Darkness Unleashed (30 page)

It didn’t matter how much they wanted to disagree, there was no hiding from the truth.

“
I’m not telling you how to decide the fate of your Packs. Each of you must do what you think is best. What I will say is that by honoring our alliance and joining me in the fight to stop the Master, I will do everything in my power to ensure that same protection is extended to you. You will not be left alone to face the consequences. There is strength in numbers.” Glancing around at each of the men in front of me, I could see my words had hit their mark as one, by one, they nodded. Paxton was the last to slowly show his support.

“
So, we stand and fight,” Moses declared.

“
We stand and fight,” I confirmed; and the air stirred, again, with wild, Alpha magic. “I can’t promise you there won’t be more deaths in the future—no war is fought without its casualties.”

“
But together we have a better chance of succeeding,” Reid added.

“
Yes. Know on my part, should you choose to break from the alliance, there will be no animosity from me or mine. Should you need me at any time, I will always be there to offer whatever aide you need. There will be no grudges. My doors will always be open to you.” The time to make the final decision had come. “By stepping forward, you show your support before these witnesses that you promise to answer, should I call for your assistance in the coming war.”

Stepping closer to the fire, I waited to see how each Alpha would respond. I knew some would be all in, even before the first sign of movement and the circle we formed tightened. The only one left behind was Paxton.

“
I’m sorry, Mason, but I have to think of those I rule over. I just don’t think this situation warrants putting them in danger.”

Even as disappointment struck, I buried those emotions and smiled, grasping the young leader by the shoulder. “I understand. I hope you’ll stay and enjoy the food Darcy’s prepared for us all. You’re welcome to run in the woods before you journey home, as well.” It was important that he saw I meant him no ill will.

“
That would be wonderful.”

Turning to face those who’d pledged their continuing loyalty, I smiled. “Thank you. Your support means a lot. My hope is that we’ll discover the Master’s whereabouts quickly and end his bid for power swiftly. I hope that I won’t have to call you to fight in a needless war.”

“
You would do the same for us, Mason,” Benjamin added before glaring at Paxton, disapproval and disgust blazing across his features. “No matter what, we all stick together. We are Pack.”

“
Then let’s seal our renewed bond and finish the meeting.” One of the beautiful things about being Alpha was our ability to allow our wolves partially forward, shifting whatever part of our body we needed, including our voices. As one, our magic rose in the air, dancing amongst the roar of the flickering fire, our heads raised to the sky as our wolves howled. The sound was like music to my ears, the determination of our hearts blending together in a solitary strand of hope and warning.

Hope for our future and a bold warning to anyone who challenged us.

We would be triumphant.

As our joined cries faded into the darkening night, the Summit came to a somewhat peaceful end.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Darcy

Words couldn’t describe the relief I felt as we adjourned the meeting and everyone relaxed. Mason hadn’t been the only one to worry about how the evening would unfold, especially after Paxton’s declaration toward the end.

Watching the young man from afar as I played the happy hostess, his refusal to join with Mason had definitely cooled everyone’s attitude toward him. Although they still talked openly with him, including him in their light discussions and merriment, there was a slight uneasiness I saw as Mason walked around. People genuinely enjoyed his company, seeking out his opinion on a variety of topics, and generally laughing back and forth.

Paxton, at times, sat alone with his plate balanced on his knee, not discredited for his cowardice, but the general consensus was apparent.

He’d shown a side most Alpha’s didn’t approve of. Had Mason not promised his continued support to those wanting to keep to themselves, the BBQ in progress would be going differently. Tempers would be exploding as the men, and those they brought with them, mixed good food and ego.

They followed Mason’s lead, respecting his wishes to maintain good relationships. After the meeting, I quickly had everyone help set up the tables and chairs so we could continue to savor the warmth that spread through the air. Pack members helped bring out the food we’d all prepared and the only thing left was to give thanks and eat.

