Forever Changed (The Mystic Wolves) (22 page)

“There may be something. It’s just as dangerous and taboo. There are some steep consequences to consider with this, too, but it doesn’t involve bartering with your soul.” Devlin’s interruption stilled Mason, piquing my own interest.

“If you’re trying to spare my feelings by feeding me false hope, I’d think very carefully right now, Devlin.”

“What are you saying?” I asked, trying to smooth over the situation.

“No, Devlin.” Vivien shook her head. “What you’re suggesting is forbidden.”

“Not if Zane consents.”

“Zane?” I was beginning to feel overwhelmed again with all these powerful names being thrown around.

“Bear with me, okay? It’s just an idea and it might not even work. The problem with you is that you destroyed your witch nature when you fought Julian. Your inability to completely heal is because there’s an imbalance. Your body and spirit can’t right itself, because a part of you is missing.”

“Yes.” So far he hadn’t said anything new.

“We assumed we could just use magic to restore your nature; but I’m thinking it didn’t work because there’s nothing for it to latch onto, so to speak. Not only did your powers burn out, but also the force and your determination decimated anything magic related. It doesn’t matter how many spells Vivien, or even Morgan, perform, it has nothing to build upon
so it won’t stick.”

“And your point?” Mason growled, his patience slowly slipping out of his grasp.

“Darcy was born with two natures. Until she’s restored to that state, she’ll keep growing weaker until, eventually, her body won’t be able to withstand the strain. She will die and we won’t be able to prevent it.”

“Unless I receive a second nature?”

“Yes. I don’t see any other way to avoid the path you’re on.”

“But, what do we replace it with. We’ve already ruled out being a witch.” The answer suddenly hit Mason, his eyes widened as he gaped at Devlin, then turned to look at me. “Surely you’re not saying . . .”

My mind reeled. He was; and Vivien was right, it was totally forbidden.

“Yes. To save Darcy, she needs to become a vampire.”

Chapter 24

We’d been locked in a heated argument for hours—ever since Devlin had suggested the solution to my dying was turning me into a vampire. If I understood the process, I would still be a werewolf; but with the added hunger, prowess, and strength of a bloodsucker. But, that wasn’t what upset everyone. It was the fact that by attempting the conversion, I could still die; or worse, be reduced to nothing more than insane animal.

“There’s a reason why it’s forbidden, Mason. Two predator natures can’t reside within the same person, not without grave consequences,” Vivien argued. She was the most vocal out of the three, who seemed to go round and round in circles over the matter. Mason saw it as the way to save me, and Devlin flipped flopped back and forth. One moment he appeared to be all about trying it and then, a second later, he was opposed to it.

No one had asked my opinion or whether I was open to the idea or not. Zane had been called and was on his way over and they’d carried me into the office, creating a makeshift bed on the couch. Snuggled under a thick blanket and propped up by soft pillows, I let them argue it out. There was no point joining the conversation until I knew how Zane ruled. Devlin had explained the decision rested totally with the Vampire King, as he was the only one permitted to attempt such a taboo procedure.

“But, if anyone can conquer and master them both, it’s Darcy. She won’t be alone. She has us, and she’ll be fine. You’re worried for no reason!” Mason countered, dragging his fingers through his hair for the hundredth time.

“No reason? Do I need to remind you what happened before Zane outlawed this type of turning without special approval? You weren’t there to witness the madness and slaughter from fools who thought the extra power made them invincible. There was no one to govern over them, to keep them on a tight leash, and their savagery still haunts those who were young enough to remember.” From her vantage point at the desk, Vivien’s expression wasn’t without compassion, as she wrung her hands in front of her. “Please don’t think this doesn’t break my heart. It does. I just don’t think this is the answer.”

“But you said it yourself, they didn’t have anyone to guide them, and I’ve heard those stories. Yes, some didn’t survive the conversion; but there were a few who did. They lived and overcame the challenges that came with the dueling natures. It only takes one percent for a miracle. Stop focusing on the ninety-nine. Tell me you believe it’ll work. Together we can help her.”

Devlin rubbed his face in weary frustration. “Of course I want it to work, but I can’t ignore the risk. Are you ready to lose her if it fails?”

“I’m going to lose her if we don’t do something.” My heart broke hearing his anguish. There was an underlying panic in his tone, something I wasn’t used to. Mason was normally so calm, even under pressure. This was testing his very limits—my death was unacceptable to him.

“Are you willing to put her to death if she survives, only to become insane? Will you do the act yourself? Or will you force someone else who loves her to do it? This is hard on everyone, Mason. It’s not so simple.”

