“Darcy Matthews, you have been accused of calling on us to steal the destiny of another and claim Mason O’Connor as your mate. How do you respond to such allegations?” Atropos continued, seriousness descending over the meeting.
There was no denying the change in the air. A noticeable weight settled on my shoulders and I prayed for the right words. If ever there was a time I needed to be eloquent, it was now.
Just breathe, sweetheart, and speak the truth. We have nothing to hide or be ashamed of. Mason’s calming influence swept through me, wrapping me in confidence, and I showed him a grateful smile. Devlin nodded slightly, offering me his own support and givingme the courage I needed. I wasn’t alone in this. I had my future mate and dearest friend by my side.
“Not guilty. Until today, I’d never met you or your sisters.”
“Did you contact Klothos and ask her to intervene on your behalf?” Lakhesis leaned forward in her chair, her stare piercing mine. I wanted to squirm under her scrutiny but I held firm. They were an intimidating group but I had done nothing wrong.
“No, I didn’t.” I kept my answer short and simple.
“How do you explain the fact both you and the Mystic Wolves’ Alpha shared the same dream then?” Atropos took over the questioning. A table appeared beside her and she perused the assorted tropical fruits. Finding a grape to her liking, she popped it into her mouth before offering the plate to her sisters. She chewed thoughtfully, her focus returning to me and a look of annoyance flashed in her eyes. “We are still waiting for your answer.”
“I-I can’t explain it,” I stammered. Her intense focus felt like it was a drilling a hole into me, searching for answers within my soul.
“Try.”
“I went to bed that evening as normal, dreamed, and woke the next morning to my mother telling me she’d set me up on a blind date. It wasn’t until I opened the door and saw Mason that I realized something had happened. I thought it was a good thing—a sign.” I looked back at Mason and he smiled, love shining from his blue eyes. “I never questioned it. I thought it was fate.”
“And do you agree, Mason O’Connor?” Lakhesis gestured for him to step forward. Brushing my shoulder as he came and stood beside me, I slipped my hand into his again.
“I do. It’s also been a source of pride for us. That there was no doubt we were meant to be together because of the dream. The second I saw her, I knew. My wolf knew.” There was such conviction in his words—sincerity and strength.
Silence descended over the room as his words and their meaning hovered in the air. The Moirai remained quiet, their features stilled, not revealing their inner thoughts. Time seemed to tick by and I glanced at Devlin. I wasn’t sure why he was here—none of the questioning so far had included him. His focus was on the lounging women, his brow furrowed in contemplation. He must have felt my eyes on him because he shook his head gently, indicating he didn’t know why the meeting had stopped either.
“That answers the allegations, right?” I interjected. I heard Mason’s sharp intake of breath as all three Fates turned and focused solely on me. Their eyes were wide with outrage and I realized my error. I’d spoken out of turn.
“We determine and pass judgment, young wolf. Don’t be foolish to presume you can dictate to us. We hold the world in our hands. We watch over lives and cut the string that bind people to it. Our influence is wide and eternal. We know more than you could ever comprehend.” There was a thick layer of ice in Lakhesis’ voice. Her hand had dropped the slice of melon she’d reached for and she was pointing at me.
“Obviously you don’t know everything, if this happened without your awareness,” I snorted, still not thinking. The swift reprimand came a second later.
The Moirai stood as one and together dropped their youthful glamor. The room seemed to grow smaller as they rose to their full stature—power crackling like electricity, ignited by their fury. Gone were the beautiful façade, the elegance, and gracefulness that poets wrote sonnets about. Standing in all their glory, they revealed their true selves—crones, withered and bent from centuries of existence. They were terrifying to behold.
“You dare speak to us that way?” Atropos thundered, the ground shaking at her outrage.
I recoiled from her wrath and took a step back. A slight breeze danced over my skin, signaling Devlin had moved to position himself between me and the angry ancients. Mason had already assumed a protective stance, the Enforcer joining him, effectively blocking me from their view.
