Authors: Mary Ting
“Yes,” Skylar nodded, enjoying his attention.
Mason pulled her in again. “I’ve missed holding you, the smell of your scent that seems to follow me wherever I go, the way you always repeat what I say, your smile, your laughter…I’ve missed every part of you, Sky. You made my wish come true.” Mason reached into his back pocket and pulled out the wishbone. “I kept this, hoping my wish would come true. Do you remember this?”
“I made your wish come true?” Skylar repeated his words, looking flabbergasted. “Yes, I remember. What did you wish for?”
“I wished that you would care for me as much as I cared for you…that you would have the patience to wait for me. To put up with my dark side and give us a chance when the time was right, or that my feelings for you would disappear so that I wouldn’t care.”
“You wished for that?” Skylar couldn’t believe it. Those times she thought it would be impossible, it was right there all along. She just had to be patient. And for him to not want to feel anything if the feelings weren’t reciprocated…well…that simply stated how much he did care. She had set him free because she had no choice. And like her mom said, it was meant to be, so he came back to her…thankfully. But setting him free had been easier said than done.
Mason continued to hold her and gaze lovingly into her eyes. “You are the only wish I’ve ever had. And maybe what I’m about to do would come right after.” His eyes became playful.
“What would that—”
Skylar was unable to finish her words. Mason dove in and conquered her lips, molding them perfectly together. Gently and slowly, his lips tasted hers, leisurely, savoring every touch, every moment, and every thrill. At first Skylar stood still, unable to believe what was happening. When she finally realized Mason was kissing her and it wasn’t a dream, she took in the reality, looped her arms around the back of his strong neck, and pulled him in tighter.
Responding to his kiss, she kissed him back with hunger and passion. Hot, tingling sensations poured through her soul like a wild blaze, driven by all the anger, sadness, wanting, hurt, and most of all from simply missing him. She couldn’t believe he was there and they were sharing this tender moment, and knowing that this time his kiss meant so much more than the first.
Like two lost souls finally understanding each other, their bodies entangled, and their kisses intensified. His hands explored her every curve as she moaned from his touch. Yup…he was experienced alright, from what she could feel. He knew exactly where to place his hands to make her come alive, completely undoing her.
Suddenly he pulled back, panting, his hot breath on her. “You’re going to the naughty corner.”
“What?” Skylar’s eyes shot open, remembering him telling her several times that she needed to go to the naughty corner for not listening to him, for risking her life. She gulped nervously, yet it sparked excitement at the same time. “What happens in the naughty corner?”
Mason’s brows twitched playfully. “You’ll see. I’m taking you there now.” He pulled her in for another kiss. With his lips on hers, he ran his hands down the length of her back and on to her thighs. Effortlessly, he lifted her up, carried her to the dining table, and carefully lay her down.
Captivated by the display of his sweetness, his playfulness, his caresses, she didn’t know how she got there when she peered up and saw the dining room lights when his lips moved downward. Every place he touched and every place he kissed, she could feel the heat rising within, burning hotter by the second. Quivering, a feeling she didn’t want to end erupted through her whole essence. How wonderful it was to be in his embrace, to feel his desire, to fulfill the need.
“I think I’ll have my dessert first,” he teased, trailing sweet kisses down her neck, then up to her ears. “You owe me two shirts, but I’ll gladly take yours.” With his chest pressed to her, she could feel his heart racing just as fast as hers was. Lowering his hands to caress her sides, he slid his fingers under the hem of her sweater. Flesh upon flesh, she ignited and heat exploded from her head to her curling toes.
“I love it when you wear pink,” he whispered, kissing her around the area of her bare stomach. “But we need to stop. Not here and not now.” Seductively his soft kisses traveled upward until he held her gaze while his hands laced through her hair. “I want to do right by you. I want to know you. Spend time with you. We need to take it slow…okay?”
Skylar nodded, trying to calm her breathing that had gone into overdrive. “Ouch,” Skylar yelped. Her body jerked slightly, and she looked at Mason with wide eyes.
“Sorry, did I hurt you?” With one long stroke, he ran his hand down the front of her body, making sure she was fine. “I kind of….” Raising his hand, he wiggled his fingers, and released small sparks. “Sizzle from your touch. I call this…the love shock, baby.” He paused, then gave her a mischievous, crooked grin. Oh…that grin he did so well, lassoing her with one whip, reeling her in, and roping her into Mason’s world. Skylar could do nothing but smile hugely, but shyly. That was way too hot and sexy for her ears.
