Blood Oath (#8, the Mystic Wolves)

by Belinda Boring

I shook my head.

  I couldn’t say anything.

  “We just need to be careful,” I finally answered.

  He gave me a strange look. “Aren’t we always?”

  I hope so, I replied inwardly.

  I hope so.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  One of the benefits of being a vampire was anxiety no longer ate away at my stomach, giving me an ulcer in the process. That was one of the many thoughts that ran through my mind as our small party sat and listened to the songstress, Madame Evangeline Trussard.

  The talented woman held the entire audience entranced, captivated by the exquisite sound of her voice. Even Sullivan wore a dreamy expression as he gently swayed from side to side with the melodic rhythm.

  It didn’t matter that I’d heard her popular concert before. Had I not been obsessing over the evening that would follow, I would’ve been just as swept away as the others. With each note held, her voice perfectly complimented by the string quartet accompanying her performance, and the room almost held it’s breath with a silent longing for her not to stop.

  She was incredible, but her gifts were wasted on me.

  Throughout the day, I’d kept a vigilant eye on those who’d joined our party, watching for the tell tale signs that trouble was brewing. For the most part, things had run smoothly—the only hiccup was the brief argument between brother and sister when Annabeth tried to flatter Joshua into buying her the latest fashions from Paris.

  She’d argued, he’d countered, and after ten minutes of persistent pouting and pleading, Joshua had finally admitted defeat. The pretty crimson dress had been packaged up carefully and opened again so she could wear it to the performance. Every male gaze had turned her way when Annabeth entered the room—something she was gleefully aware of. She’d stayed glued to our sides, however, never straying far.

  Sullivan was completely besotted with her—his interest blazing in his eyes for all to see. There was no subtlety in his intentions. Like any wolf, he’d sized her up and liked what he saw. Over the course of her stay, he’d grown more and more attentive, to the point I was surprised he didn’t take her hand as we sat.

  It wasn’t just Joshua who let out a thinly veiled growl each time a new male tried approaching our party. Sullivan also closed ranks, placing his hand at the small of her back as he led her to our seats. Even now, he leaned in to whisper things in her ear. In return, Annabeth blushed and laughed softly.

  It killed me to watch knowing whatever romance blossomed between them would never last.

  Slowly, the evening came to a close and it was time to call for the carriages that would take us back to Kilgrave Manor. I was eager to return to safety, or at least get this next part of my task over. Over and over I mulled over my options—keep quiet and do as I was told or take a huge risk and challenge the Fates because the honor that still stirred in my soul demanded that I do . . . something. It rankled me to my core to be so helpless and controlled. I’d prided myself in being someone who would stand firm for something I believed in, no matter the opposition, because to do nothing was unacceptable. Even knowing what was at stake, a single question burned within my chest.

  What if this was a test?

  What if the Fates expected me to act according to my conscience, especially because I knew what would happen by the time the sun rose hours later?

  What if by doing nothing, I was failing some kind of sick game they were playing?

  I knew what the outcome would be to all of this. I’d accepted their conditions, understanding the weight of the knowledge I’d be forced to carry. Part of me was relieved when they said that my participation in events again wouldn’t alter anyone else’s destiny but my own. That the only true changes would come once I was returned to the future because the reward was removing Julian Blackwell’s evil from our lives and returning all those who were lost.

  The only real risk was the damage reliving my darkest moment and every heartbreaking event that led up to it would do to me. I was welcoming back the blood lusting monster I became after my conversion. I’d spent decades burying those memories deep within my soul, until they resembled mere shadows coming back from time to time to flay me with their fiery vengeance. Everything that I despised about myself—every failing, flaw, and deep-seated regret would rush to the surface and become as fresh as the day it first happened. I knew all these things and yet here I sat, consumed by a decision I shouldn’t be contemplating . . . but did anyway.

  Sullivan was fast becoming my best friend. He looked to me as someone he trusted, even though I was human in his eyes and a complete stranger to the way his world worked. All the things we held in common served as quick drying cement. His loyalty and friendship would influence me to my dying breath, so why couldn’t I at least try to spare him some grief?

