Forever Changed (The Mystic Wolves)

by Belinda Boring

  Knowing I could be persistent, he pulled his shirt over his head and tossed it to the floor. “I’ll join you, but I want you to sleep, Darcy. I don’t want anything going wrong later.” He cautiously lowered his body, mindful not to touch me, as if mere contact would shatter me into pieces.

  “I’m not fragile. Please don’t treat me like this. I don’t need to be treated like I’m going to die. All that drama is outside the door. It’s not in here, in our safe haven from the world.”

  “I can’t pretend that everything is fine. I can’t be careless with you. Too much is at stake. Now, close your eyes, sweetheart. I won’t go anywhere.”

  “But you won’t touch me.” Placing my own hand over his chest, I could feel his heart beating beneath my fingers and the slight tremor. Whether it was the natural reaction I adored whenever my skin met his, or concerns preying on his nerves, I didn’t know. I simply accepted it, brushing back and forth as my nails skimmed over his chest. He allowed it for the briefest of moments before taking my hand and returning it to my side to prevent the caress from leading to more. The gulf between us seemed like an abyss. “I promise I won’t break.”

  “I can’t be sure. This is safer, trust me. I love you, Darcy. It won’t be much longer and things can go back to the way they were.” Mason almost sounded like he was trying to convince himself, and I didn’t have the heart to tell him things would never be the same.

  Tired of waiting for him to give me what I needed, I took it for myself. Turning to my side, I removed my tank top, and let it fall to the carpeted floor.

  “Darcy . . .” He was a mixture of conflicting emotions. There was no hiding his desire, his eyes flaring at the sight of my lacy bra yet he felt it was his duty to keep me from over exerting myself. Whether he liked it or not, I was going to show him it was my choice how we spent tonight; and I would always choose him.

  “Kiss me. Forget what might happen and focus on right now." I tenderly cupped the side his face, peering into his deep blue eyes. “I want you to make love to me, Mason, and don’t you dare hold back. Show me that despite it all, the only thing that matters is our love. Remind me why risks should always be taken.”

  “You have no idea what you’re asking,” he whispered, fear the driving force.

  “I’m asking my husband to put aside his protective instincts and simply love me. If there was ever a time we needed to follow our hearts, regardless of what we think, it’s now. Don’t make me wait. I need to feel you inside me. I need that connection.” Tears filled my eyes, spilling over as they rolled down my cheek. “One night with no regrets. Just you and me.” I couldn’t stop rambling. If he didn’t kiss me soon, I was terrified he never would.

  “If we’re going to do this, we’ll take it slow.”

  “I don’t care, as long as you touch me. I’m not lying, Mason. I need you more than I’ve needed anyone in my life. Stop worrying about what tomorrow brings. Don’t let tonight slip by; it might be the last time we can ever experience our soul connection. Don’t let me leave you with that regret.”

  “Then wipe away your tears, lover. Tonight we’ll create a memory we won’t ever forget.” All reservations left his face as a soft smolder filled his eyes, his mouth forming a seductive smile that already had my insides melting. Leaning in, taking his time to trace his hand over my bare shoulder, Mason kept constant contact. There was an intensity there that showed me he was letting go of his fear and laying it aside. He bound up what he felt he should do as my mate, and simply exposed his soul for me to see. Kissing me where his fingers had been, there was no hesitancy.

  He was serious about making this night the most memorable of our entire courtship and marriage. The way his lips dragged up my neck and the soft touch of his tongue as he savored each sweet spot, told me that this moment would later define us. This would be how we remembered our devotion to each other. This would be when we truly became Mason and Darcy—soulmates forever.

  I let out a deep sigh of appreciation, my toes curling as heated sensations began swirling inside me. Nipping at the underside of my chin, it wasn’t long before his lips found mine for a kiss that exceeded any we’d previously exchanged. There was no describing it, no words that could accurately convey how blissfully vulnerable, yet insanely possessive, it was. With that one kiss, Mason stamped his ownership over me; and, in return, as my tongue touched his, he relinquished his submission to me.