“She means no disrespect, Blessed Ones,” Devlin spoke, as he used the same term Zane, his King, had used back with the Council. “She is young and spoke rashly. Please, show mercy.”
“Why? She knows who we are. Such insolence has never been condoned. Give us one reason why we shouldn’t cut her life string right now. In the very least, deem her mating null and void,” Lakhesis demanded.
Mason growled, his mouth opened to answer, but this was my error to correct. Placing my hands on their arms and pushing between my two protectors, I stood before the Fates again, my entire body displaying my remorse and submission. “Please. I meant no offense. It’s true. I spoke without thinking and I’m ashamed now. No accusations were made and I ask that you overlook my thoughtlessness and continue.” I looked at each of them, trying not to cringe at their frightful appearances. “Please, I wish to make this right.”
Silence filled the room again—a never-ending pause that shook me to my core. Everything hung in the balance and I inwardly berated myself for being so impulsive and stupid. I knew what was at stake here. I knew protocol needed to be followed. Yet, I’d still let my frustrations and mouth run away from me. I was innocent of Amber’s spiteful accusations, but it wouldn’t matter if I’d ruined my own chances for happiness myself. Devlin, Mason, and I held our breaths—waiting.
Slowly their fury diminished, and with it the Moirai returned to their former youthfulness. The almost suffocating power radiating from them faded away, signaling danger had passed for the moment.
“You may now explain, Klothos.” Atropos turned to her sister, gesturing for her to speak.
Mason and Devlin moved behind me, and I visibly relaxed, my body releasing its tension as they reclined back on their chaises, as though nothing had happened.
The trial had officially begun again.
Chapter Two
The slender female from my dream shifted in her chair, putting down the jewel encrusted goblet she’d been drinking from on the table beside her. There was a remorseful quality to her manner, the downward tilt of her mouth and soft sigh as she readied herself, smoothing out the creases in her gown. All eyes were focused on her.
I was especially eager to find out why she’d interfered. The dream Mason and I shared was one of my most prized recollections, something I felt strengthened the already powerful connection between us. It was the stuff of fairytales and romance—soul mates brought together, two people in the entire world destined to meet and fall in love. I would tease Mason about how he was just like someone out of my cherished books and that maybe, one day, someone would write our love story. Now it looked like a farce and I was angry. I felt robbed and cheated out of something special.
Mason’s hand touched my elbow, and I noticed three embroidered chairs had appeared behind us. They weren’t as comfortable as those used by the Moirai, but as I sank into the middle seat, I was grateful for the cushioning. Devlin and Mason sat on either side—Devlin with his long legs crossed at the ankles before him and Mason’s brushing against mine. His knee bounced slightly and the constant contact reminded me that as long as we were together, we could face anything. His arm rested along the top rail of my chair and I leaned back.
Whatever happens here, it changes nothing, I whispered to Mason in my mind.
He caressed my neck lightly, trailing his fingers along to my shoulder where he squeezed supportively.
I know. No matter what, you’re mine.
Devlin’s hand reached over and gripped mi
ne. Giving him a smile, I was grateful the Fates had also brought him here with me. Surrounded by those who both loved and supported me, I knew I could survive anything.
Someone cleared their throat, forcing my attention to the front again. Klothos was standing to the side now and appeared prepared to give her account. Glancing at her sisters for approval and receiving a brusque nod from Lakhesis, she began.
“I appeared in both Darcy Matthews and Mason O’Connor’s dreams, orchestrating the same vision so that when they met, they’d instantly recognize each other.”
“Why would you do such a thing? Atropos asked. “You know it is forbidden to meddle in such affairs. The very integrity of the universe we’ve been charged to protect has now been called into question.” She continued, clearly disappointed. “Such matters are strictly bound in protocol and for centuries we have been above reproach in our duties. You bring great shame upon us.”
