Forever Changed (The Mystic Wolves) (9 page)

I nodded, the effect of his voice impossible to refuse. “I’ll drink it all.”

“Good girl.” He broke eye contact and kissed my forehead. Vivien came forward and handed the chalice to me. Staring down at the liquid, my mouth watered and I was tempted to take a sip. Devlin shook his head. “Not yet, sweetheart. Wait until you’re told it’s okay.”

There was a quick exchange of glances between Mason and Devlin as my uncle left the circle and resumed his position on the outside. I didn’t know what it meant, but it wasn’t important. Binding my powers was all I could focus on right now.

“Let us begin.” The room became silent, everyone waiting in quiet anticipation.

Goddess of all Truth and Light

Take mercy as you hear our plight.

Before us stands a child in child,

Bestow on her your power bright.

Danger lurks in darkest shadows,

Evil wielding brutal blows,

Protect her, Goddess, bind her gifts

Keep hidden what within her grows.

We humbly ask in united prayer

In the name of earth, fire, water, and air

Grant us your approval in our task

Bind her
powers from his stare.

With blood and oil, faith and wine

We add these words to combine,

In all things we most faithfully plead,

Offering our own gifts to entwine.

Goddess of all, beloved and free,

Hear us, hear me,

So mote it three.

Blessed be

Blessed be

Blessed be.

As the last of the spell echoed in the air and everyone was quiet again, Vivien signaled it was time for me to drink from the cup. Without any fear or uncertainty, I dipped back my head and emptied the chalice until there wasn’t even a drop left. The liquid blazed a fiery trail down my throat, my body immediately crackling from the extra energy now flooding my bloodstream. The intensity was intoxicating, exhilarating. I felt invincible and I laughed out loud from the overwhelming sensations taking me over. The only word I could think of that fit the moment was ‘alive’. I felt completely and undeniably alive with magic.

My skin began to glow, brighter and brighter as each second passed. My hair started to dance about my head as if floating on air currents, a wind blowing it about while everyone else remained unaffected.

“How do you feel, Darcy?” Vivien cautiously asked, worry causing wrinkles to form over her forehead.

Stretching my arms out, electricity crackled in my palms, visible offshoots of lightning causing everyone to gasp in surprise. “This is amazing! Beyond amazing!” I couldn’t stop laughing as absolute joy infused me. “It’s working. It’s definitely working.”

Mason started to join me, but Devlin held him back. “Wait.”

“Why? I feel fine. Perfect
, actually.”

“Darcy, you look like you’re a thunderstorm at the moment,” Daniel interjected.

“How long before the effects fade?” Mason asked Vivien.

“We’ll know in a minute. It’ll either diminish and leave her as she was before, only this time her magic securely locked away.”

“Or?”

She didn’t need to answer as I doubled over, screaming in pain. “It huuurrrtttts. Make it stooooo
. . .” I couldn’t finish my sentence as my wolf leaped into action, shifting me into my animal form for the second time in as many hours. Dropping to the floor on all fours, I didn’t hold back the agonizing howl as my body struggled to purge what was hurting me. Over and over I heaved, vomiting up the thick blood-laced liquid until there was nothing left in my stomach. Convulsing on my side, my wolf left nothing to chance, refusing to even let Mason near me. She blamed him for this, for allowing this injury to occur again.

“Darcy?” Mason asked from a safe distance, crouching down with his hand stretched out. Sorrow flooded his expression. I snarled at him, or rather my wolf did. When Devlin attempted to approach me, I gave him the same response. I didn’t want to be touched. I didn’t need them.

Growling low under my breath, each person cautiously retreated, Mason the last to leave.

Finally alone—my wolf and
I—there was no missing the flaming pulse of magic still residing in my body. The binding hadn’t held and, once again, the power surge had no doubt sent out an unmistakable beacon to Julian.

He would be coming for sure
; with all the force and determination he’d been saving over the centuries. There would be no escaping him if this was the result of every magic intervention and spell.

Whimpering, I closed my eyes and
, with an exhausted sigh, slipped into a healing sleep.

Chapter 9

The study was darker, the sun setting
as its dying light filtered through the small, paneled windows. I didn’t know how long I’d slept, but sometime during my slumber, my wolf released her hold over me and we’d shifted back to my human form. Someone had placed the soft blanket over me and, stretching out my arms and legs, I tried to judge what damage had been done by the failed spells.

Two changes in such a short time was exhausting enough on any werewolf, but so close together,
the ordeal left me somewhat tender. The lengthening and transforming of bones and muscles happened quickly, the process was beautiful to watch. Experiencing it, on the other hand, was usually rewarded with a long run or frolic with pack members. There was none of that today. Letting out a muffled groan, all I felt was sensitive and weary.

The magic inside me buzzed still, like I was plugged into an electrical socket and the current was running through me. It wasn’t too uncomfortable, but there was no denying its presence. That part of me which had been dormant my entire life was
so very much alive and rampant. I felt full now, the two natures taking their places within my body, both powers brushing constantly beneath my skin. It was definitely strange, even a little distracting.