  We belonged to each other so completely, irrevocably bound in heart, body, and spirit. This kiss was a celebration—a declaration that in spite of the odds, our love existed and would forever stand as a testament that such a love triumphed all adversity. His hand gently cupped below my ear, his fingers slightly tangled in my hair, and that mere action spoke volumes as Mason deepened his savoring and tasting of my mouth. In all things, he was thorough, his passion and desire fueled his ability to make me feel undeniably cherished.

  The temperature between us began to rise. Despite his wish to keep things slow, our bodies wanted more, needed the growing fire to continue burning. There was always a split second where things appeared manageable; and then Mason moved, or his hand caressed a previously ignored spot of skin. It didn’t matter what type of movement it was. There was a recognizable moment when, just like the peak of a roller coaster, my breath would catch and suspend me in place before hurtling me over the edge.

  Whether he was aware of it too, or caught up in his own emotions, that moment hit me with full force, leaving me with no other choice but to give in. It created a craving so deep, and a desperation so powerful that the desire to take what I wanted consumed me. There was no thought about weaknesses or maintaining my energy level. What I wanted from Mason would provide a more potent power that could satisfy me for a lifetime. Not waiting for him, I pushed him back onto the bed, grateful to find no resistance, as my hair feathered over his chest.

  Licking him, moaning my approval at the slight salty taste of his skin, my body was on fire—demanding. I didn’t think about consequences, I merely acted, dragging my nails down his abdomen, marveling at how his muscles tightened and flexed from the contact. Everywhere I touched, he reacted; telling me I held all the power and he was mine. My mouth sampled everywhere, biting and sucking, leaving no place on his body ignored. Mason’s groans and growls fueled my own hunger, his hands buried in my hair, urging me on.

  “Darcy,” he whispered, my name sounding beautiful on his lips. I reveled in the fact I’d made him sound that way. He moaned again, and it curbed the desire to explore him more. There was only one thing I wanted—yearned for. I wanted to be so close to him that it was impossible to know where he ended and I began.

  There were connections, and then there were connections. Ours had never truly been solely physical, although we both knew what we did to the other. As he helped me position myself over him, straddling his strong hips, it was the fastening of our souls that proved, without a doubt, we would always be together. Even though I’d agreed to the Heart and Death, I’d known; even the Fates couldn’t change that one fact—Mason and I were one—and as his body slid into mine with that delicious feeling that heightened every nerve inside me, I knew this was what it meant to love and be loved.

  “Oh, Mason,” I murmured, rocking my hips ever so slightly before his hands gently took hold of my waist and he began guiding me. This was who he was. He knew what I needed and where my limitations were. If it was hard to move, he helped; and as we both controlled the growing tempo, my head tipped back and tears began falling.

  “Are you hurt? Do I need to stop?” He’d mistaken my emotions for pain and I shook my head.

  “I love you, Mason O’Connor. I’m crying because of this. We are so beautiful together, fitting perfectly because our souls are two pieces of the same puzzle.” Continuing on my own, I picked up the pace, needing what was fast approaching. “For as long as I live, there will be no one but you. It will always be you.”

  “Forever, sweetheart. Forever and always. Now let yourself go
.”

  There was no need for words. Our hearts blindly blazed through as our bodies moved. We were like finely tuned instruments being played by a beloved master, each pluck and strum creating exquisite music that resonated stronger as we both spilled over the edge and into euphoria. There was no weariness, only an infusion of indescribable joy.

  This was who we were, who we would always be, and nothing would rob us of this perfect moment.

  Slumping forward and resting on top of his chest, both of our hearts raced wildly as we slowly reclaimed control over our breathing. My body felt utterly boneless, as tingles and shivers continued pulsing through me.

  “Thank you,” I mumbled softly, my ear pressed against his chest.

  “What for?” Mason haphazardly traced his fingers up and down my side.

  “For not holding back. For just being with me. I love you.” I tried to stifle a yawn, but he noticed it.

  “You will always be mine, Darcy O’Connor. Now sleep.”

