Mia POV
My Wolf slumbered silently within me, recovering from the wolfsbane coursing through my veins. As I stirred, I found myself nestled against something blissfully warm and cozy. Reluctant to awaken, I slowly opened my eyes, only to be greeted by the sight of Atlas lying next to me. His alluring scent overwhelmed my senses, and I observed the gentle rise and fall of his chest. We were in a snug bed within the confines of a train.
As I surveyed our surroundings, the rhythmic chugging and occasional whistle of the train filled the air. Atlas remained in peaceful sleep, and I couldn't help but admire his human form. It was astonishing to think that a human would go to such lengths to assist me, let alone possess such attractiveness. I pondered the intentions of the moon Goddess, why she had chosen to pair me with a human. Should I defy the sacredness of mate bonds my parents had instilled in me?

Attempting to rise, I stumbled on my weakened legs, the effects of the silver and wolfsbane taking their toll. Unexpectedly, warm hands reached out and steadied me, preventing me from toppling over. I turned to face Atlas, now awake, concern etched on his face. "Are you okay?" he asked, his touch providing stability as he guided me back to a sitting position. "Yes, I apologize for the trouble I've caused," I replied, his hand gently resting on my forehead.
"You still have a slight fever. I'll fetch you something to eat and drink it should help," he offered. "I'm fine, but if you're hungry, feel free to get food. Take whatever you need. Once we reach our final destination, I can provide you with everything you require to start over again," I assured him.
"So, that's your way of saying you want us to part ways, isn't it?" he sighed. My gaze met his, searching for understanding. "I don't want to put you in danger," I confessed.
"No," he responded firmly, causing me to pause. "Let me help you, Mia. I may just be a human, as you put it, but you don't understand how things work here. You need assistance, and I can't simply abandon you," he insisted.
As I rose to my feet once more, taking tentative steps, a slight shiver ran through me, likely remnants of the fever. I gazed out of the small window trying to clear my mind. Uncertain of what to do, torn between the necessity of help in this unfamiliar world and the fear of growing too attached to Atlas, I heard my wolf's voice echoing weakly in my mind, "He is our mate, Mia. He does not wish to be pushed away.”
"Inara," I cried in my mind, a wave of relief washing over me as I heard her voice. The sound brought me happiness, a glimmer of hope in the darkness. "I'm better because of mate Mia," she whispered softly, her words reaching me like a gentle breeze. "He held onto us for hours, keeping us close, promising to keep us safe."

As I continued to gaze out the window, the world passing by in a blur, Atlas remained silent on the bed. The room was filled with a tense silence, broken only by our thoughts. "How is it possible for him to help heal us? He is human,"I asked my wolf, the disbelief evident in my mind.
"It's possible because he is our mate," Inara replied, her voice filled with conviction. "No one we know has a human mate, Mia. This is uncommon, but our human mate feels the connection. He just doesn't understand why. He's confused, falling for us already. You need to be open with him, give him a chance. The moon Goddess chose him for us for a reason."
"But he doesn't have a wolf for you," I responded, my mind filled with doubt.
"I don't care, Mia. I already love our mate, and so do you," Inara snapped, her words piercing through my thoughts. I looked at Atlas, a mix of emotions swirling within me.

