Forever Changed (The Mystic Wolves) (24 page)

“If you ever doubted they accepted you, you need to wipe that thought completely out. By unanimous vote, every pack member pledged to help bring you safely through the conversion and any after effects. Sweetheart, you are most beloved by your people. The Mystic Wolves have fully accepted you into their lives and recognize you, not only as their sister wolf, but as the mate of their Alpha. Whatever you need, they will do. Whatever it takes, they will see it fulfilled.”

His admission left me speechless. I knew they loved me, but I hadn’t realized how deep that affection ran. I wasn’t merely someone brought into their pack because their leader demanded it. I was one of them, wholeheartedly. My body jerked as I struggled to hold back my tears. This news touched my soul, adding to my hope.

“How does it feel to know you have an entire pack busting at the chance to protect you? They were horrified to know you’ve been suffering and they weren’t told—or able to provide help. Don’t be surprised when you come through this, if you develop a constant shadow. Someone will always be watching, ready to jump in and support you.” There was definite pride in his voice, pride as an Alpha, that those he led loved his mate as much as he did. When there was a knock at the door, Mason smiled. “It wouldn’t surprise me if that’s someone, now.”

Slipping out of bed, Mason padded barefoot over to the door, opening it with a smile. His lips instantly dropped into a more serious line as he stepped aside, revealing Devlin.

“Is it time already?” I asked, suddenly nervous.

“It is. I’ll give you a few moments to get dressed and I’ll meet you outside.” Giving us some privacy, Devlin stepped back, disappearing into the hallway.

“I guess its show time, huh?” I sighed, trying to get up. Mason rushed back to my side, helping me get dressed. When he moved to carry me, I shook my head. “No. Let me walk. Whatever happens next, let me know I walked in there on my own volition, strong and resolved.”

Kissing my forehead before brushing his lips over mine, he nodded. “We’ve tested fate before. Let’s go do it, again.”

Smiling my agreement, we joined Devlin outside; and, with the slow, steady steps of the determined, we headed to where the ritual would be performed.

Chapter 26

Devlin led us to my old room. Daniel and Alex waited outside with pensive expressions weighing on their features.

“I hope you don’t mind that I chose to do it here. I figured it would be comfortable and private. And, if it gets . . .” He appeared reluctant to finish his sentence.

“It’ll be fine. Thank you for being so considerate.” We stood
quietly, everyone looking at their feet, not wanting to be the one to first say goodbye. I could feel the sadness emanating from each person. I saw it in the way they rigidly stood, hands behind their backs; or, like Mason, running fingers through their hair.

“We should get going, Mason,” Daniel spoke up, his voice sounding distant and hollow. His comment surprised me because I thought they were all here to witness the ritual like the others.

“You’re not going to stay?” Panic thickened in my throat and I had to force the words out.

“I can’t. I want to; but if I do, the second I see Devlin begin, I’m going to shift. We talked about this while you were sleeping, so precautions have been taken.”

My chest constricted and my heart began racing. Mason wouldn’t be with me, and I understood why he couldn’t. There was no way a dominant wolf, an Alpha at that, could control his hardwired instincts and not react. The ritual would include Devlin draining me of blood, before replacing it with his own. It would be impossible for Mason to casually hold my hand and be a silent observer—everything in his genetic make-up screaming for him to respond with a killing strike.

I looked over at Daniel and Alex, raising my eyebrow in doubt. “I don’t think they’re enough.” I didn’t mean to offend either of them, but an enraged wolf hell bent on destroying something or someone would need a lot more than two other werewolves holding him down.

“That’s why they’ll be locking me in the cage downstairs.” Mason took my hand, holding it tightly, as though it were a lifeline. Heaven help me when it was time for him to let go.

The cage he mentioned was reinforced steel with bars so thick that it would take an act of extreme strength to bend them enough to escape. To ensure that wouldn’t happen, those bars were lined with silver, a potent poison to werewolves. No matter what the hostage or prisoner tried, they wouldn’t be able to withstand the agony of coming into contact with the precious metal. Mason bought the unit a year ago, his intent to use it in case of danger or if we had a rogue wolf on our hands. When dealing with that kind of insanity, it was the best course of action.

Now, it would hold him; but something told me even the silver might not be enough to protect him from himself.

Wrapping my arms around him, I pushed back the tears wanting to be freed. I couldn’t let him see me break down, to resort to a weeping woman. This was a decision we’d both made—choosing to deal with whatever happened, because our love for each other trumped everything else.

With a death grip on my resolve, I squeezed him hard, dragging a deep breath into my lungs, memorizing his scent for later. I would walk through those doors with my head held high, whatever weapons in my arsenal, to see the task through, without faltering.

“Come back to me,” he whispered in my ear.

