“Darcy?”
The question was followed by a not-so-subtle elbow to the side, successfully jolting me out of my bloodthirsty plotting.
“Huh?” I asked, embarrassed that I’d been caught daydreaming.
“I said you don’t have to finish up, if you’d rather go join your husband. I don’t mind.” Remembering that my mother had wanted to spend these last few moments together, I plastered a smile on my face, shaking my head.
“I’m fine. Sorry, I guess I got distracted.” I let out a short laugh before reaching for a pan.
“Penny for your thoughts?”
Something told me she wouldn’t be impressed if she knew. “Nothing much. I think I’m still trying to absorb everything, you know? There’s been a lot to process in a short amount of time.” It seemed to be the excuse to give because she dropped her dishtowel on the counter and encircled my shoulders with her arm.
“I don’t blame you for being quiet, then. Is there anything I can do to help?” She squeezed gently before leaning her hip against the counter. “You don’t have to go through this alone. Maybe I should call your father and tell him I need to stay a few days more?”
As comforting as that may be, I needed things to get back to normal. “I’m okay. Seriously. You don’t need to hang around, Mom. I think I just need a few good nights of sleep, that’s all.” I’d answered her so quickly that hurt flashed across her face. I hadn’t meant to upset her. “I’m glad you were here, though. I couldn’t have done it without you.”
“You sure? Because I meant it. You’re my daughter and if you need me . . .” Her sentence trailed off.
“I’ll always need you. But yes, I’m sure. Plus, you’re only a phone call away. Dad needs you, now.”
My answer made her beam, her eyes still watery. “He does, and heaven knows I need him, too.”
“That’s how I feel about Mason. He’s all I’ve ever wanted.”
“And judging by the way he looks at you, he adores you,” my mom admitted. “It reminds me of how it was when your father and I first married.”
“He still watches you the same,” I replied.
Her face lit up. “He does, doesn’t he?”
“So that settles it. You’ll go home and be with Dad and Mason and I will live happily ever after.”
“Sounds like the perfect plan.” Drying the pan I’d placed on the rack, we both settled into a comfortable silence. Even though my thoughts kept straying to the bedroom, this time meant a lot to my mother. It didn’t stop me from racing through the remaining dishes, though. Unplugging the sink and wiping over the chrome basin, I let out a tired sigh.
“Looks like I’m just in time,” Mason’s happy voice came from the doorway.
“And I believe that’s my cue to leave.” Placing a kiss on my cheek, my mother whispered goodbye, briefly stopping to hug Mason goodnight.
“I’m going to miss her,” he admitted, as he joined me at the sink. “It was nice having her here.”
“She offered to stay longer.” Mason stood in front of me, my back against the counter. He circled my hips with his arms and I rested my hands on his chest.
“And?”
“I told her it was okay for her to go home. She needs to stop worrying. The same goes for you. Don’t think I haven’t noticed you watching my every move, Mason. What are you expecting? That I’ll fall apart?”
“I didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable, sweetheart. It’s part of loving you, I guess. We’re always going to worry about you.”
“And the watching me?” I asked.
“Well, that’s because I can’t keep my eyes off my beautiful wife.” His smile held a wolfish quality.
“Always trying to sweet-talk your way out of everything, aren’t you?”
“Is it working?”
“Only if you follow it up with a kiss.”
He didn’t need asking twice. Without thinking, my arms wrapped around his neck as he leaned in. His lips were soft against mine, a complete contradiction to the hardness of his body.
For all his talk about being impatient, there was no hint of it now—each brush of his mouth and finally, stroke of his tongue, showed how in control he was. It would be my pleasure to unravel that hold, to strip him down to pure need and desire. He was a formidable man, but it paled in comparison to seeing him crumble with the right touch.
Mason on his knees, his heart in his eyes as he vowed to worship me forever. It was something I found myself constantly yearning for. I wanted him completely. Every inch, every piece of him. It wasn’t enough to own his devotion, I wanted it all.
