Testing Fate (24 page)

It wasn’t difficult following Mason’s lead; he’d always been a great dancer and I loved how our bodies moved as one, as though we were made for each other. We were.

 Alex continued to play and I laid my head against Mason’s shoulder, caught up in the moment. Everything felt so overwhelming, yet it wasn’t. After everything we’d been through, nothing had stopped this from happening. We were finally wed.

“A penny for your thoughts, sweetheart,” Mason murmured, twirling me under his arm before bringing me back to his chest. I tried telling him what I was thinking, but I couldn’t find the words. He seemed to sense that, instead rubbing my lower back with his hand. “Shall I tell you what I’m thinking?”

I nodded against his shoulder. Something told me he’d be able to voice what I couldn’t.

“I was thinking about what Daniel said in his toast. That even though I’m the strength of this Pack, you are its goodness, its heart. It wasn’t just me who was blessed the day we met. Yes, I found someone to share my life with, someone who is every bit my equal and more. But the Pack also found someone who would champion them in all things. There’s no doubt in mind how truly beloved you are, Darcy; by me and our loved ones. It makes me wonder what I did to deserve a gift like you.”

His words touched me and anchored themselves into my soul. Daniel’s toast had surprised me. I’d expected him to tell a few jokes, but instead he’d spoken from the heart. Hearing Mason repeat those sentiments, and add some of his own, just reinforced what I’d been feeling all evening.

“You don’t get it, do you? I’m the lucky one,” I admitted. Tears started falling again, and I quickly wiped them away with my hand. “The lucky, weepy one. I swear I feel like I’ve done nothing today but cry. I don’t remember ever being this happy.”

“Good, because this is just the beginning. I plan on keeping you in a constant state of bliss, sweet wife of mine. I want you to always have a reason to smile and laugh. Sound good?”

“Sounds perfect to me.” I sighed at the idea. “When do you want to start?”

“Do you have something in mind already?” Mason’s hand lowered, curving the shape of my behind before dipping me back in his arms, a wicked smile on his face. “Just what are you thinking, Darcy?”

I blushed. I hadn’t been thinking about anything like what he was insinuating; but I was now. My skin flushed as images filled my mind, whether by me or through my connection with Mason. He righted me back on my feet, returning me to his embrace. Only this time it was tighter, our bodies pressed firmly against each other. Fire pulsed through my veins, leaving my mouth dry.

“Say the word and I’ll tell everyone to go home. One word and they’re gone.” There was eagerness in Mason’s voice, heat underlying his statement. Looking around me, the idea was beyond tempting.

“We can’t just expect everyone to leave.” I laughed, the sound shaky.

“Can’t we? It’s our party. Besides, I’m ready to celebrate.” He didn’t need to elaborate. I knew exactly what he meant and if I’d misunderstood, the smolder in his eyes verified it. That, and the way he studied my mouth, licking his lips as though he was hungry.

“Do you mind if I cut in?” Mason answered Devlin’s poorly timed interruption with a soft growl before he stopped. I wanted to slap the knowing smile off his face because I knew Devlin had heard the last part of our conversation. The look of surprise at Mason’s response may have fooled others, but I knew better, he’d done it on purpose.

“By all means.” Mason chuckled, realizing it too. He reluctantly released me, allowing me to enter into Devlin’s arms. “I’m going to visit some with Alex and then I’ll be back to reclaim my wife.” He slapped Devlin’s shoulder once before leaning in to kiss me. It was such a macho move of dominance and I loved it. I also loved hearing him call me his wife, the word making me smile with pride each and every time he said it.

“Do you think that was for my benefit?” Devlin asked, looking down at me as I gave Mason one last glance.

“Of course it was,” I laughed. “He may be a good guy, but he’s also very male. And, he’s perfect.” I knew I was wearing a sappy, love sick grin, but I couldn’t help it. Devlin didn’t say anything, choosing not to make fun of me on my special day. It was a smart move on his part. I wasn’t beyond kicking him in the shins and making him limp for the rest of the night.

“I love seeing you like this.”

“Like what?” I asked.

