Savage Possession

by Belinda Boring

  His offer piqued my interest. “You can get me out of here.”

  Vlad’s voice cracked a little at my request. “Are you sure that’s a good idea?” He stepped up to the cage bars and stared at me. “I heard them say you attacked Mason.”

  I let out a frustrated sigh. “I did. This blood lust thing is a little harder than I thought it would be. Just when I think I’ve got it under control, it surprises me. Maybe that’s how you can help.”

  “You need blood? I can definitely go get you some.” It was obvious to me that he was more willing to fulfill that task than help me gain my freedom. It was much less likely to get him in trouble, if caught.

  “Devlin’s already got that covered.” Pointing over to a desk, Vlad noticed the ice chest. “I wouldn’t say no to a baggie, though. Help yourself to one, as well.”

  I wanted to laugh at how life was unfolding. Here I was, locked up in a cage and playing the hostess to Vlad. It was crazy how much things continued to change.

  “Don’t mind if I do.” He grinned, grabbing two. He closed the lid and passed me a bag through the bars. Taking a seat, Vlad didn’t waste any time. His teeth ripped the opening and he began drinking.

  We drained the blood quickly, crumpling the stiff plastic with our fists moments later.

  “Ugh,” Vlad cringed, a grimace on his face.

  “What’s the matter? Not your type?” I winked at my cheesy joke.

  Vlad dropped his trash beside him and rubbed his hands together. “Haha. Nope, I’m just not a fan of cold blood. I usually like to heat it up a little to take the edge off. Sometimes I’ll even add some Tabasco to give it a nice kick.”

  “I bet you know all the tricks!” I said excitedly. These weren’t things I’d talked with Devlin about, yet. He was too busy making sure I pulled through this ordeal to even discuss what happens afterward. “Maybe it’s a good thing you broke in here.”

  Vlad chuckled. “What’s the point of having all these stealthy ninja moves if I can’t use them? Besides, like I said, you’re worth it. So, how about I give you my So-Now-You’re-A-Vampire 101 speech?”

  This was exactly what I needed—not so much a lesson, but a reason for lightheartedness. There hadn’t been much laughing in the past few days and it felt good to joke around.

  “Consider me your most attentive student, Master Vlad.” The title made him smile and he sat up a little straighter.

  “Well, first off, don’t ever fight against your hunger. Big. Mistake. Like epic. I learned that the hard way. If you resist, or try to control it, it’ll fight back with a vengeance. You’ll feel ten times hungrier. I don’t know why it feels like that, but trust me, you don’t want to wake up the next morning with foggy memories and blood everywhere.”

  If he was trying to scare me, it was working. “Seriously?”

  “Deadly. So when you start feeling the need to feed rise up, just do it. There’s no shame in admitting that you’re thirsty. You’ll learn to become discreet, as well. Ways to carry blood in your purse, disguised as regular things you’d carry. I can help you.”

  I leaned in. “What else?”

  “When you go out, always try to have some fresh clothes handy. You should be okay because females always carry handbags the size of suitcases.” He snorted at his own humor.

  “Fresh clothes? In case I get trapped? In case I make a mistake and my hunger gets the best of me?”

  Vlad’s eyes widened. “Oh, no, nothing that dramatic. I have confidence that since you know how important it is to always feed, you’ll avoid massacring everyone.” He said it so matter-of-factly. “I mean for those times when you need a quick sip and spill. Face it, Darcy. I’ve seen you eat real food. You’re forever dropping stuff down your shirt.”

  His observation made me blush. “Good idea. It might be hard to explain why I have blood splatter on my top.”

  “Or why you’re walking around with just your bra on,” he grinned. “Might be a wee bit awkward.”

  “Only a little. Okay, so control my thirst and carry a change of clothes with me. What else?”

  “Have you been . . . you know?” Vlad wriggled his eyebrows at me.

  “Have I been what?”

  “Don’t make me spell it out. You know . . . you and Mason?”

