Chapter 44 Forty-Four
The next day, outside, the black snow had finished falling, and the whole area beyond Danica's tent looked to be covered in ash rather than snow. Curiousity getting the better of her, she quietly exited the tent so she could get a better look at it. She had woken up much earlier than everyone else, so she had a little time to kill before it was time to go about waking Mason.
Stepping out into the snow, she found that it felt just like normal snow would underneath her feet. Granted, she didn't know what she had expected, but it was just too weird to not expect something different.
"Not a good idea to venture too far alone." Turning, Danica found herself facing the warrior, who was called Vincent.
He was watching her with a curious expression on his face, as if he couldn't quite figure her out.
"I didn't think anyone was awake." Danica said as her cheeks flushed.
"I was second on watch." Vincent explained, smiling. "We couldn't possibly leave the camp unprotected, right?"
He gave a creepy chuckle and smirk as he spoke his last words. It was almost as if he was giving a double meaning; it sent a chill up Danica's back.
"Right." Danica agreed. "I should probably go and wake Mason."
She couldn't quite explain it, but the way Vincent was watching her made her uncomfortable, and she didn't want to have to be alone with him any longer. Nodding towards the man, Danica hurried back to her tent and began to shake the still-sleeping Mason.
"Mmmmmm." Mason grumbled as he tried to swat Danica's hand away as she attempted to wake him. "Five more minutes."
"No can do." Danica murmured, bending down and kissing his cheek. "We have a long day ahead of us if we want to reach the elves village today."
"Bah!" Mason growled as he pulled her against him, cuddling. "That can wait."
"No, it really can't." She insisted, trying to pry herself away from his arms. "I'd like to get done with this mission as quickly as possible."
Sitting up, Mason let Danica go so she could sit back and look at him. He was frowning as he tried to decipher what was going through Danica's head at that very moment.
"We will get this curse lifted." Mason insisted. "Even if it means I have to slaughter the entire Sarff clan."
Danica couldn't stop the gasp that escaped her at Mason's words.
"Don't talk like that, not on my account." Danica said quickly, looking around to make sure no one in his pack was around to hear. "I'm not worth that much, Mason."
Moving forward, Mason grabbed the back of Danica's head and pulled her in for a kiss.
"To me, you are worth even my own life." Mason said, laying his forehead against hers.
"Likewise," Danica murmured, trying to stop the tears that were threatening to fall.
She had never been that emotional, and the fact that she felt like crying at mere words from Mason confused her.
"I love you." Mason whispered, kissing her once more before getting up.
"I love you more," she countered with a smirk.
"Shall we go wake up the rest of the pack so we can have breakfast and then get going?" Mason asked, pulling aside their tent flap, revealing the view just beyond.
"Sure." Danica replied, smiling and following Mason out into the day.
The elf village took a good portion of the day to arrive at, and by the time Danica and her group arrived, many were grumbling about being tired and hungry. Since Mason had been worried that more snow would stop them, he insisted they move straight through the day without stopping.
Arlo was the first to greet them when they stepped just past the magical barrier that was keeping the village out of sight of enemies. He didn't look pleased, but he didn't look as hostile as the last time Danica had seen him either.
"Welcome." Arlo said now, fixing his gaze on Mason, completely ignoring Danica altogether. "We have already set up your lodgings for the evening, if you would follow me."
Bristling Danica remained silent; the last thing she needed to do was lose her temper with the person whose people had willingly housed her for a night. She already had enough enemies with the Elders Council; she didn't need to start adding whole clans as well.
"Lead the way." Mason said he was wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her along.
As they made their way through the streets, many elves who were going about their everyday lives stopped and watched curiously. A few looked like they were worried, while others looked like they couldn't care less. Parents whose children had been running around playing prior to their arrival were now pulling their kids close as if the group of werewolves were going to eat them any minute.
Keeping her gaze straight ahead, Danica tried to pretend she wasn't bothered by all the reactions as she continued to allow Mason to lead her forward.
"This is it." Arlo announced as they stopped in front of a simple-looking inn. "Your accommodations have already been given to the receptionist; just simply give your name."
"Thank you." Mason said, giving a slight bow to Arlo. "We really appreciate what you're doing for us."
"Just don't cause trouble here." Arlo warned before turning and walking away.
"Trouble?" Danica repeated, quirking a brow. "What type of trouble could we possibly cause?"
Mason chuckled. "Try to contain your anger, tiny one."
Danica stuck her tongue out at Mason as he began pulling her forward into the building. Within was much more posh than Danica had expected, with all white floors and walls and fuzzy black furniture and a golden chandelier in the middle of the lobby.
A woman with long blonde hair and bright blue eyes sat at the reception desk, looking bored as they moved towards her. When realization dawned as to who they were, she immediately changed her expression to one of joy at seeing them. Danica had to applaud the woman; she was a class act.
"Welcome; we've been expecting you, Alpha Mason." She beamed, locking her gaze with Mason's.
"Thanks." Mason said, keeping his expression neutral. "Arlo said that you had our room assignments."
"Yes, of course." She continued leaning forward slightly, so her cleavage was becoming exposed.
Biting her lip Danica tried to remain calm, reminding herself that they were guests and she couldn't start any trouble, even if this bimbo in front of them was flirting with her man.
"Could we have the keys, please?" Danica asked sweetly, drawing the woman's attention to her. "I'm sure Mason would like to wash up; after all, we've exerted ourselves quite a bit."
Keeping her smile in place Danica made sure to intentionally flip her hair back, revealing the hickey that Mason had placed on her for the woman to see.
"Let me get them." The woman hissed, not missing the mark. "Excuse me."
Feeling satisfied, Danica continued to smile as the woman passed their keys over. Thanking her, she wrapped her arms around Mason's and began pulling him away. All the while smiling to herself with pride over being the one who got to have such a strong and gorgeous man to herself.