Testing Fate

by Belinda Boring

  “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 whe
n 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.

  “Take down your hair.” His voice was gruff. I watched as his hands clenched and unclenched. He was also walking a thin line, judging by the tautness in his muscles and way his own body was reacting. Knowing I was the cause of him slowly unraveling empowered me, made me want to draw out the tension a little longer.

  Slowly, making sure he never took his eyes from me; I unclipped the diamond studded pin. My brown hair tumbled down, falling in soft curls below my shoulder blades. It felt good to have it loose again, and I swayed my head back and forth, running both hands through my hair until I was satisfied.

  “Like this?” I asked, my hands resting now on my hips. Mason answered with a brusque nod. I liked the conflicted look in his eyes, liked seeing his control warring beneath the surface. I wanted him to snap. I wanted to see how far I could push him.

  I slid my finger under my right bra strap, testing its resistance. My arm brushed against my chest and, without being told, I let the strap fall down the side of my arm. Staring back at Mason, I knew this now exposed the top of my breast. Brushing my finger over my white skin, I was careful that nothing else showed. Having his full attention, I repeat the same thing on the left side and stood still for a moment before reaching around and unclasping my bra altogether.

  The laced piece of clothing hit the ground, joining my dress, and the room suddenly felt as though all the air had been sucked from it. Mason gasped . . . groaned . . . growled . . . some animalistic noise signaling his approval. My hands slid across my chest, down over my stomach and rested just above the thin lace of my panties. I stopped, no one moving, and that’s when he snapped.

  “Mine,” he exclaimed, crossing the distance, and dropping to his knees as he brought his face to my abdomen. “Mine.” He repeated his claim over and over in between deep breaths, scenting my skin. His hands gripped my hips, his fingers adding just the right amount of pressure, as I tried not to squirm under his hold. His breath blew against my skin, awakening each nerve ending and when his tongue began tasting, my knees almost caved beneath me.

  “Then take it.” I urged, placing my hands back in his hair and clenching, tilting his head to look up at me. “Please.”

  A seductive smile slowly spread over his face before he leaned back in and nipped at my stomach. “You don’t like slow?”

  “No,” I answered. “Mason, it’s too much. I need . . .” I couldn’t find the right word. “I need . . . you.” I was shocked at just how sexy I sounded.

  “Patience, sweetheart. There are a few more places I want to explore . . . taste.” His nose nudged my belly button at the same time his hands moved my right leg over a fraction. “So much new skin to sample. To mark.”

  I was grateful he was helping me keep my balance because as he passed over my underwear, the brush of his face maddening in a way I’d never experienced. I was ready to crumple. My body screamed for him to stop where he’d been, to linger, but Mason had another destination in mind. Lowering his hands, his fingers clasped my thighs and his mouth followed. I moaned out loud as he took my sensitive skin and began nibbling. Between his teeth and the constant swirl of his tongue, I prayed I would survive.

  Just when I thought I couldn’t withstand the blinding torture of those bites, Mason stopped, trailing more kisses down my leg. Coming to my high heels, he quickly unbuckled them, slipping them off. All I wore now were my panties and he was still painfully overdressed.

  Still on his knees, Mason peered up at me with a new expression, one of reverence and worship. “You are so beautiful.” Those masterful hands, that had all but
set me on fire with need, now shook. He touched me with such care, as though I was made of glass. “You are so perfect.” His hands rested at my hips again. “Let me make love to you.”

  I nodded, stepping back only so he could stand. We moved quickly now, my fingers working furiously to free him of his clothing. The shirt was first to go, my hands pausing long enough for me to offer my own growl of approval at his well-defined abdomen and chest. I wanted to do a little tasting of my own, but we were beyond that now. Not being able to explore his body didn’t disappoint me in the least. I knew I had many nights with Mason stretched out before me.

  He clasped his hands behind his back, knowing I’d want to undo his belt and remove his pants. What was hidden beneath was no secret to me, but it didn’t stop my mouth from watering when I saw just how ready he was. Kicking off his trousers and shoes, I reveled in the sight of my mate. He was mine—every glorious inch of hardened, well sculpted male. As my gaze trailed up his body, there was no denying I’d never forget this night.

  My heart was racing and as I placed my hand over his chest, I could feel his pounding just as fast. “I love you, Mason,” I declared.

  We locked eyes, inching back toward the bed before he gently lifted me and placed me amongst the pillows. There was so much emotion boiling between us, through our connection, our body language, and the soft sounds we couldn’t help but make as he joined me on the bed. The moment had finally arrived, our bodies ready to become even closer; and I welcomed his weight when he covered me. He felt right.

  “I don’t want to . . .” I covered his mouth with my hand, silencing him.

  “You won’t. Don’t think, just be with me.” I wiped my fingers across his brow and smiled up at him. “Right here, right now . . . just us.”

  There was a moment where my breath hitched, a flash of pain before a rightness settled in and took over. My spirit soared at just how perfect this union was, my heart overwhelmed by the most intimate act Mason and I had ever done. Repositioning slightly, Mason kissed both my eyes before feathering the softest of touches on my mouth. I want to cry out at how special this was, but all thought fled when he began to move.