Blood Oath (#8, the Mystic Wolves)

by Belinda Boring

  The redemption I’d fought so hard to obtain slipped further and further away from me, regardless of how desperately I struggled to take hold of it. It continued to be that elusive beacon, forever just out of reach.

  I paced back and forth, dragging my fingers through my already tousled hair. I was tired of this game—tired of the never-ending rules and conditions that twisted a knife in my heart over and over again. It was agonizing to be this human and this helpless, knowing that I could’ve stopped this.

  I reminded myself this had already happened. Back then, I hadn’t understood the severity of what Sullivan faced. I truly thought he was in danger from ravenous predators, along with Annabeth and those in her search party. In a frantic, anxiety-inducing hour, I’d paced back and forth, scanning the entrance to the woods for any sign of life. Those left behind watched me from a distance.

  If only I could will myself to not wait and simply go to where I knew Sullivan would be. Like he’d said, time was of the essence, and I could hear it ticking away inside my head at a deafening volume. It rattled me to my core.

  Just when I thought I would truly go mad with impatience, Sullivan came rushing toward me—this time with his eyes wild and glowing. He staggered to a stop and there was a hint of a tremor shaking the hand he held out to me. I’d once thought it was because he was scared, but now I knew better. He was barely containing the wrath that burned in him, setting fire to every primal instinct he had to kill and destroy. How he’d managed to return to his human form was incredible. I’d seen Mason consumed with this level of fury and it had taken the softness of Darcy’s voice and touch to lure him back.

  “Come with me, Devlin. Now. I promise I’ll answer whatever questions you might have when it’s over.” Tugging on my arm, he didn’t wait for my answer. He already knew it. I would do whatever he asked.

  I’d grown to love the beauty of Waltham Forest and the rich, lushness I found there whenever I’d ventured into it for a short walk. But there was something sinister about the way branches lay across our path, whipping at our bodies as we ran. Sullivan moved with such a certainty that spoke of just how much time he’d spent in its depths. There was no time to be afraid—only enough to step into his tracks, trusting he would lead the way.

  I knew when we were approaching our destination because the howls that had once held a focused tone became louder and filled with a different sound.

  Frustration.

  Just before we broke through the upcoming breach in the trees, Sullivan suddenly stopped, gesturing for me to do the same. “Swear to me that what you’re about to see . . . you won’t speak of it to another soul. Don’t be afraid. I promise you are in no danger. Trust me. You are safe.”

  I nodded. “Let me help.”

  Relief flooded his features before a faint smile flickered across his lips, disappearing before it became permanent. “I knew I could rely on you, my friend. Do exactly as I say and tonight won’t end in death.”

  Hearing him say that again sent a chill up my spine. It sounded ominous, yet a little hopeful. There was nothing hopeful about what I was about to witness.

  Bloodshed wasn’t the only effective way to drive a message home. Cruelty came in many forms—many assumed killing topped that list.

  Stepping into the clearing, there was no holding back the gasp that escaped me. I knew what to expect, but, my God, it still sucked the breath from my body, weakening my knees and I stumbled.

  Surrounded by at least eight or nine wolves, each animal snarling the second they caught sight of me, hung Annabeth—bound by so much silver the air reeked of scorched flesh. What was more terrifying, though, was she didn’t move, cry, or moan. In fact, though her eyes were open, she appeared . . . empty. All while her skin fried under the weight of the poisonous metal.

  “Why hasn’t she been cut down?” I asked, walking to her carefully. With each step, more growls erupted from her guards, fangs bared in warning. “How can we get to her?”

  “Ignore the wolves,” Sullivan urged, reaching out to touch Annabeth and flinching back. It was then I noticed his hands were red, blistered and angry looking. He’d attempted to remove the chains and failed. The vampires had used so much even an Alpha couldn’t push past the pain long enough to free her.

  This was why he’d come to get me. As a human, I was one of the only useful people at Kilgrave Manor. Silver didn’t affect me. Thank goodness for small mercies.

