Blood Oath (#3, Mystic Wolves) (10 page)

“Not now, Darcy,” Mason answer was short, his
attention focused. “And don’t think I didn’t notice the lack of
phone call from you.” Addressing his second in command, he added,
“I’ll need you to get ready. The meeting’s set for two hours, but I
want to do a little recognizance first—see what we’re up against
before attacking. I want you loaded up with weapons, but I’m
ordering you not to kill unless it’s absolutely necessary. He’s
mine, and I want the pleasure of destroying him.”

Having been surrounded by werewolves my
entire life, violence was something I was familiar with, but as I
listened to the blood thirsty tone in Mason’s voice, it was hard to
get used to. Here was the man who could sweet talk me like no one
else, who could reduce me to puddle of desire, so the cold steel
that edge his words seemed completely foreign.

“Can’t you wait? Take more to plan. Call more
people. I don’t like the feel of this.” My anxiety levels
increased, and my wolf was also agitated. I’d spent hours with the
vampire and I couldn’t help worry about his intentions.

“No, we’re at war. We need to act, and as
Alpha it’s my duty to take every opportunity to ensure the safety
of my pack. You should know this more than anyone.”

“But at the expense of your own safety though
... and that of Daniel? I know what you want and why, but how much
clearer do I need to be … I feel like something bad is going to
happen at this meeting. You can’t trust Avery.”

“I’m not a fool to go in blind.”

His anger rose, and I desperately wanted to
pull back. I didn’t want to challenge his authority, or his ability
to lead. I loved this man so much and it broke my heart to keep
pushing, but I felt so strongly about this, I thought I would
choke. I just knew if I didn’t speak up, get him to acknowledge
what I was saying was worth listening to—there was a very real
possibility of losing him. I needed him. The pack needed him. The
Mystic Wolves would be devastated without Mason.

“Take her back to her room to meet her new
guard, and I’ll see in fifteen minutes to go over our plans.” He
put heavy emphasis on his last word, staring at me with such a
force, I felt glued to the spot.

Tears sprang into my eyes, as frustration
filled me. He wasn’t going to listen. “Mason ….”

“Enough,” he roared, the loudness of his
voice piercing the air. One look at him told me there was no
reaching him. He had completely shut himself off, allowing full
rein to his instincts, and I lowered my head in submission.

Thanking Daniel for his help, I began backing
away toward the door so I could return to my room. I heard sharp
whispers, a thud as someone was hit, followed by the words, “Don’t
be a jerk.”

“Wait.” Mason’s shout brought me to a
stand-still. I remained where I was as he ran up behind me before I
turned to face him. Gazing up, I still saw the hardness, but I
could also see regret. Leaning in, he brushed his lips against mine
and promised he’d stop in to see me before he left.

I nodded, not able to speak quite yet, and I
could see Daniel shaking his head in the background. Caressing the
side of Mason’s face, feeling him lean slightly into my touch, I
offered him a smile. “See you then.”

Not waiting for his answer, I turned again
and left.

The stillness of my room felt somewhat
stifling, the last few moments with Mason playing over and over in
my mind. Not caring that someone would be here shortly, I began
stripping off my sweaty clothes, the need for a shower the only
thing I could concentrate on.

I knew he was under pressure and that even
the strongest had their limits. I had confidence he’d be able to
face whatever challenges he met later. I just couldn’t shake the
ominous feeling which had nestled itself in the bottom of my
stomach. This is where I needed to have faith— to not just say it,
but show it.

Stepping under the water, scrubbing away the
grime from my recent workout, I tried to focus on the future. There
was so much to look forward to—a lifetime of new experiences, and
my highly anticipated mating. Nothing had changed and something
told me when we came out on the other side of this, we’d be
stronger for it.

The soft perfume from my body wash mingled
with the soothing steam of the hot water, seeping its way into my
pores, and I began to calm down. I tried to remember what a wise
friend told me a few years ago—a problem always looked bigger when
it was the only thing I focused on, and as I rinsed off, I kept
reminding myself of the bigger picture. This, unfortunately, wasn’t
going to be the only time we faced danger together as a couple and
pack. It wouldn’t be the only time we suffer heartache and
uncertainty.

