Blood Oath (#3, Mystic Wolves) (3 page)

“It was written in blood, and before you ask,
look at the last image.”

Now I was confused as a bloodied driver’s
license filled the screen. The owner was a pretty young woman, but
someone I wasn’t familiar with. I raised my head to ask Mason
whether he knew her, and was rewarded with a not-so-subtle cuss.
Seems he did, and judging by the fury that flashed in his eyes, she
meant something to him.

Dropping the phone, he pushed back the seat
and began pacing, ramming his fingers through his hair. One of the
greatest things about Mason was he usually had a cool head under
pressure, and he made a point not to become unhinged in front of
others. I was stunned by how truly rattled he was, and I could
almost taste his impending change on my tongue. He needed to settle
before he forced a shift on everyone.

My own wolf raised her head and howled,
feeling the energy being generated, and I struggled to coax her
back to sleep. I glanced around at the others, and they were also
trying to rein themselves in. If something didn’t happen, Devlin
and Vlad would soon find themselves in a room full of wolves.

“What is it, Mason? Who is she?” I placed my
hand on his arm as he brushed by, bringing him to a halt.
Breathe.
I sent the thought through our connection and was
relieved when he took a deep lungful of air.

Steadying himself, he finally realized what
effect his reaction was having on everyone, and a wave of calmness
flowed through the room.

Retaking his chair, composed and back in
charge of his emotions, Mason began to answer my questions. “Her
name is …,” he paused, “was Vanessa Madison. She was a childhood
sweetheart of mine, and playmate to Jasmine. Her father was a work
colleague of my father, so our families would spend some time
together. I haven’t seen her in maybe … three or four years. Last
time I checked, she was finishing up with grad school and getting
ready to move across the country.”

“Who have you pissed off, Mason?” Daniel
responded. “I think fang boy over there is right. It’s too
coincidental. Someone’s trying to get your attention and will go to
any lengths.”

“Well, whoever it is has a death wish coming
after the Alpha. I say we hunt them down and ….”

Wade was interrupted by Mason. “Let’s settle
down. Look over everything. Devlin, will you be able to stay
longer?”

A nod from the Enforcer was all that was
needed.

Facing the group, the Alpha continued. “Eric,
put everyone on high alert. Send for members to come in and set up
a team to begin perimeter surveillance. Nothing in, nothing out
until we know more.” Finally, he turned his focus to me.

“I know. No going anywhere. Stay at the
house, and no traipsing in the woods.”

“Just until we know what’s going on, okay?
Promise me.” His gaze held mine.

“Girl Scouts honor,” I replied, raising my
hand to salute.

“You weren’t even a girl scout, Darcy.” Mason
chuckled, and his smile almost reached his eyes. He caressed the
side of my face with his fingers. “Safety first, babe. I can’t lose
you too.”

I nodded, as I briefly leaned into his touch.
When he broke the contact, I refocused on the room and stood.
“Well, I’ll leave everyone to figure this out.” I pushed my chair
under the table, and Mason reached out to grab hold of my hand.

“Where can I find you when this is finished?”
He studied my face as if he was afraid this was the last time he’d
see me.

“I have a ritual to help prepare. And
goodbyes to offer.” Letting my fingers trail out of his grasp, I
nodded to those in the room, pausing a moment to touch Devlin’s
shoulder. “Thanks for being here.” He squeezed my hand and I exited
quickly, closing the door on the meeting turned war council.

What a change of events. Shaking my head, I
began my journey toward Jasmine’s room, my heart preparing itself
for the next few hours.

It was into a quiet hush— a reverent
silence—when I slipped inside Jasmine’s room, closing the door
softly behind me. The curtains had been drawn, candles lit on
almost every surface, and it gave the space a solemn ambience
befitting the moment.

Not ready to look at the bed where my beloved
friend and pack sister lay, I gazed around the place I’d spent so
many hours in. Echoes of memories flittered about in my mind, and
it tugged on my heart strings because I truly, and deeply, loved
Jasmine.

Our connection had been almost instant, two
hearts reaching out, and rejoicing in finding one another. Similar
in age and tastes, our friendship had steadily grown until we
became inseparable—in thoughts and actions. Mason would laugh so
hard each time we finished each other’s sentences, and would groan
over the antics we’d get up to.

