A warm rush of emotion filled my body. This wasn’t something the witch did often, but it was fitting. As the Alpha’s sister, Jasmine would have the perfect send off, and I recognized the significance of the gesture. Vivien was also showing her support of the Mystic Wolves.
Mason moved on to next part of business. “I’m assuming Zane is interested in how vampire blood comes into play with last night.” Devlin nodded as the Alpha continued. “From what Darcy’s shared, it gave Gary extra strength and a crazed appearance—made him unreachable to logic and her attempts to talk him down.”
I’m sure I wasn’t the only one curious about how he obtained the blood and for what purpose.
Devlin interrupted my thoughts with his comments. “The blood would have heightened everything—brain and physical functions, emotions and rationality. Depending on how long he was using, he would’ve been highly unstable—his actions proving so.”
There it was in all its ugliness. Blood addict ... user. But why? From what I knew of Gary, there was no need for such measures. He never showed any interest in Jasmine before now, and always appeared to be a happy, well-adjusted human who appreciated the friendship of the pack. It made the drama of the past twenty-four hours even more disturbing. It was completely out of character.
“Has anyone else seen him use while he was here? Seen him act differently?” Jonas asked.
No one had.
“No offense, but why the hell do we care?” Eric spoke up. “The human was a traitor. He’s been around us all enough to know not to mess with things he didn’t understand. If he was in some kind of trouble, he could’ve come to any one of us and we would’ve stepped in. He was a coward, and I don’t see why we need to waste any more time talking about the why of the situation. All we need to know is where he got it from and let the Enforcers do their job.”
I turned to Mason for his reaction, watching him reflect on what was being said. He took a moment or two before he spoke again, with a very clear, authoritative tone.
“We care because I’ll be damned if this happens again. Not just to us, but anyone. I know it’s not pack business to be involved in the distribution of vampire blood, but I didn’t bring this to our doorstep. Gary did. We won’t stop until we find out and put an end to this. No one should have to bury family members and loved ones. Not like this.” Facing Devlin, Mason continued. “What do you need from me?”
“Not much. I have a team going through Gary’s things at his home, trying to find clues before they remove everything. They’re checking past calls, asking neighbors before they scrub memories. I’m not sure how much we’ll learn, but whatever we do I’ll share with you. You might need to prepare yourself for the chance there’s nothing to discover.”
Mason bowed his head, stewing on the thought when a cell phone rang, bringing everyone’s attention to Vlad. Releasing a growl, he leaned forward, causing the young vampire to shrug apologetically while trying to turn off the annoying sounds of his ringtone, Kung Fu Fighting.
“Did no one warn you what happens to cell phones in Pack meetings?”
I tried not to giggle as Mason laid the intimidation on thick. Daniel didn’t even try to bother as he let out a loud bellow.
“My Lord of Beasts, you’ll make him faint if you don’t stop with the growling!”
Mason groaned at the title his second-in-command used. A quick glance told me Daniel wasn’t far off. Vlad was white as a sheet, and his hand holding the phone trembled.
“Excuse yourself, young one, before the Alpha decides to eat you.” Devlin chuckled. This caused the vampire to blanch further before leaving the room at an almost dead run. The Enforcer shook his head, finding the situation entertaining. “Did you really need to do that, Mason? Terrifying him is my responsibility.”
“I know, but I couldn’t resist. I thought the moment needed a little humor. Wanted to make my Darcy smile.” Mason took hold of my hand and raised it to his mouth, kissing the back of it. Heat spread across my cheeks as I felt myself blush, and the room filled with soft laughter. Everyone was used to seeing their Alpha openly show his affections.
“Is there anything else we need to discuss, or are we good?” someone asked.
Without taking his eyes off me, Mason nodded, and the sound of chairs being pushed back echoed. He released my hand and added, “Make sure you stay available. If I need you, I’ll let you know. See you all tonight.”
The door burst opened and Vlad re-entered, screeching a panicked filled, “Wait!”
