Forever Changed (The Mystic Wolves)

by Belinda Boring

  I returned his grin and pushed aside my fear. Mason was right—there was no need to start being afraid. We’d enjoyed our time in the shower without any repercussions; our emotions swelling and boiling over hadn’t triggered another attack. “You always were the sensible one in this relationship,” I replied, making the first stroke over his lathered skin. I’d watched him do this countless times, so I mimicked his movements.

  Mason remained silent, his hands still resting on my hips, his touch radiating heat through my clothes. His focus never shifted from mine as I bit my bottom lip with total concentration.

  “You know if you keep doing that, we might be even later meeting Daniel and Devlin.”

  “Doing what?” I puffed at a strand of hair that fell across my forehead.

  “Looking so damn adorable and sexy.” Mason raised his arm and tucked the hair behind my ear.

  “Pfft, what do you want, Mr. O’Connor?” I chuckled.

  “Well . . .”

  “We don’t have time for that again.” I didn’t bother hiding the fact I rolled my eyes.

  “I know.” He had the audacity to act forlorn.

  “Then, what?” I dipped the razor into the warm water Mason had filled in the basin. Tapping the instrument on the edge of the sink, I continued.

  “You mentioned Devlin.”

  “And?” Stopping what I was doing, I tilted my head to study him. Something was on his mind, something that had turned him from playful to quiet to serious.

  “I was an ass.”

  “And?”

  “You’re not going to tell me I wasn’t?” He cocked his eyebrow at me and I shook my head in response.

  “No, but I’m interested to know why you think so.”

  It was his turn to let out a heavy sigh as he glanced down. Whatever he was about to say was difficult for him and although I could sneak a look through our mental link, I gave him his privacy. Trust between us was so important; and just because our mating had fixed the problem, it didn’t give me free rein to invade his personal thoughts. Our relationship had developed and grown strong without it—I’d learned to read his body language on my own. What he needed right now was the space to gather his courage and share what he was pensive over.

  “You knew I heard your conversation with Devlin. You didn’t resist when I tested the pathway, so I listened in. Daniel and I had talked before shifting for our run. He’d pretty much said the same thing I was feeling. Yes, I hated being kept in the dark about you and the threat Devlin’s been protecting you from. But, I understood why. He had your best interest at heart and he worried that somehow, if I knew, you’d find out through our connection. He didn’t want to risk it, so he kept quiet. As angry as it made me, I could kind of respect it also. I would’ve done the same thing. I hate burdening those I love and would rather carry the weight alone.”

  “So, then why the macho display out there?” Mason was a reasonable man. If he’d already come to this conclusion, it made no sense he’d felt the need to offload his aggression on his friend.

  “Because the more he spoke about this Julian and what he’d planned for his own child, the more I realized that Julian wants to do the same thing to you. Do you know how crazed that makes me? This sick, psychotic blast from Devlin’s past was thwarted, but is now probably gunning for you. I heard what Devlin said. Julian’s plans will be to remove your soul and replace it with his own. He wants to take you away from me and . . .” Mason’s voice caught with thick emotion. He looked stricken and resting my hand on his chest, I could feel him struggling to control his wolf. They sensed the impending danger—both man and beast. Rubbing my hand over his heart, I desperately tried to soothe that fear.

  “But you know now,” I quietly responded.

  “Yeah, now. But Devlin knew the entire time that this threat was out there. The moment you became a part of my life, the very second you became an essential part of my world, he should’ve told me. There’s someone out there who is determined to take what’s mine and I would’ve been blind to it all. How can I keep you safe if I don’t know what I’m protecting you from?” There was a wild desperation in his voice—a maddening urgency to destroy what disturbed his peace and confidence.

  “What would you have done if you had known? Keep me under lock and key?”

  “Yes. For starters,” he retorted, a sharp exhale accenting his answer. “I know you hate that; and heaven knows I don’t like the idea of heavily controlling your every move, but at least it would’ve been something. I would’ve been prepared. I could’ve watched, and had a plan in motion, for if and when the guy surfaced. I know this morning wouldn’t have been such a surprise.”

