Forever Changed (The Mystic Wolves) (18 page)

My heart hurt for her, ached over the bitterness that she was fully justified in feeling. Julian truly was a monster by preventing her from finding peace after a long life. “I’m so sorry,” I whispered.

“I am, too. It was the first and last time I ever ignored my visions. They warned me about him, but I chose to follow my childish impulses, instead. I’m sorry you’ve journeyed this far and I have nothing to give you.”

“Surely there’s something?” I asked.

Diana looked about, as if expecting Julian to step out from the shadows caused by the approaching night, and nodded. “Perhaps I can read your future? Maybe I will see something that might aide you in your battle; because, believe me, in the end, you will fight. That has always been inevitable.” Stretching forth her hand, she noticed my hesitation. “There are many ways I can divine a fortune, sometimes a simple touch is enough. May I?”

Knowing her purpose, I nodded and tried to remain still as her fingers brushed across my skin. It was the lightest of contact, a small zing of electricity, and I wondered whether she saw anything. Her fingers seized my wrist, tightening quickly, and her arm began to shake. She was definitely witnessing something behind her closed lids, images that terrified her.

“Darkness. Such horrible darkness. And death. It begins.” Her eyes flew open and her haunted stare rattled me to the core. “You must leave. Now. Waste no more time returning home. He comes for you with a strength that would crumble mountains.”

It was my turn to reach for her hand. “Tell me. Is there a way to stop him? Anything?”

Diana recoiled as if my touch was poison. “Magic. Only magic can stop him.”

Mason came forward, pulling
me back into him, wrapping his arm around my waist. “We need to go.”

“But, we have to know what kind of magic?” I was frantic now. We were so close to getting the answers we’d been searching for. “Please, Diana. Anything else?”

With an empty voice, body sagging with exhaustion, she shook her head. “I can’t see beyond the overwhelming darkness. Something is coming. You must be prepared.” She slumped down to the wooden floor, resting her head in her hands. “So much despair.”

Fear warred within me, but I couldn’t let it overpower me. “Then we’ll stop him, Diana. We’ll stop him and set you free. I promise.”

With a grateful smile, tears streaming down her cheeks, Diana mouthed a soft thank you. I felt sorry for her, that she’d become a victim of Julian’s cruel designs. She was merely another pawn that he moved about, not caring how his actions affected others or the toll his choices took on their lives. I couldn’t imagine living the life she had, never knowing when she’d die—only that she couldn’t.

We slowly said our goodbyes, warily stepping around the two alligators standing guard over their owner. Driving away, I wasn’t the only one brooding over what had happened and trying to understand what the new information meant for us.

“Do you believe her?” Christina finally asked.

“We’d be fools not to,” Devlin answered. “I’ve seen a lot of people try and spin me a lie. She was terrified when we mentioned Julian’s name. There’s only one other time I’ve seen that look.” He gripped the steering wheel tighter. “The night my sister gave birth to Lucinda and she saw him there, waiting to steal her baby.”

“Then let’s go home,” Mason gently counseled.

Home. The word once filled me with comfort.

I just hoped there weren’t any surprises waiting for us when we got there.

Chapter 19

“Welcome home.” It was a somber greeting from Wade and Alex at the door. Mason had called ahead to let them know to expect us, and to put out the word for an emergency meeting on our arrival.

Diana’s still warning rang loudly in our memories.

She’d foreseen darkness and death. Whose, she didn’t tell, but I knew the likely assumption was it was mine. I could feel the crazed, maniacal frenzy churning within Mason through our connection. They’d gone over countless scenarios during the flight back to Woodside Hollow, but none satisfied them. When I tried to suggest maybe there wasn’t a perfect plan, I was dismissed. It hurt a little to be ignored, but I understood. Now wasn’t the time to take offense. It was a time for action.

“Is everyone ready?” Mason asked, his tone conveying his state of mind. He was all business, the mantle of Alpha resting firmly upon his shoulders.

“Yes, in your office. Do you need a few minutes to freshen up?” Wade stepped aside as we passed by.

“No. There’s plenty of time for that later. We have more important priorities.” Entering into his office, Mason didn’t hesitate in calling the meeting to order. It was a smaller group this time; Mason’s inner circle shrinking considerably because of Nathan’s recent betrayal over Amber. The only attendees were our small group, Wade, Alex, and Vivien. “Fill me in on what’s been happening here, since we’ve been gone.”

As the wolf left in charge, Wade began talking. “It’s been pretty quiet. Nothing out of the norm. I’ve had everyone on the lookout for Julian, with the description Devlin provided; but so far nothing.”

“That’s because he was in San Diego when we were there. We didn’t stay long enough in New Orleans to see if he’d followed us there, however.”

“I think it’s safe to assume he’d know we’d come home. Don’t be surprised if now that we’re back, he arrives, as well,” Daniel added. “We’re not the only ones who know about the nexus, and the incredible magic it contains. He’ll want to see if somehow he can break through the protective layers Vivien has placed over it and tap into its power.”