As I made sure the long tables filled with grilled meats, salads, and sides were kept replenished; it wasn’t hard to pick up on the underlying conversations being shared.

“
Have I told you how incredible you were tonight?” Mason whispered, his arms encircling my waist as I straightened from moving a large bowl of potato salad.

“
No, but I’m sure you could persuade me to listen,” I teased back, happy to see his blue eyes twinkling from the bonfire’s ebbing flames.

Kissing the tip of my nose, Mason leaned around me while I was distracted and stole a strawberry from the plate I was making for myself. With everyone taken care of, it was finally time to see to my own hunger—providing my husband didn’t keep swiping the food I dished onto the plastic dinnerware in front of me.

“
You had them eating out of your hand. For a second there, I thought we might have a problem; but I should’ve know you’d be fine.”

“
I was desperately trying not to stammer. I didn’t want to make you look bad in front of everyone,” I admitted, slapping his hand away as he reached for another piece of the sweet berry. “You know I can get you your own plate, right? There’s plenty here for everyone.”

“
I know, but yours tastes better.” Winking, he gave me a smile that melted my insides.

“
You say that about everything of mine.”

“
Well, you can’t fault me for being honest.” Pulling me close, all thoughts of eating cast aside, I wrapped my arms around his neck.

“
Why, Mrs.’ O’Connor, I do believe we’re about to engage in some public displays of affection. You up for it?” I loved it when he flirted with me like this.

“
In front of all our guests?” I chewed on my bottom lip, pretending to think about it. “I have no problem turning this into a dinner and a show.” Lifting off my toes, I kissed him full on the mouth, catching him by surprise. My advances didn’t stop there either, my tongue tracing his lips, tasting a hint of the strawberry he’d just eaten.

“
You know I can’t just leave my own party,” he responded, his voice husky. “I have responsibilities still.”

“
That was just a hint of what was to come later,” I answered coyly, enjoying the way heat flushed across his skin and settled in his eyes.

Tightening his hold of me, the look he gave me was worth all the teasing. “Say the word, sweetheart, and I’ll say goodnight.”

“
Nothing warms my heart more than seeing two people in love.”

Breaking apart reluctantly, I laughed as Moses and Max approached, wearing wide grins, their plates empty. “Here I am sampling my desert, and I’m neglecting you both. Here let me help you get some more food.” Not taking no for an answer, I brushed my body against Mason’s as I retreated around the other side of the table, enjoying the last flare of desire in his eyes before he turned to his friends.

“
Can you see what I have to deal with, guys?” he asked, rolling his eyes in mock frustration.

“
Oh, I can see how bad you have it,” Max retorted, the tall Alpha chuckling over how crazy Mason sounded. I liked Max, especially his friendship with my mate. He was currently dating someone within his membership, an older woman who had helped him unify his divided Pack. Mason had shared a little about Max’s history with me. The blonde haired party boy had returned from college to find many of his family suffering under the controlling rein of an abuser Alpha. He had challenged his uncle for leadership then, in his early twenties, and had surprised everyone by winning.

Whatever choices he’d been making up to that point, became irrelevant as he worked hard to restore order and faith amongst his Pack. The last time Mason had spoken to Max, his friend had finally managed the impossible and stopped the internal struggle between Pack members and was well on his way to earning their respect. It had been something that concerned Mason as he watched from a distance.

No one liked drama, especially when it threatened to destroy everything you’d worked hard to protect. From the way Max now joked back and forth, his body language relaxed and eased, he was enjoying better times.

It made me happy to see it.

“
Ease up on the poor lovesick fool,” Moses chimed in, slapping Mason’s shoulder affectionately. “I seem to remember you acting the same way once you finally realized what an incredible woman you had in Claire. I’ve never seen anyone so blind to love as you. All that time, and she was right there under your nose, patiently waiting for you to notice.”

“
You didn’t see me fawning all over the food, though,” Max protested, not liking how the tables had turned on him.

