Forever Changed (The Mystic Wolves) (12 page)

“No!”

“Yes!” Daniel corrected.

“Hmmm, I might have to check it out for myself tonight,” I
teased giving Mason a flirty wink.

“Enough,” he huffed, clearly not liking being the
object of our laughter. “Don’t make me ask again about why you were so excited when we came in.”

“Fine, spoil our fun. Vivien called while you were of
f getting snuggly with each other. She talked with a friend of hers who thinks they may have the solution to Darcy’s magic.”

“Really? Excellent. Did she say what?” I asked.

“I didn’t get any of the details. Devlin took the call; but from what I know, it will require the other coven’s members, so we’ll be going there for the ritual.”

“Going where?” I wanted to throttle Daniel for dragging it out. I was impatient to find out and
each second wasted, was a second too long.

“You’re going to love this. Where do all good witches live?”

“Quit messing around, Daniel,” Devlin interrupted finally off the phone. “I got the go ahead to use Zane’s private jet. He’s having it fueled as we speak; so as soon we’re ready, we can leave.”

“Someone needs to start filling in the blanks, and quickly.” Mason sounded like he’d come to the end of his patience.

“Fine, spoilsports. Pack your bags, you two. We’re going to Salem, Massachusetts.”

Chapter 12

Touching down in Hollis, New Hampshire, I threw Devlin a questioning look. “Didn’t you say we were going to Salem?” I glanced around Zane’s private airstrip
and out into the dark night. Workers were busy taxing the plane into a large silver hangar, moving about with quiet efficiency.

The flight had gone flawlessly and I’d whispered to Mason how impressed I was. The pretty blonde stewardess, Abigail, had
kept our drinks filled throughout the journey and I was all for this kind of pampering. Devlin had seen my pleasure and mentioned asking Zane if we could borrow the plane in the future. I instantly thought of the honeymoon Mason and I were currently missing out on because of all this drama. With a jet at our disposal, the world was available and all we had to do is close our eyes, point randomly to a map, and we could be there. That kind of freedom deeply appealed to me.

“We’re about an hour or so away from Salem. Because of the last minute plans, it was easier using
the Bombardier than a commercial flight,” he answered, hanging up from his phone. As soon as we landed, he’d called for a car.

“I could get used to traveling in style,
like this.” Daniel chuckled, still eyeing Zane’s BD 700 Global Express. Throughout the flight he gave us a running commentary on all the cool features and gadgets he’d found. For all the bravado and sophistication he liked to portray, I knew differently—Daniel was a boy at heart, his curiosity stoking his excitement at trying something new. It was adorable and I had no problem teasing him about it.

“Is someone coming for us?” Mason asked, glancing about, his
instincts trained on studying his surroundings. He was worried, I could sense his unease and I gently laid my hand on his forearm. He was somewhat out of his element and didn’t like surprises. We were all feeling it, wondering if this would be when Julian surfaced and made his play for me.

Devlin’s posture mirrored Masons. “Yes, in fact . . .” He pointed behind us to the car now approaching through the high security gated fence. “Here’s our ride.”

A sleek, black stretch Hummer came to a stop in front of us, and my mouth dropped open. The vehicle was huge, beyond huge, making the tank of a truck Mason drove seem like a small toy for car-loving boys. There was no doubt in my mind that if it was this impressive the outside, the inside would be just as plush and fully equipped with all the bells and whistles. Letting out a soft groan, I could just imagine the blow-by-blow descriptions from both Daniel and Mason.

Mason’s eyes widened, a giant grin erupting over his face as the car came to a stop. “Hot damn
.” He whistled gently under his breath.

“Sweet mercy
.” Daniel echoed.

“Boys.” I shook my head at their blatant drooling and
moved to stand by Devlin. The driver’s door opened and a tall woman got out.

“Do we know her?”
I asked.

The stranger was dressed in jeans with a black leather jacket zipped up the front. Her ash blonde hair was pulled tightly back into a high ponytail and
her hand rested lightly on her hip as her gaze darted from side to side, before finally looking our way. I’d seen Devlin do the same thing and he later told me it was an old habit—checking to see that his weapons were in place as he scanned the area. Studying the newcomer, I wondered about her weapon of choice.

“Christina
!” Devlin greeted, leaving my side and surprising me by hugging the tall woman. A friendly grin passed between them as she returned his affection, softly kissing his cheek.

