The Traitor and her Hybrid Husband

Chapter 16~Atlas~

Octavia

I dragged my feet up the stairs. I was weary and jet-lagged. My venture in France was successful. My business was going global with our first construction project starting next month. Kain and I were able to conclude everything early, so I decided to add a new stop for a few more days. I paid a visit to the Council.

I wanted to get the process started for staking Raven’s claim to Acheron. It was supposed to be easy, but Steven and Melissa must’ve taken my threat seriously. They had already filed a petition against us, wanting their son to remain heir. They stated that I abandoned the clan, therefore forfeiting Raven’s role.

It was absolutely ridiculous! I had to prove the clan’s treachery. All I had was my word, but they had a forged letter from me stating I had relinquished my rights to the clan. The Council declared that due to the conflicting stories we would have to take our case to a hearing.

I needed to gather witnesses and testimonies. I had no one on my side at Acheron, my only ally would be Nalina. It was nothing but piles and piles of paperwork. But this was a fight I couldn’t back down from. I had to do it for Raven.

“We’re almost there.” Kain whispered from behind me. “Where do you want me to put your luggage?”

“You can just leave it in Raven’s room. I’ll sleep with him tonight.” I whispered back, opening up the door. Gabriel glared at me from his position on the bed. Raven was cuddled up next to him, a new teddy in his hand. I grimaced. Gabriel had called and texted me multiple times while I was gone. I had ignored him hoping he’d get the message; he clearly couldn’t read in between the lines.

“Outside, now.” he fiercely whispered, placing the children’s book down. He stomped out of the room. I shuffled my feet to follow, nodding to Kain to come with me.

Gabriel led us to the gardens. He scowled, “Where the hell have you been? You were supposed to be back three days ago.” His cold features were frigid, his anger palpable.

“As if you really care.” I scowled back.

“Where have you been?” he asked again through clenched teeth.

I sighed, I was too tired to argue right now. “I went to the Council to start Raven’s reinstatement process.”

Gabriel exploded, “Why didn’t you tell me?! We could’ve gone together! Raven’s my son too!” Kain shifted on his feet, uncomfortable being present for a couple’s argument.

I scoffed, “For how long?”

“What?”

I was tired of holding back, “For how long do you intend to be his father?” Hurt flashed across Gabriel’s eyes. “You said that you'd have this marriage annulled. So, how long will you consider Raven as your son? Three days from now, a few weeks or a year? Tell me now so that I can make the transition easier for him. Tell me so I can prepare him to lose someone he’s deemed as important!”

“That's not what I meant.”

“Isn't it? You’re so selfish. You've rejected me as your pair and only want me when it benefits you. You pull me close only to push me away.”

Gabriel ran his hand through his normally neat curls. “I never rejected you.”

“We can't even bite each other Gabriel!”

“It's not that I don't want to. My wolf, he won't let me.”

“The same damned excuse! Why, huh? Why can't he accept me?”

Gabriel shook his head, “I don't know how to explain it.”

“Try your hardest. And make it quick.” Before I left, I had quietly asked around about his wolf. Apparently, no one has seen it before and he never talks about him. I was starting to doubt that he even had one.

He clenched his fists and began to pace. “We used to have a mate. He hasn't been the same since he lost her. Now you're here as our pair, he can't accept that she’s being replaced.”

Holy Hell, I wasn’t expecting that. It’s clearly a major concern, but I wanted to deal with one crisis at a time. “How come no one has seen your wolf?”

“I can't control him."

“When was the last time you shifted?”

Gabriel looked guilty, “Four years ago.”

Kain and I share a gasp of disbelief. I knew wolves needed to shift at least once every month or so. For Gabriel to have kept his wolf away for this long, it was inhumane. “Gabriel, you have to let him out.”

“I can’t!” He yelled, then collected himself. “No. I can't control him. I don't want him to hurt anyone.”

I shook my head, unable to comprehend. Gabriel was only hurting himself by keeping his wolf trapped. Who knows what condition he was in.“What's his name?”

“Atlas.”

I took a step forward. “Atlas, do you want to come out?”

Gabriel partially shifted and snarled yes. “No, Octavia, I don't know what he’ll do.”

“Atlas!” I called out. Gabriel fought against his wolf again.

