You can't go back and change the beginning,

but you can start where you are

and change the ending.

~C.S. Lewis

***

I awake to an empty bed. And a note.

I eagerly grab it.

I loved Atlas's poetry.

I frown at the word on the bottom.

A location.

Sighing I get up and put on my white winter jacket and jeans, adorned with red winter boots. It was still cold outside, but the warmth was slowly spreading.

The pack house was clear- wolves staying in since it was the weekend.

Sandra waves at me, her same smile on her face as she tosses a breakfast bar my way.

I grab it from the air, and wave my thanks, as I walk out the door.

I sigh as I take in the chilly morning.

Another cold front. But this time it wasn't so bad.

I walk towards the clinic, curious as to what this scavenger hunt will bring.

I finally am able to see the building. Already I see a faint white on the door. Getting closer I smile when I realize it's another note.

"Really?"

I sigh in frustration as I look back down the road. Atlas had better not be watching this. Making me walk to the Clinic, only to turn around and head back to the pack house.

I shake my head but press on, my curiosity getting the better of me.

I could ignore them and just go to our room and paint.

But Atlas had taken the time to put these notes up.

Reaching the pack house I make my way around to the back and sigh when I see the white paper that is taped to the steps.

I sigh at the words.

The crack of a branch has me looking up.

Into golden eyes.

I freeze as I take in the black wolf.

"A...Atlas?"

The full figure emerges from the forest.

My eyes widen at how big the creature is.

He is eye level with my shoulders, his bulk making him as big as my own body.

The wolf walks slowly towards me, cautious in his steps.

I wait for my own wolf to stir within my mind. To acknowledge the presence of our mate.

But she is gone.

She can't get out of the darkness that traps her. And, as I softly watch, I don't think she wants to be saved.

So I gently push her aside, letting her keep her shelter and hold up in the space of my mind for her own sake, while I refocus my full attention back to Atlas.

He gently grabs the hem of my coat, tugging on the fabric to pull me forward.

"I've never seen your wolf before," I whisper.

But he knows this.

I wind my hand securely into the scuff of his neck and let him gently lead me into the forest.

I take small breaths.

Atlas's was with me.

I was safe.

We walk further and further in. I don't mind the walk. Instead I stroke the large creature, feeling the rough texture of his fur. He turns around occasionally to lick my wrist.

We continue on our path until we reach a clearing. I smile at the sight of the small body of water. It must, in some ways, connect to the lake back at Jay and Daisy's cabin.

The wolf barks, a command that I can't interpret.

I cry out when he runs away.

"Wait Atlas!"

He ignores me though and runs into the folds of the trees. I fidget there, suddenly aware of how vast and open the clearing is as I take in the woods that surround it.

But then he is there.

He emerges from where his wolf disappeared.

I sigh in relief as I take in his dark coat and jeans.

Those dark blue eyes.

"Atlas."

He smiles down at me and without a word hands me another paper.

I smile and eagerly take it, "Your writing is beautiful," I say before bending down to examine what this piece said.

"Lexie."

"Mmh?"

I stroke the paper, smiling down at the words.

"Lexie. Eyes on me."

I look up only to start at the sight of Atlas not standing.

He was kneeling.

"Um...Atlas..."

He laughs and shakes his head, "Will you do me a favor Lex?"

I nod, my heart racing as he reaches for the small pieces of paper I have.

He looks at them and reshuffles them around, before placing them back in my hand.

"Read the first word."

"What?"

"Read the first word of each page."

My hands are shaking as I do what he says.

I gasp and the papers float to the ground.

One hand on my chest. The other is over my mouth.

My eyes are filling up with tears.

"Well?"

I fall to my knees, my arms encircling him.

"Yes."

He laughs and then, we are both laughing. Until his lips block out my laughter.

But the rising sensation of happiness overwhelms me and small laughter still escapes from my lips.

He joins in with me, holding me tight to him.

"Yes."

I repeat the word, drawing his face in my hands.

My stained, paint splattered hands.

He takes them and kisses the palms of each one.

Tears are coming down now. I can't stop them.

"Thank you," I whisper.

"No Lexie," he softly brushes his lips against each of my wrists, those deep blue eyes now ringed within gold, flickering up to me, "Thank you."

"Wolves live by the Moon," he whispers as I cling to him. His scent of pine wood and honey invading me. "But I...I think you taught me to love by the sun."

He softly brushes away my tears as he holds me there, his hands resting on my hips, always the center point for where they gravitate.

I smile at the warmth he offers. The strength he gives.

He was the life portrait I would always be painting.

Reflecting back, I almost want to laugh at how perfect the moment seems. How romantic my cold Alpha really was.

Only me.

He would only show this side to me.

Only leave his words of soul and imagery for me.

Though the darkness may always be inside, I think now, I can handle it.

He claimed me to be his sun, but little did Atlas know as I looked into his golden eyes- the Sunset rose and settled within his features, creating a perfect child of the cosmic skies.

He was the one who had brought a light into my shadows.

Our journey, though it seemed like it had been long and hard already, was just beginning.

I had faith in him though. I knew we would make it.

Because like the sun that he so reminded me of- as it set and settled within the clouds, absorbing into the sky. The setting fixture always showed me, with indisputable proof, that endings can be beautiful too.

Listening to the 'Sun Child' Playlist. Smiling and shaking my head at how far we've come. And pressing my hand to my chest in an attempt to not cry.

That's what I'm doing right now.

And also-

Writing 'Thank you,'

To all my beautiful readers.

Don't forget there is an endnote (where I'll just write more sappy stuff), and a bonus chapter.

My little cosmic children- thanks again.

I think we've created a beautiful sky of memories.

Until next time,

Loves,

/////WORLD_JOY_/////