“Devlin, it’s been a while. How’ve you been?” Her voice had a slight rasp to it, making it unique and inviting. There was a genuine closeness in their relationship, a mutual respect and openness. Slowly letting her go, Devlin rubbed her arm once more before answering.

“Same as always. Salem agrees with you.” Sure enough, his comment caused a faint blush to spread across Christina’s cheeks. No one was immune to his attentions.

“
As has working with Zane, for you. It’s so good to see you. I just wish it was under different circumstances.” Even from where I was standing, there was no misunderstanding her meaning. There was a history between them, which definitely explained the familiarity. Glancing at Devlin, I wondered if he’d answer me if I asked who she really was, not to the community, but to him personally.

“Unfortunately this isn’t a pleasure trip. We need to meet with Helena as quickly as possible.”

“Then let me take you to her. When Zane called earlier, I volunteered to pick you up.”

My confusion must’ve been obvious because Devlin started laughing. “I’m sorry, Darcy. This is Christina. She’s an Enforcer
who lives here in Massachusetts. We used to work together until Zane assigned her here to help with Helena and her coven.”

“Pleased to meet you
.” I smiled, studying her features and trying to determine what she was. There were clear vampire traits, her red eyes enough proof; but there was something else lingering just below her energy. “Sorry, I don’t mean to be rude,” I admitted. “I’m Darcy.” I extended my hand and she returned the greeting with a firm handshake.

“I know. You’re Devlin’s best friend and charge. He’s talked so much about you that I feel I practically know you.”

“Did you know he was also my Uncle?” I threw it out there, wondering if he’d confided in anybody.

“No!” Her eyes widened at the revelation,
indicating she had no clue either. “Really?” Christina turned to Devlin, waiting for him to confess.

“It’s a long story.” Shaking his head, Devlin indicated now wasn’t the time to retell it.

“Obviously. After all we’ve been through and you were keeping secrets?”

“It wasn’t my secret to share, Chrissy.” The softness in his tone and tenderness in his face confirmed it. At some point in their relationship, things had been more intimate than mere friends. There weren’t many times I’d seen Devlin look at a woman this way.
At one time, Christina had been, and maybe still was, special to him.

“It’s okay,” I added. “I only just found out myself. He had his reasons.” Without thinking, I laid my hand on her arm.

“If there’s any time, we can talk.” Her comment was aimed at Devlin. He nodded in response. “We need to go. The sooner I get you to Salem, the better. Helena is waiting for you all.”

Mason and Daniel rejoined us with
the luggage and helped store it away in the Hummer’s trunk.

“Any chance you’ll let me drive this bad boy?” Daniel grinned, pulling out all the stops
, hoping his charm and smile would dazzle Christina. I didn’t have the heart to tell him she was still hung up on Devlin.

“Zero and none,” she
replied, laughing. “Okay, everyone get in. We have just over an hour drive, so get comfy.” She glanced at Devlin, something unspoken passed between them as he took the front passenger seat, the rest of us sliding into the back seats. Daniel grumbled under his breath about vampires getting all the girls; but I didn’t pay him any attention. Mason’s worried expression had returned and he was on alert, his body taut and rigid.

“You okay?” I whispered, slipping my hand into his.

“No. I won’t be okay until we’re back home, surrounded by Pack. I have a bad feeling, sweetheart.” Breaking his focus from looking outside the window, he squeezed my fingers lightly and let out a sigh. “Just worrying. It’s my job, remember?”

“We can worry together then.” Snuggling into him, I felt the same way. I couldn’t put my finger on it completely, but something told me it was important not to lower our guard. Julian was out there. He’d either come in blazing or secretly, biding his time until he struck. Knowing that put us all on edge.

As the Hummer pulled out and began the journey to Salem, it was difficult to relax.

Danger had a way of wearing steadily on the nerves of the blind.

****

“Welcome, welcome, dear one.” There wasn’t time to get my bearings before I was dragged into the outspread arms of Helena and warmly hugged. “Vivien filled me in on all the details. You poor child, such a burden for
someone so young. But that’s okay; we’ll solve your little problem.”

