MIA POV
The streets were packed with people, a new experience for me. At night, the city seemed to come alive even more than during the day. Atlas held my hand tightly as we walked, and just the touch of his hand sent shivers down my spine. Everything about him felt amazing.
I worried that my heat would cause me to harm him if we mated, but I managed to control myself, knowing that he couldn't heal like me. "I don't think our mate would mind if we dug our nails into his muscular back," Inara spoke in my mind, completely infatuated with him. His image lingered in my thoughts, especially when he claimed me. A blush warmed my cheeks as we continued walking.

"We need to mark our mate since he can't mark us, Mia. I think it will still seal our bond with him," Inara pleaded in my mind. "I want to make sure it doesn't harm him first, Inara. Although he says he accepts us, he didn't grow up like we did. I need to make sure he truly means it. I trust him, but we must give him time to understand what accepting my mark entails," I explained to my wolf. Luckily, she agreed.
Suddenly, Atlas stopped, pulling me back and snapping me out of my thoughts. "Talking to your wolf?" he asked, looking at me. I nodded, feeling a slight embarrassment. "Almost walked into traffic, but don't worry, I'll watch out for you," he chuckled. "Sorry," I apologized. "It's fine. Can your wolf, Inara, hear me when I talk to you?" he inquired. "Yes, she can. She has also spoken to you through me. When I kissed you for the first time, she took control of me, speaking through me and even taking over my body while pushing me back," I explained.
"Good to know. I assume your eyes glow like they just did when that happens. We might want to get you some sunglasses or contacts to hide that when we're in public. It doesn't happen to us humans," he said with a smile. "Sorry, you're right. I'll refrain from talking to Inara when we're out in public. She understands now as well," I assured him as we walked onto a small strip of restaurants that filled the air with mouthwatering aromas.
I was practically drooling at the food surrounding us. Atlas could tell I was thrilled, as he looked at me and remarked, "I have a feeling tonight will be fun. It's clear that this is all new to you." We came to a stop in front of a quaint, upscale steakhouse. I glanced down at my casual attire and shrugged, unconcerned about being underdressed for the occasion.
"We can quickly go to a clothing store if you want to change into something more appropriate. There should be plenty still open nearby," Atlas suggested. "I'm fine. I've only dressed up a few times in my life, and honestly, I don't really enjoy it." I reassured him,He responded with a kind smile, and I couldn't help but appreciate his genuine friendliness.
As he pointed towards the small entrance, asking if it was the place I wanted to eat at, I nodded in agreement. "So, you like steak?" he chuckled. "I am part wolf," I laughed back. We entered the restaurant, and a gracious lady, who seemed to be the owner, escorted us to our table, handing us the menu. I noticed Atlas shifting uncomfortably as he read it, and I realized it was likely due to the prices.

I placed my hand on his arm, trying to ease his worry. "Please don't stress about the cost. Even though my kind lives separately from the human realm, we surprisingly have investments and work with some witches who help me earn the money I have. Although I wasn't exactly sure about the cost of things when I arrived here, I understand the value of hard work and the discomfort of taking from someone. I'm not implying that I'm your job, since we're mates and you're giving our relationship a chance. But since you are, please accept the money I have and just enjoy yourself tonight. Consider what I have as yours from now on," I explained, hoping he would understand.
Atlas hesitated for a moment before responding, "I'll try. I'm still used to working, but I do appreciate what you're doing. At least for tonight, I won't stress about it." His words made me happy, knowing that he was willing to let go of his worries and embrace the evening.
I took a moment to peruse the wine menu, the soft glow of the candle on the table casting a warm, flickering light on the elegant leather-bound booklet. Occasionally, we would indulge in wine from the human realm, but most of the time, we savored the fruits of our own pack lands. Tonight, however, I longed for something truly special to celebrate my best friend's life and to honor my pack and family.
"Do you like wine?" I asked Atlas, a playful smile tugging at the corners of my lips.

