The stillness of my room felt somewhat stifling, the last few moments with Mason playing over and over in my mind. Not caring that someone would be here shortly, I began stripping off my sweaty clothes, the need for a shower the only thing I could concentrate on.
I knew he was under pressure and that even the strongest had their limits. I had confidence he’d be able to face whatever challenges he met later. I just couldn’t shake the ominous feeling which had nestled itself in the bottom of my stomach. This is where I needed to have faith— to not just say it, but also show it.
Stepping under the water, scrubbing away the grime from my recent workout, I tried to focus on the future. There was so much to look forward to—a lifetime of new experiences, and my highly anticipated mating. Nothing had changed and something told me when we came out on the other side of this, we’d be stronger for it.
The soft perfume from my body wash mingled with the soothing steam of the hot water, seeping its way into my pores, and I began to calm down. I tried to remember what a wise friend told me a few years ago—a problem always looked bigger when it was the only thing I focused on, and as I rinsed off, I kept reminding myself of the bigger picture. This, unfortunately, wasn’t going to be the only time we faced danger together as a couple and pack. It wouldn’t be the only time we suffered heartache and uncertainty.
Stepping out of the shower, a new sense of determination filled me. Mason had stood by me, taking precious time to help re-instill my confidence in who I was and my place within the pack. I knew how lucky I was to have him, and I made a mental note—once this was over, I wanted to plan a special evening just for the two of us. We needed some alone time so I could pamper him. Grinning, I felt a pulse of excitement. That’s exactly what I’d do.
Quickly dressing, I felt lighter for the first time today. I walked out into my bedroom to find a very large, very amused looking, vampire enforcer sprawled across my bed. His rich chuckle charged the air as he began to read out aloud from my romance novel.
“Oh, Bradley, you’re so strong. However will I live without you? Kiss me … kiss me now and I’ll be forever yours. I’m all trembling waiting for you, my darling.” His high-pitched attempt at sounding like a female made me forget for a moment to yell at him for teasing and I busted up laughing, my hand covering my mouth.
“Felicity. I’m so glad you’ve noticed my manliness. Please, touch me. Touch my . . .” I watched him flip the book closed, taking a quick look at the cover, and he reopened to the spot his finger marked, “hard muscles and long flowing hair.” He snorted, clearly finding it funny and returned the book to its rightful spot.
“Please tell me you don’t enjoy that?” He looked at me incredulously, patting the space beside him on the bed as an invitation for me to come sit. “That was cheesy, and it’ll turn your brain to rot.”
“Hey, don’t mock my romance book, and you know that’s not what it says either. Go ahead and laugh, but you don’t know what you’re missing!” I flopped myself down, slapping him for good measure on his leg. “I’m sure it’s more fascinating than what you read, Mr. I’m-A-Broody-Vampire. Probably something heavy and extremely tragic.” I rolled my eyes at him, mocking him right back.
“You think you’re so funny. For your information, I just finished a murder mystery. It was quite entertaining.”
“Really?” I turned my head to look at him. He didn’t come across as someone who’d be interested in the genre, or any for that matter.
“No. I don’t have time for such luxuries, but if I did, it wouldn’t be something with the title “Surrendering to the Mistress of Promises.” He eyed the book again.
“I’ll let you borrow it when I’m done. It’ll be our little secret.” I tapped him on the leg and got off the bed. Mason still hadn’t come by yet, and I was anxious to see him before he left.
“He’ll be okay, you know?” I turned around quickly, ready to blast him. “And no, I didn’t read your thoughts. I understand you well enough to read your body language. You’re worried about the meeting, but Mason’s got a smart head on his shoulders. He’ll be careful.”
“I hope so.” I began to slowly pace back and forth, inching closer to the door with each step. As if willing him there, I heard a knock and Mason entered, followed closely by Daniel. They were both dressed in black, weapons concealed, but my focus was solely on the man moving toward me.
He looked lethal and dangerous. I could tell by the game face he was wearing, he was in complete control. Any uncertainty was gone as the full weight of the Alpha mantle rested squarely on his shoulders. He’d take no risks tonight.
“We’re ready to head out, sweetheart.” The use of the endearment settled some of my anxiety. He seemed balanced, and I stepped into his open arms, ignoring the way the knives he had hidden dug into my skin. I inhaled deeply, enjoying his masculine scent, and I tried to show my support through our embrace.
I was the one who stepped away first, squeezing his hand before looking back at him. “Be safe, okay? Do what you need to do and then come home.” I smiled widely, and my heart skipped a beat when he returned one of his own. I saw the look of relief in his eyes.
