“Just something Vlad said.” I groaned, finally having the courage to glance up.
His deep, throaty laugh filled the room. “Don’t tell me you actually believed anything that came out of his mouth?” He peered at me closer. “You did! Darcy, have I taught you nothing?” He shook his head, and flipped open the book. “Rule number one when dealing with the young vampire… always take what he says with a grain of salt. There’s a reason why so many are irritated by him.”
“Is there a rule number two?” I asked, feeling better.
“Yes. Keep him away from all sharp objects.”
“Why, is he clumsy?” I questioned.
“No. Because if you forget the first rule, you’ll be tempted to stake him where he stands!” Devlin chuckled again, and the earlier tension faded. “That fool tries my patience.”
A comfortable silence now settled over us, and the stacks of books caught my attention again. It was time to get back on task, and forget what may or may not be true.
Resting back in the chair, and with a volume in my lap, I rested my feet on the top of the desk. This caused Devlin to stare pointedly at me, cocking his eyebrow, and I returned his look by sticking out my tongue. “Quit interrupting me, I’m trying to read.”
“Well, heaven forbid I do that.” He grinned. “I’ll leave you to your search for knowledge then.”
It wasn’t too long before Devlin rose from his chair and returned to the shelf, the book he had chosen obviously not what he wanted. I could see him scanning the different titles, back and forth, as if he was looking for something in particular.
“What are you doing?”
“I’m looking for that book you gave me—the one about the Brothers. It was starting to get good, and now I can’t find it.”
I ducked my head, trying to hide my smile. “Hmmm, I haven’t seen it. I guess you’ll have to choose something else.” I grabbed the first one I saw, and offered it to him. “Read this instead.”
“Always so thoughtful,” he teased, and reading the title he laughed. “Magical Enchantments and Charms … looks interesting. Maybe there’s a spell in here to help me find love.” Winking, he took the volumes, and returned to the couch. “Someone wonderful just like you.”
I felt my heart beat faster as the image of Devlin moving toward me, hunger in his eyes, entered my mind. I groaned out loud, determined to inflict severe bodily harm to Vlad next time I saw him.
We settled into a companionable silence, the only noise heard being the turning of pages and the ticking of the wall clock.
Chapter Nineteen
“I don’t know what disturbs me more—that you own some of these titles, or that I thought they’d be a great way to spend the afternoon. I’m quite content to never pick another book up again, unless its romance.” I let out a groan, and let the volume fall from my hands onto the desk.
“You mean you’re not having fun? You don’t think this is interesting?” Devlin grinned, holding up what he was reading to reveal a bizarre image of someone being tortured. My eyes couldn’t make sense of it, and as I turned my head to the side to see if a different angle would help, I flinched.
“Did you have to show me? Why do you have that in your library?” The picture was like a car wreck—I knew I shouldn’t look but I just couldn’t help take one more peek. I hadn’t known a body could be contorted in that manner, and it explained the look of sheer agony on the victim’s face.
“I’ve been an enforcer a long time. It was important I study up on interrogation methods.” He peered down at the page. “Though I’ll admit, I have never been this cruel.” Tossing the book onto the table, he let out a loud sigh, and stretched, his arms reaching out behind him over his head. “You’re not enjoying yourself?”
“Oh, I’m having a blast,” I retorted with a grin. I began to sort through the different titles, trying to remember everything I’d read through. “This book shared that if I bathed in pigs blood and sage, then dance naked around the base of an elm tree during the full moon, it would give me wisdom.” I put it down, holding up another. “This one says to ensure I conceive and birth a healthy baby, I must drink a certain potion to guarantee my fertility. And this blessed book ….” I groaned as I picked up one more, flipping the pages so I could give the full effect. “This one shows the best position.”
I let my head drop to the desk, slowly banging it against my forearms in a slow, steady pound. “I’m done with being adventurous. Give me swoony kisses and sexy heroes any day.” I sat back up, and rubbed my fists over my eyes, suddenly tired.
