Chapter 59 Fifty-Nine
Rain fell from the sky, tapping lightly against the umbrella Mason held above him and Danica. The weather was just as glum and devoid of color as the hearts of everyone that was gathered around.
The day of burial for those who had been infected with the rage virus had come, and with it came the first monsoon of the season. Even though the weather wasn't made for an outdoor funeral, there was no stopping this; the day had been chosen by the elders as the perfect day to send the deceased off to the moon goddess, and canceling the event was not possible.
In front, a preacher stood reading from the book of the goddess; his words flowed together easily, but none of them truly reached Danica's ears. Beside her, Mason was sullen and exceptionally quiet. For the days following his warriors deaths, he had locked himself within his office, only leaving to sleep and then disappearing the following day. Although it bothered Danica that he was hiding away while mourning the loss of his packmates, she had endured and allowed him the space he had needed.
"Now I want to allow those who wish to speak to come forward." The preacher said as he finished his sermon. "Who would like to come forward?"
Mason didn't speak as he handed the umbrella's handle over to Danica. Looking in confusion, she watched as he began making his way forward through the rain, allowing it to soak him through.
Nodding to the priest, he took the man's place behind the podium, looking around at the crowd.
"First of all, I want to thank everyone who has come here today to honor the lives of those who have left us and gone to rest in the arms of the goddess." Mason began as he kept his gaze locked on the members of his pack who came to pay their respects. "Their passing was sudden and has taken us all by surprise, and because of that, I give my greatest condolences to their family and loved ones. These particular men were some of my best; they were outstanding warriors and at the top of the line. They were loyal men who gave their all for the greater good of the pack, and I will forever be grateful to them."
Stopping, he looked around once more before resting his eyes on Danica in particular. Smiling, she nodded, urging him to continue. Twitching his lips, he lifted his gaze once more.
"As leader of the Cove pack, I will promise right here and now to avenge each and every one of their deaths." Mason's sudden promise caused a collective gasp to be heard amongst the crowd. "This I promise each and every one of you here; with that said, I just want to say that all will be missed, and I pray they rest peacefully with the goddess."
Finished with his speech, Mason bowed before descending the stage and making his way back to where Danica stood, waiting. Wrapping his arms around her, he pulled her into a hug, resting his face on her neck. She could feel his body beginning to shake as she wrapped her arms around him.
"You did well." Danica murmured, pulling Mason in close as more pack members began to give their speeches about those they lost. "Don't blame yourself."
Hugging Danica tighter Mason didn't speak as he let out all his emotions while the rainy sky paid witness, along with the cicadas and frogs that sang their funeral tunes to the elements.
"You should get changed and washed up." Mason said as he and Danica entered their room. The funeral had ended without a hitch, and Danica found herself exhausted. "You might catch a cold if you continue to wear those wet clothes."
"I could say the same about you." Danica pointed out, quirking a brow. "You should be the one to shower first."
Mason shook his hair, allowing droplets of water to fly through the air. "Nope, ladies first, I insist."
"Ever the chivalrous man." Danica giggled. "Should we just bathe together then?"
"I'm not opposed." Mason responded, smiling mischeviously.
Moving forward, he lifted Danica into his arms and quickly carried her into the bathroom before sitting her down on the sink's ledge while he began to run the water for them.
"Strip." Mason ordered as he plugged the bathtub, allowing hot, steaming water to begin filling it.
Jumping off the ledge and landing on her feet, Danica smirked while grabbing the hem of her shirt. Easily lifting it over her head, she threw the soaked garment on the floor before beginning to unhook her bra while Mason watched.
"Enjoying the show?" Danica asked as she pulled her pants off. "Shouldn't you be getting rid of those soaked clothes of yours too?"
"Yes, maam." Mason saluted as he quickly began to undress.
Even though Danica had already seen Mason naked multiple times, she just couldn't help but appreciate how damn good the man looked completely bare. At times, she still found herself wondering how she got so lucky to have him all to herself.
"You're drooling." Mason joked, stepping into the bath tub and sitting down, causing the water to slosh. "Come here." He commanded once he was settled.
Nodding Danica stepped into the water, enjoying the warmth that immediately soaked into her skin. Sitting, she snuggled against Mason as he wrapped his arms around her.
"This is nice." Danica sighed, closing her eyes, as the last traces of chill disappeared from her body.
"Yeah." Mason agreed as he laid his chin against Danica's shoulder so that his breath tickled her ear. "You know what else would be nice..."
"Don't even think about it." Danica warned, although she wasn't particularly opposed. "Let's just enjoy this moment, shall we?"
"If the master commands it." Mason chuckled, nipping at Danica's neck before placing a kiss on it.
Feeling a pleasant tingle run through her body, Danica fought the urge to attack Mason right then and there, especially after just telling him no.
"You said at the funeral you plan to avenge those that died; how do you plan on doing that?" Danica asked instead, pushing her perverted thoughts aside.
Behind her, Mason tensed, squeezing her waist a little too tightly before letting out a long breath.
"You know how I've been busy all week?" He said, slowly weighing Danica's reaction.
"Yes, I just figured you needed time to yourself." Danica responded as she found herself wondering what Mason was about to drop on her.
"No, how could I possibly want to be away from you that much simply for solitude?" Mason asked, sounding offended. "I was busy dealing with internal affairs and helping track down who exactly sent those infected rogues to attack."
"Did you find the person?" Danica asked as she turned slightly. "Why didn't you tell me any of this?"
Mason met Danica's gaze as his expression sobered. "I've got a lead; I'm not sure if it is true or not; I should know for sure within the next week."
"And if it is, then what?" Danica asked as she began to feel uneasy.
"Then we go to war."