Groggily, I opened my eyes to find Atlas lying beside me, casually twirling strands of my hair between his fingers. He looked so relaxed. Definitely the best wake-up call ever.
"Finally awake?" Atlas smiled.
"I probably would have slept longer if you hadn't started playing with my hair," I admitted.
"If I could, I'd stay like this forever. But we need to get up for training," Atlas sighed.
While I stretched and checked my messages, Atlas got out of bed and began getting ready. Thankfully for my sanity, he was already wearing clothes. Still, the way his shirt stretched across his chest made it look like it might rip any second.
I messaged Cain, who replied he wouldn't be available for the next few days—with a winky face. Gross. I didn't even want to know what that meant.
By the time I finished scrolling, Atlas was ready. Gosh, he looked hot, but I shouldn't stare. That top clung to his muscles, and those shorts—ugh, they revealed more than I wanted to notice. Stop looking, Anaa.
I jumped out of bed and rushed to get dressed in record time—shorts and a tank top, with a sports bra underneath. I didn't think stepping outside in just a bra was a good idea—for either of us.
When I came out, Atlas was sitting on the bed, his gaze locking on mine. He didn't speak, just took my hand, and we left together.
For some reason, I felt different. I looked at him closely and noticed faint freckles on his cheeks I had never seen before. They were subtle, but still. Was I going crazy? I even felt taller.
Atlas led us straight past the kitchen and outside to the training grounds. To my surprise, many people were already there. Clearly, they loved training.
"Why do I feel different? My eyesight is sharper… and I feel taller," I whispered.
"You'll figure it out," he replied smugly and walked off.
What was that supposed to mean? Why couldn't he just give me a straight answer?
I spotted Luke and Sophie nearby. Sophie would know. I waved her over.
"Hey, first training session with the lycans!" she said brightly.
"Yeah… but I called you because I woke up with these weird changes. I feel taller, and my eyesight is sharper. Am I going crazy?"
Instead of looking at me like I'd lost it, Sophie's grin widened. She hugged me tightly.
"You're so funny, Anaa! You're changing into a lycan. It's amazing to see your body adjust—enjoy it."
Oh. Shit. Somehow I had completely forgotten about that part—or maybe I didn't realize it would happen this soon.
A small part of me was actually looking forward to the change. Being a lycan sounded incredible, and the heightened senses would definitely be useful.
My eyes drifted back to Atlas, who was deep in conversation with Luke. Now I understood his smug look earlier. Of course he wouldn't tell me. For him, it was more fun to let me figure it out.
But my gaze inevitably fell to his lips. Urgh, I wanted to kiss them again. One taste and I was hooked.
My thoughts were interrupted as Atlas announced the start of training. I had no idea what to do, but this time he called me over. I listened as he and Luke explained how the day would go: first, they'd demonstrate a technique for us to practice, then we'd split into groups—newbies like me starting from scratch.
It didn't sound terrible… until I realized it was a four-hour session with only short breaks. PpppSuddenly, my bed seemed like paradise.
Sophie stayed beside me as Atlas and Luke demonstrated the first move. But instead of paying attention, I found myself entranced—my eyes fixed solely on Atlas. He looked so damn good moving like that. I couldn't tear my gaze away.
I didn't even realize how long I'd been staring until Atlas came over, closed my mouth, and whispered, "You were drooling."
His lips curved into that sexy smirk as he walked away. He had done it on purpose—training right in front of me just to get my reaction.
Well then. Two can play that game, Atlas. You better watch out.
Thoughts were running through my head on how I could get back at Atlas. Admittedly, it was harder than I thought, since his eyes always seemed to be on me. Thankfully, Sophie was here—her help would prove valuable.
I waved her over, and she came with a massive smile.
"Hey, bestie. Still can't believe you're here and I get to see you whenever I want!" she said brightly.
"You're crazy, but I love you anyway. Listen, I need your help. Atlas purposely—"
"Purposely trained in a way that made you feel hot all over and filled you with desire for him?" Sophie cut in, smirking.
My mouth dropped open for the second time today. She laughed before closing it for me.