“What did you expect to find in an Enforcer’s study?” Devlin laughed.
“I know, but I was still hopeful,” I complained softly. “I need to bring more of my books over here—balance your eclectic tastes out a little.”
Spending the next few moments putting back our reading material onto the shelves, we worked quietly, and with a sigh of relief, flopped ourselves down onto the overstuffed chairs.
“Well, that was a good way to spend the past few hours, what’s next on the agenda?” Before he could answer my question, the door flew open, and Vlad entered.
“Isn’t this cozy?” He grinned, flouncing in, the smell of freshly applied cologne wafting in the air. “Looks like you guys are in for a fun evening … not. Darcy, go get ready, and I’ll take you with me. I heard Bite Me is going to be a blast tonight, and it’s not like he’ll take you anywhere.” Vlad used his head to gesture toward Devlin, whose only response was to cock his eyebrow.
“You know, as tempting as it sounds, I’m going to keep close to the house if you don’t mind. Devlin and I still have things to discuss—you know … business.” I shrugged my shoulders, and tried to look apologetic.
“Just don’t let him squeeze all the fun out of you. My dear guardian is a buzz kill of epic proportions,” Vlad stated in a matter of fact tone.
I stifled a laugh as I watched the young vampire take a step back when Devlin growled in response. Not letting the moment put a damper on his spirits, Vlad continued to prattle on about his plans.
“Try not to get yourself killed tonight, would you? I don’t have time to come bail you out of trouble, and I’m half tempted to let you just rot if it happens. You’re more pain in my ass than anything,” Devlin warned, rubbing his hand up and down on the sofa arm before bringing himself to a stand.
“Don’t be so dramatic, it was only a few times that my life was ever threatened. You make it sound as if it’s a daily occurrence. Two attempts is not something to whine about.”
Devlin fake lunged, sending Vlad fleeing across the room, the squeal escaping him hilarious. Laughing at the flightiness of his charge, Devlin walked over to the desk and removed something from the top drawer. It was a piece of paper and pen, and after scribbling quickly on it, he handed it to Vlad.
“Here, just in case you run into trouble. That should buy you some time.”
Vlad didn’t bother to read what it said, pocketing it before heading toward the door. “Well, I’d say this was endearing, but I’d be lying. One last chance to tag along with the V-Man ….” He actually twirled on his toes, displaying his appearance.
“I’m good, thanks though.” I laughed, barely able to get the words out. The moment intensified as I watched his gaze settle on the copy of Dark Lover, and he excitedly swooped in and took it.
“Excellent, new reading material. Adios, peeps.”
Once the door was closed, and the sounds of Vlad’s quick footsteps faded, I turned to Devlin and let loose. Meeting his gaze, he tilted his head back, and joined in—our laughter combining in the air.
“Was he wearing what I thought he was? I couldn’t quite tell unless he was standing under the light just right,” I asked, tears filling my eyes.
“I’m afraid so, why’d you think I gave him the note. Something tells me Vlad is in for a rude awakening tonight.”
“Do you think it was some kind of lotion he’s using or actual craft glitter?”
> “I have no idea, but man, did he sparkle! And his hair? It must’ve been sticking a good foot in the air. He doesn’t make a very attractive Edward Cullen,” Devlin replied, settling in the chair. “I don’t know why he’s determined to be every known vampire in literature history. If he comes home with a werewolf sidekick, I’m going to beat him.”
“Well, it could always be worse, I suppose,” I offered, finally getting control of myself. It felt good to laugh and not worry—even if it was for just a moment.
“How do you figure?”
“Did you see the book he picked up?” My laughter started up again. At this rate, my sides would start hurting any minute from the workout.
“Damn,” Devlin swore before glaring at me. “If he comes in here wearing shit kickers and leathers pretending he’s one of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, we’re going to have issues. Damn.” He banged his head against the neck rest on the chair. “I better hide the baby powder, just in case … and my daggers. What do they call the villain again? Lessers? Yeah, I don’t want him pretending to go hunting in here. Who knows what the neighbors will think?”