“Octavia, I’m not sure this is a good idea. He could be dangerous.” Kain warned.

“Atlas!”

Gabriel fell to the floor, his shift almost complete. He took control of his body again, his voice strained. “I don't want him to hurt you.”

“Kain will protect me. Let him out, Gabriel. You can’t keep him inside forever. He doesn’t deserve this.” I caught a quick glimpse of Kain shifting behind me. I called out softly, “Atlas.” Gabriel began to relax, letting the shift come naturally.

Atlas emerged. His height was a little smaller than Nalina's wolf. His paws were brown and his thick black fur was matted. He smelled slightly sweet and rancid at the same time, almost as if he were a rogue. But he was still magnificent. We locked eyes, then Atlas charged at me. He knocked me down and clamped his teeth into my shoulder. I cried out. I heard Kain's wolf run towards us. “Wait! Don't come any closer.” I croaked. Kain’s wolf whined, pacing behind us.

I placed a shaky hand on Atlas's snout and gently stroked it. He growled, applying more pressure. I began to cry, not because it hurt, but out of pity. His eyes were full of loneliness and pain. Atlas had a sad but beautiful name, a name he shared with the Greek Titan who was forced to hold the world on his shoulders.

I continued to stroke his muzzle. “Oh Atlas, you must’ve been so afraid. You deserved better.” He stopped growling. “It must’ve been so hard holding it in all of these years. You don’t have to do it alone anymore.” He didn't need to share the Titian’s fate, he didn't need to carry all of this weight.

Atlas slowly released my shoulder, his frame hovering over me. His sorrowful eyes bore into me. “It’s ok to come out.” I reassured him, reaching up to stroke his ear. He began to whine, licking my wounds as I smoothed his fur. Atlas rested his huge head on my lap, softly howling. I sat quietly, allowing him to let out his pain.

When his howling quieted, I asked for permission to comb his coat. He huffed his agreement and Kain brought out the supplies. It took two hours to work out the tangles and matted clumps. His fur was shiny and luscious under the mess. When I was finally finished, I was covered in fur and completely exhausted. I laid down my head to rest for a while against him, my fatigued eyes closing.

I woke up in my bed, the sun high in the sky. It had to be a little past noon. I dragged myself to the dining room in search of food. I rubbed my eyes as I stumbled through the door, surprised to see everyone eating. Gabriel watched me with an intense stare.

Abel greeted me, “Good morning, mija.” I nodded my hello and waved at Caleb.

“Come Mama, I saved you a spot!” Raven enthusiastically patted the seat in between him and Gabriel.

I kissed Raven’s head, “Why aren’t you in school mister?” I raised an eyebrow, watching Gabriel pull out my chair.

“Papa said I could stay home to spend time with you.”

“He did?” I shot Gabriel a look while Raven nodded his head. He launched into a story about what he'd been up to while I was away. I tried to pay attention but Gabriel was acting oddly. He was slowly loading my plate with food. If I drank, he’d quickly refill my cup. If I turned to look at him, he’d pretend like he wasn’t doing anything.

I watched him from the corner of my eye. He was trying to put a biscuit on my plate. I snapped my head, catching him. He cleared his throat and dropped the biscuit. I frowned, “Why are you being so weird?”

He avoided eye contact. “How am I being weird?” I gestured to my overly filled plate. He shrugged, “You need your strength. Atlas wants to make sure you’re fully recovered from your injuries. You barely moved when I carried you to your bed.”

My cheeks grew hot, “You carried me to my room?”

“I practically had to fight off your guard dog in order to do so.” he pursed his lips in annoyance.

I giggled, “You’re being ridiculous.”

“I’ve never heard you laugh before.” he said softly. I stopped smiling. Why was he being so weird?

Abel clapped his brother on the back, “Look at that. We have such a beautiful family.” Caleb shared his smile as he agreed. Gabriel cleared his throat, I awkwardly shifted in my chair.

“I like eating together.” Raven chimed in.

“As do I. As a matter of fact, we will be sharing all of our meals together as a family from now on.” Abel decreed.

“It’s kind of you to suggest Abuelo, but we all have different schedules.” I countered.

“I don’t mind. I can make time for this.” Gabriel smirked. Abel laughed while Raven cheered, my protests were swallowed by the lively commotion.