Meredith stared at herself in the mirror, she couldn't believe that from today she would possess a different face. A wave of apprehension washed over her as she touched her face.
She should've been panicking. But she had been through so many emotions in the last week. It was as if she had exhausted her emotions.
She felt strangely calm, as if it were any other night.
It didn't feel like she was about to have her whole life changed. Perhaps it was a good thing that she didn't feel afraid. Though, it was unnerving.
She wore the gown they had selected yesterday. Her hair fell on her shoulder. Her make up was done beautifully, her lips stained dark matching her mood.
The door opened and she turned around to see Atlas standing in the doorway. His eyes met hers, and she didn't miss the anxiety and tension swirling in it.
He moved at the same time that she did, his eyes never leaving hers as she ran towards him. He opened his arms and she launched herself into his embrace.
His familiar scent filled her senses. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her to him as he buried his face in her hair and inhaled.
Meredith closed her eyes, her cheek pressed against his chest, as she listened to the sound of his heart beating within him.
"Angel…...." He sighed in relief.
The deep sound of his voice reverberated through
his chest, making it sound deeper than it was, and Meredith smiled against him.
He was finally here. Her strongest pillar was here. He was her strength, her comfort and her hope when there was was no light at the end of the tunnel.
"I didn't think you would show up." Meredith said, pulling back and looking up into his face. Her brows furrowed into a frown.
"Are you alright?" She asked when she saw how exhausted he looked.
Atlas pressed a kiss on her forehead and nodded, "I'm better now that I have seen you. My wolf was acting up. He wanted to see you before anyone else."
Meredith's lips curled into a smile. She knew how possessive Atlas's Wolf was. Even though she didn't know why she was sure it was because he loved her.
She grabbed his face and stared into his eyes, "Hey, I will be fine okay? Don't stress him out."
She warned in a stern voice. Atlas let out a small chuckle, "He says you look beautiful."
Meredith blushed and let go his face.
"Well…. I will possess a new face so….." Meredith trailed off, letting silence reign between them.
Atlas was silent for a moment as his weary eyes
trailed over the details of her face.
"Yeah but that doesn't change anything. You're and will still be my dear darling Angel.." He whispered at last.
Meredith's heart fluttered in her chest. She closed her eyes, trying to keep her emotions at bay.
Of course, nothing would change. She will still be his only Angel. But for how long?
Atlas didn't know but she had overheard him and Elvin talking about him finding his mate.
Something werewolves couldn't live without. She was scared and everyday she lives with the fear of him replacing her. She had read all about mates and she knew no matter what he couldn't resist the bond.
"Atlas...….." She called him softly, her voice breaking a bit.
"Hey, what's wrong?" He asked worriedly, pulling her against him, his hands trailing up and down her back in sure, strong strokes.
Meredith sighed deeply at the comforting sensation.
"Are you feeling nervous?" He asked after a few
moments, noticing the change in her emotions.
"No…I don't know….it's like my emotions have shut down to protect me." Meredith answered.
Atlas's arms tightened around her . "You can still
change your mind, and do this privately. You don't
have to do this in front of everyone."
Meredith sighed and shook her head against his chest.
"No. I know many people have doubts and have not accepted me. I need them to see for themselves as I become whatever is is that I'm destined for. For some, I'm their hope.
The Queen they have been waiting for and as much as they need me, I need them more. Let them be part of this historic day in the city of Arkaans. The beginning of a new dawn."
"Hey..." He said, pulling her from him. He gripped
her shoulders tightly and stared down into her eyes.
His eyes brimming with love and affection, "God I'm so proud of you.You have no idea. "
He said, pressing another kiss on her forehead.
"Also, you're not alone. As much as I don't like that vampire prince and his group of friends I know they got your back. Elvin…. and me will always be by your side."
Meredith smiled weakly up at him. "I know."
"I can't wait to see you become Queen. . You are the strongest, most intelligent, most kind woman
I've ever met. And I know that you will do great
things."
Meredith's smile widened.
"And with you by my side, I'm not afraid of the road ahead."
Atlas chuckled softly. And then his smile fell. Meredith noticed what she had said and they both stared at each other, the unspoken words echoing loudly in between them.
They both knew that even though Marcus had give them the go ahead to see each other, it would be him who would be at her side.
Atlas would always be her secret lover.
Meredith slid her hands up his chest, his shoulders, his neck, and entangled her fingers into his dark hair.
His hands left her shoulders, sliding down her
sides, and resting at her hips, as they stared at each other sadly.
"It will always be you." Meredith whispered.
Atlas's grip tightened at her waist as his eyes trailed down her face and landed on her lips.
"I love you, Atlas. Always and forever.."Meredith added softly.
And then his lips were on hers.