He always shared how good it felt that we
were close, easing a burden I never knew he carried. He worried
over his sister, afraid she’d be lonely if his future mate didn’t
recognize the importance Jasmine held in his life.

Back in the room, something pulled me toward
the bookshelf which was crammed—filled with some of Jasmine’s
favorite reads. It was the photo frame I’d given her for her last
birthday—a silver one with the words “best friends” stamped into
it. I gingerly picked it up, my eyes never leaving the smiling
faces peering back up at me. I traced her image, marveling at the
glow the camera had been able to capture.

I can’t even remember when we took the
picture, we’d taken so many. Judging from the goofy looks, I’d say
it was from one of the many nights we used to lie giggling on top
of her bed together, taking random poses. No matter the occasion,
we always found some reason to be silly, and would spend hours
trying to outdo the last shot.

Both our mouths were open, teeth sparkling,
but the twinkle in our eyes showed it all. We were best friends. We
were happy, and we had the rest of our lives ahead of us.

It hurt my heart knowing the last part wasn’t
true anymore. Placing the frame back on the shelf, I began randomly
pulling out books. That was another thing Jasmine and I had in
common—our love of reading romance, and the sexy heroes we found in
each story. I can’t count how many times we would text, or show up
at each other’s rooms, gushing over what Mr. McSwoony was doing,
and sighing together. We were complete junkies, and would stay up
all night talking about what it would be like to be transported
into one of the books. We had weaknesses for highlanders, and no
matter how hard we tried, we could never get Mason to speak in a
Scottish brogue.

I laughed out loud, remembering how we used
to badger him.

“
Please, Mason … just say it. Just once,
and we’ll go away.”

“
No, Jasmine. Now leave me alone.”

“
Not even for me?” Running my finger down
his chest, I bat my eyelashes at him. If anyone could get him to
cave, it was me. I was his weakness after all.

“
Not you too! Enough, I’m not going to
speak like your silly romance books.” Mason backed up, a frown on
his face as he struggled to look serious. “How will people respect
me as Alpha if they know I gave into your demands?”

“
Awww, come on, Brother. It’s not like
we’re asking you to wear a kilt and swing around a sword. Just a
few words—for us. Pleeeeassee.” Jasmine wasn’t beyond
begging.

“
Hmmm, a kilt. I think that’s even better.
Forget the words. Wear a plaid for us. Show us that fine body of
yours!” I began to move toward him, a wicked grin covering my
face.

He fled after that, spending the rest of the
afternoon hiding in his office. Jasmine and I returned to her room
and laughed for hours, devising plans on how we could convince
him.

Leaving the bookshelf, I noticed I wasn’t
alone in the room. April was curled up on the chair, head resting
on her hands as she slept against the seat arm. New to the pack by
a year, she was also the youngest and looked up to Jasmine a lot.
It made sense if anyone would be keeping vigil, it would be
her.

Shaking her shoulder gently, I whispered for
her to wake up. Recognition was slow as she opened her sleepy eyes
and they instantly filled with tears.

“Hi, Darcy. I’m sorry I fell asleep. I didn’t
mean to.” She stretched her small frame and yawned.

“How long have you been here?”

“Since Mason and everyone brought her in. A
few of the pack sisters helped get her situated, cleaned up and
changed her clothes before they all left.” She looked at the floor,
speaking softly. “I didn’t think she’d want to be left alone so I
stayed.”

The thoughtfulness of April struck me hard,
and I offered her a grateful smile. Even though we didn’t always
pull her into our circle, she loved Jasmine enough to know her
well.

“You’re right. Jasmine wouldn’t have liked
that. Thank you for being here.” I reached out, and April moved
into my open arms. As we stood there embracing, she let out a flood
gate of cries, the depth of her grief filling the small room.
Stroking her back gently, I vowed to keep a closer eye on her,
making sure she knew I was always there.

“Did you come to sit with her?” The question
was quickly followed by a hiccup. Using the back of her hand, April
made a quick job at mopping up her tears. My heart broke for
her—broke for all of us.

