Testing Fate (17 page)

“She’s being held in the Council’s dungeons until we can transport her to somewhere more permanent. We received word a few days ago that the prison in Alaska is ready to receive her, so preparations are being made,” Zane replied.

“The sooner she’s gone the better, in my opinion.” Daniel growled and I agreed. She’d been a thorn in my side, as well as Mason’s, and I’d feel a whole lot better knowing she was far away. Even then, there was no way of fully trusting she wouldn’t try reaching out to ensnare Mason somehow.

“A few days ago?” The words finally registered. “Didn’t we just leave a few days ago?” I glanced to Mason, my brow furrowed.

“It seems time goes by faster there. You’ve actually been gone over three weeks. I returned two days ago,” Mason answered. Seeing my surprise, he pulled me to him, wrapping his arms around me. “Yeah, it shocked me too, but it’s all behind us, now. You’re back and we’re together; so you know what that means, right?”

All I could focus on was those two precious words
we’re together
. That’s all that mattered. Everything else was gravy.

Daniel coughed, bringing my attention back to Mason, who was still waiting for me to answer his question. “Ummm, what does it mean?” My breath hitched as I caught a glimpse of Mason’s wide, Cheshire cat grin. I expected him to tell me, but instead he dropped to one knee.

“Darcy?” he started, taking hold of my hand and bringing it to his lips. All thought fled my mind, my heart beginning to race. The room went quiet, everyone’s focus on me.

“Yes?” The small response caught in my throat and came out a soft whisper.

“Can I make you mine now? Marry me.”

“Yes,” I answered hurriedly. “Yes, yes, yes!” Tears filled my eyes and I squealed with excitement as Mason stood, swinging me up into his embrace. He’d already proposed to me, the night still clear in my memory, but this . . .  this was perfect. After all we’d gone through, his question meant the world. His. I wanted to be his more than anything.

Applause and well wishes crashed around me. I didn’t take my focus away from Mason’s face, love shining from his eyes. He started leaning in and I met him half way. Our kiss was a mixture of tenderness and promise, of relief and excitement. This was going to happen and nothing was going to stop us from finally being bound together, forever.

Daniel’s congratulatory slap on Mason’s back broke our kiss. Sliding out of his embrace, I was quickly pulled into Devlin’s arm, his hold tightening as he whispered his approval in my ear. I wrapped my arms around his waist and returned the squeeze.

“Thank you for everything,” I told him, tears now freely falling. “I couldn’t have done this without you.”

“Shush, there’s no need to say anything. I’ll always be there for you, sweetheart. Always.”

He relinquished his hold on me and I was turned about, only to walk straight into Daniel’s open arms.

“It’s about time, Darcy. Now it’ll be official.” I could hear the happiness in his voice.

“If you think this means you can start calling me those ridiculously pompous names, you can forget it.” I laughed.

“Oh, I’ve been working on a few titles, but I’ll save those for when it’s officially, official.” Daniel winked and I stepped away to slap him.

“So when do you plan on making this young woman your own?” Zane asked, joining us along with Vivien. He offered a regal bow and shook hands with Mason. “Can I suggest that you don’t wait too long?”

“Tomorrow at dusk and not a second longer.” Turning to me, Mason cupped the side of my face, his thumb grazing back and forth over my skin. “Think you can be ready?”

“I’ll be the girl in white.”

“Then it’s settled. Vivien, will you do us the honors?”

“It would be my pleasure to marry you both.” Vivien answered, her eyes watering. “Now let’s be done with all this. We have a wedding to prepare for.”

Giving our goodbyes and with the promise to call later with more instructions, I followed Mason and Daniel out of the room. We were finally heading back to pack property, to our home.

Taking one last look at the room and remembering everything that had occurred here, I nodded in approval of how it had been resolved. This was one chapter of my life I was grateful and thankful to close.

Chapter Seventeen

I didn’t want to move an inch, perfectly content to lie in Mason’s arms forever. After returning from debriefing the Council, I’d been whisked off to his room and we’d been locked away ever since. People had come and gone, knocking on the door but they quickly left after realizing no one was answering.