  It was only because I knew I’d survived this already, that I ignored the wolves, not stopping as they attempted to block my path. Sullivan barked out orders, which I guess sounded strange because he acted as though he held some kind of authority over them—like he didn’t doubt they would listen and obey, something I never realized until this precise moment. Just like now, my entire focus was on Annabeth and getting her down from the tree.

  Whispering words of encouragement and promising her that she was safe, it didn’t take much to break the branch because the weight had already weakened it. Gently laying her on the ground, the chains proved a little difficult at first, but they weren’t much of an obstacle for me. After a grueling few minutes, she was finally free.

  Annabeth was barely breathing, her body weeping from the many burns that covered it. Her eyes still held that vacant stare, one I recognized. Balthazar liked to be creative when he tortured people and this was one of his favorites. Binding her in heavy silver wasn’t enough. He’d ordered her silence, compelled her to the point she was trapped inside her mind, feeling every excruciating blister and scalding touch as if she was being flayed alive. Unable to move, speak, or escape into darkness, he’d forced her to silently face each fear without any relief. Death would’ve been a mercy for her rather than prolong her torture.

  It was a powerful message to Sullivan. With no blood spilt, Mikhail’s promise had been honored, but this cruelty reminded the Alpha no forgiveness had been given. Balthazar didn’t care if this meant war. He was arrogant enough to believe himself invincible and a few wolves a mere irritation to scratch.

  “Annabeth,” Sullivan whispered, kneeling beside me and gathering her in his arms. “Wake up. You are safe. Return to the Pack.” He wasn’t worried if I wondered what he meant. She held his entire focus. As he brushed her hair from across her brow, a tear fell from her eyes.

  “She’s in there,” I said, catching the movement.

  He nodded. “I just need to help break his hold on her mind.”

  It was on the tip of my tongue to be the one to suggest the cure, having seen Mason do it. All the words in the world wouldn’t be enough. No tender touches or medicines. What Annabeth needed was the guiding influence of her Alpha—or in this case because her own was far away . . . Sullivan. He would need to shift, but with me there, it meant he’d reveal his secret.

  One I already knew.

  “Whatever she needs, do it,” I urged. She appeared so lifeless that it was eerie.

  The wolves surrounding her still stood, staunchly vigilant and no longer growling. There was a shimmer of energy—a light—then Joshua shifted into his human form.

  “I take full responsibility, Sullivan. Devlin can be trusted.” He gave me a hard stare. “If not, I’ll kill him myself. Save my sister.”

  He didn’t hesitate. Casting me one last pleading look, Sullivan nodded, standing as Joshua took his place. “I’m sorry, Devlin,” he murmured, quickly undressing. “I’d hoped you would never learn about this.”

  Then he fell to the ground. In the blink of an eye, he went from being a man to a magnificent silver wolf. While his body was everything strong and powerful, his eyes still held kindness, the friend I knew him to be reflected in their depths.

  He moved quickly, nudging her with his nose like he was waking her from sleep. For the longest time it seemed his efforts were in vain, until he bared his teeth and growled menacingly, the sound echoing in the stillness of the night.

  Annabeth slowly blinked.

  Next her chest rose as she took in a deep breath. />
  Then a gut-wrenching sob exploded from her as the pain of her wounds crashed down over her, filling every sense until she was drowning in it. I understood that agony and the death she now begged for. In a flash of a second she’d been given her voice back and it dripped with excruciating madness.

  “Gather her up and take her to the house quickly,” Sullivan ordered, back in his human form. Dark circles appeared below his eyes as he let out a ragged breath. “We can heal her there.”

  Joshua wasted no time, rushing back through the woods with Sullivan and I in tow. The wolves that I knew were his Pack followed behind. They would change before entering the manor’s grounds.