“I’ll try to send you updates through our connection, so you don’t spend the rest of the night worrying. I know you have a bad feeling.” He reached out and stroked the curve of my face. “I did hear you, even though I acted like I didn’t. Daniel and I have gone over every possible scenario we could think of, and if it looks like a trap we’ll get out of there. I just can’t let this chance slip by. Who knows what lengths Avery will go to if these have been his opening moves?”
“You don’t need to explain. I understand, and I appreciate you offering to send updates. Besides, I’ll be fine here with Devlin.” I gestured over my shoulder to where he was laying. “I know just how we’ll spend our evening as well.” I could hear Devlin groan softly.
“I love you, Darcy.”
My eyes moved over Mason’s face, taking everything in. “I love you too,” I whispered and I took another step back as he turned to go.
“Keep her safe, Devlin. I’m counting on you. Leave here only if you have to.”
“Does this mean you rescind your Alpha command for me to stay on pack property?” I asked.
“Yes, should the need arise, you stay with Devlin. No running off on your own. Promise me, Darcy, or the command stands.”
I agreed to his terms, and I felt the burden of the command lift. “I won’t leave here by myself. You have my word.”
He paused for a moment, weighing things and seemed satisfied. Nodding at Devlin, both Daniel and he left the room.
I let out a heavy sigh, staring at the closed door and I shut my eyes briefly to offer up a heartfelt prayer. Twirling around, I attempted a smile as I settled myself back on the bed. Devlin wrapped his arm around my shoulder, pulling me close, and I rested against him.
“Ah, the joys of waiting.” I laughed, breaking the silence. “So, what shall we do?” I tilted my head to the side, peering over at my friend.
“Anything you’d like. I’m at your service, Madam Darcy.” He added a flourish with his hand. “Your wish is my command.”
“Honestly? I think I’d just like to talk. We don’t often get the chance and I’ve missed you.” Devlin had always been a part of my life, showing up from time to time when I needed him or whenever he was in town. As an Enforcer, he travelled the world at the order of his King, but I loved whatever chance I got to be with him when he was home in Woodside Hollow.
“Then fire away. What’s the first topic for discussion?”
I loved the way he bantered with me, and I tapped my finger against my chin, trying to decide. There was still so much I didn’t know about him because he was the master of evasion. Though I learned not to pry too much into his life, I looked forward to whatever tidbit he revealed. There were things on my mind we could talk about, but an image flashed in my mind. I suddenly sat up straight, turning myself to face him before crossing my legs.
>
“What is the deal with Vlad? He doesn’t seem to be the kind of partner you would have so I know there’s a story there. Spill it.” I looked at him intently, waiting to see what he’d divulge.
“He is the bane of my existence at the moment … the thorn in my side … the constant source of irritation.” He rubbed his hand across his forehead, lowering his voice. “And he’s also my family.”
I couldn’t help it. I exploded into laughter so hard I had tears welling in my eyes. “He’s your relative?” I was lucky to get the question out.
“Are you finished?” He cocked his eyebrow, a scowl on his face. It seemed I found a tender spot that begged for me to poke at it.
“Nope. I’m sorry, but this is too funny. He appears to be so awkward, and you’re always so … not awkward. How come I’ve never met him before?”
“Because I never intended him to become a vampire, or to be introduced into our world.” He let out a frustrated sigh, and I slanted forward, knowing he was about to reveal something. “He’s a descendant of my beloved sister, and was meant to remain human. They all were, but sometimes things happen. Vlad was to remain ignorant of who I was, but after a lapse in my judgment, discovered I was a vampire. He became enamored with the idea of being turned, pestering me relentlessly until I finally decided to just wipe his mind and remove myself from his life. The evening I chose to execute my plans, I arrived at his home to find him dying, lying in a pool of blood. Seems he didn’t need me after all, and had found someone to help him. I had no other option but to help finish his transition and ease his passage into his new life. I was honor bound to protect my family, having given a blood-oath to my sister, so I took him back to my King for guidance. He’s with me now because his sparkling personality has almost gotten him staked on numerous occasions.” Devlin chuckled to himself. “Imagine that?”
“You made a blood oath with your sister?” I couldn’t help the surprise in my voice and I’m sure my eyes were as large as saucers. I didn’t know too much, but what I did know was a blood oath was one of the most sacred of pledges a person could offer. It was unbreakable, immovable, and very rarely made. It was the tightest of commitments between two people and to break it meant suffering a death too horrible to imagine.
