Blood Oath (#3, Mystic Wolves) (6 page)

“The mythology of the werewolf is one buried
deeply in lore, and as such, has many interpretations. Stories
shared of centuries after retelling often add to the truth, but
never forget—there is always beauty and honor at the center.”

“My grandmother spoke of sitting at the knee
of her mother and listening to the tale of the Lupus
constellation.” Lifting her arm up to the side, Vivien gestured to
a group of stars sparkling in the night sky. “Formed in the shape
of a wolf, it is said they stand there as punishment for the
grievous sins performed against the Greek god, Zeus. Retaliating in
anger, the father of all werewolves, Lycaon, was banished to the
heavens, forever to watch over his descendants.”

“Forever is a long time, an eternity of
contemplation over the foolishness of pride—so my mother told
me—and here is where my tale differs. After a millennia of
observance, and having his heart filled with humility, Lycaon now
stands as a constant sentinel. A reminder to others the
consequences of arrogance and hatred, an influence to countless
generations seeking guidance, and the resting place for those who
pass on.”

“The farewell ritual is the forgiving
practice, passed on by a benevolent god to help each descendent
find their rest with their ancestors. Where once they were cursed
to wander the earth, denied entrance to the afterlife because of
the sins of one, the witch’s fire was created to release and purify
the dead, transporting them home.”

A chill pulsed through me, and a reverent awe
hovered over the crowd. I heard familiar snippets threaded through
Vivien’s heartfelt words, but this was by far the most profound
retelling I’d experienced. Judging from the nodding of Mason’s
head, he too was feeling the same, and he raised our entwined hands
to his mouth to place a kiss on the back. I felt a smaller hand
grab hold of my other, and I turned to see the shy smile of April.
She was just as affected, and I offered her a reassuring
squeeze.

Moving about the dais now, positioning
herself behind Jasmine, Vivien used a nearby lantern to light a
taper. Holding the flame to a bundle of sage and prepared herbs,
she began to waft the smoking leaves up the length of Jasmine’s
body. Chanting words too soft to hear, power began to build and
rise, like the lulling of a wave, each one growing stronger and
stronger into a crescendoing pitch.

The gentle breeze before us gradually picked
up speed, raising the garments and hair of Vivien. The balls of
light hovering in the air flared in intensity, but still she kept
chanting, never losing focus. A different kind of electricity
filled the air, one without the unique feel of Mason’s Alpha
energy. Magic rippled and convulsed to the point where I began
hearing the echo of gasps and exclamations behind me.

Suddenly, all the lights extinguished,
plunging the garden into complete darkness. Even the moon seemed to
hide its face, the stars fading to the point where the sky was like
a black canvas—all but the Lupus constellation. Those stars shone
brighter than anything I’d ever seen, as though they were alive and
waiting.

A shimmer from the altar drew back my gaze
and I let out of exalted sigh of surprise as I watched Jasmine’s
body instantly ignite with the most wondrous hues of purple and
blue flame. Higher and higher the blaze flickered and burned,
twisting and turning as though each spark was dancing.

A look of absolute love shone from Vivien’s
face as her hands began to move in intricate patterns, each gesture
seemed effortless and filled with meaning. I couldn’t pull my eyes
away from the sight and caught myself leaning forward in the
attempt to catch every nuance.

Tears streaked down each face, my own eyes
blurring before I rapidly brushed mine away, so captivated we were
as we seemed to hold our breaths for what we knew was coming. Even
prepared, I gasped as I watched a beam of the purest white light
break out of Jasmine’s body, releasing two globes, which I knew
were the spirits of the wolf and herself.

They seemed to glow and pulsate—one the
prettiest of yellow and the other a deep forest green. I knew which
one was Jasmine—the yellow, because I always felt she reminded me
of the sun, life giving, a provider of warmth and always bestowing
hope.

Gently, they drifted over the now empty
vessel, twirling around each other as though they were excited in
the newly found freedom they had. Fascinated, I watched the yellow
globe, Jasmine, teeter towards us, almost hesitant, before floating
over and frolicking between Mason and me. She was saying goodbye
one last time. Letting us know she was happy and not to worry.

