Decadence (Tree of Life Series Book 1)

by Nichole Austin

  She finally nods. I look at Quinn, and he motions for Caleb to get up before saying, “Alaric and I need to get ready.”

  Thomas nods. “Leave Caleb with us.”

  When we step into the hall, Quinn’s hand touches the moonlight accidentally, and his cry echoes through the corridor. Tackling him, I push him out of the way. Covering the window, I look at the end of the corridor and see Jacque smirking. When I know it’s secure, I advance on her. A growl bursts through my lips. “You’ve lost your mind.”

  She narrows her eyes at me. “Do you really think some mate bond is going to stop our love? We’ll be together because we’re meant to be.”

  My thoughts scramble to understand her as my mouth slackens. Suddenly, I realize she listened to our conversation. I shake her. “You’ve finally overstepped. You’ll stay away from me, my mates, my sister, my friends, and Caleb. If you don’t, there’ll be serious consequences,” I threaten through clenched teeth.

  Letting her go, she collapses in tears. Undeterred, I return to Quinn. He gets up, grabbing his burn, and laughs while shaking his head. “I thought I found the crazy ones, but the award goes to you, man.”

  I laugh. “What would I do without you, Quinn?”

  He claps the back of my shoulder. “You’d go crazy.”

  As we walk down the corridor, I realize people are placed in your life at the right time to help you cope with things that are sometimes too hard to deal with. They’ll lighten situations and be the calm in your storm. My mates are that.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Rosalyn

  I feel exhaustion deep in my muscles as my boots hit the ground, each step harder than the last. Last night was emotional, and waking up this morning was awkward, to say the least. Lawrence and I were up at the crack of dawn so we could ready ourselves. We met our mission party at the front of the castle where my mother waited, her eyes joyful at the events that were about to take place. She led us into the meeting room where we stood around a table looking at a map. I stood as she went over everything that has been going on with the wolves coming into our territory and giving us instructions. Soon after, we left. Shaking myself out of the memory, I realize I’m the leader of a mission that could mean life or death for everyone involved.

  A shudder ripples through my body as I look around at everyone I’m with and feel the immense responsibility on my shoulders. Scarlett to my left and Lawrence to my right. Xavier in front of me and Alizon behind. My mother returned their powers to them this morning, and Lawrence, Scarlett, and I quietly decided we would keep them separated. Nothing good will come from any from any of us being at each other’s throats while we try to find out why our wards are being weakened. We’re already going to have crazed Lycanthropes trying to kill us. We don’t need to be trying to kill each other.

  We’re about halfway there when Lawrence grabs my hand. Glancing up, I give him an inquiring look. “What are you doing, Lawrence?” I hiss. Quickly, I try to snatch my hand out of his before Xavier sees, but I’m not fast enough.

  As soon as he sees my hand in Lawrence’s, he reacts. Lawrence crumbles to the ground in pain, his hand crushing mine in his grip. He pulls me down with him, and I find myself laying on top of him, which only makes matters worse.

  Though it’s hard, I’m able to disengage so I can stop my future mate. This turned into a shit show faster than I expected.

  With my eyes narrowed at Xavier, I demand, “Stop it now!”

  Lawrence’s back is no longer flexed, and his mouth isn’t opened in a silent scream. Xavier stopped, but he advances on Lawrence quickly and grabs him by the throat, slamming him into a tree. “You’ll keep your hands off my mate.” My psycho, future mate pulls Lawrence back and slams his head against the tree again, causing bark to fall to the ground. “If you don’t, I’ll make sure you die a slow, agonizing death,” Xavier threatens, letting Lawrence go and laughing maniacally as he crumbles to the ground.

  Branches snag my arms as I rush to Lawrence to make sure he’s not harmed. When I see his chest rising and falling steadily, I turn my fury on Xavier, my power growing more out of control the closer I get to him. When I’m in his space, I let my power roll over him. “You won’t lay your hands, or your powers, on my husband again.” A stone falls into the pit of my stomach referring to Lawrence that way. “I may be your mate, but I’m married to him for now.” I say these next words slowly to get it through Xavier’s thick skull. “We took vows to protect each other, and like he would protect me with his last breath, I’ll do the same for him. If you do that again, I’ll make sure your life is a living hell. If you injure anyone in this party, you’ll answer to me and my mother.” Between clenched teeth, I order, “Leave him alone!”

