Niel entertained the pack with a couple of songs on the piano and once he was done and didn't know any other songs, another warrior sat behind the piano and entertained everyone. Niel followed Atlas back to the table and sat on his lap, which he didn't mind. He had missed Atlas' embrace after a whole day of working.
"You look stunning tonight," Atlas whispered into Niel's ear, "You are absolutely glowing."
Niel's cheeks slightly turned pinkish red, blushing at his mate's compliment. He couldn't deny it, getting compliments and feeling loved by someone felt even better than any love song could describe. He didn't know that this is what he missed in life. Maybe because for a long while his brother was there for him. He would be the one to compliment Niel or put a comforting hand on his shoulder.
Niel also felt embarrassed. Embarrassed he fought the mate bond for so long. Although it wasn't his intention to purposely sabotage their relationship. It was his upbringing that planted a rotten seed in his head, telling him anything outside of his town's and family's Christian standards was a sin.
Deep down he knew he didn't feel any attraction to girls or women, but that seed had grown large into far-stretching poison ivy, whispering at him that his thoughts were sinful. Now he could see that, but then it was hard. Lucas was his only rebellious escape, keeping him as a friend was his way of giving an inch into his true feelings. It was also the reason why he liked to be alone with him and not with others, too afraid he might be caught.
"I like your hair," Atlas whispered again. "Like the curls and shine to them."
Niel frowned. "I was thinking about cutting it short again, it's getting annoying."
The Alpha looked at him thoughtfully and grabbed gently Niel's hair and put it up so it looked shorter. "I think you look great either way. I was thinking about maybe cutting my hair short too."
"No!" Niel's eyes widened. "Please don't."
Atlas smirked, liking the attention he got. "And why so?"
"I-I like your long hair, I think it looks cool," Niel responded in a hushed tone, embarrassed by his little confession.
"Cool, huh? Well, then I have to keep it," Atlas's smirk still lingered on his lips.
***
The packmembers were singing, dancing, laughing, screaming, and joking. People sat at the table or were on the terrace, and some couples had sneaked off for some privacy. The whole pack was enjoying themselves as was the Alpha couple and their family and friends.
Rain taught Tyra to dance, Levi was holding a contest who could drink the fastest â he was very drunk. Ezra stood at the edge of the terrace humming to himself along with the music and the former Alphas and Betas sat tucked away at one end of the table.
"Let's get somewhere private as well," Atlas suggested as he saw another couple leaving the group.
Niel nodded his head and was gently dragged away, into the packhouse, upstairs to their room. The door was just closed when Atlas slammed his lips on Niel's. He welcomed the kiss, feeling the sexual tension during the last hour at the feast.
The Alpha grabbed his mate's hips and hoisted him up, causing Niel to wrap his legs around Atlas's torso and grab the long black hair to steady himself.
With a couple of big strides, the Alpha was at the foot of their huge bed. They remained kissing, their tongues fighting for dominance. Atlas was pleasantly surprised by the strength Niel showed. He enjoyed the pushback.
Niel grabbed his hair tighter making Atlas moan softly, secretly enjoying the sensation. But once he was done giving his mate space to show dominance he bit Niel's lip enough to make it bleed and gently threw him on the bed.
"What is this?" Niel smirked. "Don't like it when I try to stay on top?" He quirked a brow as he licked the blood away, making Atlas feel incredibly excited at that sight.
"It's cute that you think you were on top. But to answer your question," Atlas grabbed Niel's leg and pulled him closer, towering over him. "I like it when you try to even climb," The Alpha growled the last part, letting his pheromones fill the room.
"Atlas~" Niel whined. His body heating up with desire. "It's too much," He panted.
"Aw, what happened to my spitfire?" The Alpha teased.
Niel slightly pouted. "You are mean, you know that?"
"And I think you secretly like it," Atlas roamed with his hand over his mate's body, taking of the shirt while doing so.
It was true, Niel thought. He liked it when Atlas turned from being the most gentle with the first round to the rough beast he was the round following. He liked the dominance and how desperate he got when the pheromones hit him, like now. His pants were tight and he was dazed with desire.
"Atlas please~"
The Alpha chuckled lowly as he left a trail of kisses on Niel's torso. "So needy," He growled. Atlas worked his way up to his mark, making Niel squirm even more so.
"Atlas please~"
***
After breakfast was done the next day, Rain asked Niel for a private talk. He didn't know what to expect, worry edged his mind as he followed her into the library. "What's up?" He asked.
"Please sit down for me," A tiny frown was seen on her forehead. Niel didn't like where this was going. But to ease her, he sat down on an old armchair, tucked away between many bookcases.
Rain sat down on the opposite chair and stated, "There is something I have been meaning to tell you..." She let out a heavy sigh. "I don't know if Atlas has mentioned it before, but I might not stay here now I am mated to Tyra."
Niel lowered his eyes to his lap, where his hands lay. "I know," He softly replied. He remembered Atlas telling him and how much it pained him. Rain was his only true friend here and the only one who wasn't so serious all the time in this pack, talking about his duties.
She carefully put her hand on his. "I am sorry, I know how you depend on me and me on you too. You were the friend I needed here, a long long time ago and I was so happy when I found you... Nothing is certain, yet, though."
The teenager's head shot up. "What do you mean?"
"Well, at first it made sense I would go to King's Landing with Tyra, but after she stayed here for a while she enjoyed this place more. If it's up to her we stay here."
"Why don't you?" Niel asked hopeful.
"Because it's not that simple. Tyra is part of the king's guard, an elite warrior force who pledged their loyalty to each other and the king. The only way to leave is either by the blessing of the king or... death. We need to ask â beg the king, but he's known for not being the kindest of souls."
The last bit of hope Niel had crumbled away. He looked away. "When?" That was the only thing he could say without cracking.
"Tomorrow. Tyra can't stay longer as it is the last day of her approved leave... I am sorry Niel. I really am."
The teenager shook his head. "Don't be. It's nobody's fault and I am happy you found your mate. Atlas told me you were lonely, and I could see that too... So I am happy for you." He showed a pained smile.
Rain embraced Niel in a tight hug, trying to put every bit of ounce of love and kindness into it. "We will call or write or anything else just so we can communicate, okay? You can't get rid of me so easily," She joked between the tears.
The tears weren't only for the loss of her friend, family, and pack. She despised the royal family and King's Landing. Mostly because of their way of living and their neglect of their goddess. People over there were greedy and selfish.
Rain cupped his cheek and said, "You are going to be a great, great Luna. I know it. You will prove any of these stupid fuckers wrong."
Niel laughed, however, it was cut short. Their sweet moment was interrupted by the sounds of fearful screams. In merely seconds they both were at the window and saw dozens of rogues passing through the treeline.
"Shit," Rain whispered.
A/N: Sorry for the long wait, but I had a huge writer's block for this story. I hope you enjoyed it and please let me know what you think of the steamy part. If you like it I will write more of it.
Thank you for reading!