He tilted my head. There was sincerity in his expression, and taking in a deep breath, I nodded. I took hold of my hair, and sweeping it to the side, exposed my throat for him. My body trembled, my hands shaking, and I closed my eyes as I waited. There were a few seconds of silence before I could hear him softly chuckle.
“I would never presume to bite you in such an intimate place.” There was a devilish twinkle in his eyes, and I could tell he was trying to keep himself from laughing. “Let me have your finger.”
I glanced over, and saw him standing with his hand out, anticipating my next move. Showing my faith, I gave it to him, curling my fingers in but leaving one extended. Nodding, Devlin raised it to his lips.
The coolness of his mouth caught me by surprise. I was used to finding heat whenever Mason and I kissed, and I almost pulled my finger out in shock over the difference. He anticipated my reaction, latching his right hand around my wrist. There was a slight sting as his fang punctured the flesh, and squeezing slightly with his grip to get the blood flowing, Devlin sucked once or twice. His gaze never left mine as he scanned to check how I was, and once it was done, I felt his tongue sweep over the small hole to seal it shut.
“You okay, Darcy?” Mason asked.
I rubbed my finger with my thumb, amazed at how quickly it was over, and how the wound had disappeared. “Yeah, I’m okay. So what’s the verdict?”
My stomach sank to the soles of my feet as I watched Devlin shake his head.
“Magic.”
“Really?” I asked, confused by his answer.
“You can’t deny blood—it’s there. You’ve come into contact with it, and judging from the way its set your body into uproar, it’s something you have constant closeness with. Think. It’s something new from the past few days.” Devlin looked at us all. “Tell me, guys, walk me through what’s happened recently. Don’t leave anything out, no matter how small you think it is.”
I told him about Amber arriving, finding out the history between her and Mason, the pack meeting, and going to town with her. I rehashed the conversation we’d had there, and then going to lunch with Mason where one moment I felt fine, and then deathly ill.
“Darcy’s had periods of excruciating pain, convulsing and vomiting like it was trying to purge itself from her body. It was intense, and it broke my heart to hear her screaming and crying for it to stop.” Mason reached out to squeeze my hand. “She’s had another attack since then.”
“She’s also complained of nightmares as well. I woke her from the last one, and she’d almost ripped her bed apart,” Daniel added.
It looked as if the wheels were churning in Devlin’s mind as he tried to analyze the evidence. I could almost imagine him seeing this like a puzzle, and he was trying to rearrange the pieces so they made more sense and revealed the bigger picture.
“Wait!” Mason’s voice resonated so loudly, it caused me to jump in surprise. He growled, and stared at me. “I’m so stupid. I was so caught up in worrying about you, I overlooked it. Your ring … this all started shortly after you put it on.”
“It was a gift, though. I don’t see someone wanting to hurt me with it.” I looked down at the simple band on my finger. It tingled under my touch, and my stomach lurched. “You don’t think ….”
With lightning fast reflexes, Devlin snatched up my arm and gazed at the ring. He flinched at the contact before pulling on it, sliding it over my knuckle and off my hand. A wave of dizziness caused me to sway, but that wasn’t what shocked me the most—with the contact broken, I could feel myself getting stronger.
“Who sent this?” Devlin demanded, holding it up for everyone to see. “If I’m right, this is the cause behind Darcy’s condition.”
“We don’t know. It came with a card, but I’d left it on my desk. Daniel?” Mason turned to his best friend, but he didn’t need to continue.
“I’m on it. Be back in a second.” And he headed out of the room.
Devlin tossed the ring onto the end of the bed, and my gaze followed. It seemed to pulse and call me from the top of the blanket, and it took Devlin shaking me by my shoulders to draw my attention away. “This is important. Do you feel any different?”
I blinked a few times, taking my attention away from the ring, and focusing on my body.
“Strangely enough, I do. I still feel tired, but something feels different inside—lighter, less hostile.” As each second passed, I felt I was being restored to my former strength, and with it came fiery indignation. “Who did this?”
