Rakshasa Boyfriend: Atticus Part Four (complete)

Atticus and I have agreed to something my father proposed - for the two weeks leading up to the wedding, we will spend our time apart. It was something he and my mother did before their wedding, and he tells me it brought them closer together. Atticus doesn’t seem too thrilled with the idea, but in the back of my mind I think I can get some extra work done. 

But by the second day of our separation, it feels worse than him being at sea. I can see him anytime I want. It isn’t like he is out on a voyage, far away and out of reach. He is right nearby, and I am willfully staying away from him.

On day three, I sneak into his home before dawn. Knowing all the secret passages, I make my way into his bed and kiss him awake.

“I thought I would be the one who broke first,” Atticus moans.

I sit, straddling his stomach, smiling down at him. “I did too.” I kiss him all over. I run my fingers through his mane and he starts to purr.

“Wait a moment.” He grabs my arm roughly. “What is that smell?”

I furrow my brow at him. “What smell?” I sniff my wrist then under my arms. “I gave myself a rinse off after work yesterday. Has the rosewater gone bad?”

Atticus sits up with a nasty scowl on his face. He buries his nose into the curve of my neck, and then in my hair. In any other situation, it would be exciting, but right now it feels odd. He holds my shoulders and pushes me back.

“I know that smell.” His lip curls. “I cannot place it, but I know it, and I hate it.”

I shake my head. “Nothing different has happened since I last saw you.” I push his hands away from me. “I’m making candlesticks for a new customer.”

The look on Atticus’ face doesn’t go away. “Well, whoever they are, they stink.” He nuzzles his face against my neck again. “Now, where were we?”

I chuckle and put my arms back around him. “It’s getting daylight out, I shouldn’t linger here for too long.”

“I can make it quick.” His paws go up my thighs. “Give me until the cock crows.”

I playfully shove his chest. “Your cock is crowing.” I palm the tent in his sleep shirt. “Although I shouldn’t be surprised.”

Atticus tosses me down onto the bed as I laugh. He pins my arms above my head and grins down at me. “It’s only been three days, and yet I feel it’s been a month. Tell me you feel any different, I dare you!”

I smirk up at him as I slip my leg around his hip. “Hurry up,” I huff. “If I have to wait another three days, I may faint.”

The throaty chuckle that leaves his lips turns into a growl. We kiss and soon roll together. Three days, and we’ve already caved. I wonder how long it took my parents before they broke the two-week rule as well.

I lay in bed with Atticus, the curtains drawn so we can pretend it’s morning for a bit longer. I rest my head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat and soft breathing. I stroke my hand down his belly, then around to his side.

“It’s bothering me,” Atticus snarls.

I tilt my ear towards him. “Hmm?”

“That smell.” His paw on my back flexes. “I know I know it, and it is tickling at my brain in a way that won’t leave me be. It’s so aggravating that I cannot place it.”

“Don’t worry about it,” I huff. “Just enjoy that fact you got it off me.”

Atticus scoffs and grows silent again. His paw rubs up and down my back, and I can feel him relax again.

I sit up after a while. “I should head home.”

“You are home,” Atticus teases.

I smirk back at him as I get up and gather my clothes from the floor to get dressed again. “Soon enough, it will be. But for now, I still live with Jason and my dad. I also have work I need to do before the wedding.”

Atticus flops onto his belly. “Do one last thing for me.”

I step towards the bed as he smiles up from the pillows at me. “And what might that be, my love?”

“Don’t leave.”

I kiss him, then head towards the hidden exit beside the fireplace. “I’ll see you sooner than you think.”

I leave the grounds and head down the street, stopping at a stand to buy some bread for an alibi and I make my way home. As I’m leaving the street market, I see my new customer ahead of me on the street. He’s standing with his wife, Simone, who has the most beautiful skin I have ever seen. She’s pregnant, and he’s holding the hands of their other two children. He’s a lion Rakshasa as big as Atticus. I have only seen him in passing, as I mostly deal with Simone.

“There’s the lovely blacksmith,” Simone says. 

I wave to them. “Good morning.”

Her husband turns towards me and, for a moment, a shock is sent through my system. His face reminds me of Atticus. I notice his fur is also snow-white, and I suck in a sharp breath. This is too coincidental. This must be The Ghost, Autry.

