Blood Oath (#8, the Mystic Wolves)

by Belinda Boring

  “Exactly.” He stepped closer, and he was just as I remembered. We shared the same build and height—both of us were dark haired, although his was a lighter shade of brown to my black. At first glance, I would say he’d also paid a visit to Ms. Valeria because her telltale talent and sewing prowess was reflected in the form fitting topcoat Sullivan wore. Where mine was a dark, deep green, his was a striking burgundy red. “My name is Sullivan Kilgrave. I don’t believe we’ve met.” He inclined his head, and again out of habit, I extended my hand out for him to shake. Sullivan didn’t miss a beat, shaking it firmly.

  “I’m Devlin Lockhart,” I replied, glancing back up at the lit house. “Or should I say a fellow escapee-to-be.”

  “Oh, you are the one that’s sent everyone a buzzing in there. I’ve heard many different tales about how you came to be here.” Shaking his head in merriment, Sullivan let out a groan. “The most popular being you are here to con Lady Hannah out of her money with your sexual advancements.”

  I snorted. “So, a common whore?”

  He shrugged. “Seems to be the most titillating.”

  Staring out over the lake, my curiosity got the better of me. “And what do you think?”

  “That it’s none of my damn business why you’re here.” He squeezed my shoulder before dropping his arm to his side. “Although good for Lady Hannah, if it’s true. That woman needs something else to focus on other than my love life.”

  I almost choked on my laughter. I’d forgotten how interested and relentless she was when it came to Sullivan. I would later see her in action, sympathy bubbling inside me as I watched him squirm awkwardly. Forget seer, Lady Hannah could also be known as the Matchmaker of London.

  “Well, I promise you I am here for my own reasons and purposes. None of them include Lady Hannah in that fashion.” My mind couldn’t even wrap around the idea.

  We stood there quietly and the conversation faded away as we stared at the water. This would become something of a trademark between us—our ability to sit in companionable silence—comfortable enough not to fill every second with talking or activity.

  He was the first to speak again. “It’s quite beautiful, isn’t it?”

  I nodded in agreement. “There’s something soothing about nature and how tranquil it can be. It’s good for the soul.” A gentle breeze continued to dance over me, tugging softly at my hair.

  This was one of my favorite times of the day, when the sun finally set and the black inky sky was strewn with glittering stars. The enormity of the sky was always humbling, reminding me just how small and insignificant we were. It was something I could always count on, especially when I was surrounded with uncertainty. The sun rose and it set. The moon rose and it set. It would remain there until time itself ran out and I was long gone from the earth.

  Sullivan’s head tiled back as his features softened. “It’s almost the full moon.” Sure enough, the large heavenly body was reaching its completion, glowing in all its glory. He seemed to be pondering something as a wistful expression fell upon him. “Just a few more days.”

  “It is quite spectacular.” For all intents and purposes, Sullivan would think I was merely a human admiring the moon, but I knew better. With the full moon approaching and him being a werewolf, he was governed by its phases. One of Darcy and Mason’s favorite things was running under the light of the full moon with their Pack.

  “There’s something about the energy that follows and the way it feels like electricity pulsing throughout your body . . . that instant when you feel so completely alive.”

  “When it makes you want to howl,” I interjected, earning an abrupt stare as Sullivan’s gaze whipped over to me. My comment hit a little too close to home. He sniffed at the air, something else I’d seen Darcy do when she was trying to interpret a situation. Finally shaking it off, not sensing anything from me, Sullivan grinned. He’d decided that it was just one of those flukes where someone hits close to the truth.

  “Howl at the moon like a wolf,” he agreed. “I think that’s an apt description of how it feels. Howl at the moon,” he repeated again.

  “I once heard a friend explain how much they loved the night. The moon always seemed to beckon them to explore the wildness within.” The memory of Darcy made me smile. This was all worth it—the impatience and dread of reliving my past—because it was for her.

  “Do you believe we all hold that inside us? A wildness that suggests we also share beast-like qualities?” I didn’t need to look his way to know he was studying me again.