“You’ll get used to it, sweetheart. Or at least that’s what Vivien told me when I asked her.” Mason’s voice disturbed the silent cocoon I thought I was in. I should’ve known he’d be here, watching over me as I recovered, guarding
me. He was never far away and I could almost guess that the second he knew it was safe enough; he’d slipped back inside. Even though my wolf had been angry that he hadn’t stopped what she perceived as an attack, her annoyance hadn’t lasted long. With her trust intact, she’d relinquished me over into his keeping.

“How long was I out?” Sitting up, I rubbed my arms carefully before looking over to him. He was sitting with his back against the door, his legs bent and elbows resting over his knees. I didn’t need more light to see
his pensive expression, his hair messy from constantly running his fingers through it. It was a nervous thing I’d noticed about him—like he needed something to do with his hands when the situation beyond his control was happening. To me, it just made him even more endearing. I was positive if I asked him, he could list a bunch of my own quirks, as well.

Tossing
the set of clothes he had beside him, Mason shrugged. “I think three or four hours. It took about two for you to shift back from the wolf and after that you seemed to sleep okay. Occasionally you whimpered or convulsed, but for the last hour you’ve been quiet.”

I dropped the blanket and stood, slipping on the jeans and tank top, grateful to be dressed. “How long
have you been in here?”

Mason grinned widely and chuckled. “As soon as your wolf let me in the door.”

“She kept you out?”

“It was more of a feeling through our connection. I swear she lectured me for not taking my role as your mate seriously, chastised me for allowing you to be hurt. She packs quite a telepathic punch. But once she was satisfied I was thoroughly sorry, she eased up and I could come in.
I’m not sure what she would have done if I hadn’t waited.”

This was definitely something new, something I didn’t quite understand
; so I filed it away under Newly-Mated. “It wasn’t your fault. You didn’t know I’d react that way. No one did. We’re in uncharted territory here. It’s kind of trial and error.”

“Yeah, that’s what makes it harder. You’re the one dealing with the consequences while we helplessly look on. If it hadn’t been for Daniel keeping me grounded, I would’ve shifted also, ready to destroy the threat to you.” Mason stood
up, and reached for me, grabbing my hand and tugged me toward him. “I don’t know how many of these rituals I can handle, and it’s not even me going through them. Have I told you how brave you are? How much you constantly amaze me?”

He kissed my forehead
and my cheek, before feathering a soft caress over my mouth. Wrapping my arms around him, just the brief contact with him eased the frazzled energy that still remained. That’s how it had always been—one touch and he brought back my inner balance. I leaned into him, wanting to press as much of my body against him as I could. He was my rock and I was grateful he’d stayed.

“I love you, Mason. I couldn’t do this alone. We’ll get through this,” I whispered, realizing this was becoming a mantra between us. It was something I believed with all my
heart. Regardless of whatever challenges came our way, we were always stronger when we stayed together. And because of the Heart and Death trials, I knew we could never be separated again.

“I have no doubt,
beautiful.” He brushed the side of my face, his fingers leaving a soft warmth in their wake. “I wish I could take you home right now and hide you away in our bedroom for the rest of the night; but we still have some business to address.” Mason wasn’t quick enough to hide his thoughts and images of us tangled up in each other, heated moments and soul bending kisses filtered into my mind. He didn’t bother to hide the need in his eyes. I felt the same way. I needed him just as badly—everything in me yearning for the peace that only came when we were as close as we could be.

“Can’t it wait?” I wasn’t ready for another ritual or attempt to bind my powers.

“It shouldn’t take long. Devlin wants to talk with us before we return home. I’ve already sent Daniel back. Vivien excused herself so she could make some phone calls and Devlin’s been impatiently wearing a hole in the carpet upstairs. Let me go get him and then I’ll take you home.”

“To bed?” I sighed, already imagining it. I sent him a few images of my own.

A low growl rumbled from the back of his throat, the sound utterly sexy. “I’ll take you anywhere you want to go, Darcy. As long as I’m by your side.”

“Then hurry.”

Watching him leave to get Devlin, I glanced around the room. In the space of a day, it had gone from being a place I loved to visit, to one I hoped I never saw again.

****

“Clear your mind. If a thought surfaces, just let it fall away, don’t pay it any attention to it.”

Devlin was attempting to teach me meditation techniques
; but try as I might; it was proving hard to concentrate. “What if it doesn’t?” I opened one of my eyes to stare at him. “Don’t I have to pay attention to it in order to ignore it?” Mason chuckled softly beside me and I didn’t bother hiding my grin.

“Mind your uncle, sweetheart.”

The comment broke the seriousness Devlin had brought with him when he returned to the study.  He was all business as he outlined what I needed to do while we waited for Vivien to come up with other effective options. His face softened and humor twinkled in his eyes. “Yes, young niece. I know it seems difficult at first; but with enough practice, you’ll master it. It’s similar to the mindful exercises I taught you when we were with the Fates.”

“Where I focused on the moment?”

I took a deep breath and slowly exhaled through my mouth, feeling the tension slip from my body. I was sitting cross-legged on the floor again, this time away from the pentagram and every once in awhile I caught a sweet fragrance wafting about in the room. It had been Mason’s idea to burn the subtle floral incense. He felt it might help me tap into the place where I could find my inner balance.