“I couldn’t find it. It looks like your desk has been cleaned and the waste basket emptied,” Daniel interrupted, returning from his search. His fists were clenched, jawline taut as he ground his teeth in frustration. Now we knew the “how,” we needed to figure out the “who” and “why.” I know I wasn’t the only one wondering if this involved Amber.
“It doesn’t surprise me,” I muttered. “If this is foul play, whoever did it would be covering their tracks. And honestly, do you really see Amber signing her name to the card?”
“It’s linked. I’m going to trust my gut with this,” Mason spoke up, and he leaned in to peer at the small band. “It seemed so harmless. It was the first gift to arrive, and I thought Darcy might like to wear this, so I didn’t think twice about showing her.”
“It’s not your fault, you didn’t know.” I could see the way his shoulders tensed, that he was bearing the guilt for this. “We can’t be paranoid and suspicious over every little thing. And face it—you know if I’d have seen it first, I would’ve put it on. The important thing is to find out who sent it.”
“I agree.” He nodded. “And from now on, all gifts are inspected.” Turning to Devlin, he pointed to the piece of jewelry. “That would’ve taken an amazing amount of power to enchant.”
“Yes, and there are not many who could have done it successfully. Given enough power, you can put magic into anything and then add intent. The use of crystals would amplify the purpose. Vivien will want to see it. If there’s anyone who’ll be able to uncover the sender, it’s her.”
Walking over to the bed, and peering down to inspect the ring closer, Devlin added, “If we can figure out what was done to this, it’ll be adequate proof to the Council of Amber’s interference in pack business. It’ll revoke the asylum claim, and she’ll be made to stand trial for the improper use of magic. The outcome won’t be good for her in the least.”
“Then let’s do it,” Daniel’s voice was firm.
“I really think we need to get Darcy out of here. Who knows what Amber will do if she feels we’re starting to uncover her lies. If she thinks her plan hasn’t worked, she may try a more direct approach, and I don’t want to give her any opportunity to take a shot at Darcy again.” Mason wore his “no nonsense” face—the one where we knew there’d be no arguing with him. He’d made up his mind, and there would be no budging him when it came to my safety.
“There’s no way in hell I’m leaving you here with her. I say I go and confront her now, problem solved.” I was answered with a deafening no from all three.
“If you go in there without solid proof, you’ll be the one standing before the Council,” Devlin stated.
“Mason won’t be alone. I’ll remain behind so I can keep an eye on things. Please, for the sake of the pack, we need to keep you safe because it will destroy us if something happens to you,” Daniel added.
I kept shaking my head. “No, it’ll be easier if we stick together.” I looked at Devlin and Daniel for support, but I knew it was pointless—they agreed with Mason.
“Can you give us a moment?” Mason asked, and I watched as the other two left the room. Hardening my stare, determined to argue for what I wanted, I was instantly softened by his next words.
“I can’t lose you.”
And I found myself pulled into his arms.
Chapter Thirteen
I surrendered myself to him, and tightening my arms around his waist, I nodded against Mason’s chest.
/>
“Okay, I’ll go.”
He stilled, but not before I could feel the soft rumble of laughter ripple through his body. “Well, that was easy. I expected more of a debate.”
I tilted my head so I could look into his eyes, and smiled. “Yeah, I kind of thought so too. I really don’t want to leave, but I understand why you need me to. If it helps you to worry less and find a way to get Amber out of here, then consider my bags packed. Just don’t expect this to happen all the time.” Chuckling, I lifted my hand to caress the side of his jaw.
“Of course not, I look forward to every chance I get to see you fired up and ready for battle,” Mason replied, his blue eyes twinkling.
“You know I’m going to miss you terribly. How many days do you think I’ll need to stay away? I can’t remember the last time we were separated for a long period of time.” I faked a surprised gasp, and took a step back. “What if you forget me?” Even though I tried to look as though I was being serious, it was a struggle to keep another grin from crossing my face.