“Where else would I go?” I replied, keeping my answer short in case my voice shook.

“Remember what I said. Whatever happens in there, you fight. Fight for us. Fight for our life together. Fight hard and then return to me.”

“Nothing will stop me, Mason. I promise.”

“I love you so much. You take my heart with you.”

“Then that settles it. I’ll bring it back to you when it’s over.”

Cupping my face with both hands, Mason’s kiss was a mixture of tenderness and salty liquid, tears rolling down his cheeks and coating his lips. He didn’t bother hiding his emotions, not afraid to let others see him vulnerable. I brushed my thumb below his eye, capturing a stray tear.

“Be careful in that cage. Don’t do anything stupid, okay. I’ll be fine. I’m with Devlin, and he won’t let anything happen to me.” I glanced over at my uncle and he nodded his agreement.

“I solemnly swear on my life, no lasting harm with befall her.” Devlin thumped his fist over his heart, pledging his oath.

“Make sure nothing does.” Mason let out a sigh, his face slightly softening. “Thank you, friend.”

“It’s my honor.”

“Mason, we need to get you locked up before it starts. I don’t want to rush you, but . . .” Daniel looked stricken.

“I know. I agree. It’s time to go.” Giving me one last crushing hug, Mason kissed me just as hard, before letting the others come forward and embrace me. There were low murmurs of hope, of believing it would be okay, and even Daniel was somewhat somber. I’d expected some kind of wisecrack from him to lighten the mood, but it was obvious his heart wasn’t in it.

Not looking back, they walked away and I bit my tongue to stop myself from telling Mason to stop. This was the path we were on, despite the pain, and we were committed to seeing it through. Backing out would merely prolong the inevitable. I didn’t want to die. So, plastering a smile on my face, I turned to Devlin.

“You ready?”

He answered by opening the door to my old bedroom, the flickering lights coming from candles of all shapes and sizes decorating every surface possible. Walking in and noticing at everything he’d laid out, it was strange how different everything felt. This used to be the place where Mason and I stole secret moments, where we’d laid on the bed kissing, and where I’d spent hours gossiping about everything with my best friend, Jasmine. This had been my sanctuary while I waited for the mating ceremony, and now, now there was a very real chance it would become the place I would die.

“You look like you’re going to an execution,” Devlin feebly joked, instantly realizing how crazy it sounded.

“True; but on the other side is the chance to live with those I love. I’m going to focus on that instead.” I trailed my fingers lightly over the bed covering, memories fluttering to the surface. “Where did you want me?” I saw material draped over the small arm chair, alongside a bucket that I didn’t have the bravery to ask about.

“Wherever you’d be most comfortable.” He was clearly nervous.

“The bed then?” I sat down, bouncing a little on the mattress. The action made me burst out into laughter, making Devlin jump. “This makes me think of those scenes in romance books when two people are finally going to do the deed and suddenly they have nothing to say. That awkward silence as they look everywhere but at each other. Not that I’m saying we’re . . . I mean, we’re related. I merely meant . . .” I was rambling again.

“I understood what you meant, Darcy.” Devlin chuckled lightly, his own face losing some of its apprehension, as he sat beside me. “I’m just a little overwhelmed at how we got here. I was there at your birth and watched you grow into such a beautiful, strong, courageous woman. I’m so proud of you and what you’ve accomplished. In all my dreams and plans for you, I never thought I’d be trying to convert you into a being like me. This isn’t a life I would choose for you; yet, here we are.”

“I don’t blame you for this. I’m grateful that you’re the one performing it. I trust you, Devlin. I always have.” The emotions I’d kept bottled up, outside with Mason, threatened to burst from their restraints. This was just so painfully hard. There was so much that could go wrong, with only a small margin for success.

“If there was any other way, besides dark magic, I swear I would search the earth to find it. My heart tells me, however, that there wouldn’t be enough time. I think you’ve been living on borrowed time the past few days as it is.”

“Then let’s not prolong it.” I began to lie down and stopped, unsure again. “Do I need to undress, or anything?”

I was glad he didn’t find my question foolish. “I’ll be using your wrist. Definitely lie down if that helps and I’ll sit beside you. Once I’ve finished draining you, I can help move you so you can then take your life back.”

“Will it hurt? My voice waivered, betraying me.

“Only for a moment. I can also compel you so you feel nothing. I need to remove the blood drinking aversion now, so I can easily replace it and you won’t hurt.” He looked so sincere; I knew this wasn’t easy for him.

“I don’t know. Part of me wants to be blissfully ignorant, but the other would prefer that this isn’t sugarcoated. I fully believe this will save my life, so the sooner I face who I’ll become, the better. So . . .” I paused long enough to let out a small breath. “Maybe this needs to be real.”