  When I’m done, his nostrils are flared, and he’s breathing hard. He may be about to blow up at me, but I narrow my eyes at him while placing my hands on my hips. He’d be a fool to try to play games with me. I’ve been waiting to unleash the full scope of my powers since I haven’t been able to do it in Caldia. He’s immortal, it won’t kill him. The only way to do that is by chopping off his head, and I’m not in the mood to kill him yet. Give me a couple days and I may be.

  It’s time for me to teach this possessive, abusive, demanding asshole a lesson. Historically, he’s had all the power and has treated people poorly. This mission is an opportunity for someone who’s stronger than him to put him in his place. I know he’s my mate, but he needs a change of attitude before I ever marry the bastard.

  Xavier growls in my head, You think you’re going to teach me a lesson? You aren’t touching me, Rosalyn. No one’s changing who I am.

  All of a sudden, Quinn laughs. Xavier, you’re as corrupted as that queen you serve. And my queen, Rosalyn, isn’t mating with you until you make some changes to your character.

  Xavier snarls, and his fist goes flying at the tree. My eyes bulge, and I back away from him. When he’s this angry, he’s uncontrollable. Glancing at Alizon, I see that Lawrence is awake and a sigh of relief escapes my lips. Rapidly, I issue the remainder of my party orders. I will not risk them being injured. “Alizon, make a ward and get under it with Scarlett and Lawrence. Have Lawrence reinforce it while I deal with this idiot.” Alizon nods. Scarlett is quivering, and Lawrence is just shaking his head. I’m guessing he’s seen this before.

  Xavier’s going to town on this tree. Bark is flying everywhere. His knuckles are bloody, and I’m surprised his hands aren’t broken yet. Crossing my arms over my chest, I tap my foot and wait for him to work his aggression out. I’ll talk to him when he’s done. This is a perfect example of what Quinn was talking about.

  He slows down, and then he finally stops. He slides down the tree and looks at his bloody knuckles. That’s when Alaric’s voice comes in my head. Looks like all your temper got you was some bloody knuckles, and three Witches behind a ward. Your future mate thinks you’re immature and need to grow up, and we’re all concerned that you have a temper problem. Am I correct, Lucas?’

  For once, Lucas sounds angry, and his tone is fierce. Xavier, I’ve never liked you because of the things you’ve done. But what I just saw has me concerned for my mate’s safety. So, here’s your wakeup call. Learn to have a conscience or we’ll have to do something about it. If you haven’t started to figure it out, your future mate is a lot more powerful than you. And all of us together could end you.

  Xavier passes out, and I run to him. I speak to all three of my future mates. What the hell did you guys do to him?

  Alaric answers in a bored tone, We made him go to sleep for the night. We wanted him to learn just what could happen if he touches or hurts you.

  What is this? Comparing whose balls are bigger? All of you, grow the fuck up! I’m not dealing with this crap. We all have to eventually live with each other. I could’ve handled Xavier, I didn’t need you guys to step in. Just because I’m a woman doesn’t mean I need a man to fight my battles. Get the hell out of my head! I’m done! I’ll contact you if I need you. />
  For the first time, I push all of them out of my head on my own because I’m so angry. I’m shaking with rage, and I fear for my fellow Witches’ safety. If they were to touch me, I’d go off. I’m so sick of men trying to control me and telling me what to do. This is getting ridiculous.

  Taking some deep breaths, I calm down. Finally, I turn around to the three others who are still under the ward. “You can let the ward down. Xavier’s out for the night. Let’s set up camp here.”

  When the clear film of the ward comes down, Alizon asks, “What do you mean he’s out for the night, Rosalyn?” She looks over at him with worry in her eyes. I question my sanity, but whatever, I don’t have the energy to figure this out after a day of travel.

  “He’s out for the night, Allie. Let’s just leave it at that.” My eyes travel to Lawrence, and I pull a few wisps of hair behind my ears that have fallen out of my braid. “Lawrence, do you have a spell that can get us some shelter?” He nods and gets to work.

