Last Wolf Standing (#7, The Mystic Wolves)

by Belinda Boring

  “It can’t wait until then.”

  “I agree with Darcy,” Devlin added, finally making his way over to where we stood. “I have my team working on concealing as much of the truth as they can and coming up with plausible alibis for the rest. Moses and Wade are in the process of making sure your Pack members on property, and in town, are safe and secure.”

  “Anyone still hurt?” I interjected, a sick feeling stirring in my stomach. While I hadn’t seen anyone taken away by ambulance, it didn’t mean anything. Cuts, scrapes, and bruises would heal quickly. Burns would take a little longer, but they would still need attending to. We were such a close knit Pack—I wanted to be there, personally, to help.

  “There were a few minor injuries, but everyone’s okay for the most part. We’ve sent everyone to Zane’s for the time being. He’s opened his home up to you and yours, Mason, for as long as you need.”

  The offer was more than generous. With the way things were escalating, his guarded mansion would also serve as a well-defended fortress.

  Mason thought the same as he nodded. “As much as I hate to admit it, with the Master poised to strike again, it would be smart to be somewhere safe—a place we can regroup and form a concrete strategy on how to deal with this.” He was already thinking beyond tonight and into the future.

  Devlin’s expression was equally as grave as my mate’s. “This was an act of war. I’m sorry that it involved Daniel, but we need to treat it as such.”

  Releasing another jagged breath filled with emotion, Mason’s jaw clenched tightly. “I appreciate you helping out with this, Devlin. I’m not going to lie. This has shaken me. It was the last thing I was expecting to happen.” Glancing about at the smoldering ruins of our home, I hated the haunted reflection in his eyes.

  “War is never easy, my friend. It can bring even the strongest to their knees.”

  “Daniel,” Mason muttered, cursing silently.

  Watching the pain overtake Mason, as it continued to sink in, broke my heart. “We’ll figure it out. I promise.”

  There was a reason why Devlin was so respected, by not just Mason and me, but by everyone who met him. He elicited confidence and trust. “Exactly. You’re not alone in this. A strike against one is a blow against us all. What’s important now is getting you and Darcy to Zane’s safely. Take a few moments to yourselves, gather your thoughts, and then we can address the situation.”

  “I need to check on everyone, first. They’re going to want to see their Alpha and know they’re protected.” And just like that, he brushed aside his own emotions to focus on those who were in his charge.

  “Once everyone is seen to, you can call for a Pack meeting.” Squeezing his hand, I pushed all my love through the mental connection we shared. He wasn’t alone in this. This would be a weight both of us would carry, together.

  “Okay. Let’s get you out of here then.” Quickly kissing my temple again, he was all business. There would be moments, later, where he could let his guard down and reveal just how vulnerable this had made him, but now his focus was elsewhere.

  Talking back and forth with Devlin, and ensuring we were amongst the last to leave, we finally abandoned what remained of our home and headed to Zane’s with heavy hearts.

  There was so much to say, to discuss and arrange; but as the minutes ticked by, silence consumed us. It was only when Mason’s phone began ringing that words were finally found.

  Parked by the side of the road, we sat there, in the dark, for over an hour, tears streaming down his cheeks as each conversation, one after the other, evolved into something profoundly moving.

  As word spread of the Master’s attack using Daniel, Pack members reached out to their Alpha, desperately needing to make sure he was okay. They were the ones to offer love and support. They were the ones shoring up their leader.

  It wasn’t until Devlin called on my phone, asking where we were, that I gently took the phone from Mason, setting it down between us. “We need to get going. People are worried.”

  Wiping away the last of his tears, he nodded. “I just—” He was still too choked up to speak.

  “They love you. When you hurt, we all do,” I added softly.

  He spoke when his emotions were finally under control. “I don’t ever doubt that. I’m just so used to being the strong one for everyone.” Mason lightly thumped the place over his heart. “It’s who I am . . . not just as an Alpha, but as me.”