Mason stretched out his hand—palm up, and a
cry erupted out of his tight frame as the delicate ball of spirit
rested softly on his skin. A look of unadulterated reassurance
crossed his face, his lips curling into a small smile before he
nodded. Taking this as acceptance, Jasmine rejoined the green
globe, and with one last dance around Vivien, they began to ascend
up into the sky.

A familiar surge of energy pushed its way
through the crowd as the Alpha issued the command to change. One by
one, we stood and began, allowing our wolves to come forward and
say their goodbyes.

I felt the solemn brush of my own wolf
against my skin before she burst forth, bringing me to my hands and
knees. All around me I could sense when each change was completed,
Mason’s happening almost instantly. With one accord, as a soulful
tribute, I joined my pack and howled.

The night air was filled with the distinct
bays and croons of a heartsick family who promised to never forget
and to always be vigilant. The pledge to seek justice blended in
amidst the voices, an oath to live each day as a way to honor
someone most beloved. The music was hauntingly beautiful, and I
joined my wolf by adding my love to her serenade.

Somewhere in the symphony, a lone voice
emerged as though the heavens had opened and an angel had
descended. The simplicity of the strand added to the harmony of our
wolves, and it was as if the air threatened to explode. The world
seemed to tilt, as if unprepared for such majesty, and looking
around, I was stunned to find the source.

Devlin. My dearest friend Devlin, standing
aside from everyone. Blood red tears streaming down his cheeks as
he opened his mouth and offered his own sincere homage. Who
would’ve known something so profound could’ve come from the
Enforcer.

Casting my gaze back, the orbs of spirits
slowly becoming too hard to distinguish as they rose into the
heavens, my wolf finally finished and joined the crowd in silence.
A flash rang out, followed by an explosion of twinkling of lights
signifying the arrival of Jasmine and her spirit companion. Two
small stars, clustered together with others, twinkled fiercely
before gradually diminishing. A moment later and the night sky
began to take on its usual appearance—stars resurfaced and the moon
returned to its place. Noise began to creep back in as the
creatures and insects moved about. The ritual was over. Everything
was ready to move on.

The witch’s fire died down, revealing the
absence of Jasmine’s body, leaving only the unblemished shroud and
flowers behind. One by one, the pack moved about. First passing by
Vivien as a token of gratitude for her officiating, and then we
each silently went our separate way to shift back into human
form.

I followed closely behind Mason before
heading back to the room together. We changed without speaking,
occasionally stopping to touch one another as we dressed. There was
no need for words; we wore our hearts clearly for the other to see.
One quick kiss and we headed back out to the garden. It was time to
celebrate the girl we both loved and show that even though the pain
lingers, the Mystic Wolves would survive.

***

The atmosphere was definitely lighter as we
emerged from the house. The gravity of the rite was tenderly placed
aside for a more casual appearance, tables set out where the chairs
had once been. Alongside the walkway, a delicious feast was in the
process of being arranged by a small group of Vivien’s
associates.

Whispering to Mason I’d return, I made my way
through the tables, checking to see that everyone was alright and
was getting enough to eat. We were a solemn bunch, talking softly
amongst ourselves and the ritual was on everybody’s mind.

I lingered by some of the conversations,
reaching out to touch those I spoke with, letting them know how
grateful I was they were here. Soon, the reverent hush became
lighter, as laughter broke out and as I caught Mason’s eye, I
smiled and nodded. We were all okay.

Walking over to where the food was displayed,
I helped an older pack sister fill her dish. She shared different
experiences she had with Jasmine, how the young wolf touched her
life, and as I led her to her table, I thanked her. The topic of
dinner shifted, and the air filled with an assortment of memories.
It felt like a warm, comfortable blanket settled over the group,
and I leaned into Mason, as he came up behind me.

“Have you gotten something to eat yet?” I
asked, turning around so I could face him. Telltale signs gave away
how tired he was, and I traced the skin under his eyes before
standing on my tiptoes to kiss him. “How about you go take a seat
by Daniel and let me wait on you a little?” Not giving him time to
answer, I gently pushed him in the right direction before turning
to grab him a plate of food.

