Page 8 of Hexmate (Widdershins Supernatural Academy #1)

Chapter 8

Caden

I was at the small coffee shop on campus at least twenty minutes early due to nerves. I’d been driving Wild crazy pacing back and forth in my dorm room. Eventually he just told me to get out and go walk somewhere else so that he could get his homework done. Not that he was much of a homework sort of guy. If I had any guesses, I’d say he just wanted the room to himself so he could hook up with someone. Or get high. Either way, I couldn’t stand being cooped up anymore anyway.

So, I left and wandered around campus for a little bit, winding my way through the buildings until I reached the student center. It was well past lunchtime, so everything was fairly quiet. I had an afternoon class that I was skipping to see Atlas, but I didn’t mind. It was Professor Blackwood’s class, anyway. My absence would probably thrill her. It was no small secret how much she despised me. And after my encounter with her the week before, I needed a little breathing room before I showed my face in that lecture hall again.

Despite all my wandering, I was still far too early. Not wanting to get my coffee early and spoil our date, I waited outside.

No. Not a date.

That was the fifth time today I’d had to check myself mentally. Atlas, the most handsome werewolf in the school and easily one of the most powerful, was not interested in me. Of that I was certain. And even if he was, which I knew he wasn’t, nothing could come of it anyway. He was the son of a powerful Alpha and an equally prestigious pack. There was no doubt in my mind his life was already laid out before him, all neat and tidy just like mine was. Powerful families came with a mountain of expectations. Both of us were only in college for a short time. Once it was over, the dream would be over, and the real world would come crashing in.

There was no escaping that.

So, as I stood there, I forcefully reminded myself that we were just friends, and that’s all we ever would be. Witches and werewolves didn’t mix. And gay Alphas weren’t a thing. At least not a thing publicly. Not at Widdershins where the best of the best came to learn how to be the leaders of the supernatural world’s future.

“You’re here early,” a low voice said, making me startle.

I turned to see Atlas stepping up beside me, his wide muscular frame casting me in shadow. He had his varsity jacket on, the front hanging open to show a skin-tight, white t-shirt underneath. I caught myself staring at every single one of his abs, shocked that they could be so prevalent. He really was astoundingly hot. And my dick, despite my best efforts, agreed wholeheartedly.

“Uh-huh,” I said, forcing my jaw to close and my eyes to lift to his. “I just… uh… didn’t have anything else to do I guess.”

“You didn’t have to wait out here,” he smiled. “It’s kinda cold today. I heard it might snow, actually.”

I glanced up at the clear blue sky. It didn’t look like anything except autumn perfection to me. “I’m fine.” But of course, the moment I said it, the wind picked up and sent a shiver through my body.

Atlas just smiled. “Sure.” He looped his arm around my shoulders, pulling me toward the student center doors. “Let’s get you inside before you freeze to death. You witches are always so skinny.”

“I’m not that skinny!” I retorted, allowing myself to be pulled inside. “Do you not get cold or something?”

“Not really,” he shrugged. “And when I do, I just shift. The fur coat is surprisingly warm. I could probably sleep outside below freezing in wolf form and be just fine.”

“Why would you want to do that?!” I scoffed. “That sounds terrible!”

“Sleeping under the stars is nice,” he said softly. “And being a wolf… well, there’s just something that feels right about it, you know?”

I shook my head. “Not really, no. But I’ll take your word for it.”

Atlas just smiled, leading me up to the coffee counter. We both ordered and Atlas, of course, insisted on paying for my drink. We stood in companionable silence while our drinks were made. I could feel the heat rolling off his body even though he was standing a foot away. And his scent, earthy and wild, filled my nostrils. He smelled like the woods, like moss that clung to rotting logs among fallen leaves. It smelled like… well, like what I imagined home would smell like. But there was something more to it, something that seeped into my skin and pooled in my groin, making my cock twitch.

I cleared my throat, side stepping slightly. Those kinds of thoughts needed to stop. The last thing I needed to do was pop a boner in front of this werewolf. I heard they could smell things like that, so I had to keep myself under control. We were just friends, nothing more.

With our drinks in hand at last, the pair of us found a couch tucked back away from the main student area, giving us a little bit of privacy.

“So,” Atlas sighed, flopping down on the far end of the couch and kicking his feet up on the table in front it. “You were going to tell me about your herbalism classes.”

I settled onto the other end of the couch, tucking one leg underneath me as I turned to face Atlas. His golden eyes were fixed on me intently, making my heart race. I took a sip of my iced chai to calm my nerves.

“Right, herbalism,” I said, trying to focus. “Well, it’s fascinating really. We’re learning about all these rare plants with incredible magical properties. Did you know there’s a flower that only blooms at midnight during a full moon that can enhance a witch’s power tenfold?”

Atlas raised an eyebrow, a slight smirk playing at his lips. “Is that so? Sounds dangerous in the wrong hands.”

I nodded eagerly. “Oh absolutely. That’s why it’s so heavily regulated. But just imagine the possibilities if it was used responsibly!”