I wanted to possess him as thoroughly as he possessed me.
I strained against his mouth, needing to taste him deeper. Careful to make sure I didn’t vamp out on him, I kept that part of me under lock and key. Mason dictated the pace of the kiss. As languid as it was, it didn’t lack for intensity. At any moment I felt I would melt in his arms.
“Sweetheart,” he whispered, trailing soft kisses across my jawline and down my neck. Tipping my head back, I opened myself up to him, each brush of his lips sending shivers through my body. I gripped onto his shoulders, not caring that my nails dug into his skin. This is what I’d been waiting for all day and it was only the beginning.
“Yes,” I answered, somewhat breathless.
“Ready to go somewhere more private?” He nipped at my skin and my back arched, pressing me into him.
“Yes.”
Waiting for him to move, I wasn’t prepared for him to scoop me up and carry me out into the hallway. Not once did he take his gaze from mine. I didn’t look away, either. As far as I was concerned, he was the only person who existed in my world.
Even when Daniel hollered for us to keep it down, Mason never broke stride. My stomach fluttered with anticipation. The moment had arrived. Everything I’d gone through would be worth it for the pleasure and bliss that I knew would soon follow.
He put me down long enough to open our bedroom door, picking me back up so he could carry me over the threshold. When he went to kick it shut, something stopped him.
Devlin.
Devlin, with an apologetic half-smile, had his foot out, preventing Mason from shutting him out of the room.
Whatever he wanted, it would need to wait. Nothing was more important than Mason and me enjoying some much needed alone time.
Unfortunately, my husband didn’t think the same way. “Is there something you want?” Already he was releasing me and my body slid down his. The friction it caused should’ve added fuel to the fire kindling between us, but the mood had been broken.
“I hate to do this, but I need you.”
“Not as much as I need him,” I mumbled bitterly under my breath.
Devlin must’ve heard because he threw me another apologetic look. “I know you both have plans; and normally I wouldn’t be asking, but this is important.”
“Isn’t it always?” I blurted out, my arms folded against my chest. My tone had Mason staring at me in surprise. “Sorry. You might as well come in, Devlin. It’s not like anything was happening. Yet.” I turned my back on both of them and sat down heavily on the bed. This was not how I’d envisioned our trip to the bedroom. By now Mason and I should’ve been naked, or at least very close to it. The distance between us seemed epic even though Mason was only a few short strides away.
I knew what they were thinking—I was being rude, but I couldn’t help it. I was tired. And I was beginning to get thirsty, again. And I desperately needed to be left alone with my husband. I didn’t know how much plainer I could be.
“Maybe we should take this to your office?” Devlin asked
Mason nodded, moving toward the door, when I stopped him. “I’m sorry. I don’t know why I’m being a bitch about it. Seriously, stay.” As if to prove I was being genuine, I smiled at Devlin. “What’s going on? You look worried.”
Devlin stared at me, distracted, before answering. “Usually I’d call one of the other Enforcers,
but those who are local are busy. Seems we missed the memo that tonight was open season on crime, so everyone’s out on assignments.”
“So, what do you need me for?” Mason asked. He’d retreated from the door and came to sit beside me. Holding my hand, his warmth grounded me and my annoyance faded.
“I know it’s been a while since you’ve done it, but I need you to come to apprehend someone. There was a brutal murder committed tonight and Zane doesn’t want me going out alone,” Devlin explained.
“And he can’t go with you?” I asked. To me, it made sense.
“If he wasn’t the king, I’d agree. But something about this sudden surge of break-ins and violence concerns me. Until we figure out what’s happening, I want him safely tucked away in his mansion, under guard.”
“I bet he didn’t appreciate you telling him that,” Mason chuckled.
“He didn’t. But I don’t care about placating his pride. So, can I count on you to help?” Even though the question was aimed at Mason, Devlin watched for my reaction.
