She giggled. “I’ll be waiting. Hurry.”
I had every intention of doing just that. There was no small talk when I pounded on Devlin’s door and asked for some blood. He’d anticipated my request and handed me an ice chest filled with bags. With my mission accomplished, I raced back through the house, slipping inside our room like a mighty warrior returning home triumphant from a hard battle.
It was all for nothing, however, as the sounds of light snoring met me.
I’d only been gone a few minutes, but exhaustion was apparently the victor tonight, as Darcy was sound asleep and looking peaceful. There was no way in hell I was going to wake her. Careful not to disturb her, I placed the ice chest where she’d see it when she woke, and gingerly lay a blanket over her naked body.
There would be plenty of time for seduction.
As rough as the conversion had been on both of us, it had given us the gift of time.
I watched her until I couldn’t keep my own eyes open, sleep finally claiming me as well.
Chapter Ten
Darcy
I felt stronger this morning, which I took as a good sign that things were on track. Despite Mason’s cautious pleas for us to take it slow, it hadn’t taken much convincing—or what I’d sweetly deemed seductive coercion—to show him I wasn’t as fragile as he believed. Yes, this added strength my body now had would take some getting used to, but there was no need to keep me wrapped in a figurative cocoon of cotton wool.
Just like how I first learned how to harness my werewolf nature, being a vampire was simply a matter of keeping things in balance. Everything would fall in its allotted place. Granted, I would need to remain as flexible as possible to roll with whatever came my way, but that wasn’t always a bad thing.
Judging from the smile I’d left on Mason’s face, he didn’t think so, either.
At least that was one thing I could cross of my list of uncertainties. Even though our lovemaking this morning was a little rougher than I’d experienced with him in the past, it didn’t lack in passion or focus. There was still that frenzied urgency, the consuming desperation and need to be as close to each other as possible. Each touch and caress, each whispered word, sent us hurtling toward blissful satisfaction.
If anything, that extra edge of hunger made it all the more exciting.
With great reluctance, I’d left Mason alone in our room, determined to reclaim whatever future lay in store for us with both hands. I knew Devlin needed to assess me and, despite Mason’s encouragement to linger a little longer in bed and recuperate, I was eager to move on.
The sooner I understood who I was now, who I’d become, the better.
Blowing him a kiss from the doorway, there would be plenty of time for bedroom antics later. The second I got the green light to indulge in some normalcy again; I planned on exploring all things newlywed. From the romance novels I’d read, Mason and I were supposed to hide away in our love nest and ignore the world for weeks.
That sounded like absolute heaven, right now. I would embrace anything that didn’t involve drama, betrayal, or danger. I’d seen more than enough of that for this lifetime and a hundred more to follow. At this point, I was ready to stop resembling the gutsy heroines of the stories on my bookshelf and be more like the girl whose choices revolved around being content with married life.
You’d be bored. Admit it, I laughed inwardly. You just need to be more careful with what you wish for.
“Exactly,” I answered out loud, fully aware I was talking to myself. “And right now I wish for a bottle of ibuprofen or something.” Groaning, I tried to ignore the pressure in my head that hadn’t eased with sleep. In fact, it was the one constant thing I’d felt since fully regaining consciousness after the conversion. At first I’d assumed it was part of the process, a side effect of the changes my body endured, but now I wasn’t so sure. It was another of the many questions I planned to ask Vivien when she came. Maybe it was something to do with my body chemistry, something one of her potions could help.
“Headache?” The voice behind me startled me.
“Just the person I was looking for.” Turning around, I faced Devlin and gave him a grin. “I don’t know if it’s a headache or just tension.”
Frowning, he closed the distance between us, cupping my face with his hands. I remained quiet while he studied me, moving my head side to side, his eyes never leaving mine. “Hmmm, I know that others have reported something similar after they became vampires. I don’t, personally, remember suffering from a headache, though.”
