She looked between Devlin and me, and it was Devlin who answered. “I was just saying that Zane was wondering when I’d be finished here.”
“Tired of babysitting your niece, huh?”
Carefully sitting down beside Darcy, she rested her hand on my thigh, her fingers lightly tracing a soft pattern over my pant leg. “I told him everything seems to have settled down and you were doing better.”
“Honestly, I feel fantastic,” she beamed, her smile dazzling. “I’m ready to get back into the swing of things and put this all behind me.”
“So the pressure is completely gone? No headaches? No pain?” Devlin asked, leaning forward in his chair, elbows on his knees.
“Nope, I feel perfectly fine. You can both quit being worrywarts. In fact, I’m thinking it’s time for a little fun.”
My heart warmed hearing the familiar excitement in her voice. “What do you have in mind?” I threaded my fingers through hers and gently squeezed.
“Maybe a trip into Woodside Hollow. Do a little shopping. I feel like reinventing myself . . . Some new clothes. You know, girly stuff” Even though I didn’t think anything was wrong with how she looked now, there was no way I was going to curb her enthusiasm. If she needed something to help her accept her new reality, hell, she could max out my credit cards to her heart’s content.
“That might be a good idea,” Devlin nodded, tapping his chin with his finger. “It’ll give us a chance to see how you handle being in crowds. It’s one thing to be able to deal with pack members and surrounded by loved ones. It’s another in a more public situation.”
The very thought made my stomach sink. “Do you think it’s too soon?”
“Hey, show a little confidence, Mason. I wouldn’t suggest it if I didn’t think I couldn’t control myself. It’s not like I’m going to go all Jack the Ripper and slaughter our neighbors.” Darcy lifted her hand from my thigh as she shifted in her seat. My fear had unintentionally hurt her feelings.
“That’s not what I meant, sweetheart. I have no doubt you’ll be okay. I just hate pushing you.”
“You think I’m unstable still, don’t you?” Her eyes filled with tears and the sight crushed me.
“No, if this is what you want, then I support you. Like you said, I’m a worrywart. Especially when it concerns you.”
Slowly my words softened the distress still displayed in her features. “I need you to trust me.”
“She won’t be alone, either,” Devlin added. “I’ll keep her safe.”
Darcy’s hands fisted in her lap for a second before relaxing. “See, Devlin will be there to make sure I don’t make any mistakes. Everything will be okay.”
Her smile did nothing to alleviate the ache in my chest. For some reason, the longer this conversation went on, the more I felt I was navigating a minefield of emotions—all of them Darcy’s. Devlin had warned me she might be different afterward, her personality, as well as her body, having to adjust to her enhanced level of aggression. I wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt, so I kissed the back of her hand. “Then it’s all set. Do you need me to come along, as well?”
Devlin gestured to Darcy, leaving the decision up to her.
“Maybe you should stay and get some sleep, yourself. I know you haven’t been getting enough lately. With me gone, you’ll be able to relax.”
It was on the tip of my tongue to tell her I’d have an easier chance catching the wind in a net, than resting without her by my side, but she needed this. She needed to be able to trust herself and prove things were back to normal.
“Then consider me snoring already.”
Darcy threw her arms around me, hugging tightly before releasing me. “I won’t be late.” She rushed over to the door, stopping only when Devlin chimed in, reminding her to wait for him.
“Feel free to call.” He winked, knowing full well I’d be counting the seconds down until she returned, unharmed.
“Have fun,” I called out, as they shut the door behind them.
Collapsing back into the chair, I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath of relief. Darcy basically seemed okay.
So why did I have a hard time believing it?
Chapter Fourteen
Darcy
It was becoming increasingly more difficult to hide my amusement as we left yet another store. Once I realized how much Devlin detested all things shopping—the sorting through racks and traipsing back and forth to the changing rooms—I decided to have a little fun and draw the whole experience out.
I dragged him into another promising store, where the stylishly hip clothed mannequins were displayed in the two front windows. Judging from the clock over the back wall and the way the vein in Devlin’s temple had begun to throb, we’d been in here for close to an hour. There was no way I’d be buying the six pairs of pants with matching shirts, but it was worth seeing him clench his jaw as he stifled his complaints.
I had to give it to him. He had a better handle on patience than I had. It wasn’t until I started talking about finding suitable shoes that he finally snapped.
“Seriously, are you going to buy any of these?” Devlin asked, clutching the hangers I kept shoving at him to hold. “I know Mason gave you his credit card, but shouldn’t you be practicing . . . I don’t know? How to be frugal?”
I snorted at him from the other side of the wooden divider. “And here I thought this is how Vlad and you spent your weekends together.” My reflection caught my eye and I twisted my body from side to side. This latest outfit was definitely sexy, something that would make it practically impossible for Mason to keep his hands off me. Devlin had raised an eyebrow when I’d discovered the tight, black leather pants with a silvery tank top. Aside from the way each piece hugged my curves, I loved how the sequins on the top threw a dancing pattern of light on the walls.
Pairing this with the perfect pair of heels and I’d be dressed to kill.
