Forever Changed (The Mystic Wolves)

by Belinda Boring

  “I know. You’re Devlin’s best friend and charge. He’s talked so much about you that I feel I practically know you.”

  “Did you know he was also my Uncle?” I threw it out there, wondering if he’d confided in anybody.

  “No!” Her eyes widened at the revelation, indicating she had no clue either. “Really?” Christina turned to Devlin, waiting for him to confess.

  “It’s a long story.” Shaking his head, Devlin indicated now wasn’t the time to retell it.

  “Obviously. After all we’ve been through and you were keeping secrets?”

  “It wasn’t my secret to share, Chrissy.” The softness in his tone and tenderness in his face confirmed it. At some point in their relationship, things had been more intimate than mere friends. There weren’t many times I’d seen Devlin look at a woman this way. At one time, Christina had been, and maybe still was, special to him.

  “It’s okay,” I added. “I only just found out myself. He had his reasons.” Without thinking, I laid my hand on her arm.

  “If there’s any time, we can talk.” Her comment was aimed at Devlin. He nodded in response. “We need to go. The sooner I get you to Salem, the better. Helena is waiting for you all.”

  Mason and Daniel rejoined us with the luggage and helped store it away in the Hummer’s trunk.

  “Any chance you’ll let me drive this bad boy?” Daniel grinned, pulling out all the stops, hoping his charm and smile would dazzle Christina. I didn’t have the heart to tell him she was still hung up on Devlin.

  “Zero and none,” she replied, laughing. “Okay, everyone get in. We have just over an hour drive, so get comfy.” She glanced at Devlin, something unspoken passed between them as he took the front passenger seat, the rest of us sliding into the back seats. Daniel grumbled under his breath about vampires getting all the girls; but I didn’t pay him any attention. Mason’s worried expression had returned and he was on alert, his body taut and rigid.

  “You okay?” I whispered, slipping my hand into his.

  “No. I won’t be okay until we’re back home, surrounded by Pack. I have a bad feeling, sweetheart.” Breaking his focus from looking outside the window, he squeezed my fingers lightly and let out a sigh. “Just worrying. It’s my job, remember?”

  “We can worry together then.” Snuggling into him, I felt the same way. I couldn’t put my finger on it completely, but something told me it was important not to lower our guard. Julian was out there. He’d either come in blazing or secretly, biding his time until he struck. Knowing that put us all on edge.

  As the Hummer pulled out and began the journey to Salem, it was difficult to relax.

  Danger had a way of wearing steadily on the nerves of the blind.

  ****

  “Welcome, welcome, dear one.” There wasn’t time to get my bearings before I was dragged into the outspread arms of Helena and warmly hugged. “Vivien filled me in on all the details. You poor child, such a burden for someone so young. But that’s okay; we’ll solve your little problem.”

  I didn’t laugh or snort over her referring to Julian and my wayward magic as small. Finally letting me go, I was able to get a better look at our new benefactor. Vivien had warned us her friend was somewhat enthusiastic with her motherly instincts, but encouraged us not to let it detract from the fact that Helena Markson was one of the most powerful witches in the United States. If anyone could fix the imbalance within me, it would be her.

  Helena was by far the shortest one in the room, barely over five feet tall with her dark brown hair worn in a long braid over her shoulder. Her face was instantly one you could trust—big brown eyes filled with love and knowledge and a cute, pert nose that crinkled slightly when she smiled. She wore a floor length peasant skirt of vibrant pinks, greens, and browns that matched the brief glimpse of personality I’d seen. With a soft woolen cream shawl wrapped around her, she appeared more gypsy than witch. I liked her immediately, feeling a sense of relief that finally we’d get the answers we needed.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Mason added, before introducing the rest of our group. “We appreciate you taking the time to help Darcy. I can’t stress how important it is we bind her magic.”

