Cliché or not, she made me a better person . . . a better man. With her lying in my arms, baring her soul after everything she’d endured, it made me even more determined to be worthy of her. She still possessed that goodness I’d desperately wanted to safeguard. Amber might have rattled the cage, but she hadn’t touched that part of Darcy.
“Mason?” Her question stilled my quiet musings. She was staring at me with a desire that set fire to my own.
I didn’t answer. Carefully sitting up, I knew what she wanted—what we both yearned for. She didn’t speak, either. Instead, we began undressing, our gazes never leaving the other. The mood in the room instantly changed. Even as we dragged our shirts off, our eyes quickly found each other as sexual tension continued to build.
I couldn’t wait to touch her—taste the skin she was rapidly revealing. My self-control threatened to snap as my hands shook unbuckling my belt. There was no restraining myself once I dropped my jeans to the ground and stepped out of them—the exact same time she stripped herself down to nothing.
There was no lacy lingerie to slowly remove.
There was no seductively teasing her senses as I nibbled my way over her soft curves.
Neither of us had the patience to take our sweet time, tonight. Darcy reached for me first, merely seconds before I pulled her against me. She felt like heaven, like home, my body erupting with eagerness as she placed her hands over my skin.
That one touch was my undoing.
It was my lifeline back.
My mouth instantly found hers and I didn’t wait for an invitation as my tongue swept inside to savor each incredible taste. There was something extra to our passion—an unbridled desire to give and receive. There was no waiting to see who would lead. Instead we took the plunge together, our actions proving how insatiable we were for each other.
There wasn’t a piece of skin she didn’t stroke, caress, and later sample with her lips.
Lying over our bed, with her dark hair seductively strewn across the pillows, she was every bit the temptress—the breathtaking Siren who captivated the minds of men with a single glance and song. Darcy didn’t have to speak to own me completely. She did it by simply existing.
Crooking her finger at me, I lowered myself over her body, careful not to crush her. We were such a perfect fit, confirming my belief, again, that we were made for each other. Everything about her brought me pleasure and, as I buried my face in the crook of her neck, inhaling her sweet scent deeply, a new yearning took over.
My need to protect was gone and its place, the need to please her surfaced. I wouldn’t leave this bed until I’d robbed her of the ability to think. I would worship every inch of her until she was boneless.
“Then show me,” she whispered, her nails grazing over my skin. “I’m tired of thinking.”
I didn’t need to be told twice, connecting our bodies with one blessed move. Gritting my teeth, I struggled to savor the moment by holding as still as I could. Darcy made it impossible, however, as her hips shifted, intensifying the heady thrill of being inside her.
There was no holding back. I couldn’t even if I tried. As I picked up the tempo, the lines blurred between reality and the incredible sensation I knew was pulsing through both of us. It was if we both chased that closeness, the intimacy we craved and missed. The further we fell into each other, the more distance the horrors of the past weeks grew.
Leaving behind everything but who we were, I couldn’t get enough. As Darcy’s leg hitched around my hip, burying me deeper, I wanted to yell she’d been wrong. This was perfection. She was perfection. I would gladly walk through the fires of Hell if it meant this feeling waited on the other side.
“Darcy,” I cried, knowing it wouldn’t be long before I crashed head first into my release. Dipping into our connection, she was close, so very close, and it was with that insight that I upped my game.
“Oh . . . my . . .” When her words failed her, a long moan rushing out through her lips, I knew I’d succeeded. Letting go, I gave everything to her as I let my weight fall. She welcomed it, her arms clinging desperately to me.
This was who we were.
Nothing would break us apart.
But something tried. There was a flicker of thought, a fear that broke through the pleasure addling Darcy’s mind. It was only a flash, but I’d caught it; and when I did, it chilled me to the core.
I hadn’t seen it before, the sliver of uncertainty overshadowed by the clarity she’d shared. But in that moment of vulnerability, where all our defenses came down, she’d revealed it.
She’d never doubted the way our bodies reacted to each other when we made love. She’d never questioned her ability to satisfy me. I’d made sure she’d never have reason to wonder.
But Amber. Amber had returned with a vengeance and with it came my anger. Not at my wife, but at the idea she’d ever think she was lacking.
Raising my head so I could look at her, she knew I’d seen it in her mind.
The question. The accusation.
What if he prefers her more?
How could he not know it wasn’t me?
I didn’t know which one killed me more.
“Darcy,” I started.
“Please don’t say anything. I feel stupid for even thinking it.” She closed her eyes as if to hide, but I didn’t look away. When she reopened them a few moments later, I was ready.
“We need to talk about this.”
“I’d rather we didn’t,” she confessed. Darcy looked uncomfortable, but I wasn’t going to let this belief of hers take root and fester. Moving only to rest on my elbows, my body kept her captive, forcing her to stay with me. Tears threatened to spill and it became obvious the clarity from earlier had disappeared.
“Look at me, sweetheart,” I begged when she tried avoiding my gaze.
“No, I told you. I’m fine.” Her tears told a different story.
