Belinda Boring - The Mystic Wolves

Gesturing for Mason and Daniel to follow him, Avery led them into what looked like a parlor, offering them refreshments as though he was a civilized host. Both refused and I wondered if they caught the flash of disappointment on his face. It was lightning fast, buried within seconds, but there nevertheless.

I watched the bantering back and forth, trivial comments and my head began to pound a little. I felt Devlin rest his hand on my knee, the offer of strength, and I took another breath.

Mason’s anger was rising, and Avery was laughing. It seemed the vampire had tried to use compulsion, and I watched as Daniel shook his head as if trying to dislodge something. Mason grabbed hold of Daniel, moving to leave, and I could sense his wolf ready to take charge.

“Avery tried to use compulsion and Mason is furious. I think the meeting’s over,” I whispered. “And the tension I feel, I’m not sure whether it’s mine or his. Something’s not right, but I don’t know what it means.” I could feel myself starting to panic.

Instead of fluid motion, the images I was receiving now were more like snap shots. Mason wasn’t showing it all, but what I was able to see and feel, terrified me. Everything seemed to come at me quickly-anger, an attack on Avery, a struggle, Daniel disappearing, Mason having the upper hand and moving in for the kill, a blast of confusion, and then suddenly-nothing. My mind went black, our connection broken.

I screamed, frantic to get it back, and I couldn’t help but blame myself for it not working. I wrestled with my mind, trying to reconnect again. All I found was emptiness.

I propelled myself off the bed toward my dresser, grabbing my cell phone. I had no idea what happened, but one thing I did know-Mason was in trouble. I quickly dialed his number, hoping he would pick up. The more it rang, the more impatient I got. I needed to reach him, and heaven help the person who tried to stop me.

Hands took firm grip of me, and I ended the call as I whirled around to confront Devlin.

“Let me go. Now.” I was not in the mood to be trifled with and I tried to break free of his grasp. He was immovable, and without thinking, I raised my knee to force him to let go.

He easily deflected it. I fought against him and he answered by shaking me so hard I thought my eyeballs would rattle out of my head.

“Quit fighting me, Darcy. I’m assuming something’s happened and that’s where you’re racing off to go, but please, stop for a moment. Explain what you saw so we can take of this together.” He kept his voice level, trying to exude as much calm as possible.

“You said “we”. Are you telling me you won’t stop me?” I looked at him suspiciously, poised to resume fighting for my release. I felt his hands relax and finally let go.

“As if you would listen. Remember, I know you well, there’s nothing I could say that would stop you. We need to have a plan, though.” He walked over to my closet, pulling out a pair of shoes. He handed them to me and I put them on. Leaving the room, we headed toward the front door.

“I was hoping we could come up with one on our way there. I’m not sure what’s happening, but I saw them fight and then the connection was broken. It can mean one of two things-either I broke it, or Mason is in trouble. I hope it’s me and I get a call saying they’re on their way home, but I can’t risk it. All I know, is I need to act. My Alpha and future mate is in danger.”

“Even if it means he gets angry at you, and furious with me? I know you’re able to leave the house, but I also know he’d never agree to me allowing you to rush to his rescue.” He stepped out into the open air and waited for me to join him.

“We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it. Now let’s go.”

Looking around for his car, I was distracted by one of the most beautiful motorcycles I’d ever seen. It was all shiny chrome with black upholstery, and I found myself drawn to it.

“Please tell me this is yours.” This was a masterpiece of machinery, and exactly what we needed to get there quickly.

Handing me the helmet, Devlin swung his leg over. He kicked the stand back, balancing the heavy weight between his legs.

Fastening the head gear, I climbed up behind him, wrapping my arms around his body and resting my hands on his stomach. I could feel the difference in our body temperatures-mine resembled a slight fever and his, a cold chill. Ignoring how it caused my hand to tingle, I leaned forward to speak in his ear.

“Why am I the only one wearing a helmet?” I reached up to adjust the strap so it didn’t dig into my chin.

“Because I’m a vampire, and invincible,” he retorted.

“Well, I’m a werewolf, and being supernatural isn’t going to protect your head from being smashed open like an egg on the asphalt.” I knocked my knuckles against his head. “Although, you are pretty hard headed and may bounce a little at first.”

“There’s only one helmet. I wasn’t planning on taking you anywhere when I came here, and despite my many abilities, foresight isn’t one of them. I’m more concerned with keeping you in one piece than myself. Let me worry, just hold on tight and tell me where we’re heading?”

I gave him the address, and without warning, he flipped open his phone.

“We need back up at 325 Hillsdale Road. The Alpha’s in trouble.” He didn’t even wait for a reply before snapping the device shut, and jump starting the bike.

The wheels spun furiously on the gravel, churning it up and we burst forward, causing me to jolt before I had a chance to correct myself. I slapped him for not letting me know his intentions, and I felt the rumble of laughter through his chest.

As the motorcycle roared down the street, bringing us nearer to our destination, all I could do was close my eyes and pray.

I’m coming, Mason. Just hold on.

“Let’s go,” I said, as we parked just beyond the property near the end of a long driveway.

Stripping the helmet off, I placed it on the seat, and moved toward a row of hedges. Hiding myself, as I stared up at the house. I still wasn’t able to forge another connection with Mason, but I tried to sense him again. Daniel and he were both in there. I just knew it.

“Slow down, Darcy,” Devlin said, dragging me to his side. “I told you I’d get you here, but you play by my rules. First thing we’re going to do is wait for back up. With more of us, we’ll be better prepared for whatever game Avery is playing.”

It had been a while since I’d visited this part of town. A place rich in history, it was rumored to be filled with hauntings and strange occurrences, but all I saw was large, expensive houses and beautiful landscaping. As I gazed around at the different kinds of trees, I felt a slight tug around my heart.

Mason.

Taking in a deep breath, centering myself, I relaxed a little to encourage my senses to continue reaching out. Sure enough, after a few moments, I felt a stronger pull, and I knew with a surety, Mason was inside.

I glanced back at Devlin, and saw him reaching into his pocket. Removing his buzzing phone, he answered it, his back now to me. I couldn’t wait for him. The longer I did, the more I risked losing the signal.

“We need to go, Devlin. The connection has reestablished. I can feel him.” I grabbed the back of his shirt, yanking as I started to move up the driveway.

“We’re out of time. Get here as soon as you can.” He ended the call, and grabbed my hand, taking the lead. We moved across the lawn, not stopping until our feet hit the front porch. The tug was more insistent now, and with one last careful glance around-finding no one-we entered the house.

As my eyes adjusted to the dim lighting, I was stunned by the opulence of the foyer. Beautifully crafted paintings hung on the wall, one a family portrait, and the other of children playing. A grand staircase stole most of the room’s focus, with elegant carvings of rich mahogany, leading up to a second floor.