“
Excuse me?” Mason snorted, his eyes widening. “How quickly you forget that first party you threw together. You couldn’t keep your hands of her long enough to greet your guests!”

“
Pfft, quit exaggerating,” Max responded, shaking his head.

“
I’m surprised you didn’t melt the table decorations—the temperature between you was that scorching,” I chimed in, handing both men the newly filled plates.

“
Not you too, Darcy,” Max laughed, pretending to be hurt. “You wound me.”

“
Now who’s being dramatic?” Mason laughed, offering me a grateful smile.

“
How about we change the subject?” Moses quickly interjected; taking a bite of the barbecued ribs I’d given him.

Wanting to make sure everyone was taken care of, I excused myself from the group and started making rounds again, stopping long enough to check on the smaller clusters of guests. Everyone was laughing, complimenting me on how tasty everything was. While there was no alcohol served, the party didn’t need it. The meal was a huge success.

“
You doing okay?” I asked Reid, catching him by surprise as he broke away from a discussion between Colt and Wade, their loud bantering over sports heating the temperature between them. I knew how passionate Wade could be from the arguments he got into with Mason and Daniel. Quickly scanning the backyard, it reminded me I hadn’t seen Daniel for a while. I was concerned for where he was. As Reid began to speak, I caught a glimpse of Mason’s best friend exiting the house before making a beeline for the tables of food.

“
It’s been a wonderful evening, Darcy. Thank you for all your hard work. I know it isn’t easy to put something like this together on such short notice.” Smiling, Reid took a sip of his drink, looking around. “I never would’ve believed you could get us all together without some kind of drama happening.”

“
You sound like Mason,” I answered. He’d worried about the same thing.

“
That man of yours is smart. If anyone could pull of a gathering like this, and it not result in bloodshed, it’s him. He’s definitely an Alpha who deserves all the respect and deference he’s given. I know he’s helped me out in the past. His loyalty is something you don’t ever take for granted.”

“
How’s New York?” I asked, loving the way Reid’s accent sounded. “Found that special someone, yet?” For a guy who was drop dead gorgeous—dark hair and a smile the devil would be jealous of, I was curious to why he was still single.

“
And there it is. I was waiting to see how long it would be before you started playing matchmaker.” The deep rumble of a laugh revealed his good-natured humor.

“
You know me well.” Raising my eyebrows, I wouldn’t let him flirt his way out of answering me—harmless or not. “You still haven’t told me why. You’re strong and healthy. You don’t seem to have any outward flaws. Unless there’s something you’re keeping from me, you should be mated already. What’s wrong with you?”

My line of questioning had him choking on his mouthful of drink, almost spraying it everywhere in surprise. “You sounded exactly like my mother, just now.”

“
I like your mother. Now quit evading. What’s going on with you?” I didn’t let him look away, boldly holding his gaze. He knew me well enough to realize I wasn’t challenging him, although he was at risk for a stern talking to if he didn’t answer me.

“
Honestly? I don’t know why. I guess all the pretty girls are taken,” he replied, laying his boyish charm on thicker.

“
Well, if you could sweet talk one the way you do me, you shouldn’t have a problem sealing the deal.”

“
That’s never been an issue,” he whispered back as if we were co-conspirators. “If you know what I mean.”

Every time I talked with him, Reid’s sense of humor reminded me of Daniel and his ability to make my blush. “I so don’t need any details about that, thank you very much.”

“
Now who’s being the spoil sport?”

“
Don’t think you can make me stop being interested in your love life, Reid Harrison!” I laughed, pointing my finger at him.

“
It’s good to be cared about. How about we strike a deal? If I find the right girl, you’ll be the first one I call . . . after my mother, of course.”

Sticking his hand out, I grabbed it instantly and shook it. “Deal. And if you’re not married within the next five years, I’ll take matters into my own hands. Deal?”