  “It would’ve been for me, though,” I reminded him.

  “I just couldn’t think straight once I heard him tell you. All those times you’ve gone out alone or I haven’t been as vigilant with your security. It showed me how lax I’ve been in my care of you.”

  I placed my finger of his lips, softly shushing him. “You have done an amazing job.” He went to argue but I shook my head. “Yes, I know things have happened recently, but here I am, in your arms, as your wife. We’re together and I’m in one piece—perfectly happy and content. It’s not your job to be my guard and jailer, Mason. It’s your job to love me. Plain and simple.”

  “I do love you, Darcy. More than I ever thought possible. It’s everything I can do to contain the fury I feel that someone out there wants to take you from me.”

  “We’ll deal with it like we always do, with the help of our friends and the Pack. We’ll handle it one step at a time, with cool heads, and faith in each other. That’s all we can do and it’ll be enough. I plan on growing old with you, giving you lots of babies, and driving you crazy with all my adorable quirks. Yes, Julian is a threat; but taking your frustration out on Devlin isn’t going to make it go away. Even if it felt good.”

  “I felt like I was doing something about it.”

  “I know. But, again, the real enemy isn’t Devlin. It’s Julian.” Dropping a washcloth into the cooling water, I squeezed it out before wiping away the left over shaving cream. Mason was back to his handsome self, his cheeks smooth and whisker-free.

  “You always were the smarter one.” He chuckled, accepting the towel to dry his face. “You’re right. I know it. I just needed to get it out of my system.”

  “And is it?”

  “Yes; and when we meet up with the others, I’ll make sure Devlin knows it, too.” Mason helped me down off the counter and emptied the sink. “So, how does it feel to know you’re married to a man who isn’t always level headed and lets his emotions get the better of him?”

  “So, I’m married to someone who is as human as everyone else? Hmmm, let me think.” I wrapped my arms around his neck and rose up on my tiptoes. “I love you, Mason O’Connor. All of you. Total acceptance and no judgment.”

  “What did I do to deserve you?” He buried his face into my neck, breathing in the scent from my freshly cleaned hair.

  “We deserve each other. Never forget that. It’s you and me, always.”

  He squeezed me tightly before raising his gaze. “Forever.”

  “Forever.”

  Stretching upward, I let our kiss seal the deal.

  Chapter 6

  Our smiles faded the moment we entered Mason’s office and found Devlin and Daniel waiting for us, serious expressions on their faces. I didn’t have to ask if Daniel knew everything, the concern creasing his forehead into a hard frown was evidence enough.

  “So, you know?” Mason asked, noticing the same thing.

  “Yeah. Can I just say what the hell?” Daniel groaned, shaking his head. “That’s one heck of a bombshell to just drop on someone. Hey, I’m your uncle; and by the way, some maniac warlock wants to rip your soul out so he can live forever. Breakfast, anyone?”

  Devlin stood quietly at the window, peering out through the curtains, his body taut and rigid. “Am I going to have to apologize for the rest of my life?�
�� There was no sarcasm in his tone. I could tell that he genuinely felt bad for his omission, as epic as it was.

  “No.” Mason left my side and joined his friend, placing his hand on Devlin’s arm. “But I feel I need to.”

  Devlin’s look was incredulous. “You’re kidding, right?” He glanced over at me and I nodded.

  “I’m not apologizing for my anger and reaction. But what happened out there in the garden was, maybe, a little extreme. I understand why you kept it to yourself. We’re alike, you and me. We love hard and protect just as fiercely. If I’d been in your position, I would’ve done the same. But, like I told Darcy, the idea that Julian was out there all this time and I was completely clueless . . . that can’t happen anymore. You’re not the only one who cares for her. You’re not the only one entrusted with her safety. I think it’s obvious that everyone in this room would give their lives for her, so we need to all be on the same page. Is there anything else you’ve withheld?”

  “I’ve told you everything,” Devlin quietly replied.

