Last Wolf Standing (#7, The Mystic Wolves)

by Belinda Boring

  The situation seemed to call for a little honesty. “It’s all still new to me. While I don’t have it quite like a freshly turned vampire, the traits I did pick up have taken some getting used to.”

  “Like your hunger?” It was a genuine question, coming from someone who’d witnessed my craziness first-hand.

  I nodded. “That’s been the biggest obstacle. I try not to let it show, but sometimes it feels like it’s . . . too much. The only way I can describe it is that it feels like full-blown carb craving on crack.”

  “Yet, you’ve managed to keep it under control.” There was a hint of pride in his voice.

  “If I don’t forget, and keep a vigilant grasp on my thirst, then yeah, it doesn’t take over. But . . .” I was reluctant to bring up the other night when I’d struck him. “Sometimes my best efforts come up short.”

  “Give it time, Darcy. I’m sure Mason and Devlin say the same thing.”

  “They do, constantly. They tell me I’m being too hard on myself; but this isn’t the same as failing a test or forgetting something. If I let my thirst get the better of me, someone gets hurt . . . or worse.” In my mind, it would be murder. I knew there was always the possibility of that danger. It was my responsibility to see that I never lowered my guard.

  Finishing his water, Moses crunched the bottle between his fingers. “I think as long as you keep that in mind and never take it for granted, you’ll be okay. It’s when people become arrogant about their abilities that mistakes happen. That could be said for anyone—not just you.”

  “I just never want to be a liability to those I love.” There was a deeper reason beneath that. “I don’t ever want to become a monster.”

  My admission caused him to look at me, eyes wide with shock. “I don’t think you have the capability of becoming one, Darcy. I’ve seen monsters. Your heart is too pure to ever descend into that kind of darkness.”

  “Flattery gets you everywhere,” I retorted, brushing off his compliment. I didn’t want to argue and tell him that I believed no one was immune to that kind of corruption. All it took was the right type of trigger and a person would begin spiraling. It wasn’t a very optimistic viewpoint, but it was mine, nonetheless, courtesy of recent events.

  I no longer possessed the same naivety as before. Part of me missed who I used to be.

  “My Talia used to say the same thing. Especially after I’d tried changing her mind over something. She was so strong-minded and opinionated. Sometimes I would tease her just to see her get fired up,” Moses said, wistfully. It was obvious he missed his mate, her absence keenly felt.

  “She sounds like an amazing woman. I’m sorry I never got to meet her.”

  “I know I’ve mentioned this before, but you two are so similar in nature. Loving and considerate with a strong desire to protect those you’ve claimed as your own.” Something must’ve stoked his memories because he softly snorted to himself, shaking his head. “The same ability to drive your mates crazy with your stubbornness.”

  “You’ve been talking to Mason, haven’t you? You shouldn’t believe everything you hear.” I nudged him with my shoulder playfully.

  “Actually, I figured that out just by watching you the last few days. The way you handled yourself at the Alpha meeting and BBQ afterwards . . . with grace, but you also stood your ground.”

  There were so many questions I wanted to ask about Talia, but I kept quiet. Even though Moses had brought up the subject, I wasn’t foolish. There was pain behind each comment.

  “Go ahead, ask. I won’t bite.”

  “And we’ve determined I won’t either,” I replied, waving the now empty bottle. Resting the plastic container by my feet, I caught a glimpse of a patrolling guard making his routine perimeter inspection.

  Still no sign of Mason, Devlin, or Vivien.

  “She was the love of my life,” Moses quietly added. “From the minute I saw her approach the group I was sitting with, wild flowers threaded through her long, chestnut hair, I knew she was mine. I was visiting her father to discuss Pack business, to see if there was a way we could forge a stronger alliance. The plan had been to offer protection and share resources. Neither of us foresaw my marrying his daughter would forge the bond we both wanted. She was the gift I didn’t know to ask for.”

  There was no holding back the loud sigh of wonder. I never got tired of hearing about real life romances. “How long were you together?”

