Belinda Boring: The Mystic Wolves

Copyright 2012 Belinda Boring

When I think about the process of writing The Mystic Wolves, I realize there were so many people who joined me for this journey, whose influence can be found anywhere from helping to develop it, to the story itself.

As always, I am forever grateful to my best friend, Lacey. She has been a guiding force these last few months, and I honestly don’t know what I’d do without her. She’s one of my greatest cheerleaders and defenders, someone who has always believed in me and the stories I want to share. Whether it was going for drives to discuss the storyline or giggling over editing, I’m just so grateful for all she’s done.

There is a group of people, friends who quickly became family, that I know have played an amazing role in not just my life, but also my writing. They are all incredible writers, sharing their talents freely and always there with a smile and heart whenever I needed it. I’m not quite sure they realize just how much they’ve inspired me, helping me find the confidence I was lacking. They are an important part of my day, and I’m honored to know them.

I would really love to thank those I chat with on Facebook. Don’t let anybody fool you or try to say that social media is a waste of time. I have met so many incredible people, shared laughter and tears with them, and without a doubt, have been blessed by the way each of you have touched my life. Thank you for your acceptance and support. Thank you for putting up with my random status comments. But most of all, thank you for letting me swoon with you!

And finally, my deepest love to my husband, Mark. Whether it was listening to me work through the plot, making sure I had everything I needed to stay up all night, sending lunchtime texts just to see how I was doing, or running me a bath when I was exhausted and needed to think-he was there when I needed him most. You truly do remind me of Mason!

“Quit your posturing, Daniel, and hike the ball!”

I couldn’t help but laugh at the serious tone coming from Mason as he growled at his best friend. Looking around at the others on the make shift field, I turned to Jasmine and rolled my eyes.

“What is it with men and football? Don’t they know it’s just a game?” I brushed a strand of hair away from my eyes as I looked over to see the play. Daniel finally sent the ball to the quarterback, and after that it was just a blur.

Mason quickly faked, running through his team as they opened up a path for him. He twisted out of the grasp of some of the opposing players, but Jonas was no match for him. I winced at the sound of bodies hitting at full force, and for the hundredth time that afternoon, wondered why I was watching.

The sun was hot, beating down on the Pack, as we enjoyed a peaceful Sunday afternoon together. Mason had called everyone in for a game and food-the men getting their macho groove on first, and then once their blood thirstiness was appeased, they’d let the women play too.

“Don’t let them hear you say that, Darcy. Last time you did, you almost started a war, and that was just with my brother.” Jasmine glanced over at Mason with a soft smile. I reached over to give her a quick hug. By becoming the future mate of the Mystic Wolves Alpha, not only did I gain someone to love forever, but I was also blessed with a best friend, sister, and confidante. Or, depending on what mischief we got up to, a partner in crime and fellow conspirator. Our favorite targets-Mason and Daniel.

“He talked to me like I was stupid. How was I to know there was actual strategy to the game? As far as I knew, it was just a bunch of guys standing around, slapping butts, and taking a million breaks in between passing the ball around.” I scoffed.

“Well, you didn’t help your case by calling them wusses. I’m pretty sure you offended their sense of masculine pride. I swear Daniel practically beat his chest at you.” She covered her mouth to hide her giggle, her gaze darting over to the object of her crush. “I’ll admit he did look adorable doing it.”

“Yeah, me Daniel… you woman who should be in kitchen cooking.” I thumped myself, doing my best to represent a caveman. “And he’s mild compared to Mr. Alpha-Super-Protective over there.” I pointed toward Mason, feeling a flush of desire at the way his t-shirt clung tightly to his torso.

“So what does that say about us? You’re desperately in love with my brother, and I can’t quite shake the way Daniel makes me giddy when he looks at me.”

“It makes us women who know what we want, even if it means we’re crazy about a bunch of dorks.” The sound of shouting brought our attention to the field, and I groaned loudly, the sight before us a complete mess.

It was a free for all-bodies piled by the sideline, and I couldn’t quite tell who was on the bottom. Whoever it was I felt for them because all that weight… it had to hurt.

Mason rose to his feet, and began digging through the rubble. Grabbing shirts randomly, he soon had everyone pulled off the poor fool at the base of the heap. Jonas was slow to stand, looking a little drunk as he swayed back and forth. With a few hearty back slaps from his team, he shook his head as if to clear something and broke out into a wide smile.

“Neanderthals, I swear one day they’re going to kill themselves.” I snorted loudly, not caring who heard. Of course Mason did, and he winked at me. I poked my tongue at him and his voice echoed in my mind.

Tease.

I blew him a kiss and looked on in horror as I saw Eric come barreling toward him. The impact of the hit sent Mason soaring through the air, much to the entertainment of the team.

“Darcy, whatever you’re doing, knock it off! We need Mason to focus, and he can’t do that if he’s making goofy eyes at you.” Daniel yelled out, and was joined with the agreement of the others. Shrugging my shoulders slightly, I offered a small apology and breathed a sigh of relief when I saw Mason standing. As if nothing had happened, he got back into formation, waiting for the ball.

A quick snap and pass to Daniel saw him leaping over a tackle, before running to the end for a touchdown. Cheers rose in the air, and I whistled loudly as I watched Daniel and Wade chest bump.

“Yay! You got another goal! I’m so proud of you guys!” I cupped my hands around my mouth, and hollered loudly. I was rewarded with a chorus of corrections.

“You do know it’s called a touchdown, right? This isn’t soccer,” Jasmine whispered.

“Of course, but it’s worth having them remind me when I forget. I seriously think Mason risks losing his eyeballs if they rolled any farther back into his head.”

“You’re so bad. I love it!” Jasmine knocked shoulders with me, and I reached over to grab hold of her hand.

“What else is there to do but torment the ones we love, huh? Oh, it’s your turn too by the way.” Looking around, I could see her thinking.

“Hmmm, what haven’t we used yet today?” She took in a deep breath, and then let out an almighty cry. “Come on, slackers. You call this a game? Shoot and score already!”