“Have we heard of any movement there?” Devlin chimed in. “Anything suspicious? Julian may not be here, yet; but there’s nothing stopping him from sending out minions to scout the area.”

Mason looked at Vivien. “I’ve detected nothing. Every day I’ve tested the energy surrounding it and everything is still intact. None of the alarms that are activated have sounded. I’d say, for right now, the site is safe. My concern is for Darcy. I spoke with Helena and she said the tattoo didn’t work, either.” Vivien patted the space beside her and I joined her on the couch.

Showing her my wrist, I brushed my finger over the bare skin. “Nothing we’ve tried has bound my magic. I think it’s another reasonable assumption that it just can’t be done. For whatever reason, my powers refuse to be suppressed; so Christina has been teaching me how to control it.”

“And?” Vivien looked at Christina.

“So far we’ve only have time to practice channeling her intentions. It took a little while, but I believe she’s got a good grasp on it.”

“And you’re one of Helena’s witches?”

“No, she’s an Enforcer. She works in Salem as a mediator between Zane and Helena.” It was Devlin who answered.

“I thought I sensed vampire in you. You look familiar.”

“You may have known my ancestor, Sarah Good?”

Sorrow clouded Vivien’s face, pain filling her eyes. “I did. She was a powerful witch and a
dear friend. It broke my heart to see her put to death. I didn’t know you were family.”

“I’ve kept to myself. I have much to atone for.” Chrissy didn’t continue as Mason’s cough brought everyone’s attention back to him.

“I agree that Darcy needs to be our prime focus. Julian didn’t strike when he had the chance, so that tells me he has something else in mind. Whether it’s to undermine our confidence or he’s simply waiting for a better opportunity to attack, his purpose is still clear. We need to make this property like a fortress. Ideas?” Mason leaned back against his desk, studying each of us as we thought.

“I can help establish a stronger perimeter. Assign Pack members to
round the clock duty so that at all times, someone is guarding and ensuring no one enters without us knowing it,” Alex offered.

“I can also set up extra video cameras for heightened surveillance. I’ve been meaning to do it, so now’s the chance,” Daniel added.

“You have both myself and my coven at your disposal, as well, Mason. We’ll add crystals to the perimeter, providing a magical force field. It can still be penetrated by someone who knows how to, but they can’t avoid the kick back that comes with breaking the spell or the loud warning siren that will alert us.”

“Thank you, Vivien. I appreciate it.” Mason nodded as everyone came forward with suggestions and ways to assist.

“I’ll help in any way I can,” Christina spoke up, standing beside Devlin, who also agreed with all the suggestions being offered. “I’ll be more than willing to aid with casting the protection spells, as well as anything Devlin has planned.” Seeing they were both Enforcers, they had additional resources to bring to the table.

“Can you teach me something other than lighting candles?” I bravely asked. “I know time’s run out, but maybe something to at least give me the element of surprise, just in case?”

Christina glanced at Vivien, who inclined her head in consent. “Sure. We’ll get started on it right away.”

“Meanwhile, I’ll see what I can find out. If Julian steps one foot into town or the nearby suburbs, I’ll know. I’ll set up a team to be on watch.”

“Good. Then that’s a plan.” Mason clapped his hands, bringing the meeting to a close. “I’ll help wherever I’m needed and I will also make some calls to the neighboring packs. If this bastard thinks he can simply waltz in here and take what’s ours, he’s in for a rude awakening.”

With everyone assigned to a task, Christina gestured for us to go outside. Mason was already on the phone, so I left him to his job. “Well, what’s the lesson for today?”

“How do you feel about knocking people on their asses?

****

Two hours later, and the only one sitting on the ground was me. So far, I’d come nowhere close to mastering the techniques Christina was trying to teach me. We’d quickly agreed that whatever I learned needed to be simple. It was a brutal blow to my confidence that the “spell a child could do” had proven elusive. I knew what was expected, the intent and power, but my nerves kept interrupting. Unable to find that inner peace made everything all the more frustrating.

“Again!” Christina was relentless. The friendliness she’d extended on the plane and in New Orleans was tossed aside. There was no room for errors or easy-going bantering back and forth. More than once she explained this was serious business; and I didn’t doubt her for a second. I was just as annoyed as she was and, dusting myself off, I stood ready to give it another attempt. “Touch your magic, gather it into a ball, and then with pure intention, push it out through your hands.”

I had to grasp this concept. I needed this spell in my growing arsenal against Julian. It may not be comparable to the power he’d amassed over time, but if he was as arrogant as Devlin claimed, he wouldn’t expect me to know anything. I was determined I wouldn’t be easy pickings for him. If he wanted to take me, he’d have a fight on his hands. Not just from others, but from me. He wouldn’t find me a quivering victim pleading for mercy.

