He studied my face, tensing for a moment, but then he relaxed and nodded. “It was never my intention to withhold my history with Amber from you. Last night, I just wanted to get rid of her, and I’ve spent the entire morning meeting with the Council trying to do just that. How much did Daniel share about it with you?” He looked beyond me to Daniel, reading his expression perfectly, and closed his eyes. “So you know it all.”
I rose onto my tiptoes, and placed a soft kiss on his parted lips. “Yes, he shared it, because I asked him, and it only proved what an incredible man you are, Mason O’Connor.”
“Incredible? You think falling for a conniving, manipulative she-devil is a good thing? I could’ve destroyed the entire Pack had I become Alpha then. It’s nothing to be proud of.” The look on his face was one of bitter amazement.
“I’m not going to lie. It made me ill hearing about how you were, but you forget something important. Just like Daniel, I know your heart and you would never have taken that step into darkness if you hadn’t have been bewitched. You were young and impressionable, she saw a way to get what she wanted, and she took it. You need to give yourself some credit—you came back from it, and became a stronger person. You’ve spent every day since then working hard to be a leader with integrity, and ensure nothing like that happens again. You have the loyalty of the Pack, a strong alliance with other leaders, and the admiration of the community. You’ve made amends.” I glanced over to where Daniel stood, and added, “If you still doubt, take another look at your best friend, and tell me you don’t see forgiveness. You won’t find condemnation from either of us.”
“I appreciate your faith in me. Both of you.” And Mason pulled me toward him, crushing me tightly against his body. I could feel slight tremors pulsing through him from the intensity of emotions he was experiencing, and I wrapped my arms around his neck.
There was a moment of silence as we held onto each other, but then the mood in the room shifted—I recognized the need to get back to business. I reluctantly moved away as Mason loosened his arms.
Daniel came to stand beside him and I peered at them.
“So here’s the golden question—does she stay? I know she petitioned for asylum, but surely after everything she did the last time, you wouldn’t have to honor it?” I was eager to have my question answered. From the looks on their faces, they didn’t need to. “What? The Council agreed to her petition? Isn’t there leeway for extenuating circumstances?”
Mason let out a frustrated breath. “That’s exactly the argument I brought before them. I laid it all out in painful detail how granting Amber asylum puts our Pack in danger. I told them I believed if her family succeed in gaining power over the Mystic Wolves, it would open the way for them to begin systematically picking off the other packs. We’re by far the strongest, and with our position within the alliance it’ll send a ripple effect through the community.” He dragged his fingers through his hair. “It didn’t matter. They deem this something that needs to be dealt between Amber’s father, Michael, and I. No laws have been broken that would warrant them stepping in. As the Alpha that Amber came to, it’s my responsibility to protect her until an investigation can be conducted.”
“Couldn’t they just call him then, to confirm it?”
“I suggested that as well, but when someone tried, they were told he’d left town and couldn’t be reached for at least a week. No matter how much they demanded to be given details, no one seemed to be able to provide the necessary information. I was told an enforcer will be dispatched to go speak personally with whoever was left in charge while Michael is away, but because these things can take time, the asylum petition stands until further notice.”
“Have another Pack step in, surely you’ve built strong enough relationships that one of the Alphas will come to your aide.” I glanced over at Daniel. “Right?” I was reaching at straws, but I didn’t want her here.
“The Council believes the situation needs to be contained within the Mystic Wolves. They don’t want to involve anyone else, and state because we’ve dealt with her before, we should be wiser to any of her tactics. They fear by bringing others in it could escalate to a war, because Amber’s pack doesn’t have good relations with anyone. For the good of the community, we need to officially accept the asylum petition.”
“This is ridiculous.” I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.
“They understand, Darcy, but they can’t step in on something that looks like it’s Pack related. If they do, it sets the precedence for others. When all was said and done, I could tell they weren’t happy ruling in favor of Amber, but what else can I do? Amber’s made the claim, it needs to be answered, and no one else wants to be involved. And honestly, do you blame them? They want to protect the people they love.”