  “We became inseparable once I’d proven my worth to her.”

  “What?” I laughed, confused.

  “Like I said, she had very firm opinions of who her husband and mate would be. It didn’t matter that I was a respected Alpha and could provide her everything she needed. I believe her exact words were she didn’t care who I was, she was more interested in what my heart revealed.”

  “Wise woman,” I mumbled, speaking my thoughts out loud.

  “Very wise. She had the uncanny ability to strip a man bare with the slightest glance. She agreed to go out with me and something must have pleased her, because we were married a few months later. When time had passed and I asked her about it, she simply smiled and said she saw me. It was all she needed to know.”

  “She’s right. Sometimes you just know. You don’t need miraculous signs or loud fanfare to understand what your heart feels.” It was that way when I opened the door, all those years ago, and found Mason on my doorstep.

  “That’s why I know you’ll be okay, Darcy. Whatever fears and doubts you have about yourself, don’t get discouraged. If a beautiful young woman with wild flowers in her hair could find something of worth in me, there’s hope for us all.” Tears leaked from the corners of his eyes, yet Moses ignored them.

  “I’m grateful you’re here,” I whispered. “Not just to help Mason, but because you’re sitting out here on the steps while I wait.”

  “It’s been my pleasure. It’s given us a chance to talk.”

  “And enjoy a few moments of peace before things get crazy, again.”

  Leaning forward with his elbows resting on his knees, Moses sighed. “If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s to take advantage of peaceful moments whenever possible.”

  I sat up straight and arched my back, raising my hands above my head in a stretch. I turned my hands about in the air, rotating my wrists, allowing the heat of the sun to warm my skin. It wasn’t until he cleared his throat that I realized he was studying me with a curious expression. “What?”

  “I’m just wondering . . . does it hurt to do that?”

  His question caught me off guard. “What do you mean? This?” I waved my hands again, mimicking my previous movement.

  “The sun. As wolves, the light doesn’t affect us. We can come and go as we please. I know Enforcers and those closest to the King are able to do the same, but not all vampires are immune to the sun. When you said you inherited certain traits when you turned, it made me curious. I just wasn’t sure how to broach the subject.” He almost looked bashful.

  “You’re not the first one to wonder.” I chuckled, suddenly conscious of the tingling over my fingers as I studied them. “I remember getting into trouble by my mother because I’d blurted out the same question one day when Devlin came to visit. She was mortified by my boldness, but Devlin was delighted over my inquisitiveness.”

  “Did he answer you?”

  “Yep, and swore me to secrecy. I suppose I could tell you, but if you so much as breathe a word of this to anyone else, I am honor bound to kill you.” Somehow I managed to say it with a straight face. Moses didn’t make it any easier when his mouth gaped open. “Just kidding!”

  There was a fraction of a second where he remained still before understanding flashed in his eyes. He’d believed me—despite my being a horrible liar. “Damn, you had me going.”

  “I know, I know. But I couldn’t resist.” I winked; enjoying the way he’d practically squirmed where he sat. “So, still interested in hearing the truth?”

  “Will I get to live
?” he jested back, playing along.

  I scrunched my brow. “Hmmm, this is just between you and me, okay?” I leaned in, conspiratorially. “I like you, Moses. I value our friendship.”

  “Cross my heart and pinky swear.” Sure enough, he wiggled his little finger as a sign of his promise.

  “There’s a special potion vampires can drink that helps them tolerate the sun. It’s mostly given to those required to work different hours, night and day, like Enforcers and those who guard Zane. It enables them to do their job and keep the Supernatural community safe.”

  “And you receive it because of Mason?” Moses added.

  “I think it’s because Devlin’s my uncle. I didn’t ask. I was just grateful because the idea of never being able to enjoy this—to have to hide away and schedule my life from dusk to dawn, would have made things even harder on Mason.”

  “Not on you?”

