The Lycan's Half-Blooded Mate

The Meeting

"Good morning, Princess Juniper" Came the raspy voice of my eldest butler. I reduced his job increasingly as he got older, now he only answers the door and gets the mail. The less he does the better, he is a good man and doesn't need more stress, something my father didn't understand. He always has a smile on his face despite him technically being a slave, he was taken from a young age so this was all he knew. Slave, I didn't like the word and rarely used it unless I had to. His big round hazel eyes hid under big-rimmed silver glasses and eyed my hood inquisitively.

"Good morning, Frederick" I called out, stepping down from the height of the vehicle. I wasn't tall so it was a nice little jump I always enjoyed taking. His white hair swayed in the wind as a smile climbed my face. "I have gotten three more this time." The last two maids made their way from the large wooden door. He quickly straightened his frail stature and clapped his hands twice, the sound was muffled by his white gloves. Two people stepped forward, bowed, and made their way to the back of the car. "Leave the large one, bring him to my room, the girl will be my other lady in waiting and the other man will attend to me as well," I say loud enough for all to hear. They bow as I make my way up the stairs, Frederick and Dimitri were quick on my heels.

"Will you be needing anything, your Highness?" Frederick asked as we passed the oak threshold of the enormous mansion my father gifted me a year ago.

"Yes, have someone bring me a plate of fruits and a pitcher of lemonade to my room." I nodded as Dimitri helped me take off the large scarf that I had draped over my head to double as a hood, and out of my black boots. "And get some rest" I eyed the old stubborn man standing beside me. He was barely two inches taller than me. He smiled and shook his head as he turned on his heels to make his way to the kitchen. I rested my hands on Dimitri's shoulders for support as he slid off my boots. He placed them on the floor as a maid scurried off with them. "Go eat, and play." I winked at Dimitri as he rose to his staggering height, a smile broke out on his full Maroon colored lips as he kissed my cheek and ran to the backyard. I let out a snort as I slowly made my way around the corner and up the large wooden stairs to my room. As I reached the top, two maids scampered out, their reddened cheeks and giggles telling me he was inside. I open my large framed white and gold lined door to the sight of the God-like man, he was wearing a simple light brown loin cloth and nothing else. Frederick, I'm sure had his collar taken off, I could see a reddened mark where it once was. As I walked closer to him standing there, arms crossed, legs apart, eyes forward. Challenging, this was not the proper stance for slaves and he well knew it. I made my way around him to finally examine his physic, he had fresh bruises on his enormous thighs and scars along his back. I could feel the arrogance and unknowing of what was to come radiating off of him. As I looked up I see more markings on his chest and what abs I could see under his massively muscled arms. "Shower," I said simply as I made my way to my bathroom suite. Noticing I wasn't being followed I turned around and glared at him, eyes narrowed and my lips pursed together in annoyance. I stomped back toward the large beast, "Shower" I say louder reaching him and pointing toward the double doors. Did he just smirk at me? "Now!" I announce as he finally moves toward the bathroom with me quickly behind him. I let out a loud huff as I close the doors behind us, shaking my head I am swiftly taken aback at the sight I behold. He had already taken off his loincloth and all that was holy I was not prepared for the painting in front of me. My breath hitched, f**k. My eyes darted to every inch of him, as I admired the way he walked to my shower to set the water. I cleared my throat realizing my mouth was agape, I composed myself as I made my way toward him. I began to disrobe when I felt large, calloused hands helping me. I held my breath, what is happening to me? I have had many men but never one to make me feel this way. I leaned into his hands as they began tugging at the band in my hair, my curly brunette locks loosened in the braid as it fell around my breast and back. My almond-shaped dark brown eyes slowly worked my way up this beautiful man's body as I met his crystal blue eyes with mine. He sidestepped under the warm water and motioned me inside, I took his hand and entered the steam-filled shower. "What's your name?" I asked like a small child, only now realizing I had yet to ask.

"Slave" His deep baritone voice echoed off the white-tiled room. He looked down at me crossing his arms, I must admit the sound coming from him completely took me off guard.

"No. No longer." I shook my head as my hair started to become damp from the steam and water. "What is your name?" I questioned him again.

"Beast" His reply was simple and dry like a bad aftertaste, as he kept his composure and blank stare.

"No, you are not. Will you please tell me your name?" I inquired looking at the hurt that stained his hardened face amongst coldness.

"Atlas," He said fiercely as if demanding all the light to fall upon him, calling out to something.

"A name fit for a God," I smirked as I gathered the sponge and body wash. "I want to wash you." His eyes grew wider in uncertainty but he nodded his head in agreement. I lathered up the sponge and began washing his chest, "I want to wash away your past, your hurt, someone else's touch, everything until I only smell you." I gathered up his arm tucking it under mine, "You are no longer a slave here, I do not like that word. The people you see here are maids, butlers, and such, they get paid a wage. They are careful in their discretions, I do hand out punishment if you get out of line, but I am fair." I continue washing him as I move toward his back. "You will have a job here. Do not try to run away you will most unfortunately be shot. No one has tried but I always warn, I do not want you shot." My eyes drift downward as I nodded, " You can wash your..." I turn around and reach for face wash and a washcloth, "Could you please?" I ask as I only reach his chest. He bends his knees to get eye level, and I rake over his unique characteristics. His coal-black hair now wet matted to his high cheekbones. His nose was long but it complimented his oval face and strikingly sharp jawline. I reached for the shampoo and frivolously worked it into a lather and massaged his scalp. Soon, I was humming and had not noticed his eyes upon me. I help him completely rinse off, before grabbing the sponge and body wash for myself. He quickly takes it in his hand and begins washing me ever so softly. I feel myself blush as I notice how long he lingers on certain spots, he works my long hair into a massage and rinses me off. He wraps me in a warm plush towel and begins to dry me off as I stumble backward causing the door to my room to open.