  The person I’m mainly concerned about is Scarlett. Being in the dungeon changed her. As much as I wish I could bring back pieces of who she was before, she’s just a broken young woman. Pulling her away from everyone I ask her, “Are you doing okay?”

  She shakes her head and gives me a serious look. My mouth drops as she accurately describes the situation we’re in. “I know this mission is supposed to help save my life and hopefully provide me with amnesty, but you guys are going to kill each other.” She purses her lips and leans softly against a tree. “Xavier wants to kill Lawrence, and I’m pretty sure if Lawrence sees Xavier touch you, he’ll kill him.” She gently snickers. “If you see Alizon get cozy with Xavier, you’ll probably kill her. If the wild Lycanthropes don’t kill me, you guys fighting with each other will.”

  My hands wrap around my middle as I start laughing and sit on the ground. It’s probably the best laugh I’ve had in a long time. Scarlett’s looking at me like I’ve lost my mind, so I try to gather myself enough to explain it to her. “You said something about Alizon getting cozy with Xavier. That’s the funniest thing I’ve ever heard. They hate each other. They have forever, so I know I don’t have to worry about that.”

  Rolling to my knees, I get up from the ground, and that’s when I hear a growl from the distance. I grab Scarlett’s hand and force her to hurry back to camp. We’re nearing the Wildlands, but we’re not close enough to be hearing growling.

  When we get back to camp, I see a tent erected in the clearing where we stopped. There are trees all around it. It’s not a normal tent. This one looks like a structure. There are poles in four corners of the material, and one in the center. The front of the tent is tied above the entrance. Looking inside, I see that there are four decent-sized beds, with a table in the center of them. The forest floor is our floor.

  I notice Xavier is already in one of the beds, which I’m happy about because I hear the growl again. It grabs all our attention. Lawrence and I look over at each other, and I ask, “Can we put up that ward around the tent? I don’t know what that is, but we don’t have Xavier to help.” He nods at me. When we connect our hands, I see a brown wolf with copper highlights and light brown eyes. I instantly know it’s Alaric.

  I let go of Lawrence’s hands and turn around, throwing my hands in the air from frustration. All I remember is him with Jacque last night. I don’t want him here. “What are you doing here, Alaric?” I grind out. Just to be sarcastic, I add, “Since you’re here, where’s Quinn? What about Lucas? Did he come, too?”

  He turns away, trots off into the woods, and I think good riddance. I turn around to go into the tent, but Scarlett motions behind me. On her face is a dreamy look, so I look over my shoulder to figure out what she’s staring at. As soon as I do, all I see is Alaric. He has a pair of cotton pants on, and he’s holding his shirt in his hands. My mouth goes dry when I see his chest with just a hint of hair on it. His shoulders are broad, and they lead to a trim waist.

  Everything in me is yearning to run to him, but I refuse to. Walking closer to him, I hiss, “Have you ever heard of space? You know, when someone puts a wall up so she can get you out of their brain? That means she wants space, not for you to come anywhere near her.”

  Coming within kissing distance, he whispers, “Sweetheart, if you hadn’t shoved me out of your head, you would’ve known I was already on my way to you. By the way, I missed your sweet face.” He quickly leans forward and pecks my lips. I almost fall into a puddle right there. He was so close to my face that I’m pretty sure no one saw that, at least I hope not. Alaric turns around and walks toward the tent.

  Even though everything in my head and heart feels right with him here, I’m still furious with him. Grabbing his arm, I stop him, “You owe me an explanation for your ex later.”

  He takes a ragged breath, running his hands through his hair. “We’ll talk later, sweetheart.”

  His eyes bore into mine, and he’s walking to meet up with my husband again. He stands so close to Lawrence, it’s a total dominance battle. Alizon’s practically laughing as she watches.

  Lawrence has his fists clenched, and he’s grinding his teeth so hard I wonder if he’ll have any left. Alaric puts his arms over his chest so his arms bulge, and Lawrence mirrors him. I’m ten seconds away from knocking the two of these idiots out.

