There was something different about this kiss, something more. Even though I knew our memories would eventually be restored, I poured myself into showing Mason just how much he meant to me. In this one precious moment, I wanted to capture everything I’d ever felt and would.
I caressed his face, the stubble along his jawline rough under my touch; then I nipped at his bottom lip before moving in for a deeper taste. Lacing my arms around his neck, I pressed my body against him, enjoying the comparison of his hardness to my softness. Mason responded quickly by anchoring my hips to his and his fingers wasted no time tangling in my hair. The sensation caused shivered pleasure to pulse through me—his touch igniting every nerve.
When his lips parted, I boldly accepted the invitation and my tongue dipped inside. Mason’s grip in my hair tightened as our kiss deepened—blissful stroke for stroke. I was losing myself in him, but at the same time I knew I was home. He was everything I wanted and the future I would fiercely fight to defend and claim. The world around us disappeared, fading away as we indulged in one more soul melting moment before we were separated.
Mason’s arm released its firm hold and I mourned the loss of contact. Seconds later, his hands cupped my head and my body was thrown completely into a tumult of emotions. Every nerve ending was on fire as he took control of the kiss, shattering every doubt and replacing it with conviction.
I love you, Darcy. His voice whispered in my mind. I held onto him tighter, reveling in how closely we were connected, never wanting to let him go.
Forever, Mason. Forever and always, I answered.
A surge of love pushed through our link, filling me with warmth that enveloped me like a blanket. I responded with the same, holding nothing back. I gave him everything I was and in that moment, our wolves reached out and touched, sealing our silent promise to endure at all cost.
We stood still, our breathing slightly labored. Our kiss finally over. Awe washed over me as my body slowly calmed. Resting my head against Mason’s chest, I savored these last minutes and made my own vow to never give up.
“There is no doubt in my mind these two are soul mates. You would have to be blind not to agree,” Devlin softly commented. Peering around Mason, I saw him standing over by the doors wearing an approving look on his features. “Memories or not, you can’t suppress the kind of love they have.”
“Even so, this is the way it must be,” Lakhesis replied and gestured for Mason and me to join her. “With your goodbyes made, let us continue.”
Clearing his throat, Devlin moved away from the columns. “Before you do, I’m a little curious why I’m here.” Looking over at the Fates, I nodded as well. I’d wondered the same thing.
“We have decided that both Mason and Darcy can take with them a companion, someone to assist them after each test and to keep them company.”
“And I’m to be with Darcy?” Devlin asked and I noted the slight relaxation in his shoulders.
“Yes. We agree that you are a fitting escort considering your relationship.” Atropos turned to Mason and tipped her head slightly. “We’ve also arranged someone for you, Alpha.”
“Daniel?” Mason asked, and my heart started to beat faster. Daniel would be the perfect person to assist Mason, being his second-in-command and best friend. The two of them had gone through so much and I felt a little of my own tension drain from my body. They could draw strength from each other.
“No, but the one we have chosen is more than adequate,” Atropos answered. “I don’t believe you will complain.”
Mason didn’t push any further, nodding. The moment of our separation was speedily approaching, but neither of us wanted to acknowledge it. I wasn’t looking forward to letting him go, in every sense of the word.
“It is time,” Klothos announced, beckoning us to join her in front of the two doors. Her announcement almost unraveled my commitment to see this through. Obediently, Mason and I walked hand in hand, refusing to break contact just yet.
With a flourish, Klothos waved her arm through the air and revealed glowing, golden Ancient Greek writing above each doorway. I tried making sense of the script, but no matter what I said, the pronunciation sounded funny to my ears.
“The first means from faith comes strength.” Power caused the words to glow a little brighter as Klothos shared the interpretation.
“And the other?” I asked.
“Fire tests gold. A fitting phrase, considering,” she murmured softly. “Are you both ready to commence the Heart or Death?” Klothos swept her gown’s length to the side as she gestured for Mason to come stand before her.
