Page 71 of Becoming His

Masen pulls the white cord from the branches and uses his free hand to loop it intricately over and around our joined hands and forearms. When he’s done, Caleb speaks again. “The journey of life is seldom easy, so these knots will show you the difficult times you will traverse, but just like these cords each will be overcome and lead you closer to the other.” Masen kisses me quickly and his dad laughs quietly. “We aren’t there yet, son.” A few of the Pack members whistle and clap. “We. Your family, your Pack, bless your Union.”

Masen’s Mark on my shoulder tingles when he says, “I, Masen Black, accept you, Sophia Black, as my Mate.” The air leaves my lungs in a whoosh as a strength I could never imagine fills my body. I can feel him inside me.

When I can breathe normally, I say, “I, Sophia Black, accept you, Masen Black, as my Mate.”

Masen’s hands shake, and his head falls back from our power exchange. When he looks back down at me, his smile is huge. “Damn, baby, that felt good,” he groans sexily. Without instruction from his father, he kisses me deeply, his unbound arm wraps around my back and up to my neck. He caresses his fingers over my Mark, and it makes me gasp into his mouth.

The night air is filled with howls as he claims my mouth. His father stops our kiss before it turns into more. “Light the fire, and you can go, son.”

Masen doesn’t speak but walks us over to the massive fire ring. It’s over filled with branches and twigs stacked by only Masen’s hands to burn at least through the night, signifying our burning love. It ignites with a fiery whoosh. The wood crackles from the sudden heat. He looks down at his hand that hasn’t yet touched the torch. “Oh shit,” he says then looks over at me. No one seems to notice he never physically lit the blaze.

EPILOGUE

The party is winding down. My little ones are curled together with their uncle, Sniffer, listening to his stories of the adventures he’s had over the past five years. Every time he comes home he spends hours regaling them with his exploits. The difference this time, he’s home to stay. After all these years, he hasn’t found his Mate, but I do believe he’s found himself.

Sniffer’s white hair still remains the same, but his eyes tell a completely different story. The once clear dark blue has now been shadowed a bit with age and experience. His smile is still easy but sad, especially when they travel to his once best friend Sam. Over the years, they’ve spoken, but time and distance along with Sam’s relationship with David seems to have strained their once vibrant friendship.

I’ve watched Sam’s gaze wander to Sniffer repeatedly. The longing is almost palpable, even if it’s just his friendship he misses. You can feel the loss.

David has been gone for almost two years now. Sam never fully divulged what happened, but I do know he was deeply hurt by the man. His smile isn’t quite as bright, his laughter, which I’ve always loved, doesn’t come so easy anymore. I hope with Sniffer being home they can rekindle what they once had.

My thoughts are interrupted as Stella launches her little body onto my lap. “Mama, did you hear that? Uncle Sniffer said he’d take me for ice cream tomorrow!” she exclaims excitedly. Then in a not so quiet whisper, she adds, “I’m going to invite Uncle Sam, too!”

I laugh at her declaration. “Okay, sweet stuff, I’m sure he’d enjoy that.” She knows how close they once were from the stories she’s been told.

Aiden climbs onto my lap slowly, making sure not to bump or dislodge his excitable twin. The quiet confidence he displays is in complete contrast to his fiery little sister. He takes the role of big brother very seriously. Though, he was only born minutes before her. I’ve never seen closer or more complimentary siblings.

Masen walks in the room, and my breath falters. Still after all this time. He has a small smile playing at the corner of his lips as he reaches down and scoops Stella out of my lap, but before pulling away, he drops his lips to mine and lingers for just a moment. My neck instinctively arches up to catch more of his mouth as he pulls away, chuckling. My huff of disappointment goes unheard by most, but not him.

I look down when Aiden speaks, “Mama, can we have cake now?” His face which so closely resembles his father’s looks up to me.

“Sure can, Little Man,” I say and pat his legs so he knows to get up. He scampers out of my lap and makes a beeline to the table where both of the cakes I made last night are.

“Cake, cake, cake,” Stella says animatedly while bouncing in Masen’s grip. “Who wants cake?” she sing-songs. Most of the occupants answer affirmatively as we all convene around the table.

Aiden’s cake is a simple strawberry Bundt cake with thick white glaze drizzled over the top. One candle in the shape of the number five sits atop.

Stella’s cake on the other hand is anything but simple. The three-layer chocolate cake topped with shiny ganache, circled with homemade chocolate covered cherries screams decadence. She chose five candles to adorn her cake, stating, “I need ‘em for the wishes.” I shake my head and smile when I remember both her and Aiden’s faces as they discussed the different possibilities. I think he chose the single candle so hers would shine brighter. He’s perfectly happy to let Stella be in the limelight.

Mickey lights the candles, and Caleb starts the singing in his deep baritone. Both of the children’s faces volley back and forth from the cakes to the happily singing faces, in case the candles extinguish themselves before their wish taking blows are delivered. When silence falls, Aiden closes his eyes briefly before he purses his lips and blows slowly. The flame flickers and dies, and he smiles triumphantly. Stella’s eyes are still squeezed shut, and her lips move silently as she concentrates on the task of wishing. When she finally opens up her caramel eyes, she blows like her life depends on it and giggles quickly when the smoke rises from the candles.

After the presents are opened and the crowd slowly leaves, Mickey and I clean up the remnants of the party. I open a few windows, letting the cool spring breeze filter through. “I was thinking about leaving for the lake tomorrow morning instead of Friday,” Mickey says while wiping down the counter.

I shrug my shoulders. “That sounds fine by me, the sooner the better.”

She nods her head slowly. “You mind if I take the kids home and have them ride with us?”

I tilt my head. It’s not unusual for the kids to stay the night with her and Caleb with them being so close, but something seems off about the way she’s not looking at me and the way she sounds. “Uhh sure, I guess,” I answer, already thinking of the extra alone time I’ll have with my Masen. My skin flushes so I open another window. “It’s so warm in here,” I say more to myself than her.

“Ah-huh.” She smirks then calls loudly, “Caleb, collect my grandbabies. It’s time we head out.”

I’m taken back by her abrupt declaration. “I haven’t packed a bag for tonight,” I say while plucking the shirt from my frame and blowing down the neckline.

“Yeah, I had Cass put their pajamas on. We’ve got to go,” she replies and gives me a quick, one-armed hug. Stella and Aiden come in and give me a goodnight kiss before leaving with Masen’s parents.

Once the door shuts, I take a moment to see the area is clean, so I drop the towel I was using to dry dishes and head to Masen’s office where I know he is talking with Sniffer. I hear their muffled voices as I near the door. When I get closer, I hear Masen say, “Would be good for both of you. He’s not happy either. He hasn’t been happy in a long time, Cass.”

I make sure my steps are heard over their conversation so they have ample warning of my arrival. I know neither would care if I heard, but I’d hate to intrude. I peek my head around the door, and both men’s eyes are on me. “I’m beat. I’m going to bed.”

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