“Drink,” he whispered, exposing his throat.
My leg looped through his, anchoring his weight to me. He was offering me a gift, one I wouldn’t refuse. Sex was never just an action. It was the very epitome of giving yourself over to the one you loved, entirely. Blood was now part of that.
I answered the only way I knew how—my fangs descending as I first sucked at the skin pulsing slightly over the vein. Piercing through his flesh, Mason thrust harder into me with perfect timing, causing me to draw in a heady mouthful of his essence. We moved in beautiful synchronicity that far surpassed anything that had come before.
My tongue swept over the temporary puncture marks, effectively closing them. “Mason,” I cried, letting our mental pathway communicate the feelings washing over me, not trusting myself to find the right words. In return, I witnessed the small miracle that followed as Mason found the balance he’d been chasing.
As both our releases crashed through us, he found that clarity.
The demons haunting him silenced and he became whole, again.
Dropping on top of me, I welcomed his satiated weight, enjoying the way our bodies still melded together.
Mason nestled his face into the hollow of my neck, his breath tickling my skin. “Now I can face whatever comes, today.”
“Piece of cake,” I answered, feeling him stir again. “Again?”
A wicked grin lit up his face. “Absolutely.”
Chapter Six
Mason
The difference in atmosphere within the mansion was startling—between night and day—all from the few brief hours everyone had to rest and recharge. The sorrow and strain from what I’d felt earlier, a burden that had weighed me down, was now replaced with determination and resilience.
Yes, we were currently homeless and relying on the hospitality of others, but it didn’t mean everything was hopeless. Already I could see Pack members integrating themselves with those already residing with Zane. If there was a task to be done, everyone pitched in.
It made me proud to see that those I considered family took the initiative.
It was a positive sign that we would be okay.
We might even be the stronger for it.
But there was no time for lingering kisses and touches once we finished our repeat bedroom exploits. And, while I appreciated the finer things, and Zane’s home was definitely filled with them, the walls seemed to press down over me, resembling less the sanctuary it was and more a holding cell. We’d already determined our individual courses of action with Darcy overseeing the Pack’s transition and helping where needed, so I was free to go on the hunt.
The Master was out there masquerading as my best friend and I couldn’t stand the thought of it. A persistent itch for action had flared the second my feet had hit the floor and I was ready to take him on.
I just couldn’t wrap my head around his end-game. He didn’t just want me dead because he could’ve taken me out when Helena was torturing me, when I was completely restrained and under her control. Hell, he could’ve taken over the betraying witch and had all her knowledge and magic at his disposal.
For some reason, however, it was my second-in-charge that now lay at the very center of the brewing war. There was something about Daniel that had caught the Master’s eye. Whether it was by chance, a form of retaliation toward the Pack, or something else, he’d made the first move.
And his biggest mistake.
I couldn’t stay confined all day. As Alpha, it was my duty to answer the enemy’s bold attack. When someone struck at those I loved, it was a blow directly to me.
Something told me the Master knew that. His choice in possessing Daniel was a calculated one. He’d attempted to enslave my mate and failed. But what did he want?
By emerging from his hiding place within the shadows, he’d given himself a face. One that would provide me all the motivation I needed to stop him. The Master had caught me off guard last night, but today I was prepared.
I’d do whatever it took to not only expose the Master’s true identity, but also remove him from the picture, permanently. He’d made it my mission by making it so personal.
“Heavy thoughts?” Devlin stood at the base of the staircase, his arms folded as he leaned against the ornate railing.
“Just wondering if today’s the day I get to kill a psychopath,” I replied, bluntly. “Please tell me you have some good news for me.”
The tired expression on his face didn’t look promising. “I guess that depends on how you define ‘good’.”
“You have the Master in custody and Vivien is currently working on removing his soul from Daniel’s body?” There was so much hope in that one question. While it didn’t always work out the way I wanted it, it didn’t stop me from being an eternal optimist.
Devlin chuckled. “Trust me, I would’ve woken you up and taken on my niece’s wrath for that.”
“Would be nice if it was that easy, huh?” Moving through the foyer into the back part of the mansion’s ground floor, each step removed me farther from the relaxed state I’d woken up in and closer to reality. The door to Zane’s conference room was ajar, evidence of its conversion into a war council venue covering the large conference table.
“Let me catch you up to speed while you grab something to eat and then we’ll leave. While there’s been no sightings of Daniel, he’s been busy in the short period since he disappeared from your property.”
Delicious scents wafted over me—sausage, bacon, scrambled eggs, and juice—causing my stomach to rumble like it housed some starved beast. I’d brushed off Darcy’s suggestion that I eat something in my eagerness to get down to business. There was no way I’d be leaving this room, now, without at least a heaping plate full of food.
“No wonder you like it here. Does Zane provide this type of spread every morning?” I joked, grabbing a fork and napkin.
“Everyone else has eaten, so feel free to take what you need.” Devlin was already perusing through a stack of local newspapers, scanning through pages before tossing them to the side. “Looks like, for now, the media hasn’t caught wind of what’s happening.”