“It’s okay,” I assured him, backing away. “It’ll pass. I guess I’m just experiencing a new set of growing pains.” He didn’t look convinced, but he didn’t push it.
“I was on my way to find you.”
“I wondered how long it would take before you two left your room.” Devlin chuckled, his eyebrows rising as though he was surprised. “I knew you and Mason had a lot to . . .”
“Talk about,” I interrupted, finishing his sentence. “We did.” I felt my face flush with heat.
“Any questions?”
“For you? Heck no,” I blurted, desperately needing to change this topic. “At least, not about . . .” My sentence trailed off as I looked around for a distraction.
“Thank goodness.” Devlin let out a loud sigh and I laughed. Guess I wasn’t the only one who didn’t want to broach the subject of sex. “You needed me, though?”
“Yep, I’m ready to start my assessments. I figured we’d begin with my vampire nature. I can’t imagine you’ll be staying much longer now that Zane’s given his approval.” I’d expected Devlin to say that he was already packed to leave and that he would come back periodically to work with me. It was so nice that he was still here. I liked knowing everyone I loved was under one roof. It made me feel safer.
“He’s given me the go ahead to stay a few days for you to continue adjusting, until I’m needed elsewhere. That’s the beauty of being an Enforcer. There’s always someone who needs help, someone who needs to be brought to justice.”
It meant a lot knowing he was still here. Moved by a sudden burst of affection, I wrapped my arms around his neck and hugged him. “I love you. Thank you.”
His strong hands patted my back gently. “So, you’re not going to give me an ass kicking I won’t ever forget?” It made me laugh to hear him remind me of what I’d said. Obviously he thought it was a threat. At the time, it had been my bitter promise.
“Oh, I fully intend to still do that. But it doesn’t change that I’m grateful for you.” Punching his arm, I glanced at the narrow space that linked the hallway to the living room. “I gather we’ll need to go outside for this?”
“We will. Do you need to grab something to drink first?” The way he quickly studied me suggested that was code for ‘do you need blood or would you rather bathe in mine.’ I chuckled again. He was nervous and I decided to give him a little grief over it.
I winked at him. “Afraid of me, huh? Want to prolong the inevitable?”
“I forgot how cocky newborns can be,” he snorted, shaking his head. “Let’s go.”
Devlin gestured for me to lead the way, but I stood my ground. “No, after you. Age before beauty and all.”
“Definitely cocky,” he murmured, walking away fast enough that I needed to pick up my pace to keep up with him.
“I learned from the best, after all.” I grinned.
“Then heaven help Mason. Between you and Daniel, he’s got his hands full.”
Our laughter and easy bantering spilled out of the house and into the air, the sun already warming the earth below my feet. I was excited about what would happen next—to see just how much I’d changed and see what kinds of strengths I’d inherited.
“Right now, I’d say you better just worry about yourself,” I replied. Not wasting any time, I sank into a fighting stance, my hands raised in the defensive position I’d been taught.
Outside, in the bright light of day, it was easy to see t
hat Devlin wasn’t worried in the least. In fact, the confident, almost lazy way he motioned for me to attack told me I hadn’t fooled him, at all.
For a flash of a second, I hoped he’d go easy on me. But it was just the briefest moment.
Not holding back, I obeyed, launching myself at him with my fist already cocked to strike.
I was a vampire now, with untapped potential.
The next little while was going to be fun.
****
“So, what do you think? Did I pass the test?” I grinned, sweat causing my shirt to stick to the center of my back. The past hour had been intense—insanely vigorous. Despite my worries about keeping up with Devlin, I’d matched him blow for brutal blow, our bodies contorting as we sparred with a ferocity I found thrilling.
There was no doubt about it. Adding vampiric traits to the mix had definitely magnified my abilities. If I was a threat before, as a wolf, I was now lethal.