  “I do. Some just hide it better than others.”

  Approval shone in his eyes. He’d decided that he liked me and I could see him visibly relax. “What brings you to London, Mr. Lockhart?”

  “Business,” I answered. It was the same robotic response I gave everyone. “I have a good feeling that I’ll find what I’m searching for soon.”

  “If I can help in any way, let me know. I’ve lived here all my life and have many connections. I’m always eager to assist new friends.” There was that jovial personality I admired. Sullivan had such a generous heart and he often offered a helping hand to those he thought were in need.

  “Actually,” I began, seeing this as my opportunity to possibly broach the subject. “Perhaps you might be able to.”

  My acceptance of his offer grabbed his attention. “Then speak.”

  “My dear gentlemen!” Lady Hannah exclaimed, hurrying toward us. “There you are. I see you’ve met. Wonderful.” Her cheeks were rosy from her brisk walk down from the house.

  “My lady,” Sullivan called as he extended his hand to her. Helping her to where we stood, they exchanged happy greetings. “I’ve just been discussing things with your escort for the night. Mr. Lockhart was about to tell me how I could help him with his business.”

  “Yes, yes,” she hurried, banging her closed fan on my arm. “I’ve been most impatient to introduce you two. I believe you both have a lot in common.”

  “I believe so, too.” I said, finding it funny the way she gazed between us like she expected something miraculous to happen. She knew the wolf shape in my tea leaves represented Sullivan, just not why he appeared there. It was as if she thought the air around us would whisper the truth to her.

  Sullivan nodded. “We also talked about escape routes.”

  Lady Hannah’s eyes widened with mirth. “And what have you decided?” She leaned in like a joint conspirator offering her own advice. “May I suggest going around the house? Perhaps use one of the paths?”

  “Anything but through those doors again,” I retorted. I’d seen the Duchess looking about earlier, hoping to find me. At least that’s what I assumed. Maybe she had her eye on many of the eligible bachelors here, seeking for a bed partner other than the Duke.

  The rich and their shaky moral high ground.

  “Were you looking for me?” I asked, interested in what brought her out to the gardens. “Or were you looking for someone to take you on a stroll through the maze.” Even with the light from the moon and stars, I could see the telltale signs of her blush.

  “I was hoping to find you so we could leave. I find I’m not feeling so well right now, but I don’t want to interrupt your conversation with Mr. Kilgrave here.”

  We both jumped into action. “Of course, allow me to escort you to your carriage,” Sullivan fired, taking Lady Hannah by the elbow to guide her back up the path.

  “I shall grab your coat,” I added as I took the other side of her. The closer we got to the house and all the bright lights, the more I could see how pale she appeared. Her lids appeared a little droopy like they wanted to close and sleep. Misjudging a step, Lady Hannah dipped a little but Sullivan quickly steadied her.

  It was easier navigating through the gathering now I had a purpose. Walking as discretely as possible so she didn’t draw unwanted attention to our party, Lady Hannah offered her goodbyes, stopping long enough to thank our hosts before slipping away. I caught the notice of one of the footmen
and asked for our coats. We were outside and seated in the carriage before too long.

  Sticking his head through the door, Sullivan kissed Lady Hannah’s hand farewell. “May I call on you tomorrow to see how you are? I can’t have one of my favorite people in the world unwell.” His comments pleased her.

  “How about you join us for dinner tomorrow night, then? I’ll ask the butler to set a place for you at the table.”

  Another piece of the puzzle that was my life fell into place. When I first met Sullivan, we’d spoken for some time outside by the lake before he requested I journey to his home. He wanted to show me the grounds and discuss more about how he could help with my business.

  This time around, however, Lady Hannah had done the inviting. While the Fates had ordered me not to alter each event, I supposed it didn’t mean they were bound by the same rules.

  My journey would ultimately lead to the same place. This new turn of events simply meant that it might be a little more scenic now.

