Savage Possession

by Belinda Boring

  “In a heartbeat. If there’s anything you ever need, don’t hesitate to let me know. That bond goes both ways.” With one last shake, I dropped his arm and stepped back. “You know, if you ever want to move your Pack over here, I’m sure we can find you some amazing territory to call home.” It had been something I’d thought a lot about recently, my desire and need to have my family closer.

  “What? And say goodbye to heaven on earth?” Alex grinned, his smile adding to his boyish charm. “You know, you could always move the Mystic Wolves to the Emerald Isle.”

  We both let out a loud laugh, knowing full well we were both content where we were. As werewolves, we not only bonded with each other, but we also held a sacred relationship to the earth where we dwelled. We took pride in it, nurtured it, and it returned the favor. Once a Pack laid down roots, they rarely ever left.

  “It was worth a shot asking, though,” I admitted. “So, when’s your flight out?”

  “As soon as I shower and finish packing. I came out to say goodbye, but am glad we got the chance to go for a run.”

  “Perfect timing then.” I nodded.

  We started walking through the garden, exchanging last minute recaps of the visit and invitations for future visits. Just before we separated, Alex to his room and me to Darcy, my cousin stopped me, clasping the back of my neck, he brought his forehead to mine.

  “May St. Patrick guard you wherever you go,” he began, his voice solemn as he left a parting blessing. “And guide you in whatever you do—and may his loving protection be a blessing to you, always.”

  “God bless you, too.” I whispered, gratitude thick in my throat.

  “Until we meet again, Cousin.”

  “Later.”

  Waving goodbye, I watched as he entered the house, wondering what the future held for him, resolved that the next time we met, it would be under much better circumstances.

  Chapter Six

  Darcy

  I was starting to feel like an animal at the zoo, the ones that paced back and forth as a steady stream of people watched, commented, and took photos. While no one was actually doing that, it didn’t stop me from feeling just a little frustrated over the constant scrutiny and endless questions. I understood it was a small miracle that I’d actually survived the conversion. I’d even been shocked when Devlin finally revealed the actual statistics of survivors versus failed attempts.

  I didn’t know what I was grateful for most—the fact that he’d withheld that dismal number from me or that finally I felt like I was turning a corner and getting a strong grip on my hunger. The quicker I was able to control the fiery intensity that came over me and governed my emotions and actions, the sooner I’d be free from this cage and back in Mason’s arms.

  I was impatient and it showed.

  “I’ve called Zane.” Devlin’s announcement broke through the repetitive mantra I’d adopted over the past two days. I was determined to conquer the new instincts that becoming a vampire had brought with it. Mind over matter, positive thoughts instead of negativity. With each step, each feeding, I bordered on obsessive. So much rode on my ability to convince everyone I was safe enough to be released. I was tired of being cooped up and longed for the simplicity of my old life.

  The idea that anything in my life had ever been simple made me snort. Life had been just as complicated the last few months, but that wasn’t going to deter me. It was time to move on and reclaim what I wanted—the joys of being married to the one I love, family, friends, and Pack. They’d all returned to the house and I could hear them moving about, asking questions, but no one had been allowed to come see me. I missed them. I missed everything.

  “And?” Mason answered before me. He was sitting with his back against the wall, elbows resting on his bent knees as he turned toward Devlin. He looked absolutely ragged, but nothing I said would convince him to leave. He took what little he ate here in the basement, and left only to use the bathroom. He’d gone for a quick run with Alex, saying goodbye to his cousin, but that was it.

  Heavy bags and dark circles plagued his beautiful face and he was days past a good shave. He’d kept a faithful vigil over me since I’d been placed in this cage and I knew he was also counting down the hours until I was free. It wouldn’t surprise me if once he was given the go ahead, his next stop would be the comfort of our bed.

  Right now, I’d kill for a shower, more than anything else. I didn’t say that out loud, though. The last time I’d expressed those sentiments, with that choice of words, it wasn’t taken as humor. It hadn’t helped my cause that I’d also said it while snarling, my hands curled into fists as I threw insults and threats at whoever would listen.