As I launched into more details about various magical herbs, Atlas listened attentively. His eyes never left my face, and I found myself getting lost in their amber depths. The way the light caught them made them seem to glow from within.

“You’re really passionate about this stuff, huh?” Atlas said softly when I finally paused for breath.

I felt my cheeks flush. “Yeah, I guess I am. Sorry if I’m boring you with all the details.”

Atlas shook his head, his eyes still locked on mine. “Not at all. I like seeing you excited about something. Your eyes light up when you talk about it.”

My heart skipped a beat at his words. I took another sip of my chai to hide my reaction. “Well, what about you? What are you passionate about besides wrestling?”

Atlas leaned back, stretching his muscular arms over his head. The movement caused his shirt to ride up, exposing a tantalizing strip of toned abs. I quickly averted my gaze.

“Honestly? I’m not sure,” he said with a sigh. “Wrestling is great, but it’s not exactly a career path. And being Alpha...” He trailed off, a shadow passing over his face.

“You don’t want to be Alpha?” I asked softly.

Atlas was quiet for a moment, his brow furrowed. “It’s not that I don’t want it. It’s just... a lot of responsibility. Sometimes I wonder if I’m cut out for it.”

I reached out without thinking, placing my hand on his arm. “Atlas, from what I’ve seen, you’re a natural leader. I’m sure you’ll make a great Alpha when the time comes.”

He looked down at my hand on his arm, then back up to meet my eyes. The intensity in his gaze made my breath catch.

“Thanks,” he said softly. “That means a lot coming from you.”

We sat there for a moment, just staring at each other. I could feel the heat radiating from his skin under my palm. My heart was pounding so loudly I was sure he could hear it.

Suddenly, Atlas cleared his throat and shifted away slightly. The moment was broken.

“So, uh, how are your other classes going?” he asked, his voice a bit rougher than before.

I reluctantly pulled my hand back, trying to ignore the tingling in my fingertips where I’d touched him. “They’re fine, mostly. Except for Professor Blackwood’s class. I swear that woman has it out for me.”

Atlas’s eyes narrowed. “What do you mean? Has she been giving you a hard time?”

I shrugged, not wanting to make a big deal of it. “She just has a lot of ideas about keeping magical bloodlines pure and no respect for witches who lack sufficient power. Like me.” I shook my head. “She reminds me a lot of my father.”

Atlas’s jaw clenched, a low growl rumbling in his chest. “That’s bullshit. Your power doesn’t define your worth.”

I blinked, surprised by the vehemence in his voice. “Thanks, but it’s fine. I’m used to it.”

“It’s not fine,” Atlas insisted, leaning closer. His scent enveloped me, making my head spin. “You’re brilliant, Caden. Anyone with half a brain can see that. Your knowledge of herbalism alone is incredible. Professor Blackwood is an idiot if she can’t see your potential.”

My cheeks burned at his praise. “I... thank you. That’s nice of you to say.”

Atlas’s golden eyes softened as he gazed at me. “I mean it. Don’t let anyone make you feel less than you are.”

We were so close now, I could feel the heat radiating off his body. My heart pounded in my chest as I found myself leaning in, drawn by some invisible force. Atlas’s eyes dropped to my lips, his breath hitching.

Just as I thought he might close the distance between us, a loud group of students burst into the student center. We both looked up to see Rowan and his little gang of witches coming down the stairs onto the main floor. They’d all just gotten out of Professor Blackwood’s class. The moment I looked up, Rowan’s gaze zeroed in on me and he started my way.

“Fuck…” I groaned, leaning back against the arm of the couch. “Not again.”

Beside me, Atlas growled under his breath. If he’d been in wolf form, I knew his hackles would be up and his teeth bared.

Atlas’s arm snaked around my waist, pulling me closer to him on the couch. The sudden contact made my breath catch.

“Ignore them,” he murmured, his lips close to my ear. “They’re not worth your time.”

But Rowan and his cronies were already approaching, smug grins plastered on their faces.

“Well, well,” Rowan drawled, coming to a stop in front of us. “If it isn’t the powerless witch and his pet dog. Skipping class again, Cromwell? I’m sure Professor Blackwood will be thrilled to hear that.”

I tensed, anger and embarrassment warring inside me. Before I could respond, Atlas stood up, positioning himself between me and Rowan. Even though Rowan was tall for a witch, Atlas still towered over him.

“Walk away,” Atlas growled, his voice low and dangerous. “Now.”

Rowan’s smirk faltered for a moment, but he quickly recovered. “Or what, Faolan? You’ll huff and puff and blow me down?” He laughed, glancing at his friends. “I’m not afraid of you.”

Atlas’s eyes flashed golden, a low rumble emanating from his chest. “You should be.”

The temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees. I could feel the magic crackling in the air as Rowan and his friends tensed, their hands twitching as if ready to cast spells. Atlas stood his ground, his muscular frame coiled like a spring ready to unleash.