“My, you are observant tonight.” He nodded, smiling, a wistful look crossed his face and I knew he was remembering her.
“You remind me a lot of her—the same willful spirit, gentle soul, and playful heart. There are even times where I think you share similar mannerisms. It made loving you, and wanting to watch over you a joy. Hers was a hard life, one I would never have chosen for her, but as a devoted brother, I honored her wishes. She made the mistake of loving the wrong person, became pregnant, and later lost her life in childbirth. The babe lived, but losing her was a devastating blow. From her deathbed she requested something of me, demanding I give her a blood oath, and I couldn’t refuse her. I left that night to see it begin and have spent the years bound by it. I know I’ll spend the remainder of my life fulfilling my promise, even when it means I’m stuck with a family member who thinks he’s reached bad ass status by calling himself Vlad.” He scoffed as he ran his fingers through his hair before crossing his arms over his chest.
I snorted. “Really?” I asked, loving the way he was sharing about his family. I couldn’t remember the last time he had talked this long about himself. I was almost too hesitant to interrupt. “Well, it could’ve been worse, you know?”
“How so?” he asked, looking curious.
“He could’ve called himself Edward, or Jasper. Sparkling is the “in” thing right now.”
Devlin groaned loudly. “I would’ve staked him myself.”
Laughing hard, I grabbed my sides as I imagined him chasing poor Vlad around the room with a stake. Just when I thought I could stop, an image of Devlin glittering in the sun filled my mind, sending me into another round of hysterics.
“Now what?” he said, scowling at my laughter.
“I was picturing what you’d look like as a Cullen. I think you’d totally rock the sparkle.”
“Yeah, enough.” He held up his hand, shaking his head. “Next topic.”
“Okay, I’m sorry. It was too hard to resist.” Taking in a calming breath, I continued, “I love hearing about your past, though. What was your sister’s name?”
“Elynor.” He sighed. “Even after all this time I miss her. She would have loved you immensely had she known you.”
I rested my hand on his arm and squeezed, trying to offer comfort. We settled into another bout of silence, lost in our thoughts, and I was grateful for the glimpse he had given me. I had no problem imagining him interacting with his sister, doting on her, because he’d shown similar affection for me.
I went to ask him more questions, but became distracted by the images filtering through my connection. Relaxing, trying to steady my emotions so I didn’t lose contact, I closed my eyes and concentrated.
Sensing something was happening, Devlin didn’t utter a word, the room going still.
It wasn’t difficult to understand what Mason and Daniel was experiencing. They had finally arrived at the meeting place, and judging from what details I could see, Avery had invited them to one of the larger homes on the other side of town. This surprised me because I didn’t think he was local. Trying to remember the street names, looking for familiar landmarks, I felt a rush of excitement. I knew where they were.
The house appeared to be dimly lit, and as they cautiously entered the property, no one was there to greet them or confront them. Again, this was interesting since I was almost certain Avery would’ve had an entourage of minions.
Daniel apparently thought the same thing because I heard him ask Mason what he thought about the absence of resistance.
Scoping the area and not seeing any movement, the Alpha whispered to stay alert. They continued moving up the pathway toward the entrance, their hands resting lightly on their weapons.
“Is everything alright?” Devlin’s voice broke my concentration and I quickly nodded, returning my focus to the mental images so I wouldn’t miss anything.
“They’ve arrived and they’re not sure what to make of it. They’re approaching the front door, but they don’t like the lack of guards. It’s too quiet.”
“Do you recognize where they are?”
I nodded, but didn’t answer. Mason was pounding on the door and both continued to look around warily. I could sense his confusion and the moment when he decided they needed to leave, but the door suddenly opened, revealing Avery.
He was immaculately dressed in a dark blue suit, tailor made from its appearance. He bowed slightly, welcoming them into his home.
I wanted to scream for Mason to follow his gut and come home, not liking the look of satisfaction on the vampire’s face, but I forced myself to be silent.
Showing no hesitation, they crossed the threshold, the door slamming shut behind them, and I felt like this was a scene straight from of a horror movie.
Gesturing for Mason and Daniel to follow him, Avery led them into what looked like a parlor, offering them refreshments as though he was a civilized host. Both refused and I wondered if they caught the flash of disappointment on his face. It was lightning fast, buried within seconds, but there nevertheless.
I watched the bantering back and forth, trivial comments and my head began to pound a little. I felt Devlin rest his hand on my knee, the offer of strength, and I took another breath.
