Chapter 15: Chapter 15

ATLAS:

I spent the whole thing playing with Mel and Atlas. It was so nice to spend time with my grumpy brother, and even nicer to meet Mel here, she's super nice.

I confess that I was surprised when I saw that my future partner, is my little brother's partner, but I was not sad, because I know that Mel is good and she will make my brother happy.

(I wonder if one day I'll find a little rooster that will make me lonely for her, the same way my little brother is lonely for Mel? One that I can take care of and protect from everyone? I hope so because I'm going to be the best companion pla her!) — I keep thinking as I look out the window next to my bed and I see a star that looks like those falling ones.

(May my companion be as nice as Mel) — desire, closing my eyes, and then falling into a deep sleep.

It was late at night when we left my parents' house and to top it off I had a little argument with Mel about where to take her. She wanted it because she wanted to go to her house and not ours.

Worse still, he dared to suggest that we could communicate every day on the cell phone, through damn video calls.

As if I could stand being away from my mate.

I finally managed to convince her that it was late, and my house was closer to where we were, but I wonder what excuse I'll have to come up with tomorrow. Perhaps playing sick in need of care?

No, just imagining her worried little face gives me chills.

I park the car next to the others in the garage and see on the clock that it's past one in the morning. It's all the fault of that little bastard Hick who, when he saw we were leaving, decided to ask Mel to read him a book.

Flashback on

While my princess was reading to Henrique in his room, I was talking about matters of the kingdom with my father (he had arrived in time to have dinner with us). We spent a long time discussing some boring bureaucracy, and I didn't even notice the time passing.

I get up, realizing that that little bugger was curling up to sleep to enjoy my princess's company longer.

— I'm going to get my partner — I mutter, already going up the stairs three at a time, being followed by my parents who shake their heads laughing at my impatience.

That little pest wait for me!

— Is it Selian that they call humans Tlouxa Mel?— I hear Hick's excited voice as I approach — but why? — he asks, confused.

— I have no idea either, but if I were to deduce it, it would be because they are not aware of the existence of other beings, it seems that they live in a bubble, therefore, they are muggles — he says, laughing.

— And Hally leaves those annoying?— I lean against the door frame listening to their strange conversation.

— I'm not going to give spoilers, you need to read the rest of the book — he replies with an air of mystery — now it's late, time for the little wolf to go to sleep.

I watch when the little bugger pouts, but nods, settling himself on the bed.

— Do you think blues are good Mel?— I roll my eyes, remembering an old wizard friend who is simply unbearably cold, I think that's why we can be considered — friends—.

— I think some are, well, Harry is very kind and brave — I frown and decide to end this whole session of compliments on that Harry. I walk in and don't wait for them to say a word before pulling my mate to my shoulder, leaving her gaping at my action.

— Time to go home, princess — I tell her that she starts to mumble how — ogre— I am — and you, go to sleep, it's a pastime — I tease the brat who makes a face, but smiles when I ruffle his hair saying goodbye.

I wave at my parents and Mel gives a — see you soon— embarrassed by the situation. We laughed together at his embarrassment, after all, it's super normal for wolves to carry their mates around.

I could carry it around all day with no problem.

Flashback off

I get a glass of water and lean against the counter watching Mel look for something in the fruit bowl, then go to the fridge and finally let out an annoyed sigh, settling down next to me.

— What there was? — question intrigued.

— I had a sudden urge to eat an avocado — she looks towards me with her eyes shining — but there aren't any — she looks back to the front, a little crestfallen.

It's my turn to sigh desperately, thinking where the hell am I going to find an open market at this hour?

I leave my glass of water on the counter and grab my freshly removed shirt, putting it back on my body.

— Where are you going? — She asks, arching a confused eyebrow.

— Behind the damn avocados, — I say, and I see her eyes take on that sparkle again.

I kiss her forehead and head to the door, hearing one: come back soon and be careful.

I decide not to go by car, since I won't find any place open anyway, so I walk the streets looking for a blessed tree that grows avocados.

I smile a little bit when I come across one and since I don't know how many she's going to want, I decide to pull it out by the roots so that I can replant it in the castle without it dying.

I sling it over my shoulder and walk back to the house.

— Say hello to the avocado Santa— I hear Klaus’s irritating murmur that, even using a mocking tone, I can feel how proud he is that we are pleasing our partner.

I decide to ignore it and barely make it to the backyard when Mel appears, wide—eyed, in my direction. I see that he tries to formulate a sentence, but he remains silent, looking from me to the tree.

— How many avocados did you want?— I ask, heading towards my companion and supporting the tree with my body when I place it on the ground.

— Did you bring a tree home?— she asks in astonishment, and I catch her glancing down at my arms in awe.

I puff out my chest, feeling my wolf wanting to take control and show off even more for our female.

— Sure, I can get some more if I need to.— She looks at me indignantly for a moment, but then she shifts her gaze to the tree, staring at it in obvious desire.

I watch as he approaches, standing on tiptoe to reach for the avocados, finally picking up five at once.

— Now put it where you found it before the owners come after us, — he says in a whisper like we're committing, and I can't help but laugh at how cute that sounds.

—Here at the pack we share food, supplies, and even trees — I explain — so this one can stay with us — I finish seeing his smile widen.

—We'll have avocados for life — he says, jumping up and running into the house, probably to eat his Much—desired avocados.

I smile at her animation and make a mental note that I must do my best to keep her radiant.

Even if I have to carry trees around at dawn.

I take the opportunity and already find a good place to put the tree, leaving it next to others that Gloria insisted on taking care of.

I wash my hands in the sink outside and finally go after Mel, arriving in time to see her putting some white stuff, probably sugar, on top of the avocados and enjoying them.

— Come try it on — he says when he catches me watching him, and I take the opportunity to get even closer to my partner. Knowing her tastes is a good start.

I sit on the stool next to her and watch as she spoons the sugar into the avocado before bringing the spoon to my mouth.

I gladly accepted, but not a second passed before I bitterly regretted it. I quickly swallow the horrible goo and rush to get a full glass of water, trying to get rid of the taste.

— What are you putting in those avocados, Mel?— I question, pouring myself another glass of water.

— Salt — he says naturally, eating another generous portion of that mixture.

I don't think twice before taking two of the five remaining avocados away from him and putting the damn salt in the highest cupboard I could find.

— How can you eat such rubbish, especially at this early hour?— I ask, truly irritated, she could very well start feeling sick at any moment.

— It's not for that, I was in the mood — I take a deep breath. This female will make me gray before my time, maybe even bald.

— Enough of this mess — I say emphatically, handing him a glass full of water — maybe you should call the doctor, are you feeling anything? Stomach ache, nausea...

I can't finish as she reaches out, holding both sides of my face.

— I'm perfectly fine, Atlas, there's no need for a doctor.— His tone leaves no room for argument. I sigh at her stubbornness.

— Okay, so you'll spend the night under observation — she frowns, confused — she'll sleep in our room, and I'll watch over her. That's the only way I'll know if it's okay — I'm satisfied with my placement.

— But... — I don't let her finish, and I lift her, placing her in line in my arms.

— No objections, either that or I'll bring the doctor here — I threaten and receive a Half—closed look, but then sighs, giving up.

I won this one.