  Alaric looks over at me, raises his eyebrow, and tsks. You aren’t knocking me out, sweetheart.

  Crossing my arms over my chest, I mimic them. Get out of my head, Alaric.

  A fake smile plasters on my face as I play hostess. “Hey, guys, this is Alaric. He’s going to help us while we’re on the mission.”

  Lawrence gives me a dry look. “You expect me to go on a mission with the man you were supposed to marry.”

  Alizon crosses her arms over her chest and rolls her eyes. “Really, Lawrence?” she dryly questions. “You’re already on a mission with one of the men she was supposed to marry. Why not add another? The way I see it, that means there are more people helping us stay alive.”

  Scarlett’s eyes completely bug out of her head, volleying between all four of us. This is the exact moment when Alaric says, “Well, Lawrence, just so you know, Quinn will be joining us tomorrow when we reach the Wildlands.” Just as Scarlett’s eyes land on Lawrence, he starts to murmur a spell. I’m about to put a ward around Alaric, and then deal with Lawrence, but there’s another growl from the woods. Whatever Lawrence was about to do stops as he goes into protection mode.

  Four more wolves show up. My eyebrows arch as I tip my head to the side with a questioning look zeroed in on Alaric. He just lifts his shoulders. “It’s Thomas, his future mate, Steise, and two of my guards.”

  I nod, and turn to deal with the man I was forced to marry.

  It’s amazing how quickly my feet move to Lawrence, and I stab his chest with my finger. “If you ever try to lay a hand on one of my mates or use magic on them again, I’ll put you in the ground. That’s a promise. I won’t stay in this marriage. I thought we had this discussion last night. I did not ask for this marriage, nor did I want it.” Taking a deep breath, I continue, “If one of them tries to hurt you, I will protect you, but I won’t allow you to hurt them. So, if I were you, I would take your ass inside that tent and get some sleep. I’m done with everyone’s behavior today.” I look at Scarlett and Alizon too. “I have first watch. Get some rest!” I back it with power, and everyone but Alizon scrambles inside.

  Alizon walks to me. “What do you want, Allie?” I’m done with the drama.

  She gives me a side hug. “Just be careful.”

  “Always.” Alizon makes her way into the tent, and then Alaric turns around and looks at Thomas and Steise. Without words, they make their way back into the woods, the other wolves at their flanks.

  Alaric grabs my hand and leads me away from the tent so we can talk. The last thing I want is to be alone with him because of what I saw last night with Jacque. But he’s holding my hand tightly. Even though I try to pull it from h
is grasp, he doesn’t allow it.

  The sun has set, and the forest surrounds us. It’s not frigid outside anymore, and I just want him to stop so we can talk. As soon as we’re surrounded by trees, his feet stop moving, and he turns to face me. The only emotion I feel from his connection is anger.

  He has no right to be angry. I make sure my heartbreak and frustration seep through each word that I say. “I had to go through what I did last night, and you weren’t there for me. Actually, you were a complete jerk. Then you were nice to your ex, and I had to watch it while I was crying in my bed. After everything we’ve been through, you’ve still gone back to her.” Bitterness fills me as my chest bumps his. “Last night was horrible, and I didn’t have a choice in what I had to do. All I wanted was a little support from the men that fate has forced me to be with. The one man I thought I had the strongest connection with ran back to his ex at the first sign of trouble.”

  He growls under his breath and then crushes his lips to mine in a forceful kiss. “Sweetheart, if you’d have paid attention to my feelings, you would have realized I can’t stand Jacque. Maybe you could stop focusing so much on yourself and shift your attention on everyone else for once in your life. You’re my world, and it ended yesterday after what your mother did.” He steps back from me and runs his hands across his jaw that no longer has a full-grown beard. “When you thought I died, you moved on. That killed me.” He steps into me, grabs my cheeks, and places his forehead on mine. “You uttered the vow, ‘My heart, body, mind, and soul will align with Lawrence’s until the end of time.’” Alaric takes a ragged breath. “You shattered our mate bond. The only reason we feel each other now is because of the deeper bond from the prophecy.” He grabs my hand and places it on his chest over his heart. “Our Lycanthrope bond is gone, Rosalyn. It’s painful.”