Page 76 of The Alpha's Bullied Rejected Mate

Chapter 15 - Marcus

He had been here for a week now. Marcus hadn’t received any recent orders from the council, so he decided to stay behind till he did.

It was her.

Athena.

He watched her from the shadow of a tree, her arms folded across his chest like armor. She stood in a patch of golden light, the sun catching in her hair. She had let her hair loose, and she never looked more carefree.

She was with two other witches practicing a spell as she moved her hands to demonstrate something to them, but that wasn’t what made the sight breathtaking.

She was laughing.

Actually laughing.

It was not the tight, guarded smirk she offered in the dark when she didn’t want to let people in. Not the weary grin she gave Riley when he did something ridiculous. This was different. It bubbled up from her core, full and rich, the kind of laugh that left her head thrown back and her eyes crinkled.

He had never seen anything more beautiful.

He didn’t mean to linger. He told himself he was just watching out for her. For Riley. Making sure they adjusted, settled. But the truth was simpler. More dangerous.

He didn’t want to stop looking at her.

His mind wandered to the night they had shared just before they arrived. The way she had touched him, shewhispered his name like it was a secret prayer. Her fingers tangled in his hair.

To him, it had been more than physical. It had unraveled him, waking up feelings he thought he had buried deeply.

He had hoped—no, foolishly dreamed—that maybe it meant something more to her too.

But she hadn’t brought it up since.

And so, neither did he.

Instead, he stayed on the edges. Gave her space. Let her find herself again without the ghosts of their past clawing at her heels. He contented himself with watching her smile from a distance. And with Riley.

It surprised Marcus how quickly Riley had taken to him, and nothing made him happier. The boy was curious, relentless, always tugging at him for something or peppering him with questions. And Marcus answered every single one with patience he didn’t know he had, surprising even himself.

He had made Athena a promise that he would be there for him.

And he would do just that.

“Uncle Marcus!” Riley shouted from behind him suddenly, like his thoughts had summoned him.

Marcus turned and was shocked to see the kid holding a short, dulled rod.

“Fight me,” Riley said with a stern tone that made him chuckle.

Marcus squatted to reach his eye level. “I can’t fight you, little champ.”

He said, ruffling Riley’s hair, then smoothing it with his palms.

“Why?” The kid rested a palm on his hip, maintaining the serious tone.

“Are you afraid you would lose to me? Don’t worry, I will take it easy on you.”

Marcus chuckled once again. The kid was unbelievable, yet sharp.

“Yes. I’m afraid you would hurt me, sir.” Marcus faked a pout, feigning defeat