“Of course. You know you can always rely on me, although I’m not sure how useful I would be. I don’t have the same training as an Enforcer,” Mason answered.
“But you’re a werewolf, an Alpha. You’re powerful and can hold your own if this doesn’t go as peacefully as I hope.”
“Just how bad could it go?”
“Black magic was involved. Witnesses reported seeing Morgan at the scene.”
This was bad. I’d gone with Devlin to ask Morgan questions and everything I’d seen during that visit told me she could be a possible threat in the future. She’d been sarcastic in her interaction with Devlin—her rogue status amongst the community proving she couldn’t be counted on as a friend of the Pack. Vivien had explained how Morgan had once been a member of her coven, someone she’d mentored but later turned her back on Vivien.
As Mason let out a loud whistle, anger at hearing Morgan’s name punched through me. “So let me get this straight. You come to our home and interrupt our evening, so you can take my husband to capture her? Are you kidding me?”
“Darcy!” Mason exclaimed. I knew he was shocked by my outburst; but from everything I’d heard about Morgan, she was rotten to the core.
“No, Mason. We just survived our own drama and now I’m supposed to be okay with you rushing into more danger?” I abruptly stood as I pointed accusingly at Devlin. “Why would you do this? You’re more than capable of doing this alone. You’re practically revered as a god amongst the supernatural community.” I spat out my words through clenched teeth, my body shaking.
“Sweetheart,” Mason whispered, coming up behind me. “What’s this about?”
“I’m tired of us always being in some kind of danger. Trouble finds us easily enough without us going out and looking for it.” Tears began streaking down my cheeks. I felt weak for losing control of my emotions. I knew how stupid I looked, but I didn’t care.
“When’s the last time you drank, Darcy?” Devlin asked. His question added fuel to the fire.
“This has nothing to do with my thirst,” I fired back, even though I knew deep down he was right. I’d gotten distracted by some idle gossip from a pack member and had only taken one blood bag, instead of the two I always tried drinking. Because of it, I could feel my hunger simmering to a boil below the surface.
“It has everything to do with it. Each time you lose your temper, it’s because you’ve ignored it. I warned you earlier today that you couldn’t do it. You have to remain vigilant at all times.”
“What happened earlier?” Mason chimed in. He looked between the both of us. “Can someone fill me in?”
“Nothing,” I answered.
Devlin snorted. “It’s definitely something. Darcy lost control while in town and we needed to make an emergency stop. I had to use compulsion before she drank too much from me. She doesn’t seem to realize how dangerous she can be.”
“I do understand. I get it. I’m trying, damn it!” I yelled, the thin hold on my emotions snapping.
Mason pulled me into his embrace, stroking my back to calm me. I wanted to rail against him, pummel him with my fists, but instead, I leaned into him. “I know you are. We’re not saying you’re not.”
“What’s happening to me?” I sobbed, tears freely flowing.
Devlin came to stand beside us, his face filled with compassion. “It’s an adjustment, Darcy.”
Mason’s fingers traced a gentle pattern, each caress slowly coaxing me to relax. “You’re okay. Just breathe.”
I sniffled against his chest. “I don’t feel so good.” And I didn’t.
“I can give you a few moments alone, if you want,” Devlin offered quietly. “But then we’ll need to leave.”
The selfish part of me cringed. No matter how badly I needed Mason right now, he would honor his responsibilities as Alpha and the respect he’d earned. I knew this about him and had accepted it.
Right now, though, it was a bitter pill to swallow.
“It’s okay. Go. Just make sure you come home safely.”
Tilting my chin upward, Mason placed his mouth over mine. “I love you. I’ll be home as soon as I can.”
Nodding as I let out a tired sigh, I stepped back and approached Devlin. “Sorry for the meltdown.”
He gathered me in his arms as well, hugging me tightly. “It’s okay. It happens.” Releasing me, Devlin whispered in my ear not to forget to take care of my hunger.