“That was never my intention. The destined meeting was the following day. The foreordained blind date had been accepted; and in the morning, they were to be brought together. While I cannot reveal all details, my involvement was necessary. I felt it strongly and acted accordingly.”
“It is not your role as Moirai to feel, Klothos. Yours is to watch over mankind and make sure everything runs as it should. You herald in each birth and make sure every string remains unhindered and untangled until it is time to cut, sending the person onto either their eternal reward or damnation. It’s what has been done since the beginning of time and will continue until the gods declare it is over,” Lakhesis answered, reproach blazing in her tone. She shook her head at Klothos, gesturing toward us. “There was no intervention required. No need for magical involvement. Everything was as it was meant to be.”
“And what do you mean by you cannot reveal all details? You do not work alone. We work together, all decisions made as a unit. If you deemed an intervention imperative, you should’ve brought it to us for discussion,” Atropos added. “None of us acts alone on a whim or fancy.”
“I assure you, sisters, it was no spontaneous judgment on my part. And even now, I’m not at liberty to divulge the source of my resolve. Just know that I knew, without any doubt, I needed to step in. That is all I can say. I am truly sorry.”
I studied Klothos and marveled at her bravery. Her involvement had definitely messed things up, but even I could respect that she didn’t cower under the disbelieving interrogation from her sisters. I didn’t understand why she seemed to hedge on disclosing everything, and gazing around the room, neither did anyone else. Judging from the pulsing power that had returned to the room, the obvious division between the Fates was a new issue.
“I demand you tell us,” Lakhesis thundered. “Reveal your reasoning. Explain why you broke protocol.”
I flinched over the forceful command and waited anxiously. There was clearly trouble brewing in paradise and I wished there was a way for Mason, Devlin, and me to escape. This new development, a Moirai acting solo, didn’t really have anything to do with us. My anger toward Klothos continued to diminish as I witnessed her take an unbendable stand against those she’d worked beside for centuries.
“I cannot tell you. Not yet. Not until the vision I had plays out to its fullest. I do not know why this burden has fallen solely on my shoulders, but bear it I must. Please don’t ask me this again,” Klothos beseeched. “Please.”
Atropos placed her hand on Lakhesis’ forearm, silencing whatever comment she was ready to utter. Something passed between the two and Lakhesis visibly relaxed—her features returning to one of peaceful contemplation.
“As you wish. We will afford you the time you need.” She bowed her head toward Klothos who smiled in return. “This still doesn’t resolve the concern, however, between Darcy, Mason, and their fated mating. For whatever reason, we were still involved in their meeting . . . something that shouldn’t have occurred. Judgment needs to be delivered on how to rectify it.”
“Why must we adjudicate, still? Have I not said there was a reason behind my involvement? I know you have limited information, but no damage occurred. Darcy is still Mason’s rightful mate, despite what the other female werewolf decrees. Plus, our word is law in this matter. Can we not just say it is so?” Klothos’ attention bounced between her two sisters as she begged for understanding.
“The law was broken and justice must be meted out. A simple declaration won’t return everything to its original status. Amends must be made—restitution exacted. There is no other way.”
I expected Klothos to request leniency, to assure her sisters that no punishment was necessary because we’d done nothing wrong. I waited for her to assume the responsibility for her involvement and take the verdict burden onto herself. She’d stated she acted honorably—now was the time for her to step forward and prove it. Disappointment crushed me when she continued standing quietly, tight lipped and straight faced. Despite everything she’d just spoken, the truth was still shadowed in secrecy. Klothos didn’t speak up in our defense.
“Are you suggesting Darcy and I must be penalized for something we neither instigated nor wanted?” Mason asked, leaning forward in his chair. His own power crackled in the air around us, the mantle he held as Alpha teasing my senses as his wolf stirred. He still kept his tone respectful, but there was no denying his frustration and disbelief.