“Look at those arms,” he chuckles. “You look like you could punch any man into oblivion.”

I’m still staring at him. He has the same eyes as Atticus, the same curl of the lip. The only difference is that Atticus is thicker than Autry, and Autry is shorter. They would look like some sort of dessert if they stood right next to each other.

I shrug. “Comes with the trade.”

“I’m certain,” he chuckles.

Simone rolls her eyes. “Ignore him, I beg of you.”

I smile at her, feeling a bit of kinship with Simone. If Autry is anything like Atticus, then she would understand. “I’ll have the first sample done today,” I tell her. “Come by, and if it’s good, I’ll have the whole set ready for you by next week.”

“Perfect. I appreciate it,” Simone says with a smile.

As I walk past them, Autry seems to stumble. He bumps against me and his little girl scoffs at him.

“Say you’re sorry!” she hisses.

Autry turns to me and smirks. “Forgive me. I don’t know how to operate my feet today.”

I shake my head. “Don’t worry about it.”

I make my way home in a hurry, slightly bothered that Autry was here. I know I should tell Atticus, or at least try to confirm that I have the right person. I don’t know for certain it is him. I decide to go to work. I can go see Atticus after Simone comes by.

“Well, well,” Jason laughs as he comes into the room. “You didn’t last nearly as long as I thought you would.”

“I got bread.” I toss it onto the table.

“Is that what you kids are calling it these days?” he asks with a smirk. 

I scowl at him, hoping to at least melt that smug look off his face. “I. Got. Bread.”

Jason continues to smile at me, and I want to mop the floor with him. Instead, I get ready for work, changing into sturdier clothes and heading for the workshop. Later in the day, Jason comes to fetch me while I’m working.

“Someone is here for you,” he says. “About the candlesticks.”

“Oh, right.” I mop up my face to make myself presentable. I get the sample I made and enter the shopfront, but instead of Simone, I see him. He’s standing with his hat off, so his mane is free and fluffed. He turns towards me and smiles.

“Good to see you again.” He bows his head.

I scowl at him. “Are you Autry the Ghost?” 

He laughs and grins at me. “I should have given you more credit. I thought since you had fallen for Atticus, there would be something off about you.” He nods at me. “So you know about me.”

“Atticus filled me in on the rivalry you two have.” I hold out the candlestick. “Was this a ruse to try to get to me or something?”

“Oh no,” Autry takes the sample. “My darling Simone really does need new candlesticks. The ones we used to have got lost at sea thanks to that centaur.” He looks it over. “She’s sick with the baby right now, so I came to pay for the set to be made.”

“Then why are you here?” I ask. “Have you come to bother Atticus?”

“Of course,” Autry grins. “I always wanted to inspect his little bride.” His dark eyes wash over me. “After all, he is my big brother.”

I scowl at him. “But you two hate one another.”

“Is that what he said?” Autry laughs. “Well, yes. Animosity has always run high between us. I suppose we let it get the best of each other. I have always sought to outdo him in everything.”

I roll my eyes. “Look, Simone wins simply because her skin looks like gold and the dawn had a baby,” I scoff. “Your wife is prettier. You have adorable kids before Atticus. What are you even doing here?”

Autry takes a seat at the table and sighs. He places his chin on his hands, and a solemn look crosses his face. “Aside from Simone and my babies, I have nothing else. Atticus and I have hated each other all our lives, but we have always had one another. We share blood - granted, it’s the blood of a philandering piece-of-shit father - but we have it all the same.” He looks up at me and furrows his brow. “Since that centaur came into power, I have lost a lot in order to keep my people from harm. Atticus had the right idea to buy this town. My harbors have been taken from me. I’m coming in hopes of peace.”

I click my tongue. “You want to work with Atticus?”

“As much as it pains me to say it - yes. I need somewhere safe for my family. The old ports attract war and those nasty gnolls. This place can offer us home, but I need Atticus and I to come to an understanding.”

I fold my arms tight across my chest. “And that’s why you’re bothering me?” 

“I thought if you could speak to him about it, it would soften him up more,” Autry says with a smile.

“You’re just chicken,” I scoff.

“Perhaps. But Simone is very pregnant and she needs me. I can’t risk losing another eye or a limb right now. Andre and Lusea are a handful, and I need both my paws.” He smiles at me. “Help me, and I will make it worth your while.”

