“She asked if I truly yearned for a mate, if I was ready to see what my heart desired. I nodded and suddenly a window appeared before me. I turned around to question the woman but she’d vanished and I was alone.
“It’s not unusual for me to have cryptic dreams. Carrying the Alpha mantle is a heavy responsibility and many times I’ll receive inspiration or a needed perspective while I am asleep. I didn’t move to rouse myself; I wanted the vision to unfold naturally. What I didn’t expect was the intensity. The force almost drove me to my knees when I first caught sight of Darcy.
“It was her, the one. I knew immediately. It felt like the world tilted on its axis, and began spinning in a whole new orbit. Something gripped my soul and I knew . . . I knew that all I would ever want was her. No one else could ever compete. No one else would ever be enough. I didn’t know her name yet, but one thing I was sure of—I’d move heaven and earth to find her and make her mine.
"My wolf instantly responded. He recognized her for what she was . . . our mate. Not a day has gone by that I haven’t believed that.” Mason paused, taking the time to look at each of the Fates. Conviction blazed from him, from the way he held his head high to the deep resonance that echoed in his voice. “This changes nothing for me. No matter what ruling you pass today; Darcy is mine and I refuse to live my life without her.” His powerful declaration caused my breath to catch as a few tears rolled down my cheek. It didn’t matter how many times he told me he loved me or what he saw when he looked at me, hearing Mason speak how he felt always humbled me. I never believed that I would have such a fairytale romance—my own where love conquered all. It still stunned me when I realized that I was really living it.
“While we appreciate your conviction, young Alpha, our verdict will determine your futures. You may try to discredit the importance of destiny, but this is the way it has been done from the beginning of time. No one can overrule a Fate sanctioned mating. No matter what someone may think or be deceived into believing, the love between two well-matched people forges an unbreakable bond. Soul mates, if you will. For centuries, it has been a union that has been highly sought after and valued. Couples who have found their true other half find a quality of joy and passion that makes all other affection pale in comparison. Are you saying this doesn’t matter to you?” Atropos asked.
“Nothing matters to me but Darcy. She’s my mate. I know it, here.” Mason thumped his fist over his chest. “And frankly, I refuse to be punished for something you did. You interfered, not Darcy and me. The dream came from you. Make this right.”
His last words resonated in the room before fading away into silence. No one spoke and I closed my eyes, begging for common sense to rule. We weren’t at fault. Our destinies should remain unaltered.
“It is more complicated than simply making it right, as you say. Doubt has been placed. Already your mating has been challenged and unless everything is returned to the state it was in prior to the dream, more challenges will come forward. Amber Bracken won’t be the last female werewolf who feels her destiny is tied to yours.” Lakhesis peered at me. “How will you answer male wolves when they challenge Mason for their right to claim you? The balance has been upset. A simple declaration will not suffice.”
My mind reeled as bewilderment struck me. This was becoming more and more like a twisted nightmare and I was desperate to wake up. I wanted to scream that it was just a dream. I wanted to rant about how unfair this was. I wanted to join my wolf, howling inside over the injustice but I didn’t. I knew tantrums weren’t the answer. I just didn’t know what was.
Standing, I joined Mason. “Then please, tell us. What will suffice? I won’t pretend to agree and I definitely don’t understand, but I want this resolved. Mason is mine and I want no doubt.” I slipped my hand into his and gently squeezed.
“It won’t be easy,” Atropos said, the shadow of a frown marring her perfect features. Even though I barely caught a glimpse of the expression, its appearance caused me to worry.
“Nothing worth it ever is,” I responded quickly.
“It will bind your fates tightly together, never to be pulled asunder again,” Atropos added. “That is if you both survive the Heart or Death.”
Both Mason and Devlin exploded into action—Mason dropping my hand as he stepped forward in protest. “I won’t allow it!”
“Surely this isn’t your answer!” Devlin gasped, leaving his chair. “You’re all insane if you think this resolves it!”
I looked between them both, confused. “If doing it fixes this, why wouldn’t we do it?” I had no idea what they were upset about and judging from Devlin’s shocked features, I was missing some vital information. I glanced at Mason, his face red with anger. “Mason, I needed to understand.”
Klothos answered before he could, chanting in ancient Greek. Hearing the unfamiliar words, Mason’s face drained of color and Devlin closed his eyes, swearing softly under his breath. Their reaction told me all I needed to know. This was bad.
“What does that mean?” I asked. There was no ignoring the way the air seemed to thicken and press against me. Looking about our small group, I’d never seen such seriousness, the tension almost oppressive.
“Heart or Death,” Devlin answered, stepping beside me. “An ancient, archaic set of trials meant to test the very soul of a person. Each one is specific to the one being tried—each one geared to strip them down to their most fundamental beliefs and desires. Named such, because it forces a choice between following the heart or submitting to death. It is the truest type of refiner’s fire.”
“This is not the answer. I refuse to allow this!” Mason fumed through clenched teeth. “Your ruling is too severe. We are innocent of all wrongdoing. Find another way.”