“I agree with Mason’s question,” Devlin added. “While we respect your authority here and understand that this turn in events altered their destinies, it was not at their requests. This is something between the Fates—a matter you three must resolve and restore. I don’t see why Mason and Darcy must pay the price.”
Devlin and Mason obviously didn’t anger them because there was no repeat in theatrics from earlier and the three women continued to lounge on their chaises. Only Atropos revealed any reaction, when her eyebrows rose in surprise. Seconds later, her features smoothed and she reached over for a strawberry to chew on—thoughtfully.
“Have we not already determined these matters are for us, alone, to decide, Enforcer? Have we not already said that you don’t dictate what occurs here? We don’t need to help you understand. We don’t have to explain our musings or findings. You are at our mercy, our leniency and our generosity. If we decree this couple must make restitution to rectify the problem, then so shall it be. Remember your place . . . all of you.” Atropos glanced at us, momentarily holding eye contact to drive her point home.
My stomach sunk at her declaration. One thing I cherished most about Mason and the way he governed over the Pack and interacted with people in general, was his consistency in dealing fairly with everyone. He’d earned respect and loyalty from others, because his decisions and judgments were always sound—revealing his common sense along with the ability to see to the heart of things. I’d taken it for granted, expecting everyone to hold the same standards. It was obvious this wasn’t the case here. For a group who stated they didn’t act on whim and fancy, this situation reeked of it.
“I see your condemnation, young Darcy,” Atropos added. “I see in your eyes you don’t agree. I would even say you deem my words unfair. I’m not used to having my authority questioned, but I will have you know this is the way things have been. These are the laws that everything has been predicated upon and how we have reigned since the beginning of time. When rules are broken, someone must pay the price. To deviate from what has always been done would reduce us to chaos and that is something we cannot allow.”
“May I have permission to speak freely?” I asked, directing my request to Atropos. When she inclined her head in acceptance, I took courage. “It seems to me the rules are archaic. I’m sure that in the past your judgments have been appropriate, but clearly in this case something else must happen. Mason and I are not the offenders. We are not guilty of any crime other than we both shared the same dream. I appeal to your sense of honor and integrity . . . surely something else can be done.”
All three Moirai were quiet. Mason and Devlin sat
beside me still and I could hear the sound of my heart thudding in my chest. Everything hinged on how they answered—damnation or redemption. Punishment or reprieve.
Lakhesis looked over at me and beckoned for me to approach. “Come Darcy. Share with us this dream you had the day before you met Mason. Maybe that can help us decide.”
Standing, I quickly glanced at Mason and Devlin, not sure where this could lead us. I didn’t know what was left to decide—Klothos’ admission made it apparent who was at fault. I closed my eyes and began digging through my mind for the cherished memory. As the familiarity came over me, I smiled.
This was something they couldn’t take away from me.
Chapter Three
The dream had surprised me. I remember standing in the middle of the street, clutching a bright yellow flyer in my hand. None of the landmarks were recognizable. The tall, looming buildings that filled both sides of the road, the random parked cars, and the flickering signs in store windows were all foreign to me. Confusion washed through me and one glance at the paper in my hand only compounded it.
Whoever had created it boldly claimed to know my heart’s desire in finding true love and challenged me to take a risk and go to the advertised address. Judging from the paper’s crumpled texture and appearance; I’d discarded the ludicrous invitation only to smooth it out again. The mystery place was located on Pierce Street and sure enough, the street sign above my head bore the same name.
Feeling somewhat courageous, I rounded the corner and scoped out the area before approaching my destination. My first impression was that it was similar to the other buildings surrounding it; but silent warning bells began ringing when I noticed that all of them were empty—no lights or signs of life. I had assumed my destination would be a store or even a nightclub—someplace that would use cheesy gimmicks to draw in customers. The closer I looked, however, the more I realized something wasn’t right. Broken shards of glass jutted from the broken windows and trash littered the neighboring alley.
Testing Fate Page 2