  “Well, of course on me, but imagine the strain it would place on a mate, one that’s an Alpha, if his wife was restricted. It was one of my greatest fears when I found out I would need to become part vampire or die.” I didn’t think I deserved the look of admiration reflected in Moses’ gaze. “Anyway, that’s why some vampires can be out in the day. We add the special potion to our blood and it makes it easier.”

  “Am I pushing my luck if I ask what the ingredients are?”

  Raising my finger to my lips, I quickly peered around to make sure we were still alone. Moses leaned in and I inwardly smiled. “I don’t know the entire list, but I have it on good authority that the blood of nosey Alphas is one of them!”

  His response was overshadowed by the sound of an approaching vehicle travelling over the graveled driveway. All good-natured discussion was forgotten the instant I saw Devlin’s truck clear the tree line that created a wall of privacy.

  Jumping to my feet, I paced back and forth, impatiently. After what seemed like forever, they finally came to a stop and then I ran toward the passenger-side door.

  “Sweetheart,” Mason exclaimed, catching me as I flung my arms around his neck in relief. I didn’t care who was watching, I kissed him square on the mouth. He’d returned in one piece.

  “How did it go?” Moses asked, addressing Devlin.

  “We can talk more about it inside,” he replied tersely, opening the back door to help Vivien out.

  “Vivien!” I cried out, stunned by her appearance. Her clothes were rumpled and over the curve of her cheek, a long gash marred her features. Thanking Devlin for his assistance, it was plain to see, in the careful manner she held herself, that she was hurt. Leaving Mason’s side, I strode over to my dear friend, and took her arm so she could rest her weight on me.

  “I’m fine, I promise. Just a little shaken is all,” she assured, but I didn’t believe her. There was a definite limp each time she took a step; and even she couldn’t hide the way moving made her wince.

  I couldn’t wait until we all got inside. “What happened?”

  “That’s what I’d like to know.” In all the commotion, we hadn’t noticed Zane standing there observing the scene, a look of thunder radiating from him.

  “It’s nothing, Zane,” Vivien lied.

  “I’ll be the judge of that.” One moment he was at the top of the steps, the next he had her scooped up in his arms, carrying her back into the safety of his home. There was a special kind of tenderness I sometimes caught between the two leaders, one I wondered whether they would ever act on.

  There was none of that adoration, however, as Zane glared over his shoulder toward his most trusted advisor. “I want every detail, Devlin.”

  “Yes, my liege.”

  Judging by the stiff way Mason walked beside me, and the slight squeeze he gave my fingers as I took his hand, Zane wasn’t going to like what he heard.

  Chapter Eight

  Darcy

  “Who is responsible for this?” Zane ordered, carefully setting Vivien down on the couch inside his office. His gaze never once left her face, his teeth tearing the flesh at his wrist. The coppery scent of his blood infused the air, triggering my always-present thirst. The smell was delicious and heavy-laden with power.

  “I’m fine, Zane. I don’t need any blood.” Even I didn’t believe her feeble attempt to brush aside her injuries.

  “Humor me, love.” Offering his arm to her, there would be no refusing his gift. Judging from the way she delicately brought her mouth to the weeping cut and began swallowing; this was something they’d shared before.

  Mason and I had talked about it a few times—the very obvious affection and chemistry that overflowed from their relationship. I couldn’t help but wonder if they had ever been romantically involved. There was no doubt Zane cared deeply for Vivien—it was etched across his face, in the concern that flooded his eyes.

  Whoever did this would be dead by the end of the day.

  “Devlin.” It was more a reminder than a question.

  It was amazing to watch Zane administer aide. Every movement was gentle and graceful as he remained kneeling before the woman he’d known for so long. Only the increase in vampiric energy that filled the room revealed the boiling fury he suppressed within himself.

  Ever so lightly, Vivien wiped away the blood coating her lips, already starting to appear better. “Thank you.”

  “We arrived too late to capture those responsible for attacking her home.” Devlin confessed, clearly frustrated.

  Vivien added, “I did my best to delay them with magic, but Helena was there, countering my spells with hers.”

