Taking in a steady breath, I nodded. “I trust you, Vivien.”
She briefly looked up and smiled as she finished setting the white candles at the points of the pentagram. The sweet smell of sage burned from the altar in the far corner, its fragrant smoke settling around us like a familiar friend.
Vivien wasn’t kidding when she said she was taking extra precautions during the ritual. After helping her best understand what was expected, how sensitive my Alpha power source would be, she’d instantly reached for her herb bundles, cleansing the room of all negative energy.
“I know; and while I’m extremely honored you do, what you’re asking of me is no small thing. Just so I’m not misunderstanding, you want me to join my essence with yours.”
She understood perfectly. Her hesitancy didn’t come from a place of fear—more that she recognized the risk. I couldn’t focus on all the things that could go wrong. If I did, there was no way I’d let her within that inner part of me.
“Yes, and once you’re there, you’ll help run defense, so to speak. Helena is preventing me from connecting to Daniel’s wolf through our bond. You’ll need to find what that obstacle is and help me break through it.”
For the ritual to work, absolute concentration was needed. The only light in the room came from the variety of candles Zane had graciously brought in for Vivien. Instead of casting an ominous glow against the walls, it had the opposite effect—one of security.
“Okay, then we’re almost ready to begin.” Gesturing to the floor, Vivien nodded. I was in good hands; and lying within the pentagram, my muscles relaxed. This would give us the answers we desperately needed.
“You don’t need to touch my Alpha authority for long either, Vivien,” I reminded her. “I’m hoping that the second Helena’s spell drops or weakens, I’ll catch a glimpse that will tell us where he is. Or give us a clue, at least.”
“And I need to tread carefully,” she murmured, repeating back one of my instructions.
“A gentle hand has always been the best when dealing with an Alpha.” I watched as she lit the candles she’d set at each pentagram point. When she began pouring a white substance around the outside, my curiosity was piqued. “I’ve never seen you use that before. Something special?”
Her soft laughter helped ease me even more. “Common household, run-of-the-mill salt.” My expression must have showed my surprise. “With the identity of the Master still a mystery, I haven’t ruled out demon. With two possessions, I think it would be foolish to ignore that possibility. This ensures nothing happens while we’re both vulnerable.”
It was my turn to laugh. “Well, if the Winchester boys burst in, we’ll have our answer then, right?” She must’ve understood my Supernatural reference because, for the briefest of moments, humor shone in her eyes. If Darcy had been here, she’d have laughed, as well—the popular TV show was one of her current addictions. She had a soft spot for Dean, but nothing she said could convince me that my favorite character, the fallen angel, Castiel, wasn’t actually the star of the show.
“Close your eyes, Mason. I need you to steady your breathing and clear your mind as best you can. You’ll hear me softly chanting, asking the Goddess to grant me strength in my intentions. Then I’ll begin.”
And by that, I knew her underlying meaning. She would begin and I’d need to control my reaction to the blistering pain that would follow. My wolf would resist her meddling, trying everything he could to evict her from inside my mind. His first instinct was to always protect me, and by extension, the Pack.
Even though Vivien posed no real threat, he wouldn’t simply allow her easy access. Vivien would need to push and push until she was successful. It was my job to make sure I didn’t add any unnecessary opposition, soothing my wolf as best as I could.
I felt her join me inside the pentagram, kneeling carefully beside me, not disturbing the energy already brewing. Words began to fill the air—words I couldn’t understand, but felt deep within my soul. Vivien was calling upon her Goddess, the Blessed Mother, and my heart raced wondering whether her petition would be answered.
A feminine scent wafted, mixing with the still burning sage—the only signal that her offering had been accepted. Vivien’s voice took on an almost melodic sound as words of enchantment flowed from her mouth with ease.
I knew the moment was coming—I even coached my body on how to remain calm, but it still didn’t prepare me for the sudden burst of electricity that surged through my veins and muscles. A foreign energy brushed over mine and it was everything I could do to not resist.