  “Thank you, I’d love to come. Until then.” Sullivan stepped back, nodding to me before hitting the side of the carriage to signal the driver to go.

  “Dinner?” I asked once we were underway.

  “I had a vision, Devlin . . . one that involves you and Mr. Kilgrave. Inviting him to dinner will provide a more private place to ask him what you need.”

  So that was why she’d been in such a rush to leave.

  “What did you see?” I pressed. She was still trembling from the aftermath of her powers flaring to life.

  “Not now. Not here.”

  The ride back to Cavendish Square was a quiet one—both of us lost in thought. Many times I almost asked her to tell me what had shaken her so, but before long, her eyes closed and I didn’t want to disturb her.

  She’d seen something.

  And it was nothing good if her first reaction was to flee.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  Lady Hannah struggled to maintain eye contact with me all night. She claimed she was okay and that nothing between us had changed, but I knew better.

  Her vision had scared her—terrified her through a bombardment of emotions—and once she’d explained it last night, there was a definite change in how we interacted.

  I couldn’t really blame her. If I’d stood as a witness to some of the atrocities and pain another was destined to experience, looking them in the eye would become a constant reminder.

  “I feel as though my heart is breaking,” she’d whispered as tears fell steadily over her cheeks. “I had no idea what the Fates required of you . . . just how dark your past was . . . is.”

  From what I could gather, Lady Hannah had been shown some of the events still unfolding and it had rattled her to her very core. Over and over, she apologized, wishing that she could somehow find a way for me to avoid the inevitable. While she understood this was my burden to carry and something I’d requested and accepted, it didn’t shield me from the look of absolute horror blazoned across her pale features.

  “In all my life, my sweet, poor Devlin, I have never encountered someone who survived such turmoil and anguish. Do you truly believe it’s worth reliving?”

  We spent the remainder of the night talking by the fireplace in her drawing room as I shared story after story about Darcy and her Alpha, about the life that I’d created for myself, and the strength and unity of the Supernatural community. It was all worth saving—it gave me hope for redemption.

  I had no idea why the veil had parted for her, especially considering the secrecy surrounding my quest, but the glimpse she’d been given had forestalled any pushing or prodding for more.

  Lady Hannah’s inquisitive nature had been finally satiated.

  “I am still me,” I’d uttered, wishing I could somehow remove the pain from her eyes. “And I will survive it.”

  Cradling my jaw in her hand, she’d tenderly brushed her thumb across my cheekbone. “I wish I could unsee it. I know that sounds cowardly, especially considering I’m a seer and it’s within my gift to observe such things, but Devlin—” Her voice cracked under the weight of her sorrow.

  “Be of good cheer. You’ve helped me so much already. I’m forever in your debt.”

  Hers was a sad sounding laugh that didn’t hold it’s usual merriment. “You owe me nothing. It’s the least I could do knowing . . .” Again, her words trailed off, plunging us into another round of contemplative silence.

  There was no need to discuss it further. I’d thought knowing just a little would help ease my frustration over feeling so alone, but it only served to make the burden heavier. She knew and it had bruised her tender heart. Continuing the discussion would only make matters worse. Just the thought of it had brought fresh tears to her eyes throughout the next day.

  Somehow, we managed to make it through our dinner with Sullivan Kilgrave. If he noticed the somber mood, he didn’t mention it. Topics were kept light and away from anything heavy in nature. Lady Hannah smiled like the gracious hostess she was, and it was a relief to catch the flickers of life in her eyes whenever Sullivan pleased her.

  Just by her reaction, I knew I wouldn’t be sharing anything about why I was here with anyone else. It seemed cruel to place them in a position where they felt helpless because there was honestly nothing they could do to stay my course.

  “Dinner was wonderful, as usual,” Sullivan praised, wiping his mouth with the linen napkin he’d draped across his lap. His gaze darted between Lady Hannah and myself. “Each time I come here I’m tempted to steal away your cook.”