"Don't forget I also have a mate. All men are the same—they love getting a reaction out of us," she said, rolling her eyes.
"How did you get back at Luke?" I asked, desperate for ideas.
"Simple. No sex for two days. After that, Luke never pulled anything like that again. Deprive a lycan of sex with their mate, and they'll do absolutely anything to fix it. Sex with their mate is something lycans can't live without," Sophie explained.
"Um… that's good to know, I guess. But I haven't had sex with Atlas yet, so that doesn't help me." I sighed.
"What?!" Sophie nearly yelled.
I looked at her in shock until she lowered her voice. "You haven't had sex with the king yet? How is that even possible?"
"Um… because neither of us is ready?" I said, confused.
"Oh, please, Anaa. We both know he's more than ready. You're the problem here." Sophie raised her brows.
Why did I feel personally attacked? Was she trying to tell me something?
"How did we even get on this topic? I'm not ready to take that step yet. I just want a way to get back at him." I pouted.
"Cheer up. Maybe you can tease him with the idea of sex," Sophie suggested.
That sounded like a good plan—until I glanced at Atlas and my eyes landed on his lips. Yeah, no. That would probably torture me more than him.
"You'll think of something," Sophie said with a smile.
Atlas made us all practice the move he demonstrated, again and again. I was paired with Sophie, which worked fine for me—except I could still feel Atlas's gaze burning into me. I wanted so badly to turn around and meet his captivating eyes, but I refused to give him the satisfaction.
Once he was satisfied, Atlas announced, "Good. Now I want all the advanced lycans to pick up those javelins and spears. The rest of you, take a seat."
"Great. Our king teaches us the old way. Why can't we just use guns like other packs?" a lycan muttered.
Atlas let out a low growl that made everyone freeze. The hairs on the back of my neck stood up as he stalked toward the complainer. Luke and Sophie exchanged worried looks with me. They clearly feared Atlas would lose control.
"What if your guns run out of bullets? Don't you want another way to fight? You forget your king is old, so old techniques are a given. I train my people to be strong—both in lycan and human form. A gun without bullets is useless. Don't underestimate my training. Your punishment is thirty laps around the field. No stopping."
The male lycan's face fell, but he obeyed. Next time, he'd think twice. Luke and Sophie sighed in relief as Atlas's shoulders relaxed. He glanced at me, and I swear his entire demeanor softened. Wow. I didn't know I had that effect on him. Warmth bloomed in my chest.
After that, Atlas ordered, "Beginners, sit and observe. I don't want anyone hurting themselves or others."
I could have sworn he was looking at me when he said that. Did he think I was that clueless? Whatever. At least I got to watch Atlas throw a spear—his arms flexing, muscles taut. Ugh. What was I saying? Snap out of it, Anaa.
I sighed and turned to walk to the seats, when suddenly I felt a tug under my shirt. Confused, I looked down—and nearly laughed. Some idiot had been holding his spear the wrong way, and the sharp point hooked my top. Seriously? If Atlas saw this, that poor guy would be as good as dead.
Before I could stop him, he moved, and my top ripped. A long tear ran down the side.
"Motherf—" I muttered under my breath. This idiot deserved a good kick. Didn't anyone teach him how to hold a damn spear? Pointy side away from people, genius!
I immediately glanced at Atlas, who was thankfully still talking to Luke. Crisis avoided… for now. But then, a mischievous idea sparked in my mind, and I smirked. Revenge time, Atlas.
I quickly sat down, angling myself so only the "good" side of my top was visible. To make it look natural, I struck up a conversation with the people around me. They were lovely—treating me like a normal girl rather than a queen. Respectful, too. No invasive questions about me and Atlas, just genuine curiosity about my life before.
Meanwhile, Atlas and the others carried on throwing spears. I kept half an eye on him, waiting to see if he'd notice me. The only downside? I couldn't fully admire his arm muscles. What a tragedy.
"Okay, now it's your turn. Pair up with an advanced lycan. I'll be supervising," Atlas's voice rang out, pulling me back.
Sophie waved me over. The second she saw my torn shirt, her mouth dropped.
"Who did this?" she demanded.
"Some idiot," I replied.