It felt like a thousand tiny pinpricks, not across my skin, but against the very fabric of my being. The pressure was relentless and I hated to imagine how it would feel without the softness Vivien possessed. At the mercy of someone else, it would’ve been excruciating.
Gritting my teeth, I focused on my breathing. It was all I could do while I waited for her to reach my Alpha power.
Inwardly my wolf howled a furious warning to the intruder as she approached closer and closer. When Vivien’s essence finally touched against the pulsating shimmer of light and power, he snapped aggressively, but it was in vain.
I’d invited her in.
It was done for the greater good of the Pack.
Vivien’s own breath hitched as she carefully laid her hands on my chest, placing them directly over my heart. Heat surged from the contact, despite the slight tremor. She was already exerting a wealth of magic. I didn’t need to open my eyes to know the strain was weighing her down.
More words of magic fell from her lips, this time more fervently. There was a sense of pleading to her tone and, with a loud whoosh that came from nowhere, strength blasted from her, driving her deep into the one place no one had ever been before.
“I’m in, Mason,” she whispered, reverently. “My goodness, it’s so beautiful. I feel so much power . . . so much greatness.”
“You know Daniel. Feel for him. Find his thread,” I gritted through clenched teeth, sweat now dripping from my brow. It took all my concentration not to shove her away and end the ritual. Even though it had been my choice, it didn’t make it any less uncomfortable.
Vivien was silent, yet I could feel her carefully moving within that light, walking amongst the many threads I protected. “I think I found it.” There was a hard tug as she took hold of it and I couldn’t help it. I flinched, my back arching off the floor. “Sorry.”
“That’s okay. We need to hurry.” The process was already exhausting me.
“His thread feels different from the others—darker, sickly.” Her voice cracked with emotion. “Whoever is possessing Daniel is killing him!”
Rage boiled within me. Shutting down the anger, I pressed my eyelids together harder, using the motion to find control. “Can you do something to lift it? Anything. We don’t have time to remove it completely, but it’s stopping me from reaching him.”
We were so close. Already I could sense that familiar energy that resided within my best friend.
A slight burn trickled through me as Vivien attempted to cleanse the bond. “It’s not working, Mason. I can’t affect whatever Helena’s done without hurting you in the process.”
I braced myself. “Then do it. Don’t think about me. Do whatever you need to break through.”
There was no arguing, only obedience; and I gasped as all the air in my lungs disappeared, the suffocating pain robbing me of breath. It was never-ending—maddening in its intensity, but I held firm. When Vivien pushed, I stood strong, refusing to buckle under the increased pressure that made me feel like I was set to explode.
“I don’t . . .” Vivien began, the strain revealed in her own voice. “Wait, it’s working. Mason, get ready. I’m going to blast it one more time.”
Clenching my fists, I screamed at the onslaught, my body convulsing uncontrollably. I just needed to hold on a few seconds longer. An image appeared, blurry at first, but slowly sharpening.
“Mason, I can’t . . .”<
br />
“Push, Vivien. Almost there.”
With a silent pop that only I could hear, a scene filled my mind with crystal clarity, followed by a shocked gasp from the other end of the bond.
We’d connected with Daniel and the Master knew it. We’d broken whatever hold he had on Daniel, and for the first time in days, I heard the jagged voice of my best friend.
“Kill me!” he demanded. “Don’t hesitate. Stop him from finding the . . .”
Power blasted outward as Vivien’s essence was violently shoved out from the bond, the strength of it kicking her out of my mind, completely.
Helena was powerful, her quick reaction to our appearance proving that.
“Mason, did you see anything?” Vivien’s voice was weak. Opening my eyes, she lay across one side of the pentagram, effectively ending the ritual.
Groaning, the room spun as I sat up, my stomach threatening to purge its contents. “I saw enough.”
“Did I hear him right?”