“Okay.” I wiped the sweat from my face, concentrating again. There had to be a way to silence my anxiety. It wouldn’t do me any good to keep thinking Julian was going to miraculously appear. I needed to act, not react, and that thought helped quell my uneasiness. Taking in a deep, cleansing breath, I reached for that glowing place within me where my magic resided. Carefully, I dipped my hands into it, cupping a small ball, taking my time to get it right. Once I was convinced it wouldn’t slip through my fingers, I held on tightly, dragging it up and pushing it out. An energy pulse shot from my palms, sizzling past Christina’s head, and severing a branch from the nearby tree.

We both stood there, our mouths hanging open in surprise, before I let out a loud whoop of excitement. “I did it! Holy cow, did you see that?”

“I did. Now, do it again.” Giving her a happy grin, I repeated the process three more times, each one with the same results. “Excellent. I think you’ve got the hang of it. Well done!”

“So, what’s next?” I asked, bending over at the waist and letting my muscles stretch. This kind of training might not be as strenuous as what Mason and Devlin taught me, but it was still taxing.

“How about the same concept but different application? Instead of pushing the energy blast outward, store it in your hand. Then, with your touch, you can deliver a powerful charge. These two tactics are solely for helping you break free, so you can escape. It may incapacitate your attacker momentarily, but until you improve, it won’t do anything too substantial.”

“I’m fine with any kind of advantage you can give me. Ideally, as soon as there’s a threat, I plan on shifting. But, just in case, he does something to prevent that, I want to be prepared.”

“That’s definitely a smart move. Be fully equipped for anything—wolf, fighting, magic. I think you’ll have it covered.” Christine nodded, clearly impressed.

“Here’s hoping that it doesn’t come to that, though.” Closing my eyes, I tuned everything out, repeating the same process as before. Once the energy ball was in my palm, I imagined it coating my skin like a glove, crackling electricity adding to the already glowing presence. “I think I’ve got it. Want me to test it on you?” Grinning, I took a step forward, pretending I was going to give her a jolt.

“How about we skip that part. I can see the magical sheen over your hands. As long as you hold on to the intent, it should work. Good job. I think those two maneuvers should help increase your odds.”

Sitting down on garden bench, I stretched my legs out and took a deep breath. “Thanks for showing me this. I really appreciate it.”

“No problem; maybe once this is over, I can ask permission to continue your training. I’m no Vivien, but I’d love the challenge of teaching a new witch.”

“I suppose being near Devlin wouldn’t suck either, huh?” I shoulder bumped her gently, laughing when she blushed.

“Consider it one of the perks of the job.” She winked back. “I’ve been in Salem for more years than I can count. It might do me good to have a change of scenery—a new purpose. From what I’ve heard, there’s always something going on here, so it’s not like I’d be idle.” Tapping her fingers on her knee, the idea certainly seemed to appeal to her. “I don’t think Zane will have a problem with it.”

“He decides where Enforcers are stationed?” I’d kind of figured someone was in charge of the supernatural police and peacekeepers.

“It was him and Devlin who first started the academy. Devlin chose to become one of the first Enforcers, delegating the responsibility of governing everyone to Zane. With Zane being King, as well, it was a natural assumption.” Christina caught my surprised look and chuckled. “He didn’t tell you that, did he?”

“Nope, just one of the many tidbits he likes to keep to himself.”

“Well then there you go; you ended up with some insider information, after all. Just don’t tell him you heard it from me.”

“Your secret’s safe with me,” I promised. “Can I ask you something more?”

“Depends.” She cast a sideways glance at me, her brows furrowed.

“What did you mean that you had a lot to atone for?” Ever since she’d made the comment, it had tumbled around in my mind. I knew it might be personal, but it didn’t stop me from asking.

“Let’s just say living in Salem wasn’t always ‘witch friendly’. It was a scary time for those who practiced magic. You never knew if the knock at your door was friend or foe, neighbors caught up in the witch hunt, people accusing each other over petty crimes and vengeance. Many who were killed were innocent; some, like my aunt, were only guilty of using their craft to heal the sick and bless their families. Watching her die filled me with such rage, I thought I’d drown from it. I swore revenge on her accusers, thirsting for their blood. The problem was, once I’d stolen their lives, I wasn’t satisfied. I then made plans to rid the world of anyone who showed
brutality to others.

“One night, I was in the midst of destroying a particularly cruel abuser, when I was interrupted. One moment I was preparing for the killing blow and the next, I woke up in a strange place with a burning throat and insatiable hunger. There had been rumors of vampires in the area, but I felt I was below their notice. Apparently, I wasn’t. They’d been watching me, stirred by my single-minded methods, and deemed me worthy of their gift. They turned me, helped me regain my strength, and set me loose. I became invincible, reveling in my power. It wasn’t until I crossed paths with Devlin that I realized what I’d truly become. A vicious monster.”

Her story shocked me. The glimpse of her former self was nothing like the person who’d helped me to manage my magic. I couldn’t imagine her as she had depicted herself—a maddened force of evil, blood dripping from her hands as she tore at flesh, removed beating hearts, drinking deeply from her victims. “And he somehow managed to help you stop?”