  Staring at him, knowing that I was blessed to call him my mate, everything about this man moved me. “And that’s why they pledge their loyalty to you without hesitation. They know you will always be there for them. That’s why it’s important for you to remember they will always do the same for you.”

  “It’s humbling,” Mason admitted quietly. “I don’t ever want to let them down. With my last breath, they are mine to protect.”

  “And they know that.” Mason’s phone buzzed again, but this time it went unanswered. Glancing down at the screen, the call went through to voice mail. “They want you to know that you’re theirs, as well.”

  His smile warmed my heart. “We should get going.”

  “Yeah, I wouldn’t put it past Devlin and Wade to send out a search party if we take much longer.”

  Pulling back onto the road, we returned to a lighter silence. It wasn’t until the highway sign marking the Devil’s Spring exit appeared that Mason broke the stillness. “Thank you, sweetheart.”

  His comment startled me. “What for?”

  “For being my rock.”

  Without using our physic link, Mason had managed to reveal my own thoughts. “Together forever, right?”

  “Even if that means facing danger.” Although it was faint, I could sense the slight hesitation in his response.

  Smiling as bravely as I could, I nodded. “Especially if it means that. There’s nothing we can’t handle.”

  Mason frowned. “That’s what I’m worried about. I feel like we’ve already pressed our luck enough. What if this is the one thing we can’t overcome?”

  It wasn’t like him to be so unsure. “Then we’ll die trying.”

  “It’s as simple as that, huh?” The worry lines around his eyes softened as he cast me a sidelong glance.

  “It’s as simple as that.”

  As funny as it seemed, it sent a chill through my body. If tonight was any indication, the future had definitely taken on a more serious tone.

  Mason tightened his grip on the wheel as he quietly mouthed the words, again.

  I’d meant every single word. It was the truth that cemented us together—one that made the bond between us unbreakable. It didn’t matter what the future held, I knew, without a shadow of doubt, that tonight marked the beginning of incredible heartache and suffering. I couldn’t explain how I knew, only that I felt it strongly. Mason felt it as well.

  The Master would be a formidable foe—especially while he wore the face of a beloved friend and brother. His actions proved he would strike cruelly and without mercy. Instinct warned that he would stop at nothing to destroy whoever got in his way—that he would relish in inflicting pain.

  For those last few moments driving in the car alone, Mason and I both knew that. We accepted it. We braced ourselves for it.

  The very gates of Hell were about to open and thrust its evil forces our way.

  We would keep fighting. We would remain standing. Even if it truly meant we died trying.

  We would never give up.

  Chapter Three

  Mason

  My body ached, but sleep was still many hours away. It didn’t matter that my muscles screamed and my joints creaked from the rapid shifting I’d done over the course of the day. People needed me, and they came first.

  I didn’t resent that fact. I’d accepted my responsibly long ago.

  But it didn’t make climbing the stairs to Zane’s front door any easier.

  And it wasn’t just because I felt like a semi-truck had hit me, repeatedly. It was the heav
iness I felt through my connection with the Pack. Emotions were high. Concern, with hints of fear over the unknown, had steadily trickled through the link as members wondered what this all meant for the Mystic Wolves.

  We’d long been a peaceful pack—our enemies coming at us from outside the strong bonds we’d forged as a family. Now, one of our own had stepped forward and threatened our security . . . challenged their Alpha.

  That knowledge was the underlying sentiment that left me trudging up the final steps with Darcy by my side, silent.

  Anger—primal, instinctual aggression with no clear target to aim it at.

  Their wolves screamed for release, while their consciences desperately attempted to balance desire with reason and logic.

  Daniel was their brother, their friend, someone they trusted and loved.

  How could I ease their worries when I struggled with my own shock over this latest turn of events?

  “You’ll do it because you must.” Darcy didn’t bother talking inside her mind as she slipped her hand into mine.