  “I did want to say thank you, as well,” Mason squeezed Devlin’s shoulder. “Don’t think it’s escaped my attention that it is because of you that Darcy’s enjoyed a normal upbringing. You kept her happy and healthy. You honored your sister and the oath you made. I can’t imagine how difficult it’s been to make the decisions you have . . . but I do understand the love and devotion behind it.”

  “It’s the least I could do.”

  “I totally meant what I said, we’re good. And, to answer your question, no, you’re not going to have to keep saying sorry. The past is the past and what concerns me now is from this moment on. You mentioned that with Darcy’s powers unbound, she’s like a beacon for this guy?”

  “Yeah, her witch nature comes from Julian and my sister; so it makes it easier for him to track. It doesn’t give a specific location, but enough energy for him to have a good idea where to find her. Vivien and I have kept that unique signature hidden Darcy’s entire life. It’s another reason why we’ve tried to always keep her close to the nexus. We believed it would also help silence any residual leakage from the spell, and we were right. There have been a few close calls over the years, but for the most part, Darcy’s been relatively protected.”

  “Until now.”

  “Yes. Until now.”

  “Are you sure he’s even alive?” Daniel interrupted, asking something I had wondered as well. “I mean, this was a long time ago. How do you know he isn’t dead and we’re simply jumping at shadows?” He was leaning against Mason’s desk with his arms folded across his chest. I walked over to join him and he wrapped his arm around my shoulders.

  Mason glanced at Devlin, who shook his head. “He’s alive. Trust me. I haven’t seen him since that night, but there’s plenty of evidence he’s still out there, lurking and waiting.”

  “Like what?” I asked, curiously. It would’ve been simpler if Julian were dead.

  “I have people looking for him and whenever I’m out on assignment for Zane, I also make my own inquiries. Rumors and reports filter back to me every now and then of a powerful warlock, of ritualistic sacrifices people have uncovered, and . . .” Devlin’s voice dropped away and he looked painfully uncomfortable.

  “Tell us, we can handle it.”

  “There have been other women he’s corrupted.” My mind instantly went to the images he’d invoked of Elynor when he’d found her. “There has been evidence of more children. Seems he was trying to recreate what he had with my sister in the hopes of finding a way around the spell.”

  I wanted to vomit. The thought of that monster torturing and abusing more people because he was obsessed with immortality wrenched at my insides. He was beyond evil and he was coming for me. Fear blasted through me, causing Mason to walk away from the window and pull me into his strong embrace.

  “I won’t let him near you, sweetheart. I’ll kill him before he has a chance.” All I could do was shake against him.

  “So, what do we need to do?” Daniel asked. “I don’t want this punk anywhere near my girl.”

  “Your girl?” Mason chuckled.

  “Fine,” Daniel rolled his eyes. “Our girl.”

  “He’s been waiting for centuries for his chance. I can’t imagine him ignoring it.” Devlin scrubbed his hand over his face before beginning to pace back and forth.

  “I agree. I think our number one priority right now is to come up with some kind of plan, because my gut tells me he’s coming. So we need to find where he is and prepare ourselves for when he arrives.”

  “This is just an idea, but wouldn’t it also help if we could turn off the beacon?” I added, a thought slowly revealing itself. “I mean, if he’s focusing on me and my magic, what would happen if suddenly he didn’t have it to follow? No magic, no signal.” I looked between each of them as they pondered it.

  “It’s worth a shot,” Mason agreed. “Do you think that’d work, Devlin? You and Vivien bound her powers once; surely you can do it again?”

  “I don’t know if the same spell will work but we can definitely try. Vivien would know more about that than me.”

  “And if it doesn’t, you can always strip my magic away.” They all turned to look at me in horror.

  “You’d want to lose what makes you a witch?” Mason’s eyes widened in surprise.

  “Face it, I only just found out I was one this morning. I’ve spent my whole life believing I was only a werewolf, so I don’t think I’d really miss it,” I admitted.

  “But think of how much it could help you. It’s also an essential part of who you are,” Daniel commented, watching me.

