Forever Changed (The Mystic Wolves)

by Belinda Boring

  “Is everyone ready?” Mason asked, his tone conveying his state of mind. He was all business, the mantle of Alpha resting firmly upon his shoulders.

  “Yes, in your office. Do you need a few minutes to freshen up?” Wade stepped aside as we passed by.

  “No. There’s plenty of time for that later. We have more important priorities.” Entering into his office, Mason didn’t hesitate in calling the meeting to order. It was a smaller group this time; Mason’s inner circle shrinking considerably because of Nathan’s recent betrayal over Amber. The only attendees were our small group, Wade, Alex, and Vivien. “Fill me in on what’s been happening here, since we’ve been gone.”

  As the wolf left in charge, Wade began talking. “It’s been pretty quiet. Nothing out of the norm. I’ve had everyone on the lookout for Julian, with the description Devlin provided; but so far nothing.”

  “That’s because he was in San Diego when we were there. We didn’t stay long enough in New Orleans to see if he’d followed us there, however.”

  “I think it’s safe to assume he’d know we’d come home. Don’t be surprised if now that we’re back, he arrives, as well,” Daniel added. “We’re not the only ones who know about the nexus, and the incredible magic it contains. He’ll want to see if somehow he can break through the protective layers Vivien has placed over it and tap into its power.”

  “Have we heard of any movement there?” Devlin chimed in. “Anything suspicious? Julian may not be here, yet; but there’s nothing stopping him from sending out minions to scout the area.”

  Mason looked at Vivien. “I’ve detected nothing. Every day I’ve tested the energy surrounding it and everything is still intact. None of the alarms that are activated have sounded. I’d say, for right now, the site is safe. My concern is for Darcy. I spoke with Helena and she said the tattoo didn’t work, either.” Vivien patted the space beside her and I joined her on the couch.

  Showing her my wrist, I brushed my finger over the bare skin. “Nothing we’ve tried has bound my magic. I think it’s another reasonable assumption that it just can’t be done. For whatever reason, my powers refuse to be suppressed; so Christina has been teaching me how to control it.”

  “And?” Vivien looked at Christina.

  “So far we’ve only have time to practice channeling her intentions. It took a little while, but I believe she’s got a good grasp on it.”

  “And you’re one of Helena’s witches?”

  “No, she’s an Enforcer. She works in Salem as a mediator between Zane and Helena.” It was Devlin who answered.

  “I thought I sensed vampire in you. You look familiar.”

  “You may have known my ancestor, Sarah Good?”

  Sorrow clouded Vivien’s face, pain filling her eyes. “I did. She was a powerful witch and a dear friend. It broke my heart to see her put to death. I didn’t know you were family.”

  “I’ve kept to myself. I have much to atone for.” Chrissy didn’t continue as Mason’s cough brought everyone’s attention back to him.

  “I agree that Darcy needs to be our prime focus. Julian didn’t strike when he had the chance, so that tells me he has something else in mind. Whether it’s to undermine our confidence or he’s simply waiting for a better opportunity to attack, his purpose is still clear. We need to make this property like a fortress. Ideas?” Mason leaned back against his desk, studying each of us as we thought.

  “I can help establish a stronger perimeter. Assign Pack members to round the clock duty so that at all times, someone is guarding and ensuring no one enters without us knowing it,” Alex offered.

  “I can also set up extra video cameras for heightened surveillance. I’ve been meaning to do it, so now’s the chance,” Daniel added.

  “You have both myself and my coven at your disposal, as well, Mason. We’ll add crystals to the perimeter, providing a magical force field. It can still be penetrated by someone who knows how to, but they can’t avoid the kick back that comes with breaking the spell or the loud warning siren that will alert us.”

  “Thank you, Vivien. I appreciate it.” Mason nodded as everyone came forward with suggestions and ways to assist.

  “I’ll help in any way I can,” Christina spoke up, standing beside Devlin, who also agreed with all the suggestions being offered. “I’ll be more than willing to aid with casting the protection spells, as well as anything Devlin has planned.” Seeing they were both Enforcers, they had additional resources to bring to the table.