I understood why both Daniel and Mason were pacing earlier—this was a bitter pill to swallow. “Did they at least offer any suggestions on how to handle this?” I hoped they’d have some advice on how to speed up the process. “Did Vivien share anything?”
“They didn’t, other than to say they would begin the investigation immediately and do everything within their power to ensure Amber’s stay wasn’t long. I take them at their word.” Mason paused, taking in a deep breath. “I was able to talk privately with Vivien afterward. Her only counsel is to keep up appearances, remain alert for any new developments, and protect ourselves. Although we can’t be involved in the official investigation, we can perform our own, and then submit our findings,” Mason answered, before turning to Daniel. “Want to share with Darcy what you learned?”
Facing the second-in-command, my eyes widened. “There’s more?”
Nodding, Daniel began to move briefly before abruptly stopping. “I’ve been asking around to see what rumors have started circulating, and it’s not good. Word on the street is Michael isn’t happy Amber hasn’t been mated to Mason yet, and that he’s adamant— should she fail this time, the consequences will be dire. I even checked with someone I know within her pack. Amber and her father had quite the argument last night, and it sparked a huge uproar within their hierarchy, even though no one knows what it was about. The feeling I get from everyone talking is that Amber refused whatever her father was saying, and she stormed from the house angry. They think it’s going to get a lot worse before it gets better All I know is that it seems they want Mason, and they want the Mystic Wolves.”
“No, what they want is pack land. It was never about me, although I’m sure they see the connections I’ve been able to forge over the years as something that could help them gain influence. The whole mating agreement bothered me, especially when I couldn’t see how it would benefit my father. He gained nothing. If anything he was losing a prime piece of property, one that had been in my family for generations. I tried looking into his affairs after he died to see what I could uncover, and the closest I ever came to understanding it, was that Michael had blackmailed him. The terms weren’t too clear, but it involved a debt, and I’m assuming as a way to retain some control, my father added the stipulation I be part of the settlement. The whole deal was shady, and when Michael dragged me before the Council to honor the betrothal, I brought up my findings. He refused to explain, forcing the matter to be dropped. I don’t think he ever planned on me knowing as much as I did, and it infuriated him to know that his scheme had failed.”
I was frustrated by how crazy the situation was. “Who are these people? Do they wake up each morning thinking of new ways to torment others?” My anger was just below the surface, and I could feel both of their gazes on me.
“I told you. Amber and her family are power hungry, and have no moral compass when it comes to getting what they want. They’ve had their eyes on Mason for a while, the Mystic Wolves even longer. They’re relentless—obsessive to the point of madness,” Daniel replied, shaking his head.
“Well, mad or not, their first move in this latest power play has been effective. It wasn’t easy telling Amber she could stay,” Mason added.
The news floored me, and I struggled to find a response. I was saved from having to by Mason’s phone ringing.
“Thanks for getting back to me so quickly, Devlin. Tell me you have some good news.”
Trying to give him some semblance of privacy for the call, I turned to Daniel, and caught him watching the expression on his Alpha’s face.
“We’ll get through this. It won’t be a repeat of last time.” I didn’t bother hiding the growl that laced my voice. This had lit a fire inside me, and I wouldn’t rest until this nuisance was gone.
“Well,” Mason interrupted, finished with his call. “Devlin is hearing the same thing, but he’s not buying it either. Something isn’t right about the situation, and he’s got some of his Enforcers investigating also. Between the Council, him, and us, we should be able to get to the bottom of this quickly with little damage. Meanwhile, he says to keep him posted on any new developments, and he’ll do the same. He also mentioned the importance of maintaining appearances, and not giving Amber any reason to suspect we’re looking for a way to send her home. He’s worried if she catches wind of it, things could get dangerous, and he’s concerned for Darcy. With the mating ritual approaching, he feels Amber won’t hesitate to make a desperate move to stop it.” Mason shoved his phone back into his pocket. “So for now, that’s what we’ll do—keep vigilant.”