Someone knocked at the door. Before Devlin could get up to answer, the handle turned, and the last person I expected to be here entered.

“Mom?” There was no holding back my tears as I broke into a sob and wrapped my arms around her waist when she reached the bed. “Are you really here?”

“Oh, honey, where else would I be? All your life, I’ve helped keep this secret from you. When they explained to your father and me what needed to be done, I demanded I be here. I brought you into this world, I want to be here when you leave it, even if it’s just for the shortest of minutes.”

“Will you be okay?” I asked.

“Don’t worry about me. Just focus on relaxing and letting the conversion balance you. There’s no need to count your chickens until they hatch, sweetheart.”

I burst out in a short laugh hearing her repeat one of the favorite pieces of advice she’d given me growing up. “I know, but if this doesn’t work. I don’t want you to see me die.”

“S
sh, have faith. Don’t waiver now after being so strong. I have no doubt Devlin will bring you safely through this. I’m simply here as support. To hold your hand.” She helped me lay back down and brushed my hair from the side of my face. Nodding to Devlin, he leaned over me, with a serious expression on his face.

“Darcy, look deeply into my eyes and don’t look away.” When I obeyed, his voice took on a familiar hypnotic feel. His lips moved, words reaching my ears, but I could
n’t keep from falling into his blood-red eyes, my spirit becoming compliant to whatever he was saying. When he broke contact, I blinked, my head feeling strange, but the job was done. “Okay, it’s time to start.”

My mother sat beside me and began stroking my hair, the motion steady and soothing. Devlin sat on my right; and, after gingerly picking up my arm, gave me one last look.

“Are you one hundred percent sure of this, niece? If you have any doubts, this is the time to voice them.”

“I’m positive,” I answered, closing my eyes as he lifted my wrist to his mouth.

There was a brief moment of nothing, as if everyone in the room had suddenly paused, and then sharp fangs sliced into my skin. It felt like a pinprick with a slight burning sensation before molten lava erupted from me.

As Devlin took that first long draw of blood from my vein, all bravery and resolve fled as I screamed.

Chapter 27

Mason

The clanking sound of the cage door shutting threatened my undoing. This made it real, too real, and it was on the tip of my tongue to order Daniel to release me. On the way down to the basement, where we kept the large structure, I’d used my Alpha authority to bind his obedience to me. Next, I’d done the same with Alex, placing them both under solemn obligation to not let me out until Devlin informed us the procedure was complete and successful. Releasing me sooner would defeat the purpose, merely adding fuel to the fire.

I’d been in other situations like this, but never in one that involved someone who owned me heart, body, and soul. There would be no breathing without my Darcy. If she didn’t live, neither would I. I wasn’t sure if that had registered with the others yet, but sooner or later it would. My goal was to fake my control well enough for them to open the cage and then I’d follow my soulmate into eternity.

I wasn’t being a coward, choosing not to live if Darcy died. I was being realistic. I’d gone over every scenario in my mind during the last few hours, and there was no other acceptable outcome. There was no one for me, but her. I couldn’t stomach the thought of marrying someone else, or of moving on, knowing she was beyond my reach. I had to trust I’d taught Daniel everything he’d need to know to step forward and assume command as Alpha to the pack. He’d argue and try to resist, but the signed documents in my desk drawer clearly spelled out my dying wishes. I could leave this world and join my mate with confidence, knowing everyone was taken care of.

“Make sure the lock is secure,” I said gruffly, already pacing back and forth inside. I could feel the magic thrumming over my skin from the bars, the painful tingles from being so close to the silver. It didn’t bother me, though. Instead, it kept me sharp and alert. I wanted to know the second Darcy woke up. Pain didn’t always break a person; sometimes it helped them keep the control they needed.

“Checked,” Daniel answered, rattling it. Alex came forward and did the same. With brief nods, it was done. The only thing left to do was to wait.

“Can you sense if it’s started?” Daniel whispered as Alex took his position by the door, affording some privacy between my best friend and me. The fact he’d done what I’d requested, without argument, was a strong testament to his loyalty—making Daniel every inch the brother I considered him.

Shaking my head, I skimmed the surface of Darcy’s and my connection. “They’re just talking right now. Small talk. She’s so scared. It’s killing me that I can’t be there with her.”

“This is where you need to be, bro, and you know it. The last thing she needs to deal with is a psychopathic werewolf.”

I cocked my eyebrows at him. “Psychopathic, huh?”

“You telling me it wouldn’t be a bloodbath? I’ve seen how you get when someone swipes your last beer.” Daniel chuckled, lightening the mood, and I tried to join in. We both knew this was the only way everyone, including myself, could make it through the ritual.

“Fess up, it’s always you, isn’t it?”

Daniel checked the lock again, making sure it was secure and, there was no way I could burst out and kick his ass. “You know me so well.”