  That had been a while ago—hours or days. I’d lost track of time.

  Devlin approached the cage with a hopeful smile and I paused in front of him. “He’ll be here shortly to make the final assessment. If he believes that the worst has passed, he’ll release you immediately.”

  This was beyond good news—the reward of my hard work and diligence in mastering myself. The brief flare of excitement was instantly squashed, though, as a new thought surfaced. “But what if I’m not ready?” I glanced over to Mason and my heart began racing faster. “Maybe I need more time.”

  “Ssh, sweetheart,” Mason comforted me from his seat on the floor. “Have faith in yourself. Have faith in him.”

  “Exactly,” Devlin added. “From what I’ve been able to observe and report to Zane, you’ve made incredible progress. You’ve consistently been able to control your blood lust and already recognize the signs of approaching hunger. I know you’re worried, but trust me, there’s no need to be alarmed. This is the last step in knowing whether we should be worried about insanity. Once Zane deems your conversion complete, the fun stuff can start.” Winking, he moved over to make way for Mason.

  “Be proud of yourself, Darcy. I know I am.” Without fear, Mason reached through the bars and brushed his fingers over my hair before cupping my cheek. “I wouldn’t have been able to do this two days ago, and now look at you.” I wanted to envelop myself in the way he beamed at me, the warmth and love he showed, slowly pushing back the waves of doubt beating at me. Both he and Devlin had been my rocks through this whole ordeal. They’d seen me at my worst, my ugliest, and had never faltered in their support.

  “I know. I just . . .” His touch was simply that—a touch. It didn’t trigger the burning need to sink my teeth into his flesh, to drink my fill. There were no thoughts of slaughter or violence. Realizing that made it hard for me to speak, because it meant that what they were saying was true. I’d actually made it through Hell victoriously. I’d faced the cruelest of challenges, beat back my own demons, and was still standing in one piece. “I just want to hug you both. I want to see my mom.” A bubble of laughter, the first in a while, erupted out of me. “Damn, I even want to see Daniel and have him tease me. I want some normalcy again, to feel the grass beneath my feet and the sun on my face.”

  “Well, we’re close, love,” Devlin answered, adding the endearment he’d adopted since telling me he was my uncle. “So hang in there just a little longer.”

  “You’ve got this,” Mason continued. “Look at what you’ve already passed through. “Honestly, this is just a technicality, now. The final stamp of approval.”

  That reminded me of something my uncle had said. “And what’s the fun stuff you mentioned. What did you mean?”

  “Well, once we know you’re safe from immediate danger and consequences from being changed in the first place, we’ll test to see how your dual natures react with each other. We’ll see how your reflexes are and whether you’ve developed any extra abilities from the conversion. I’m most curious to see how your wolf will respond. Honestly, I was anticipating a bigger battle on that front.”

  I had, too. All my life there had been an unspoken vow between my wolf and me that in the event I faced incredible danger, she would basically kick me out of the driver’s seat and protect me. I’d expected
her to force the change over me, reducing me to my furry, four legged form, but I’d remained human the entire time. I’d felt her below the surface and felt the surge of her power as she readied herself to battle. But nothing. As quickly as I’d felt her spirit try to push her way through, she’d recoiled backward and had remained huddled quietly within my body ever since.

  Her reaction and silence worried me—no, terrified me. The thought that something had somehow hurt her, or damaged our relationship in any way, was almost unbearable. Whether it was denial or simply my refusal to acknowledge that she might not bounce back from this onslaught, it was a reality I’d face only if, and when, I needed to. I would continue to nurture her the best I could and give her the space she needed to lick whatever wounds she’d obtained during the conversion.

  My wolf was an essential, vital, part of who I was. If something was wrong, then we’d fix it—heal her.