My laughter was interrupted by the doorbell ringing and I glanced at Devlin. “Expecting someone?” Clasping my hand, and dragging me from my seat, he began to pull me from the room.
“Not me, you,” he replied with a grin, and I hurried downstairs behind him to see who the mystery guest was. Letting me open the door, I was surprised to find Daniel standing across the threshold, and my heart lurched. He was a sight for sore eyes.
“What are you doing here?” I asked. “Shouldn’t you be running with the pack?” I could see the full moon hanging in the night sky over his shoulder.
“We thought we’d come see if you wanted company.” Stepping to the side, I barely registered his use of “we” before another large body came into view.
“You didn’t think we’d let you run alone, did you?” Mason smiled, and opening his arms, I eagerly entered his embrace.
“Have fun you guys,” Devlin added from behind me.
Waving goodbye, I followed Mason and Daniel to their car. The night had just gotten so much better.
“I’m so excited you both came. I wasn’t sure if you would need to stay with the Pack tonight or not.” Buckling myself into the passenger seat, I turned slightly so I could look at them.
“We started the run a little early today so we could do both. I didn’t want you to be out alone.” Mason smiled, squeezing my hand before placing it back on the steering wheel.
“I was just going to run around Devlin’s property. It’s not as big as ours is, but I’m sure it would’ve been fun. With him standing guard, I knew I’d be safe,” I said. “If worse came to worse, I would’ve tried to hold off until all this business is resolved.”
“If your wolf is as eager as mine has been, you might not have had a choice. Could you imagine Devlin’s face? One moment he’d be talking to you—and the next dealing with a howling wolf.” Daniel chuckled from the back seat. “Anyway, it’s time to relax. We’ll go for a run, give into our second nature, and come back focused.”
It sounded perfect—just what I needed. Nothing beat the freedom that came from answering the call of the moon.
“I’ve been feeling the restlessness all day—my wolf’s eagerness for freedom. I think you’re right … she wouldn’t have let me try to put the run off.” I released a contented sigh. “So, where are we going?”
“Whiskey Flats,” Mason spoke. “It’ll take about twenty minutes to reach the town, and another ten minutes to get to the spot I want us to use. Not many pack members go there, preferring to change in Woodside Hollow at the house.”
I rested into the seat. I was starting to become excited, my wolf beginning to pace back and forth waiting for her chance to come forward. “I don’t think I’ve ever run out this way. Is it pretty?” Which was code word for—did it have good things to eat?
“Yeah, we don’t get this way very often, but pack property is pretty extensive and covers a lot of land—Woodside Hollows, Devil Springs, Whiskey Flats, Fool’s Leap Canyon, and Winters Creek. My ancestors knew exactly what they were doing when they chose to settle here. There’s incredible strength in this area, an energy that others covet and would do anything to possess for themselves,” Mason replied.
“Like Amber and her father.”
“Like many before them,” Daniel added. “There’s a reason why you can find one of the most powerful alphas living here alongside the vampire king, and leader of the strongest witch covens. That’s why it’s the central base for Council business, making it a formidable stronghold to those who reside here.”
“I love hearing how the Pack came to live here,” I said, letting out a sigh. “There’s always something new to learn about. It’s never ending.”
Daniel released a chuckle, the sound not quite as deep as Mason’s but it still reverberated within the car. “People can spend their entire existence surrounded by it all, and still only know the basics.” He winked at me, and my heart lightened.
“Here’s a question then, something I keep meaning to ask, but whenever I remember I keep getting distracted.”
“Yeah, I’ve seen how you get distracted … you two can’t keep your hands off each other, constantly joined together at the lips.”
I could feel my face heat, and ignoring his taunt, I tapped my finger on the window ledge. “Was the land ever called the Mystic?” It was a good question, especially seeing all the werewolf groups I knew were named after their primary residence. “The Alpha’s house and main property is in Woodside Hollow… shouldn’t we call ourselves that instead?”
