Chapter Forty-Two

Atlas and Serena were laughing and snuggling on the couch when a tall, brunette werewolf entered the darkened living room. She flipped on the light, blinding the couple in their intimate cuddle session. Serena flushed as she pulled away from Atlas. Atlas cleared his throat and scooted a few inches from Serena. His touch still ached and burned against the skin of her stomach.

The woman's face was sullen, and her eyes were dark, darker than the night sky outside the window. She approached the two quietly, careful to not set the Alpha off, but made eye contact with Serena.

Serena jabbed Atlas with a pointy elbow as the girl approached them. Atlas mock winced, chuckled, and then registered Serena's tense expression. He followed her gaze to the woman standing opposite the coffee table. He straightened and pulled away from Serena, flipping off the television. He turned toward her and clasped his hands. Serena leaned back into the couch cushions and placed an arm lazily along the back.

The girl lightly bowed and fidgeted, before clearing her throat and looking up at the two.

"Alpha, Serena," The girl began hesitantly. "Beta Venus had an encounter with a rogue wolf in the meadow on the outskirts of our territory."

Atlas jumped from the couch and strode toward the girl. The girl flinched and shied away from the man. He towered over her shaking body and stared directly down at her face. His eyes searched her timid features.

"When." He spoke directly and sternly.

"Not long before sunset. She is recovering in her home." The girl dipped her head and backed up a step, hitting the accent chair with her heel. She stumbled but caught herself.

"How did it happen?" Atlas rubbed his forehead and sighed. Serena joined him, looping an arm around his waist and pulling him close.

The girl swallowed hard and cleared her throat once more.

"We believe she was going on a run in her wolf form and stumbled on the rogue entering our territory. She hasn't said anything as of yet. Eli has kept everyone from their house. He was the one who found her and fought off the rogue."

"Did they kill it?" Atlas spat through his teeth.

"Regretfully no. We did not find a body. There was a blood trail that ended in the river." She closed her eyes tightly, expecting some repercussions, but none came.

"Can't do his god damned job," Atlas said quietly through his gritted teeth.

Serena looked at the Alpha, shocked at the words he had just uttered. She scoffed and slapped his back harshly. Atlas jerked at the impact and shot her an angry look. Serena smiled at the girl and nodded her head.

"Thank you-"

"Marissa." The girl half smiled and bowed her head again to Serena.

Serena smiled and half-laughed. Atlas rolled his eyes and shook out of Serena's grasp. He stormed toward the front door, slamming it behind him. The house shook as the two women stared at each other awkwardly.

"Marrisa. Thank you for telling us what happened. I'll see to it that we figure out what happened." Serena spewed as she rushed after Atlas.

The night was cold, very cold. The autumn days were even shorter now, preparing for the mostly dark winter days ahead. Serena shivered once before running after Atlas. His frame was almost black against the moonlit ground.

"Atlas!" She yelled at him. He ignored her and continued his brisk walk to Eli's house. "Atlas, god damn it, wait!"

Atlas froze and spun around. He stormed over to her, fist clenched tight to the point his fingers were white. Serena faltered and backed up a step.

"My sister was attacked today and I didn't know about it. I was neglecting my duties as an Alpha and her brother. And why?" He rolled his eyes and pinched his nose. "Because of you." Atlas' eyes widened as he finished his sentence, a hand hovering over his mouth.

Serena swallowed the lump in her throat as Atlas spewed venom and anger on her. Serena's heart ached at his frustration. He didn't mean it, surely.

"It was my fault for distracting you from your duties." Serena's voice was small and timid. She was cut deep by his words. She had been the reason he has been ineffective these days. She was the reason Eli and Venus were always picking up after Atlas. She clung to Atlas for everything. Especially after the incident during the blood moon.

She backed away, avoiding his sad and apologetic gaze.

"I'm sorry, Lacuna." Atlas reached for her. "I didn't mean it."

"No, you did." She swallowed. "I'll leave you to it." She turned her back to him and slowly made her way to her bedroom, closing the door quietly behind her.

She slumped against her bed and leaned her head against its comforter. Her heart broke as she sat there in the dark. Tears tumbled down her face in a messy flow, dropping onto the floor and her shirt. Serena fumbled around in the dark, searching for a blanket or pillow to hold close to her body. The absence of a person or animal was suffocating.

Her body and heart ached for her friend and ached for her mate.

"You fucking idiot, you..." She whispered to herself, in between sobs, as she punched fists into her hair. "You did it again."

Her fingers touched the soft furs that draped over the side of the bed. She pulled hard and tumbled to the ground. The fur drifted over her legs as she fell against the floor. Her ass ached now too. She pulled the fur to her chin and breathed in deeply. the comforting aroma of vanilla and grass soothed her nerves. Her breathing steadied as she lay on the floor.

She lay there crying and sniffling for a few long moments before she sat upright.

"Venus." Was all she spoke in the dark before storming out to find her best friend.