“Sweetheart, if you wanted me to see your dungeon, all you had to do was ask.” Morgan all but purred, even as Devlin grabbed her arm and clicked handcuffs around her wrists.
“Keep talking. Get it all out. The sooner you share what you know, the easier it will be for you,” he retorted. Glancing at me, Devlin grimaced. “We’ll see you back at the mansion.”
Wade padded over to where I stood, nudging my hand, reminding me that we needed to leave. Shifting back into wolf form, I tried not to let disappointment cloud the good that had come from this trip to Woodside Hollow.
No, we hadn’t captured the Master.
Yes, he was still at large, masquerading as my second-in-command and brother.
But, we’d found Morgan and, hopefully, she’d lead us straight to him. Because there was one thing I knew for sure—everyone had a price, and the witch would eventually reveal all her secrets.
And with that information, the senseless killing would be over and we could all go home.
Chapter Sixteen
Darcy
The argument I’d been rehearsing in my head was forgotten the moment he stepped into the bedroom. Mason’s blue eyes clearly revealed how exhausted he was. That, and he immediately flopped onto the bed without even removing his shoes. Pulling me into the security of his arms, we didn’t speak.
The ritual had taken its toll. Everything had.
When Mason’s breathing slowed and his soft snore filled the room, I slipped out from his embrace, restless. I needed answers. I needed to talk.
“How’s he doing?” Barely closing the door, Vlad’s whispered question made me smile. It was just like him to worry.
Releasing the handle, I hugged my cousin tightly. “He’s okay. Just needs a few hours’ sleep. It’s been a crazy week.” It was hard not to laugh over what an understatement that was.
“Tell me about it. I used to think being human was boring, that everything would be better becoming vampire . . . more exciting,” Vlad confessed, brushing the strands of his bleach blond hair away from his eyes. Of all the different styles he’d used, this had to be my favorite—the top long enough to look like bangs swept to the side or, as he’d worn it yesterday, brushed to form a Mohawk.
If he would just settle for being himself, and not dressing up in crazy outfits, the girls would be beating down his door, begging for his attention. The guy was gorgeous; he simply lacked the confidence to believe it.
“Is this exciting enough for you?” I asked, winking.
“I’ll be honest with you, there are some nights I lie in bed and wish for the mundane existence I’d so desperately wanted to escape.”
“You regret turning?” This was the first I’d ever heard him express any doubt. Every time we’d talked about his conversion, he’d talked about how it was the best decision he’d ever made.
“Oh, hell no!” he exclaimed, grabbing the banister railing as he gestured downstairs. I had no idea where we were headed, but it didn’t matter. “My life has become one epic, never-ending adventure.”
“Then you’ve confused me.” As usual, Vlad was a walking contradiction.
His brows furrowed as though he didn’t understand. In his mind, he’d made perfect sense. “Sometimes it feels a little too epic, know what I mean?”
Nodding, I did. There were days I felt the exact same way. “I think we all have those moments. Where we’d kill for just an hour of quiet where the world didn’t feel like it was ending, and things were so dire.”
“But then I remember what it was like back then, and I kick myself. Life might be more crazy now, but I’m happier.” And with that, he grinned, flashing his teeth.
Without meaning to, we gravitated to the room Zane had designed as an informal living room, filled with comfortable couches and whatever his guests needed to relax. We weren’t alone, either. A few Pack members sat in front of the large screen TV, engrossed in a movie.
It was good to see them settling in.
Flopping onto one of the chairs, I tucked my feet beneath me. “Obviously I don’t know what it’s like to be fully human, but becoming Mason’s mate has definitely changed my life. I went from going day-to-day with minimal fuss to finding danger around every corner, almost. It kind of makes my head spin just thinking about it.”
“But doesn’t it make you feel . . . I don’t know . . . alive? Like your life has meaning?” Vlad’s eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. “Like, sure, we both had different upbringings, but we also can’t say our life is boring, now. Far from it.”
“I’d settle for less drama, though,” I sighed.
