Chapter 75: Chapter 75
Mason POV
Katie stares at me like a deer in headlights. Outside, the wind starts howling, and my wolf is running anxious circles, and I can sense something has shifted.
Katie does not say a word, and I search her face for answers. Her gaze is darting around the room while she bites her lip.
Did I scare her off?
“What are you thinking?” I ask, my heart thumping.
A part of me fears her answer. If she says no, does that mean this is over? Am I risking giving up the best things that have happened to me?
“I ... I don’t know,” she pulls away from me, wrapping her arms around herself. “Without my memories, the thought of the unknown scares me. The things I built in Stillwood are the only roots I have. They may not be deep, but I don’t want to rip them out.”
“Katie,” I take her chin in my hand and turn her head to face me. “I understand, but I’ll be right there with you. I would never let anything happen to you or Stella. As long as you’re with me, you’re safe. And you’re home.”
She smiles softly, a light flickering in her eyes. I will tell her every day how special she is if she gives me the chance. But then a shadow of sadness settles over her face.
“I felt like it’s me against the world ever since I lost my memory,” she shakes her head. “Like anyone can tell me any lie or bullshit story and I have to believe it because I wouldn’t know any better.”
“Sometimes I wonder if I know who I am at my core.” She places a hand on her chest. “Even my wolf and I are on different planets, right now. I must be sure I’m doing the right thing for me and Stella, but I don’t always trust myself to know the right thing.”
“Forget what I said about leaving here,” I say softly, leaning closer. “Just for a moment. What do you want right now, Katie?”
She stares at me for the longest time, and I am starting to wonder if she heard me. Which is a possibility since the wind is blowing ten shits right now.
“You.” She says in a soft, breathy voice, which makes me shiver. “What if I want you?”
I reach out, gently gripping the back of her neck and running my thumb along her bottom lip. I never wanted to kiss someone so badly.
“Then I’m all yours,” I say.
Our lips crash together, and all the emotions I am carrying for her pour into the kiss. Curiosity, desperation, and something like love. My tongue sweeps over the seam of her parted lips and slips inside. She gasps into my mouth, her tongue entwining with mine as I deepen the kiss. Fire erupts in my chest, surging through my veins and straight between my legs.
My hands travel down to her waist, tugging her closer. Her legs wrap around me tightly, her lips never breaking from mine as I lift her off the couch and walk straight to the bedroom. I gently lay her down on the bed, and my eyes travel over her body. Goddess, she is perfect. This is perfect.
“Mason, wait,” she sits up, her face beet red. “I’m sorry, I ... uhm, this is a bit fast, and I like you. A lot! But I ... uhm, don’t know if ...”
“Katie, relax,” I smile, sitting beside her. “I understand. I’m not forcing you into anything, okay? I’ll tuck you in and go home.”
“No,” she says quickly, grabbing my hand. “Would you stay and just ... hold me?”
“I would love to,” I lean over and kiss her softly, as the wind quiets down.
Katie POV
I wake in Mason’s arms. I revel in his body heat, and it feels wonderful not to wake up alone. He is still sleeping soundly next to me, and I stare dreamily at him.
He said all the right things last night.
As long as you’re with me, you’re safe. And you’re home.
When I kissed him, it was like coming home. So comfortable, so natural, so secure. I wanted to, and judging by the way Lily pawed at me, I knew she did, too. But I could not. Not without knowing what would happen next.
I panicked when Mason asked me to go with him to the Constantine Pack. My mind involuntarily remembered Quinn’s words about one of the twins being Stella’s father. If there was even the slightest possibility, moving to their pack with their brother was pretty much insane. Then again, they did not give any indication that they recognised me or knew who I was when they saw me. So that did not make sense, either.
Mason stirs next to me and opens his eyes.
“Good morning, sleepyhead,” I say, pushing his long hair from his face.
“Good morning,” he smiles sheepishly.
“When are you leaving?” I already miss him in my bed, and he has not even left yet.
“Tomorrow morning,” he replies. “Are you coming with me?”
“Do it,” Lily urges me, but she is confusing me. First, she tells me to trust Kane and Axel, then she tells me to go with Mason.
“Can I take today to decide?” I ask softly, stroking his cheek.
I cannot let Lily’s persistence influence me. Not when it would change so much for me and Stella.
“Of course,” he replies, kissing me quickly and getting up from the bed.
I watch as he picks up the shirt he discarded before curling up with me, trying to memorise every ripple of his muscles before they disappear again.
“As much as I’d love for you and Stella to come,” he says, pulling his shirt over his body. “I don’t ever want to force you to do something you’re uncomfortable with.”
“Thank you,” I smile.
“Of course,” he continues, sitting beside me on the bed. “As much as I wish I could stay here and be with you, I must go and try to figure out this family drama. Before it’s too late.”
“I agree,” I nod.
“I’ll see you later,” he kisses me on the forehead, stands up and leaves.