“Oh yeah, too much kissing, not enough talking between you two.” Daniel let out a snort, as I reached back to slap him. “I have no idea how either of you get anything done!”
“Whatever,” Mason answered, a smile on his face. Looking in the rearview mirror, he shook his head at his best friend. “Well, it’s pretty simple. When the first Alpha to the pack came here, they traveled from Ireland with the hopes of making a good life for him, his family, and future descendants. Apparently word had reached him about a place that thrived, where the natives were used to things of a supernatural occurrence, and had yet to be truly claimed and mastered. Cian O’Connor married his childhood sweetheart, said goodbye to their families, and began the long journey here. When he arrived, he found a small settlement had already begun—Mystic Hollows—and with enthusiasm, began to build his pack. He was a hardworking, honest man, and his reputation soon spread. Others came to pledge their fealty to him as their Alpha, those who had been exiled or orphaned, and it wasn’t long before the Mystic Wolves was a force to be reckoned with.”
“Our Mason comes from good stock, despite the ass his father was, and the pack has been here ever since,” Daniel interrupted, grinning as I heard Mason release a friendly growl in warning.
“So Mystic was part of the original name?” I added, enjoying the story.
“Yep, and Abigail loved it. It was her dying wish, should the town ever choose to change it’s name, that the current Alpha keep the original. Pretty sweet, huh?” Judging from the wide smile across Mason’s face, he also liked retelling the story.
The twinkling of lights caught my gaze, letting us know we were finally approaching Whiskey Flats. It was larger than I remembered, maybe the same size as Woodside Hollow, and I made a mental note to come again check out the sights during the day. It had been forever since I’d been here—a few times during my childhood—so I was eager to see if much had changed.
We drove through the town in silence, the wooded area just on the other side of the city limits beckoning us, pulling at our wolves. I could feel the thrum radiating off everyone, matching my own, and I couldn’t keep from bouncing around in my seat.
Pulling off into what looked like a dusty trail, Mason threw the car into park as he jumped out of the vehicle to open the gate that blocked our entry. A huge sign hung from the metal bars, warning
trespassers of the danger of crossing onto private property, and I wondered how many had strayed on nights like tonight.
Dirt rose up in a thick cloud along the side of the car, the tires kicking up loose gravel as we made our way deeper into the area. Tall trees flanked either side of us, and my wolf bayed repeatedly in excitement, the shift from human to animal imminent.
Finally bringing the car to a stop, Mason cranked the brake, and turning to Daniel and I, grinned. “Last one to change buys dinner!”
With the taste of freedom on my tongue, I threw open my door, my shoes already off.
“You’re on.”
Chapter Twenty
It was in a fit of laughter we returned to the house, Mason still picking pieces of twigs and leaves from my hair. My entire body felt like it was humming from the exhilaration of the run.
“I know it wasn’t the same, but I had fun.” He chuckled, closing the door behind him. “Nothing beats an hour of chasing and hunting to clear your mind and help you refocus.”
“I’m glad you both came,” I said, looking at both of them. “It’s really pretty out there, lots of good game and space to play in. We’ll need to take one of the pack runs to that spot we were at soon. I bet they would love it.” My voice was light and breezy, my mind already making plans for the future.
I bumped shoulders with Daniel, grinning widely, and shrugging out of my coat, I let my senses go to see if I could hear Devlin. Last time I’d seen him, he’d said something about making phone calls and seeing if there was any new gossip floating around the community. We’d agreed to meet when we returned to go over our plans, and with a fresher outlook, I was eager to start.
“Devlin, we’re home!” I sang out, hanging my jacket in the hallway closet. Signaling for everyone to follow, we raced up the stairs, and headed to the study. As I opened the door, I was rewarded to find him there, behind his desk and just hanging up his phone.
Forget Me Not (#2, The Mystic Wolves) Page 13