every touch, every kiss sent sparks of pleasure through my body. I’d never felt anything like this before.

Atlas’s mouth moved lower, leaving a trail of hot, open-mouthed kisses down my chest. His tongue flicked over one of my nipples, drawing a sharp gasp from my lips. He looked up at me, a wicked glint in his golden eyes, before taking the sensitive bud between his teeth and tugging gently.

“Atlas!” I cried out, arching off the bed.

He chuckled darkly, continuing his sensual assault. His large hands roamed over my sides, thumbs hooking into the waistband of my jeans. With deft movements, he unbuttoned them and slowly dragged down the zipper.

“Lift your hips,” he commanded softly.

I obeyed without hesitation, allowing him to pull my jeans and underwear off in one smooth motion. Now I was completely bare before him, exposed and vulnerable, my cock hard and pulsing in front of him. A blush crept across my cheeks as Atlas’s hungry gaze raked over my naked form.

“Perfect,” he breathed, running his hands up my thighs. “You’re absolutely perfect, Caden.”

His touch ignited sparks beneath my skin. I trembled, overwhelmed by the intensity of sensation and emotion. Atlas seemed to sense my nervousness, because he pulled back for a moment, his eyes fixed on mine. “Are you alright?” he asked.

“Y-Yeah,” I managed to say, my voice trembling. “I’ve just… I’ve never done anything like this before.”

“Me either,” he said genuinely. “With another man I mean.”

I stared at him for a long moment. “I’ve never done it… at all.”

Atlas’s eyes widened slightly at my admission. “You’re a virgin?” he asked softly, his hand gently caressing my cheek.

I nodded, feeling heat rise to my face. “Is... is that okay?”

A low growl rumbled in Atlas’s chest, his eyes flashing with a mix of tenderness and primal possessiveness. “More than okay,” he murmured. “It means I’ll be your first... your only.”

His words sent a shiver through me. Any other time I might’ve questioned his possessive nature, but right now all it did was make me harder. The intensity in his gaze was almost overwhelming, but I couldn’t look away.

“We’ll take it slow,” Atlas promised, leaning down to press a gentle kiss to my lips. “I don’t want to hurt you. So how about just the basics today?”

His tenderness, so at odds with his usual aggressive demeanor, made my heart swell. I reached up, threading my fingers through his dark hair. “I trust you,” I whispered.

Atlas groaned softly, capturing my lips in another kiss, deeper this time. His tongue slid against mine as his hand trailed down my body, leaving goosebumps in its wake. When he reached my cock, he wrapped his large hand around it, giving it a gentle stroke.

I gasped into Atlas’s mouth as he began to stroke me, his calloused hand sending waves of pleasure through my body. His touch was firm but gentle, careful not to overwhelm me too quickly. I clung to his broad shoulders, my hips unconsciously rocking into his grip.

“That’s it,” Atlas murmured against my lips. “Let yourself feel good, Caden. I’ve got you.”

His words emboldened me. I slid one hand down his muscular chest, tracing the defined ridges of his abs before hesitantly wrapping my fingers around his thick shaft. Atlas groaned, his hips jerking forward.

“Fuck, Caden,” he growled. “That feels good…”

Encouraged by his reaction, I began to stroke him, mimicking the motions of his hand on me. Atlas’s breath came faster, his golden eyes dark with lust as he stared down at me. The air between us grew thick with desire, the room filled with the sound of our mingled gasps and moans.

Atlas’s free hand cupped my face, his thumb tracing my bottom lip. “Open your mouth,” he commanded softly.

I obeyed, parting my lips slightly. Atlas slipped his thumb into my mouth, pressing it gently against my tongue. The intimacy of the act sent a shiver through me.

“That’s it,” Atlas murmured, his voice husky. “Suck on it.”

I closed my lips around his thumb, sucking softly as he’d instructed. A low growl rumbled in Atlas’s chest, his eyes flashing with primal hunger. The hand on my cock tightened slightly, his strokes becoming faster, more insistent.

Pleasure built rapidly within me, my inexperienced body overwhelmed by the dual sensations. I moaned around Atlas’s thumb, my hips bucking up into his grip. All I could imagine was his thick cock in my mouth. The idea of it was enough to push me to the edge. I wanted to know what he tasted like, how he felt pulsing against my tongue.

