This woman was something else. Mason thought as he smiled at her determination to keep going. This was supposed to be a simple grab-and-go, but alas, here they were. She challenged him every step of the way, proving how viable she was to be his vessel. He was beyond impressed, but now he was ready for this night to be over. He watched as she let go of the branch. She fell into his arms, and they both took a sharp breath, feeling the connection taking hold of their bodies.

Mason took this moment to pull her closer to his chest while Xenia eyed the axe. Oblivious to her plan,...