“ We've lost everyone, we can't lose him too," Inara pleaded desperately in my mind.
"I can't accept him," I murmured in my mind. I knew what Inara was asking of me, and it was a difficult decision.
"Why can't you? He already held us through the night. At least try, Mia. Tell him how his touch helps us heal. Tell him about our connection," Inara demanded.
"If you want me to stay with him for now, we must take it slow, Inara," I finally conceded, my thoughts filled with uncertainty.
"We are both weak right now, Mia. We haven't just suffered from poison, but also the loss of everything we held dear. The connection we cherished is hurting us. I must return to sleep to heal, and when I do, you will as well, for several more hours. We must rely on him, Mia. I already know he will keep us safe, for now. Let him hold us once more," Inara whispered weakly, her voice fading as she drifted off.
An intense shiver shot through my body, the fever spiking once again. I stumbled, feeling disoriented and weak. The room spun around me, making me dizzy. I had never felt this vulnerable before. Inara was right, for now, I needed Atlas. Lost in his thoughts, he sat on the bed, his gaze fixed on the ground. I tried to move forward, but the dizziness overwhelmed me, causing me to fall back against the wall with a thud.
"MIA," Atlas exclaimed loudly, his voice echoing through the room as he swiftly lifted me up in his arms.
"Damnit, you're burning up again," he whispered, concern lacing his words. Gently, he cradled me in his arms, and I leaned my head against his chest, finding solace in his warmth. Without a word, Atlas guided us back to the bed, understanding my unspoken needs. As I nestled against him, I could feel his breath, warm and comforting, caressing my skin. The darkness enveloped me once more. I surrendered to sleep.
_________
As sunlight gently filtered into the small room, I slowly woke up. This time, my fever had subsided completely. "Welcome back," Atlas's voice surrounded me as I shifted against his warm body. I realized that I hadn't just slept next to him this time I had wrapped my body around his. A faint blush crept onto my cheeks, although I was not easily embarrassed. "I'm sorry I used you as a human pillow," I whispered, causing him to chuckle. His laugh was relaxed, unlike the nervous laughter I was used to from him.
As I sat up and looked at Atlas, the beginnings of dark circles under his eyes revealed his lack of sleep. Without thinking, I reached out and brushed my hand against his face, studying him intently. Surprisingly, he didn't push me away instead, he looked at me with genuine interest. Realizing my actions, I quickly pulled away and sat on the edge of the bed.
Once the train reached its destination, I needed to find temporary shelter. Most human areas had hidden entrances into werewolf territory. I needed to discover which packs resided in that area. The question was whether I should continue on with Atlas. I glanced at the bag filled with money, then back at him. He was no longer focused on me his mind seemed lost in his own thoughts. He wore the same look he had when I first saw him in wolf form - lonely and hurt. I wondered what had made him that way. Did he, too, lose his family?
Suddenly, he noticed me looking at him, and his face seemed to light up. My wolf started to awaken in my mind again. "I'm glad you allowed him to help us, Mia. Thanks to our mate, we're almost fully recovered. Yet, you're still considering leaving him," her voice filled my mind. I admitted to her, "I just don't want any harm to come to him." It was true I had already grown attached to him, but that was normal for a mate bond.
"Do you know anything about the destination this train is heading to?" I asked Atlas.
"I've driven through the area, but I've never spent any time there." He replied.
"We'll need to find shelter once we get off." I explained.
He smiled slightly, "We?” he asked.
“I guess I still need your help, as long as you're willing." I responded.
"I'll help as long as you need me. When the train stops, I'll assist you with whatever you need, and hopefully, you can tell me more about the danger you're facing so I can be prepared to help you."
“Werewolves are untouched by human laws. Many of our conflicts arise from struggles for power and territory. At the age of ten, we begin training in human form, learning fighting skills. And when we reach eighteen, we undergo the transformation into our wolf selves, mastering the art of combat in wolf form. Often, we leave our homes at eighteen to reside in the pack house, preparing ourselves to seek out our destined mates.” I started to explain.
"Mate," Atlas inquired, seeking clarification. "Our mate is our chosen partner, assigned to us by the Moon Goddess herself. Unlike humans, we do not engage in dating, for our perfect match is predetermined at birth. The connection between mates is sacred. Once we acquire our wolves, we can scent our mates. We never wish to be separated from them, for our souls are intertwined. It is a love so pure, a bond so special that we can feel each other's pain and sense each other's emotions." I explained.
He nodded, comprehending my explanation. "Do you have a mate?" he queried. "Yes, I do, but we have not yet formed a bond," I replied. "Most wolves find their mates at the age of eighteen. If they do not find them within their own packs, they attend events where other packs gather, hoping to discover their destined partner. However, being a rare wolf from the royal bloodline, I have remained within the boundaries of my pack. While ordinary wolves may succumb to silver or wolfbane, we possess the ability to conjure storms and wield them in battle, provided we undergo proper training. I also have the power to heal my mate. Although wolves possess fast healing abilities, some wounds prove fatal or require extended recovery time. Yet, with the bond established, I can accelerate their healing process. My strength and power can be drawn upon by my mate, making them the strongest of all wolves.”
"Because of that, I am the key to creating a new wolf king, the one who stands above all. My father was the Wolf King, but he never used my mother. Instead, he tried to protect her, and protect me and my siblings. My mother fell ill last year, and since my father has such a strong bond with her, his wolf became weaker, wanting to try and give his mate all his strength. My brother was set to take over for my father. We were aware enemy packs saw this as an opportunity to attack, and since I am not marked or mated, they also saw it as a chance to claim me so they could rise to be the next wolf king.
Our warriors were well trained, but they still managed to attack us with a larger number than we ever expected. I failed so many who looked at my family to keep them safe, and in the end, my best friend sacrificed his life so I could run and hide.
Although I would rather fight for revenge, since my life is meaningless if I don't get justice for my family and pack, I also know that if I end up in enemy hands, they will use me to rise." I explained to him.
I had no idea why I was being so open with a human. "Staying with me, Atlas, could be a death sentence," I admitted. "They know I'm in the human realm, and they will hunt for me. You are just human, they are stronger than you."
"I understand," he replied. "I'm willing to take that risk. I'm stronger than you give me credit for. I've lost my family as well, I know what it is like to feel lonely and lost. I also have nothing to lose. My life has had no meaning as of late, so I'd rather take a risk and help someone. I'll say it again, Mia, even though it sounds strange, but then again, this all does. I have dreamed of you since I was a child. I am certain you are the same white wolf. I believe we are connected in some way. I think I'm supposed to keep you safe, so let me try."
As he spoke, I could see the determination in his eyes, hear the sincerity in his voice. I knew at that moment, even if I tried to go separate ways, he would try and find me. It was clear that Atlas felt the bond, possibly even as strong as me.