“Exactly. Yes, there are things happening for you to worry about, but all that’s
really important is right here, right now. See if that helps. Focus on your breathing, the way your body feels. Imagine each time you inhale and exhale that all tension is melting away until you are left with nothing but quiet.”

Tuning Devlin and Mason out, I did what he suggested. I ignored the pressing weight that had been present ever since I learned Julian existed. I pushed aside the new awareness of my witch nature. I floated away from the constant vigilance of my beloved wolf. I moved passed the bright shimmer of my connection with Mason. Channeling all my energy on the moment, I felt everything else vanish until all that was left was me.

I let the sensation envelope me, its soothing effect calming my agitated spirit. So much had happened—so many changes. As I looked inward, I could see I’d been shaken to my core. It made me wonder if this was why my reaction to the binding spell had been so severe. If my foundation wasn’t steady, anything built upon it would also be affected.

I peered closer
; this newly discovered part of me piquing my curiosity. “Wow.”

“You’ve found it, then,” Devlin quietly spoke, his tone gentle. “Whenever you feel that power surging again, I want you to stop whatever you’re doing and go to that place.”

“Okay. I don’t know how to describe it . . . it’s . . .” I began struggling to find the right words, but the second I did, everything else threatened to crash in and disturb my concentration. There was a slight tugging in the peripheral of my mind—Mason—but I let his tender intrusion fall away.

The word you’re looking for is
. . .
Mason paused, giving one last brush against my psyche before pulling completely out.
Peace
.

That was exactly how I felt
, but the word still seemed so inadequate. It went beyond that. It was a mixture of stillness, focus, and tranquility. It was as if I was in the center of a storm and, while everything around me raged, I was unaffected. Slowly bringing my awareness back to the present, I glanced up at the expectant faces of Mason and Devlin. “That was incredible. I’ve done the deep breathing thing before, but never to that extent.”

“It’s a great tool for when you feel overwhelmed and over-stimulated. Remove whatever’s complicating the situation and the turmoil
will cease,” Devlin added. “Sometimes when I’m investigating, and all the evidence seems to be pointing to the truth, but I can’t see it, that’s when I clear my mind. It gives great perspective.”

“That reminds me. I think some of the problem is that
because my magic is unbound, it’s stirred that part inside that makes me, me. Not the wolf or the witch. Not the mating bond. Me. Who I am is reeling from all of this. Does that make sense?”

“It does. The bigger the trauma or change, the more unsettled you’ll feel.” Mason nodded.

“So, how to I calm that foundation?”

“Time, unfortunately. It takes time to adjust to a new reality. I think if you practice what you learned today
, each morning, and night as well, it will help you get there faster and it will give you the clarity and strength you need to regain control.”

Stretching out my legs, I arched my back, groaning at the sweet relief I felt in my tired muscles. “Sounds good.”

“Pay attention to those moments, too. See if you can decipher what your triggers are. Right now, your powers flare when they sense a threat. You also had a surge when you were excited. I want to say they’re tied to your emotions, but did you sense anything when Mason and I fought?”

Remembering earlier, I shook my head. “No. But I was also worried.”

“So there’s no rhyme or reason to when it surfaces. That makes it harder to figure out. Pay attention from now on and keep track.” Devlin walked over and crouched beside me. “We’ll get you through this. I have a good feeling.”

“Do you have a good feeling about Julian?” I let it slip without thinking.

His features clouded over instantly. “I wish I could tell you he’s given up and no longer interested.”

Mason pushed himself off the edge of Vivien’s desk and joined us. “He can come all he wants, but we’ll be ready for him. He won’t get anywhere near Darcy.”

“I agree; but the worst thing we could do is be overconfident. We need to be prepared. We need to do everything in our power so when he does come, there are no surprises. That’s one thing we have going in our favor that my sister didn’t. We know who Julian is.”

“But you haven’t seen him recently. A person can change over time.” I didn’t mean to be a doubting Thomas, but it was the truth.

“True. Given the right motivation and intent, anyone can change for the better. But never forget, Julian is evil to his very core. His purposes are self-serving and cruel. If anything, given the time he’s had to cultivate his thirst for immortality and need for more power, his methods in achieving it have likely evolved into something even more depraved and dark. Yeah, don’t let your sweet nature and need to find the good in others cloud your judgment of him. Make no mistake, a knife carefully maintained and honed over the years doesn’t diminish the weapon, it simply makes the blade all the more lethal.”

Devlin’s words stirred the fear again in my heart. This was the person coming after me. This was the monster that would stop at nothing to
get what he wants; and once he did, he would destroy me. Suddenly I felt like I wasn’t doing enough to protect myself. I couldn’t simply sit back and left others do it for me. I refused to be a burden. If I could wield a weapon, learn a spell, or something, I wanted to do it.

“No.” Mason had caught my last musing and his jaw tightened to the point where I thought it might shatter. “No way in hell.”

“What?” Devlin asked, noticing the rigid posture Mason had assumed, crossing his arms and glaring at me. “You guys need to fill me. I don’t have the mental connection you two have. Speak out aloud.”