I’ll have my husband eating out of the palm of my hand, I whispered softly, giving the mirror one last perusal before undressing.
My husband. Those two words thrilled me, causing me to grin from ear to ear. I especially loved how it felt mouthing it.
My husband.
Mason O’Connor was finally mine. After everything we’d gone through—all the hardships and sacrifices, had been worth it. Knowing that nothing stood in our way of happiness was the icing on the cake. Sure, there had been some challenges that had threatened to keep us apart, but those were in the past. I was looking forward to a long, happy life with the love of my life.
“Okay, not to cut in on your retail therapy, but are we almost done here?” For a second I’d forgotten Devlin was still sitting outside. Scooping up the last of the clothing, I pushed through the dressing room doors and grinned.
“Fine, Mr. Crabby Pants. I’m done. Maybe I should’ve brought Vlad instead. At least he appreciates the finer things. Would it kill you to put a little thought into your own wardrobe?” My gaze swept up and down his body, noting the faded jeans and plain black t-shirt.
“I’m fine just the way I am, thank you very much.” He shrugged off my teasing and helped me sort through my items. “All of these, then?” Devlin was always so helpful.
Standing in line to pay, I rested back against the counter while the salesperson started ringing everything up. “So, did I pass your test? Or are you going to have to babysit me some more?”
His lips parted, ready to respond, when something caught his attention and his face lost all color. I followed the direction of his gaze, confused by his silence.
“What’s wrong?” I asked, wondering what was so interesting about the woman who’d just entered the store. It took me a second to realize, but he was already breaking through his sudden paralysis.
“How much longer will this take?” His question was aimed at the cashier who was oblivious to the sudden tension. She glanced up at him, her brow furrowed over his brusque tone. I slid Mason’s card over the glass counter top and she swiped it throug
h the reader.
“Just a few more moments, sir.” There was no mistaking the heavy tone of annoyance.
Devlin didn’t seem to acknowledge it, his eyes continually darting back toward the stranger. It wasn’t because of any immediate threat or danger—the woman bore a striking resemblance to Christina, his fallen friend and lover. She’d been one of the casualties in Julian’s attack and I’d yet to see Devlin fully acknowledge what her death meant to him.
It wasn’t me who was at risk now, it was his heart. As the sales clerk shoved the plastic bags toward us, I could already see the walls crashing down around his emotions as new steel barriers were erected protecting his inner thoughts from outsiders, shutting me out, as well.
I was used to being kept in the dark regarding certain aspects of his life, but this time, because of the memories I had of Christina, I didn’t like him closing himself off.
“Devlin.” I rested my hand on his forearm, needing him to face me.
“Not now, Darcy.” Despite having compartmentalized his response, there was still a slight strangled sound to his plea. And that’s what it was—a raw request to let it go.
“Okay, but not forever. Sooner or later you’re going to need to talk. If not with me, with someone.” Secretly I wished to be the one he spoke with– to pull into his confidence.
“I will. I promise. Just let me get you back home. You ready?” When he turned to look back at the lady standing by the register, he nodded a thank you as he picked up my purchases. His brief acknowledgment must have been enough to melt away her annoyance because she offered him a small wave and soft smile. Most women had a hard time staying mad at Devlin.
“Yeah, I think I’ve made a big enough dent in Mason’s credit for one day.” Threading my arm through his, we walked side by side out the store, careful to avoid crossing paths with Christina’s look alike.
As the afternoon sun warmed my skin, I was glad for the chance to get out. I might have joked about this being a test, but Devlin wasn’t the only one seeing how I would handle this excursion. If I wanted more freedom and a chance to regain my independence without someone shadowing me, I needed to prove I could control myself regardless of my environment.
I hadn’t even batted an eye when we’d crossed one street and found ourselves submerged in a crowd of fellow shoppers. Despite Devlin’s nervous questions, I’d remained steady and focused, proud of my success.
Heading back to where we’d parked the car, that wasn’t the case. My nerves were slowly being chipped away. When a middle-aged man talking on his cell phone bumped into me, I began noticing the burning in the back of my throat. My first reaction was to snarl at him, the second to abandon my plans and follow the pulsing beat of his heart.
I must’ve faltered, because Devlin immediately picked up on the change in my mood.
“What’s going on?”
Shaking my head, I pushed my hunger aside; but that only seemed to bring it closer to the surface. Vlad had been right.
“You can’t ignore it, Darcy. Better to admit that you’re thirsty so we can address it.” And like that, Devlin slipped into the role of teacher.
“Why? It’s not like there’s anything we can do about it, unless you’re suggesting we choose someone here.” That spiked my interest. So far the only blood source I’d had access to was Devlin or the blood bags he kept in constant supply. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t intrigued at the thought.
Like a siren’s call, I began walking toward a couple window-shopping. The more I gave in to the cravings, the stronger they became—more incessant. Devlin grabbed my elbow, abruptly bringing me to a stop before I realized what I’d been doing.
“This was what I was worried about. You’ve done well at home, but it’s easy to get distracted when you’re not used to it. I should’ve paid more attention.” He looked up and down the street, for what I didn’t know.