  “Can you teach me something other than lighting candles?” I bravely asked. “I know time’s run out, but maybe something to at least give me the element of surprise, just in case?”

  Christina glanced at Vivien, who inclined her head in consent. “Sure. We’ll get started on it right away.”

  “Meanwhile, I’ll see what I can find out. If Julian steps one foot into town or the nearby suburbs, I’ll know. I’ll set up a team to be on watch.”

  “Good. Then that’s a plan.” Mason clapped his hands, bringing the meeting to a close. “I’ll help wherever I’m needed and I will also make some calls to the neighboring packs. If this bastard thinks he can simply waltz in here and take what’s ours, he’s in for a rude awakening.”

  With everyone assigned to a task, Christina gestured for us to go outside. Mason was already on the phone, so I left him to his job. “Well, what’s the lesson for today?”

  “How do you feel about knocking people on their asses?

  ****

  Two hours later, and the only one sitting on the ground was me. So far, I’d come nowhere close to mastering the techniques Christina was trying to teach me. We’d quickly agreed that whatever I learned needed to be simple. It was a brutal blow to my confidence that the “spell a child could do” had proven elusive. I knew what was expected, the intent and power, but my nerves kept interrupting. Unable to find that inner peace made everything all the more frustrating.

  “Again!” Christina was relentless. The friendliness she’d extended on the plane and in New Orleans was tossed aside. There was no room for errors or easy-going bantering back and forth. More than once she explained this was serious business; and I didn’t doubt her for a second. I was just as annoyed as she was and, dusting myself off, I stood ready to give it another attempt. “Touch your magic, gather it into a ball, and then with pure intention, push it out through your hands.”

  I had to grasp this concept. I needed this spell in my growing arsenal against Julian. It may not be comparable to the power he’d amassed over time, but if he was as arrogant as Devlin claimed, he wouldn’t expect me to know anything. I was determined I wouldn’t be easy pickings for him. If he wanted to take me, he’d have a fight on his hands. Not just from others, but from me. He wouldn’t find me a quivering victim pleading for mercy.

  “Okay.” I wiped the sweat from my face, concentrating again. There had to be a way to silence my anxiety. It wouldn’t do me any good to keep thinking Julian was going to miraculously appear. I needed to act, not react, and that thought helped quell my uneasiness. Taking in a deep, cleansing breath, I reached for that glowing place within me where my magic resided. Carefully, I dipped my hands into it, cupping a small ball, taking my time to get it right. Once I was convinced it wouldn’t slip through my fingers, I held on tightly, dragging it up and pushing it out. An energy pulse shot from my palms, sizzling past Christina’s head, and severing a branch from the nearby tree.

  We both stood there, our mouths hanging open in surprise, before I let out a loud whoop of excitement. “I did it! Holy cow, did you see that?”

  “I did. Now, do it again.” Giving her a happy grin, I repeated the process three more times, each one with the same results. “Excellent. I think you’ve got the hang of it. Well done!”

  “So, what’s next?” I asked, bending over at the waist and letting my muscles stretch. This kind of training might not be as strenuous as what Mason and Devlin taught me, but it was still taxing.

  “How abo
ut the same concept but different application? Instead of pushing the energy blast outward, store it in your hand. Then, with your touch, you can deliver a powerful charge. These two tactics are solely for helping you break free, so you can escape. It may incapacitate your attacker momentarily, but until you improve, it won’t do anything too substantial.”

  “I’m fine with any kind of advantage you can give me. Ideally, as soon as there’s a threat, I plan on shifting. But, just in case, he does something to prevent that, I want to be prepared.”

  “That’s definitely a smart move. Be fully equipped for anything—wolf, fighting, magic. I think you’ll have it covered.” Christine nodded, clearly impressed.

  “Here’s hoping that it doesn’t come to that, though.” Closing my eyes, I tuned everything out, repeating the same process as before. Once the energy ball was in my palm, I imagined it coating my skin like a glove, crackling electricity adding to the already glowing presence. “I think I’ve got it. Want me to test it on you?” Grinning, I took a step forward, pretending I was going to give her a jolt.

  “How about we skip that part. I can see the magical sheen over your hands. As long as you hold on to the intent, it should work. Good job. I think those two maneuvers should help increase your odds.”

