Testing Fate (#3, The Mystic Wolves)

One moment I was standing in the trial room and the next I was gone—enshrouded by complete darkness. My lungs burned and a tight, squeezing sensation filled my chest, stealing my breath. Just when I was on the verge of passing out, the world burst back into an explosion of color and I dropped to my knees, struggling for air.

“What the hell just happened?” I gasped, my voice ragged. I focused on reducing my rapid panting. My head pounded like large elephants were stampeding and my body was ready to keel over. It was the most disturbing feeling I’d ever experienced and I wanted to kill whoever inflicted it on me.

“Calm yourself, young one. Take deep, steady breaths. The feeling will pass if you don’t fight it,” a soft voice whispered in my ear and I gratefully followed her directions. Slowly the dizziness faded, taking the nauseous waves with it, and I stood without the world spinning around me.

“Where are we?” Mason demanded, clearly annoyed. Devlin placed a cautionary hand on Mason’s shoulder, a warning that his temper wouldn’t be appreciated by the three Fates who stood huddled together watching us. Nodding, Mason corrected himself. “I apologize. I’m simply curious why you’ve brought us here.” He bowed his head in deference to the women, resuming a less threatening approach.

“We will forgive you this once, Alpha of the Mystic Wolves. We understand your apprehension. We felt it was important to remove the necessary parties from your Council’s meeting room and bring you here,” Atropos replied, gesturing to our surroundings.

“And where exactly is here?” Mason asked. He took my hand, his fingers wrapping around mine and squeezing.

I returned the sentiment as mutual concern pulsed through our connection. I was just as confused, and I couldn’t shake the ominous feeling that came over me. It was never a good thing when the powerful creatures became involved, and although the Fates didn’t wield the same kind of supremacy as gods, I knew we’d gone from one dire situation to another. These were the women who controlled the destiny of the world and everyone in it. They held the ability to strip away futures, cut lives short, or alter someone’s entire prospects with a single word. How they’d become involved in this argument was anyone’s guess. It didn’t bode well, especially with the attention they had focused on my mating with Mason.

“You are in our realm now,” Lakhesis answered, speaking as though it was common knowledge. I cast a sidelong glance at Devlin, hoping he could shed some light on the situation; but he stood quietly, his red eyes focused on the Moirai. He wore a serious expression, hands clasped firmly behind his back, and I wished there was some way I could talk with him.

The air thickened with tension—so dense I could almost take a large bite from it. Mason stiffened beside me, his body language signaling he was also on high alert. His reaction stirred my wolf, and the young woman’s revelation finally dawned on me. We were far, far away from our home.

I’d studied Greek mythology growing up and knew the Moirai lived somewhere beyond the mortal sphere, in a place where they could govern over mankind—keeping an ever watchful eye on daily proceedings. Fear began to surface with the realization we were completely at their mercy, unable to leave until they deemed it so.

“Is this about the dream?” I tried keeping my voice steady, but it was difficult containing the slight quiver underlining my question. It was imperative that I tread carefully and not anger our hosts. This was the time when I needed to draw on all of the diplomatic skills that Mason and Devlin had instilled in me. As the Alpha’s future mate, I needed to negotiate wisely and safely. Never had I been more grateful for those lessons than now.

“Yes, this about the dream. An accusation has been made about our interference with your destined mating. Doubt has been placed and unless it is resolved, any female or male wolf is free to challenge you both in the future. From what we have witnessed, one has already done so.”

The mention of Amber instantly caused my skin to prickle with anger. We’d just gone through hell because of that vindictive she-wolf and had only just finished dealing with her via the Council. Mason and Amber had once been paired to marry, an arranged union that would benefit their fathers thirst for more power. But when Mason’s parents tragically died, he’d stepped into the role as leader of the Mystic Wolves and declared the agreement null and void. We later met, fell in love, and would soon be married. Everyone was excited for the big day—everyone, but Amber.

Obsessed to the point of insanity, she’d gone to extreme lengths in securing her place by Mason’s side—attempted murder through magic. She’d almost succeeded in breaking us apart, but thankfully, we’d prevented the ancient ritual from being completed. Amber had ranted and raved as Devlin arrested her, taking her into the Council’s custody for judgment. I still remembered her screams to never stop until Mason was finally hers.

The Council ruled in our favor, stating Amber had broken the law. We thought it was all over until, in an act of betrayal by a pack brother and friend, I was accused of using magic to ensnare the Alpha as well. I’d also felt the hurtful sting Mason experienced as he looked at Nathan, whom he loved and trusted, spout lies—siding with the scorned woman who’d so desperately tried to control him. Our connection didn’t always function the way it should but at that moment, we were one. His pain was my pain. It had been brutal.