Stepping out of the shower, a new sense of
determination filled me. Mason had stood by me, taking precious
time to help reinstall my confidence in who I was and my place
within the pack. I knew how lucky I was to have him, and I made a
mental note—once this was over, I wanted to plan a special evening
just for the two of us. We needed some alone time so I could pamper
him. Grinning, I felt a pulse of excitement. That’s exactly what
I’d do.

Quickly dressing, I felt lighter for the
first time today. I walked out into my bedroom to find a very
large, very amused looking, vampire enforcer sprawled across my
bed. His rich chuckle charged the air as he began to read out aloud
from my romance novel.

“Oh, Bradley, you’re so strong. However will
I live without you? Kiss me … kiss me now and I’ll be forever
yours. I’m all a tremble waiting for you, my darling.” His high
pitched attempt at sounding like a female made me forget for a
moment to yell at him for teasing and I busted up laughing, my hand
covering my mouth.

“Felicity. I’m so glad you’ve noticed my
manliness. Please, touch me. Touch my …,” I watched him flip the
book closed, taking a quick look at the cover, and he reopened to
the spot his finger marked, “hard muscles and long flowing hair.”
He snorted, clearly finding it funny and returned the book to its
rightful spot.

“Please tell me you don’t enjoy that?” He
looked at me incredulously, patting the space beside him on the bed
as an invitation for me to come sit. “That was cheesy, and it’ll
turn your brain to rot.”

“Hey, don’t mock my romance book, and you
know that’s not what it says either. Go ahead and laugh, but you
don’t know what you’re missing!” I flopped myself down, slapping
him for good measure on his leg. “I’m sure it’s more fascinating
than what you read, Mr. I’m-A-Broody-Vampire. Probably something
heavy and extremely tragic.” I rolled my eyes at him, mocking him
right back.

“You think you’re so funny. For your
information, I just finished a murder mystery. It was quite
entertaining.”

“Really?” I turned my head to look at him. He
didn’t come across as someone who’d be interested in the genre or
any for that matter.

“No. I don’t have time for such luxuries, but
if I did, it wouldn’t be something with the title “
Surrendering
to the Mistress of Promises.
” He eyed the book again.

“I’ll let you borrow it when I’m done. It’ll
be our little secret.” I tapped him on the leg and got off the bed.
Mason still hadn’t come by yet, and I was anxious to see him before
he left.

“He’ll be okay, you know?” I turned around
quickly, ready to blast him. “And no, I didn’t read your thoughts.
I understand you well enough to read your body language. You’re
worried about the meeting, but Mason’s got a smart head on his
shoulders. He’ll be careful.”

“I hope so.” I began to slowly pace back and
forth, inching closer to the door with each step. As if willing him
there, I heard a knock and Mason entered, followed closely by
Daniel. They were both dressed in black, weapons concealed, but my
focus was solely on the man moving toward me.

He looked lethal and dangerous. I could tell
by the game face he was wearing, he was in complete control. Any
uncertainty was gone as the full weight of the Alpha mantle rested
squarely on his shoulders. He’d take no risks tonight.

“We’re ready to head out, sweetheart.” The
use of the endearment settled some of my anxiety. He seemed
balanced, and I stepped into his open arms, ignoring the way the
knives he had hidden dug into my skin. I inhaled deeply, enjoying
his masculine scent, and I tried to show my support through our
embrace.

I was the one who stepped away first,
squeezing his hand before looking back at him. “Be safe, okay? Do
what you need to do and then come home.” I smiled widely, and my
heart skipped a beat when he returned one of his own. I saw the
look of relief in his eyes.

“I’ll try to send you updates through our
connection, so you don’t spend the rest of the night worrying. I
know you have a bad feeling.” He reached out and stroked the curve
of my face. “I did hear you, even though I acted like I didn’t.
Daniel and I have gone over every possible scenario we could think
of, and if it looks like a trap we’ll get out of there. I just
can’t let this chance slip by. Who knows what lengths Avery will go
to if these have been his opening moves?”