“Why are you focusing on the negative? Stop giving me all the reasons why it won’t work and start providing answers. If this is so abhorrent, then summon Morgan and we’ll take the black magic route,” Mason fired back. When Vivien blanched, visibly flinching, he barked out a bitter laugh. “I thought so. It’s one or the other. Whether you like it or not.”

“Mason . . .” I softly spoke, needing the heated temperature of the conversation diffused. Emotions were high and anxiety was riding everybody. The last thing I wanted was for words to be said that couldn’t be taken back. Anger wasn’t helping the situation and could only end up hurting it, it along with cherished friendships. But, it didn’t matter. He was beyond hearing, totally focused on convincing Devlin to agree with him.  “Maybe we should wait until Zane gets here. Save your arguments for him.”

“I’m here, young Darcy.” Even though he appeared like any regular man in his late twenties, Zane held himself like the regal
king he was. His very presence demanded respect, his authority displayed in everything he did. Closing the door gently behind him, he was alone—his guards, no doubt, posted outside. Even though he was powerful and could handle any threat to his safety, security was always provided. As lead Enforcer and close friend, Devlin insisted on it at all times.

Crossing the room, he knelt down beside me, ignoring everyone else for the moment as he took my hand. “It grieves me to hear you’re so unwell. When I received the call you needed to speak with me, it was my honor to come. Tell me, how can I help?” Custom usually dictated that any petitioners of the King were to come to his home; but, with me being so weak, there was concern about traveling.

“How much did Devlin tell you?” I asked, putting my hand up to silence the others as they began to speak all at once.

“He said that you faced Julian and, as a result, your magic was destroyed.”

“Did he also add that because of that, I’m dying?” Acknowledging it out loud sounded foreign.

Zane’s eyes briefly closed as he nodded. “He did. Is that why I’m here? To possibly help find a way to save you?” He finally glanced around at the solemn faces of everyone.

“Tell him what you suggested.” Vivien prompted Devlin, waving her arm to show he had the floor.

“The problem is Darcy is dual natured; and unless we can provide her that second one, she’ll continue to weaken until it’s too late.” Zane’s instant response indicated just how smart he was. His lips parted to speak, but Devlin kept going. “I mentioned the possibility of turning her into a vampire as a solution.”

“Are you crazy?” Zane’s eyebrows shot up as he stared at his trusted advisor and friend with surprise. “You are the last person I thought would ever speak of the practice. I remember you adamantly opposing it when we had the last outbreak of ‘monsters.’ Yes, I believe that was the term you used.”

“I know; and believe me, it’s not something that I broach lightly. I’m still not sure how I feel about it, either.”

“How about you, Mason? I’m sure you’re aware of the risks involved.” Zane turned to face him, studying the way Mason’s composure was restrained by a fine thread of control.

“I’ve heard them, but choose to focus on the positive.”

“What you’re asking of me is highly controversial. You are asking me to grant permission, aren’t you? Since ruling against it, there have been very few, special cases where I’ve deemed the consequences worth ignoring.”

“I know. And I’m sorry to put you in this position, Zane, but . . .” Mason’s voice broke, his ability to hold back the tide of his emotions crumbling. “I’m not asking you this as Alpha. This has nothing to do with loyalty, or leadership, or our friendship. I’m begging you, as a man who can barely breathe for fear of losing his beloved mate, please.
She’s my whole world.” Tears fell down his stubbled cheeks and he made no attempt to wipe them away. “I can’t lose her. This is me, a man in love and on the verge of losing everything that means anything to me, asking you to have hope and say yes. Risks are worth taking when the results of not acting are too unbearable.”

A large lump formed in my throat, my heart threatening to splinter into pieces.

Zane didn’t speak for the longest time, the heavy burden of this decision weighing hard on his sense of responsibility. He rubbed his chin back and forth; one of his habits when debating something important and the air in the room took on an almost oppressive feel. There was so much riding on this one man’s verdict. I didn’t envy Zane because, even though I knew he always ruled with impartiality, he knew and loved me. Our friendship was inevitably factored into the situation. It was as if he’d been asked to sentence a family member to death.

“And I assume you disagree, Vivien?” He finally spoke as he lifted up from beside me and walked around to sit behind Mason’s desk. Something told me his decision to move was another subconscious quirk—that a judgment of this significance deserved to be made in such a location. I’d seen Mason do the same thing as Alpha.  It must be something about sensing an outward image should correspond with how they saw themselves ruling over their people, and that decisions seemed more official when made sitting at a desk. 