It was the moment of truth. Time to face the unknown and claim what was ours. A strong butterfly sensation fluttered in my stomach, but the second I locked eyes with Mason, it stilled. We were a team. Even though we were facing incredible odds, I knew we would overcome them.
“We’re ready,” Mason answered for both of us. We faced each other, hands firmly clasped together as the Moirai surrounded us. I looked nervously over to Devlin, who remained quiet and was grateful for his reassuring smile.
Lakhesis began to chant, followed quickly by her sisters; and soon the magical energy from their words were churning the air around us. My hair danced about in the current, whipping slightly at my clothes, but I didn’t let it distract me. I drank in every aspect of Mason, memorizing his features, burying deep everything that made him incredible.
At first I didn’t feel anything. Mason caught a stray strand of hair and tucked it behind my ear, the gesture tender. I mouthed I love you and waited for the moment when my memories would disappear. Suddenly I sensed a tugging on my mind and instinctively I fought against it. The second I did, agony hit me.
“Shhh, sweetheart. It only makes it worse if you fight it,” Mason whispered, gritting his teeth. I knew it pained him to submit so freely. Sweat began to bead on his brow and he couldn’t hide the anguish he was experiencing. One by one our memories were being stripped away, leaving behind a growing hole.
The chanting grew louder and louder, the air now thick with energy. My mind continued flickering through all the times I’d spent with Mason—pack runs, alone time, bantering back and forth with friends. Special moments like when he’d proposed, stolen kisses by the waterfall, and the dream that started this whole nightmare. My heart broke remembering precious hours with Jasmine, her vibrant smile and the adoration for her brother shining brightly. I wanted to scream and gather them back to myself, but they slipped away, becoming nothing more than echoes.
All the while, I never took my gaze away from Mason’s face, even as he began to become fuzzy and confusion replaced love. Piece by piece, I lost him. Piece by piece, he lost me. We stood there in silence, our tears now freely falling. Slowly the tight grip of our hands slackened as the last words of the spell were cast. Then they dropped, completely.
“It is done.”
The soft female voice distracted me, but a masculine cough drew my focus back to what was in front of me. I released a gasp, shocked by what I saw.
I was staring into the eyes of a stranger.
Chapter Six
I looked at the three women and then at Devlin. Worry was etched across his face and he raked his fingers through his black hair. I wanted to go to him but a voice stopped me before I could move.
“Can someone explain to me what’s going on?” The voice belonged to the man with piercing blue eyes. I was standing so close to him—intimate even, and I protectively took a large step back, wrapping my arms around my waist.
One of the young women touched the stranger, silencing any further questions. “If you’ll come with me, you’ll receive your answers.”
Without a second glance back, I watched him leave through one of the doors. I was curious for a moment, wondering why he’d been here with us, but the thought was fleeting. I dismissed him from my mind and hurried over to Devlin.
“I agree with whoever that was. What are we doing here, Devlin?” I gave him a cautious hug as I looke
d at the remaining two women. “In fact, where is here?” I peered around some more, everything was so unfamiliar.
“Welcome, young Darcy.” The closest female bowed slightly with her greeting and something niggled inside. The cadence of her voice teased at my mind but I still drew a blank. Slipping my hand into Devlin’s for reassurance, I gave a wary nod in return.
“I know this is strange, but you need to trust me, okay?” Devlin dropped my hand and gently gripped my shoulders, turning me so he could look into my eyes. “Something happened and you were brought before the Fates.”
“What happened? Did I do something wrong?” I asked, confused. My gaze darted back to the women as they stood quietly, apparently willing for my friend to explain the situation. A somber air filled the room and I scrunched my brow trying to understand.
“You didn’t do anything wrong,” Devlin responded fiercely, and I didn’t miss the angry scowl he cast at the two strangers. “There was a misunderstanding and you’re here to resolve it.” He brushed his thumb tenderly over my forehead, smoothing away my frown.