“We really should go and see everyone. There’s a lot to do and nothing’s getting done,” I sighed, my head resting on his chest. I could hear his steady heartbeat and it felt like heaven. Nestled on top of his bed, Mason’s hand stroked slowly through my hair while mine lay over his abdomen.

“It can wait. Right here, right now is all that’s important. I feel like it’s been a lifetime since I’ve held you, listened to your voice. I just want to keep you to myself for a little longer.”

“After tomorrow, you’ll have me all to yourself.” I poked him, loving that he was close enough to touch.

“And for this next hour, I’ll have you as well. I’m greedy like that.” He laughed, the sound like a deep rumble. I peered up at him and he had that relaxed, sexy look he got when he was content. Repositioning my body, I tilted my head and he leaned down so we could briefly kiss. It was these small things, gestures, moments that I’d missed so much.

“Darcy O’Connor. Mr. and Mrs. Mason O’Connor,” I said happily. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard anything more perfect.” I let my fingers trace over his stomach in a lazy pattern.

“I have,” he answered. When he didn’t continue, I moved to sit up but was stopped when he also turned, knocking me on my back and him gazing down. “When the Fates said we were mates and that no one could contest it. I was marrying you regardless, but it was still music in my ears. I’ll never get tired of saying you’re mine, Darcy Matthews soon-to-be Connors.” He winked and I reached up for his face. He nudged my palm, my hand curving to match the contour of his cheek. Moving again, he placed a soft kiss there before resting back on his side.

“It’s really going to happen, isn’t it?” I whispered, not wanting to speak too loud, in case I jinxed us. “No more waiting. No more drama. No more psycho females from the past.”

“Nope. It’s all about you and me, baby. And heaven help any fool who tries to get in the way.” Mason pulled me in closer and began nuzzling into my neck. “Just think, this time tomorrow . . .” His words were drowned out by my laughter as he worked on a ticklish spot with his teeth.

“Hmmm, that’s right. I hadn’t thought about the wedding night.” I pushed at him, trying to create a little space so I could breathe again. “I sure hope after all this time you were worth the wait and not just eye candy.”

My comment had the desired effect. I’d just thrown down a challenge and judging from the affronted scowl on Mason’s face, he’d make sure he proved himself.

“I’ll have you know . . .” I didn’t let him finish.

“I already know. Now hurry up and kiss me. Please.” I moistened my lips and smiled when he instantly responded. Just like every other time, the first touch of his mouth to mine caused heat to pulse through my body and my toes curled. Just his kiss told me we belonged together, my spirit recognizing my equal in him.

Mason got comfortable, our bodies pressed together, mine nestled perfectly into his. The pressure from his hand at my waist reminded me how much I loved his touch, and when his fingers brushed over my exposed skin, I knew that accepting the Heart or Death had been worth it. I wanted to spend every day, for the rest of my life, like this— in his arms, being loved by him.

Our kiss was a slow dance, tender as we reacquainted ourselves before gradually deepening, languid. I could feel his heartbeat under my hand, proof that he was alive and very much here with me. Our connection was as strong as ever and with each breath, I fell more completely under the spell he was creating. His tongue dipped with mine and if I could have, I would’ve purred in satisfaction.

He never sped up his tempo, keeping each movement of his mouth over mine unhurried and thorough. His hand moved from my waist and up under my shirt at the back. His body heat radiated through his palm over my skin as he held me firmly. I reveled in the strength he showed, in how safe and protected I felt.

I had no idea how much time passed. There was no rush, Mason was giving me all of his attention and something within me clicked, like a piece of a puzzle finally finding its place within the bigger picture.

“I love you,” I whispered. Settling back into his embrace, I rested against him again. I loved feeling him take each breath, imagining mine seeking out his rhythm and matching it.

“I love you too,” Mason answered, placing a light kiss in my hair.

We lay in silence, not the oppressive kind, but a comfortable lull. There was no pressure to speak and fill the void. Then I remembered something I’d wanted to ask since returning to the Council room.

“Mason?”

“Hmmmm.” His response sounded sleepy.