  “Again, a part of me I didn’t know existed.”

  “Is that even possible?” Mason aimed his question to Devlin.

  “I don’t know, but I agree. I don’t think it’s a good idea, Darcy. I’d much rather help rebind your magic and help you learn to control it afterward, rather than remove it completely.” Devlin’s brow furrowed as he finally stopped pacing and rested against the wall.

  “Let’s not be hasty. See what Vivien and her coven can do first, then we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.”

  “Okay, that makes sense. I just don’t like the idea that he’s going to be putting everyone I love in danger. If there’s a way to completely stop him, I’m not afraid to do it.”

  “I know you’re not. You’re one of the bravest people I know. But, you’re not alone in this. We’ll get through it.” Mason kissed the side of my head and I leaned into him more.

  “So, let’s head over to Vivien’s home and brainstorm there.” Devlin was already reaching for his phone so he could warn her we were coming. “I also need to let Zane know what’s going on. I’m sure he’ll offer whatever we need to keep you safe.”

  “I appreciate it.” Mason released me from his embrace, but grabbed hold of my hand instead. I hated the way worry had settled over him again. For once, I wanted us to get the chance to enjoy longer periods of peace. After all we’d been through lately, I had really hoped that now would be that time.

  A sudden thought stopped me. “Um, has anyone seen my parents this morning?” It was late when the reception finished last night, so Mason had invited them to stay in one of the guest rooms.

  “I saw them earlier in the kitchen,” Daniel answered. “But not for the last hour or so.”

  “Let’s go find your mom and dad,” Mason whispered softly, knowing I needed to see and talk with them before we left.

  After making arrangements to meet outside in an hour, he led me to the door, holding it open like a true gentleman.

  My insides were once again a riot of nerves—unsure whether my parents had also been kept in the dark.

  Surely they had, I wondered silently.

  There was only one way to find out.

  ****

  Mason laughed as I tentatively knocked on my parent’s door. “Don’t tell me you’re scared?”

  “A little,” I revealed, unsure of what I was
going to say when I saw them. Would I be the one to tell them there’d been a conspiracy since my birth or would they confide that they’d known all along? My heart raced from nervousness and I couldn’t tell which option terrified me more. “Maybe I should wait,” I uttered, backing away.

  He tightened his hold on my hand. “Why put off what you can do now? You’ll be fine. Besides, I hear someone coming.” Sure enough, the door swung open and my father looked at us quizzically.

  “You both okay?” Standing to the side, he gestured for us to come in. My mom was sitting on the end of the bed, her hands fidgeting in her lap. It wasn’t a good sign when my mother looked uneasy.

  “So you know?” I blurted out, dropping Mason’s grip and coming to sit by her. “You know.”

  “What do you mean, Darcy?” My dad interrupted. He glanced at Mason who shook his head, pointing over to me. “If you mean that something’s happened between Mason and Devlin, we saw it through the window.”

  There was a slight brush of relief as I realized they’d no doubt seen the fight out in the garden. Many of the rooms overlooked different parts of the property. If they’d witnessed the brawl, it was no wonder my mother was so agitated.

  “That was my fault, sir,” Mason confided, respectfully. It didn’t matter how many times he was told to call his new father-in-law either Dean or Dad, it always came down to ‘sir’. I thought it was sweet. “I received some news today and didn’t handle it too well.”

  “Looked like you handle it right from where I was watching, son. Remind me never to get on your bad side. I can see why you’re so well-respected.” There was pride in his voice and Mason looked down with wolfish grin. “Something told me I was right to trust my daughter with you.”

  My mother remained quiet the whole time and the rigid way she held her body told me it wasn’t the fight that had upset her. “Mom?” She seemed to be caught up in something, a memory, and startled when I lightly touched her arm.

  “I’m sorry; I’ve been having a bit of a rough morning.” Smiling, whatever held her evaporated and she gave me a side hug. “How are you both? I’m glad no one was hurt from that caveman display earlier.” She gave Mason a stern look, shaking her head with disapproval.