Filed to story: The Rise Of The Lycan Queen
“Oh, hell, no.” He tugged me into his arms again and winked. “I’m seducing you as a wolf taking care of his mate. Putting her needs above my own.”
“Even though I fought it at first, I’m so damn glad we’re finally together.” It all seemed so pointless now.
“Let’s start over again, no secrets from here on out.” He let go of my arm and headed over to the passenger door. “Your chariot awaits.”
“For you to be such an alpha, I never expected the word chariot to pass through those lips.” He was being exactly what I needed right now. Destiny did have a way of making things work.
“If you tell anyone, I’ll be forced to tell them about your secret.” He raised an eyebrow and pursed his lips.
My heart felt like it fell to my stomach. “What?” Here I was thinking we might be able to work through everything, and then he threatened me like that.
“Hey.” His forehead lined with worry, and he stepped closer, taking my hand. “I was kidding. I was only going to say that I’d tell them you liked me.”
Of course. I was being ridiculous. “I’m sorry. It’s just that I’m a little on edge.”
“No, after what you just told me, I shouldn’t have joked about it.” He took my hand and led me to the car. “Come on. Let’s go and relax.”
Everything seemed perfect right then. Not only had I found my mate, but he was being supportive in every way. But for some reason, this added to my hysteria. The other shoe had to drop at some point.
The next morning, I woke up with a goofy grin on my face. I glanced at the clock and realized it was only ten minutes until my alarm would go off. The previous night with Mason had been more than I could’ve ever imagined. He was kind, attentive, and made sure that I was okay before he left. It was hard to believe how we treated each other before then.
I’d told him that we needed to tell my guardians everything we’d learned. Even though I’d messed up, I couldn’t keep things from them, especially when I might have inadvertently put them in danger.
It was time to come clean and determine a plan of action. I jumped out of bed and began searching my closet for an outfit to wear. I’d never worried about how I dressed before, but that had all changed. I pulled out a hunter green romper that hit right above my knees and had short, puffy sleeves. I remembered Kassie buying it for me and telling me, “You never know when things like this will come in handy.” I’d never thought she’d be right, but here I was, being proved wrong yet again.
Not wasting any more time, I jumped in the shower and quickly washed my hair and bathed. I got out, threw on my outfit, and blew my hair dry. It wasn’t long before I was back in my room, sitting at my makeup counter, putting on my makeup. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d put so much thought into my appearance.
I opted for a medium pink color for my lips and a neutral brown for my eyeshadow. As soon as I finished, the doorbell rang.
He was a few minutes early, and my heart fluttered. I bounded down the stairs, but Kassie was already at the door, staring at Mason.
“Why are you here so early?” Kassie rubbed her eyes. “Aria’s not going to be happy.”
Mona stepped from the kitchen into the hallway. “I bet she isn’t even…” Her words cut off as she rounded the stairway and saw me. “…awake.”
“What?” Kassie turned around and stopped. “Well, okay then. Who are you?” She opened the door the rest of the way, allowing Mason to enter.
“Oh, stop it.” I jumped down the rest of the stairs, and Mason reached for me and pulled me into his arms.
“Sorry I’m here early.” He whispered into my hair.
“Don’t be.” I snuggled into him. “I’m glad you’re here.”
“What the hell is going on?” Kassie’s voice was loud but not from anger, more from hysteria. “She’s got to be sick.”
Mason’s chest shook. “At least I know no other guy has picked you up before.”
I pushed back and smacked him on the chest. “Behave.”
“I’m not sure if I’m happy about this.” Kassie’s mouth was slightly open as she turned to Mona.
“We told her to make friends.” Mona shrugged and glanced back at me. “Obviously, she has.”
“Friends, not men.” Kassie shook her head and glared at him. “And he’s a wolf at that.”
“You can’t blame her.” Mona winked at him. “He’s certainly eye-candy.”
“Ew. Stop.” Yes, he was hot as hell, but I didn’t want to hear someone that was essentially my mother say that.
“I’ve got eyes, and blood runs through these veins.” She laughed. “I call ’em like I see them.”
“Even though she’s tempting as hell, I only have eyes for you.” He leaned over and kissed my cheek.
I figured we’d better rein it in before it got too awkward for me. “Do you guys have some time to talk to us?”
“It’s Sunday, and neither of us is working, so yeah.” Kassie’s shoulders tensed, but she nodded her head.
“Let’s go to the kitchen. I need some coffee.” Shifter or not, I needed caffeine.
“Sounds like a plan.” Mona waved Kassie on.
As the two of them walked away, Mason slid his hand into mine and gently turned me toward him. “I had an idea last night that I want to run past you.”
“Let’s go into the kitchen and talk about it with them.” I nodded my head toward the kitchen door. “I want them to know everything. They deserve it.”
“Okay.” He nodded his head and followed me into the room.
Mona was at the Keurig machine, making a cup of coffee. “Do you want some coffee?”
“Do I breathe oxygen?” She knew me better than that.
“That wasn’t really directed at you.” She shook her head and grinned. “I already know your answer, I was asking…”
“Mason.” He winked at her. “And if you don’t mind, I’d love some.”
“So what are your intentions with Aria?” Kassie tapped her finger on the table. “We know nothing about you.”
I loved the bluntness of these two women so much. “Well, first off, he’s my mate.”
“What?” Mona paused and glanced back and forth between him and me. “And you’re just telling us now.”
“To be honest, we tried to fight it.” Now that we were laying it all on the line with my guardians, I couldn’t help but feel overcome with guilt.
“Are you serious?” Kassie shook her head and groaned. “That’s the worst thing you can do. It forces the bond that way.”
“Yeah, we kind of learned that the hard way.”
“Why didn’t you tell us?” Mona grabbed the two cups of coffee she just made and brought them over to Mason and me. “We could’ve helped.”