“Hmmm, you’re right. You know what they say… out of sight, out of mind. That’s a very real possibility.” Mason paused and tapped his finger against his chin, thinking. “I guess there’s only one way to avoid it.” Using his hand, he angled my head and bending forward, brushed his lips against mine. I shivered from the sensation, loving the way it felt.
“What do you have in mind?” I whispered, already a little breathless.
He was so tender, so serious, as he swept away a strand of hair from in front of my eyes, touching the outline of my cheek before tracing his finger down the slope of my neck. The contact left a heated trail across my skin, and I lifted myself onto my tiptoes so I could bring our faces closer together.
“I’m going to kiss you in such a way you won’t forget me.” His breath fanned over me as he studied my expression.
“Don’t you mean you won’t?” I watched his lips, and licked my own to moisten them. I was completely at his mercy, hanging off his every word.
“It would be impossible for me to. You’re branded on my soul.”
Making his move with his arms wrapped around my waist, he raised me slightly, forcing my body to align with his. We were a perfect fit, my softness to his hardness, and I reached to tangle my fingers in his hair.
His kiss was incredible. It started slowly, as though he was just warming up and wanting to savor the first taste. Moving his mouth, he dragged his teeth over my bottom lip, tugging before releasing it. Repeating the motion, it caused my back to arch, and I strained against him.
Ready to deepen the kiss, I was given only a seconds notice before his tongue swept across the seam of my mouth. There was a moment of hesitancy—as though he still wasn’t sure of the pace he wanted to set. All it took was sweet contact with my own tongue, and Mason turned the temperature up—from simmer to boil. The intensity caused my mind to spin.
He was thorough, urgent, kissing me as though this may be the very last time. His hands left my waist and journeyed upward, finally stopping as he cupped my face. I was in real danger of being consumed by heated pleasure—the connection feeling as though I was being turned inside out and upside down. I lost my center of gravity as he became my world, and all I could do was hold on tight. There would never be a chance of forgetting this man—he was everything to me.
Just as I began to feel I’d drown in sensation, he slowed, reducing his assault until it was the languid exploration of before. Sucking my bottom lip into his mouth, his tongue flickered once more before he finally released me.
“Mission accomplished,” he finally said, and I let out a content sigh of agreement. I didn’t want to open my eyes, still enjoying the after effects, and Mason chuckled. “I like the look you’re wearing right now, and I can’t wait for another chance to put it there again.” I felt his forehead rest against mine. “Time to go.”
“I know.” I hugged him close to me, and finally gazing at him, I smiled. “Make sure you have one of those kisses waiting for me when I return.”
“It’s not going to be forever, even though it’ll feel like it every second we’re apart. It’s just until I can know for sure you’ll be safe here.”
“Okay,” I answered, as I entered the closet to pull down a suitcase. Mason sat in the chair and watched me as I started moving about, filling the luggage with clothing and anything I thought I’d need while I was gone.
I packed quickly, going over a mental checklist so I didn’t forget anything. I knew I didn’t need much, confident this mess would be resolved within a matter of days. My gaze kept darting over to Mason, noticing his silent stare which followed my every step. I was pretty sure he was doing the same as me—taking it all in, appreciating our last few minutes.
“I think this is it.” I placed the final item on top before zipping the bag closed. Rising from the seat, he took hold of the handle, and using his other hand, entwined his fingers with mine. I kissed him softly, and opened the door. “Let’s go find Devlin and Daniel.”
“So what’s the plan? I stay with Devlin for a few days, see Vivien, and wait for the Council to revoke the asylum petition?” I looked at the small crowd surrounding me as I was held securely in Mason’s arms. Devlin had thought it was a good idea to keep up with the sick pretense in case Amber was watching, not wanting to give any hint that we’d figured out what was happening.
Resting my head against Mason’s chest, I was the perfect picture of weak, of someone being whisked away to safety. I didn’t know where Amber was at the time, but I was confident the ruse would work.
“Yes. And while you’re gone, we’ll continue to keep a close eye on Amber,” Daniel reiterated.
