The Mystic Wolves

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Eighteen

The stillness of my room felt somewhat stifling, the last few moments with Mason playing over and over in my mind. Not caring that someone would be here shortly, I began stripping off my sweaty clothes, the need for a shower the only thing I could concentrate on.

I knew he was under pressure and that even the strongest had their limits. I had confidence he'd be able to face whatever challenges he met later. I just couldn't shake the ominous feeling which had nestled itself in the bottom of my stomach. This is where I needed to have faith— to not just say it, but also show it.

Stepping under the water, scrubbing away the grime from my recent workout, I tried to focus on the future. There was so much to look forward to—a lifetime of new experiences, and my highly anticipated mating. Nothing had changed and something told me when we came out on the other side of this, we'd be stronger for it.

The soft perfume from my body wash mingled with the soothing steam of the hot water, seeping its way into my pores, and I began to calm down. I tried to remember what a wise friend told me a few years ago—a problem always looked bigger when it was the only thing I focused on, and as I rinsed off, I kept reminding myself of the bigger picture. This, unfortunately, wasn't going to be the only time we faced danger together as a couple and pack. It wouldn't be the only time we suffered heartache and uncertainty.

Stepping out of the shower, a new sense of determination filled me. Mason had stood by me, taking precious time to help re-instill my confidence in who I was and my place within the pack. I knew how lucky I was to have him, and I made a mental note—once this was over, I wanted to plan a special evening just for the two of us. We needed some alone time so I could pamper him. Grinning, I felt a pulse of excitement. That's exactly what I'd do.

Quickly dressing, I felt lighter for the first time today. I walked out into my bedroom to find a very large, very amused looking, vampire enforcer sprawled across my bed. His rich chuckle charged the air as he began to read out aloud from my romance novel.

"Oh, Bradley, you're so strong. However will I live without you? Kiss me ... kiss me now and I'll be forever yours. I'm all trembling waiting for you, my darling." His high-pitched attempt at sounding like a female made me forget for a moment to yell at him for teasing and I busted up laughing, my hand covering my mouth.

"Felicity. I'm so glad you've noticed my manliness. Please, touch me. Touch my . . ." I watched him flip the book closed, taking a quick look at the cover, and he reopened to the spot his finger marked, "hard muscles and long flowing hair." He snorted, clearly finding it funny and returned the book to its rightful spot.

"Please tell me you don't enjoy that?" He looked at me incredulously, patting the space beside him on the bed as an invitation for me to come sit. "That was cheesy, and it'll turn your brain to rot."

"Hey, don't mock my romance book, and you know that's not what it says either. Go ahead and laugh, but you don't know what you're missing!" I flopped myself down, slapping him for good measure on his leg. "I'm sure it's more fascinating than what you read, Mr. I'm-A-Broody-Vampire. Probably something heavy and extremely tragic." I rolled my eyes at him, mocking him right back.

"You think you're so funny. For your information, I just finished a murder mystery. It was quite entertaining."

"Really?" I turned my head to look at him. He didn't come across as someone who'd be interested in the genre, or any for that matter.

"No. I don't have time for such luxuries, but if I did, it wouldn't be something with the title "Surrendering to the Mistress of Promises." He eyed the book again.