  Sullivan was quiet as he walked beside me and I knew he was waiting for me to bombard him with questions. I’d been privy to something incredible tonight in so many ways—least of all the surprise of discovering I’d been staying with a werewolf.

  “Now is not the time to talk,” I finally said, breaking the silence.

  “How can you say that?” he asked incredulously. “You just saw me become a wolf. You just rescued Annabeth who was hanging from a tree wrapped in silver chains. How do you not have questions right now?”

  “Because you asked me to trust you and I do. Once we know she’s going to be fine, then we can have that conversation.” I knew he was giving me a wide-eyed stare but I didn’t look his way.

  No, my sights were set on the two people I’d actually forgotten would be here.

  Verity and Vivien.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

  “She will heal in time.”

  The expression Vivien wore was one we all felt. Annabeth now lay resting peacefully on her bed—sleep finally claiming her. The wounds that had ravaged her body were slowly beginning to close, but it would take far longer because of how deep the silver had burned her.

  Pain filled her brother’s eyes as he tenderly stroked her forehead with a damp cloth. I understood that look—it was one of overwhelming guilt. I didn’t need to hear his thoughts to know he blamed himself for failing to protect her. Over and over he would analyze each action, each word, desperate to find that precise moment where he could’ve prevented his beloved sister from being attacked.

  I wanted to tell him that his attempts would prove futile because no matter how hard he searched; there would always be more recriminations to beat himself up with. It was a difficult concept to understand sometimes—heinous crimes were committed and we were helpless to stop them.

  Besides, the fault lay at my feet because, this time, I’d known. I’d selfishly sacrificed his sister to save my own loved ones. Every time he glanced my way for support, I held his gaze for the briefest of seconds before looking away. I couldn’t look him in the eye. It was a shame I’d carry for the rest of my life—another brick added to an already crushing weight.

  “I don’t know how to thank you, Vivien. If you hadn’t been here . . .” His voice trailed off when Annabeth moaned in her sleep. Her face scrunched into a grimace as a nightmare plagued her. Unfortunately, this would be the first of many.

  Sullivan nodded. “How did you know to come?” After a quick introduction, he’d gratefully stepped aside to let Vivien dress Annabeth’s many wounds. As a witch, she was also a gifted healer, her talents sought after by many.

  Verity and I had stood off to the side, my arms wrapped around her in my own feeble hope I could glean some kind of comfort from her presence. She hadn’t spoken a word, but her body shivered with a telltale tremble, giving away how rattled she was. This was not the welcome she’d expected.

  Vivien wiped her hands with the towel someone had brought her. “I received a letter from Lady Hannah urging me to come to Kilgrave Manor immediately. Her note said my gifts would be needed. Verity offered to join me, so we came.”

  Sullivan studied her. “The blessings of having a seer as a friend.”

  She smiled in return. “What a godsend. Annabeth wouldn’t have lasted the hour. Her wounds were significant.”

  They continued to discuss her care and seeing an opportunity, Verity rested her head back on my chest and whispered. “Are you angry I’m here?”

  Her question stunned me. “Why would I be upset? You have no idea how good it feels to have you in my arms again or how much I’ve needed you.”

  Twisting in my embrace, she peered up into my face. “You wanted me to remain home and look after your family. You were quite adamant about it.” The intensity I found in her brown eyes melted my heart. How could I help her see that I knew she would come because it was the same decision I would make in her place?

  My lips grazed her forehead softly. “I was a fool to insist you stay.”

  She relaxed against me, relieved I wasn’t disappointed. “Good, because I was prepared to stand my ground should you try to send me home again. I love you, Devlin, but I can be just as stubborn and relentless as you. You would’ve had a battle on your hands.”

  I could hear the fiery determination that resembled tempered steel. At this point, I didn’t have the strength to resist her. We would be together for a little while longer. My selfishness demanded it.

  “We need to get you something to wear, though. There’s an auction in Bath I’ve been invited to that I must attend.”