“I do. I love Darcy like she was my own daughter. I’ve watched her grow, helped to nurture her, guarding her from harm. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do to keep her safe and healthy; but this . . . this breaches a line that I just don’t feel right about crossing. Yes, Mason’s right. The conversion could be successful and with our support, she might master herself. But what if she doesn’t? Someone has to be realistic here. What if she’s reduced to nothing but a violent, savage beast without conscience, morality, or her humanity? By trying to save her, we would simply be condemning her to something worse.”

Zane released a sorrowful sigh. “The more I think on this matter, the more I see this as a choice between two things—ruling with the feelings of my heart, or listening to the logic my mind whispers. You both present
valid and convincing arguments. This isn’t something to be taken lightly. The repercussions of either will have long lasting effects.” Leaning back in this chair, he rested his elbow on the armrest, tapping his finger against his lips. “I’m torn. I feel whichever way I rule, the margin for error is too high.”

“I understand, my liege,” Devlin added, inclining his head with respect. “You can now see why I’m still on the fence about this. It pains me that after everything I’ve sacrificed to protect my family and niece, this is how it could end. I didn’t foresee this as ever being a possibility. I would never wish this on her, or on you, Mason. Her happiness has always come first; but I swear to you now, I won’t be able to bring myself to kill her should this backfire. But for that one thing, I would agree to attempt it.”

“So, that is the only concern you have?” Zane asked, curious.

“Other things worry me, but that is the major one. It prevents me from making up my mind. I have faith that should you say yes, you would be able to see her safely through the conversion process. With royal blood, you could afford her an advantage others didn’t have. With your position comes clarity. It would definitely help.”

“If I agree, I wouldn’t be the one performing the ritual.” Zane’s admission caused everyone to stare.

“But, you would give her the best chance of surviving,” Devlin stammered, his leader’s answer rattling him.

“I’m not the only one here with royal blood in their veins.”

I felt like I’d missed something. If what Zane had admitted was true, Devlin wasn’t a mere vampire, but someone of significance. “What?”

Ignoring me, Devlin shook his head. “No. That’s not how it works. The king must perform it.” There was a warning glance exchanged between them.

“Devlin . . .” Zane whispered, his voice dipping low and full of kind rebuke. “As I said, if I agree, you will be the one entrusted with the task.”

“Please, don’t.” Something had obviously happened. I’d never seen Devlin refuse a request before. Mason and Vivien also looked on, confused.

“It’s what’s right, my friend.”

“Honestly, I don’t care which of you does it, as long as Darcy lives,” Mason interrupted, causing the two vampires to turn.

“So, that’s the deciding factor, Darcy. It hasn’t escaped my attention that she’s been quiet through all this. What do you want?” All heads swiveled away from Zane as I became the center of attention.

I swallowed thickly, nervous because I wasn’t completely convinced, either. “Honestly? I’m not sure. Both options scare me. No offense, but I don’t know if I’ll make a good vampire, whether I can adjust to drinking blood. I know it’ll become a somewhat natural instinct and, eventually, I’ll be okay. It just . . .” I struggled to find the right words to explain.

“Don’t think I haven’t observed the idea of feeding repulses you.” Zane smiled, showing he understood.

“That would be my fault.” Devlin’s confession threw me.

“What do you mean?”

“I worried that if someone drank your blood, they’d taste the magic we’d worked so hard to conceal. If someone discovered how powerful you would become, I was afraid they’d take you and exploit your abilities. There was also a fear it would lead Julian to you, as well. I never knew whether he’d teamed up with anyone. In fact, for a moment, I believed Avery was working with him. So I compelled you to find blood sharing repellant. I guess I did too good of a job. I couldn’t even get you to use my blood to heal yourself during the Heart and Death.”

“That was you?” I’d always wondered why I’d felt so strongly against it.

“In my defense, I did it to protect you.”

“Can you remove it?” Zane asked. When Devlin nodded, Zane returned his focus to me. “Does knowing that make it easier for you?”

“Kind of.” I knew I was hedging, but there was one more thing that stopped me from willingly agreeing with Mason. It was actually because of him, and the whole concept terrified me.

“It’s okay to speak up. I need to know how you feel. As much as we love you, it will be you who must deal with any consequences.”

I glanced quickly at Mason, resting my hand on his lower back cautiously. “I’m scared that if I do become crazed, it will put an unbearable burden on whoever has to destroy me. I can’t put that burden on someone else. I’m sorry, Mason. I can’t ask you to bear that responsibility.”