Casting aside manners, I picked up the dish containing some cooling bacon and began scooping the leftover eggs onto it. “I think that’s going to be key. The last thing we need is for law enforcement to get involved. Last night’s fire made me nervous enough. My gut tells me Karl isn’t the type to blindly accept what we told him. He might pose a problem we can’t afford to deal with.” Flavor burst into my mouth as I bit into some sausage, reminding me of the last time I’d cooked for Darcy and our fight over the last grilled link. She’d won . . . well, actually cheated, by distracting me, all too familiar with ways to muddle my focus. The memory didn’t bring pain with it. On the contrary, it served as another reason to go out and attack the Master—to preserve the way of life I cherished.
“I had the same thought about the detective. We’ll address it if he starts being persistent. While we can’t stop him from doing his job and investigating, we can prevent him from getting too close to the truth.”
“What? That he’s living amongst bloodthirsty vampires and savage werewolves?” I’d all but inhaled my breakfast, but at least my appetite was content.
“That doesn’t explain Vlad though, does it?”
His dig at his nephew always brought a smile to my face. Wiping my mouth with the napkin, I joined him over at the table. “Laugh all you want, but I seriously think we underestimate him. For all Vlad’s quirks and oddness, he’s someone you can rely on.” I hadn’t forgotten how much the young vampire had helped Darcy through her transition.
“He definitely has a way of surprising me. He was up first thing this morning, ready to begin the search for Daniel.”
“The Master.” I quietly corrected. “Not Daniel, the Master.”
Devlin glanced up from where he stood bent over more paperwork. “You’re right. I’m hoping the fact he’s using Daniel’s body works to our advantage. Da
niel’s pretty well known in the area. If he surfaces, we’ll know. I’ve got Enforcers canvassing Woodside Hollow and the neighboring towns for any sign of him.” Sliding me over a sheet of paper covered in a neat scrawl, the date at the corner told me it was from today. “While he’s keeping a low profile, his minions haven’t.”
My heart sank reading over the short incident list. “More fires. A few violent outbreaks . . . one on Main Street outside Larry’s Liquor.” My finger trailed down the page. “One in the parking lot of the bar, another at town hall. Any injuries?”
“From what we’ve managed to gather, there were a few minor cuts and bruises, few shaken residents. A tourist got caught in the middle of the fight at the bar and needed to be taken to the emergency room for a dislocated shoulder.”
“But no deaths?” It was difficult to say whether these were just random events, the result of alcohol mixing with egos, or whether they were connected.
“None.”
“What about the fires? Whose homes?” Rereading over the list, I couldn’t find any details.
“One was a vacant single-family home and the other was at the nursing home. Thankfully, vigilant workers kept the damage to a minimum. The fire department was alerted quickly and the flames were contained. Only one of the wings was affected, so they’ve spent most of the morning relocating the patients to other rooms.”
I whistled low beneath my breath. “They were lucky.” Something niggled in my mind. “That accounts for two fires, I saw five here.” Sure enough, I was right.
“The other three were Pack members’ homes.” Sorrow etched Devlin’s response, his gaze studying my reaction. “I’m sorry, Mason, but nothing survived. From what I’ve been told, even the structures are unsalvageable.”
While it stung that members within my Pack had lost everything they owned, I wouldn’t grieve that loss, now. “But they are alive and safe. The greater tragedy would’ve been if they’d remained there and been caught inside.” Just the thought made me shudder. “We’ll rebuild. Things can be replaced. My wolves can’t.”
Devlin gestured to the large geographical map of the area on the wall. Someone had placed red dot stickers over certain parts that I assumed where the places we’d just discussed. “So here’s where we stand this morning. We’re also searching any possible locations for the Master’s base of operations.”
“Anything?”
“Not yet.”
It didn’t surprise me. “He’s smart. He’s not going to roll out a welcome mat for us. He’ll want to keep as well hidden as possible.”
“Can you think of any place? Somewhere that Daniel might have favored?” Devlin raised his hands in submission when an involuntary growl escaped my throat. “I’m asking solely because the Master might be using his memories. He chose Daniel for a reason. This might be one of them. Daniel was extremely familiar with this whole territory.”
Studying the map, I racked my brain for something, anything that would trigger a clue. “Sorry. I know what you mean. And I agree. One of the first things you do when you declare war is to make sure you have a good understanding of the land.” Resentment bubbled within me. The Master couldn’t have picked a better expert than Daniel. He’d made it a point to explore every inch of Pack territory and the areas just beyond.
A sharp knock at the door momentarily drew my attention away and one glance at the newcomer sent warning bells ringing. Something had happened. My wolf stirred beneath my skin, ready and alert.
“What is it?” Devlin asked, impatiently.
“There’s been another attack. Zane wants you both to leave immediately.” To his credit, the male vampire didn’t flinch as an outpouring of energy quickly filled the air, supercharging it with power.
“Where?”
“At Vivien’s. She just called.”