  “Hmm,” she answered, tapping her finger over her lips and she began walking a small circle around me. “So I was told. Your magic is acting as a power beacon and we need to silence it, right? The original spell failed, as well as the second attempt. Definitely curious.” Helena spoke mostly to herself, not giving anyone a chance to answer her. “I believe I have the right spell that will work. It’ll give you the time you’ll need to stop this Julian and, once your business with him is done, return to me and I’ll lift the magic. Deal?”

  Glancing over at Mason, he nodded as I answered. “Sounds good to me. I’ve been trying to manage the power surges myself through meditation; but if whatever you have can help me, I’m more than ready. Will we be trying the spell tomorrow?” I tried to stifle the yawn and failed miserably. All the stress, training, and traveling was wearing me down. In addition, the rapid shifting and the tossing and turning I did when I eventually fell asleep, prevented me from recharging; and I was exhausted. The dark bags under Mason’s eyes told me he felt the same.

  “Bless your heart, Darcy. The coven has already convened and is waiting. I understand your desire to rest, but with the direness of the situation, I decided waiting wasn’t an option. That is unless you’d all rather wait?” Helena looked amongst our group, uncertain.

  “No, now is fine. I agree. The sooner we get this taken care of, the sooner we can relax somewhat. I appreciate your thoughtfulness.” Mason smiled and it caused Helena’s eyes to sparkle. Devlin wasn’t the only one who could impress women with his charm.

  “Then follow me.”

  With Mason’s hand at the base of my back, I fell in behind our host, leaving the front foyer and disappearing into the large home.

  ****

  There was no time for socializing. The second we entered the room where Helena and her coven practiced their magic; I could sense their very no-nonsense attitude about the ritual. Each member was already dressed in ceremonial robes, the long hoods shadowing their features. Unlike Vivien’s simple black, Helena had robed her people in a deep, blood red color, the fabric symbolizing the power I felt thrumming in the air. The energy gave me an instant boost of hope. These weren’t magic practitioners to trifle with.

  “Everything’s ready for the ceremony, my lady.” A cloaked figure came forward, gesturing to the altar at the far end of the room. With a chalked pentagram drawn on the floor before it, the table was draped with the same red fabric, with gold embroidered symbols and fringe adorning the edges.

  Candles of all sizes, mostly white, but a few black, were arranged and already lit. Incense smoke swirled up in the air; dancing in the soft current from the air conditioning unit I heard faintly humming. Other instruments were laid out carefully on the surface of the table—tools of the trade. The focal point, however, was the thick volume propped up on a small easel with words and diagrams displayed. This was Helena’s Book of Shadows and I couldn’t help but note it was just as full as Vivien’s.

  “Thank you, Thomas. You’ve done well.” She accepted her own robe from the warlock who had guided me to my place, slipping it on but keeping her face exposed. Helena’s attire was different from the others. While it was still made from the same fabric, there were extra embellishments added—fancy stitches and complex symbols befitting her role as the coven’s leader. In addition, there was a white length of silk draped around her neck, falling down each side. Someone had stitched pentagrams at the ends with the omega sign placed in the center. It was a token of respect.

  “I don’t know how much you were told, but the spell I’d like to try is two-fold. First, we will bless a mixture of blood, ink, and other ingredients. We infuse it with our magic and intent, strengthening its potency. Once that’s complete, we’ll take you to see a friend of the coven. It will be him w
ho finishes the ritual by tattooing you.”

  “What?” The surprised question came from all directions—Mason, Devlin, Daniel, and me.

  “Please don’t be alarmed. I’ve seen this method used before and it is most effective. We’ll be embedding a powerful binding symbol below Darcy’s skin. The exact location will be your choice.”

  “And this will work?” I asked.

  “I believe so. While we can’t reenact the mark that appeared on your skin when you were born, it follows a similar concept. I believe it will trick your magic and lull it into silence and control.”

  “At this point, I’m willing to try anything.”

  “Will this stop the power beacon signaling Julian?” Mason spoke up.