The entire time I fought with Devlin, listening to his instructions and following through, I could feel my wolf in the background. Part of me expected her to come to the forefront and join in, but there was still an uncertainty about her. She was on guard—vigilant as always—watching from the corners of my mind.
No amount of enticement could lure her out. Instead of worrying about it, though, I refocused on my evaluation. Mason had mentioned we would be addressing these concerns together, so as much as I was curious to see both my natures in action, there was no time for distractions.
Something I realized as Devlin’s powerful right hook connected with my jaw, snapping my head backward. Staggering, I wouldn’t have been surprised to find my head separated from my body. The grin that erupted across my face, mere moments before I released a war cry of retaliation, told me everything I needed to know—I was a lot more resilient than I’d anticipated.
One look at the bruising along Devlin’s own jawline proved that. I’d given as good as I received.
“Damn, I’ve seen you fight, but that was beautiful, Darcy. Poetry in motion.” He wiped the sweat from his own brow, a proud look on his face. “You kept me on my toes and that move you did toward the end . . . how the hell did you pull it off?”
“That would be the Matrix-like maneuver I did to avoid the roundhouse kick you aimed at my head?” I laughed, “I have no idea. Reflexes, maybe?”
“You definitely benefited from the conversion. I’d naturally assumed you’d pick up all the usual vampiric traits of increased speed, reflexes, and agility; but you are absolutely a force to be reckoned with. Just be mindful when you’re working out with Mason and Daniel. There’s nothing fragile about you, now.” He winked at me, taking in a deep breath as he glanced about the space we’d taken over. “Actually, maybe not so much with Daniel. He’s a smart ass. He deserves a little beating.”
It made me feel good, proud, that I’d been able to hold my own against my uncle. There’d been times, in the past, when I’d watched him with awe because, even though he was a powerhouse, there was something I always found graceful about his movements. I’d grown up feeling uncoordinated, so I was elated to see that those insecurities were now a thing of the past. I was practically a ninja.
“Daniel’s not that bad.” I laughed. He was, but I also knew his heart. I would be hard pressed to find anyone as loyal as Daniel was to Mason, me, and the Pack. The idea of seeing his face drop from me knocking him on his butt made me smile, though. That would be priceless.
“Refreshments, anyone?” My mom’s voice came from behind us and sure enough, she was approaching with bottles straight from the fridge inside. My mouth watered at the sight, my throat parched from the heavy workout I endured.
“That would be perfect, Lynn. Thanks,” Devlin answered before chugging down half of his.
I stared at the contents while unscrewing the lid, nodding. “Thanks, Mom.”
“Wait, should I have brought blood, instead?” Concern flashed in her eyes, her hand resting lightly on my forearm.
“No, this is good.” It struck me how easily everyone seemed to fall into my new way of life. I’d expected there to be an adjustment for those around me. The weight that had been resting heavily over me from the uncertainty eased up considerably. Mason first, and now my mother. It added to the confidence I was gaining in being able to handle all the new changes, I thought, taking a mouthful of the cool liquid.
“You looked incredible, honey,” my mother beamed.
“You saw?”
“I caught the tail end of your fighting.” With a teasing grin, she raised her eyebrows at Devlin. “She definitely gave you a run for your money. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so out of breath.”
Devlin coughed, rubbing his hand over the back of his neck. “Well . . .”
“I was a total bad ass and you know it! Admit it. Even Chuck Norris would be terrified of me right now,” I gloated.
“I wouldn’t go that far,” he corrected, but I was still on a high from all the adrenaline coursing through me.
“I believe I knocked you down how many times?” I cupped my hand around my ear, leaning forward. He murmured his answer and I burst into laughter. “What was that? Could you speak up?”
“Four times, okay?” It was good to see Devlin rattled. I’d surprised him with how well I’d reacted to his testing. Hell, I’d surprised myself, as well.
“So, she did good?” my mother asked, concerned.