"Yes," he responded, his voice a deep, velvety rumble. As the server returned, I gestured towards a particular bottle in the book. The server, a kind-eyed woman, requested identification, a request unfamiliar to me. But Atlas quickly came to our rescue, explaining that our identification had been stolen while we were shopping. Thankfully, the server accepted his explanation without further question.
"She asked because you do not look like you are old enough to drink," he chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
"Oh, how old do you have to be here?" I asked.
"21," he replied, his gaze lingering on me for a moment. "Mia, how old are you?" he asked, a hint of concern tinging his words.
"25," I responded, watching as his tense expression eased, a sigh of relief escaping his lips. I couldn't help but find his worry endearing. "Why were you worried about my age?" I inquired, my tone laced with amusement.
"It's just... Mia, you look really young for your age, and then we... well, back at the hotel..." he stumbled over his words, attempting to explain himself.
A soft laugh escaped my lips, understanding dawning upon me. It seemed that the norms regarding age and relationships were similar here as they were among my kind. Sexual relationships were frowned upon for she-wolves under eighteen, and if a male scented his mate early, they would have to wait until she came of age. Such occurrences were rare, as most males did not scent their mates until their wolves emerged.
"I understand now," I reassured him. "How old are you?"
"27," he replied, a hint of bashfulness coloring his cheeks.
"You don't look your age either," I admitted, a playful glint in my eyes. As the server returned with the wine. She poured a small amount for me to taste, and once I gave my approval, she filled two glasses and discreetly retreated, granting us a moment to peruse the menu once more.
Atlas gazed at me, his eyes filled with warmth and understanding, before raising his glass. "Cheers, in celebration of your friends and family, and all that you have lost recently. May they rest in peace," he toasted, his words resonating deep within me.
"Thank you," I whispered, a genuine smile gracing my lips. Our glasses clinked together, the harmonious sound echoing through the air, and I took a sip, savoring the exquisite taste that danced on my tongue. We then focused our attention on the menu once more. I decided to venture into uncharted culinary territory, opting for oysters, followed by a dry-aged steak. When Atlas asked about my choices, a soft chuckle escaped his lips.
"I was thinking the same thing," he admitted. Soon enough, the server returned, ready to take our orders once again.
I learned that not only did Atlas get the same thing as me, he liked it cooked the same way as well. It was a pleasant surprise to discover our shared preference. As the server left, I took another sip of my wine, savoring its rich flavor.
"Sitting with you now and thinking back to when I first found you in my shed, I kind of feel bad for giving you bowls of food like you were some sort of pet." He spoke.
"Inara did not mind it." I responded.
Atlas looked at me with a more serious expression, though he tried to hide it. Curious, I asked, "What's on your mind?"
"It's probably something we should not discuss here," he admitted. "No one is listening, and I told you I'll tell you whatever you want to know about me." I assured him. In a hushed tone, he asked, "Bryn, she told me that others will try to claim and mark you. What exactly does that mean?"
"To create a bond with me, werewolves bite their mates in their marking spot, and then we mate to seal the bond. The ones after me want to do that because they can use the power of my wolf. Once they mark me, I become theirs. For me, since my wolf is special, I can only be marked once. Other wolves can be marked again if they both reject a bond or if one dies. By being intimate today, we have started the process of sealing a bond. But since you can't mark me, I don't know if we can ever fully seal it. Another werewolf may still be able to claim me. However, don't worry, I'm strong, Atlas. I'll never allow that to happen." I explained.
"I'll make sure that does not happen as well. Even if you were not my mate, I could never sit by and allow that to happen to someone." he stated.
"I know. I want to find a way to complete the bond with you. I don't know if it means me marking you since you can't mark me, but I need to ensure it's safe first. I also want you to understand what it means. Although I wish to always be with you, my world right now is dangerous for you. I've already lost everyone who mattered to me, and I don't want to lose you too." I admitted. As we spoke, the server returned with a tray of oysters, and I paused, momentarily stopping the conversation.
"So if you bite me," Atlas asked, his voice filled with curiosity, as I tentatively took a bite of the unfamiliar food. The slimy texture made my face contort in an interesting way. "It could complete the bond between us, right?"
"I don't know," I admitted. "Like I mentioned before, you can't mark me. It may or may not. Besides, Artemis is working with witches, so who knows what he's capable of even if we complete a bond."
"Mia, I want to be with you," Atlas declared, My wolf howled in agreement within my mind, and I turned to face him, my eyes surely displaying a peculiar intensity. "Nothing will change my mind. I'm willing to stand by you. Mark me."
His words sent my heart racing, the thumping in my chest echoing loudly. Could it be possible that his declaration reignited my damn heat? "We won't go into heat, Mia," Inara's voice resonated in my mind, interrupting my thoughts. "What you're feeling is genuine love for how accepting our mate is of us."
I kept my gaze locked on Atlas, my eyes transmitting a mix of happiness and fear. Finding my mate had always been a distant dream, fading as time passed. I had started to believe that I would have to settle for a chosen mate. But now, with Atlas sitting across from me, I felt a love that I thought I would never experience. It left me with a complex blend of emotions, both joyful and apprehensive.