I nodded, only to grip my head as it pounded. She had. It was the reason why I knew I could trust what had happened. Daniel might have been many things—a jokester, the consummate flirt, friend—but there was one thing I knew for absolute certain. If he felt he stopped being a protector and became a legitimate threat, he wouldn’t hesitate. He’d rather die than hurt the ones he loved.
He understood that better than even me. I’d fought hard against the idea that events would force me to kill him. Even now, I still held out a sliver of hope that he could be saved. His short communication confirmed that he was aware of what the Master was doing in his body.
My heart ached at his plea.
It was kill or be killed.
“You did. He’s still alive and he knows.” Struggling to stand, I swayed a little back and forth. “I also caught a glimpse of where he was when we connected.”
“Where?”
Helping Vivien stand, I answered gravely. “He’s in Woodside Hollow.”
****
“You do know how screwed you would’ve been if your gamble failed, right?” Wade said, as he hopped out of the truck’s passenger side. “If your mate didn’t kill you, Vivien would’ve. Or Zane. He’s got a soft spot for the witch and he’d kick your ass for hurting her. Actually, add Devlin, as well. Shit, you must have a death wish.”
It had been like this the entire drive to Woodside Hollow. When I’d emerged from the room with Vivien, we found a small group congregated outside, the relief almost palpable.
Darcy didn’t speak a word. She simply wrapped her arms around me, our connection having already shown her what had happened. I hadn’t stopped her from seeing, knowing she needed to witness it for herself. Kissing my lips softly, she’d nodded and let me go.
A plan was quickly formulated. Wade and I would shift forms and hunt for the Master as wolves. Devlin would bring Enforcers to help with back-up. Someone would call Detective Manning and inform him that any reports of wild animals in town should be ignored.
The last thing Wade and I needed was to dodge brave citizens, or law enforcement, who were armed. We had a limited window of opportunity to track Daniel’s scent before we lost it.
I’d seen him entering one of the stores on Main Street, the local coffee shop that many liked to frequent. They made incredible coffee, but my gut told me the Master wasn’t risking exposure because he had a craving for a pumpkin spice latte.
“It paid off, didn’t it?” I shrugged, glancing around. We’d chosen the back of the bar Wade used to work at, trusting we’d find enough privacy to shift. Main Street was only a few blocks away and we could take the alleys to avoid detection.
“Hell of a risk, though.” When I glared at him, he stopped. I understood his sentiment, but the risk was mine to take as Alpha.
“I don’t want to turn this into a circus,” I continued, pulling my shirt over my head and slipping out of my shoes. “We need to move quickly and with stealth. Trust your nose. He was here, so his scent will have lingered. He knows I was in Daniel’s head, so chances are he’s already left, but that doesn’t mean we can’t uncover why he returned to Woodside Hollow. With a little luck, maybe he underestimated how soon we could get here.”
Undoing the top button on my jeans, I dropped them, and my boxers, to the ground, fully naked. Wade scooped up his discarded clothes, taking mine, as well, and deposited them in the bed of the truck.
“I’ll follow your lead, Mason.” Gone was the teasing from before. Wade was all business now, respecting the wishes and commands of his Alpha.
“Be careful,” I urged. We both fell to our knees, our bodies contorting and bending as the Change took over. When our wolves burst forth, there was no waiting to get oriented to our surroundings. I took off running in the direction of the coffee shop.
I instantly linked with Wade, communicating through our Pack bond.
I can smell him.
Me, too. Came his reply.
Watch to see if the trail takes a detour. So far, everything pointed toward our original destination, but that didn’t mean it couldn’t veer off at a moment’s notice.
The back streets were uncommonly empty, something that didn’t happen often. Woodside Hollow was a popular place that tourists loved to visit. From the beautiful pine forests, hiking trails and rivers that overflowed with fish, to the boutique stores filled with treasures and antiques, it was the perfect place to spend a weekend.
The fact we’d yet to be spotted by anyone was in our favor.
Looks like we’re lucky, today, Wade declared. And just like that, our luck changed. A loud shriek from a nearby woman revealed our presence, followed by another.