“I did, so why don’t you head back to your
bedroom for a while, and try to get some sleep. Your bed would be
more comfortable than the chair.” Gently leading her to the door,
she seemed a little hesitant to leave. “The Alpha has shared the
farewell ritual will be tonight at sunset. I’ll make sure someone
comes to get you, okay?”

Turning around with a serious expression on
her face, April added softly, “If you have to leave and no-one is
around, come get me.”

Promising her I would, I went back inside
with Jasmine, alone for the first time since this nightmare began.
I fidgeted with my clothing, my fingers desperate to be moving. I
took a step towards the bed, and faltered. I didn’t think was
strong enough for this. Everything in me screamed to turn and walk
away, not to look—not to face the truth.

My wolf raised her head and gently bayed, a
soft serenade of comfort. I felt her brush against me, and a
feeling of peace flowed through me. She was lending me
strength—strength I didn’t have on my own. Sighing deeply, I closed
my eyes and reminded myself I would survive this. I approached the
bed and the piece of my heart that lay there, forever sleeping.

She was beautiful. Even in death, Jasmine
stole my breath, so peaceful ... so still ... so young.

If I didn’t know the truth, I would’ve sworn
until I was blue in the face she was sleeping. Her facial features
were relaxed and a slight smile rested on her lips. I couldn’t see
any of the horror from before, someone having erased the evidence.
Whoever it had been, I would be forever grateful because I knew
Jasmine’s last moments weren’t happy—far from it.

Not caring to hide the trembling in my hand,
I brushed my fingers through her fine blonde hair, combing it a
little over the pillow. She always thought a woman’s hair was their
crowning glory and she was always so meticulous with it. I was the
kind to dry and put in a ponytail, but Jasmine … she could spend
forever brushing, straightening, or curling it. I would lie on her
bed and tease her relentlessly over it, but she just smiled and
told me to shush.

Dragging one of the seats over to her bed
side to sit, I released the breath I’d been holding. Step one
accomplished and I was still okay. I looked down the length of the
bed. Someone had clothed her in her favorite dress and lightly
covered her with a blanket, as if protecting her from the cold. It
was a thoughtful gesture.

I glanced over her body, as if trying to
check she was all there and accounted for. I knew I was being
silly, but still I did it, almost like how Mason had done it with
me—two arms, two legs, and a body. She was in one piece, sleeping.
I caught the lie and didn’t bother correcting myself.

I reclined in my chair, and exhaled heavily.
“Oh, Jasmine.” The words hung in the air, suspended by a hope I
knew I shouldn’t have.

Abruptly leaning forward, I raised my voice.
“Wake up, girlfriend. Time to rise and shine. Who said you could be
lazy and sleep all day?” I peered at her, waiting for her to open
her eyes and poke her tongue at me.

Nothing.

“You’re missing out on things. Daniel’s
driving Mason crazy by calling him all kinds of titles. Sooner or
later, your brother is going to pound on him. Who’ll be there
bandage the fool if you’re not awake to help?” Grasping at straws,
I used her crush on Daniel to try to coax her back.

My beautiful sister continued to lay
still.

Without thinking, I reached out and took hold
of her hand, squeezing it. The instant I touched her, I realized my
mistake. Grief beat down on me with such force that a sob erupted
out of my mouth and I whipped my arm back, shaking my head
frantically.

“No. No. No.” Somewhere in my mind, I kept
telling myself if I denied the truth, I could keep pretending. But
the proof was in the chill over her skin, the stiffness of death,
and it shattered me.

It didn’t matter I’d been surrounded by
violence all my life. The reality of death wasn’t something new,
especially being part of the supernatural community because there
was always something happening, some feud—particularly amongst the
packs. This felt different though. It struck too deep because this
had been personal—my relationship with Jasmine a strong one.

Pulling my legs up into my chest, I wrapped
my arms around my knees and cried. She truly was gone and nothing
was bringing her back.

The room felt confining—like the air had been
sucked from it, and I struggled to catch my breath. I refused to
open my eyes, not ready to see again what my heart was not
accepting as fact. We had spoken about it. I had remembered the
events and thought I acknowledged it. But this—her cold hand—was
like a slap in the face ... a proverbial kick in the gut.