“I want to try something,” he continued. Delicately he rubbed the flesh surrounding the area near her belly button, where her sweater was already uplifted. Light illuminated dimly from his fingertips as he moved them in a circular motion. Pleasant warmth kindled at first, then gradually flared deeper and dispersed with heat. The hot sensual wave of desire coursed through every inch of her, completely taking her in.
“Mason,” she yelped a pleasurable cry, barely a whisper caught in her throat, surprised from the sensation. It was almost the same feeling he had unknowingly caused when he was asleep, but with more intensity. Panting and breathless, erotic vibrations erupted, especially in areas she could never possibly have guessed they could just from that simple touch. Losing control, she arched her back to him as she took all of his tantalizing energy in.
With the sound of the doorknob turning, Mason snatched Skylar off the table and took her to the kitchen with the speed that she was learning to love. Feeling light headed, grinning, and feeling the flush on her cheeks, Skylar ran her fingers through her hair, straightened her clothes to look presentable, and tried to suppress the lingering hot sensations. Just as Emily entered, they walked out of the kitchen together.
“Hey,” Emily exclaimed, looking surprised. Her eyes were focused on Skylar. “What happened…to…your…hair?” she asked slowly. “Static much?”
Skylar brushed her hair back again, imaging what it looked like. Lighting up an embarrassed smile, she diverted the converstaioin. “Hey, you remember Mason, don’t you?”
“How could I forget?” she curled her lips flirtatiously. “Dex will be coming by soon and then I’ll be off. I’ll catch you both later.” She headed up the stairs.
With a flash, Mason pulled Skylar into his arms. “I don’t like your body away from mine too long. Here…” Mason ran his fingers through her hair to settle the rest of the static down. “Let me help you. I didn’t know I could do that,” he chuckled.
Giggling, she replied. “I didn’t know you could do that too, but I like the naughty corner.” She decided that, had she known what he’d meant by “naughty corner,” she would’ve gone a long time ago.
“I know you do. Let’s get out of here and get some dinner.” Mason released her and waited for her response.
“Let me grab my purse.” Skylar slipped on her jacket, grabbed her small black purse that was on the sofa, and walked out the door with Mason. The cold breeze slapped Skylar’s hair on her face as she huddled into herself. The dark sky was somewhat merciful tonight compared to the nights before as the rain had stopped.
Hand in hand, they walked down the path to the parking lot. He had held her hand before, but this time it meant so much more. His fingers intertwining with hers felt so right, so at home, as if they were made for her to hold. All the pain and torment she had felt was as if it had never existed.
“Are you cold?” Mason asked, taking smaller steps to match hers.
“I was a second ago, but not any more.” Skylar gazed down toward their folded hands. A glowing dim light shone from them. Skylar’s smile was warm and bright as the light, knowing the warmth that flooded through her body came from Mason’s doing. “I’m fine now. I’m…perfect.” Indeed she was. She was in a state of bliss as Mason guided her to his car.
Mason had changed for the better, to the man she was always so sure existed behind those hopeful, soul-burning eyes. He battled the hurt, grief, and regrets to get to where he was, here and now. But he wasn’t the only one. Skylar knew that she had also changed. Being called “Sky” wasn’t as heart wrenching as it used to be. Not only that, with Mason’s help she’d accepted who she was, and that would help her prepare for what danger lay ahead.
Her gut feeling told her there would be a heavy storm coming soon. How heavy? She would not know until it hit. That was the most frightening part. Who knew what they would be up against? She had been forced into a war that started long before she was ever born, all because she was what the Oracle called “the unknown factor” or “the keeper of death.” But knowing Mason would be there for her…that alone was enough. It had to be.
Epilogue
“Where are we going?” Skylar asked.
“I have a surprise for you.” His tone was cool, but his eyes beamed with excitement.
Changing lanes and turning right at the light, Skylar recognized the familiar roads. If her sense of direction was correct, they were headed to Starla. After parking in the back of the building, Mason gripped her hand and led her through a private back door. Upon entering, they went straight to the bar.
“Do you own this restaurant too?” Skylar wasn’t sure, but from the way the employees were more attentive to him than the other customers, it was the only explanation. Without a word, he grinned humbly, so she guessed that was a yes.
Mason pulled her in and fluttered his eyes with a blissful look, and snail paced in for a kiss.
“So…what’s the surprise?” Skylar asked, pushing him back a bit just before his lips brushed hers. When she pulled away, she was startled by something, like a blurred image of a male. Whatever it was, it moved with inhuman speed. She didn’t want to lose sight of him, but it was too late. He was gone.
“Ouch, rejected already,” Mason whined, curling his lips downward, looking adorable while expressing his vulnerability.