It was a lot to take in, but hope began to flicker in my heart. No matter how dire the situation seemed, we had a plan and the support of friends. We would ride this problem out, and then move on to better things.
“So what’s everyone else doing for the rest of the day?” I asked, looking between Mason and Daniel. “I noticed the house was quiet, and wondered what was going on.”
“I had them all find something to do, so we could have some privacy to discuss strategy without interruptions. Some went to visit family and friends—others went into town to run errands.”
“And Amber?” I needed to know where she was.
“She went into Woodside Hollow with the others. I made sure Eric and Jonas were with the group to keep an eye on things, and make sure they were safe. It also gives Amber the idea she’s fitting in. Maybe she’ll slip, reveal something, and we’ll get lucky. We can only hope.”
“I think I might head out too, and join up with them. Unless you need me here?” Daniel looked to Mason.
“No, go ahead and let them know you’re coming.”
Before I could ask him what he meant, I found myself scooped up into his arms. “Call me if anything arises, and don’t forget to check in when you return.”
I offered a helpless wave to Daniel, as Mason carried me from the room. “Where are you taking me?” I asked, relaxing into his hold.
“You’ll see. We need a change of scenery.”
Chapter Six
“Perfect.”
He’d brought me to his bedroom, and after he placed me on my feet, I took in the familiar sight. Mason liked to keep things simple, and immaculate—the complete opposite to the organized chaos of my own. I teased him about enjoying his orderly life while he could, because once we were mated, I would be introducing him to the joys of living with someone messy. He’d smile, and shake his head.
“Mark my words,” I’d tell him. “I’ll cure you of your need for everything in its place.” He thought I was joking, and I let him believe that.
My hand caressed the smooth surface of his dresser. I loved the smell of his cologne mixed with his own scent, and the way it filled the air. Everywhere I turned, I saw masculine touches that reflected his tastes—the mahogany stained bed, bookshelves filled with classics, and a dresser set carrying photo frames and random collectibles. The color scheme was in the rich, deep colors of the forest we enjoyed—browns, lush greens, and tans. The walls displayed paintings from Mason’s favorite local artist, and it conveyed a warm sense of home.
One of the best features of his room, however, was the stunning view from his window. We were surrounded by the thickness of dense woodlands, each room showing something similar, but Mason’s was by far my favorite. I didn’t know what it was—the way the sun looked rising and setting over the tree line, or how it seemed to always reveal the different creatures moving about that never failed to hold my attention.
Peering through the glass, I leaned forward and rested my forehead on the transparent surface. The intensity of the afternoon sun had heated it, and the sensation against my skin felt wonderful. My gaze darted back and forth, looking for movement, and sure enough I caught the quickened run of a fox. My wolf also noticed, eager to chase after the animal.
“I love this view, Mason. I could stand here and stare forever.” I sighed, unable to glance away.
“I agree. It’s spectacular.” His response held a low, husky tone. Something in his voice told me we weren’t speaking about the same thing. Peering over my shoulder, I saw an appreciative, hungry expression on his face.
“I was talking about outside your window.” I laughed, wiggling my finger at him. “No funny ideas, Mister. I’m here on official business.”
“Really? Like what? I don’t remember giving you any orders. What could possibly be more important than spending some alone time with me?” He hadn’t moved from where he was leaning, his arms crossed loosely over his chest. He was the picture of sexy—especially with the strands of brown hair falling across his brow. There was a curious twinkle in his blue eyes, and I tipped my head to the side slightly.
“Of course there is, it’s not every day I get to snoop in your room. I want to see what kind of bad habits you’ve developed since the last time I was here. You can’t possibly be as perfect as you seem,” I teased, making my way back over to his dresser. I studied the photo frames, giving an extra loving stroke with my hand over Jasmine’s. Picking up a picture of Mason and me, I lifted it to show him.