I sigh, wanting to roll my eyes. But in a way, I understand where he is coming from. “And what would that possibly be?” 

Autry grins. “Simone makes a wonderful balm for her skin. I know you have the opposite shade of skin as her, but that balm will help you get the same goddess glow she has.” 

I frown, not because it is a weak offer, but because of how much I have envied Simone’s dark, beautiful skin since I saw her. I may be pale and red from my work, but if I could have that same butterly glow, it would be worth it.

“I’ll see what I can do,” I huff in defeat.

Autry takes a dark blue jar from his pocket and places it on the table. “She was going to give it to you anyway,” he chuckles. 

“Hey!” I snap at him.

Autry hugs me, softly nuzzling my hair and cheek. “Thank you, sister. I pray for a stellar report.”

I sneak away to Atticus that evening. He’s waiting up for me, posed naked in bed with liquor ready to be served.

“Gods, you’re pathetic,” I huff at him.

He stands up, strutting over to me. “I knew you’d be back, so why try to pretend to-” He sniffs the air around me, and a disgusted look comes over his face. “That fucking smell again! I can’t stand it! What have you been-”

My shoulders slouch and I exhale in exasperation. “It’s Autry.”

Every hair on his body stands on end. “What?” he roars.

“Autry and his family are here. He came to see me today, and-” Atticus scoops me off the floor. He holds me off the ground and at arms length from him.

“What the fuck are you doing?” I try to kick him, but my legs aren’t long enough.

“I will not have you reeking of that horrible creature!” Atticus takes me into his bathroom. “You’re lucky I bathed tonight.” He starts stripping away my clothes.

“That water is going to be cold!” I try to fight him off. 

Atticus steps into the tub with me. “I knew I knew that smell,” he snarls under his breath. His tail curls around my side and then lays on top of my legs.

“He wants to talk with you.” I go limp, letting him do as he pleases. “He’s in trouble, Atticus. He wants to join up with you.”

His lip curls over his sharp teeth and a sinister grin appears. “Fallen on hard times, has he? Well, good. He can rot somewhere else. As soon as I can, I will have him removed from here.”

“Don’t you dare!” I snap back at him. “His wife is pregnant and he has two other babies. He’s here because of them!”

Atticus glares down at me. “Do not tell me you buy this. He will do anything to-”

I slap my hand over his mouth. “The pirate lords are barely a thing any more, and all their ports are either being used for Demir’s war or taken over by the Gnolls. He’s trying to protect his family, and he’s come to you because you’re all he has!”

Atticus wrenches my hand away from his mouth. “This cocky son of a bitch thinks he can waltz in here, into my good graces, then use my own bride against me?”

“No, that’s why he asked me to talk to you. He fully expects you to kick him out.” I wipe the soap from my face and push my wet hair back. “Just talk to him. If need be, I will be there. Simone too, probably. As much as you hate it, the two of you share blood, and you are family. In this day and age, there are many who do not even have that.”

Atticus scoffs and turns away from me.

I grab his head and turn it back towards me. “If Jason and I were on the outs, you’d want us to make up, wouldn’t you?”

“That’s the thing,” Atticus snarls. “Autry and I were never like you and Jason. You and Jason have real love for one another. You’re close. Autry and I have never had love between us.”

“You share a hatred for your father,” I say. “That’s a start.”

Atticus grimaces. He tucks his face into the curve of my neck. “Nope, you still stink.” He starts scrubbing me again.

“Don’t ignore me,” I huff at him.

“Therein lies the problem, my darling,” he snarls. “I cannot ignore you.” He glares up at me. “I also cannot say no to you, which that fluffy white bastard knows.”

I kiss him, slowly moving him with my hands. He growls, biting me and melting into my grasp. He huffs and looks me in the eyes. “You make me easy,” he sniffs.

“I ask politely.” I run my fingers through his mane. “And I always reward you for being a good boy.”

Atticus grins wickedly. “Let’s rinse off before we start giving any sort of rewards.”

“It’s going to be cold!” I fuss at him. “Why did you have to be so dramatic?”

“Because Autry is a shit-smelling bastard!” Atticus helps me from the tub. He douses me with cold water to rinse off the soap. “Small price to pay,” he huffs. “And no worries, I’ll get you nice and warm in bed.”