There was so much to choose from, so I chose
a little of everything I knew he liked. Making sure to pick up
utensils and a napkin, I made my way over to where he was. Mason’s
head was down in quiet conversation, and I smiled as I watched his
best friend reach out and pat his arm.

It was hard not to worry about Mason. As much
as I was hurting from all this, I knew he was just as devastated,
but wasn’t able to lower his guard too much. He needed to be strong
for the pack, especially in light of what we’d learned at the
meeting. Watching him enjoy his company, and the brief respite, I
was determined to make sure I was there in any way I could.

Placing the food in front of him, I smiled as
he moved his leg and gestured for me to sit on his knee. I enjoyed
sitting this close, finding his touch soothing.

“Looks good, babe.” He shared as he leaned
forward to see what I’d brought. Taking in an appreciate sniff, he
touched my knee and added, “Smells amazing as well.”

I reached over to fill his glass with water,
careful not to spill any over the nicely arranged decorations.
Someone had displayed floral centerpieces, surrounding them with
the rich green foliage of our woods. The one in front of me was
beautifully created, the result of a talented individual.

Finally situated, I quietly pushed the fork
towards Mason’s hand and was rewarded with a burst of laughter from
Daniel. Startled by the sudden noise, I wasn’t sure whether to
glare at him or ask what was so funny.

“Well, my Liege, should I step in a cut your
meat for you?” He stretched toward the plate, gripping his own
knife and before I could move, Mason whipped out his hand and
slapped away his friend’s.

“Touch it at your own risk,” he growled,
shifting the plate away from him. Turning to me he added, “Don’t
mind him, Darcy. He’s just jealous he doesn’t have anyone to make
sure he eats.” Placing a brief kiss on my cheek, he whispered into
my ear. “I love it when you take care of me. Thank you.”

Sticking my tongue out at Daniel, I placed my
hand on Mason’s chest and answered. “It’s my pleasure. I enjoy
making sure you’re happy.” Wearing a stern expression, I pointed my
finger at the bratty wolf. “You better make sure you eat up too,
Mister. Don’t make me come over there and hand feed you!”

This won a round of chuckles and snort in
response. “As if you could.”

My eyebrow instantly arched and I went to
move. He must’ve thought better of it because he picked up his own
fork and began eating, mumbling about how he didn’t need another
mother. I smiled at him sweetly, before popping a piece of cucumber
from Mason’s plate into my mouth.

“You can call me your Royal Highness, if you
like. That, or Queen Darcy, Ruler Supreme,” I suggested, enjoying
the moment to tease.

“How about Empress Bossy Boots? That has a
nice ring to it.” Daniel smirked as he smeared a piece of meat with
sauce, taking a bite.

“Only if you have a death wish, Brother,”
Mason replied, filling my mouth with a cherry tomato from his salad
before I could answer.

I narrowed my gaze at him as I bite into the
fruit with my teeth.
Bossy boots indeed,
I thought and I
shook my head. Daniel knew me so well and I winked at him.

Feeling the need to move around, I noticed
desserts being brought out, and the resulting grumble in my stomach
had Mason helping me off his lap.

“Does anyone else want something sweet?”
Straight away I saw nods from them both, and heard the request for
chocolate.

Kissing Mason on the head, and slapping
Daniel on the arm for being a punk, I zigzagged my way through
everyone and almost sighed at the sight of the table. It was laden
with so many delicious things, my sweet tooth felt like
rejoicing.

I felt someone touch my elbow, and turning
around, I found myself facing one of Vivien’s friends. “Thank you
so much for everything. We appreciate all the hard work you’ve put
into preparing this.” I grasped hold of her small hand and shook it
slightly. “It means a lot, and I know Mason will want to thank you
personally.”

The young woman, possibly in her early
twenties, blushed and smiled shyly. “Oh, there’s no need to thank
us. It’s the least we could do to show our respect.” Looking around
at the contented crowd, she added. “My name’s Layla. I actually
came over to ask you something. We had a little accident and were
wondering where you keep your cleaning things. I hate to interrupt,
but I didn’t want anyone to trip and fall.”