“Guys, come on,” I said, standing up and placing a hand on Atlas’s arm. “This isn’t worth it.”

Atlas didn’t budge, his gaze still locked on Rowan. “No, Caden. I’m tired of these assholes thinking they can push you around.”

Rowan sneered, his eyes darting between Atlas and me. “Aww, how sweet. The big bad wolf is protecting his little witch boyfriend. Careful, Faolan. You wouldn’t want daddy to find out you’re fucking boys now, would you?”

Atlas started forward but I grabbed his arm, surprised he stopped with the slightest touch.

“Don’t,” I urged. “After the dean’s announcement… this’ll just make things worse. He just wants you to attack him to make non-witches look worse.”

Atlas stopped, glancing down at me, realization spreading over his features. In a flash I felt all the tension and anger seep out of his body. He backed down, stepping closer to me once more.

Rowan looked up at me, his grin widening. “You’re not as stupid as you look, Cromwell.” He waved all his cronies down, the magic in the air dissipating. “But you should watch yourself. When we split off from all these mongrels, you’re gonna get left behind.”

With that, he and his friends walked past me, but not before he shoulder-checked me, knocking my backpack off my shoulder. It fell to the ground, my books going everywhere. He looked back, laughing as he kicked his way through my things, papers flying in all directions. Atlas started to move again, but I held tight to his arm.

“It’s fine,” I said quietly, watching my peers cross the student center and leave through the opposite doorway. “It’s just paper.”

“I really fucking hate that guy,” Atlas growled, dropping down to his knees to gather up my belongings. “He’s such a fucking prick. I wish I could knock all his fucking teeth out.”

I knelt down beside Atlas, helping him gather my scattered papers and books. His hands were shaking slightly as he picked up my herbology textbook, his jaw clenched tight.

“Hey,” I said softly, placing my hand on his. “It’s okay. Really.”

Atlas looked up at me, his golden eyes blazing with barely contained fury. “No, it’s not okay, Caden. The way they treat you... it’s not right.”

I sighed, sitting back on my heels. “I know. But getting into fights isn’t going to solve anything. Especially not now, with all the tension between witches and other supernaturals.”

Atlas ran a hand through his dark hair, frustration evident in every line of his body. “I just... I hate seeing you treated like that. You don’t deserve it.”

My heart swelled at his words, warmth spreading through my chest. “Thank you,” I said quietly. “And remind me never to let you meet my father. Because if you think that was bad… well… let’s just say I’ve had worse.”

We finished gathering my things in silence, the air between us charged with unspoken emotions. As Atlas handed me the last of my papers, our fingers brushed. A jolt of electricity shot through me at the contact, and I jerked my hand back, my cheeks flushing.

Atlas’s eyes widened slightly, his nostrils flaring. For a moment, I feared he had sensed my reaction. But then his expression softened, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth.

“Sorry,” he murmured, his voice low and husky. “Didn’t mean to startle you.”

I swallowed hard, trying to calm my racing heart. “It’s fine,” I managed to squeak out.

We stood up, an awkward silence falling between us. I busied myself with shoving my books back into my bag, avoiding Atlas’s intense gaze.

“Listen,” Atlas said after a moment. “I know you said you don’t want to make things worse, but... I can’t just stand by and let them treat you like that.”

I looked up at him, surprised by the determination in his voice. “Atlas, I appreciate it, but?—”

“No buts,” he interrupted, stepping closer. “You’re my friend, Caden. And I protect my friends.”

The word ‘friend’ sent a pang through my chest, but I pushed it aside. “I don’t need protection.”

Atlas’s eyes flashed with an emotion I couldn’t quite place. “Maybe you don’t need it, but you deserve it,” he said softly. His hand reached out, fingers lightly brushing my cheek. “You deserve so much more than what those assholes give you.”

My breath caught in my throat at his touch. Every nerve in my body felt electrified. “Atlas,” I whispered, unable to look away from his intense gaze.

He took another step closer, so close I could feel the heat radiating off his body. His scent enveloped me - earthy and wild, with an undercurrent of something that sent a shiver of delight down my spine. My head swam with it.

“Caden,” he murmured, his voice low. “I...”

The sound of approaching footsteps made us spring apart. Atlas cleared his throat, running a hand through his hair as Professor Blackwood rounded the corner. Her sharp eyes narrowed as she took in the scene.

“Mr. Cromwell,” she said coldly. “I see you’ve decided my class isn’t worth your time today.”

I flushed, stammering out an excuse. “I-I’m sorry, Professor. I?—”

“I don’t care about your excuses,” she snapped. She burned a dirty look at Atlas. “Clearly you don’t value your time or your… company . You will come with me immediately.”

I glanced up at Atlas, my gaze apologetic. He just gave me a nod of understanding. With a whispered goodbye, I pulled away from him and followed Professor Blackwood with my head hung low.

But my heart was still pounding. An Alpha werewolf wanted to protect me. Something about that made my stomach flutter in all the right ways.