  “Ready to leave?” he asked, breaking into my thoughts. Everyone stood behind him with curious expressions as I realized I was the only one still sitting quietly. I must’ve looked like an idiot.

  Nodding, I took a deep breath, praying for the strength to do what was right. That internal moral compass I’d worked so hard to preserve flared to life . . . what point would it be to sacrifice everything for those I loved, if it meant losing that part of me that fueled that strength? Sure, I would return to Darcy and Mason a hero for saving them all, but at what cost? Now that I was here, justice screamed that maybe, just maybe, this price was too high to pay.

  To save many I would need to offer up others.

  My stomach churned again, twisting into even tighter knots.

  We slowly made our way through the exiting crowds, waiting long enough for our carriages to pull up. Sullivan was the last to enter, smiling when he saw the only available seat left was beside Annabeth. What he didn’t know was she’d scowled at her brother when he’d gone to sit there. She clearly had her own plans for wooing Sullivan.

  “It looks like some of the men wish to stay a little longer and visit one of the gentleman’s clubs here. They asked if we’d like to join them?” Sullivan glanced at both Joshua and I before apologizing to Annabeth. “I’m sorry, my lady.” It was hard to miss the increased respect he’d been showering her with. “I’d extend the invitation to you, but . . .”

  She laughed. “But I am a female and therefore not welcome in your boys’ clubs. I guess I won’t ever fulfill my heart’s desire of learning a secret handshake.” Annabeth rolled her eyes in case any of us mistook her sarcasm for sincerity.

  “You’re not missing much, sister mine,” Joshua added, reaching over to gently pat her hand. “It’s just a bunch of men drinking whiskey and smoking cigars. Truth be told, it gets a little tedious.”

  “Devlin?” Sullivan asked, looking to me now. “I have no problem going with you if you’d like to join the others. As long as Annabeth gets safely home, we can follow along afterward.”

  Here was my chance. Decision time.

  Did I refuse the offer and we all go home, knowing that without a sane voice of reason remaining with the men, they would bring disaster to the front doors of Kilgrave Manor?

  Or did I convince Sullivan and Joshua to stay in London a few hours more—despite the fact neither of them wanted to, Sullivan more interested in being with Annabeth than a bunch of boisterous, drunk men?

  Only I knew the outcome to tonight.

  Only I could prevent the senseless loss.

  “Annabeth should be seen safely home,” I began, trying to find the right words. Even though my heart knew what it wanted to say, I still found it difficult to string together a sentence. “Perhaps we should stay. It won’t be long until you both must travel home. One last gentleman’s night before we part ways.”

  I would stay myself, but there was no chance in hell anyone would listen to me once trouble started. I was a mere human and lacked the authority that came from being an Alpha. It would be Sullivan’s power that would save us all from tragedy.

  “Or we could return to the Manor and enjoy a quiet drink by the fire in
my study.” I could feel his resistance to staying. It made me feel like a bastard arguing with him when it was honestly something I’d much prefer.

  “True, but . . .”

  “Is there a reason you’d rather stay?” Sullivan’s stare bore into me.

  Yes! I wanted to scream. Trust me, please!

  “Just a feeling I have.”

  It was on the tip of my tongue to blurt something out—anything that would show I wasn’t simply being ornery—ignorant to my friend’s need to stay close to the woman he was falling in love with. I hated that I had to be so damned cryptic.

  “I’m confused,” Joshua spoke, shaking his head as he tried to figure out what was happening. “We quickly need to decide because the other party is waiting for us. Please, don’t feel like you have to return with us, Sullivan and Devlin. I promise you we’ll be safe to travel alone.”

  “Devlin,” Sullivan asked with a more urgent tone to his voice. “Do you genuinely feel we’re needed in town further?” He searched my gaze for answers. If only he could read my mind, it would make this so much earlier—the repercussions taken out of my hands and control. “Is there something I don’t know?”

