Darkness Unleashed (31 page)

“
I know I should think on that last bit a little longer, but what the hell?” Standing there in the middle of an Alpha party, the two of us struck an accord, grinning like fools. “I can’t tell you how glad I am to see you’re still you. It worried me when I heard you went through the vampire conversion. I didn’t want to see it change you.”

I could feel the sincerity in his words. “I knew there was a chance it would, but it was the risk I had to take. I couldn’t leave Mason.” The very thought of it still hurt my heart.

“
And look at you both now? I don’t think there’s a person here who doesn’t see how much stronger your bond is and how it’s brought you closer together. We all wondered, and it’s good to see the statistics proven wrong,” Reid added, referring to the facts Devlin had shared about conversion success rates.

“
We appreciate your support. Everyone’s.”

“
Except for Paxton’s,” Reid answered bitterly.

“
It doesn’t bother me, though. I’m just grateful Mason could rely on his friends. Despite how everyone is laughing right now, it’s just an illusion. Come tomorrow, he’ll be back to preparing for the Master and ensuring he doesn’t fail those he loves.”

“
That’s the life of an Alpha.”

There was sorrow in his voice, an understanding that made my heart ache. “All the more reason for you to find a mate and settle down,” I teased, lightening the conversation.

My persistence caused him to laugh out loud. “You make me smile, Darcy. Promise me once this is over, you’ll convince that husband of yours to bring you out to New York.”

“
I’m sure I’ll have no problem doing that. I’d love to come to the Big Apple.”

“
Good,” Reid pushed, his brown eyes twinkling cheerfully. “Now go talk to someone else before I start making promises I can’t afford. Tell Mason he should definitely consider including you in more Pack business. You’ll have everyone wrapped around your finger.”

“
Just giving you a glimpse of what’s to come when you find that special someone.” Poking my tongue out, I hugged him goodbye, grateful for the quiet interlude together. I’d forgotten how much I liked reuniting with old friends. If anything, this chance to relax before the storm had given me a much-needed chance to breathe.

Ducking around empty chairs, I headed toward the house to see whether there was anything else to bring out still.

“
You might have them all fooled into thinking you’re someone they can trust, but I see you for what you are.” Paxton stepped out from the shadows, his face filled with scorn.

“
I don’t think you want to start something here, Paxton,” I answered, careful to keep out of his reach. Sidestepping him, he countered my move and grabbed my arms, slamming me against the doorframe.

“
You’re nothing but a hybrid bitch. You’re not worthy of the attention you receive; and sooner or later, they’ll see you for the threat you are. You should’ve died rather than allow the vampire taint to corrupt you.” Digging his fingers into my skin, I flinched from the pain.

Instantly Mason was in my head, his concern over the rapid change in my mood. “Let me go,” I demanded, struggling to break free.

“
The Master will destroy your mate because he was too blind and weak to do what was needed.” Bringing his face right up close to mine, Paxton’s hot breath fanned over my skin. “Bitches need to be put down, not given a chance to infect the Pack with their poison. Amber might have been crazy, but at least she was a pure blood. You are nothing but filth; and if Mason can’t do what’s right, then I will.”

“
Unhand my mate before I rip your arms from your body,” Mason thundered, fury surrounding him as he stormed toward us with murder in his eyes.

“
She isn’t worthy of the title,” Paxton responded, wisely releasing me.

Mason didn’t speak; instead, cocking back his fist, he punched my attacker so hard, Paxton’s head snapped back violently, the crack of bones breaking echoing in the air. He didn’t wait to see whether he’d defend himself, either. Mason slammed his fist into Paxton’s face again, his hands bursting into claws as he prepared to slash and tear.

“
You. Touched. My. Wife,” he roared. “Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t kill you? I accepted your refusal to remain within the alliance. I wished you no ill will, even extending an offer of protection, and this is how you repay my generosity?” Mason growled.

“
You wouldn’t dare hurt me,” Paxton sneered, somehow managing to stand up to my angry mate, despite the fact his actions had warranted it. “It would blemish your precious reputation.”