“Happy. There’s no doubt that you and Mason are meant for each other. In fact,” Devlin pulled me closer so he could speak softly in my ear. “you give me hope there’s someone out there for me. Who knows? Maybe one day we’ll be gathered like this for my wedding.”

The thought of Devlin finding someone to love and spend his life with thrilled me. I wanted it so much for him. I didn’t like that he was alone. He needed someone who would look at him the way Mason looked at me. He needed his own happily-ever-after.

“I want that for you too, Devlin.” I beamed.

“One day”
was all he said before spinning me under his arm and holding me again. “For right now, I’m content watching you enjoy marital bliss.” He lowered his voice again, like we were joint conspirators. “How about I give everyone your goodbyes and you slip back into the house?”

“I knew you’d overheard what we’d been saying.” I slapped the side of his arm. “And you know what? I’m going to take you up on your offer. I am feeling pretty tired right now.” I feigned a yawn.

“Is that what you’re calling it now?” Devlin laughed, louder when he heard my mortified groan. “Go grab your husband and I’ll create a distraction. The last thing you want is for everyone to know you’re disappearing to . . . nap.”

I didn’t bother rolling my eyes at him. Instead, I was already staring at Mason, trying to get his attention, so he would follow me. He was still talking with Alex, the two of them with their heads close together, talking about something that made them chuckle at the same time. They really did look alike, but it was Mason that held my focus. He had such a striking presence—the way he stood and interacted—he was commanding.

He must’ve felt me staring because he glanced over in my direction, a wide smile lighting up his face when we made eye contact. I drew a heart in the air with my two fingers, mouthing
I love you
before I looked toward the house. Mason nodded and began saying goodbye to his cousin.

Devlin took that as his cue to say goodnight, kissing my cheek softly before I hugged him.

“Thank you so much,” I whispered, squeezing him briefly before letting go. “For everything.”

“It’s my pleasure, sweetheart. Just remember, I’m always here if you need me.” He tucked a stray strand of hair behind my ear. “Now go, before someone notices.”

I smiled and quickly made my way through the tables, careful not to meet anyone’s eyes. Something told me I wasn’t being as discrete as I thought I was, that people knew exactly what I was doing, because somehow I managed to make it to the house without being stopped.

Mason arrived at the doorway shortly after I did, his own journey unimpeded.  Then it suddenly hit me. This was it. Once we went inside, once we alone in
our
room, the waiting would be over. Whereas before I’d had to keep myself from taking more than kisses and careful touching, now I could take it all; whatever I wanted, however I wanted it.

Kissing. Touching. Tasting. All of it and more.

Grabbing hold of his hand, it was me who led the way. I was ready and it was now my turn to claim what was mine.

Chapter Twenty Four

“Wait.” Mason’s hand stayed mine before I turned the doorknob to our bedroom. Without further explanation, he scooped me up into his arms, a bashful smile curling his lips. “It’s tradition for the groom to carry the bride over the threshold on our wedding night. This may not be a new home, but it’s new to us.”

Opening the door and pushing it with his foot, he walked inside and I couldn’t hold back my gasp. Mason’s bedroom had been transformed—lighted candles flickering their glow against the darkened walls, sweet scented flowers scattered on different surfaces, and soft music playing in the background. It was a stage set for seduction and tingles spread over my skin as Mason lowered me to the ground.

Everywhere I looked, I saw something new. Someone had brought in my belongings and laid them out as though they’d always belonged there. Photo frames, trinkets, my books—I didn’t need to look in the drawers or closet to know I’d find my clothing there as well. It was perfect.

I moved into the room, stopping to smell a floral arrangement, my wedding dress making a swishing noise. Despite Amber interrupting the ceremony earlier, I’d been adamant about putting my wedding finery back on. Mason and the Pack had worked so hard at making sure everything was ready, I didn’t want the challenge to spoil it. I’d started the day feeling like a princess and I was going to end the day feeling the same way.

Mason leaned against the closed door, his gaze following me around the room. We didn’t speak, letting the anticipation build; and once I was by the windows, I turned around to face him. Even though he could be by my side in a few long strides, the distance seemed daunting, thrilling.

“So . . .” I let that one word trail off.