  At the mention of her name, my stomach churned. Yet another trusted friend who had betrayed us. “So that means . . .”

  “The Master was there.” Mason finished.

  That surprised me. “Personally?” I wasn’t the only one who believed he’d be keeping a low profile while he recruited followers. An invading enemy was only as strong as those who helped wield the collective power.

  “It shocked me, as well. I was downstairs in my study, reading through my books for any spells that might help us, when I heard a commotion above. It made my blood run cold seeing the difference in Daniel’s features.”

  “We believe he was searching for something based on the way those with him demolished everything. They were extremely thorough, leaving nothing intact,” Devlin added.

  “Things can be replaced,” Vivien softly whispered.

  It wasn’t possessions we worried about. “Anyone killed?” I asked, heartsick.

  Only now did Vivien’s bottom lip quiver as tears filled her eyes. “Once I got upstairs, I was able to stop the coven members from fighting back; but unfortunately, it was too late for Julia, Laura, and Sebastian.”

  “Daniel killed them, himself?” I gasped, not sure whether I wanted to hear the answer. No wonder the mental pathway linking me to Mason was overflowing with grief and guilt.

  She nodded, a deep sense of pain coating her response. “Both him and Helena gloated over it. It was obvious they lacked any compassion for the deaths they’d inflicted.”

  Her last statement caused Zane’s jaw to tighten until I thought the bone might shatter. His reaction wasn’t lost on Mason, either. “It’s not Daniel,” Mason interjected. “Let’s not lose sight of that.”

  Vivien shook her head. “There’s no doubt in my mind that he’s an innocent victim in this. I’m just sorry I wasn’t able to overcome Helena’s interference enough to subdue them both.”

  When Zane finally spoke up, it was with an icy frost that revealed he wasn’t as calm as he appeared. “If we cannot stop him, we will need to kill him.” Holding Mason’s gaze, his next words were directed straight at my mate. “Are you prepared for that?”

  Mason swallowed hard. “I’m hoping it won’t come to that.”

  Zane repeated his question, this time with a little more force.

  “He’s my brother, my best friend, and most trusted advisor,” Mason fired back and I felt his wolf stir within him.

  “Right now, he is
none of those things. He is a killer—one who has threatened those we love. He’s given no indication of stopping, either. How many more people must die?”

  It was easy to think of Zane as the mild-mannered man whom I respected, the one who was the voice of reason for so many. But there was nothing unruffled about him now, as he stood to his full stature, every inch a king and commanding vampire. Zane would be ruthless, if needed, proving that he had no problem asking the questions no one wanted to acknowledge.

  The full weight of the decision warring within Mason surfaced. He would do whatever necessary, even if it killed him to do it. However, we all knew that if given a chance, he would choose to save Daniel. “If this was Devlin who was possessed, would you so willingly destroy him before doing everything you could to save him? Or would you just abandon him?”

  “I would protect those within my care,” Zane answered firmly, without hesitation. “Even at the cost of my heart.”

  “Daniel is under my care. He is part of my Pack. I am his Alpha,” Mason thundered, rising to his feet as his voice cracked with emotion. “While you may govern your vampires with such cold detachment, I refuse to render judgment so quickly.”

  The room’s temperature dropped, the reason behind the discussion overshadowed instantly by the danger now brewing between the two respected leaders and close friends. Zane brought himself toe-to-toe with my mate. Fear flooded Vivien’s features as Devlin and I prepared ourselves for the worst.

  “Do not confuse my intentions, Mason O’Connor. While I understand the difficultness of the situation, I won’t tolerate any form of insult under my own roof.”

  “Yet, you have no problem talking about the murder of my second-in-charge,” Mason retorted, angrily. “Because that’s what it would be. He is possessed. He is under the influence of the true target to your frustration. All I ask is we remember that before we act. That we give him every chance to be rescued.”

  “And if he can’t be?”

  Standing straighter, refusing to allow the possibility of defeat cloud his determination, Mason answered quietly. “Then I will be the one to kill him. He is my responsibility. I will put an end to it.”