“And why don’t I remember any of this?” I studied his features, hoping to glean some answers. I’d known Devlin for a long time, long enough to recognize he was struggling with something. He tried responding several times, each time starting only to stop after a few words.
“Everything you’ve experienced the past year or so has been removed from your memory.” I opened my mouth to ask more questions, but was silenced when he gently placed his fingers over my lips. “You agreed to take part in a series of tests. One of the conditions was doing it without your memories’ and even though I didn’t like it, you were adamant about completing the tests.” He released a long, exasperated groan. “I can’t tell you everything, Darcy. I wish I could, but the conditions for me to accompany you were that I can’t disclose anything.”
My head hurt trying to figure everything out. “I agreed to have my memories taken?”
“You did. It was the only way to remove any doubt about the situation.” Devlin cupped the side of my face. “I hate being cryptic, but trust me. You wanted this. You were determined.”
I nodded, grateful for the security I felt at his touch. I may have felt like I was going to explode from all the questions stirring in my mind, but Devlin had never led me astray. Placing my hand over his, I squeezed his fingers and sighed.
“I don’t like this . . . the not knowing.”
“I don’t like anything about this situation, but I support you, Darcy. I always have and always will. You felt strongly that this was something you needed to do. I’m here to make sure you succeed and don’t get hurt.”
“Thank you,” I whispered. “What would I do without you?” I wrapped my arms around his waist, resting my head against his solid chest. This was one of the things I loved most about Devlin—his friendship was an incredible blessing. I knew I could rely on him no matter what.
“We’ll get through this, I promise,” he answered, kissing the top of my head.
“Are you ready to proceed?” The soft voice drew my attention away from Devlin and back to the matter at hand. “Let me reintroduce myself . . . my name is Klothos and this is Lakhesis. The other, who just left, is Atropos and she’ll be rejoining us later.”
“Is there nothing you can tell me?” I asked, looking between the two women. They were so strikingly beautiful— it was hard not to stare.
“What your friend has told you is true. You have agreed to the Heart or Death, tests specifically designed to measure the worth of the participant. Many have entered through these doors, but few leave victorious. We made a deal and you allowed us to wipe away any recollections that may hinder the integrity of the tests. The only step left to take is through these doors. Once you do, the only way the proceedings will stop is if you forfeit or if you die,” Klothos answered.
“And I agreed to all these conditions?” A quick sidelong glance to Devlin confirmed it again. He nodded and I stood a little straighter. “I must be fighting for something extremely important,” I muttered under my breath, the words over the doorway catching my eye.
“Only in your heart will you find the answer to that,” Lakhesis softly replied.
“Do we really need to keep her completely in the dark?” Devlin retorted. “Will it hurt if she knows why she has to complete your tasks?” He looked at the two Fates, the heartfelt plea in his voice evident.
“Silence!” Lakhesis thundered. “It is not for you to question, Enforcer.”
“It’s okay, really.” I raised my hand to calm the moment. Catching Devlin’s gaze, I tried to convey there would be plenty of time for him to tell me. I didn’t know the conditions to which he’d agreed, but maybe it wasn’t so airtight.
“There is no loophole. In fact, maybe you need a demonstration of what will happen should he try to tell you.” Lakhesis pointed at Devlin and in the blink of an eye he crumpled to the floor, beads of sweat already forming on his face as he writhed in agony.
“Enough!” I shouted, falling beside his contorting body. “Stop whatever you’re doing. He won’t tell me and I won’t ask him. Just stop!” Tears escaped my eyes, my fingers resting lightly on Devlin’s forearm. The pain immediately ceased, leaving a faint tremor behind.
I’d never seen anything affect Devlin that way before and it terrified me. It took a lot of power to cripple a vampire, and he was one of the strongest I knew. The fact that he was incapacitated so quickly was a warning that it would be unwise for me to underestimate the Moirai. They held all the cards right now and we were playing their game. It was one I desperately wanted to win, if for no other reason than I wanted Devlin and I gone from here.
