Chapter 41 Forty-One
Danica peered at the strange-looking portal shimmering and falling like a waterfall in front of her. They had arrived in front of it about ten minutes prior, and Mason had busied himself setting up camp outside of it along with his men.
The day had finally arrived for them to head to the darklands to search for the Sarff clan and to begin trying to find the sorcerer that had cursed her. They had left early that morning and driven for most of the day, followed by a long trek through the woods until arriving at the portal's location, where they remained.
Initially, Danica had been confused by it; after all, it was in the middle of the deepest part of the woods, where anyone could find it if they were to trek far enough. That was, at least, until Mason explained to her that Nigel created this portal specially for them. That had led to Danica wondering why they had to come this far if he could open one wherever he pleased.
"Come on." Mason said now, coming up beside Danica. "The portal isn't going to go anywhere until morning; we should get some food in us and sleep early."
"Right." Danica murmured, allowing Mason to lead her away from the portal and to the now-burning campfire sitting between four tents.
As they arrived, a woman who looked to be in her thirties that Danica remembered from the other day eyed them with narrow eyes. She couldn't help but bristle slightly at the clear look of contempt that the woman was giving her.
"I never got to introduce everyone to you the other day." Mason said as he and Danica sat down. "These are our elite fighters." He explained. "Meet George, Desmond, Frank, Alissa, Christine, Michael, Vincent, and Leo."
Danica took in the faces and names of each person as Mason went down the line, introducing them. She could feel a headache coming on from the overload of names and wasn't sure if she would be able to remember them all.
"Everyone, this is Danica; she will be your future Luna." Mason said now, wrapping a proud arm around her. "I expect you all to treat her with respect."
Eight sets of eyes landed on Danica as they began to size her up. Some looked ready to easily accept, while a few looked like they wouldn't.
Keeping her gaze steady, Danica met each of their eyes head-on; if she were to become their leader one day, then she couldn't show any weakness. Satisfied, the ones that looked convinced enough turned and began to talk quietly. However, the woman who had been glaring at her earlier on continued to keep Danica's gaze open, challenging her.
"Mason..." Danica murmured, turning away. "I'm tired, which tent is ours?"
As she spoke, she shot a secret glance at the woman. She knew that the woman's main problem with her was because of Mason, and if she wanted to play, she would oblige and show her that Mason was hers.
"Let me show you." Mason said, standing and taking Danica's hand. "Everyone, be sure to go to sleep early; we have a long day ahead of us tomorrow."
"Yes, sir," they responded together as Danica and Mason disappeared inside the biggest tent among the four.
Once inside the tent, Mason turned to Danica with an amused expression. It seemed that nothing got past him, and he was well aware of what she had been doing.
"You have me all alone now." Mason chuckled, wrapping his arms around her waist. "What do you plan on doing?"
Danica couldn't stop the blush that began to form on her cheeks due to being caught acting jealous. Couldn't Mason have pretended not to notice just this once?
"Who says I want to do anything?" She said, averting her gaze. "Maybe I really was just tired."
"Right." Mason chuckled. "I have to admit your jealous expression is pretty alluring."
"Hhhhhmmmmm?" Danica murmured as Mason's lips found hers.
Feeling the usual shock of kissing Mason run through her, Danica couldn't stop the feeling of arousal that began to form. Even though she knew everyone outside their tent could easily hear if they were to do something, she still found herself wanting Mason right then and there.
"If you don't control yourself, I'm going to take you right here." Mason growled as the scent of Danica's arousal hit his nose. "I don't give a damn if we are heard."
"You started it." Danica countered, pulling away. "I can't help that your mind stays in the gutter these days."
"I will show you the gutter." Mason muttered, yanking Danica's shirt off of her.
Shivering, Danica enjoyed the feeling of Mason's hands beginning to caress her skin, sending warmth surging through her veins. The feel of being touched by her mate was something that Danica would never grow tired of, especially now that she had been marked; it intensified everything that much more.
"You're going to have to be quiet." Mason said as he circled around behind Danica.
"What do you..." Danica squeaked out. "I don't...OH!"
She didn't get to finish her words as Mason sunk his teeth into her neck while one of his hands shoved into her pants, finding her already soaked clit. Letting out a quiet moan, she spread her legs as Mason slipped his fingers into her and began to thrust them hard and fast.
"Stay quiet unless you want everyone to hear us." Mason chuckled in her ear as he kept up his pace. "You don't want them to know that I'm making you feel this good, do you?"
Closing her eyes, Danica clamped down on the moans that wanted to come forth as Mason continued to finger her until he built her to climax, only to abruptly stop before she reached.
Whimpering, Danica looked at Mason, pouting. Smiling, Mason removed the rest of the pesky clothes that were blocking them from giving into their desires.
Lifting Danica, he laid her on the sleeping bag that had been set up for them and shoved into her, causing her to climax from the sudden invasion after being built up.
"Mason...." Danica whispered before Mason's mouth found hers, muffling the mewls of pleasure that were escaping. "That's it..."
"Remember to be quiet." Mason said against her lips as he continued to muffle her moans. "Otherwise, I'll punish you."
"Mason.....Mason.....mmmmmmm." Danica softly moaned as Mason continued to thrust himself in and out of her.
Clamping down, Danica stopped a particularly loud moan that wanted to erupt due to Mason bringing her to climax along with himself. Pressing his mouth hard against hers, he kept her quiet as she convulsed around him.
Pulling away, he smiled and said, "I love you, baby."
"I love you too." Danica panted as Mason rolled over beside her.
Staring up at the tent roof, Danica panted as her mind began to wonder what tomorrow would bring for them all. She could only hope that it was good news and not more disappointment.