“So?” he replied. I could feel the heat of his stare, imagine what his thoughts were. They were mine. Chewing on my bottom lip, my hands nervously played with the side of my dress. I’d dreamed of this moment, when there’d be no need to stop, and now it was here. I didn’t know where to begin. Did I make the first move? Did Mason? Would it be a flurry of undressing, our desire making it impossible to take our time? Or would we take that slow, languid speed I loved so much when we kissed?  I wanted it all. I was greedy and I could’ve cried with relief when Mason spoke.

“You look so beautiful standing over there, the light dancing and reflecting off your dress, making you all but glow. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you look more breathtaking.” I waited for him to take a step toward me, but instead, he loosened his tie. “It’s caused quite the problem.”

“It has?”

“Yes.” He finally stepped forward, only to stop. “I don’t know what I want to do first. Do I kiss you until you’re melting in my arms?” He moved again, watching me. “Or do I throw aside my desire to take my time, exploring every blessed inch and just rip that dress from your body? I don’t know if I can be that patient, Darcy. But there won’t ever be a first time for us, and I want . . .” His voice was thick with emotion as he finally made his way over to me, his hand cupping my cheek. “I want this to be a night neither of us forgets.”

“And what have you decided?” My question came out barely a whisper.

“That we have all night.” His thumb hovered over my lips, barely touching them.  “And the rest of our lives for me to have you any way I want, every way
you
want.”

“Promise?” I was surprised I was able to talk, the sexual tension between us already heightened and on overload.

“With all my heart.” His thumb pressed lightly on my bottom lip, opening my mouth a little. My tongue poked out, tasting the saltiness of his skin as Mason answered it with a low groan.

I don’t know who moved first, maybe we both did but his own mouth replaced his hand as his warm breath mingled with mine. I don’t know what we were waiting for—the kiss was within reach and screaming to be completed. He was so close, painfully close, mere inches away from exploding into a night where there were no limitations—we would ride this experience through to the glorious end.

“I’m afraid, Darcy,” he confessed. He tilted his head slightly and it caused his lips to caress mine, just barely. The sensation sent a riot of sparks down through my body and I caught myself panting softly.

“Why?” My lips now teased his and I placed my hands gently on his chest. It took all my restraint not to fist the material and bring his mouth crashing down onto mine. There was something seductive about the control we were fighting to maintain—something insane because I could feel his urgings, his desires blazing red hot through our connection.

“I don’t want to be rough. I don’t want to hurt you.” I could feel his fingers playing in the loose hair surrounding my face. Each touch, each graze pushed me closer to the edge.

“Then don’t.”

He stilled for a moment, his hand trembling before he leaned in to kiss me. I closed my eyes, holding my breath for that next taste of him and was surprised when I felt him kiss my forehead. I wasn’t able to question him as he turned me around, pulling me back against his hard body. Wrapping one arm around my waist, he held me tightly, dropping his mouth to my shoulder. He nipped at my sensitive skin until I moaned.

“You taste so good,” he murmured, his other hand trailing down my arm before reaching around to the front of my bodice. He cupped my breast, pressing firmly as he began tracing a trail of pleasure from the base of my neck to my ear. I couldn’t think, couldn’t breathe properly, and there was no way for me to move. He kept me his captor, setting my body on fire.

“Mason,” I begged. I didn’t know how much more I could take. I didn’t stop my arm from reaching up and around his neck, my fingers clenching in his hair. This went beyond what our previous make out sessions had felt like. This felt more intimate and I quivered when I realized Mason had only just started.

“I want to taste more of you, see more. Now.” There was a momentary absence of his body touching mine and then I felt him tugging at the laces of my dress. He didn’t rip them, but he wasn’t too gentle, either—each pull and jolt sending more anticipation careening through me.

I missed the feel of Mason’s lips against my skin. I gasped each time his fingers accidently skipped across my now exposed back. My nerves felt like they were being tightly stretched to the point of shattering, but somehow I kept a maddening grip on my control.

My dress dropped with a soft swish and the cool air in the room felt like a blessing against my fevered body. There was no need to cover up, no need to hide. I let Mason’s gaze feast on the lingerie I’d picked especially for this moment. I let his hungry growl stoke my own fire as his eyes studied me from head to toe—obviously approving of what was before him.