The Cursed Lycan

Chapter 10: A Dip in the Pool

Chapter 10: A Dip in the Pool

Mason started to say no, but Sophie said, "I'll go change and meet you at the pool." She scampered off, leaving Mason and Matheus alone in the hallway.

"What?" Mason snapped at his father, Mason's mood already soured from Felicity ruining his dinner with Sophie.

"Felicity has grown into a fine young woman, don't you think?" Matheus cocked his head to the side, a soft smile on his face. "She'd be a fantastic Queen and Luna."

"Sure," Mason answered through gritted teeth. "But Felicity wants to find her mate, Father. And it's clear that it isn't me, since she's been coming to these for years."

"Not your Fated Mate, but a perfect Chosen Mate," Matheus pointed out. "A perfect woman is what the Golden Iris needs to aid you in running it. Felicity—"

"Felicity is perfect," Mason paused, "as your choice for me, Father. I don't want to break another woman's heart because I didn't wait for her."

Matheus laughed, "What, and choosing the cursed one is better than the damn near perfect woman who has been nearly a part of this family since you were a child?" Mason turned and walked off, seething. Matheus called after him, "Don't be a fool, Mason! You were born to be King, but that doesn't mean others couldn't step up in your absence."

Mason switched his own clothes into a swimsuit, all the while muttering angrily at himself. He grabbed a towel and stomped down to the indoor heated pool. As he approached the doors, his words slowly stopped. Sophie was already in the pool, floating on her back with her eyes closed. She looked peaceful. Seeing her instantly calmed Mason down, as he opened the door and entered.

Sophie didn't hear Mason come in, her usual exhaustion and the warmth of the pool encouraging her eyes to close. However, she did feel someone enter the pool as waves gently rocked her. She opened her eyes to see Mason swimming towards her. He stood up when she righted herself, shaking some water from her ear. Mason was shirtless, and for the first time, Sophie could see the scars across his chest in all their glory. As he walked towards her, Sophie frowned, her eyes staying on his chest. They were very prominent, the raised skin having healed, but not perfectly.

"Don't worry," Mason placed a hand on her cheek and swiped his thumb across her lips, trying to even out the frown. "In two nights, you will be healed."

"How can you know for sure?" Sophie whispered, her fingers absentmindedly running along the scars. Mason started walking forward, causing Sophie to walk backwards, the two moving deeper into the water. Mason's scars disappeared beneath the surface and Sophie finally looked up at Mason's dark gray eyes. She was shocked to see he was looking at her the way she had seen her parents look at each other. Like he loved her.

"Can I kiss you?" Mason whispered. Sophie nodded without thinking. Quickly, Mason's lips captured hers, Sophie suddenly self-conscious about how well she was a kisser. That melted away with the sweetness Mason was pouring into their kiss and she closed her eyes. It was soft and gentle, just like he had been treating her during her entire stay at the palace.

Mason couldn't believe how nice Sophie's chapstick tasted and how delicate her lips felt against his own. Sophie wrapped her legs around his waist, and her hands around his neck. Mason moved his lips from her mouth, trailing kisses along her cheekbone and down to the side of her neck, before returning to her lips.

"What about Felicity?" Sophie murmured against Mason's lips.

"She's nothing to me. It's you I love."

Sophie paused, pulling away as she breathed hard, "Love?"