  “Yes. He can’t find what he can’t sense. For extra precaution, though, I would still be careful.” Holding her hood’s fabric between her fingers, Helena glanced over at Christina. “Come, child. Complete our circle.”

  Christina pushed by us, accepting another robe, and joined the other members around the altar.

  “You could’ve warned me,” I whispered to Devlin.

  “She was born a witch, but was converted in her mid-twenties. She’s actually related to Sarah Good, one of the witches hanged during the Salem witch trials,” Devlin replied. “For the longest time, she was angry and bitter over how her family had been treated, hell-bent on revenge. That’s how we met. Zane saw great potential in her, but needed to temper her rage. He sent me to mentor her and show her justice is much more satisfying than vengeance.”

  “Seems you showed her a lot more than that,” I murmured, elbowing him gently.

  “I don’t kiss and tell, Darcy.” He chuckled.

  “Thank goodness for that. I don’t want the image of my uncle bumping uglies in my head!”

  Devlin groaned, shaking his head at my comment. “I swear you say the damnedest things.”

  “But it’s the truth.” The ritual was almost ready to start. “So, why is she still with the coven?”

  “Because now she’s sensitive to both groups. She’s proven a great mediator when needed.”

  “Do you miss her? You know, for when you get . . . lonely?”

  “I’m so not going to answer you. Besides, it looks like we’re about to start.” Sure enough, Helena was gesturing for us to join her around the altar.

  “You too, Mason. Your blood will be needed for this as her mate and Alpha.” The three of us approached, leaving Daniel to lean against the doorway and observe. “The spell calls for a power connection to the recipient as well as their own life essence. It will give the spell something to grasp hold of and heighten the chances of success. Please, if you will, cut the end of your finger and offer the chalice five drops.”

  Devlin went first, followed by Mason, neither making a sound as they silently counted out the required amount. Holding the knife in my hand, I didn’t wait for doubts to surface, as I sliced a small line and quickly added my blood to the ingredients. “Is that all that’s needed?” I asked, sucking on my finger to take away the sting.

  “Yes, Darcy. Thank you. If you’d like to rejoin your friends, the rest of the ritual is for the coven and me. It won’t take long and then we can progress to the next step.”

  Mason wrapped his arm around my waist, and we left the altar. The moment we passed the last member, they closed ranks, forming the perfect circle with Helena securely in the center. As much as it intrigued me to see someone other than Vivien practice magic, there was no denying I was content being excluded from this. The last two times had been brutal and I was happy to play the part of spectator.

  “Let us begin.” Helena’s voice took on an ethereal tone of authority, now. Holding the chalice in the air, she swayed back and forth with her eyes closed, her followers doing the same.

  Blessed Mother, Goddess of all

  I ask that you receive my call

  Sanctify this potion new

  Add to it your essence, your magic true.

  In your name, our hearts beseech

  Hide this child from evil’s reach

  Strengthen this spell and powers bind

  Make it hard for him to find.

  Through blood and ink and humble desire

  Through victory over refining fire.

  Bless this spell and silence power

  Once below the skin, within the hour.

  So hear our plea, grant us now

  Your loving grace on us endow.

  So let it be, so mote it be.

  By heaven and earth.

  Grant this unto me.

  Helena swirled her hand through the air and it was hard not to gasp as rose petals twirled from the jar where they were stored and encircled the chalice before gently descending inside. Next, she carefully dropped sweet smelling oil from vials into the potion, all the while muttering something under her breath. Once she was done, she pierced her finger, adding the final ingredient of her own blood to the mixture.

  “It is done. All that needs to happen now is for the light of tonight’s moon to shine on it for an hour, then it will be ready to use. Blessed be, everyone. Blessed be.” With the ceremony over, coven members began disrobing, exiting the room to go back to whatever they were previously doing. Christina stopped briefly to talk with a tall, dark haired man and I couldn’t help feel a little annoyed on Devlin’s behalf. Even though I didn’t know the full story, I wanted him to be happy.