I didn’t laugh or snort over her referring to Julian and my wayward magic as small. Finally letting me go, I was able to get a better look at our new benefactor. Vivien had warned us her friend was somewhat enthusiastic with her motherly instincts, but
encouraged us not to let it detract from the fact that Helena Markson was one of the most powerful witches in the United States. If anyone could fix the imbalance within me, it would be her.

Helena was by far the shortest one in the room, barely over five feet tall
with her dark brown hair worn in a long braid over her shoulder. Her face was instantly one you could trust—big brown eyes filled with love and knowledge and a cute, pert nose that crinkled slightly when she smiled. She wore a floor length peasant skirt of vibrant pinks, greens, and browns that matched the brief glimpse of personality I’d seen. With a soft woolen cream shawl wrapped around her, she appeared more gypsy than witch. I liked her immediately, feeling a sense of relief that finally we’d get the answers we needed.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Mason added
, before introducing the rest of our group. “We appreciate you taking the time to help Darcy. I can’t stress how important it is we bind her magic.”

“Hmm,” she answered, tapping her finger over her lips and she began walking a small circle around me. “So I was told. Your magic is acting as a power beacon and we need to silence it, right? The original spell failed
, as well as the second attempt. Definitely curious.” Helena spoke mostly to herself, not giving anyone a chance to answer her. “I believe I have the right spell that will work. It’ll give you the time you’ll need to stop this Julian and, once your business with him is done, return to me and I’ll lift the magic. Deal?”

Glancing over at Mason, he nodded
as I answered. “Sounds good to me. I’ve been trying to manage the power surges myself through meditation; but if whatever you have can help me, I’m more than ready. Will we be trying the spell tomorrow?” I tried to stifle the yawn and failed miserably. All the stress, training, and traveling was wearing me down. In addition, the rapid shifting and the tossing and turning I did when I eventually fell asleep, prevented me from recharging; and I was exhausted. The dark bags under Mason’s eyes told me he felt the same.

“Bless your heart, Darcy.
The coven has already convened and is waiting. I understand your desire to rest, but with the direness of the situation, I decided waiting wasn’t an option. That is unless you’d all rather wait?” Helena looked amongst our group, uncertain.

“No, now is fine. I agree. The sooner we get this taken care of, the sooner we can relax somewhat. I appreciate your thoughtfulness.” Mason smiled and it caused Helena’s eyes to sparkle. Devlin wasn’t the only one who
could impress women with his charm.

“Then follow me.”

With Mason’s hand at the base of my back, I fell in behind our host, leaving the front foyer and disappearing into the large home.

****

There was no time for socializing. The second we entered the room where Helena and her coven practiced their magic; I could sense their very no-nonsense attitude about the ritual. Each member was already dressed in ceremonial robes, the long hoods shadowing their features. Unlike Vivien’s simple black, Helena had robed her people in a deep, blood red color, the fabric symbolizing the power I felt thrumming in the air. The energy gave me an instant boost of hope. These weren’t magic practitioners to trifle with.

“Everything’s ready for the ceremony, my lady.” A cloaked figure came forward, gesturing to the altar at the far end of the room. With a chalked pentagram drawn on the floor before it, the table was draped with the same red fabric,
with gold embroidered symbols and fringe adorning the edges.

Candles of all sizes
, mostly white, but a few black, were arranged and already lit. Incense smoke swirled up in the air; dancing in the soft current from the air conditioning unit I heard faintly humming. Other instruments were laid out carefully on the surface of the table—tools of the trade. The focal point, however, was the thick volume propped up on a small easel with words and diagrams displayed. This was Helena’s Book of Shadows and I couldn’t help but note it was just as full as Vivien’s.

“Thank you, Thomas. You’ve done well.” She accepted her own robe from
the warlock who had guided me to my place, slipping it on but keeping her face exposed. Helena’s attire was different from the others. While it was still made from the same fabric, there were extra embellishments added—fancy stitches and complex symbols befitting her role as the coven’s leader. In addition, there was a white length of silk draped around her neck, falling down each side. Someone had stitched pentagrams at the ends with the omega sign placed in the center. It was a token of respect.

“I don’t know how much you were told, but the spell I’d like to try is two-fold. First, we will bless a mixture of blood, ink, and other ingredients. We infuse it with our magic and intent, strengthening its potency. Once that’s complete, we’ll take you to see a friend of the coven. It will be
him who finishes the ritual by tattooing you.”