“Shit,” Devlin murmured, and this time I gave voice to my own disbelief.
“Exactly. Either everyone in that house is dead, or something’s shielding anyone who approaches from discovering it.” Glancing at Darcy, I took her hand. “You smell blood, right?”
Her face whitened. “It’s all I can smell.” The tips of her fangs peeked out from beneath her top lip. Whatever was happening was triggering her hunger.
“Will you be able to handle it?” When her mouth formed a thin line of determination, I turned to Devlin. “Will she be able to go in there without losing control?”
“I said I would,” she reacted, indignantly.
She had every right to be pissed at me. “It’s not that I don’t believe you, sweetheart, I don’t want to be adding fuel to the fire. I can’t put you, or those who might still be alive, into more danger.”
“I’ll keep an eye on her,” Devlin promised, and I shot him a grateful look. I’d seen my mate lose it over blood before. I couldn’t help those in my charge if I had to worry about subduing her.
“Then be careful in there. I can’t stress that enough.” Taking in a deep breath, I stepped forward, moving closer to the house until I hit an invisible barrier. The energy used to maintain the illusion felt dark and sickly, but it didn’t stop me. Pushing harder, there was a slight tingle of resistance before it melted.
The second it fell away, an agonizing onslaught of emotions rained down over me, driving me to my knees with its weight.
Death.
Torture.
Pleas for mercy.
Howling screams of terrified wolves.
On and on I bore witness to the cries of my new Pack members, sickened that I hadn’t been here to prevent it. My own wolf stirred, fury blazing, but he kept a tight rein on his own aggression. We both knew what was needed. Once we’d resolved this crisis, there would be time for vengeance.
I didn’t wait for someone to help me up. I didn’t wait to hear the comforting, supportive words of my mate. Taking the front steps, two at a time, I kicked through the door, only to be struck with a visual of what I’d experienced outside.
Bodies lay broken on the floor, ripped apart, and discarded as though they were neglected toys. All I could see with each sweeping gaze was red.
Bright red.
Deep red.
Fresh blood.
Dried blood.
There was no way Darcy could handle this and not be reduced to a more savage version of herself.
“Get her out of here, Devlin!” I yelled, not waiting to see if he followed through with my order. He would take care of his niece. Right now, it was imperative that I find the survivors of this massacre.
I called out for my trusted enforcer. “Wade. Answer me.” Room after room turned up empty—except for the bodies littering the ground and sprawled across damaged furniture.
“We’re too late,” Moses said, grief adding a hollow sound to his angry voice.
“No, we need to keep looking.” I refused to give up. I had to believe that the Master hadn’t, once again, gotten the best of us. “Wade!” I bellowed, training my ears to pick up even the softest of noises.
Nothing.
The only things I could hear were the rapid beat of my heart, the raggedness of my breathing, and the mocking finality of death.
“Damn it,” I cursed, exiting from the kitchen. “They were alive when Wade called. He said there were survivors.” Fury brewed like a tornado inside me, begging for an outlet.
That’s when the tiniest muffled scraping caught my attention. “Basement. Michael had a basement where he kept those wolves who gave him trouble.” Pushing past Moses, I all but flew downstairs, not hesitating for a second when I entered the large space beneath the main floor of the house.
“Mason,” Wade croaked, his still form slumped against the nearest wall. As my eyes adjusted to the darkness, I didn’t need to see to understand what the light would reveal when Moses found the switch.
Now wasn’t the time to vomit. It wasn’t about me or the bloodthirsty call for revenge that exploded in my mind. It was about the remaining Pack members—all that remained of the Silver Canyon wolves who showed their faith in me.
“Help Wade, Moses,” I ordered, already moving toward the first body chained to the wall. Blood oozed from cuts that refused to heal, eyes swollen shut from the severe beating the person had received. Releasing each one carefully, I didn’t stop until all eight were lowered to the ground, shock causing them to shake uncontrollably. Several were unrecognizable—faces bruised and bones shattered. My heart broke finding Ross, the young wolf who had helped Helena torture me. He was stuck, mid-shift, from someone cruelly impaling him with silver stakes, his eyes glazed over from maddening pain.