“
I don’t give a damn about my reputation. You come into my home and dare attack my wife?” Mason moved quickly, grabbing Paxton by the throat and lifting him off the ground before slamming him hard against the wall. The force of the blow caused part of the brick surface to crumble.

Paxton’s face began to turn a dark shade of purple as his airway was slowly crushed. Gasping for air, he gripped Mason’s hand, struggling to break his hold. “I challenge you,” he croaked, clearly unable to budge Mason. It was obvious who the stronger one was between the two, making his comment ludicrous. I’d never seen Paxton fight, but he wouldn’t be a match for the angry Alpha who held him suspended in the air.

“
I accept,” Mason answered, dropping him to the ground as his own chest heaved from the adrenaline rush I knew he must be experiencing. Finally looking away, he turned to me, ignoring the commotion that had broken out around us. “Are you okay?”

“
I was okay.”

“
He dared to touch you. In my home. He needs to answer for that.”

As Daniel rushed forward with Wade, the others crowding around us, there was no doubt in my mind that Paxton would.

Judging from the murderous expression on Mason’s face, eight Alphas had arrived earlier today. By the time the night was over, only seven would be leaving.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Mason

He’d touched her.

In my home.

My mate. Mine.

Thoughts raced through my mind as everyone acted quickly, clearing tables and chairs to honor the challenge. As the one receiving it, it was up to my digression when and where the fight took place. With my anger blazing red-hot, there was no chance in hell I would wait.

This was a slight that needed to be addressed, immediately.

He’d dared to insult my wife, calling her all kinds of vile things, threatening to kill her.

He was lucky I didn’t just rip his throat out within seconds of issuing his cowardly opposition. There was no way he could believe he wasn’t at fault here. Challenging me suggested he felt justified.

He could feel whatever he wanted. The result would be the same.

“
Mason,” Darcy whispered softly beside me. Her expression had grown darker and darker as each minute passed. She’d been present at some of the recent confrontations, so she knew that there was a reason I was viewed as one of the most powerful Alpha’s in the country. It wasn’t with pride that I could say that. I knew my strength and I’d trained hard to keep my body primed for moments like this.

A Pack was only as strong as it’s Alpha, and the Mystic Wolves was well defended.

“
This is inevitable, sweetheart,” I answered, stretching out my muscles, my gaze never straying from Paxton who was taking advantage of the quiet before the storm. He had to know this wouldn’t end well for him.

There was only one way a challenge could end—either in mercy or in death.

I wasn’t feeling particularly gracious to the asshole’s feelings.

He touched my wife
, I growled inwardly, my hands clenching in and out of tight fists.

“
I know,” she murmured, her voice filled with sorrow. “It just saddens me that when everyone is preparing to face an unknown enemy, Paxton would take this kind of stand. We should be rallying together, not brawling.”

“
You understand why this has to happen, right?” Dragging my focus away from the betraying Alpha, I captured Darcy’s gaze and held it. She had such a tender heart, and I’d hoped to spare her from unnecessary killing. She’d already seen enough and my gut said she’d see much, much more before the Master was stopped.

“
I do.” Wrapping her arms around my neck, she kissed my cheek before placing her lips beside my ear. “Doesn’t mean I have to like it.”

“
Me, either,” I answered, squeezing her gently against my body.

Reluctantly letting her go, I couldn’t let sentiment cloud my focus. Where Paxton was usually a fair fighter, there was no telling whether he’d resort to whatever gave him an advantage. He already knew that insulting Darcy was a sure fire way to anger me. I couldn’t let him undermine my control and allow him to use what he saw as a weakness against me.

I didn’t want this challenge going on any longer than necessary. Killing wasn’t fun for me, especially when it was someone I’d considered a friend and colleague.

“
Everything’s quiet on the property,” Wade said, approaching us, his gaze scanning the group constantly. “The guards I set up haven’t seen anything out of the ordinary; but just in case, I asked them to keep a careful eye out. It may be a case of paranoia, but I’d rather be safe than sorry.”

