Mason (Iron Reapers MC #1)

Chapter 20

TWENTY

MASON

The reception hall's alive with the roar of laughter, clinking glasses, and the twang of a steel guitar. I'm in my woman's arms, her white wedding dress a stark contrast to the dark leather of my cut. We're caught in the eye of the storm, just Carlie and me, dancing to a rhythm that's ours alone.

"Mason," she whispers, her voice a melody over the chaos, "This is perfect."

"Only gonna get better, Darlin'," I promise, spinning her under my arm. The world blurs except for her—my wife. Her curls bounce, her laughter rings out, and my heart—it damn near explodes with pride.

She leans into me, our bodies moving as one. We've danced on the edge of danger, flirted with destiny, but this dance here is something else. It's a vow, a silent promise that no matter the roads we’re on, we ride 'em together.

I catch the misty eyes of the club members, their gruff exteriors softened in the glow of fairy lights. They never saw this coming, Pres Blackstone tamed by love. But hell, neither did I.

The song fades, the crowd cheers, and it's time. Time to put words to the feelings flooding my chest. I clear my throat, grip the mic stand, and every gaze locks on me.

"Brothers, family, friends," my voice echoes, gravel mixed with something like wonder. "I’m not one for speeches, but for Carlie... for my wife, I'll find the words."

She stands beside me, her hand finding mine, squeezing.

"Life's thrown me more curves than a mountain road, but every turn led me here. To this moment, to this woman who's the fire in my veins, the calm in my storm." Pausing, I let the truth sink into every heart beating in the room.

"Love wasn't s'posed to be in my cards, yet here she is, holding my hand, owning my soul. Carlie, you took a lone wolf, a man who lived by his own code, and you showed him what it means to be part of something greater."

I turn to her, drowning in those eyes that see right through my ink and scars.

"Baby, I vow to protect you, cherish you, and ride with you 'til the end of the line. You are my home, my heart, my forever ride or die." My voice cracks, raw emotion spilling over. "I love you more than my next breath."

The place erupts, whistles and hoots drowning out the silence. Old ladies wipe tears, brothers nod in respect, and I pull Carlie close, sealing my oath with a kiss that speaks louder than any words ever could.

"Love you too, Mason. Forever and always," she says, her voice strong, sure, and just for me.

"Forever and always," I echo, knowing in my bones it's the truest thing I've ever said.

Slipping through the back door of the clubhouse, I pull Carlie with me, needing a break from the chaos. Our hands entwined, we dodge moonlit shadows and find our way to the quiet sanctuary of my—no, our—workshop.

"God, Mason, can you believe it?" Carlie's voice is a whisper, all awe and wonder. "We're married."

"Believe it, Darlin'," I murmur back, my chest swelling with something fierce. I spin her into my arms, breathing in the scent of her hair, flowers, and vanilla mixing with the night air.

"Feels like I'm dreaming," she admits, her head resting against the leather that marks me as Iron Reapers’ MC Pres. The weight of the club colors every inch of this life, but here with her, it's just us, and the title means nothing.

"Then let's not wake up," I say, my lips grazing her forehead. The roughness of my voice doesn't hide the raw edge of emotion. This woman, she's turned my world upside down, and showed me love isn't a weakness but the ultimate ride.

"Never," she vows, her fingers dancing lightly over the ink on my neck. "I'm right where I want to be, with you, Mason Blackstone, my husband."

"Damn straight." I grin, feeling a warmth spread through me that's got nothing to do with the warm night. It's her—the light she shines on my darkest parts.

"Let's make promises, just us." Her eyes, they're alight with a fire that matches the burning in my soul.

"Anything for you, Carlie girl."

"Promise to always be this real, this raw." She's serious, her gaze holding mine captive.

"Every breath, every damn day." My words are a solemn oath, etched deep in the marrow of my bones. "Your turn."

"Promise to never lose this wild streak, the one that made me fall hard and fast." She bites her lip, playful and seductive all at once.

"Baby, that's like asking the sun not to rise." I laugh, the sound rumbling deep in my chest. "You got that wild locked down tight. Now, come here."

I kiss her fiercely, pouring every ounce of passion I got into the promise of forever.

"Mason..." Her sigh is full of contentment.

"Shh, let's just be," I whisper back, my voice barely carrying over the party raging in the background. Here in my arms, I've got more than I ever dared hope for—a woman who loves the man beneath the cut.

"Deal," she whispers, her breath warm against my skin.

"Deal." I echo, knowing we're sealed tighter than any pact made before witnesses and God. This is our truth—gritty and intense, forged in loyalty and bound by love.