Devlin snorted. “Please. Must you be so dramatic? What is so important you need to rush in here like a hysterical woman?”
Before I could add my indignation, he looked at me and winked. “Present company excluded,” he said as I stuck my tongue out at him. He rewarded with a warm smile. As instantly as it flashed, Devlin shut everything back down and turned back to his companion. “Spit it out, Vlad. Don’t keep us waiting.”
The young vampire’s mouth flapped open two or three times as his eyes darted around the room. It was obvious he was reluctant to share the news which confused me. Didn’t he just come in here and tell us to wait? Judging from the annoyed looks of my pack brothers, they were also wondering the same thing. Now wasn’t the time for games.
“Oh for heaven’s sake, tell us whatever it is before I let the wolves tear into you.”
Vlad looked around frightened and Daniel didn’t help matters by growling, flashing sharp fangs.
Shaking my head, I interjected. “Please, Vlad. Don’t mind everyone. It looks like you have something to share.” I tried to lace my voice with soothing tones, and I noticed him relax somewhat.
That peace was shattered, however, by Devlin grabbing the young man by the scruff of the neck and pushing him down into a chair. “Speak. Now.”
Taking a hesitant breath, Vlad gestured to the empty seats and whispered. “You all might want to retake your places. I just received a message I think bears importance.”
Heavy sighs and frustrated mutters covered the air. One comment sounded very close to a threat should the “fang-boy” be wasting time. A murmured assent followed with the loud sound of cracking knuckles.
Now with the room’s attention solely on him, Vlad had very little to say and needed a reminding tap from Devlin to prompt him. Even my head hurt as I watched and I lifted my hand to rub away the sympathy pain.
“There was a message delivered in last thirty minutes to the King.” He stopped, looking expectantly around the room as if that was meant to explain everything.
“You’re trying my patience, youngling. Speak what you know, or I’ll rip it from your throat. Regardless of who you are.” The threat lay heavy in Devlin’s voice. “What was the message?”
“A dead body—well at least what looks like one. According to those who were there, it more resembled a mass of raw, bloodied, meat. The sentries were making the hourly sweep, found it outside the gates to the estate, and raised the alarm. Reports say the blood amount was so incredible it took vast strength to resist partaking. On further inspection, it looks as though it was a human woman.”
If Vlad didn’t already look agitated, he did now as he continued. “Inspecting the surroundings, they found two items they felt the Alpha needed to know, and if I’m permitted to suggest, may be connected to what happened last night.” The young vampire had our complete attention.
Mason was the next to speak, his confusion breaking the silence. “What were the objects, and why would they think I would need to be informed. Is it connected to Gary?”
Vlad lifted his cell phone and began touching the screen, searching for something before passing the device toward the Alpha.
“They forwarded me three images and asked if you knew what they meant.” The phone made its way into Mason’s hand, and I shifted in my seat so I could look with him. When he pushed the screen, illuminating it, I couldn’t help my gasp of horror.
There was so much blood. I prayed that it had been quick and whoever it was ha
dn’t suffered, because the violence it would’ve taken to accomplish the scene left me speechless.
Mason was tightlipped, and I felt him thrum with energy beside me. His wolf was stirring. I was sure of it because the air suddenly crackled with electricity, eliciting a round of growls from the rest of the pack in response. The Alpha was unsettled and it didn’t bode well.
With the scroll of his thumb, he moved on to the next image—a piece of paper with a few words scribbled on it.
I peered in closer, but I didn’t need to as Mason read it.
“How many women must die before you lose everyone you love?” He flipped back to the previous photo, but it was just as indiscernible as before. He looked back at the note, and started to speak, but Vlad interrupted.
“It was written in blood, and before you ask, look at the last image.”
Now I was confused as a bloodied driver’s license filled the screen. The owner was a pretty young woman, but someone I wasn’t familiar with. I raised my head to ask Mason whether he knew her, and was rewarded with a not-so-subtle cuss. Seems he did, and judging by the fury that flashed in his eyes, she meant something to him.
