Belinda Boring - The Mystic Wolves

Looking around, I pondered what direction we should go.

“Which way now, Darcy?” he asked, his stance alert as he gazed about us.

My nose caught a scent. It was faint, but it was definitely werewolf. Leading him to the nearest room, we peered into what looked like a parlor. I instantly recognized it as the room everyone had met in.

“They were here,” I spoke, taking a few seconds to check for evidence.

Devlin entered, giving it a quick scan, but I sensed nothing.

Trying not to be discouraged, I went back into the foyer and closed my eyes, Devlin returning to my side.

I dug down deep, channeling all my energy, and without over thinking it, I began to walk, letting my senses direct me. We passed another room, turning down a hallway that led by a kitchen.

We came across a smaller set of stairs-ones that looked like it would take us to a cellar or basement. The feeling of Mason grew stronger so placing one foot in front of the other, we began our descent.

I tried to tell myself I had nothing to worry about, and I felt the reassurance come from my wolf. She was alert, watching closely to see what would happen. Using the handrail to keep my balance, I finally reached the bottom and found there was a doorway.

There was a loud crash from the floor above, and the sound of voices shouting. Devlin reached for his boot, pulling out a dagger, and moving back toward the stairs, he ordered me to find somewhere to hide.

“Don’t come out until I return for you,” he called over his shoulder, and taking two steps at a time, I quickly lost sight of him.

Not knowing where to go, I turned around to the door behind me. Pushing it carefully, I cringed as I heard the creaking of rusted hinges, and I waited to see if anything would jump out.

The room was dark, but the tug around my heart grew stronger. I fumbled for the light switch. The bulb flickered on, fading somewhat before surging to full capacity, and I found myself standing in a storeroom where the owners kept food and other household items.

It was a large room filled with row after row shelves, and I walked in further, looking for a place to hide. Coming around one of the shelves, I gasped.

Mason was manacled to the wall, a blank expression on his face.

I gave into my first instinct, racing over to him, feeling for injuries while trying to figure out how to break him free of the cuffs around his wrists. They held his arms out straight, and I could only imagine the pressure it was placing on his shoulders. I whispered words of love, asking him to hold on. Reaching for the restraints, I recoiled back instantly the second my skin came in contact with the metal.

Silver. Avery was holding Mason hostage with the one substance known to burn a werewolf, as well as draining their strength, and preventing from shifting. As I looked closer, tears filled my eyes to see the angry red skin and blisters weeping on his wrists. I knew they had to hurt, but he didn’t utter a single sound.

I took hold of his face, moving it back and forth, and noticed his eyes didn’t follow me. I spoke loudly, calling his name, but his expression remained empty.

“He is compelled, sweet Darcy, and completely under my control. I could not have him run off and spoil the party, now could I? Where would the fun be if you were not here to watch?”

Avery stepped out from around one of the shelves, smiling widely at my surprise. He looked pleased with himself, and I released a low growl of warning.

“Oh, come now, there is no need for that. Your beloved Alpha is still alive, maybe a little worse for wear, but still breathing.” He chuckled as he glanced over at the body hanging on the opposite wall. “I rather like my new decoration.”

“Let him go. There’s no need to keep him like this. There was no need for any of this.”

“Oh, there definitely was, my beauty. You see, after I took you home, I had a change of heart, an epiphany if you will. I discovered I do not really need your Mason as much as I thought I did.” He began pacing slowly before me, a look of determination on his face, and I placed myself in front of Mason as a shield.

My wolf began to howl, sensing danger, and we both watched as Avery paused. He seemed to be waiting for something-listening-and with a small sigh he began to shake his head. “Once again, our time is cut short. Oh well, I will do what I must.”

A sense of relief brushed over me as I hoped Devlin was returning. I expected him to burst through the door at any moment, and was disappointed when he didn’t appear.

“No one is coming, my dear-at least not who you are wanting. If I am right, whoever came with you is now engaged with my guards and I have trained them well.” He looked at his fingernails, feigning boredom.

“So where were we? Ah… yes.” He moved quickly, a gust of air revealing his speed, and I found myself staring deep into his eyes. I closed mine, fighting the urge, knowing if I looked I would be under his influence again.

“Look at me, or I will kill your lover.” His tone was serious and cold, removing all doubt to his sincerity.

Glaring back, I slowly raised my eyelids. “I hate you,” I uttered.

“You have not begun to hate me, Darcy, but do not worry. In a few seconds, you will forget and all you will know is that my touch brings you pleasure.”

“You’re fooling yourself.” I called on my wolf instantly, trying to bring her to the surface. Before I could shift, Avery grabbed onto me roughly. I wasn’t able to finish the change as he spoke a few words, the compulsion cutting me off completely.

I felt all resistance to him melt away, and it was replaced with the sudden urge to wrap myself up in him. I couldn’t keep my hands from reaching out and stroking him, each time I did, it felt like electricity traveling through my body, covering me with tingles.

I wanted him-needed him-and as I began to rub myself against his body, he whipped me around so my back was against his chest.

“Calm yourself, I’m not ready for you to become so playful. We do not have our audience yet.” Leaning forward, he uttered more words, and a surge of energy burst through Mason. His roar of fury bounced off the walls until it was almost deafening.

He strained against the manacles binding him, but they held firm, the clasps refusing to open.

I was worried and began to argue for his release, but a finger brushed down the side of my neck, causing goose bumps to cover my skin. I was lost in a moment of bliss.

My voice was screaming inside my head to ignore his touch, quickly realizing it was the contact which made me lose my reason. I was grateful he hadn’t removed my ability to think and I tried to focus, hoping to find a way around the compulsion.

“Let us go, Avery. Whatever you’re planning, you can’t expect it to work. Regardless of what you do to us, Zane will never abdicate to you. He’ll crush you without a moment’s thought. The people love him and will follow him. You can’t possibly win.”

“But I told you I had a new plan, one that involves you.” He brushed his lips against my neck, and before I could gag, I convulsed with desire. My body rebelled against me, and no matter what I willed it to do, it wouldn’t listening.

“I’m the one you want,” Mason shouted, his eyes never leaving me as he watched me in the embrace of another. “You have no need for Darcy. Release her, and I’ll do what you ask.” He sounded every inch the Alpha as he hung there defenseless, his head held high.

“But I do not want you. As I mentioned earlier, I have changed my mind and it’s all because of your future mate here. Ever since I saw her last, I have had the taste of her in my mouth. It made me realize… why have an Alpha under my control when I could sire the perfect weapon.”