  This made Lady Hannah perk up. “I doubt she’d be able to keep up with the demands of your household, Sullivan. If I remember correctly, they all share the same voracious appetite. You’d work her to the bone!”

  “True, true, but what a challenge it would be!” He raised his glass in respect and took a small mouthful of the crisp wine. “I guess I’ll just have to be content in asking for the recipe to this delicious meal.”

  Lady Hannah motioned to the butler who stood off to the side and he disappeared to relay the message to the cook. I could only imagine how proud the request would make her feel. Everyone liked knowing they were appreciated.

  “So, when will you be returning to Kilgrave Manor?” I asked, trying to find a way to finagle an invitation from him. My time in London was coming to an end, and while I wasn’t allowed to go straight to my final destination, I was eager to move on.

  The love Sullivan had for his home was evident by the way his face lit up at the question. “I’ll be leaving early tomorrow morning. While I enjoy my time in town whenever I come, I won’t lie. I miss my home and the people there. It’s hard not to worry about them when I’m absent.”

  I understood that sentiment perfectly.

  Lady Hannah glanced at me and Sullivan caught it. “I’m not normally a paranoid man, but I have a feeling I wasn’t just asked here tonight to share a fine meal with you both.” He eyed us both closely. “Would one of you like to explain or should we retire to the drawing room for port and a game of charades where I guess?” His use of humor didn’t go unnoticed as we let out a relieved laugh.

  “That’s a good idea. Let’s go into the other room where we can be more comfortable.” Rising from her chair, Lady Hannah gestured for me to lead the way as she came up from behind, Sullivan in between us. I’d really come to love this home and the way she’d decorated it. While a lot of the furniture held the classical look popular for those with ancestral homes, it also reflected how eccentric she was. Not many could say they owned a large statue of an elephant, lifted onto its back legs as it sprayed a fountain of water from its trunk.

  Once we were all situated, I remained quiet to see how she would begin. She’d obviously been stewing on something throughout the meal, and now was her chance to speak.

  Instead, she seemed more content staring into the flames flickering in the fireplace. Perhaps she sought answers or a confirmation regarding whatever she wanted to ask.

  “I just real
ized I’ve yet to share your fortune, Mr. Kilgrave,” she finally said. Gone were the frown lines that had wrinkled her brow. “I wouldn’t want to break with tradition.”

  Obviously not expecting her to mention it, Sullivan rose to come and sit by her, extending his hand, palm up.

  “Whenever I come over, Lady Hannah repays my company by offering to tell my fortune.” His comment was for me. “Over the years, she’s been able to keep me from making foolish decisions and warned me of problems brewing within my family.”

  “You’re lucky you listen to me, young man. There are many who scoff at my words because I don’t whisper of rainbows and butterflies.”

  “Can you blame them?” Sullivan chortled, his smile wide. “Not everyone has the fortitude to hear doom and gloom. As for me, I’m an optimist. There’s nothing you could reveal that I couldn’t find a silver lining for. You could say it is my gift.”

  Lady Hannah held onto his hand tighter, leaning closer to look. She brushed her fingers over the lines in his palm while pursing her lips. “Interesting.”

  “Ahhh, so you’ve finally seen my future wife, have you?” His voice held a teasing quality that highlighted the hope I also heard. “Tell me . . . is she beautiful? Do you think she can tame the wild beast that I am?”

  Lady Hannah gave him a pointed glare. “She would need to be a miracle worker. But no, that’s not what I see . . . although, I do see a woman.”

  I looked on with fascination. While I knew how tonight would end, I had no idea what her plans were, so each thing out of her mouth was a surprise.

  “This woman is important to you . . . a relationship you both gain mutual pleasure from . . . oh my!” Lady Hannah’s faced flushed a bright, mottled red as her bottom lip quivered. She briefly caught Sullivan’s gaze before dropping it. “You have engaged in this dalliance for some time.”

  It was his turn to raise his hand to silence her. “Say no more. I believe I know to whom you refer.” He coughed and cleared his throat. “Continue.”