  “She just needs some time. It was as big an attack on her as it was on me. She’ll bounce back and we can see what happens.” Another thought pushed its way to the forefront of my mind. “The same as my mental connection with Mason. We both felt it snap, but there’s nothing that says it can’t be reformed and mended. Once the shock is over and everything settles, it will return, as well.”

  I placed my hand over Mason’s heart, grateful for its steadying beat. “I’ll be back inside your head before you know it.”

  “I look forward to it, sweetheart. Vivien may even be able to assist with that.”

  “She’s coming?” The news sparked more excitement and hope within me.

  “Yep, once Zane gives the go ahead, Devlin and I will be testing you physically and Vivien will be testing you magically. It’s all to make sure everything is as it should be and to aid in whatever needs boosting. You’re very fortunate to have so many powerful people who love you.”

  “Oh, and add Helena to the mix,” Devlin chimed in. “I heard this morning that she’s extremely curious to see how you’ll manage your new life, Darcy, and has asked to come and observe. She assured Vivien that if there was any way she could help you get stronger, she was at your disposal.”

  The day was definitely getting better and better. Helena was a dear friend of Vivien’s and almost as powerful in her own right. We’d met her in Salem a few weeks ago and she’d become a great friend to us, working so hard to help keep me hidden from Julian. As the coven leader there, I looked forward to hearing her insights into what was going on inside me.

  I would finally be able to truly relax and breathe, knowing some of the greatest leaders in the supernatural community were in my corner, rooting for my success.

  “That’s a relief.” To prove my point, I let out a loud sigh that made Devlin and Mason laugh.

  “Exactly. So no more thoughts of doom and gloom, okay?” Mason tilted his head to the side so he could hold my gaze. “The worst is behind us.”

  I nodded quickly, not because I wanted to appease him, but because I truly did believe him. Life wouldn’t always be clear sailing, but at least we’d been able to navigate and weather this life-changing storm.

  “Speaking of which, how you doing hunger wise?” Always the practical one, I was grateful Devlin didn’t let anything distract me from maintaining the even-keeled balance I now possessed. I quieted my mind so I could analyze my thirst.

  “Hmmm, I don’t think a small sip would hurt. I’m not hungry, per se, but I can feel the faint rumblings starting up.” It was weird how easily I was able to evaluate and listen to my body. This was a whole new ball game, being part vampire. This side of me was definitely more high maintenance and not a nature that liked being deprived or ignored.

  “Okay, one snack pack coming up.” Again, Devlin gave me a wink. It was good to see him lighthearted, now. He had been just as moody and stern as Mason.

  Speaking of my husband, I turned back to him. “This would be a good chance for you to go take care of yourself. Zane will be here soon and I’ll be free.”

  “I’d rather stay with you, though.” He was so stubborn; but luckily, so was I.

  “Well, what would you rather? Be exhausted and hungry when I get sprung or take advantage of a shower together and then bed?”

  “Kitchen it is.” Mason smiled, the laugh lines around his eyes easing up some of the heaviness he’d been carrying. That was one of the things about him that I loved—his features always told a story; and if you were observant enough, you could know what he was thinking. Right now, that simple flicker of a smile told me everything I was hoping for. He saw the end in sight, too. Finally, he was more hope than worry.

  “I’ll be back with your blood,” Devlin said, heading out the door.

  “And I’ll be back as soon as I finish eating,” Mason promised.

  “No, you’ll sit down and eat slowly. Maybe take some time to talk with Daniel or someone, okay?” I ordered him firmly.

  “But?”

  “No, but’s. You heard Devlin. The worst is over, so there’s no need to watch me every second. Take some time for you; so you can just breathe. There’ll be plenty of time for us.”

  His look told me he knew better than to argue—cage barrier or not, Mason knew when to listen to his wife.

  “I love you.” His hand pulled me forward so he could softly trace his thumb over my bottom lip. “Welcome back, sweetheart.”

  “I love you, too. Now go.” I kissed his fingers, knowing that the time was quickly approaching where we wouldn’t have to settle for careful touches between silver bars.