Dropping the phone, he pushed back the seat and began pacing, ramming his fingers through his hair. One of the greatest things about Mason was he usually had a cool head under pressure, and he made a point not to become unhinged in front of others. I was stunned by how truly rattled he was, and I could almost taste his impending change on my tongue. He needed to settle before he forced a shift on everyone.
My own wolf raised her head and howled, feeling the energy being generated, and I struggled to coax her back to sleep. I glanced around at the others, and they were also trying to rein themselves in. If something didn’t happen, Devlin and Vlad would soon find themselves in a room full of wolves.
“What is it, Mason? Who is she?” I placed my hand on his arm as he brushed by, bringing him to a halt. Breathe. I sent the thought through our connection and was relieved when he took a deep lungful of air.
Steadying himself, he finally realized what effect his reaction was having on everyone, and a wave of calmness flowed through the room.
Retaking his chair, composed and back in charge of his emotions, Mason began to answer my questions. “Her name is …,” he paused, “was Vanessa Madison. She was a childhood sweetheart of mine, and playmate to Jasmine. Her father was a work colleague of my father, so our families would spend some time together. I haven’t seen her in maybe … three or four years. Last time I checked, she was finishing up with grad school and getting ready to move across the country.”
“Who have you pissed off, Mason?” Daniel responded. “I think fang boy over there is right. It’s too coincidental. Someone’s trying to get your attention and will go to any lengths.”
“Well, whoever it is has a death wish coming after the Alpha. I say we hunt them down and ….”
Wade was interrupted by Mason. “Let’s settle down. Look over everything. Devlin, will you be able to stay longer?”
A nod from the Enforcer was all that was needed.
Facing the group, the Alpha continued. “Eric, put everyone on high alert. Send for members to come in and set up a team to begin perimeter surveillance. Nothing in, nothing out until we know more.” Finally, he turned his focus to me.
“I know. No going anywhere. Stay at the house, and no traipsing in the woods.”
“Just until we know what’s going on, okay? Promise me.” His gaze held mine.
“Girl Scouts honor,” I replied, raising my hand to salute.
“You weren’t even a girl scout, Darcy.” Mason chuckled, and his smile almost reached his eyes. He caressed the side of my face with his fingers. “Safety first, babe. I can’t lose you too.”
I nodded, as I briefly leaned into his touch. When he broke the contact, I refocused on the room and stood. “Well, I’ll leave everyone to figure this out.” I pushed my chair under the table, and Mason reached out to grab hold of my hand.
“Where can I find you when this is finished?” He studied my face as if he was afraid this was the last time he’d see me.
“I have a ritual to help prepare. And goodbyes to offer.” Letting my fingers trail out of his grasp, I nodded to those in the room, pausing a moment to touch Devlin’s shoulder. “Thanks for being here.” He squeezed my hand and I exited quickly, closing the door on the meeting turned war council.
What a change of events. Shaking my head, I began my journey toward Jasmine’s room, my heart preparing itself for the next few hours.
Chapter Two
It was into a quiet hush— a reverent silence—when I slipped inside Jasmine’s room, closing the door softly behind me. The curtains had been drawn, candles lit on almost every surface, and it gave the space a solemn ambience befitting the moment.
Not ready to look at the bed where my beloved friend and pack sister lay, I gazed around the place I’d spent so many hours in. Echoes of memories flittered about in my mind, and it tugged on my heart strings because I truly, and deeply, loved Jasmine.
Our connection had been almost instant, two hearts reaching out, and rejoicing in finding one another. Similar in age and tastes, our friendship had steadily grown until we became inseparable—in thoughts and actions. Mason would laugh so hard each time we finished each other’s sentences, and would groan over the antics we’d get up to.
He always shared how good it felt that we were close, easing a burden I never knew he carried. He worried over his sister, afraid she’d be lonely if his future mate didn’t recognize the importance Jasmine held in his life.