“There are many who declare themselves strong enough to face such challenges, but very few last long enough to emerge victorious. It has been centuries since someone has attempted participation and survived. It is not something to be taken lightly,” Lakhesis continued as though Mason hadn’t spoken. “Despite that, it is the only way to truly prove your mating bond was destiny. It will remove all doubt.”
“A doubt you placed through your involvement,” Mason’s voice came out low, like a deadly whisper as his eyes widened. “Are you so without honor that you would allow this?” His head whipped around to face his friend and ally. “Devlin, do you know of any other way?”
He stood still, grim, the years of his enforcing justice among the supernatural community showing in his straightened stance. His brow furrowed as he struggled to find the solution he desperately wanted. Devlin had lived the longest, seen the most, and studied the most. When he shook his head, something inside me crumpled.
“I wish there was. The Moirai have final judgment. If they say it is between this or bond uncertainty, there is nothing left to do but choose. No amount of argument from us will change it.”
“Then rule only I take the tests,” Mason faced Lakhesis, staring at her boldly. “Let me face your trials for both Darcy and I. Only then will I agree.”
“No, Darcy must also pass through the refiner’s fire,” Klothos interjected, her tone forceful.
“Then Fate be damned. I can live with the uncertainty of others. I know in my heart what truly matters.” Mason grabbed my hand and pulled me to him, wrapping his arms around me.
“But, do you truly understand what you’re saying? Are you willing to put Darcy and your Pack through more attempts like Amber’s? Are you willing to fight a challenge with every suitor that comes along?”
“Yes. If that’s what is needed, then I will beat them all!” Mason’s body stiffened with determination and I could only imagine what his wolf was experiencing below the surface. Male werewolves were dominant and extremely territorial. I had no doubt Mason would fight to the death, as many times as he needed to, in order to keep me by his side.
“I am sure you would, young Alpha. But are you willing to have Darcy do that as well? Will you be able to watch her fight to th
e death? Is your pride worth the risk? Are you willing to test fate?”
“We’ve done nothing wrong!” Mason answered angrily.
“Yet these are the cards being dealt. This is our verdict. This is our official judgment. Make your choice: the trials or a lifetime of never having true peace within your union.”
“Mason, we’ll be okay. We’ll survive.” I placed my hand on his chest, attempting to calm his racing heart.
“But it could also cost you your lives.” Atropos’ words were unwelcomed. I turned around to glare at her. She stood so calm, her body relaxed with her hands clasped in front of her. The peaceful demeanor she presented was a complete contradiction to the battle that warred inside me.
Cost you your lives.
Cost you your lives.
Cost you your lives.
I didn’t want to die. I wanted no part in the madness that was unfolding. I didn’t want to participate in some barbaric law that made innocent victims risk their lives just so they could spend forever, together.
I didn’t want to think about all the different possibilities, someone stealing Mason away from me because a Fate couldn’t follow protocol, or enduring unimaginable things only to lose him anyway. My mind couldn’t quite wrap itself around everything and I longed to rewind time and go back to when things were simpler. I didn’t want this complication. I just wanted Mason.
I wanted to go home and continue preparing for our wedding. I wanted to wake up each morning knowing I was surrounded by the people I cared about, and retire to bed each night, wrapped in the arms of the man I loved. I wanted babies. I wanted a peaceful future. I wanted him.
“I’ll do it,” I said, rock solid in my decision. It didn’t matter about my doubts or fears. My love for Mason was absolute.
“Darcy, no!” Mason yelled.
“Once you submit, you are bound to commence.” Klothos ignored Mason’s outburst and stretched forth her arm in invitation.
“Wait, Darcy.” Devlin’s shoulders slumped when I placed my hand in Klothos.
“I agree.”
“So it must be.” The Moirai whispered and for the second time that day, everything went dark.
Chapter Five
I felt like I was sucker punched. Again.
Gasping for air, I placed my hands on my knees and took in deep breaths. I didn’t know where we were now, but the Moirai had shifted us somewhere new. The experience of travelling through time was unforgettable.
“Are you okay?” Mason whispered, the weight of his hand on my lower back grounding me. I nodded, still unable to speak and drew strength from his warm touch. My eyes were still closed and I could hear the soft rustling of material. Finally feeling myself again, I straightened and looked around. I wasn’t prepared for what I saw.
The Fates had transported Mason, Devlin, and me to a place I could only describe as ancient. We were surrounded by rough, stone walls—different from the ethereal brightness from before. It reminded me of movies I’d watched with castles and dungeons. I couldn’t help but run my hand over the brown stones. Even the temperature had dropped slightly, a cool breeze causing goose bumps over my skin. There was a sense of seclusion and I tried to memorize even the smallest detail, which wasn’t too difficult because the room was practically barren.
The entire focus of the room was centered on two, huge arched doorways that took up most of the far wall. On each side, there was a thick column made out of black marble. Moving closer to inspect the bold entryway, I noticed gold flecks flickering from the fire in the wall sconces.