  I couldn’t help myself. I burst into laughter. “Hello?? Silver cage!!” I stopped long enough to gesture to my surroundings. “Not exactly the most ideal place for sex, Vlad.”

  “Oh, yeah. Sorry.” The way the tips of his ears pinked was adorable.

  “Why would you even ask? It’s not like I need any advice on how to be with my husband.”

  He looked uncomfortable, rubbing the back of his neck and avoiding eye contact with me. “Well . . .” That was all he managed to say.

  “Well what?” I wasn’t going to let it go. He was the one who brought it up in the first place.

  “It’s just that . . .”

  That’s when it dawned on me. “Vlad, are you a virgin?”

  He spluttered with indignation. “I am so not a virgin! I’ve done it before!”

  This conversation was beyond weird, now. “Then why would you ask?” I stared at him, waiting for him to answer when I realized the truth. “You haven’t had sex since becoming a vampire, have you? All those stories you share about meeting women at the bars. You always made it seem like you were some ladies’ man.”

  “Swear you won’t say anything, Darcy. Swear! If everyone found out that I hadn’t . . . you know . . . they would think I am an even bigger loser.”

  “But why pretend? It’s none of their business,” I answered, amazed.

  “I don’t know. I didn’t mean to in the beginning, but it just happened.”

  “Obviously it hasn’t,” I quipped in. “Why don’t you just do it? What are you waiting for?”

  Vlad looked embarrassed as he leaned in, lowering his voice to a whisper. “I saw what happened with Edward and Bella. I watch TV. Sex, as a vampire, is violent; and I couldn’t stand hurting the woman I’m with.”

  He was so sincere about it that I desperately tried not to burst out laughing. “Oh, Vlad. You need to quit putting so much faith in Hollywood. It’s all make believe—someone’s imagination on screen. I know you’ve been searching for your identity but please.” I reached through the bars to touch his hand. “It’s not real.”

  “But vampires do exist.”

  “Then ask a vampire,” I answered softly.

  He flinched, shaking his head. “There’s no way I’m asking Devlin. No. Way.”

  “What about the others? Surely you have friends out in the community.”

  “I do; but no one I trust. Not like you.” He offered me a warm smile that made me feel good. Out of everyone he could ask this question to, he’d chosen me.

  “I’m sorry to tell you, but Mason and I haven’t had a chance to. I’ve been locked in this cage since waking up.”

  “Will you tell me once you have, though?” When he saw my shock, he quickly added. “I don’t want details. I just need to know it’s . . . you know, safe and stuff.”

  This was the Vlad that I wish would believe in himself. The one who would see how amazing he was.

  “I promise. And I’ll keep this conversation between you and me, as well.”

  His relief was visual. “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.” I glanced over at the door. “You might want to go, too. The guys might be back soon.” Vlad scrambled to his feet as I slowly did the same. “I’m glad you came, Vlad. You’re welcome anytime.”

  “I just wanted to help. I know how scary this can be.” He looked at the silver cage. “You’ll be free to go soon. You seem pretty normal to me.”

  “Here’s hoping I can convince Zane,” I said.

  Saying goodbye, Vlad carefully opened the door, sticking his head out to see if the coast was clear. After flashing me a dazzling grin, he was gone.

  I didn’t care what others said about the confused vampire, I liked him.
He was someone who made life interesting and I enjoyed talking with. Most of all, he made me laugh with his crazy antics and ideas.

  I needed more moments like this.

  Many more.

  Chapter Five

  Mason

  I hadn’t meant to find myself standing outside facing the woods. I didn’t like being too far from Darcy, just in case she needed me; but with Devlin in there, I’d excused myself and started walking.

  It didn’t surprise me that this was where I ended up. I was wound tight and my wolf knew exactly what I needed. There was only so much agitation I could take before I completely snapped.

  I was holding everything together for Darcy’s sake, but I’d be even more useless to her if I couldn’t find my center, again. A quick run amongst the trees would do the trick.

