I Married The Villain Alpha

Atlas' POV

She stood before me, still as stone under my gaze. Her fair, smooth skin shimmered in the bluish glow of the moonlight, as if the moon goddess herself conspired to accentuate her beauty—a beauty that had somehow grown sharper, more breathtaking, since the last time I saw her.

Her green eyes locked onto mine, glowing faintly like emerald flames. I'd always despised the color green—they reminded me of the past and present that haunted me —but hers made me hate it a little less. The glowing hue catching my attention every moment our gaze met.

"Good evening, Your Grace," I greeted, my voice steady as I reached for her thin pale hand. Pressing my lips lightly to her cool skin, I bowed with calculated precision.

A faint flush bloomed across her cheeks. "Y-you're late," she stammered, her delicate brows knitting in an effort to appear stern.

Her attempt at anger did little more than charm me. She looked more like a scolding rabbit than someone I should be wary of.

"I apologize, Your Grace," I replied, the corners of my mouth curving into a faint smile. "I had to be careful. Vincent's eyes and ears are everywhere."

Her expression shifted, curiosity replacing irritation. "What do you mean?" she asked, tilting her head slightly.

"I don't think he'd take kindly to hearing that his future bride was meeting with me… alone," I said, letting the weight of my words linger before adding, "At least, not until we make our intentions clear."

"Oh." Her lips parted slightly, a soft sound escaping as her gaze dropped in thought. She nodded slowly, her slender fingers grazing her chin.

"Yes, Your Grace," I continued, my tone unwavering. "Now… what decision have you made?"

Her eyes snapped to mine, surprise flickering in their depths. She exhaled sharply, then turned, walking to the narrow bench behind her. She took a seat and glanced up catching my stare.

"Sit," she said, patting the open space beside her firmly.

I hesitated, my body instinctively tense. Her insistence, though gentle, carried a weight that stirred something unfamiliar within me. When I didn't move, her hand shot out, gripping my wrist and tugging me down beside her.

The bench was smaller than I'd realized, forcing her to shift closer. Her warmth brushed against me, igniting an ache in my chest that both soothed and unsettled my wolf. She cleared her throat, turning fully toward me.

"Sir Atlas…" she began softly, her voice pulling at my focus like a tether. "I have some conditions… if I am to be your wife."

Her gaze faltered briefly, then returned to mine with renewed determination. "Shall I go on?"

I blinked, realizing I'd been staring too intently. Heat crept up my neck as I tore my gaze away, my jaw tightening. My wolf stirred restlessly, and the unfamiliar sensation prickled under my skin.

"Yes, you may go on," I murmured, the sharpness I intended dulled by something I couldn't quite name. "And just call me Atlas."

Her lips curved into a faint smile. "Okay then… Atlas," she said, her voice softer now. She straightened, meeting my gaze once more. "I only have one request. It's simple, really."

I leaned in slightly, my pulse quickening despite myself.

"I want to live a free life," she said, her expression suddenly turning serious. Her words hung in the air as she hesitated, her lips parting as if to continue, but no sound followed.

Her gaze faltered, darting to the side as though searching for an escape. Her hands fidgeted in her lap, fingers twisting nervously. It was clear she was struggling with whatever she wanted to say next.

"I'm listening, Your Grace," I said gently, keeping my tone soft and reassuring, hoping to ease her nerves.

Her shoulders relaxed slightly, though her voice wavered when she spoke. "I-I know it sounds ridiculous, but I mean it. I want to do a lot of things I couldn't do before."

"Not at all, Your Majesty," I assured her with a small smile. Her eyes met mine, and they lit up faintly in response, like she'd found some comfort in my words like I hoped. "What are the things you want to engage in specifically?" I asked, tilting my head in curiosity.

"Well…" Her voice trailed off, her lips pressing together briefly before she burst out, "Travel! I want to travel." Her excitement was almost childlike as she continued. "I want to see new places, try new things—like food and snacks—and, well… I'll think of other things later."

The way her eyes sparkled and her voice squealed with enthusiasm sent a wave of warmth through me, a feeling I hadn't experienced in far too long. It was comforting, nostalgic even. I found myself smiling despite the stoic demeanor I usually maintained.

"Well, that's quite simple," I replied, my voice tinged with amusement. "Anything else?"

She tapped her chin thoughtfully, her brows furrowing for a moment before her face brightened. "I think we should have a list of agreements—or rules. Don't you think?"

"You're absolutely right, Your Grace. If we're to enter a contractual marriage, both sides must be satisfied," I said, nodding.

Her smile widened at my agreement. "Okay then. Do you want to go first?" she asked, leaning forward slightly, her curiosity evident.

"I don't mind," I replied, pausing briefly to gather my thoughts. "For starters, both sides should agree not to interfere in each other's personal matters." I stated.

She nodded in agreement. "You next," I urged gently, leaning forward ever so slightly that our fabrics pressed softly together. I had expected her to pull away but she didn't.

Her eyes flickered with hesitation before she finally spoke. "No lies," she said firmly, her voice carrying a note of resolve. "We should be truthful to each other since we're in this for our own interests." She tried to maintain a stern expression, her brows knitting together, but her effort only made her look endearingly serious.

"Whatever you say, Your Grace," I replied, feigning defeat as a smile curled at my lips. Her attempt to command authority amused me in ways I couldn't explain. "What's next?"

"Big decisions regarding our lives or responsibilities must be discussed together," she continued, though her tone softened with each word. Her confidence seemed to waver as she went on. "And… I won't interfere with your love interests outside of our marriage, but you must tell me first." Her gaze shifted away from mine as if bracing for my reaction. "Also, I can be free to divorce you whenever I choose."

She exhaled quietly, her hands fidgeting once more, but then she added in a barely audible murmur, "And lastly… well, this is a bit cliché, but… no falling in love."

Her cheeks flushed crimson as soon as the words escaped her, and the sight sent a ripple of amusement and something deeper coursing through me. Though I understood every word she said except 'cliché', I still felt every inch of her skin heat up with embarrassment.

My wolf stirred again, its restlessness matching the tension sizzling beneath my skin. I let the silence linger for a moment, savoring her embarrassment.

"You're forgetting one last thing," I said, breaking the silence, my voice low and teasing. My smirk widened as her brows furrowed, her eyes darting to mine with curiosity and confusion.

"What do you mean?" she asked, her tone cautious.

I leaned back slightly, the smirk still playing on my lips. "We'll have to put on a show for Vincent," I explained. "Convince him and everyone else that this union is real."

Her widened eyes quickly registered the implication, and her now-cooled cheeks flamed red once again. She fumbled for words but found none, leaving her mouth slightly agape.

I chuckled softly, leaning closer as I added, "I hope you'll be comfortable with that, Your Grace."

Her gaze darted to the ground, her hands twisting in her lap as the weight of my words settled between us. For the first time tonight, she seemed truly unsure of how to respond, and it only deepened the pull I felt toward her.