“
I appreciate it. I’m not sure why Paxton has chosen this path for himself and his Pack, but it would be foolish to not consider this might involve Helena and the Master. In fact, I’m leaning toward everything somehow involving them. I don’t put much faith in coincidences.”

Wade nodded. “I’ve got you covered while you take care of business.” His assurances confirmed I’d made the right decision in making his position as Pack Enforcer official.

“
You ready?” Daniel asked, looking calm for someone who’s Alpha was about to defend his right to lead and mate. A wide space had been cleared, all traces of the barbecue removed. No one had retired to their lodgings or the rooms I’d provided. Although fighting was a common occurrence, everyone recognized this for what it was.

They’d come expecting some kind of bloodshed, and they wouldn’t be disappointed.

“
Yes.” Giving Darcy one last kiss, a combination of affection and declaration that no matter what Paxton said, I still claimed her, in spite of her conversion.

Paxton and I walked forward, meeting in the middle as everyone else formed a loose circle around us. “As the one challenged, it’s my right to determine the rules we are honor bound to follow. We will fight in human form until either one of us yields or dies.”

This earned me a sarcastic sneer from Paxton. “Weak, even now. Afraid that if we battle in wolf form, I’ll show everyone here they were wrong to pledge themselves as your allies?”

I was done listening to his smart mouth, instantly willing the change to partially shift my hands into claws, as I snarled my retort. “There’s no weakness in allowing someone much inferior a chance to redeem themselves.”

“
I don’t need redemption,” Paxton spat, my accusation hitting a nerve. “Still, I accept your terms. Kiss your mate goodbye, Mason. It’ll be the last opportunity she has. I look forward to ruling over your Pack at your death.”

Both Wade and Daniel stepped forward, hostility blazing from their expressions as their growls filled the air. I couldn’t see Darcy, but I had no problem hearing her furious tirade in my mind. If Paxton somehow managed the impossible and killed me, I didn’t know who would step in to avenge me first—her or my two friends.

“
I’ll kiss my wife when I’m celebrating putting you back in your place.”

Slowly, we began to pace around each other, studying the way the other moved for a glimpse of any opening. It was amazing to see how cocky Paxton strode back and forth, stopping only to bounce on his feet in a fake display of agility.

He could stand on his damn head for all I cared. I didn’t need all the theatrics that often accompanied these challenges as wolves showcased themselves for the crowd. There was no doubt in my mind that a few strong hits and I’d subdue him. Part of me wanted to prolong the inevitable and punish his body for abusing Darcy. It wasn’t about him insulting me; it was what he’d dared to do to her.

No one would fault me for pounding brutally into his flesh, reducing him to a bloody pulp before ending it. But even with all the anger stirring within me, my conscience wouldn’t allow me to lower myself to his level. I would get my justice, but not at the cost of my integrity.

“
Scared?” Paxton taunted, even though he had yet to advance.

“
Bored,” I retorted.

Sure enough, any ribbing aimed at him hit its mark and Paxton gave up prancing about and launched himself at me. As his body collided with mine, his weight knocked me backward, making me stagger. Seizing the moment, his knee connected with my abdomen, causing me to grunt before he swung his elbow at my head.

Everything happened in slow motion. Dodging the strike, I retaliated with a punch of my own. Unlike his, mine carried the full force of my power and my aim was true. Blood sprayed everywhere as his nose broke more beneath my fist. “Being Alpha doesn’t mean you have an excuse to be sloppy,” I taunted, opting to use my words to rattle him. If there was one thing I’d learned in fighting others, it was that most of the times the battle was mostly in your head. Often there wasn’t need for extreme force when the attackers pride could destroy their strategy.

I hit him again, over and over, as I took the offensive, never giving him a second to breathe. Loud crunches filled the spaces between grunts and snarls, blood scenting the air with its coppery tang. Regardless of the hits I was taking in return, I didn’t ease up. The longer the challenge went on, the more it fueled my frustrations at being constantly placed in these situations.