  Just the briefest of touches quieted the storm that showed no sign of relenting. “But I don’t have any answers, sweetheart.”

  “You don’t need to have them.”

  Her response made me chuckle. Pausing before the door, I hedged at knocking, not quite sure if I was fully prepared for what lay on the other side. “I beg to differ. The Pack is in turmoil and, as their Alpha, they’ll be looking to me for reassurance.”

  “And that’s exactly what you’ll give them.” Brushing her fingertips over the stubble that coated my jawline, each caress calmed me. My mother had talked about the soothing influence a mate could bring and, once again, I was grateful for the woman standing in front of me. “You don’t even need to have the right words. Let them see their beloved leader stands. Let them know that even though this hurts, you haven’t given up.”

  She was unwavering, even in her own uncertainty.

  “Damn, I love you.” Wrapping my arm around her waist, I brought my lips to hers. It wasn’t the usual kiss I loved to get lost in, but it still conveyed everything I felt about her.

  “I know you do. Now, let’s go talk to our family. I can hear Devlin on the other side, anxious to welcome us, but respecting the moment.” Not waiting for me to reply, she opened the door and, sure enough, there stood a tired-looking Devlin with a grin across his face.

  “I can’t begin to tell you how difficult you both make it for me to discuss things when I’m constantly having to wait on your impromptu make-out sessions.”

  “What can I say? I have a hard time keeping my hands off her.” I chuckled, grateful for the lighthearted mood and brief respite.

  “That’s my niece you’re talking about there.” While Devlin was all gruff, there was no hiding his relief in seeing us.

  “Correct. She’s also my wife.” Slapping her gently on the butt for extra measure, the happiness that coursed through me lingered for a second longer before retreating. Joking would have to wait. Just the thought of it reminded me of Daniel and some smart-ass remark he’d, no doubt, have for the occasion.

  Sensing my change in mood, Devlin’s features tensed as well. “Zane is on his way down. He was called away to take a phone call, but he wanted to be here to greet you.”

  “He didn’t have to.” Darcy chimed in, giving her uncle a quick hello. “We’ve been here before, and I’m sure he’s busy.”

  “Never too busy for my favorite people, however.” Zane appeared at the top of the foyer staircase, lightly jogging down each step. “I trust you didn’t run into any problems on your way here?” His eyes scanned Darcy and me, looking for any hint of injury or harm. His concern was appreciated.

  I nodded. “We’re fine.”

  “We had to pull over for a while so Mason could answer his phone, but nothing out of the ordinary happened.”

  “How are you, my friend?” Gripping my shoulder and studying my face, Zane locked gazes with me.

  “Ready to see to my Pack. I’m grateful for your invitation and how quickly you responded. I’m in your debt.”

  The vampire king waved his hand, as if to dismiss the magnitude of his hospitality. “Mason, we’ve been friends for a long time. This is the very least I could do. You needed help. Who would I be if I didn’t? Everyone is here and awaiting you in the ballroom. My staff has provided refreshments and most of the beds for your Pack have already been secured. You are all welcome here, for as long as you need.”

  Despite the fact that I’d witnessed countless previous situations where this kind of aid was offered, it was humbling to be on the receiving end of it. To Zane, it was nothing—a genuine extension of his love and respect.

  To me, and mine, it meant everything.

  “Thank you.” My voice cracked and I reached out for Darcy, drawing strength from her.

  “But that wasn’t what I asked you.” With that knowing expression he often used, Zane’s eyes didn’t once stray from me.

  I knew what he had meant. “I’m dealing.”

  Two words, but he understood. Nodding, he glanced around our somber group. “I won’t keep you, then. It’s not often I have a large group of anxious wolves under my roof. The sooner they see for themselves that you’re fine, the easier we can all breathe. They need their Alpha.” It was the same sentiment Darcy had shared earlier, one I held deep within my heart.

  I also knew I needed them. A leader was nothing without those whom he pledged his life to serve—those who constantly buoyed him up with their support and faith.