Don’t stop! I ordered.
There was no way we could enter the shop through the front entrance, but there was nothing hindering us from coming in through the employee door in the alley. Sure, we wouldn’t be humans, but my eyesight was just as accurate.
I needed to know if he was still in there; and if not, where he was headed.
Rounding the corner, the coffee store’s neon sign flickered in the distance and Daniel’s scent began to fade. By the time we’d reached Java Love, I was certain he was gone.
See if you can pick up the trail. Sniffing by the doorway, I could tell he’d come in through the back, but he hadn’t left the same way.
His scent ends at the curb, Mason.
I’d been right. He knew I’d be coming for him, and he left before I had a chance to get there.
See if you recognize anyone in the shop, I asked, knowing it would require Wade to look through the large window where patrons sat at high-top tables and peered out. I had to trust Detective Manning had received our message and would field any reports from frightened humans.
I can’t see. I need to get closer.
Suddenly screams filled the air and I caught a glimpse through Wade’s eyes. Someone had held open the glass door for a friend and Wade seized his chance to go inside. Panic followed as customers scrambled to get out of the large grey wolf’s path.
I didn’t release my hold on him, scanning the crowd for anything familiar.
If she hadn’t moved, her hair wouldn’t have fallen to the side and revealed her all-too-recognizable face. I knew her well enough to spot her in the craziness of the shop, trying to hide in the far booth.
Morgan.
I’d spent hours interrogating her and listening to her incessant declarations of innocence.
The woman in the booth hiding her face . . . force her to escape into the alleyway. Wade instantly obeyed and I readied myself for her appearance. Sure enough, moments later, a frantic Morgan burst out into the open, a smug look of satisfaction causing her to smile. She’d thought she’d escaped.
My growl proved just how wrong she was.
We hadn’t found Daniel, but we’d still struck gold.
Wherever there was a dark witch, there was information.
Shifting back into my human form, I didn’t even blink when she whistled low, her eyes
greedily roaming over my body, an aroused gleam in her eyes. “Well, well. Can I say how much I appreciate this side of you, Mason?”
She jumped when Wade rejoined us, his sleek wolf form pacing back and forth, waiting for her to make a break for it. He’d effectively trapped her. There was nowhere else for her to run.
“You know why I’m here,” I answered, ignoring her lustful grin.
Cocking her brow, she laughed. “You’re standing in front of me naked. Humor me.”
“You met with Daniel.”
She nodded. “I did.”
I stepped closer. “You have information I need.”
“I suppose I do. It’ll cost you, however.”
“How about I let you live?” I answered, not willing to play games with her.
My response made her lips pucker in a fake pout. “Oh, come on now. Be nice.”
“It’s the price you pay for associating with scum, Morgan.”
“So, your best friend is scum, is he? Can’t say I’m impressed with how fickle you are with your relationships, Mason. Do you feel that way about that mate of yours? You know, if you’re tired of her, I’m always willing to enjoy a little Alpha.” Her gaze dropped. “Or something much bigger.”
When she licked her lips, I snapped, grabbing her by the throat and lifting her off the ground. “Your life is in my hands, Morgan. Don’t test my patience.”
For the first time today, I saw genuine fear in her eyes. She knew she’d pushed me too far. “Fine, fine,” she croaked, clawing at my fingers. “I’ll play nice.”
“Good, I knew you’d see things my way.”
There was a commotion at the end of the alleyway, and to my relief, Devlin and Asher approached. “Morgan?” She was obviously the last person Devlin expected to see.
“Ooooh, a threesome. Me, the Alpha, and Mr. Sexy Enforcer.” So much for behaving.
“Daniel?” Devlin asked, ignoring Morgan’s lewd comments.
“Gone; but we found Morgan, instead. She met with the Master.”
Devlin’s eyes narrowed. “We’ll take her to Zane’s and lock her in one of his holding cells.”
Last Wolf Standing (#7, The Mystic Wolves) Page 15