  Without fail, it was the one thing that seemed to ground me. In the past, whenever I’d faced danger or there was a difficult decision I couldn’t quite make, an hour in my wolf form made everything crystal clear.

  That’s what I needed now, more than anything—the ability to see beyond my worry. Instead of fighting against it, I began stripping, folding my clothes carefully and placing them in a pile at the base of a tall pine.

  “Mind if I join you?” Removing my shoes and socks, I looked up at Alex. I hadn’t had much time to hang out with my cousin and catch up on the latest family news. He’d travelled over the pond to attend the wedding and stayed to help because of the trouble with Julian. It had been great having him here—a reminder of my roots and what it was like having blood family around.

  “Sure. It’s been a while since we ran together.” I grinned, brushing the hair that had fallen across my brow to the side.

  “How long . . . hmmm, five . . . ten years?” Already undressing, he tossed his belongings beside mine in his typical messy style. We may share a family resemblance, but we didn’t have the same need for order.

  “Damn, really? I remember that one time we placed bets over who could catch the most prey.” I stretched out my muscles, hearing a crack in my neck as I prepared to shift.

  “Of course, I beat you. You always were slow,” Alex chuckled. “Ready?”

  I snorted. “Just goes to show what old age can do to a wolf. I believe I won that bet and you’ve held a grudge ever since.” There wasn’t much of an age difference between us—a year or two, but I liked to tease him about it. “Who knew jealousy would be such an issue for an eight year old, huh?”

  “I was ten and I won that challenge,” he huffed, indignantly. The twinkle in his eyes told me it was all in good humor. We were naturally close, even with the large distance that kept us separated. Alex had spent some time with my family growing up, before he was sent home to prepare for his transition to Alpha of the ancestral pack. He was the son of my father’s eldest brother, and the position came with a ton of responsibility.

  We’d joked about how I’d managed to avoid it and how he’d kill to swap places with me. We ended up both becoming Alphas, the weight of that mantle heavy on our shoulders.

  “How about we both won?” I asked, shrugging.

  “Always the diplomat, Mason. You always were.” Alex chuckled, crouching to his knees. “So where to? I’m assuming you don’t want to go too far with Darcy inside.”

  “How about to the meadow and back, the one we used to play fight in?”

  Nodding, he dropped to all fours. “See you there, then.”

  With the tingle of magic in the air, I focused on my own change, relishing in the calming wave of energy that pulsed through my body. This part never hurt me, anymore. Some found the contorting of limbs and muscles uncomfortable, but I didn’t fight against it like some did.

  I welcomed my wolf—welcomed the freedom that came with letting go of my human body and shifting to my furry form. It was something I’d learned years ago from an old pack member—the less you resist, the easier the flow. Now, whenever I became wolf, it happened quickly. It was a celebration of who I was, not something to be ashamed of.

  Alex had already taken off, his silvered body streaking ahead as he weaved in and out between trees. Big, black paws stood proudly on top the grass, my claws taking a few seconds to dig into the soil, before I released a joyous howl of warning.

  He may have had a head start, but this was my territory. I knew every inch, each crevice, every felled trunk and rock pile. For this brief moment, I let go of my human cares, and bayed again.

  I was wolf, therefore I was free.

  I tore off after him, the wind ruffling my fur as I leapt over the first of many obstacles. With each beat of my heart, I found things becoming clearer in my mind. All doubt dissipated like the breeze around me. I soared through the air, only to drop gracefully on all fours, and it didn’t take long before I caught sight of Alex.

  He was the same color as my father, the same as his father, my uncle. Most of the O’Connor’s were grey or silver wolves, making me unique. I remember feeling like something was wrong with me when I was told my coat was black—the color of midnight. I’d desperately wanted to fit in, but one night my grandfather took me aside.

  “Mason, son. Never be ashamed of who you are. Never long to be anyone but yourself. The mark of a great wolf, of a leader, is not the color of his fur, but the integrity of his heart, his soul. It’s who you are here.” He’d paused and placed his large calloused hand over my chest. “That matters. Something tells me you are destined for great things. You will bring honor to your family.”