Mason’s anger was rising, and Avery was laughing. It seemed the vampire had tried to use compulsion, and I watched as Daniel shook his head as if trying to dislodge something. Mason grabbed hold of Daniel, moving to leave, and I could sense his wolf ready to take charge.
“Avery tried to use compulsion and Mason is furious. I think the meeting’s over,” I whispered. “And the tension I feel, I’m not sure whether it’s mine or his. Something’s not right, but I don’t know what it means.” I could feel myself starting
to panic.
Instead of fluid motion, the images I was receiving now were more like snap shots. Mason wasn’t showing it all, but what I was able to see and feel, terrified me. Everything seemed to come at me quickly—anger, an attack on Avery, a struggle, Daniel disappearing, Mason having the upper hand and moving in for the kill, a blast of confusion, and then suddenly—nothing. My mind went black, our connection broken.
I screamed, frantic to get it back, and I couldn’t help but blame myself for it not working. I wrestled with my mind, trying to reconnect again. All I found was emptiness.
I propelled myself off the bed toward my dresser, grabbing my cell phone. I had no idea what happened, but one thing I did know—Mason was in trouble. I quickly dialed his number, hoping he would pick up. The more it rang, the more impatient I got. I needed to reach him, and heaven help the person who tried to stop me.
Hands took firm grip of me, and I ended the call as I whirled around to confront Devlin.
“Let me go. Now.” I was not in the mood to be trifled with and I tried to break free of his grasp. He was immovable, and without thinking, I raised my knee to force him to let go.
He easily deflected it. I fought against him and he answered by shaking me so hard I thought my eyeballs would rattle out of my head.
“Quit fighting me, Darcy. I’m assuming something’s happened and that’s where you’re racing off to go, but please, stop for a moment. Explain what you saw so we can take care of this together.” He kept his voice level, trying to exude as much calm as possible.
“You said “we”. Are you telling me you won’t stop me?” I looked at him suspiciously, poised to resume fighting for my release. I felt his hands relax and finally let go.
“As if you would listen. Remember, I know you well, there’s nothing I could say that would stop you. We need to have a plan, though.” He walked over to my closet, pulling out a pair of shoes. He handed them to me and I put them on. Leaving the room, we headed toward the front door.
“I was hoping we could come up with one on our way there. I’m not sure what’s happening, but I saw them fight and then the connection was broken. It can mean one of two things—either I broke it, or Mason is in trouble. I hope it’s me and I get a call saying they’re on their way home, but I can’t risk it. All I know, is I need to act. My Alpha and future mate is in danger.”
“Even if it means he gets angry at you, and furious with me? I know you’re able to leave the house, but I also know he’d never agree to me allowing you to rush to his rescue.” He stepped out into the open air and waited for me to join him.
“We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it. Now let’s go.”
Looking around for his car, I was distracted by one of the most beautiful motorcycles I’d ever seen. It was all shiny chrome with black upholstery, and I found myself drawn to it.
“Please tell me this is yours.” This was a masterpiece of machinery, and exactly what we needed to get there quickly.
Handing me the helmet, Devlin swung his leg over. He kicked the stand back, balancing the heavy weight between his legs.
Fastening the head gear, I climbed up behind him, wrapping my arms around his body and resting my hands on his stomach. I could feel the difference in our body temperatures—mine resembled a slight fever and his, a cold chill. Ignoring how it caused my hand to tingle, I leaned forward to speak in his ear.
“Why am I the only one wearing a helmet?” I reached up to adjust the strap so it didn’t dig into my chin.
“Because I’m a vampire, and invincible,” he retorted.
“Well, I’m a werewolf, and being supernatural isn’t going to protect your head from being smashed open like an egg on the asphalt.” I knocked my knuckles against his head. “Although, you are pretty hard headed and may bounce a little at first.”
“There’s only one helmet. I wasn’t planning on taking you anywhere when I came here, and despite my many abilities, foresight isn’t one of them. I’m more concerned with keeping you in one piece than myself. Let me worry, just hold on tight and tell me where we’re heading?”
I gave him the address, and without warning, he flipped open his phone.
“We need back up at 325 Hillsdale Road. The Alpha’s in trouble.” He didn’t even wait for a reply before snapping the device shut, and jump starting the bike.
The wheels spun furiously on the gravel, churning it up and we burst forward, causing me to jolt before I had a chance to correct myself. I slapped him for not letting me know his intentions, and I felt the rumble of laughter through his chest.
As the motorcycle roared down the street, bringing us nearer to our destination, all I could do was close my eyes and pray.
I’m coming, Mason. Just hold on.
Chapter Nineteen