“You don’t need to explain. I understand and
I appreciate you offering to send updates. Besides, I’ll be fine
here with Devlin.” I gestured over my shoulder to where he was
laying. “I know just how we’ll spend our evening as well.” I could
hear Devlin groan softly.

“I love you, Darcy.”

My eyes moved over Mason’s face, taking
everything in. “I love you too,” I whispered and I took another
step back as he turned to go.

“Keep her safe, Devlin. I’m counting on you.
Leave here only if you have to.”

“Does this mean you rescind your Alpha
command for me to stay on pack property?” I asked.

“Yes, should the need arise, you stay with
Devlin. No running off on your own. Promise me, Darcy, or the
command stands.”

I agreed to his terms, and I felt the burden
of the command lift. “I won’t leave here by myself. You have my
word.”

He paused for a moment, weighing things and
seemed satisfied. Nodding at Devlin, both Daniel and he left the
room.

I let out a heavy sigh, staring at the closed
door and I shut my eyes briefly to offer up a heartfelt prayer.
Twirling around, I attempted a smile as I settled myself back on
the bed. Devlin wrapped his arm around my shoulder, pulling me
close, and I rested against him.

“Ah, the joys of waiting.” I laughed,
breaking the silence. “So, what shall we do?” I tilted my head to
the side, peering over at my friend.

“Anything you’d like. I’m at your service,
Madam Darcy.” He added a flourish with his hand. “Your wish is my
command.”

“Honestly? I think I’d just like to talk. We
don’t often get the chance and I’ve missed you.” Devlin had always
been a part of my life, showing up from time to time when I needed
him or whenever he was in town. As an Enforcer, he travelled the
world at the order of his King, but I loved whatever chance I got
to be with him when he was home in Woodside Hollow.

“Then fire away. What’s the first topic for
discussion?”

I loved the way he bantered with me, and I
tapped my finger against my chin, trying to decide. There was still
so much I didn’t know about him because he was the master of
evasion. Though I learned not to pry too much into his life, I
looked forward to whatever tidbit he revealed. There were things on
my mind we could talk about, but an image flashed in my mind. I
suddenly sat up straight, turning myself to face him before
crossing my legs.

“What is the deal with Vlad? He doesn’t seem
to be the kind of partner you would have so I know there’s a story
there. Spill it.” I looked at him intently, waiting to see what
he’d divulge.

“He is the bane of my existence at the moment
… the thorn in my side … the constant source of irritation.” He
rubbed his hand across his forehead, lowering his voice. “And he’s
also my family.”

I couldn’t help it. I exploded into laughter
so hard I had tears welling in my eyes. “He’s your relative?” I was
lucky to get the question out.

“Are you finished?” He cocked his eyebrow, a
scowl on his face. It seemed I found a tender spot that begged for
me to poke at it.

“Nope. I’m sorry, but this is too funny. He
appears to be so awkward, and you’re always so … not awkward. How
come I’ve never met him before?”

“Because I never intended him to become a
vampire, or to be introduced into our world.” He let out a
frustrated sigh, and I slanted forward, knowing he was about to
reveal something. “He’s a descendant of my beloved sister, and was
meant to remain human. They all were, but sometimes things happen.
Vlad was too remain ignorant of who I was, but after a lapse in my
judgment, discovered I was a vampire. He became enamored with the
idea of being turned, pestering me relentlessly until I finally
decided to just wipe his mind and remove myself from his life. The
evening I chose to execute my plans, I arrived at his home to find
him dying, lying in a pool of blood. Seems he didn’t need me after
all, and had found someone to help him. I had no other option but
to help finish his transition and ease his passage into his new
life. I was honor bound to protect my family, having given a
blood-oath to my sister, so I took him back to my King for
guidance. He’s with me now because his sparkling personality has
almost gotten him staked on numerous occasions.” Devlin chuckled to
himself. “Imagine that?”

“You made a blood oath with your sister?” I
couldn’t help the surprise in my voice and I’m sure my eyes were as
large as saucers. I didn’t know too much, but what I did know was a
blood oath was one of the most sacred of pledges a person could
offer. It was unbreakable, immovable, and very rarely made. It was
the tightest of commitments between two people and to break it
meant suffering a death too horrible to imagine.