The finger of blame was now pointed at me—my alleged crime the same as Amber’s. It was said I’d magically altered fate via the dream Mason and I shared. Vivien, the lead witch and Council member, promptly spoke the words, bringing the ancient Moirai to the trial room for an explanation. One look at the Fate known as Klothos and my world had crumbled.

I knew her and she knew me. She’d been in that dream—offering me a choice in mates. The evidence appeared damning, and before I could utter my innocence, I was whisked away.

Glancing about, my surroundings were nothing short of beautiful. Thick, white pillars stood around us. The area was bright, filled with a luminous light that didn’t hurt the eyes but instead gave off a warm glow. It was also bursting with vibrant colors. Every kind of hue imaginable dressed the garden which appeared lovingly maintained—fragrant flowers, decorative bushes, and sturdy trees stood sentinel. Toward the side, a stone carved fountain sprayed water droplets into the air, the sound as they landed back into the large sculpted basin a soothing trickle.

Recalling the accusations made against me, I stepped closer to Mason, his arm instinctively wrapping around my waist—sheltering me.

“Couldn’t the matter be settled where we were?” Devlin asked, finally speaking up. He’d also discretely moved, flanking me on the left, creating united front.

“Enough with the questioning. We required your presence here. We decided that this is the appropriate venue for your trial and our authority will not be undermined or challenged,” Atropos stated. It was an eerie thing to witness—anger dripping from her tone, yet her features remained serene and unwavering. “We shall now continue with the judgment as to whether Klothos’ tampering with the accused’s dream altered your destinies.”

“May I be permitted to speak?” the dainty Klothos interjected, lowering her eyes in respect. I could see the remorse on her face and in the way she carefully held her body. Clasping her hands at the front of her dress, she patiently waited for consent.

“You’ll have plenty of time to give your account, Sister. For now, we must begin our proceedings. Young Darcy, come stand before us.”

The Moirai retreated to their individual chaise lounges that appeared from nowhere. Reclining on the brocaded fabric with their elegant robes flowing around them, they presented an ethereal picture. The air seemed to shimmer with power around them, sending a strong message and warning they weren’t to be trifled with or underestimated.

I obeyed their command and left the security of Mason and Devlin’s presence, standing where Atropos indicated. I kept my arms hanging loosely by my side and following Devlin’s example, I kept my eyes lowered to the ground.

“It has always been our belief that you and Mason were to be meant to mate. Since both of your births, it has been written in our records, and unless something unforeseeable happened, it would have eventually become a reality. It was because of this certainty, that neither my sisters nor I had any reason to intervene. Once in a while, one of us would peer into your realm to observe and see if all was progressing smoothly, vowing only to step in should something derail the natural order. In your case, everything was always as it should be. There was no need for Klothos to interfere.” Lakhesis gave her sister a pointed look, her reprimand and disapproval obvious. “The dream both you and the Mystic Wolves’ Alpha shared was the direct result of her tampering. You were meant to meet under different circumstances.”

“Why does it matter then? If we were already meant to find each other and fall in love, why is the dream an issue? If anything, it sped our romance up and helped us recognize each other sooner. It all still leads to the same thing . . . us becoming mates.”

“The issue, as you put it, is that we were never to be part of your meeting. Our involvement should not have been a factor, and because it was, intentional or not, it leaves room for doubt that you two were supposed to be together. We cannot allow our methods to be questioned or our authority to be seen as anything but absolute. Can you not see why this must be resolved?” Atropos gaze held steady with mine. “The moment suspicion is placed at our feet, we had to answer.”

“So what happens now?” Mason queried from behind me. The Moirais’ attention never left me—failing to show whether they’d heard him or not.

“Darcy Matthews, you have been accused of calling on us to steal the destiny of another and claim Mason O’Connor as your mate. How do you respond to such allegations?” Atropos continued, seriousness descending over the meeting.

There was no denying the change in the air. A noticeable weight settled on my shoulders and I prayed for the right words. If ever there was a time I needed to be eloquent, it was now.

Just breathe, sweetheart, and speak the truth. We have nothing to hide or be ashamed of. Mason’s calming influence swept through me, wrapping me in confidence, and I showed him a grateful smile. Devlin nodded slightly, offering me his own support and givingme the courage I needed. I wasn’t alone in this. I had my future mate and dearest friend by my side.

“Not guilty. Until today, I’d never met you or your sisters.”

“Did you contact Klothos and ask her to intervene on your behalf?” Lakhesis leaned forward in her chair, her stare piercing mine. I wanted to squirm under her scrutiny but I held firm. They were an intimidating group but I had done nothing wrong.