“Absolutely. I’d recommend she continue training so she can continue developing her skills and learn how to measure her strength. But yes, she’ll be a definite asset to the Pack, now.”
“Now?” My eyes widened at his last comment and I elbowed him in the gut. Hard.
“You know what I mean. You were a force before, but there’s no denying that you will now hold a distinct advantage over any wolf that thinks to challenge you or the Pack. Anyone, in fact.” I loved how strategic Devlin thought. With our friendship and familial connection aside, he was a warrior, protector, and an Enforcer. It was who he was to the core.
“Lucky. For a second I thought you were implying I was the weakest link.”
Draining the rest of his bottle, Devlin shook his head. “I’m not that stupid, Slugger.”
My mother gasped, covering her mouth to stifle her laughter. “I totally forgot you used to call her that.”
I groaned loudly over his childhood nickname for me. “Don’t even think about it.” I jabbed his chest with my finger for emphasis.
“But you were so adorable. Kind of like right now. The only thing that’s missing is two pig tails.” Devlin grinned, reaching out to swat at my hair. I went to grab his hand but he was too fast.
“I’ll have you know that I’m just as fierce as I was back then, maybe even more. Would you care for a reminder?” Tossing my water bottle to the side, I lifted my fists, ready to go on the offense.
“Easy . . . Slugger. I think you’ve had enough excitement for one day.”
That’s all it took and I pitched myself at him. With one deft move, as fluid as breathing, Devlin caught me mid-air, twisting me before slamming me hard to the ground, the motion instantly knocking the wind out of me. For all my pride in being able to impress him, my uncle proved, without doubt, that he was the master and I still had a lot to learn.
“Want to keep going?” He winked, holding me down firmly with his own fist.
“Can’t I at least get a new nickname? Maybe one that reflects I’ve grown up?” I asked, accepting his hand as he pulled me up.
“Nope. You will always be that little girl who used to skulk in the shadows and pounce on people passing by.”
“Or the little girl who bravely confronted bullies and growled at them,” my mom interjected.
Devlin burst into laughter. “I forgot about that. That sweet little face looking up at the object of her focus and that ferocious noise she’d make. She might have been small, but those green eyes . . . they were full of such righteous indignation.”
“Like now?�
� I cocked my eyebrow and tapped my foot. There was no deterring my mom and uncle, however. They were too busy taking a stroll down memory lane.
“Why do you think her dad likes to call her kitten? I can’t begin to tell you how many times the doorbell or phone would ring and there’d be some angry parent wanting to know why our little girl had wailed on their child.”
“She was a defender even back then.” Devlin smiled, all nostalgic.
“I’m standing right here, you know?” I broke in.
It made no difference. “She gave the neighbor boy a black eye, once. I’m surprised he was able to see out of it, all black and purple and swollen.”
“Yep, I think Slugger’s the perfect name for you, Darcy,” Devlin concluded, rubbing his jaw as if he still felt where I’d punched him.
“You guys are impossible.” As annoying as it was, it did my heart good to banter back and forth with my family—to have these moments where our conversation wasn’t weighed down with worry.
“But you love us and we love you.” My mother wrapped her arm around my shoulders. “Are you done here? I thought maybe we could spend some time together before I leave.”
“Sure, just let me change and I’ll meet you back here.”
Feigning a lunge at Devlin, I hugged him instead, kissing his cheek and whispering goodbye. “Thanks for this.”
“Anytime. I’ll be around if you need me.”
I was grateful for that. Even with things going smoothly, the thought of not having him here made me somewhat nervous.
There was a bounce in my step as I rushed back to my room. Mason would want to hear how it went; glad to see I was still in one piece. Things had definitely changed, but one thing brought me comfort.
In the midst of everything—we were still the same.
Chapter Eleven
Mason
“Try again,” I urged, my hand gently resting over the small of her back. We’d spent the last ten minutes testing out her ability to shift and the prognosis wasn’t looking good.
Savage Possession Page 9