“You’re close, aren’t you?” Atlas said, his voice rough. “I can smell it on you. Let go, Caden. Cum for me.”

His words pushed me over the edge. With a muffled cry, I came hard, spilling over Atlas’s hand and my own stomach. Wave after wave of pleasure crashed over me as Atlas stroked me through my orgasm.

As I came down from my high, I became aware that Atlas was still rock hard in my grip. His golden eyes were dark with need, his breath coming in short pants. I wanted to return the pleasure he’d given me.

“Atlas,” I whispered, my voice hoarse. “I want to taste you.”

A low growl rumbled in his chest. “Are you sure?” he asked, his voice strained with barely contained desire.

I nodded, licking my lips nervously. “Show me how.”

Atlas groaned, shifting to kneel beside my head. His thick cock bobbed in front of my face, the tip glistening with pre-cum. He cupped my cheek gently, guiding me towards him.

“Just start slow,” he murmured. “Use your tongue first. And watch your teeth.”

Taking a deep breath, I leaned forward and ran my tongue along the underside of his shaft. Atlas hissed in pleasure, his hand tightening in my hair. Encouraged, I swirled my tongue around the head before taking it into my mouth.

The taste was salty and musky, not unpleasant. I sucked gently, trying to take him deeper into my mouth, my tongue swirling around his shaft as I attempted to accommodate his impressive size. A low groan rumbled from his chest, his fingers tightening in my hair.

“That’s it, Caden,” he breathed. “Just like that.”

Encouraged by his words, I hollowed my cheeks and sucked harder, bobbing my head as I took him deeper. Atlas’s hips jerked slightly, pushing more of his length into my mouth. I gagged a little, pulling back.

“Sorry,” Atlas murmured, his voice strained. “You feel so good, it’s hard to control myself.”

I looked up at him through my lashes, seeing the raw need in his golden eyes. Feeling bold, I gripped the base of his cock and took him into my mouth again, this time relaxing my throat like Wild had mentioned during our talk while he got me ready for my night with Atlas. He’d tried to prepare me for everything.

Atlas let out a strangled moan as I managed to take at least half of his length. “Fuck, Caden,” he growled. “You’re a natural.”

His words sent a thrill through me, spurring me on. I bobbed my head faster, taking him as deep as I could manage. My hand worked the base of his shaft, stroking in tandem with my mouth. Atlas’s breathing grew ragged, his hips starting to thrust gently.

“Caden,” he groaned, “I’m close. You don’t have to-”

But I didn’t pull away. I wanted to taste him, to feel him come undone because of me. I sucked harder, swirling my tongue around the sensitive head of his cock.

With a roar, Atlas came, flooding my mouth with his release. I swallowed as best I could, though some escaped, trickling down my chin. Atlas’s body shuddered above me as I continued to suck gently, milking every last drop from him.

Finally, he pulled away, collapsing beside me on the bed. He gathered me into his arms, pressing a tender kiss to my forehead. “That was incredible,” he murmured. “You’re incredible. Fuck…”

I blushed, burying my face in his chest. “I… uh… thanks.”

Atlas chuckled softly, his chest rumbling against my cheek. His large hand stroked my back soothingly. “No need to be shy now,” he murmured, his voice warm with affection. “Not after what we just did.”

I peeked up at him, my face still flushed. “I guess you’re right,” I admitted. “It’s just... this is all so new to me. I never thought I’d experience anything like this.”

Atlas’s golden eyes softened as he gazed down at me. “Me neither,” he confessed. “I mean, I’ve been with women before, but this... with you... it’s different. More intense. More right.”

His words sent a flutter through my chest. I reached up, tracing the strong line of his jaw with my fingertips. “So, what happens now?” I asked softly.

Atlas caught my hand, pressing a gentle kiss to my palm. “Now,” he said, “we figure this out together. I meant what I said before, Caden. You’re my mate. My other half. I’m not letting you go.”

A small smile tugged at my lips. “Even if it means giving up your pack and your title?”

“If you’ll have me.”

I knew I should say no, that this would never work between us. With school rules, societal expectations, pack laws, prejudices, and every other fucking thing wrong with the world against us, I knew it would be a terrible idea to say I wanted him. And my father? He would never allow it.

“Yes,” I whispered. “I want you.”

Those words, I knew, would be the spark that burned down my entire world.