As if I ever could.
The room fell silent as they said goodbye, leaving me alone with my jumbled thoughts. Tonight had been a disaster. Nothing had gone as planned and, like a cherry on a sundae, I’d given them one more thing on top of everything else to worry about.
Unless I could prove I really wasn’t crazy and could take care of myself, I’d be watched even closer.
Great, I muttered under my breath.
I sat a few minutes more, exhausted, before heading back to the kitchen for blood.
Chapter Seventeen
Mason
“What the hell was that?” Devlin asked, hands gripping the steering wheel. We were still parked in the driveway with no sign of moving. He looked how I felt—shell-shocked.
“Honestly? I have no freaking idea.” I rubbed my fingers over my mouth, staring back at the house. I’d expected Darcy to have mood swings, but that had been something all together different. We’d known each other long enough to understand that even though we were a couple, as Alpha, I also had a responsibility to our community. She’d never gotten upset like that before.
Her anger seemed completely alien to who she was. To who she had been.
Devlin’s gaze didn’t stray from the space in front of him. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say she was bipolar. I’ve never seen her flip flop so fast. For a second there . . .” He didn’t continue.
I knew exactly what he was going to say. It was the same thought running through my mind. “It was like she was a different person.”
“Exactly.” He released a sharp exhale, loosening his hold on the wheel. Devlin finally started the engine and we pulled away from where he’d parked his new truck. Any other time, I’d have commented on how badass his vehicle was, but it didn’t seem appropriate. Right now, I was having a hard time trying to divert my attention to the matter at hand—not Darcy and the temper tantrum she’d just thrown, but the fact Devlin needed my help with Enforcer business.
I looked over at him. “Lynn also had the same concerns.”
“She did?” Just admitting that there was more than one person who had noticed Darcy’s erratic mood swings added validity.
All I could do was nod. I’d hoped things would begin to settle down, but tonight had proven that something was still unstable when it came to my wife. She may not be insane, like the others who’d managed to survive the conversion, but she also wasn’t the same. Judging from the way she’d broken down, sobbing over the way her own outburst had scared her; she apparently didn’t like how
she was feeling, either.
“We’re going to have to address it sometime, Mason,” Devlin said, casting me a sideways glance.
“True. I want to say we need to give her more time, but this is uncharted territory for me. I have no clue how to help her—or even if she needs some kind of intervention. Helena said that the spell she performed would resolve everything. I don’t even think Darcy’s shifted, either.” That was the first thing I’d wanted to ask her when she’d started feeling better, but I’d held back.
Whenever I felt unbalanced, going for a run was always the thing that cleared my head and grounded me. The fact she hadn’t changed into her wolf form worried me. Thinking she was just being overcautious, I had let it go.
Now, I wondered if I needed to push the issue a little more.
“I know this doesn’t help, but every conversion is universally the same, yet unique because of the person. While there are certain steps that each vampire takes, personality does play a huge factor.”
“How do you explain Darcy, then?”
“The only thing I can think of is that because she was already a werewolf, her dual predator nature is key.” Setting his cruise control, Devlin merged onto the highway that linked Woodside Hollow to neighboring towns.
The green reflective sign showed we still had at least thirty miles before we arrived at our destination, giving us plenty of time to mull over the situation. Apparently Morgan had been spotted near Devil’s Spring, at one of the clubs Vlad frequented. No one knew how long she’d be there, so time was of the essence.
The farther away we travelled from Pack property and Darcy, the stronger my restlessness grew.
“So, we wait?” As much as I hated it, this seemed to be the answer every time I doubted about her well-being.
“We wait. I know that doesn’t alleviate your concern, but it’s still early days for her.”
“This is killing me, Devlin. My instincts tell me that I need to figure out what’s going on, but I also realize this could simply be a case of me being overprotective.”
Savage Possession Page 14