There was no denying the truth. “I want that for you too, Darcy,” Vlad added, soberly. “Being useful and needed has helped me feel better about myself. I can’t imagine what it’s felt like for you.”
“It’s the life I’ve chosen, and like you said, for the most part, I’m happy.” Leaning over and tapping his knee, I meant it. “Especially when it means we get to hang out.”
“I bet it gives Devlin a headache wondering what we talk about. Whether I’ll convert you to my strange ways.” He air-quoted the last part, smirking.
“Maybe once things get back to normal, we should mess with him a little. You know, tell him you’re showing me how to be the perfect vampire and you’ve taken me under your wing.”
“We could even wear matching outfits.” He chuckled.
“That would be fun! We could sparkle together.”
“You’d totally rock black leather and combat boots, Darcy. Just saying.”
An image of me dressed like that surfaced in my head, followed quickly by Mason ripping the clothes off in heated desire. There was definitely merit to what Vlad was suggesting. “We could walk around, all broody and angst-ridden.”
That made him laugh even harder. “Oh, I have so much to teach you.”
“It’ll serve Devlin right. He needs to quit giving you such a hard time.”
“Want to know what I think?” Vlad looked around, his gaze darting about as if he was about to disclose a momentous secret. “I think he envies me . . . at least part of him. Deep down he’s proud that I’m not scared to explore who I am.”
He’d pretty much hit the nail on the head. “There’s a certain freedom that comes from not caring what others think and taking the time to find your bliss. That’s one of the first things I noticed about you, Vlad. Yes, sometimes it comes across . . .” I searched for the right word. I didn’t want to offend him. “Odd, but it’s that quirkiness that endears you to people.”
“Most misunderstand me, though. They judge me by my appearance and not by my heart.” The flicker of hurt in his eyes told me it still bothered him. “Believe it or not, I actually do have substance. I do have feelings. I do want to be taken seriously.”
Guilt tugged at me. I’d been someone who’d assumed Vlad was weird when I first met him. Luckily, I’d gotten to know him and realized just how amazing he was. “I think people are seeing that. While it’s not an excuse, sometimes it takes a little longer for others to see beyond first impressions. Just remember, that’s their issue, not yours.”
“Yeah, that’s what I keep telling myself. Becoming a vampire gave me a new chance at creating the life I wanted. It would be crazy to waste it by rushing into things and making the same mistakes.”
“And Devlin’s warming up. He loves you. We both know that. I think he just likes giving you a hard time.”
Nodding, Vlad grinned. “It’s his way of showing his affection.”
“Exactly! He’s a big softie. Like an ooey-gooey marshmallow!” Crossing my eyes, I made a face. “He’d kill me if he knew that’s how I described him.”
Speaking of the devil. “Who’d kill you?” Devlin asked, staring between his nephew and me. “Please, only one problem at a time.”
“No one, Uncle,” Vlad answered, winking at me. “In fact, we were talking about how Darcy feels she needs more help adjusting to her vampire traits. I’ve offered my assistance by becoming her t
eacher.”
Devlin’s eyes widened to the size of saucers and he blanched. “And you’re okay with this?”
Pretending innocence, I smiled back sweetly. “Of course. Why wouldn’t I? Vlad’s amazing and I can’t wait to follow his example.”
It was almost painful to watch Devlin struggle to formulate a response. Unfortunately, Vlad and I missed out on whatever pearl of wisdom he was about to say when Vivien burst into the room.
“Come quickly, you’re all needed,” she urged, glancing around. “And where’s Mason? He’s going to want to be here.”
Inwardly I begged for good news, even though my stomach dropped. “He’s upstairs sleeping. What’s happening?”
“Vlad, go wake him up. You two, come with me to Zane’s office.”
The suspense was killing me. “Vivien, stop . . . answer me. What’s wrong?”
“Detective Manning just arrived and he brought someone with him.”
“Who?” I interrupted, knowing I needed to be patient and give her a chance to continue. At the same time, my connection to Mason stirred with awareness. Vlad had just woken him up.