“I’m sure I can hang on until we get back to the house.” As the words left my lips, I knew it was a lie.
“And have you lose control there? No, let’s find somewhere private and we’ll take care of it now.”
My pulse quickened. “Are you going to show me how to hunt?” Devlin almost gave himself whiplash; he jerked his head so fast.
I responded, “What? So I’ve watched too many vampire movies? Sue me.” I gave him a sheepish grin, but inside I desperately hoped he’d answer yes. I didn’t know whether admitting that truly made me a monster or not. It was one thing to hunt the wildlife that thrived in the woods surrounding Pack property. It was another thing entirely to view people the same way.
“You scare me sometimes, you know that? No, I know I’ll need to show you how to find blood sources in cases of emergency; but I’m here with you, now, so you can drink from me. We just need somewhere away from prying eyes.”
“I can make it back to the car. It’s only down the street a little further.” The idea of feeding in some side alley took any thrill out of it, leaving me feeling dirty.
“Then let’s hurry.” Not releasing his hold on me, Devlin quickly guided us toward the car Mason had loaned him. There was no stopping to peruse window displays or popping in to see what treasures I could discover along the way back. We covered the hour’s distance it had taken us to go from our parking spot to the last store in mere minutes. Once we were safely locked inside, Devlin let out a relieved breath.
“So, ummm, how are we going to do this?” I tried to figure the logistics in my head, each one more awkward than the other. No matter how I positioned my body, passersby would get the wrong idea.
“Give me a second.” Having come to the same conclusion, Devlin turned on the engine and pulled out into the road. Thankfully there wasn’t much traffic and before long, he turned into the rear of a gas station, away from other customers and cars. Putting the car into park, he lifted his arm, offering the vein in his wrist. “Drink.”
Wrapping my fingers around his arm, I scanned the area to make sure we weren’t being watched.
“Darcy. Drink.”
Not waiting to be told a third time, I struck with lightning precision, latching on tightly once the first drop of delicious blood hit my tongue. It was the same reaction every single time—that overwhelming urge to become lost in sensation, in the power that infused me.
With each blessed draw, my mouth filled, each greedy swallow easing the persistent ache for more. I didn’t know if it was the same for other vampires, but as each decadent drop hit my bloodstream, I felt more and more invincible. Like I was unstoppable.
Indestructible.
Unbreakable.
“Ease up, Slugger,” Devlin coaxed, his other hand at the back of my neck as a reminder. He could ask all he wanted; however, now that I’d started, I wasn’t sure that I wanted to stop.
“Darcy.” His command came sharper, laced with compulsion.
It didn’t matter as I clenched his hand harder, digging my teeth in deeper.
“Enough!” Without any other warning, Devlin ripped me away from his skin, his blood spurting from my mouth.
I couldn’t help myself. I scooped up the stray droplets, sucking his blood off my fingers.
“What is the matter with you?” He was angry, concerned, bewildered as I stared at him through what could only be described as a drug induced fog. I tried to find an answer, but words eluded me. All I could think—feel—was how amazingly strong I now felt.
Finally I was able to form a coherent sentence. “I’m not sure what happened.” Another lie. I knew exactly what had happened. I’d gotten swept away in blood lust.
“Obviously we pushed you too hard by coming into town, today. We should’ve started your outings more slowly.” Licking the wounds at his wrist, Devlin stopped his bleeding, not once taking his gaze away from mine. “I would’ve sworn you were past this, that you had better control.”
“I did. I mean, I do. It’s just like you said before, I got distracted.” It was time to back pedal before he decided to keep me locked
away at the house a little longer.
“You can’t afford to lose focus, though. I know this isn’t what you wanted, but this is reality for you now. The decisions you make can mean the difference between life and death to someone. You can’t ever slip up. Trust me, you don’t want that on your conscience.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to disappoint you. I guess I was just excited to finally be doing something normal.” I stared down at my hands as I fidgeted.
“I get it. I do. And I don’t mean to be a hard ass. You just can’t ever let your guard down, Darcy. Unfortunately, you don’t have that luxury.” Tilting my chin up with his finger, Devlin’s features were much softer. “I don’t want you burdened with guilt. Before you know it, it’ll start eating away at you.”
I didn’t know what else to say. I’d messed up.
“You’re adjusting well to everything. Don’t be in such a rush, okay? Give it time.”
I nodded as Devlin reached to start the car, again. We drove home in silence, my mind brewing over what had just happened.
Despite his assurances, I didn’t have all the time in the world to let things evolve naturally. There were things I wanted to accomplish and I was impatient.
But there was one thing Devlin and I were in agreement on—I couldn’t make another mistake like this. I couldn't let my control slip, again.
I needed to be more careful.
Chapter Fifteen
Mason
“Seems like forever since your taste was in my mouth.”
“It was earlier this morning.”
“Like I said, forever.” There was no keeping my hands off my beautiful wife. We’d managed to make it to the door before stopping.
She’d come home from her shopping excursion somewhat subdued. After cornering Devlin as he was about to take off on his motorcycle, I’d managed to decipher that something had happened while they were in town.
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