“Sorry,” Skylar shrugged, still trying to figure out what she had seen. “A girl’s gotta play hard to get.”
“I don’t know if I like you playing hard to get.” He frowned. “Keep my seat warm, I’ll be right back. And if someone tries to take it, tell him he’s making a huge mistake. I will ace him and fry him extra crispy. Nick doesn’t call me ‘Mace the Ace’ for no reason. I’m really good with my fingers.” He wiggled them, twitching his eyebrows playfully.
Indeed he was, in more ways than one. With a wink and a sweet kiss on her lips, he walked away. Skylar twisted her neck to see Mason stride toward the back. Women sitting at the nearby tables set their eyes on him as he passed by. Skylar gloated inwardly as she continued to watch until he disappeared from her sight.
Mine…hands off, ladies.
Waiting for Mason, she focused on the people around her, trying to figure out who or what she had seen earlier. She couldn’t help feeling edgy; even though Alena was gone, she knew there were others after her and the danger was ever-present.
The bartender placed a glass of water in front of her even though she hadn’t ordered one. She recognized him from the last time she was there.
“Thank you.”
He smiled and attended to another customer.
Sensing a body next to her and thinking Mason was back, she turned, and smiled, but it disappeared shortly after. “Umm…sorry, but this seat is taken.”
“I don’t see anyone here except for me, sweetheart. Why don’t I buy you a drink?” the stranger winked.
“Thanks, but I’m here with someone. And if you don’t mind, like I said before, this seat is taken.”
He was young and attractive, but she suddenly felt a chill. Though she was flattered, she couldn’t help the inexplicable frightening connection, like somehow she knew him. Was it in the familiarity of his scent, or his voice? Whatever it was, it was definitely something she couldn’t pin point. Brushing away the thought, she figured since she had been through so much, paranoia was kicking in.
He leaned closer, too close for comfort. “Your blood smells sweet.”
Skylar jerked back. She wasn’t sure what she’d heard through the loud music. Surely, he said she smelled sweet and not her blood, but she didn’t like his words either way. “He’ll be back soon.”
“Are you sure? I’m really fun to be with,” he whispered, running his index finger down the back of her hand that was resting on her glass.
“Ouch.” Skylar pulled her hand away and jumped from the sharp sting. Apprehension crawled through her as she wondered if he was like Mason. Instead of stirring with questions, she ignored it. She didn’t want the stranger to know she knew; that would confirm she was one of them. And she definitely didn’t want to make a fool out of herself, just in case she was wrong, so she kept her mouth shut.
“Sorry. I shocked you,” he said flatly, without looking at her. “There’s a whole new world out there. The world can be in your hands. Why don’t you come with me?”
“She’s not going anywhere with you,” Mason stated with hostility in his tone, appearing in the nick of time. “Sorry, but this beautiful young lady is taken, by me. If you’d like to fight for her, I suggest we take it outside,” he challenged.
“Perhaps another day.” The stranger stood and sized Mason up and down. They were the same height. With a nod, he walked away.
“Are you serious?” Skylar gripped Mason’s arm. “What if he took up your challenge?”
He arched his brows. “You think I can’t take him?”
“No…of course not. I’m afraid of what you’d do to him.”
“I would fight for you, don’t you know that, Ms. Rome? I’m not a cheater. It would be man to man, not man to my….” He wiggled his fingers. “And believe me, I would win.”
Indeed he had been fighting for her, fighting all the evils they’d encountered so she could live; even fighting his demons, trying to define what she meant to him. He had been there for her the moment all the crazy things had happened, and for that she would be forever grateful. Melting inwardly, there were no words she could say after that. “I know now,” she said softly, giving him a long succulent kiss.
With a grin, Mason winked and turned to the bartender. “Hey, Ben, get us the usual. We’ll be in the back room. Thanks.”
“There’s a back room?”
Without answering Skylar’s question, Mason led her through the crowds. “Come on, Echo.”
Music filled the air as the customers laughed, ate, and enjoyed themselves. On the way to the back, she passed by many bodies. The restaurant was packed, but luckily they were headed to a private room.
When Skylar entered, it was dim, but the surrounding candles gave it a romantic feel. With excitement overflowing from her eyes, Skylar looked at Mason. “I like my surprise.” The room was cozy and there were two round tables set for two. Though the room looked different, it reminded her of the private room at Bella Amore. “Are we expecting anyone else?”
The door flung wider. “Skylar!” Kayla said out loud.
“Kayla?” Skylar wrapped her arms tightly around her cousin. Her eyes glazed with happy tears.
“Surprise,” Mason whispered in her ear.
