Page 68 of Masked Fate

“I’m scared,” she admits in a small voice.

“What are you scared of, sweetheart?” I ask in a gentle tone as I tuck her hair back away from her face.

“It all seems too good to be true.” She sighs, her brows pulling together. “This is all I’ve ever wanted, Soren. And I never thought I’d get it. And now I guess I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop.”

“This is real,” I assure her. “I’m not going anywhere. I’m yours.”

I meant what I said. I’m in love with her, and I can wait for her for as long as she needs as long as she’s with me.

I lift her from the wall and carry her to bed, pulling down the silk sheets and laying back with her on top of me, still connected to her.

I kiss her temple and gently stroke her back.

These are all new things for me. I’ve never treated a womanlike this, but with Pandora, it feels natural.

“Are you okay?” I ask. I’d put her first, even before my wants and needs.

She nods. “If there’s anything I didn’t like, I’d tell you.” Looking back, I think I chose females to fuck who were the opposite of her on purpose. Subconsciously, I knew she was something to me. Why else did I never touch a female that reminded me of her? I chose blondes, the opposite of her sexy, inky black hair. I guess I didn’t want to fuck and discard anyone who even remotely looked like her.

I would go through the torture at her mother’s hands all over again if it meant I get to keep this moment.

Keep her.

Mine.

We fall asleep like that.

***

It’s late when Rave knocks on my door. Making sure to tuck Pandora in, I kiss the top of her head before I follow him out into the hallway.

“Now?” I ask, knowing why he’s here.

He nods, crossing his arms over his chest and leaning against the wall. “We’ve got all the information we’re going to get out of him. It’s time for him to die.”

“And Milana?”

“August is going to keep her there. It’s up to him what happens to his mate.” He shrugs, pushing off the wall and coming to stand in front of me. “You aren’t just my best warrior, Soren. You are my best friend,” he says, clearing his throat. Yeah, he’s not exactly the emotional kind of male. He rests his hand on my shoulder. “And I know how loyal you are to me. Butit looks like you are destined not just to be a warrior but also a king in your own right.”

“You sound surprised,” I tease, smirking.

He grins, flashing his straight, white teeth. “Always thought you were too comfortable with having people on their knees in front of you.”

Barking out a laugh, I shake my head. “Is this you saying you don’t need me anymore, my king?”

“You always have a place here, you know that,” he replies, looking toward my bedroom door. “But now your mate will come first.”

He’s right, and I know it.

We share a smile.

“I’m guessing you don’t want to share her?” he teases, and I growl at him as he throws his head back and laughs.

We’ve always shared everything.

But this is where we draw the line.

“Anything else,” I reply, smirking.

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