around.
He must have noticed my lack of clothing, the change shredding what I’d been wearing, and he gave me his shirt. It was incredibly large, coming to just above my knees, but I was grateful to be covered again. After everything that had happened, I felt a little vulnerable.
“You doing okay? In one piece?” Devlin asked. He checked me over vigorously, turned this way and that before he was satisfied. “Remind me when this is over I need to beat you for getting me into these situations.”
“What did you expect? She’s a magnet for trouble,” Mason’s voice came in a soft groan. His eyes were opened, and I rushed over to help him stand.
“What do you mean she’s a magnet? I thought trouble was her middle name,” a voice from the door joked, followed by a cough. We all looked over and found Daniel leaning against on one of the shelves, rubbing his head. “What the hell happened? One minute Mason was telling me we were leaving, and the next I woke up shoved in a closet.”
“It’s a long story, but before you all get started, can we do this at home?” I looked to the men, hopeful. I was rewarded with a resounding yes, and we slowly made our way back up the stairs.
Mason needed a little help at first, but as we got closer to the main floor, he took control. He was the Alpha, and despite his ordeal, he had an image of strength to protect.
I was amazed to find dead bodies as we exited the house. I’d assumed Avery’s minions would all be vampires, but he’d managed to also recruit humans. Some of the Enforcers had begun the clean-up and removal process.
Mentioning to Mason he’d join us later for a debriefing, Devlin quickly gave me a hug and I thanked him before watching him climb on his bike and drive away. I had a lot of questions for him, and I wasn’t going to rest until he answered them.
“You ready?” Mason’s arms wrapped around my waist, and I rested my head on his shoulder.
I nodded, eager to put this behind us. I climbed into the SUV, and didn’t look back.
By tomorrow this would all be in the past, and as I looked at Mason, anticipation for the future grew. Yeah, things could only get better from here.
Chapter Twenty
The flickering of the candlelight caused soft shadows to dance around the room. The night had been complete perfection, and as I watched Mason push his plate away with a look of satisfaction across his face, I deemed the dinner a success.
It’d taken a few days to get everything squared away, the business of Avery and his attempt to overthrow Zane finally put to rest. There had been countless meetings, the bouncing back and forth of ideas between leaders, precautions put into place with the hope of preventing something like this in the future.
Mason didn’t hold out much hope, believing there would always be someone with more greed and pride than common sense. He believed in the alliance, and it was stronger than ever. The events hadn’t turned him bitter, if anything he was more determined to protect his pack.
Smiling across the table, I couldn’t help the sigh of relief I let out. I’d been able to smuggle him away from everything for a night of pampering like I’d wanted. At first, my plan had revolved around him, making sure he knew he was supported and loved, but as the night progressed, the focus rested on both of us. We were a couple-there wasn’t one without the other.
“So, did you enjoy the dinner?” I glanced over at his empty plate. It seemed silly to ask because there were a few moments where I wondered if he’d pick up his dish and lick it clean. It was something he would do, especially when he was in a goofy mood.
“It was delicious, Darcy. I enjoyed every mouthful. In fact, you need to tell me your secret.” There was a twinkle in his eye, and I blushed.
“Correct me if I’m wrong, but I swear this tasted just like the chicken fettuccine from Mama Alder’s Kitchen. How’d you manage that?” Dipping his finger into the remaining sauce, he swirled it around his plate before licking it off his finger. “I can’t get enough.”
I could feel the heat on my face, and prayed the light from the candles would hide some of my embarrassment. There was no fooling this man, and I avoided looking him in eye.
“Well… you see…,” I stuttered, trying to explain how I had no other choice than to quickly order out, the meal I planned was burnt to a crisp, and now lay hidden in the trash bin outside.
“It’s okay, sweetheart. It doesn’t matter where it came from-it’s the thought that counts. You did an amazing job, so thank you.” He took one last sip of his drink, emptying the glass before rising to his feet. Walking over to the counter, he turned up the soft music I had playing, and standing before me, extended his hand. “Would you dance with me?”
Tingles erupted over my skin, my heart beginning to race as I looked up into the face of the man I loved. He was breathtaking, his masculine beauty still causing an affect. “There’s nowhere I’d rather be than in your arms.”
The smile he offered melted my insides, and he pulled me up into his embrace as we slowly began to move back and forth to the sound of the melody. I loved the intimacy of the moment-the closeness, and how our bodies seemed to fit just right.
“Sorry about dinner. I worked so hard and wanted everything to be perfect.” I rested my head against his shoulder, murmuring into his shirt. “One day, I’ll be able to cook a meal to completion without Daniel needing to run in with a fire extinguisher.”
Mason chuckled, and I felt him tighten his hold as he bent his head forward to whisper near my ear. “You’re wrong, sweetheart. Tonight was perfect, but not because of dinner. You’re the reason, and this is what makes it wonderful-being able to talk with you, touch you, and hold you close. You’ll always be the best part of my day and why I look forward to the rest of our life together. With you by my side, I have it all.”
I brought our bodies to a stop, a feeling of wonder filling me. “How do you do that? Speak the words in my heart so beautifully. I love you, Mason, and there’s nothing more I want than to be with you. You’re my forever too-my happily ever after.” I stretched upward and placed a kiss on his lips.
“You know there is one thing that would make this night flawless, something that’s been regrettably missing.”
“Did I forget something?” I peered into his eyes, unsure if I understood what he meant.
“Dessert.” He started at me hungrily, but the look was wasted.
“Oh, no. It’s actually the one thing I didn’t burn! Let me go get it so you can taste it.” Without thinking, I began to pull away, and was promptly stopped by his hand tightening around my arm.
“I believe my dessert is right here, and you’re right. I’m definitely going to taste and savor it.”
Crushing his mouth down, his tongue swept past my lips and began to move slowly with mine, the gentleness of it becoming my undoing. My body felt like it was dissolving, as fire rushed through me, setting my insides aflame. I grabbed hold of him, using his strength to keep me from falling and I reveled in the feeling of security I found. He was mine and I was his-both the keepers of each other’s hearts. I trusted him completely, and I submitted to his lead.
I felt my body being lifted, my feet leaving the floor, and instinctively I wrapped them around his hips. Where ever we touched, it left a trail of sensation, and with my arms around his neck, I tried to bring him even closer.
One hand was around my waist, securing me to him while the other was entwined in my hair. He tugged on it gently, causing my head to tilt backward, offering him better access. His tongue was relentless as his passion drove us deeper, the seal of our mouths never breaking as we shared a kiss worthy of the romance books I adored.
I heard the loud crash of dinnerware being swiped off onto the floor as Mason placed my bottom on the table. Pulling away, both of us breathing ragged, I laughed. “Was that really necessary?”
Lowering me backward, his body following, he stretched me out on the surface. “Of course, I was always told to eat at the table. I’m determined to show you my impeccable manners.”
He didn’t allow me to respond, bringing his mouth back to mine as he nibbled at my lips, tracing them with the