I went to say something, but I sensed Darcy’s tears over the arrival of her mother. Relief struck hard, my shoulders sagged, my knees faltered and I staggered a few steps. My body had been so tightly wound, my muscles suddenly seemed like jelly over the telepathic update.

“What?” Daniel asked, worried.

“Lynn’s there with her. She’s not alone.” Even though it didn’t feel completely real, it was the closest I’d been to actually smiling for days.

“I’m glad she made it on time . . .” I didn’t let him finish as an agonizing scream pierced the air—Darcy’s, as I felt her pain through our connection. Dropping to my knees, my hands planted on the ground, I ducked my head, as my wolf raced to the surface.

“Let. Me. Out!” I bellowed, my voice part human, part beast.

“Hang in there, Mason. Devlin said it wouldn’t be long.”

Howling loud, the mournful sound heavily accentuated with frustration, I growled even louder, my mouth already filling with sharpened teeth. “Do what I say. As your Alpha, I command you to open the cage. Now!” Claws sprouted out of my fingers, my shift rapidly coming.

“I’m so sorry, but no,” Daniel whispered. I didn’t care that he thought he was doing the right thing, fury drove through me as I glared at my best friend, my now jailor.

“He’s killing her! He’s killing my mate and you’re refusing me?” As another blast of agony shot through my connection with Darcy, there was no holding back my wolf. He came forward in a frenzy of violent aggression, instantly launching himself at the steel bars, hoping to bend them with his force.

“Mason, calm down!” Alex yelled, coming forward.

I refused to be reasoned with. All I could focus on was the pain filtering into me from Darcy. She was writhing on the bed, Devlin latched on to her wrist, gulping her blood with every soul-destroying pull from his mouth. He was glutting himself on her, her vitals beginning to flicker with warning. Death was coming for her, but all I could think was over my dead body. Death could go to hell, because there was no way he would take her from me. I would be there to meet him, to rip his throat out, with his own blood showering the room, instead of hers.

Not my Darcy’s. Never. If I had to bend each and every single bar, I would do whatever it took.

My wolf howled in agreement, committed to breaking us free. There was no hesitation as he slammed our black furred body hard into the silver, not stopping to whimper from our own pain as the poison caused wounds to break open our seared flesh. We didn’t matter. Nothing did, but her.

“Mason! Stop! You’re going to kill yourself if you don’t shift back and chill the hell out!” Daniel bellowed through the bars, fear filling his features. My wolf took one look and dismissed him, ruling him weak and the first person to be killed once we escaped. Anyone deemed as keeping us from our mate was the enemy. I didn’t correct him. All I could focus on was her.

My body began weakening, the damage from constantly pile-driving into the silver, making it difficult to heal. A decision had to be made and I forced the shift, muzzling my wolf in order to figure out another way to get out. Brute strength hadn’t worked, it was time to use my brain and talk.

Crumpled on the ground, naked and out of breath, I didn’t look at anyone just yet. My insides were a riot of torment. My wolf snapped without mercy, pissed I’d taken back control, but that wasn’t what threatened to crush my soul.

“Please,” I begged, finally looking over at Daniel and Alex. “Please, she’s dying.” I could sense Devlin trying to feed his blood back to her and her gagging and spitting it out. Without this part of the ritual, everything would be for naught—and I was stuck in a damn cage, helpless.

“You need to have faith.”

“Screw faith,” I growled. “I can feel it. It’s not working and she’s dying. Her organs are shutting down. She’s struggling to breathe and nothing that damned vampire is doing is working!”

I quit talking to Daniel and reached for my precious
Darcy through our mental pathway.

Beloved.

Mason.
Even in her mind she sounded so distant. So weak.

You need to fight.

I can’t. I’m so tired. I hurt so bad.

I know, baby, but you can’t give up. Whatever you need to do, fight for us.

I love you so much, Mason. I always will. I’m so sorry . . .

Her voice faded as she began drifting away.

Don’t you leave me,
I yelled to her.
Darcy, Darcy, fight, dammit!

But it hurts too much.

I don’t care. Please don’t do this.

I waited for her response, but the link shut down, closing me out of her mind completely. No amount of pushing and forcing my way back in could help.

For a second, everything grew quiet as I desperately tried to process what had just happened. In that last brief moment before the connection was gone, I’d felt the last thump of her heart  . . . stop. Her body stilled and she let out her final breath.

“Darcy!” I screamed, my anguish thundering through the house, my grief causing the ground beneath me to shake. “Darcy!”

In that last second before everything went quiet, I felt the one thing that shattered my soul into a million pieces.

Nothing.

Absolute silence.

Book Five in the Mystic Wolves series

SAVAGE POSSESSION

Coming 2014