Skylar released her cousin and embraced Mason with all of her might.
“I’m here too,” Nick said.
“Sorry,” Skylar said, giving Nick a hug too.
“This is fantastic. We finally get to do the double date I’ve always talked about,” Kayla exclaimed.
“Shall we stand here all night, or shall we sit?” Nick said lightly when the waitress walked in with their drinks.
“I ordered drinks for us at the bar,” Mason said, pulling out a chair for Skylar.
The two couples settled into their seats and ordered their dinner.
“This is cool. Our own private room,” Kayla said, taking a sip of her water.
“Mace’s idea,” Nick grinned, raising his bottle of beer to him.
“Mace?” Kayla questioned. Then she nodded, looking at Mason. “Never mind.”
“I knew Sky would like to have dinner with her favorite cousin.” Mason winked at Skylar.
Kayla blinked multiple times. “Did you just call her, Sky?”
“Yes.” Mason looked baffled.
“Skylar let you call her, Sky?” Her tone went up a pitch. “Nobody calls her Sky except for her….” She paused, looking at Skylar with hesitation.
Resting her hand on Kayla’s shoulder, Skylar gave her a serene expression. “It’s okay. I’m okay with it now.”
With a hug and a heartfelt smile from Kayla, Skylar turned to Mason. “Sorry, Kayla knew that the only person to call me by that name was my dad.”
Mason raised his hands toward Kayla as if to surrender. “I promise I got her permission first.”
“Fine. Remember what I said when you came to my house that night,” Kayla warned.
“Yes, I remember…if I mess with Sky, I’m messing with you, too,” Mason said nonchalantly, like he was saying it for the tenth time.
“What? When did this happen?” Nick’s eyes were wide with curiosity.
“Never mind,” Kayla and Mason said in accord.
As they laughed, the conversation was mainly about school and work. The waitress walked in with their dinner and left. After dinner, they ordered dessert. Realizing how late it was, Kayla needed to get back home. Another double date was set for the next week at another restaurant they owned.
Clicking the car remote to unlock it, Mason opened the door for Skylar. Standing face to face, she couldn’t believe she was there with him. Looking at him with loving, caring eyes, she spoke. “Thank you for being there for me. Thank you for risking your life for mine.”
Mason brushed his hands tenderly on her cheeks. “I told you I would be there for you, and I meant it.” He kissed her lips slowly, tenderly. After he pulled away, he continued to gaze at her.
“You’re staring,” Skylar teased, expecting him to say he wasn’t, but what she heard next tugged deeply at her heart.
“I’ll always stare at you, Sky,” he said softly. His words flowed out like the icing on a cake—so sweet and smooth. “To others, you’re the keeper of death, but to me, you’re the keeper of my heart.”
Peering deeply into his eyes, her heart melted and she floated off the ground. Speechless, she leaned forward to kiss him. Just before their lips touched, Mason reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box.
“I have something for you. I had this made especially for you. I want you to know that you’re my girl and I’ll always be there for you.”
“Mason,” Skylar exclaimed with a twinkle in her eyes. “I don’t know what to say.” After Skylar opened the box, she held its contents up to the light. “It’s beautiful.”
After taking it from Skylar’s hand, Mason wrapped the silver chain bracelet around her wrist. Turning it to its correct position, he traced the shape with the tip of his finger. “It’s a lightning bolt.
You flashed into my life like a lighnting and gave me strenth and hope. You radiated the darkness in me and brought life into my soul. You light up my life, Sky. Your’re brave, mesmerzing, intoxicating, and dangerous to me in everyway, but I can’t help myself. You made me care.”
Skylar’s heart fluttered a mile a minute and she was utterly swooned by his loving words. “I love it. Thank you. I’ll never take it off,” she said, embracing Mason tightly.
“Sky,” a male voice said, interrupting the moment.
Skylar pulled back and fixed her eyes on Mason, waiting for him to say something. He was staring back at her with a glow in his eyes. Obviously, he hadn’t called her name.
“Sky.” Skylar heard again.
There was only one other person that would call her by that name. Surely it couldn’t be, after all these years. Mason turned his body; seemingly, he’d heard it, too. Following Mason’s gaze, she saw a man with a long trench coat and a fedora hat standing tall by the front of the car. It was difficult to distinguish who he was in the dark, hidden behind the glare of light. To get a better look, Skylar took a step forward.
“Sky,” he said in a low tone again.
Skylar’s heart pounded out of her chest and she felt a flood of anxiety in her stomach. Recognizing the voice she hadn’t heard since childhood, she whispered one question. “D...ad?”