The doors were made of wood, weathered by what I assumed was centuries of wear and tear. Large brass knockers each with a lion head and a ring secured tightly in its mouth. The closer I got to them, the stronger the pulse of energy radiated from beyond the doors. Something powerful was hidden behind the frames, something associated with these tests. I knew I should be cautious, even a little afraid, but I was very intrigued. My fingertips barely brushed against the flat surface when Atropos’ voice made me jump in surprise.
“It’s not yet time for you to go through, Darcy.” Her voice echoed in the room, bouncing off the bare walls. Reluctantly taking my gaze away from the doors, I turned back and returned to Mason and Devlin’s side. The worry on their faces was evident as Mason stood with his feet parted in a readied stance. Devlin’s attention never wavered from the columned entrance, his jaw tight.
“So Mason and I will walk through a door, face whatever you’ve arranged and when we succeed, everything will be as it should be. All doubt about our bond removed?”
“Yes.” The Fates responded as one. I looked solidly at each one holding their gaze as I studied them individually for any hint of deceit.
“Have I mentioned how much I hate this idea, Darcy? There’s a reason why people fear the Heart or Death, why it’s talked about in hushed tones. If this needs to happen, fine. But I don’t want you doing it. Who knows what we’ll face and I refuse to lose you,” Mason whispered, pulling me into his embrace. He wrapped his arms around me and I rested my head against his chest. His heart was beating faster than normal and I could sense how strong his apprehension was. I didn’t want to do this either, but I would face anything if it meant he was mine forever.
“I just want things to return to how they were. I don’t want the life the Moirai described if we don’t endure these trials. We’re strong, Mason. We’re fighting for each other. We’ll survive this and then you can keep your promise of marrying me. I don’t want anyone thinking they have the power to take you away from me.” I answered him quietly, tightening my arms around his waist. I loved standing like this with him— our connection felt unbreakable. We were a team and this was just one more obstacle for us to overcome, together, before we could claim the prize we wanted most.
“Just hold that love you have for each other deep in your hearts,” Devlin added, placing a hand on both of our shoulders. “One thing I’ve learned over the years is there’s nothing you can’t conquer in the name of love. It will keep you motivated, driven and focused—regardless of how daunting the tasks are. I won’t sugarcoat it, this terrifies me. The last person to survive the Heart or Death emerged on the other side broken, his mind completely fractured.”
“So if it doesn’t kill us, it’ll just drive us insane? Great.” Mason groaned, his hand rubbing up and down my back. “Something to look forward to, I guess.”
“Come on, we need to stay positive with this. Yes, a million and one things can go wrong, but everything could go right. Yes, it could push us to our very breaking point, but it could also make us stronger than we’ve ever imagined. And Devlin is right, love conquers all. I love you, Mason, and it will give me everything I need. I believe it, here.” I took a small step away and covered my heart with his hand. “You need to feel it here, too.” And I placed my fingers over his.
“Young Darcy is correct. Love is a powerful force,” Lakhesis interrupted. “And it is for that reason that special conditions have been placed over the tests.”
“What do you mean special conditions?” Mason warily asked, returning me to his protective embrace. I turned around, pressing my back against his chest.
“Isn’t it enough that they agreed to your requests? Why make it more difficult?” Devlin questioned. I watched my dearest friend and saw the frustration barely concealed in his eyes. I knew he didn’t like this.
“You will both be stripped of the memories you have of one another,” Klothos stated. “It will be as though you’d never met. Only then can a true test be held.”
I couldn’t breathe. It felt like all the air had been instantly sucked from the room and my body scrambled to keep itself functioning. I’d faced a lot as a werewolf. More since being in Mason’s life, but this . . . there was no way of me ever seeing this as a possibility. Not remember Mason? To have all my precious memories stripped away seemed beyond cruel. It was harsh.
“No . . . ,” I whispered. “You can’t do that. I need them.”
> “You agreed to take part in the Heart or Death. Had you refused, you would never have been brought this far. It is too late to back out now.” I didn’t know who had spoken, but their words rang in my ears.
“But you didn’t tell us this would be the price,” I added
“You never asked, young Darcy. You simply accepted the challenge, knowing it was the only way.”
We would be completing the tasks blindly—deprived of the very thing that would give us an advantage. I looked back into Mason’s eyes and found them staring at me with a mixture of compassion and sorrow. He wasn’t happy that I’d agreed and turning me around, I leaned into his touch as his finger traced the curve of my cheek.
“This is where you need to believe, sweetheart.” He tilted my face and brushed his lips against mine. “Memories are but thoughts. You don’t carry me in your mind; you keep me here, buried deep within. You may not remember, but your heart will never forget.” Mason cocked his head and offered me a tender smile. “Mine won’t ever forget. You have been a part of me since the first time I met you. You’re ingrained into my very soul. No amount of magic or ancient power can destroy that.” A stray tear escaped and rolled down my cheek, only to be captured by Mason’s thumb. “Have faith in us. Have faith that we are bigger than all of this.”
“You always know the right thing to say.” I nodded, grateful for the man holding me. “And I do believe. I believe in us.” I lifted up on my tiptoes and captured his mouth with mine.
Testing Fate Page 4