  “Yes, young vampire,” Atropos cackled. “Please enlighten us.”

  Suddenly, I wasn’t in the carriage anymore, my surroundings and companions disappeared. In their place, a familiar room emerged—the Fates’ throne room. They’d been watching and had intervened before I had a chance to reply.

  “We are ever so curious to discover what you are planning,” Lakhesis chimed, a gloating smirk twisting her deceptively beautiful features. “After all, it seems as though you want to challenge the proper order of things.”

  “No,” I blurted, knowing it was a lie the second it passed my lips. I had been about to challenge them. I’d been on the verge of telling Sullivan that should we not stay with the other men or they would unleash destruction and start a war he had worked hard to avoid.

  “Lie,” Atropos and Lakhesis thundered with their hands outstretched, fingers pointing in accusation. “You chose to alter the time sequence. Do you truly believe your pitiful wishes are more important than ours? Choosing to spare the emotions of those you call friends—is that your right or ours? It is not your place to change the destinies of others. Give us one good reason why we shouldn’t cut your string and end your pitiful existence this very minute!” Flames glowed in their eyes as their fury bubbled, electricity crackling in the air.

  “Because it was the right thing to do! I accept that the role Sullivan plays in my life won’t change, but my God, can you not grant him even the smallest of reprieves and happiness? Why must you expect me to stand there and do nothing?”

  If looks could kill, the one Atropos leveled at me would’ve crumbled me to ash on the spot. “Because we demand it! Because those were the conditions when you approached us. You are at our mercy, Devlin Lockhart. It is our power you seek to wield, bringing those you love back to life.”

  I waited for Klothos to speak up in my defense and perhaps lessen their ire. I’d caught the glimmer of sympathy in her gaze as her sisters ripped into me with their barbed words. When she said nothing, I threw all caution to the wind and addressed her.

  “Can you not convince them to extend just this small mercy . . . just this once?” I asked, tempted to drop to my knees in earnest supplication. Desperation made a man do things he normally wouldn’t and I wasn’t so proud that I wouldn’t at least try.

  Klothos shook her head, completely aware that she was now the center of everyone’s attention. I’d suspected she was on the receiving end of her sisters’ cruel taunts because her heart was soft—unlike the other two. She’d taken such a special interest in my case . . . in Darcy and Mason’s life. It didn’t seem fathomable that she’d not say anything to curb their spite.

  “I’m afraid the conditions are absolute. No matter the cause or logical plea, you are to remain true to the task. Nothing that must happen can be altered.”

  “But things have already been different!” I countered, that swirling sense of desperation surging again. “The gift from the Goddess. Lady Hannah being privy to my secrets.”

  “Those are not because of us,” Lakhesis seethed through gritted teeth. She cast a disgusted look at Klothos. “Our sister will be thoroughly punished for her foolishly disobeying our orders. Her empathy for your plight is in vain. Whatever small changes have occurred will hold no sway on the lives around you. Nothing will be changed other than what we’ve agreed upon. Although,” she tapped a slender finger against her chin as she feigned thinking. There was no doubt in my mind she knew exactly what to say. “I am tempted to call this entire situation to a halt and send you back to the future you’re so adamant to reverse. Julian Blackwell is of no consequence to us. Our existence is untouched by his taint. It is you, Devlin, who stands to lose the most . . . to permanently lose all you hold dear by failing. Perhaps you need another lesson.”

  Horrific images flooded my mind. Like a movie playing just for me, I watched helplessly as Darcy raged at the world. Each frame showed a different version of my niece—all of them showcasing her insanity and cruelty, having never recovered from Mason’s death. As the last one flared to life, I gasped in abhorrence when she showed me the Alpha I’d grown to respect and admire fated to become a broken shell of the man I knew. Somehow, Darcy managed to harness dark magics to reanimate him—turning the man she loved into a zombie whose body was decomposing before her eyes. The guttural snarls that replaced any semblance of intelligence revealed the truth that Darcy refused to acknowledge. Her mate was dead and the thing she’d resurrected was a mere mockery of who he once was. Everything that had made Mason who he was had left his body long ago.