“No, I didn’t.” I kept my answer short and simple.

“How do you explain the fact both you and the Mystic Wolves’ Alpha shared the same dream then?” Atropos took over the questioning. A table appeared beside her and she perused the assorted tropical fruits. Finding a grape to her liking, she popped it into her mouth before offering the plate to her sisters. She chewed thoughtfully, her focus returning to me and a look of annoyance flashed in her eyes. “We are still waiting for your answer.”

“I-I can’t explain it,” I stammered. Her intense focus felt like it was a drilling a hole into me, searching for answers within my soul.

“Try.”

“I went to bed that evening as normal, dreamed, and woke the next morning to my mother telling me she’d set me up on a blind date. It wasn’t until I opened the door and saw Mason that I realized something had happened. I thought it was a good thing—a sign.” I looked back at Mason and he smiled, love shining from his blue eyes. “I never questioned it. I thought it was fate.”

“And do you agree, Mason O’Connor?” Lakhesis gestured for him to step forward. Brushing my shoulder as he came and stood beside me, I slipped my hand into his again.

“I do. It’s also been a source of pride for us. That there was no doubt we were meant to be together because of the dream. The second I saw her, I knew. My wolf knew.” There was such conviction in his words—sincerity and strength.

Silence descended over the room as his words and their meaning hovered in the air. The Moirai remained quiet, their features stilled, not revealing their inner thoughts. Time seemed to tick by and I glanced at Devlin. I wasn’t sure why he was here—none of the questioning so far had included him. His focus was on the lounging women, his brow furrowed in contemplation. He must have felt my eyes on him because he shook his head gently, indicating he didn’t know why the meeting had stopped either.

“That answers the allegations, right?” I interjected. I heard Mason’s sharp intake of breath as all three Fates turned and focused solely on me. Their eyes were wide with outrage and I realized my error. I’d spoken out of turn.

“We determine and pass judgment, young wolf. Don’t be foolish to presume you can dictate to us. We hold the world in our hands. We watch over lives and cut the string that bind people to it. Our influence is wide and eternal. We know more than you could ever comprehend.” There was a thick layer of ice in Lakhesis’ voice. Her hand had dropped the slice of melon she’d reached for and she was pointing at me.

“Obviously you don’t know everything, if this happened without your awareness,” I snorted, still not thinking. The swift reprimand came a second later.

The Moirai stood as one and together dropped their youthful glamor. The room seemed to grow smaller as they rose to their full stature—power crackling like electricity, ignited by their fury. Gone were the beautiful façade, the elegance, and gracefulness that poets wrote sonnets about. Standing in all their glory, they revealed their true selves—crones, withered and bent from centuries of existence. They were terrifying to behold.

“You dare speak to us that way?” Atropos thundered, the ground shaking at her outrage.

I recoiled from her wrath and took a step back. A slight breeze danced over my skin, signaling Devlin had moved to position himself between me and the angry ancients. Mason had already assumed a protective stance, the Enforcer joining him, effectively blocking me from their view.

“She means no disrespect, Blessed Ones,” Devlin spoke, as he used the same term Zane, his King, had used back with the Council. “She is young and spoke rashly. Please, show mercy.”

“Why? She knows who we are. Such insolence has never been condoned. Give us one reason why we shouldn’t cut her life string right now. In the very least, deem her mating null and void,” Lakhesis demanded.

Mason growled, his mouth opened to answer, but this was my error to correct. Placing my hands on their arms and pushing between my two protectors, I stood before the Fates again, my entire body displaying my remorse and submission. “Please. I meant no offense. It’s true. I spoke without thinking and I’m ashamed now. No accusations were made and I ask that you overlook my thoughtlessness and continue.” I looked at each of them, trying not to cringe at their frightful appearances. “Please, I wish to make this right.”

Silence filled the room again—a never-ending pause that shook me to my core. Everything hung in the balance and I inwardly berated myself for being so impulsive and stupid. I knew what was at stake here. I knew protocol needed to be followed. Yet, I’d still let my frustrations and mouth run away from me. I was innocent of Amber’s spiteful accusations, but it wouldn’t matter if I’d ruined my own chances for happiness myself. Devlin, Mason, and I held our breaths—waiting.

Slowly their fury diminished, and with it the Moirai returned to their former youthfulness. The almost suffocating power radiating from them faded away, signaling danger had passed for the moment.

“You may now explain, Klothos.” Atropos turned to her sister, gesturing for her to speak.

Mason and Devlin moved behind me, and I visibly relaxed, my body releasing its tension as they reclined back on their chaises, as though nothing had happened.

The trial had officially begun again.