  I didn’t fight him this time, even though I didn’t want to waste a single moment. But our lovemaking had taken a toll and, as my eyes dropped closed, the last thing I heard was him whispering he loved me.

  ****

  I awoke with a start, unsure of how much time had passed, and finding Mason’s side of the bed empty. Panic filled me. He hadn’t roused me to let me know where he was going, so it made me worry that something had happened. Maybe Devlin wasn’t able to perform the conversion ritual and now they were scrambling for an alternative. If the idea of them having to kill me should I become insane frightened me, the thought that someone would darken their soul, the price for using dark magic, was even more disturbing.

  Not giving into the doubts that surfaced, I put on a brave face, yawning as I sat up. I didn’t focus on the fact I was still tired, my body still not healing and, instead, slowly deteriorating. No, my full attention was on how deliciously sore I felt and the way my skin still warmed at the memory of Mason’s touches. Even though I was dying, I had never felt more alive. If this was it for me, I was glad we’d had the night together.

  The door slowly opened, making me jump. Instead of Devlin coming for me, it was Mason, wearing a guilty look on his face. “Sorry, I was hoping I’d be back before you noticed I was gone.”

  “Did something happen?” I asked, smiling as he slipped off his shirt and crawled back into bed with me.

  “No. I needed to talk with the Pack and explain what was going on, because this will affect them, as well. I wanted to hear if any of them had any reservations or opposing beliefs. Better to know now than afterwards.”

  My heart wanted to burst over the respect he extended those he watched over. “And?”

  “If you ever doubted they accepted you, you need to wipe that thought completely out. By unanimous vote, every pack member pledged to help bring you safely through the conversion and any after effects. Sweetheart, you are most beloved by your people. The Mystic Wolves have fully accepted you into their lives and recognize you, not only as their sister wolf, but as the mate of their Alpha. Whatever you need, they will do. Whatever it takes, they will see it fulfilled.”

  His admission left me speechless. I knew they loved me, but I hadn’t realized how deep that affection ran. I wasn’t merely someone brought into their pack because their leader demanded it. I was one of them, wholeheartedly. My body jerked as I struggled to hold back my tears. This news touched my soul, adding to my hope.

  “How does it feel to know you have an entire pack busting at the chance to protect you? They were horrified to know you’ve been suffering and they weren’t told—or able to provide help. Don’t be surprised when you come through this, if you develop a constant shadow. Someone will always be watching, ready to jump in and support you.” There was definite pride in his voice, pride as an Alpha, that those he led loved his mate as much as he did. When there was a knock at the door, Mason smiled. “It wouldn’t surprise me if that’s someone, now.”

  Slipping out of bed, Mason padded barefoot over to the door, opening it with a smile. His lips instantly dropped into a more serious line as he stepped aside, revealing Devlin.

  “Is it time already?” I asked, suddenly nervous.

  “It is. I’ll give you a few moments to get dressed and I’ll meet you outside.” Giving us some privacy, Devlin stepped back, disappearing into the hallway.

  “I guess its show time, huh?” I sighed, trying to get up. Mason rushed back to my side, helping me get dressed. When he moved to carry me, I shook my head. “No. Let me walk. Whatever happens next, let me know I walked in there on my own volition, strong and resolved.”

  Kissing my forehead before brushing his lips over mine, he nodded. “We’ve tested fate before. Let’s go do it, again.”

  Smiling my agreement, we joined Devlin outside; and, with the slow, steady steps of the determined, we headed to where the ritual would be performed.

  Chapter 26

  Devlin led us to my old room. Daniel and Alex waited outside with pensive expressions weighing on their features.

  “I hope you don’t mind that I chose to do it here. I figured it would be comfortable and private. And, if it gets . . .” He appeared reluctant to finish his sentence.

  “It’ll be fine. Thank you for being so considerate.” We stood quietly, everyone looking at their feet, not wanting to be the one to first say goodbye. I could feel the sadness emanating from each person. I saw it in the way they rigidly stood, hands behind their backs; or, like Mason, running fingers through their hair.