“Daniel.” I wasn’t the only one who gasped. Devlin did nothing to conceal his surprise. I rushed toward the door, stopping only when she grabbed my hand. “You need to prepare yourself, Darcy.”
“How bad is it?” My thoughts instantly drifted to Mason and his reaction over seeing his best friend.
When she didn’t reply, her features betraying the sorrow she felt, I didn’t hesitate. Tugging free, I left them behind.
Daniel was here, but in what condition?
****
I’d only been in the office for a few seconds when Mason came rushing in. “Vlad just told me,” he said, out of breath. “Where is he?”
Stepping aside, I revealed what I’d been looking at—Daniel’s still body on the couch, his face bruised and cut from what appeared to be the result of a massive beating. I hadn’t been able to check the rest of him yet, but based on the odd angles of his arms and legs, we were also dealing with breaks and fractures.
He was a mess. I was surprised he wasn’t screaming in agony.
“Shit,” Mason exclaimed, his voice raw with emotion. “Someone explain this to me . . . now.”
Detective Manning coughed, clearing his throat, his gaze never straying from Mason’s crouched form by Daniel. “I got a call saying a male had been found dumped on the outskirts of Woodside Hollow. When the description matched your friend, I brought him here instead of the hospital. Although, I’m still not sure I did the right thing. He needs extensive help from a doctor.”
Vivien’s hand brushed my elbow, drawing my attention. She’d brought in some warm water and clean cloths so we could clean Daniel as best as we could. Mouthing my thanks, I took the bowl from her and kneeled beside my Pack brother’s head.
“You were right to bring him here. We have everything we need to help him. Hospitals are for humans, anyway.” Checking Daniel’s pulse, Mason frowned, not liking what he discovered. “He should have already started the healing process. His pulse is weak.” Resting his ear over his best friend’s chest, Mason shook his head. “His heart still beats, but slowly. Too slowly.”
“Maybe he needs more time, Mason,” I added, gingerly wiping the blood away from Daniel’s cheek. “He’s been through a lot.”
“Are you sure you’re okay doing that?” Mason asked. He reached for the cloth, but I held on to it tightly.
“I’m fine. Let me do this for him. He’s mine, as well.” I didn’t say anything else, letting the honesty in my gaze convince my mate he didn’t have to worry.
He tenderly kissed my cheek. “Just checking, sweetheart.” His focus turned back to the detective. “Karl, did he regain consciousness at all? Did he show signs of shifting to his wolf form?”
Manning approached cautiously, leaving the spot where he stood beside Zane. “Not that I know of. When I arrived and found him on the side of the road, he was pretty much out of it. I hope you understand, for safety sake, I brought him here in the back of the sheriff’s van. I’m still new to all this, and I have no idea how to handle an aggressive, injured wolf.”
“I don’t like this,” Mason murmured. “He shouldn’t be human right now.”
“I was thinking the same thing,” I admitted. “I don’t remember much of when Vivien removed Amber from me, but I do know it didn’t take long before my wolf took over.”
“It was the same when you were freed from the chains, Mason,” Devlin interjected, watching with a worried frown. “Most cases I’ve seen, when a werewolf is hurt, it’s a natural instinct to preserve themselves.”
Mason let out a heavy breath. “There’s something else. I’m trying to help with my own powers, lend him the strength of his Alpha, and I . . .” Whatever words he was trying to say seemed to evade him. “I don’t know . . . I can see him with my eyes, feel him with my hands, but my mind can’t find him. It’s like he’s no longer inside.”
Holding the side of Daniel’s head, Mason closed his eyes, concentrating hard. Energy rippled over my skin, stirring in the air, and somewhere in the mansion, a wolf howled. We all felt Mason’s attempts to rouse Daniel.
Everyone, that is, but Daniel.
“But he’s not dead,” Devlin said, scratching his chin. “Do you feel the Master in there?”
“No. And testing the Pack bond, I reach the end and . . .” Again he struggled to put what he meant into words. “It’s not empty, but I don’t sense his presence like I should. It’s like his body is alive, but his mind has left.”