“Who was your companion through the trials?” The Moirai had given me Devlin but I didn’t know who they’d provided for Mason. There were only three of us when they whisked us away. All through my tests, I’d been grateful that I hadn’t gone through them alone. My heart hurt thinking that Mason may have had to face everything without a friend to help.

He didn’t reply straight away. Lifting my head, I saw a stray tear roll down his cheek and my stomach lurched. He had. He’d gone through whatever challenges by himself, and it sparked a flash of anger.

“Jasmine.” Just one word, but it explained the emotion that now flooded his features. It was a mixture of wistful wonder and sadness with something new, acceptance.

“She was there?” Closing my eyes, I could see her in my mind. Mason’s sister had been so beautiful, so happy, and I missed her fiercely. Her recent death was still fresh in everyone’s hearts, especially his. Maybe the Fates weren’t completely without feeling if they’d given him such a gift.

“I walked through the door and saw her standing there, wearing her favorite jeans and t-shirt. I remembered thinking I was glad to be spending time with her. I just didn’t realize how significant it was until I completed my trial and they sent me home.”

I remembered that shirt. We’d been shopping in town and walked past the thrift store when Jasmine saw it displayed in the window. She had a thing for all things vintage and for a few dollars, it had been a bargain. The bold, colorful
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
became her motto. The last time I’d seen her in it, the fabric was getting pretty threadbare. She hadn’t cared though. It was her favorite and she would continue wearing it until it disintegrated. The memory caused a tug on my heartstrings.

“Are you okay?” I laced my fingers between his, resting our hands on his stomach.

“Honestly, I am. It was amazing, Darcy. Don’t get me wrong, the challenges I faced were tough and for a moment there, I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to make it through. But I had my baby sister with me. She helped keep me motivated and focused, made sure I didn’t get too discouraged.”

“Devlin did the same for me,” I added, softly. “Seems the Fates chose well when they decided who to send with us.”

“We would sit up all night and just talk about anything and everything. Jasmine would tell me stories from our childhood, reminding me how much she loved me and how proud she was of her big brother. We laughed and laughed over the trouble we got into and we talked about our dreams for the future. In those moments, I didn’t know she was really gone, that I’d been given one last time with her. In the last test, the Moirai revealed that, in reality, I’d lost Jasmine, and the truth almost crushed me. They then told me I could have my sister returned to me, or I could choose to continue. I still didn’t know why I was participating in the Heart or Death, but my gut told me I had to keep going. Saying goodbye to Jasmine again was, without a doubt, the hardest of all the challenges. I won’t lie and say I didn’t falter.”

My heart broke for him. Mason adored his sister, loved her deeply and her death was still something he’d fought to accept. I had no doubt the offer made him pause, especially if it meant he could have her back—to hold, to see, to listen to and touch. I don’t know how he found the strength.

My silence told him what I was thinking, our connection was working again. “I found the strength the same way you did when facing your challenges. I kept going because I knew whatever I was fighting for was worth it and was bigger than whatever they tempted me with. I realized that the more enticing the offer, the greater prize must be. When I declined and my memories returned, your face was so clear in my mind and the love I felt for you so powerful, I knew. I love Jasmine with all my heart. I would do anything to have my beloved sister back, but not if it meant giving you up. You are vital to my survival now, Darcy. And you’re mine.”

I nestled deeper into him and was rewarded with his arms tightening around me. His admission stunned and humbled me. Just when I thought I couldn’t love Mason more, he said something like this and I fell harder. I could say what I wanted about the trials we faced, but there was no denying the process had forged us into a stronger couple.

“I’m sorry you had to choose,” I murmured into his chest.

“I’m not. Now that I know what was really at stake, I’m glad I followed my instinct. I would’ve still chosen you, had I remembered you. This whole adventure with the Moirai taught me a valuable lesson, don’t mess with fate. For whatever reason, Jasmine’s time came sooner than we all wanted. I don’t like it, but I’m learning to accept it. She may not be here with us physically, but I know we’ll see her again. As long as I have that hope, I’m okay.”

“I love hearing you talk like this, Mason. I’m glad you were able to find some peace through all this. I worried about your holding it all your emotions in and not sharing.”