I knew that feeling well.
“Do you know who I am?” I asked, crouching down beside him. Judging from his feeble attempts to escape my touch, he did. Mistrust swirled to the surface. He was right to worry. “I’m not here to hurt you. I need you to hold still so I can free you.”
There was no preparing him, no “one-two-three pull”. Gripping the end of the stake tightly, ignoring the way it sizzled against my own skin, I systematically removed each one. Ross’ whimper was his only thank you.
“I did everything I could to protect them,” Wade interrupted, his arm draped around Moses’ shoulder as he staggered over to where I stood. “I think the only reason the Master left was because he knew I’d called you.”
I shook my head. “No, there’s no way he would’ve left you here to be found. This was a message to me.”
“I agree,” Moses said, easing Wade onto his own two feet. “This was left as a reminder.”
Confusion crossed Wade’s face. “Of what?”
“That I haven’t stopped him, yet,” I answered, the truth of it bitter in my mouth.
Now that the bodies were released, one by one they began to stir and show signs of life, slowly starting their healing process. In a few moments, we’d find out how severe the psychological damage was—whether they would shift and attack. It wouldn’t matter that I’d saved them or that I was their Alpha.
All they would see was danger, and they’d react accordingly.
“You both need to go upstairs and join Devlin and Darcy. See if there’s any chance the Master missed someone and they’re still breathing.”
The expression on Moses’ face told me he understood the potential violence that could still occur. “Are you sure? Two Alphas might be better than one.”
“I’m sure. They need me. They were hurt because of me. It has to be this way.”
“I can help, Boss.” Wade coughed, spitting out a mouthful of blood.
“Help by protecting my mate.” I had no doubt Darcy was okay with Devlin by her side; but by giving him a task, it allowed me to focus on the eight new wolves under my care.
The room returned to its previous stillness as I stood there patiently waiting. The next part would require me to use my Alpha authority.
They would unawaken in pain, confused, still consumed with rage and terror. Their wolves would take over and, depending on how deeply they were wounded, there was a very real risk this small group would lose their humanity—be reduced to a more primal, predator state.
The Master knew that. He knew that if I arrived to find savage wolves incapable of being reached by my authority, I would need to destroy them. He was playing mind games designed to break me and ensure his victory. He knew the threat I posed, and possessing Daniel had given him vital information on how to do it.
I wouldn’t waiver, however. As much as I hated it, I knew my duty as Alpha. If I couldn’t save them, I would relieve them from the insanity engulfing them.
A gurgled groan shattered the quiet, followed by a second and third. Low growls that started soft grew louder and louder with each shallow breath. This would need to be timed just right—each person on the brink of consciousness, but before their wolves could spring into action.
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“My wolves.” Each word was layered with undisputable power. Strong jaws snapped angrily. Eyes opened, fixing on me with hostility. They were waking up. “My own. Mine to protect and serve. You are safe and you are mine.”
Sniffing the air, testing the scent flowing from my body, I wasn’t surprised at the growling responses. “We were loyal . . . to you.”
Trust was important within the werewolf race, and theirs had clearly been broken. I hadn’t been there to stop the Master on their behalf. I hadn’t defended them. I couldn’t go back in time and correct that, however. What I could do was show them, from this point forth, they had an Alpha who would die protecting them.
“I know, and I’m sorry I wasn’t here when you needed me most. I thank you for your loyalty and bravery. Let me help you now.”
Flashes of fur simmered beneath their skin, eyes reflecting the wolfish intelligence that weighed the worth of my words. I didn’t move a muscle.
“We have no one.” A hurt voice exposed the betrayal they felt.