I glare back at him, my teeth chattering and my skin crawling. He rubs me dry, then picks me up and carries me to bed. He nuzzles to my hair and neck, breathing in deeply to make sure the scent of Autry is gone.

“Much better,” he chuckles. “So now.” He smooths his hands down my legs. “What else is there for us to do, but make sure I am the only one you smell like?”

I bite back my smile as I look down his body, taking in the sight of him over top of me. I gently urge him closer and squeeze his waist between my knees. “Just shut up and do what you do best, you blueberry.”

Atticus kisses me, grabbing my hips roughly. His heat presses against me and soon slips inside. 

Come morning, my hair is a rat’s nest from sleeping with it wet. I try to brush it out, but it is far too messy to do anything with, so I return to bed, where Atticus is sleeping.

“Do I have to get up?” he growls.

“Not yet,” I murmur. “You still have time before I make you do anything today.” I kiss his chest and rub his belly.

Atticus grumbles profanity under his breath and sits up. “What am I supposed to say to him?”

“Just listen,” I assure him. “You don’t have to say anything at all. Just hear him out.”

Atticus grimaces and he lays his cheek to my shoulder. 

“I’ll talk if need be. You can brood and scowl in the corner all you like.” I kiss his arm and look into his eyes. “He’s in the same competition as you are. But he swallowed his pride to come here and ask you for help.”

Atticus lifts his head. “Hmm. You’re right,” he grumbles. 

“Exactly.” I kiss his cheek. “Right now, you have the upper hand over him.”

“That’s right,” he starts to grin.

“So, keep that in mind today. Promise?” I tilt my chin up, hoping for a kiss.

Atticus smirks at me. “I’m winning.”

I scoff and roll my eyes. “No, that’s not-” I give up. “Yes, you’re winning.”

Atticus pushes me back down into the bed and kisses me. When he growls against my throat, I feel his teeth and tongue. “Say it again.”

“No, you dirty old pervert.” I push against him.

He kisses down my body, swirling his tongue in my belly button. “Say it to me or I won’t stop.”

I try to kick him off, but that gives him better leverage. I gasp out loud as his rough tongue presses at my folds. “Atticus,” I whine.

He snarls and slurps, pressing his lips to my mound. “Say it.”

I gasp, never saying it and allowing him to continue his victory lap. At last, we go to the inn where Autry and Simone are staying. Autry has his mane tied back when we arrive.

“Well, here he is,” I scoff. I motion to Atticus, who glares down at Autry. “Can you two behave, or do I need to keep a bucket of water nearby?”

Autry steps aside silently, letting us in. Atticus stands behind me as Autry leads us back into the kitchen. “We just ate. The children are with Simone. She’s having a hard morning.”

“Carrying your brat. I’m not-” Atticus stops when I elbow him hard in the gut.

“Does she need anything?” I ask. “If you don’t want to leave her and the kids alone, I can go out and get what you need.”

Atticus grabs my arm. “You promised.”

“It’s fine right now,” Autry scoffs. “Besides, I don’t want to be left alone with the mermaid.” He sits down at the table.

Atticus’ nostrils flare and his tail twitches. “See here, you white sack of-”

“His kids are here!” I hiss at him.

“Then they have heard worse.” Atticus then tosses his head and he takes a seat at the table across from Autry. “Anyway, you need my help.”

Autry goes silent for a pause.

Atticus smirks. “Can’t admit it now, can you?” He laughs and cracks his neck. “Now you know how it feels.”

Autry furrows his brow. “What are you talking about?”

“Being helpless, wanting to protect your family.” Atticus hisses at him. “When my mother went to your family asking for help, asking for your mother to take me in, we were turned away, even though there was blood between us.”

“I was a baby. I had nothing to do with that. My mother was afraid, and our father was-” he stops himself and sinks into his chair. “He abandoned us sooner rather than later.”

“As if that helps anything,” Atticus snarls.

“Is that what this is all about? A grudge?” Autry huffs. 

“Isn’t it?” Atticus slams his fist down on the table. 

I place my hand over his fist. “I thought you didn’t want to talk,” I growl. “Best shut up and just listen.”

Atticus leans back in his chair. His lip curls up over his teeth and he nods towards Autry. “Go on, then.”