“We’re still looking into things, so if anything changes, I’ll call and let you know,” Mason added, not wanting to release me from his embrace. “When this resolves, I’ll be banging down your door, Devlin, to bring Darcy home.” Looking at me, Mason’s facial expression was determined.
“I’ll keep her safe, I give you my word.” Devlin held eye contact with Mason before bowing slightly. “She’ll want for nothing.”
Standing by my friend’s motorcycle, I looked down at my suitcase. “I’m going to need to follow you in my car with this. There’s no way it’ll fit on the back of your bike. We’re going to your place in Winters Creek, right?”
“We are. I can leave my bike here and come back for it later.” Nodding, Devlin took the bag and headed over to the vehicle, while we slowly followed behind.
“Don’t do anything stupid, you hear me?” I whispered to Daniel, wishing I could give him one more hug before I left. He looked so solemn, and he bowed his head slightly.
“When have I ever done anything stupid, Darcy?” Leaning in close, he chuckled in my ear and brushed his knuckle over the curve of my cheek.
“I mean it.” I pointed my finger at him to emphasize my seriousness. “That’s an order.”
His small smile left his face, replaced by a look of solemnity I didn’t always get a chance to see from the Pack jokester. “I promise.” Looking over at Mason, he offered one last nod, and stepped back. “I’ll leave you two alone for a moment.”
We continued toward my car, Mason’s arms still holding me tightly. Even though I dreaded each step, I knew we were making the right decision. With my bag stowed in the trunk of the car, Devlin was leaning against it with the passenger side door open. Mason tenderly lowered me into the seat, and I buckled myself in, smiling.
Stepping back, Mason reached out to Devlin and grabbed hold of his forearm. “Keep her safe.”
“I will. She’ll be well protected.”
Freeing his grasp, Mason pulled Devlin into a quick embrace. They pounded each other on the back before moving away, and all I could do was sit and watch them—both giants among the supernatural community, each holding enough power to make them forces to be reckoned with.
Coming back to crouch down beside me, Mason took a quick look at the house before returning his focus to me
.
“I’ll miss you,” I whispered. “I know I’m only going for a few days, but still ….” I let the sentence fall away.
“We’ll talk every day. It doesn’t matter what the time, if you need me, I’ll be there.” I leaned into the soft stroke of his thumb as he brushed it across my cheekbone. We shared one more lingering kiss before Mason stood, closing the door before moving away.
I watched as he exchanged a few more words with Devlin as he was getting into the car. A quick turn of the key and the engine started. Just as we were about to pull away, I heard a tap at the window.
Daniel stood beside Mason, and gesturing he had something to add, I wound the glass down and looked up into his face.
“None of this changes the fact you and Mason are meant to be together.” I watched him bow with respect, paying homage to my placement within the pack.
“I know,” I replied, emotion thick in my voice. I took another glance toward Mason, and smiled. He patted his chest, his hand placed over his heart, and I nodded.
Letting out a sigh, I waved goodbye as we finally left. I looked back at the house through the side mirror.
Don’t get too comfortable there, Amber, your stay is almost at an end—for good.
Chapter Fourteen
“Home sweet home … well at least while I’m in town.”
Devlin swept out his arm in a grand gesture, moving to the side after he entered the house. Bending at the waist, he wore a large grin as though he was admitting a member of a royal family. I laughed, covering my mouth with my hand, and stepped over the threshold.
“It never fails to amaze me how many places you have,” I commented, looking around the foyer and noting nothing had changed much since I’d last been here. Out of all the places Devlin kept, this was the one I visited most because it was only a fifteen-minute drive from Woodside Hollow.
“Well, with being an Enforcer, it’s important to be able to come and go as I need and have a place of safety to use as a base of operations.” Devlin placed my suitcase down by the side table. “This is where I stay the most, though. With the King having a neighboring residence, and being part of the Council, he likes to keep me close. Of course, you’re nearby, so I like to keep an eye on you, too.” Devlin waved his hand, and I glanced at him funny. “Magical wards. It doesn’t hurt to be cautious. Let’s me know if anyone approaches.”
Forget Me Not (#2, The Mystic Wolves) Page 9