  Although Zane was a gracious host and opened his home indefinitely, we all knew the strain that hid in the air, the silent energy that filled the mansion and set everyone on high alert.

  While no one was hostile or presented a threat, unsettled predators could lash out in the blink of an eye, unable to control themselves.

  Where vampires and werewolves generally comingled with few problems, tonight had pushed everyone to their limits. It was my job to ground them, again.

  And, as much as I hated thinking about it, there was also the fear that Daniel had somehow persuaded others to follow him, as well.

  “I’ll come see you once everyone is settled,” I promised. “We have a lot to discuss.”

  “Devlin and I will be in my office. Come when you’re ready.”

  “Let’s go,” I said firmly, leading Darcy away from the foyer and away from our friends. There was no time to look about at the grandness of Zane’s home or see what changes he’d made since our last visit. Offering brief nods as we passed other Enforcers, each step toward the ballroom made me stronger.

  The Master had made a mistake this evening. Underneath the shock, once it faded, he’d soon discover that by declaring war tonight, he’d messed with the wrong person. I wouldn’t shrink from whatever he threw my way.

  By coming after those I loved, he’d unleashed the beast inside who wouldn’t stop until his enemy’s heart thudded its last treacherous beat.

  ****

  The room instantly hushed as every eye turned our way. I could feel their yearning for answers; but most of all, I could feel the desire to understand.

  “Hey, everyone,” I said, taking in the sight. Suddenly, any thought to my own tiredness disappeared. “I’m sorry to keep you all waiting.”

  Leaving Darcy’s side, I moved deeper into the large room generally saved for parties and festivities. All along two sides of the room, makeshift cots with warm bedding and pillows had been set up. I ignored my growling stomach as the delicious scent of food wafted my way from tables lining the other two walls of the grand room. Zane had truly seen to catering to all the Pack’s needs.

  All at once, questions came at me in rapid fire.

  “What happened?”

  “Is it true the house is completely destroyed?”

  “Was anyone hurt?”

  Amongst the small crowd were many members who lived in other areas inside or away from Pack property. They’d come because they’d been
asked to and many were just learning about the night’s events. Many had no clue as to why they were called. And, while even I didn’t understand the extent of the threat against us, I felt more confident in my ability to protect everyone if we were together, in one place.

  Then came the questions that were at the heart of this meeting.

  “Is Daniel really the Master?”

  “Is he possessed?”

  “Where is he now?”

  Shuffling forward, a blanket wrapped around his broad shoulders, soot still lightly covering his features, Christopher raised his hand. The room fell silent as one of the Pack’s Elders approached. “What do you need of us? How can we help?”

  Being an Alpha was an experience that brought just as much joy to my life as it did drama. But in that moment, the absolute sincerity in his query sparked a stronger determination in me to safeguard my Pack—my family.

  “Right now, keep safe. I don’t have a lot of information other than the claims Daniel . . . the Master . . . made. I don’t know how it happened, but I believe whoever the Master is, he is currently possessing our brother.” They hung on each word, gleaning whatever hope they could. “While this new turn of events is troubling, my priority right now is to make sure no one else comes to harm. My gut tells me this is personal. But, the only way to hurt me, is to attack you.”

  “Zane has offered us protection, as well as a place to stay for as long as this current danger exists. We can either choose to stay inside on the bedding provided or outside, for those who prefer sleeping under the stars,” Darcy added. She’d moved in closer and had picked up one of the Pack children, little Macie, my sweet namesake, the daughter of members who lived just outside Woodside Hollow, and was bouncing her on a hip.

  “And while I can’t force you to stay here, please know that it is something I ask. I know most of you have jobs and responsibilities that demand your attention, but until I can figure out the level of threat, please make whatever excuses necessary.” An unsettled murmur pulsed through the group.

  “So, basically we cower behind these walls and rely on vampires to protect us?” Murray fired back quickly, the manager of one of the most popular cafes in town.