“Then why are you crying?” I gently asked. When she shook her head, I knew I had to be firmer. “Darcy.”
“I can’t help it. I know I shouldn’t think it. I keep telling myself the truth.”
“But she got into your head. Messed with it.”
This time she nodded. “It was constant, Mason. When she wasn’t going into detail about what her plans were for the two of you, she was tormenting me with the night you made love.”
“The night I made love to you,” I corrected.
“See, I know that. You didn’t know something was wrong, not like that. My heart tells me you never would’ve turned to Amber willingly.”
“That night I made love to my wife. It was you I was with—heart, mind, and soul. I turned to you for comfort. It was you I needed,” I added, praying I’d be able to convince Darcy that her fears were unwarranted. “You’re the only one I’ll ever need. What can I do to help you see that?”
“I believe you. Please don’t think I’m doubting you.”
“But?” I prompted when she failed to continue.
“But I don’t know. It makes me wonder whether after being with her, whether I’ll be enough.”
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. “Were you not just here?” I blurted out incredulously.
“I didn’t say I was rational right now, Mason. You asked what I was thinking, so I’m trying to be honest.”
“Sweetheart, I’m not making light of this. I just don’t understand how you could doubt this.” My body was still trembling from the pleasure we’d just experienced. I hadn’t mistaken the way her face had glowed afterward, either. She never failed to satisfy me, but that wasn’t where the root of the problem lay.
Suddenly I realized what she needed.
“Do you trust me?” I asked, determined to wait as long as it took for her to say yes.
“Yes,” she whispered.
“Then there’s something I want you to see.” Wasting no more time, I took hold of her mind and poured memories of that night through our connection. Darcy’s body stiffened beneath me as I
felt her hurt of being reminded, but I didn’t release her. Skimming over certain aspects, I wasn’t doing this to torture her.
There were glimpses I wanted her to feel.
I wanted her to know without a doubt where my heart was that night after waking from the nightmare.
Please don’t, Mason. It’s too much.
I’m sorry, but you need to see this. Then as gently as I could, I revealed the truth—my truth with flashes from my thoughts.
She saw it all—how desperately I’d clung to her, how I believed with each touch, I was losing myself in my wife. There was no arguing with the fact as each second passed; my love deepened because the woman I loved was dispelling the darkness.
It wasn’t Amber’s name reverberating in my mind as our bodies moved.
There was no trace of her existence.
It was all about Darcy and my soul-deep gratitude to have her in my arms.
I’ve seen enough.
Have you? I asked, not wanting to let go of the memories until I’d proven my point.
The next thought from that night sealed the deal. It was the moment when I’d found my release and reverently whispered her name. Darcy’s name. With everything in me, I’d just made love with my mate. It was my belief in Darcy that had stilled my demons and helped me find my balance.
There was no response through our mental link. Giving her the space to process what I’d shown her, I dropped the connection. She was alone in her head, again.
“I’m sorry she made you doubt yourself,” I murmured. “I wish I could undo the damage.”
Tears streaked from her eyes. “But you did. I feel like a fool.”
Kissing away her tears, I placed a kiss against her mouth. “You’re human. It’s better to face that fear head-on so it diminishes its power.”
“I should never have questioned you. I should’ve known better.” She now held my gaze.
“I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve done the same. Sometimes what we know and what we fear battle against each other. It’s just a matter of having the courage to admit we have moments of weakness.”
“Sounds like you’ve had your own gift of clarity,” she said, her face finally softening.
“We all have things that cloud our judgment and undermine our peace of mind. I just couldn’t let you go on thinking that how I feel about you had altered. You are, and always will be, the center of my world. Nothing will ever change that.” I couldn’t help but kiss her, again. “And the answer to that last question . . .”
“You don’t need to explain, Mason.”
“I need to because it’s something that’s been eating away at me. My fear is that I should’ve known it wasn’t you. I had my concerns, but I kept waiting to see if somehow it would go away. I promise you, though, Darcy. There’s no way I would’ve ever imagined you were possessed. In my mind, my greatest fear was the vampire conversion had failed.”
“You thought I was unraveling into madness,” Darcy stated matter-of-factly.
It was my turn to close my eyes as the thoughts I’d had resurfaced. I’d been terrified that the personality shifts I’d witnessed were all evidence she was slowly losing it and going mad. “I came up with excuses . . . rationalized away the knot of worry that kept growing. I should’ve acted on my instincts the moment I sensed you were different.”
“You couldn’t have known.” She reached up and gently placed her hand over my cheek.
“But I should’ve. I’m your mate.”
Lying there, naked in each other’s arms, we’d just stripped ourselves bare beyond flesh and bones.
“You saved me. I’m here because you came for me.”
The truth was, she’d saved me the day she’d opened her front door and found me on the doorstep. “I’ll always come.”
Darcy’s eyes twinkled. “And that’s all that matters.” Pulling me down, she captured my mouth, kissing away any response I’d been ready to say.
She was right. All that mattered was we would never give up, despite the odds. That even in the direst of situations, we’d always be there for each other.
Always and forever.