  Sitting down on garden bench, I stretched my legs out and took a deep breath. “Thanks for showing me this. I really appreciate it.”

  “No problem; maybe once this is over, I can ask permission to continue your training. I’m no Vivien, but I’d love the challenge of teaching a new witch.”

  “I suppose being near Devlin wouldn’t suck either, huh?” I shoulder bumped her gently, laughing when she blushed.

  “Consider it one of the perks of the job.” She winked back. “I’ve been in Salem for more years than I can count. It might do me good to have a change of scenery—a new purpose. From what I’ve heard, there’s always something going on here, so it’s not like I’d be idle.” Tapping her fingers on her knee, the idea certainly seemed to appeal to her. “I don’t think Zane will have a problem with it.”

  “He decides where Enforcers are stationed?” I’d kind of figured someone was in charge of the supernatural police and peacekeepers.

  “It was him and Devlin who first started the academy. Devlin chose to become one of the first Enforcers, delegating the responsibility of governing everyone to Zane. With Zane being King, as well, it was a natural assumption.” Christina caught my surprised look and chuckled. “He didn’t tell you that, did he?”

  “Nope, just one of the many tidbits he likes to keep to himself.”

  “Well then there you go; you ended up with some insider information, after all. Just don’t tell him you heard it from me.”

  “Your secret’s safe with me,” I promised. “Can I ask you something more?”

  “Depends.” She cast a sideways glance at me, her brows furrowed.

  “What did you mean that you had a lot to atone for?” Ever since she’d made the comment, it had tumbled around in my mind. I knew it might be personal, but it didn’t stop me from asking.

  “Let’s just say living in Salem wasn’t always ‘witch friendly’. It was a scary time for those who practiced magic. You never knew if the knock at your door was friend or foe, neighbors caught up in the witch hunt, people accusing each other over petty crimes and vengeance. Many who were killed were innocent; some, like my aunt, were only guilty of using their craft to heal the sick and bless their families. Watching her die filled me with such rage, I thought I’d drown from it. I swore revenge on her accusers, thirsting for their blood. The problem was, once I’d stolen their lives, I wasn’t satisfied. I then made plans to rid the world of anyone who showed brutality to others.

  “One night, I was in the midst of destroying a particularly cruel abuser, when I was interrupted. One moment I was preparing for the killing blow and the next, I woke up in a strange place with a burning throat and insatiable hunger. There had been rumors of vampires in the area, but I felt I was below their notice. Apparently, I wasn’t. They’d been watching me, stirred by my single-minded methods, and deemed me worthy of their gift. They turned me, helped me regain my strength, and set me loose. I became invincible, reveling in my power. It wasn’t until I crossed paths with Devlin that I realized what I’d truly become. A vicious monster.”

  Her story shocked me. The glimpse of her former self was nothing like the person who’d helped me to manage my magic. I couldn’t imagine her as she had depicted herself—a maddened force of evil, blood dripping from her hands as she tore at flesh, removed beating hearts, drinking deeply from her victims. “And he somehow managed to help you stop?”

  “He was sent by Zane after hearing reports of a crazed and out of control vampire. His orders were to assess the threat and, if he couldn’t bring me into submission, destroy me.”

  “Well, obviously it worked.”

  “It almost didn’t. I was used to being wild, answering only to myself. I tried to kill Devlin, believing I could overpower him. I was hell bent in my mission, and no one was going to keep me from it. It was a brutal fight; and I realized later, he held himself back. He could’ve eliminated me within seconds, but he was also testing me. To this day he won’t tell me what he saw in me that changed his mind, but as he plunged his fingers into my chest, his hand wrapping around my heart, he gave me one more chance to yield. If I’d refused his offer of pledging my fealty to the King, it was goodbye world. All I had to do was agree, and he’d spare me.”

  Tears misted my eyes as I heard the reverence in Christina’s voice. It was no doubt a painful memory to share, one that showed a more ruthless side to her nature; but I couldn’t help marveling over Devlin’s mercy. There were similar tales to this told amongst the supernatural community, of people who’d turned their lives around because of him. Now I could see why she loved him and why she felt she needed to atone.