“Are you okay?” I asked, giving him enough room to sit up as he reassured me he was. It didn’t take him long to regain his composure and, when he finally stood, it was as if nothing had happened. I wasn’t so quick.
“You won’t have any need to do that again.” Devlin’s voice was strong and unwavering. “Once I make an oath, I keep it. You know this.” His face had hardened into a steely façade, an expression I’d seen him wear many times as an enforcer.
The word oath resounded in my mind. There would be no way I’d ask him break such a powerful declaration, no way I’d want him to dishonor his vow. If I hadn’t already realized the serious nature of the moment, learning he’d made such a pact drove it home. I may not have all the necessary details, but I also knew that I wouldn’t get them. There was no going back, only forward.
“I’m ready to begin these tests.” I swallowed thickly and moved to stand in front of the doorway. Uncertainty lay on the other side, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that answers to my questions did as well. “Thank you for letting Devlin accompany me.” He’d also approached to walk through the oversized doorway.
“Good luck, young Darcy. May the gods shine down on you and give you the strength to endure.” Both Lakhesis and Klothos gestured for me to take that first step.
I gulped nervously, my hand resting on the wooden surface briefly, before pressing my weight on it. It slid open effortlessly, the bottom of the door scraping softly on the paved ground until it was wide enough to pass through. Armed with only my convictions and Devlin, I crossed the darkened threshold.
I had no idea what was in store for me.
Chapter Seven
We stood in the midst of an opulent suite.
“Is this part of it? To be pampered and live in the lap of luxury?” I whispered to Devlin, as I tentatively inspected our new surroundings. “Somehow this wasn’t what I was expecting.”
Everywhere I looked I found decadence and embellished finery. I’d always thought my childhood home was fancy, but standing amongst gold encrusted lamps and cushioned couches, we may as well have shopped at the Goodwill. Never one to focus on my appearance, I tugged at the bottom of my shirt, feeling painfully out of place and under-dressed.
“Me neither. I assumed we’d be staying in something more . . .” It was interes
ting watching Devlin’s reaction as he scoped out the room as well. His eyes were wide with surprise, his expression curious.
“Spartan?” I offered. “I got the distinct impression back there that this would be grueling. This—” I fingered the burgundy tasseled throw pillow, twirling it before gliding my hand over the chair. The material was soft like butter. “It doesn’t fit.” I glanced back at Devlin and smiled. “Not that I mind.”
He chuckled and came to stand by me. “I suppose not. It could be worse.” Brushing by me, he parted the heavy curtains, allowing light to spill into the room as he peeked through the window. It had taken a while for me to not cringe every time sunlight hit him, magical protection making it possible for him to withstand exposure. His role as enforcer and the vampire king’s most trusted confidante demanded it.
Creating a spot for me to join him, I released a low whistle of appreciation at the immaculately maintained gardens below us. “Wow, that’s impressive. Look how green and lush everything is.” I spied a thick grove of trees and craned my neck to see how expansive the forest was. “There’s even a place to run if needed. Good to know.”
“Do the accommodations meet your approval?”
Even though I’d felt the presence of someone else in the room, her voice still caused me to jump slightly. Stepping away from the view, the curtain swished back to its previous position and the room returned to its softly lit ambience.
“They do, thank you.” I stood still, not wanting to move.
“Not what you expected, is it?” Atropos smiled as she glided toward us, her feet gently padding over the thickly woven carpet. “Our hope is to help ease any discomfort the trials may bring.”
“When will I begin? I’m ready. I shouldn’t think I’d be here long enough to fully enjoy your generosity.” Platters of food caught my attention, piled with an assortment of meats, fruits, and cheeses. My mouth watered and was followed, a second later, by my rumbling stomach.
Testing Fate Page 5