Autry takes in a deep breath and taps his claws against the wood of the table. “Things have changed. The pirate lords are nothing more than minions to this new centaur lord. Our fleets have been diminished, and our riches go to him, all so we don’t lose our necks. Well,” he scoffs, “I’m tired of it. It all seems more dubious than when we were actual pirates. Half the time, most of us are being used as transport to his mines.” He shakes his head, places his paw over his eyes and sighs deeply. “You had the right idea. Disappear, buy a place that has no importance to the Empire.” He looks back up. “I am exhausted, Atticus,” he whispers. “I am being no father to my children, I am no husband to my wife, and they need me now more than ever.”

Atticus’ eyes flick over to me for a brief moment, and then he turns to Autry. “What are you asking for?”

“I’ll hand over what I can and disappear into your ranks.” He shakes his head. “Someday this centaur will fall, and when he does, I do not want to be amongst his followers.”

Atticus’ fist unclenches, and he shakes his head. As he opens his mouth to speak, Autry’s daughter comes running to his side. She grabs his hand and looks up at us, then tucks her head back down.

“Lusea,” Autry whispers. “I told you I would be busy.”

“I know,” the little white cub murmurs.

Autry huffs and places her in his lap. “Remember that blueberry I’m always complaining about?” he says to her.

Lusea grins and giggles. “Hi, Mr. Blueberry.”

Atticus scoffs. “Using your kids is an all-time low,” he growls, and shakes his head. “Listen, all I have known all my life is that you were my enemy. I do not know how to take this all in, let alone accept the fact we are sharing blood.” He looks at Lusea, who is braiding her father’s mane. “But I am changing. I am hoping to be a father too. I can see where you are worried.”

Autry picks up Lusea, then stands and holds his hand out to Atticus. “Do we have a deal?”

Atticus rises from the table. “Not yet.” He takes Autry’s hand. “But we have an understanding.”

I start spending time with Simone and the kids before the wedding. Simone needs help, since her pregnancy is so far along. One evening, while Atticus and Autry are fighting outside as Lusea and Andre watch, Simone gives me a look.

“That skin balm works wonders on stretch marks,” she says. “Start using it on your belly now.”

“Huh?” I chuckle. “What are you talking about?”

Simone arches her brows. “I’ve been watching you, and I can tell.” She smiles brightly at me. “Rakshasa have big babies.”

My jaw drops and I gape at her. “Excuse me?”

Simone laughs and nods her head. “I’ve got a sixth sense for these sorts of things. I could be wrong, maybe, but I’ve not been wrong once.” She points to my belly. “Expect a blue baby.”

“But I was-” I stop myself, realizing Atticus and I were never exactly careful when it came to this sort of thing.

“Oh, well,” I whisper and laugh. “Guess I need to let Atticus know.”

Simone chuckles. “Is he hoping for such a thing?”

I watch Atticus as he swings Lusea around and tosses her up in the air as she giggles. “Yeah,” I murmur. “He told me once he never had a father, so he wanted to be the best father in the world.”

Simone nods. “Autry told me the same.”

That evening, Atticus is half asleep in bed. I have to take his boots off and tuck him in. “You drank too much.”

“I had to outdo him,” he grumbles.

I sigh. “Fine, I’ll tell you the news in the morning.”

“The wedding is tomorrow,” he whines.

I kiss his cheek. “That it is.” I lay down beside him. “I can’t wait to see my dress.”

Atticus nuzzles to my neck. “You’ll be so beautiful.”

“I just hope I can fit,” I giggle. 

“Why wouldn’t you-” Atticus goes stiff and, all at once, he sits up and looks down at me. “No!”

I shrug. “Simone told me. She says she has a sixth sense for it and hasn’t been wrong.” I lay my hands on my stomach. “I think she’s right.”

Atticus kisses me, holding me close. “What a wonderful gift! I cannot wait!” He soon falls asleep, his head on my belly.

The next day, I get dressed and ready. The dress Atticus made for me is beautiful, made from antique lace with blue and yellow beads sewn into the fabric in the shapes of a fish and a bird. The veil drapes over my head, so when he sneaks into the room, I do not see him right away. His arms wrap around me from behind.

“Before I say these vows aloud,” he whispers. “I need you to know how happy you’ve made me.”

I lay my hands over his paws. “I already know. Because I feel the same.”