  “So, you’re trying to make up for the damage you did before becoming an Enforcer.” It was more a statement than a question.

  “With every extra day I’m given. I may never be able to undo the sins of my past, but I can ensure I never repeat them.” Underneath the grief she still felt for who she once was; there was also a strong conviction.

  “For what it’s worth, Christina, I think you’ve done more than enough.” My words seemed shallow, but they still needed to be said.

  “It won’t ever be enough, Darcy. Ever. And I’m okay with that.” Letting out a sigh, she slapped her hands over her thighs and stood up. “I think we’re done for now. Why don’t you go get changed and we’ll meet up later?”

  Giving her a brief hug, we parted ways; her story still lingering in my mind. She may not think she’d ever be forgiven for what she’d done, but I prayed that, in time, she’d realize that her benevolent actions defined who she was, now. And who she was . . . was amazing.

  Chapter 20

  Slipping into the walk-in closet, I stretched out my neck muscles. The steaming hot shower had worked wonders on my tired body.

  A sliver of a thought floated through my mind along with images of a future where Mason and I could simply relax—where the only thing we had to worry about was making sure neither of us stole the bed covers each night. The constant threats that had plagued us, pretty much since we met, were certainly taking a toll. But, as I tugged a pair of jeans from a hanger, I didn’t entertain the idea very long. There was no point. Life was what it was.

  It felt good to be back at home after traveling across the country. Even though I enjoyed flying, I was looking forward to sleeping in my own bed. Letting out a sigh, I squealed with surprise when an arm snaked around my waist, pulling me into a hard body. My training instantly kicked in and I readied myself to attack.

  “Easy there, tiger.” Mason’s soft chuckle tickled my ear. “It’s just me.

  “You scared me.”

  “So I see.” He didn’t release me; instead he encircled me completely with his arms. “It’s okay, you’re
safe.” Resting my head back against his chest, my heartbeat slowed back to its normal rhythm.

  “What are you doing in here? I thought you’d be busy overseeing everything?” The heat from his hands against my stomach felt like heaven, stabilizing my nerves. He kissed my shoulder briefly, his breath tickling my skin and causing goosebumps.

  “I came looking for you. I have a surprise.” I couldn’t see his face, but I could hear the smile in his voice.

  “You do? Why?” Scooting around, I looked up into his beautiful blue eyes, curious.

  “What’s today’s date?” His mischievous grin gave nothing away.

  “Umm, I don’t know.” The more I thought about it, the more I realized I’d totally lost track of what day it was.

  “Sweetheart . . .” Digging into his pocket, he pulled something out; and, brushing my hair to the side, the cool feel of metal touched my skin. “Happy Birthday.”

  It was my birthday. With all the recent drama, I’d completely spaced that I’d turned twenty-five. I was embarrassed as Mason laughed at my forgetfulness. My fingers picked up the diamond teardrop pendant that delicately hung in the hollow of my throat. It was exquisite. As the light above shimmered off the gem, I let out a happy sigh.

  “This is gorgeous, Mason. I love it! Oh my gosh, I can’t believe I didn’t remember.” I was too busy admiring my new gift to truly feel bad.

  “Well, in your defense, you’ve had a lot on your mind.”

  “But to forget?” I dropped the necklace and buried my burning face in my hands. “That’s kind of mortifying.”

  “Hey, we all understand. Everyone’s been preoccupied lately—what with Amber, the Fates, our wedding, and now Julian. As long as you remember you’re mine, you’re fine.” He winked at me, earning him a slap on the arm. It was hard to feel silly when he said things like that. Smiling, I threw my arms around his neck and kissed him.

  “Thank you!” He returned my affection, my heart racing as he added a little heat to it. All other thoughts fled as I focused solely on his body pressed against mine, his hard muscles holding me close as his mouth devoured mine. Although I would never admit it, moments like these were ones I cherished. All the diamonds in the world couldn’t replace the way I felt as pleasure took over. Not just the physical sensations, but also the soul connection we had—knowing that even though we joked about it a lot, he truly was mine, forever. We should have been looking toward a future filled with sweet lessons in how to bring happiness to the other, not preparing for yet another attack.