  “So, what should we do while we wait?” Mason asked, once Helena joined us.

  “I’ll have someone show you to your rooms where you can freshen up and relax. Once it’s ready, we’ll take you to Chunk.”

  “Chunk?”

  Helena laughed. “My son. Why he chose that as his tattooist name, I have no idea; but that’s what he prefers being called. Personally, I think Michael is a lovely name.” She shrugged her shoulders; clearly showing this was a frequent topic of discussion. “I say, be ready in an hour and a half.”

  “Sounds like a plan. Thanks,” I replied.

  Looked like I had a date with Chunk.

  Chapter 13

  The Ink Bomb was just how I’d imagined a tattoo parlor to be. Mason and Devlin were worried about being vulnerable and questioned Helena’s choice in not having her son simply come to the house. Apparently, Chunk didn’t always approve of what his mother did, but he owed a favor. Eyeing the storefront, the neon sign turned off, I couldn’t help but wonder if he’d backed out and gone home.

  “Are we sure he knows we’re coming?” I whispered, unsure.

  “He’s inside. He knows better than to disappoint me,” Helena answered. “The store is closed for the evening, but he’ll be in the back, waiting. Let’s go.”

  Devlin and Christina led the way, like my own mini swat team, checking to make sure nothing was waiting in the shadows to jump out and surprise us. The parlor was one of five shops in a small string of stores, conveniently located off the main street in Salem. It had only taken a few minutes to drive here and if I hadn’t known what to look for I would’ve gone right past it. With all the lights off, it didn’t stand out. Hopefully this wouldn’t take long and then bye-bye beacon.

  Moments after knocking on the door’s glass window, a young guy, with short brown hair, unlatched the deadbolt. He eyed us suspiciously until he saw his mother; then he nodded his greeting and ushered us inside, locking up behind us.

  “Thanks for seeing us so late, Michael.”

  “No worries. This will settle the debt between us, right?” So far he hadn’t acknowledged the rest of us awkwardly standing there.

  “It does. The slate will be wiped clean,” Helena answered. “Until the next time you need me.”

  Michael ignored his mother’s somewhat sarcastic comment and extended his hand. “Hey, I’m Chunk. Welcome to Ink Bomb. I heard one of you needs a tattoo?” He glanced at each of us, before settling his attention on me. “I’m guessing you?”

  I raised my hand, chuckling nervously. “Yep, that would be me. I�
��ve never had one before; so, yeah . . .” I didn’t know how wise it was to tell him I hated needles.

  “Well, you’ll be fine. I promise to be gentle.” He winked and I tried not to roll my eyes when Mason growled low beside me.

  “Sorry,” he muttered, sheepishly. “We appreciate you keeping your store open to help us. I don’t know how much your mother told you, but this is extremely important.”

  Chunk gestured for Mason to stop. “Say no more. The less I know, the less I’m involved. I’m just happy to help out, especially seeing I’m working on virgin skin.”

  Mason growled again, forcing Daniel to place a warning hand on his leader’s shoulder. “Dude, chill. Possessive much?”

  Watching Mason carefully, Chunk frowned, unsure of what was happening. “Sorry, my husband seems to have forgotten his manners.”

  “Werewolf, right?”

  “Alpha,” I added.

  “Then this should be fun.” Chunk extended his hand again, this time holding it in front of Mason until he shook it. “I mean no disrespect, man. I’m used to talking a certain way with clients is all. I promise everything’s above board and all I’m interested in is helping you guys out. My mom called saying you needed a magical tattoo. I’m the guy for that. Best tattooist in the state.” He beamed proudly. “No need to sweat it.”

  Mason rubbed his fingers through his hair, clearly embarrassed. “Sorry, I’m just a little on edge. I know you mean no harm. Again, thank you for doing this. You’re helping to keep my wife safe. If there’s anything I can ever do for you, let me know.”

  Chunk nodded and then clapped his hands, looking back at me. “Well, you ready?”