Back in the room, something pulled me toward the bookshelf which was crammed—filled with some of Jasmine’s favorite reads. It was the photo frame I’d given her for her last birthday—a silver one with the words “best friends” stamped into it. I gingerly picked it up, my eyes never leaving the smiling faces peering back up at me. I traced her image, marveling at the glow the camera had been able to capture.
I can’t even remember when we took the picture, we’d taken so many. Judging from the goofy looks, I’d say it was from one of the many nights we used to lie giggling on top of her bed together, taking random poses. No matter the occasion, we always found some reason to be silly, and would spend hours trying to outdo the last shot.
Both our mouths were open, teeth sparkling, but the twinkle in our eyes showed it all. We were best friends. We were happy, and we had the rest of our lives ahead of us.
It hurt my heart knowing the last part wasn’t true anymore. Placing the frame back on the shelf, I began randomly pulling out books. That was another thing Jasmine and I had in common—our love of reading romance, and the sexy heroes we found in each story. I can’t count how many times we would text, or show up at each other’s rooms, gushing over what Mr. McSwoony was doing, and sighing together. We were complete junkies, and would stay up all night talking about what it would be like to be transported into one of the books. We had weaknesses for highlanders, and no matter how hard we tried, we could never get Mason to speak in a Scottish brogue.
I laughed out loud, remembering how we used to badger him.
“Please, Mason … just say it. Just once, and we’ll go away.”
“No, Jasmine. Now leave me alone.”
“Not even for me?” Running my finger down his chest, I bat my eyelashes at him. If anyone could get him to cave, it was me. I was his weakness after all.
“Not you too! Enough, I’m not going to speak like your silly romance books.” Mason backed up, a frown on his face as he struggled to look serious. “How will people respect me as Alpha if they know I gave into your demands?”
“Awww, come on, Brother. It’s not like we’re asking you to wear a kilt and swing around a sword. Just a few words—for us. Pleeeeassee.” Jasmine wasn’t beyond begging.
“Hmmm, a kilt. I think that’s even better. Forget the words. Wear a plaid for us. Show us that fine body of yours!” I began to move toward him, a wicked gri
n covering my face.
He fled after that, spending the rest of the afternoon hiding in his office. Jasmine and I returned to her room and laughed for hours, devising plans on how we could convince him.
Leaving the bookshelf, I noticed I wasn’t alone in the room. April was curled up on the chair, head resting on her hands as she slept against the seat arm. New to the pack by a year, she was also the youngest and looked up to Jasmine a lot. It made sense if anyone would be keeping vigil, it would be her.
Shaking her shoulder gently, I whispered for her to wake up. Recognition was slow as she opened her sleepy eyes and they instantly filled with tears.
“Hi, Darcy. I’m sorry I fell asleep. I didn’t mean to.” She stretched her small frame and yawned.
“How long have you been here?”
“Since Mason and everyone brought her in. A few of the pack sisters helped get her situated, cleaned up and changed her clothes before they all left.” She looked at the floor, speaking softly. “I didn’t think she’d want to be left alone so I stayed.”
The thoughtfulness of April struck me hard, and I offered her a grateful smile. Even though we didn’t always pull her into our circle, she loved Jasmine enough to know her well.
“You’re right. Jasmine wouldn’t have liked that. Thank you for being here.” I reached out, and April moved into my open arms. As we stood there embracing, she let out a flood gate of cries, the depth of her grief filling the small room. Stroking her back gently, I vowed to keep a closer eye on her, making sure she knew I was always there.
“Did you come to sit with her?” The question was quickly followed by a hiccup. Using the back of her hand, April made a quick job at mopping up her tears. My heart broke for her—broke for all of us.
“I did, so why don’t you head back to your bedroom for a while, and try to get some sleep. Your bed would be more comfortable than the chair.” Gently leading her to the door, she seemed a little hesitant to leave. “The Alpha has shared the farewell ritual will be tonight at sunset. I’ll make sure someone comes to get you, okay?”
Blood Oath (#3, Mystic Wolves) Page 2