  “We should get going, Mason,” Daniel spoke up, his voice sounding distant and hollow. His comment surprised me because I thought they were all here to witness the ritual like the others.

  “You’re not going to stay?” Panic thickened in my throat and I had to force the words out.

  “I can’t. I want to; but if I do, the second I see Devlin begin, I’m going to shift. We talked about this while you were sleeping, so precautions have been taken.”

  My chest constricted and my heart began racing. Mason wouldn’t be with me, and I understood why he couldn’t. There was no way a dominant wolf, an Alpha at that, could control his hardwired instincts and not react. The ritual would include Devlin draining me of blood, before replacing it with his own. It would be impossible for Mason to casually hold my hand and be a silent observer—everything in his genetic make-up screaming for him to respond with a killing strike.

  I looked over at Daniel and Alex, raising my eyebrow in doubt. “I don’t think they’re enough.” I didn’t mean to offend either of them, but an enraged wolf hell bent on destroying something or someone would need a lot more than two other werewolves holding him down.

  “That’s why they’ll be locking me in the cage downstairs.” Mason took my hand, holding it tightly, as though it were a lifeline. Heaven help me when it was time for him to let go.

  The cage he mentioned was reinforced steel with bars so thick that it would take an act of extreme strength to bend them enough to escape. To ensure that wouldn’t happen, those bars were lined with silver, a potent poison to werewolves. No matter what the hostage or prisoner tried, they wouldn’t be able to withstand the agony of coming into contact with the precious metal. Mason bought the unit a year ago, his intent to use it in case of danger or if we had a rogue wolf on our hands. When dealing with that kind of insanity, it was the best course of action.

  Now, it would hold him; but something told me even the silver might not be enough to protect him from himself.

  Wrapping my arms around him, I pushed back the tears wanting to be freed. I couldn’t let him see me break down, to resort to a weeping woman. This was a decision we’d both made—choosing to deal with whatever happened, because our love for each other trumped everything else.

  With a death grip on my resolve, I squeezed him hard, dragging a deep breath into my lungs, memorizing his scent for later. I would walk through those doors with my head held high, whatever weapons in my arsenal, to see th
e task through, without faltering.

  “Come back to me,” he whispered in my ear.

  “Where else would I go?” I replied, keeping my answer short in case my voice shook.

  “Remember what I said. Whatever happens in there, you fight. Fight for us. Fight for our life together. Fight hard and then return to me.”

  “Nothing will stop me, Mason. I promise.”

  “I love you so much. You take my heart with you.”

  “Then that settles it. I’ll bring it back to you when it’s over.”

  Cupping my face with both hands, Mason’s kiss was a mixture of tenderness and salty liquid, tears rolling down his cheeks and coating his lips. He didn’t bother hiding his emotions, not afraid to let others see him vulnerable. I brushed my thumb below his eye, capturing a stray tear.

  “Be careful in that cage. Don’t do anything stupid, okay. I’ll be fine. I’m with Devlin, and he won’t let anything happen to me.” I glanced over at my uncle and he nodded his agreement.

  “I solemnly swear on my life, no lasting harm with befall her.” Devlin thumped his fist over his heart, pledging his oath.

  “Make sure nothing does.” Mason let out a sigh, his face slightly softening. “Thank you, friend.”

  “It’s my honor.”

  “Mason, we need to get you locked up before it starts. I don’t want to rush you, but . . .” Daniel looked stricken.

  “I know. I agree. It’s time to go.” Giving me one last crushing hug, Mason kissed me just as hard, before letting the others come forward and embrace me. There were low murmurs of hope, of believing it would be okay, and even Daniel was somewhat somber. I’d expected some kind of wisecrack from him to lighten the mood, but it was obvious his heart wasn’t in it.

  Not looking back, they walked away and I bit my tongue to stop myself from telling Mason to stop. This was the path we were on, despite the pain, and we were committed to seeing it through. Backing out would merely prolong the inevitable. I didn’t want to die. So, plastering a smile on my face, I turned to Devlin.