  Watching as he left, I gave up my usual pacing and sat down on my makeshift bed.

  Now that I was alone, it wasn’t as easy to hold onto their optimism, but I tried, anyway.

  Fake it until I make it.

  And if there was one thing I knew, it was that I’d do everything in my power to make it.

  Chapter Seven

  Mason

  I needed a clear head.

  As much as I hated being away from Darcy, especially with her being so close to being free, I needed this small respite to simply breathe and gather myself. The last few days felt like a never-ending roller coaster ride from Hell. To say I was grateful it was almost over was an understatement.

  I was more than ready to put this behind us.

  The second I closed the door behind me and made my way to the kitchen, something funny happened. She’d told me to go eat and my stomach had grumbled at the memory of food. I recalled vague snippets of quick meals; brief moments where I’d quickly shoved something in my mouth and chewed. I’d been running on autopilot since I’d kissed Darcy goodbye and watched Devlin take her.

  That wasn’t what held my fascination, though.

  It was the fact that my hands were shaking, like honest-to-goodness trembling, and hadn’t stopped for the last ten minutes. My brain knew it was a reaction to the shock and strain of the almost non-stop vigil I’d kept over my wife. That, I understood.

  What confused me was why I couldn’t get it to cease—no matter how many times I told myself the worst was over. The tremors made my futile attempts at slicing tomatoes for a sandwich pointless. And after several attempts to open the cellophane wrapper and add cheese to the ham I’d found in the fridge, I gave up.

  Two pieces of bread and the folded heap of ham was all I could manage. Grabbing an apple and water bottle, suddenly there wasn’t enough air in the room and I had to get out of the house. Not so far away that I couldn’t hear someone call for me, but one more second longer within these walls and I felt that they might come tumbling down around me.

  “Get your shit together,” I growled softly, not caring who heard me. After what I’d been through, talking to myself was the least of my worries. Taking a seat at the picnic tables we’d set up for those who liked taking their meals outside, I was determined to ignore my body’s reactions. I didn’t have time to fall apart.

  If I had my way, I would have taken the sandwich back to the cage to observe Darcy’s meeting with Zane.


  The large bite I took tasted like sawdust, completely lacking flavor, and I dropped the sandwich in front of me. Who was I kidding? I had zero appetite and until I knew my girl was out of danger, anything I ate would just sit in my stomach like it was made of lead. Taking a swig of water resulted in the same disinterest.

  “Can’t say I didn’t try,” I sighed, pushing back and getting ready to stand.

  “I think Darcy would beg to differ.”

  Pausing, I looked up to see Devlin standing in front of me with his hands in his pockets.

  “You look like crap.” I snorted, plopping down into my seat, again. Instinctively, I reached for my food and groaned, recoiling at the last second.

  “Have you looked in the mirror lately, buddy? You don’t look so hot yourself.” There was no sarcasm in his comment, just pure fact. Swinging his leg over the wooden bench, Devlin sat opposite me and scrubbed his face with his fingers. “How you holding up?”

  “I’m okay.” Not meeting his gaze, I picked at the bread crust, tearing off a small piece and tossing it to the side. Birds generally kept their distance from werewolves, but once we were gone, I knew some small robin or finch would snatch it up. I might not be able to swallow anything, but there was no reason for good food to go to waste.

  “Sure.” It was his turn to snort now. “That’s why you look like you could sleep for a month and you can’t get your hands to quit shaking, right?”

  Sure enough, he’d noticed that small detail; and rather than answer, I hid the evidence in my lap. Coughing, I offered him a slight smile. “Fine, how about I’m hanging in there?”

  “Better.” Eyeing me again, Devlin cast a sidelong glance into the forest and drummed absentmindedly on the tabletop. “You know, you don’t have to put up a front with me. I know this has been rough on you. It’s okay to say you’re tired as hell and can’t wait for this to be over.”

  I barked out an abrupt laugh. “I think ‘rough’ is a bit of an underestimate. It’s been torture. Pure and simple.”