  He was walking death—further proving her descent into madness.

  “Stop!” I exclaimed, tired of the endless games. “Enough.”

  Lakhesis didn’t bother to hide her gloating. “Oh, but how fun it was to watch your expressions. Do you still believe you should be granted this small boon on top of the greater one we’ve already agreed upon? Is this Sullivan worth risking that possible future?”

  “Please, say he is!” Atropos clapped, like a small child excited over a possible new play toy. “I much prefer a maniacal Darcy than the weak, honorable person she is now.”

  I glanced at Klothos again. She stared at the ground. I was completely alone.

  “Fine,” I uttered in defeat, having tried and failed. “Send me back.”

  “Not just yet,” Atropos said, raising her hand to stop her sisters from zapping me back inside the carriage. “I’m feeling somewhat . . . charitable. What say you sisters? Should we show clemency?”

  I eyed her suspiciously. Whatever her idea of compassion was, I was pretty sure it wouldn’t match mine.

  “What do you have in mind?” Lakhesis said, light sparkling in her eyes.

  “Devlin Lockhart, we give you leave to choose. When you return, you may disclose your reasons to Sullivan Kilgrave and alter events.”

  My heart leapt with disbelief. Was I hearing correctly? Had I pled my case and won?

  “However, it will come at a price.”

  “Power always comes with a price,” Klothos murmured, earning a disapproving glower from her sisters. Something had obviously happened between the three that had muzzled the younger Fate.

  “What must I do?”

  “Decide who will die in their place.”

  I swallowed heavily. “Excuse me?”

  “You heard right, vampire,” Atropos continued, enjoying my reaction. “If you ask that we spare someone, you must offer up a sacrifice to take their place. Or would you rather we choose?” An evil glint crossed her features and I had the sickened feeling that they would go for the one that would crush me the most.

  “A life for a life?” I asked, trying to clarify what they meant.

  “And you thought he was an idiot, sister,” Atropos laughed to Lakhesis. “Perhaps he isn’t the monkey we belie
ved him to be.”

  “Choose wisely,” Klothos said, risking the wrath of her sisters again. “Weigh your options carefully.”

  “Enough!” Atropos thundered, sending a heated pulse of energy at Klothos, knocking her off her feet. “I tire of you, Devlin Lockhart. That is our final answer.” And with another wave of her hand, I found myself back in the carriage with three sets of eyes on me.

  “Devlin?” Annabeth repeated in concern. She sat forward in her seat to study me closer. “Are you okay?”

  I shook my head as if awakening from a nightmare. “Sorry, what did you say? I got lost in my thoughts.”

  Sullivan watched me like he didn’t believe a word I said.

  “We were asking what you’d decided. Will you and Sullivan be joining the others or returning to Kilgrave Manor with my brother and me?” The expression she wore suggested she might have thought visiting the physician was a better third option.

  The need to say we’d be staying was so palpable I was surprised they couldn’t feel it. The fleeting sense of victory I’d enjoyed didn’t taste so triumphant anymore. While making me believe I held the power, the Fates had ripped that imaginary carpet out from under my feet with their concession. The Fates knew I would give anything to save my friends, but there was no way I could name another of my loved ones as an unknowing sacrifice.

  Who would I possibly pick?

  Vivien?

  Verity?

  My parents?

  Heaven forbid . . . Lucinda?

  It was an impossible decision. The sisters effectively backed me into a corner, demanding I ignore my heart and do nothing.

  It was cruel.

  My mouth opened to speak and I closed it almost instantly after. Trying again, I pushed down my emotions and did what I knew I had to.

  “Let’s head back to Kilgrave Manor. Quiet drinks sounds heavenly.”

  The carriage burst into motion as Sullivan signaled to the driver, everyone relieved to finally be on our way.

  “Don’t worry, Devlin,” he added, the flickering lights from outside casting a shadow across his face as he smiled. “All will be well. It always is.”