Later that night, I showed her just how serious I took my promises. As she lie in my arms, her mind a fog of pleasure, a smile of satisfaction the only thing she could muster, I sent up a silent prayer of thanks for an amazing evening.
But mostly, it was a thank you for second chances—for being able to bring her back from the brink of death.
A thank you for not taking the only woman I would ever love.
Chapter Ten
Darcy
Relief coursed through me as I carefully slipped out of Mason’s embrace.
Last night had been real. The magical moments over the last few hours had managed to wipe away the brutal sting of being possessed, easing it from the forefront of my mind. It had happened, it had been horrible, but I was still me and Amber was gone.
The decision to focus on the positive, and rely on what I knew instead of feared, had been difficult, at first, to grasp. There was a tendency to let myself sink into the ‘what-ifs’ and still fresh memories, but I refused to be kept a prisoner by Amber. I’d survived this ordeal, just like I’d overcome the other trials before.
If there was one thing I was certain of, it was that I wouldn’t become a victim to someone else’s insecurities.
Not anymore.
Resting my feet on the floor, I waited to see if Mason would stir as his breathing changed. We’d stayed up talking until exhaustion claimed us. Even though I was surprised to be awake so early, it was good to have these moments alone to gather my thoughts.
I’d watched from the shadows as Amber paraded around in my body, fooling everybody. There would, no doubt, be questions from Pack members and a need to make sure I was okay. It was how we were—family—when one of us hurt, we all did.
Before that started, however, there was something important I needed to take care of. I might not have been in control, but I could still feel the way hunger pulled on my body. I’d been horrified as Amber straddled the line between satiating her thirst, our thirst, and letting it darken and feed her desire for violence. It had been dangerous, and while cringing from within my prison, I’d silently vowed I would never allow myself to ignore the blood’s call.
I wouldn’t become a monster.
Mason let out a soft snore as he rolled over, giving me the perfect opportunity to escape. I was tempted to grab my phone and secretly tape him for future proof of his disturbing habit. He claimed it was me who kept him awake, but he wouldn’t be able to argue with the evidence. Not this morning, however.
I had a date with a blood bag before things became too busy.
Pulling my clothes on, I softly padded toward the door, gently closing it behind me. I loved this part of the day when the house was still and quiet—the hush before everyone woke up and their chatter filled the air. I loved how Mason ran the Pack and opened his home to those who wanted to live here. Many chose to seek their own dwellings closer to town, enjoying their freedom to come and go as they pleased.
Right now, we had a few rooms empty, but it wouldn’t be long before someone would ask to move in. There was a constant flux in the dynamics—different personalities creating a wonderful blend of friendship. In all the time I’d been here, I’d never seen the drama normally associated with a roommate environment, where temperaments clashed. Despite the close proximity and differences, there was an ease I loved.
My mother always said that a happy Alpha meant a happy Pack, and she was right. Only now, I’d add that it was more than just being content. When an Alpha cared and placed the needs of his pack before his own, the loyalty it inspired ensured that things ran smoothly.
“It doesn’t hurt that the resident jokester helps keep everything lighthearted,” I murmured out loud as I briefly stopped outside Daniel’s room. There was no movement from inside, only the not so subtle rumblings as he slept.
Looks like snoring’s an
other thing they have in common.
The kitchen was empty as I entered, making a beeline for the special fridge Mason had set up to store my blood. Even though I knew there was no need to be embarrassed, it was still new and strange to drink in front of others. I appreciated the solitude as I pulled a glass from the cupboard, making a mental note to buy some new ones. Just because I needed blood, didn’t mean others had to use the same glassware or see what I was drinking.
Draining the bag in to the tall tumbler, my thirst took over the second the first drop touched my tongue. I didn’t think about it as I swallowed each mouthful, power hitting my veins and giving me renewed strength. Something told me I’d never get used to the difference that hit me after each feeding. It was more intense than the feeling I got when I ate regular food. While it provided a similar nourishment, the only way I could explain it was the effects were magic-like. It filled me up from a cellular level and made me thrum with an almost potent energy.
It didn’t take long to satisfy my thirst, the remains of three plastic baggies crunched up and discarded on the counter. When my stomach rumbled afterward, the gurgling sound reminded me not to ignore my other appetite. Chuckling, at least some things never changed.
Gathering everything I needed to make my favorite omelet, I retreated back into my quiet thoughts.
“Looks like I’m just in time,” Devlin’s voice startled me from behind.
“Are you trying to kill me?” I exclaimed whipping around. Leaning against the doorframe, my uncle and best friend wore a cheeky grin that was refreshing to see. Last night I’d wondered if the heavy look of concern and etched lines across his brow would completely disappear. He’d not only witnessed the powerful spell that removed Amber, but he’d also seen his beloved sister.
I didn’t care what he said, that had to have been difficult—painful.
“Nope, that was the other week, remember?” he joked, pushing away from the wall and swiping an apple from the bowl on the kitchen island. Polishing it against his shirt, Devlin took a huge bite before sitting on one of the bar stools. For all his lighthearted bantering, I knew he was studying me, trying to gage how I was feeling.
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