“Let me try something, Mason. Please?” Vivien asked, waiting long enough for him to move over so she could have better access. “We know that Helena used magic to block you, before. Maybe there’s some residual that can tell me what happened.”
“Do you need me to stay connected with him?”
“Yes. I think together, something will surface. Maybe the trauma of what the Master subjected him to sent him into hiding. He’s still there, inside . . . we just need to lure him back.”
I couldn’t even begin to imagine what horrors Daniel had endured. Amber had been controlling, but even she lacked the brutality and savagery the Master had shown. Whatever he’d faced, he was home now, loved and protected. It was with that thought that I sent my support to Mason, hoping it would help.
“I’ll be as gentle as I can,” Vivien murmured, grazing her knuckle over Daniel’s bruised cheekbone, before gently placing her fingers at his temple. “Where are you, my friend?”
Silence fell over the room as we all watched with bated breath, our eyes glued to Daniel’s listless body.
He had to be okay.
He had to wake up.
If not because of who he was, then because of what Mason could become without him. My mate would survive the death of his friend, but this would change him, forever.
People came into our lives for a reason—to either bless or test us. Daniel made Mason a better person, and vice versa. Many search for the kind of friendship they shared, but never find it.
With every part of me, I prayed this wasn’t the end.
It couldn’t be.
“I sense something, but it’s more like an echo. Like Daniel is far away, held to his body by only the weakest of threads,” Vivien said softy.
Hope infused Mason’s voice. “So his spirit is still there?”
“Yes, that’s what’s keeping him alive; but it’s like his mind has fractured. Whether it was from something the Master did, or a result of being tortured, that’s why he’s not waking up. It’s not because he won’t.”
“It’s because he can’t,” I answered.
Mason’s eyes opened and he stared at Daniel’s face. “His wolf is in there, whole. I can feel him, sense his devastation. He just doesn’t know how to take over because it’s something that comes from thought . . . conscious or subconscious . . . if Daniel isn’t there, his wolf is helpless.”
“What can be do
ne?” Zane spoke up, quietly. “Will a spell restore him?”
“I don’t know. I would need to research this more, study my books.” Vivien laid her hand over Mason’s, causing him to change his focus. “Unless we can find a way to enter his mind and search for him, Daniel may be lost to us, forever.”
“Damn,” Vlad cursed, followed quickly by a stronger word from Devlin. What Vivien was suggesting required time—a lot of it. Unfortunately, time was something we didn’t have enough of right now.
“Make him comfortable. Can we keep him alive until then?” The desperation in his question was hard to ignore.
“I can do my best. If worse comes to worst, I can place him into a magical stasis until we figure it out. I just don’t want to get your hopes up, Mason.”
“It’ll have to do.” Glancing back at Zane, Mason added, “Is there a room where we can keep him?”
“I’ll have someone prepare the room next to yours.” Gesturing to Vlad, my cousin nodded, excusing himself to take care of it. Everyone else remained, watching on with solemn expressions. A constant ache settled in my chest, a pain that wouldn’t go away until I knew Daniel was okay.
“This isn’t how I expected our reunion, brother.” Tears finally fell from my mate’s eyes as he took the cloth and finished wiping away the dried blood. “I’d order you to wake up, but knowing how stubborn you are, you’d defy your Alpha.”
His comment broke the tension. “And give you grief over worrying,” I added.
“Pain in my ass,” Mason uttered before taking a deep breath. “I guess this complicates things, right? At least when the Master was inside Daniel, we knew who to look for. He could be anywhere now.”
Folding his arms across his chest, Devlin nodded in agreement. “He’ll resurface. His agenda is still the same.”
“I just wish it didn’t feel like we were starting from scratch,” I murmured, more to myself than to the room.
A slow smile curled the edges of Mason’s lips. “We won’t be, though. Everything we need is right here in the mansion.”
Last Wolf Standing (#7, The Mystic Wolves) Page 16