“You have me.” While it was tempting to force them into obedience, a warning in my gut signaled that tactic wouldn’t work with this group. They had to come willingly. They had to submit on their own accord.
It didn’t take long for the first one to come forward. “I am Shea.”
Then the next. “I am Tristan.”
“I am Bradley.”
“I am Victoria.”
“I am Wes.”
“I am David.”
As each one knelt before me, offering their necks in a show of submission, I infused them with my love and acceptance, welcoming them into the Mystic Wolves. It would take time for them to fully recover from the scars inflicted today, but they wouldn’t be alone. If there was one thing I knew, it was how to move on from devastation.
Two wolves remained on the floor—Ross and one I still didn’t quite recognize. Stretching forth the discerning power of an Alpha, I wasn’t surprised to sense uncertainty and humiliation from Ross.
“Come,” I beckoned, gently nudging him with wild energy.
“I can’t,” he whispered, refusing to look up and into my eyes. He was beyond submissive at this point.
“Ross.”
Finally he glanced up, and I found tears streaming over his swollen cheeks. “I don’t deserve your protection. It’s my fault you wear that scar.”
He was right. He’d taken great pleasure in torturing me. “It is.”
“So why would you claim me?” His voice cracked, revealing his remorse.
The others watched on, curious over how I would respond. By wolf standards, it was within my rights to kill him. He’d attacked an Alpha and there were consequences. “Because I believe in second chances.”
A strangled sob escaped him. “I don’t deserve any.”
Leaving the spot I stood, I knelt down beside him and captured his chin gently in my hand. “You, more than anyone, deserve the opportunity to make restitution. Will you accept my offer?”
“But . . .”
“I claim you, Ross. Will you claim me as your Alpha?”
“Yes.” This time his answer was firmer.
“Then come and join your Pack brothers and sisters. You are now mine. You are now part of the Mystic Wolves.” Helping Ross to his feet, there was one left. Despite having seen the others declare their fealty to me, the remaining wolf held himself back. “Come.” I gestured.
He stared at my hand with disdain. “No.”
Taking in a steadying breath, I repeated my command. “Come.”
“No.”
While I saw no sign of madness, and he hadn’t shifted, there was a tingling electricity in the air warning that he was on the verge. If I didn’t get control quickly, more blood would be spilt.
Without taking my gaze from him, I ordered the others to travel upstairs and find Wade. He’d fought hard to protect them before I’d arrived. They could trust him.
The last Pack member began pacing back and forth, agitation rolling off him in waves. “I know who you are. You are the bringer of death.”
“No, I am Mason O’Connor, Alpha to the Mystic Wolves. Your Alpha.”
This seemed to anger him even more. “No, you are the murderer of Amber and my true Alpha, Michael. I know the truth. I won’t so blindly believe in you like the others.”
“What is your name?” I asked, hoping to find some kind of common ground with him.
“Who I am isn’t important,” he spat.
“You are important,” I fired back, sickened to realize I might not be able to help him. “What is your name?”
“Vengeance!” And with one last human roar, he shifted into a grey wolf, howling from the wounds that had yet to be fully healed.
Instantly, my wolf burst forward and greeted the enraged creature with equal force. There was no time to think or feel regret. No time to try and reason. Locking my jaws tightly around his throat, I yanked, effectively killing the defiant male.
I felt no victory as I changed back.
There was no thrill.
“You fool,” I exclaimed, standing over his lifeless form. “I wasn’t your enemy!”
A hesitant knock interrupted my frustration.
Popping his head into the room, Wade first looked at me before his own gaze dropped to the floor in front of me. “Mason?”
“He’ll need a proper burial,” I answered, exhausted. “They all will.”
“I’ll see that it happens.”
“You okay?” Eyeing him carefully, the last thing I needed was for him to lie to me.
“I’ve felt better; but I’m healing. Give me a few hours and I’ll be good as new.”
“Good.” It was the only thing I could say as I pulled him into a brusque embrace, clapping my hand against his back. “Thank you for defending them.”