  I’d stood there wide-eyed, young and full of childlike wonder. “How do you know?”

  “Because I’ve learned never to doubt my instincts. People will look to you for many things and up at you with respect, Mason. Mark my words.” He’d winked then, messing my hair up with his fingers. “Plus, you’re just like me.” Partially changing, ebony black fur erupted up his arm and he laughed when I gasped.

  My grandfather was one of the greatest men I’d ever known and his death rocked my world. There wasn’t a day I didn’t miss him and wish he were around so I could soak up more of his wisdom. If he’d still been alive, things with my father wouldn’t have gotten so out of control.

  Life didn’t always go according to plan. He died in his sleep, way before his time. But he’d been right. I was destined to accomplish certain things, and Darcy was part of that future.

  Shaking my head, I rattled my thoughts free. Now wasn’t the time for reminiscing. There was a loud, impatient yip from Alex, telling me to hurry the hell up. He didn’t like being made to wait; and judging by his howl of delight, he’d managed to uncover something for us to hunt, together.

  I scrambled in his direction, stretching out my limbs as I covered ground in lengthy strides. The delicious scent of deer filled my nostrils and I didn’t hesitate, breaking through the brush, to attack our new prey.

  The graceful creatures scattered as they bleated with fright. Alex had found a small grouping of doe nibbling on the thick, lush patches of grass. Abdicating to my lead, he held himself back, following only when I chose which would become our impromptu meal.

  We chased a healthy doe, watching as she leapt and darted through the low hanging foliage, desperate to escape us. Any other time, I would’ve picked up my pace, narrowing the distance between us and the target, but my heart wasn’t in it.

  Alex sensed the same, slowing completely down. The rush of adrenaline had been just what I needed, but I didn’t have the time needed to enjoy the kill.

  Glancing at my cousin, I banged my front paw on the ground, turning my body back toward where we’d come. He gave one last look to where the doe had disappeared, tipped his head back, and released a deep, husky howl.

  I joined him, letting the rumble begin in the pit of my stomach until it vibrated out through my body. On and on we sang, the primal melody swirling around us as it lifted into the air.

  It was beautiful—our joyous anthem.

  As the last note faded, I snapped my teeth at Alex, signaling it was time t
o return. Racing toward the house, the breeze once again coursed through my fur. I longed to bring Darcy out here with me.

  This would help heal her—soothe whatever was ailing her, inside.

  There would be no way she could resist it, the siren call of nature.

  ****

  “I’ve missed running with you,” Alex commented, as soon as he’d changed back to himself. “Although, the Mason I knew wouldn’t have let such a beautiful doe get away like that.”

  Pulling up my pants, I ran my fingers through my hair to straighten the mess. “True, but I also didn’t have a mate who needed me, either.” I picked up my shirt, holding it in my hands as I slipped my shoes back on.

  “How’s she doing?” He leaned casually against a tree, waiting for me to finish dressing.

  “One hour at a time.” It was the best answer I had.

  “I’m sorry you are both having to face this. I know it’s not something either of you anticipated.”

  “Yeah, it wasn’t on my wish list for marital bliss,” I snorted, finally putting my t-shirt on. Tugging on the bottom hem, I let out a loud sigh and glanced over at the house. “There’s plenty of other stuff I’d rather be doing.” That stuff didn’t need any explanation.

  Alex nodded, chuckling under his breath. “Well, I’m glad we were at least able to do this. I hate to tell you, but I’m going to need to go home, soon. I got a call that the Pack’s restless without their Alpha. You know what that means.”

  “That you’ve been gone long enough.” Slapping his shoulder, I clasped his forearm. “Thank you for staying and helping out. It’s meant a lot having you here.” The words seemed inadequate.

  “Of course. Family helps family. There’s no way I would’ve just left, knowing you and yours were in danger. You’d have done the same.” His fingers tightened over my skin before he pulled me into a side hug, pounding on my back affectionately. I was going to miss him.