“I adore this one of us.” I smiled, remembering the day it was taken. I’d loved the day we’d gone on a road trip to the ocean, the need to dig our toes in the sand, and swim in the surf, strong. It had taken us hours to get there, but it had been worth it. The second I’d caught the smell of salt in the air, and the sound of sea gulls crying as they scavenged for food, I’d squealed and tore off across the loose sand. Mason had been right behind me, both of us peeling off clothes to get to our bathing suits, overlooking the gazes of other beachcombers.
We’d laughed as our feet hit the waves, the water the perfect temperature, and I’d bent over to splash him. Grinning, Mason had picked me up, and ignoring my protests, carried me deeper into the breakers. I’d wrapped my arms around his neck, feeling completely safe.
When we finally came back to the shore, ready to find something to eat, a passerby had offered to take our picture. It may have been with Mason’s phone, but the image had turned out amazing, and I’d insisted we have it printed and framed as the perfect way to remember the day.
“We need to go there again. Take a week after the mating ritual to just lie on the beach, and soak up the sun.”
“Make love under the stars,” I interrupted.
“Sounds gritty. All that sand gets into places.” He chuckled.
“It’s romantic!” I scoffed. “You have a lot to learn, Mason. You’re not just mating anyone. I have high expectations when it comes to being wooed.”
“I know what you need, Darcy.” He started to move toward me.
“Stay where you are, I’m not done searching. You’re distracting me. Bad wolf!” Turning away, I smiled when I heard him settle back against the wall. “Now, what do we have here?”
I pulled open the first drawer, and found nothing but underwear. Rifling through the clothing, I was disappointed when my search came back empty. Shaking my head, I reached for the second, and scowled when all I found was t-shirts. A quick check through the remainder brought the same results.
“This is wrong, Mason, so very wrong. What’s the point of being able to have hidden stashes if you don’t keep them? How am I supposed t
o come in and sneak things? Not even a chocolate bar.” I gave one last inspection, before returning everything to how it was.
“If you were looking for chocolate, why didn’t you say so? I keep all the good stuff in the closet, shoved at the back of the top shelf. Everyone knows that’s where you keep them,” he drawled, still in his lazy stance. “But as Alpha, I’m going to have to put your being nosey on hold. I didn’t bring you here just so I could watch you snoop. I have something else in mind.”
“You do, huh? Is it fun?” I baited, pretending I didn’t know exactly what he meant. I licked my lips, and ran my fingers through my hair.
“I’m positive. Now come over here so I can kiss you.” It was nothing short of a seductive order, and it sent a thrill through my body. I loved it when Mason’s voice took on a dominating tone, but even though I wanted nothing more than to cross the room and do as he’d asked, I wanted to playing—stretch out the anticipation.
“Hmmm, I don’t think so. I kind of like it over here.” I headed to the window again, and casually brushed the curtain aside. Mason was silent, and I smiled to myself. “Besides, I’m not sure I want to kiss you.”
“I’m going to count, sweetheart, and when I reach three I better have you in my arms.” The threat caressed my senses, and I resisted the urge to give in. This side of Mason always thrilled me.
Resting against the ledge, I mimicked his stance, crossing my arms and ankles. “We’ll see.”
“One.”
I feigned a yawn, and grinned. “What comes next?”
He cocked his eyebrow, a smug smile crossing his face. “Two.”
“I think you should come over here.” I smiled sweetly, patting the space beside me. “In fact, I know so.”
“You do know I’m serious, Darcy. I don’t see you moving. Once I say the next number, I’ll be taking action.”
I laughed loudly. “You got it wrong. Three. You were meant to say three.” Lifting my hand, I showed him my fingers, slowing counting them. “See, first comes one, and then two. Three is next. Say it, Mason. Say three.” I straightened slowly, and placed my hand on my hip. I could see him trying to hide his grin, as he looked me up and down. “Should I do it for you?” I raised my eyebrow, enjoying the way he was watching me.
Forget Me Not (#2, The Mystic Wolves) Page 4