“It’s my job,” Wade answered, the tips of his ears reddening.
“It was beyond that and you know it.” Releasing him, I let out a weary sigh. “I need to check on Darcy. On a scale of one to ten, how pissed off is she?”
“You’d be surprised,” was his only response.
Chapter Ten
Darcy
His doubt was like a sucker punch to the gut. While I knew why he was concerned, and that he hadn’t meant to purposely hurt me, it didn’t stop the tears that threatened to spill.
Once upon a time, Mason’s only worry was about keeping me safe. Because of the choices I’d made in order to survive, he now had to consider whether others were in danger because of me.
That’s what upset me the most . . . when he ignored my response and asked Devlin whether I’d be okay. That had bruised my already fragile ego. As much as I wanted to say I was tough and could handle the overwhelming scent of blood, there was no hiding my fangs. The pointy tips that pushed against the plumpness of my bottom lip made it blatantly obvious my thirst was now front and center.
It was all I could think about as I struggled to ignore the heady scent that enveloped me with its delicious temptation. My head swam with voices urging me to sample what had been so wastefully spilt.
For a second there, I even felt myself step forward, my mouth watering. Mason had been right to question my control. He’d been right to leave me behind with Devlin. Knowing the truth in my heart of hearts, it was difficult not to give in to shame.
I’d let my mate down; and in turn, I’d let those who needed me down, as well.
“Your reaction’s normal for someone who’s still new to being a vampire, Darcy.”
Tearing my gaze away from the front door where Mason and Moses had disappeared, there was nothing about this that felt right. “I need to go inside,” I murmured, before repeating the sentence with more confidence. “I can’t hide away for the rest of my life.”
“I’m not sure that’s a good idea.” When Devlin stepped toward me, my growl instantly stopped him in his tracks. If he thought he could somehow prevent me, he was gravely mistaken.
I glared at him. “Y
ou can stay here or come with me. Either way, the only way I’m going to conquer this is by fighting through it. Instead of judging me, help me.”
It wasn’t often that I caught my uncle off-guard. This was one of those moments. He quickly recovered. “That’s what I’m doing, love. It takes a lot of practice to be able to walk into a room that has the power to trigger you, hardcore. I’m all for helping you, but not at the expense of others.”
“So you think I’m going to take one whiff and attack?” It seemed to be a common theme lately—that despite my vigilance and self-control, I was too weak to master my emotions and reactions.
Hell, as if I didn’t already have a complex about becoming a monster.
“Those are your words, Darcy. Your insecurities. I’m simply being honest, here, and reminding you that even the strongest of us stumble. You’d be wise to not rush into the unknown until your resilience has truly been tested.”
He was right, but it didn’t take the sting of feeling helpless away. I wanted to be so much for everybody, especially my mate. I didn’t want to be the weakest link, the one who needed babysitting because she was unstable.
Devlin’s gaze zeroed in even tighter, leaving me to squirm under his scrutiny. “It’s not like you to be this impatient.”
“I refuse to let my thirst dictate,” I retorted. “I’ve done everything you and Zane have counseled me on. I’m mindful not to let my hunger slip away from me. I drink often; and for the most part, I think I’ve handled my conversion well.”
All thoughts of going inside were put on hold as Devlin’s brow softened and he smiled. “No-one’s saying you haven’t. To be honest, I think you’ve done a remarkable job transitioning. Yes, you’ve had some slip-ups, but you’ve also shown incredible determination.”
“Do you know what sucks the most?” I finally asked, the truth behind my impatience rearing its ugly head.
“What?”
“The fact that instead of focusing on helping those Mason and Moses find inside, I’m standing here like a petulant child, stamping her foot because she doesn’t like her limitations. Instead of working the best with what I can, I’m angry.” The moment I said it out loud, I burst into laughter and groaned into my hand.
Last Wolf Standing (#7, The Mystic Wolves) Page 9