Springing into action, we were almost out the door and down the stairs before I thought to call back. “Is she okay?”
The grim expression on the blond vampire didn’t bode well. “She says she is, but she also said to hurry.”
Devlin was all business and fury as he jumped in his truck, me in the passenger seat. Nodding, I snapped in my seat belt, and the loud roar of the engine was followed closely by the crunch of gravel spitting beneath tires as we raced down the driveway.
No one spoke. We didn’t need to. If the Master had harmed even a hair on Vivien’s head, there would be hell to pay.
And Zane would be the one delivering the devil’s fee—in blood.
Chapter Seven
Darcy
Mason was never far from my mind. While I didn’t intrude and spy on his thoughts, time seemed to pass torturously slow while I waited for his return from Vivien’s.
It had taken every ounce of willpower to not race over there, myself, when Mason had telepathically told me where he was heading. He purposely kept their arrival from me, shielding his thoughts. The only time he breached the mental wall he’d erected was to let me know she was unharmed and they’d return as soon as they could.
He was more than capable of handling himself. In fact, he was one of the strongest, fiercest wolves I knew, regardless of him being my Alpha. I’d watched him face challenge after challenge—opponents that made lesser men cower, and he always stood his ground.
It didn’t stop me from worrying about him, however.
It didn’t prevent me from wanting to protect his heart from this particular threat. The residual emotion from his nightmare still lingered—more my inability to let it go than his.
If he couldn’t save Daniel, it would haunt him forever. It would be a burden on his soul no one could shoulder for him.
The only thing I could control was keeping myself busy. My grandmother used to warn me that idle hands were the devil’s playground. She didn’t believe in sitting about while there was work to be done. Having promised Mason I’d make sure everyone was settling in nicely here, it unfortunately didn’t keep me from frequently glancing toward the front of the house as if merely wishing it would make my mate and uncle appear with Vivien.
It had been a few hours, and there was still no sign of them. With my tasks completed, I gave up fighting it. Slipping quietly through the main door, I sat on the porch steps and stared out onto the landscaped lawn. Instantly the fresh air acted like a much-needed salve on my nerves.
I hadn’t noticed the heavy weight against my chest until I was finally able to breathe.
“Do you mind if I join you, Darcy?” Moses’ rich baritone announced him. “Unless you’d rather be alone?”
Even though my initial intention was to seek solace, suddenly the thought of someone else keeping vigil with me sounded more appealing. “Please.” Tapping the space beside me, I was grateful for the unexpected company. “Hopefully they won’t be much longer.”
Moses smiled, his dark hair brushing over his eyes as he nodded slowly. “I also thought you might like something to drink.” He said it so casually, like it was every day he handed someone blood. Handing it over, he opened his own water, swallowing half the bottle before he stopped.
“Worried I was going to snap from the stress and slaughter you all in a fit of vampire hunger?” I joked, although there was a hint of seriousness to my question. Moses had been one of the first to step forward in support of my transitioning to part-vampire. He’d also been the one I’d lost control with and attacked when tainted blood had pushed me over the edge. The White Rock Alpha could’ve called for my death, but he hadn’t. If he doubted his decision, I needed to know.
Tipping his head back, he burst into laughter, his body shaking from mirth. “That was the last thing on my mind!” Moses wiped the tears from his eyes when he finally settled. “No, I believed you when you said you had your dual nature under control. In fact, I’m more likely to believe you’re driving yourself crazy as a worried mate than anything else.”
I eyed him cautiously before unscrewing the bottle cap, somewhat hesitant to take a sip. “So this has nothing to do with making
sure I don’t vamp out?”
An earnest light filled his eyes as he placed his hand lightly on my forearm. “I remember the look in my mate’s face whenever I was called out to deal with something dangerous and uncertain—the way it would twist her up inside until she saw me again, safe. When I saw you leave, I suspected you shared that similarity with my Talia.”
It was my turn to laugh and blush. He’d followed me out, wanting to offer comfort, and I’d jumped to all kinds of assumptions. “Thank you, Moses. I shouldn’t have gotten so defensive. I appreciate your bringing me this.” And with my apology, I took a small mouthful.
The moment the blood touched my tongue and slid down my throat, it warmed the chill that had started in the pit of my stomach and spread outwards until even my toes tingled with energy. It was a constant source of amazement how blood could provide more than just nourishment. While it strengthened my body and kept me healthy, it also delivered surprising comfort.
The first time I realized and felt it for myself, I’d joked with Devlin about it being a gross version of homemade macaroni and cheese. He’d rolled his eyes and gagged a little, but agreed. There was something within the copper-scented fluid that made things a little easier to bear.
That was the case now, as I took another swallow, savoring the way it buzzed through my veins. I wasn’t aware I’d moaned with satisfaction until Moses chuckled, again.
“Sorry,” I murmured, my face heating with embarrassment.
“Don’t ever apologize for enjoying the things you need,” he answered, ever the gentleman. “At least not on my account.”
Last Wolf Standing (#7, The Mystic Wolves) Page 6