  Before I could continue, Verity nodded. “I know. The letter included that information as well as dresses suitable for the event.”

  Lady Hannah had truly thought of everything.

  Sullivan and Verity approached, leaving Joshua to sit with his sister. “I was just informing Vivien that she may need to take my place and journey with you to Bath, Devlin. As much as I would like to come, my place now is here. I can’t, in good conscience, leave Annabeth alone when there’s a strong possibility her attackers will return. There’s also the matter of sending for her Alpha.” He spoke plainly now about what he and the others were—all pretenses and secrets out in the open. Well, his were. Mine were still locked away.

  “I understand, my friend. If it weren’t important, I would remain as well and help protect her.” My comment must’ve sounded ludicrous considering he believed me to be human. It was something I had to keep reminding myself—while I held the mindset of a vampire, along with all the training and memories that came from being an Enforcer, my body was still extremely weak and vulnerable. My mortal body would be a mere plaything to any supernatural creature and certainly no match for a powerful werewolf or vampire.

  “No, you must go to Bath. I insist.” He gave me a stern look. “You know who I am now and that we are not as helpless as it seems. Go and finish your business and then get far, far away. Despite my efforts, this will mean war for my kind. This was an act of purposeful aggression and it demands retribution.”

  “Then let me return and help,” I offered.

  He instantly shook his head. “No. I won’t run the risk of you being caught in the cross hairs. It is better you keep your distance until this is all over.” Sullivan cast a watchful eye in Annabeth’s direction. “We already have one casualty too many.”

  “I am a great strategist.” It was my guilt that kept pushing, even though I knew when we did come face to face again, it would be under much different circumstances. “At least allow me to provide that kind of assistance.” I knew how Balthazar thought and his methods.

  Sullivan’s jaw clenched. “No.”

  Verity placed her hand across my chest. “My love, it’s time to listen to your friend and honor his wishes.” I could see the fear that lurked in her gaze. She was afraid that my own stubbornness would get me killed.

  No, it would simply endanger them all.

  Finally, I relented. “Fine, then we will remain in touch, correspond with one another. I’m not someone who can stand idly by while my friends are in trouble. Give me your word and I’ll go on my way.”

  The auction was being held in a few days and we would need to leave soon in order to arrive on time.

  Sullivan slapped my arm before pulling me into a bear hug. “I appreciate you,
Devlin Lockhart. I thank the gods for bringing you into my life. You are the best friend I have always wanted.” His praise made my stomach churn as a sarcastic voice echoed in my mind what a traitor I was. I bit down hard and silenced it. There would be no changing the past now.

  “I feel the same way about you,” I choked, barely able to get the words around the large knot in my throat. “I won’t ever forget your kindness.”

  Stepping back, I glanced around our small circle. “While I hate to leave so quickly, we should probably start preparing. We’ll leave at first light.” With sunrise only a few hours away, it would give us enough time to freshen up and for me to pack.

  “Before you leave, come find me.” There was a sense of urgency in Sullivan’s request. He wanted to at least ensure that I left with answers after such an eventful night.

  “I will.”

  Taking Verity by the hand, we left Vivien in the room where she continued to leave instructions for Annabeth’s care with Joshua and Sullivan.

  “I’m sorry your departure is now tainted with sorrow, Devlin,” she whispered, smiling as I kissed her fingers that were entwined with mine. “Hopefully, the future will bring more joyous opportunities.”

  That had once been my hope.

  Now I knew better.

  “That’s all you have to say?” Sullivan asked incredulously. For the past thirty minutes he’d explained his reasoning for hiding his nature from me and why it was so vital for supernaturals to remain hidden from humans. I could tell he’d rehearsed his speech by how earnestly he tried to help me understand. What he didn’t know was that there was no need. I knew it all. “You watched me turn into a wolf. I just told you that there are creatures out there that are the stuff of legend and nightmares and you act as though I merely explained an enjoyable book I’d enjoyed and recommended you read.”