Forget Me Not (#2, The Mystic Wolves) (14 page)

“Not naked, I did grab a towel. And you have no idea how lethal I can be with it, if needed.” He tugged at the material again, narrowly stopping it from opening, and Vlad groaned loudly from his coffin.

“Since we’ve determined nothing is wrong, would you both kindly leave?” Vlad grumbled, gripping the edge of the lid to pull it closed.

“Come on, let’s leave Clark Kent to his beauty sleep,” Devlin mocked, referencing the design on Vlad’s pajamas. “The boy’s obviously a killer.” Laughter rumbled in his chest.

Following him out, Devlin led the way back to my room. “Let me get dressed, and I’ll come by and get you so we can leave for Vivien’s.”

I nodded, watching him move to return to his own bedroom, and I called out before he disappeared through the door. “Thanks for rushing to see what had happened, even if it was just a crazy vampire.”

“No problem. I meant what I said before about always being there to protect you should you need me.” He bowed slightly. “Be back in a few minutes.”

Ducking into my room, I lay on the bed and stared up at the ceiling, wondering what Mason was doing. Was he thinking of me? Was he missing me? I felt good about the plans we had made, but still something whispered for us to hurry. With me out of the way, would Amber think she was in the clear to make her move?

My mind conjured up all the ways Amber would pay for her interference and treachery, and my wolf let out a bloodthirsty howl. The ring should be enough proof that magic had been used to harm me, and if we could link it to her, it should seal the deal. She’d be history.

Leaning over, I grabbed my cell phone off the bed stand, and began to type out a text to Mason, letting him know I’d slept well and missed him. His response came quick.

I miss you too
.

I let him know we were visiting the lead witch this morning, and I’d call him afterward with any news.

A knock at the door disturbed the quiet. As he peeked his head in, I saw Devlin was dressed in all black, his dark hair pulled back into a low ponytail. For what seemed like the millionth time I wondered why he was still single—he was beautiful, and I’d seen how women looked at him.

“You ready?” he questioned, watching as I got up and walked toward him. He held up a set of keys, dangling them from his finger.

“Are those what I think they are?” I grinned, excitement building inside me before confusion hit me. “I thought we left your bike in Woodside Hollow? Did you go back last night and get it?”

“Darcy, Darcy, Darcy. Do you really think I own only one bike?” He shook his head, pretending to be disappointed. “You’re not the only one that loves speeding down the highway. I recently got this one, and it’s even faster than the other.”

Eyeing the keys, I snatched them from his hand and called over my shoulder, “First one there drives!” I took off running.

I felt a cool breeze brush against me as I threw everything I had into making my body move. Even in human form, I was able to access the agility and speed of my wolf. Unfortunately, it didn’t match the prowess of a vampire, and I scowled as I found Devlin leaning against the motorcycle with his hand outstretched. I dropped the keys reluctantly, ignoring his laughter.

“Stupid vampire speed,” I muttered, fastening the helmet’s buckle tightly under my chin.

Winking at me, enjoying my pout, he swung his leg over the bike, and with his heel pushed the kickstand back. The roar of the engine starting instantly cheered me, the promise of a thrilling ride ahead, enough to wipe the frown from my face.

“If you’re a good girl, I’ll let you drive home. Deal?”

Swatting his bicep for being a punk, I hopped up behind him and with a rev and twist of the handlebar—we skidded out of the driveway and hit the open road.

Chapter Sixteen

Devil Springs was a melting pot for all things supernatural—mystical and magical. To the human eye, it had earned its name from the suspicions and legends that surrounded the area almost since its birth, but to those who knew, it was the nexus of phenomenal power.

It was because of this that both the leader of the witches and vampires resided here, using it as a base to govern over their individual stations. It was no coincidence that some of the most influential and dominating forces within the community lived here.

I’d spent some of my childhood coming to visit Vivien—the graceful witch who was a friend of my mother’s. Pulling up outside the gated driveway which led up to a mansion of sorts, it was easy to feel the excitement start to build inside me. If there was anyone who would be able to uncover the truth behind the ring, it would be her.

Pushing on the intercom buzzer, I tried to ignore the flicker of anxiety in my body.

“Yes?” A voice broke out through the system causing it to crackle slightly.

“We’re here to speak with Vivien. She’s expecting us,” Devlin answered from his motorcycle. There was a clank of warning, before the cast iron fence began to swing open, granting us entrance. Devlin didn’t waste any time, driving between the gates easily, and before long we were pulling up to the front of the house.

It seemed we weren’t the only visitors today.

“This should be interesting. That’s Zane’s vehicle. I didn’t expect him to be here,” Devlin said.

The door swung open, revealing Vivien in a bold red dress that flowed down to the floor. She wore a wide smile as she threw her arms apart to greet us. I couldn’t resist the offer, and went up the stairs into her familiar embrace.

“My poor, sweet, child.” She stroked the back of my head before squeezing me tightly.

I took in a deep breath, enjoying her fresh scent of lavender and eucalyptus. The smell was instantly calming, and I felt my heart beat easier for the first time that morning, as I returned her tight embrace. I loved this woman.

I heard Devlin’s heavy footsteps coming up behind me, and even though I pulled away, I still held onto Vivien’s hand.

“It was good of you to see us on such short notice.” He stopped just before her, and bowed slightly out of respect. “I hope we haven’t kept you waiting.”

“Nonsense.” Vivien waved her hand in the air. “It’s the least I can do after what you shared with me last night. I say the sooner we reveal the truth, the sooner we can kick that interloper out and send her on her way. Am I right?”

I couldn’t help my jaw from dropping at the frankness of her statement. I’d always known Vivien to be impartial when it came to Council business, her ability to hide her true opinion flawless.

She smiled, gently closing my mouth with the lift of her finger. “No need to be surprised, dear heart. We’re amongst friends right now, and I’m not ashamed to admit that Amber makes my blood boil.” Gesturing for us to go in, I stepped inside, and then followed her through the foyer.

“How is your mother? I miss her terribly, but I trust she’s well?” Vivien walked beside me, her voice low.

“She is. I talked with her a few days ago and from the sounds of it, she’s enjoying her vacation in Europe. It was good to hear the excitement in her voice—she deserves to have a little fun.”

“I bet she wanted to come home when she learned about Jasmine’s death, though.”

“Yeah, and it took some convincing for her to stay where she was. By the time I could reach her, the farewell ritual had already been completed, and then there was the mess with Avery. I didn’t want her to get involved with all that.”

“It’s hard for a mother to stand by and watch the suffering of her child, Darcy. I’m sure it was a bitter pill to swallow for her to stay where she was. Did you tell her about Amber?” Vivien looked at me from the corner of her eye.

“No.” My face flushed with embarrassment.

“I guarantee nothing would’ve stopped your mother from returning if you had. You underestimate the strength you can gather from her in moments like this,” she spoke softly.

“I don’t doubt that. I just don’t want to see her get hurt, and I hoped it would resolve itself quickly so there was no need.”

“She’s not going to be happy when she finds out how sick you were. You’ll have to explain why you kept her in the dark.”

We’d come to one of the large doors leading out of the foyer, and pausing with my hand on the doorknob, I nodded.

“She’s going to be mad, isn’t she?” I sighed. I knew in wanting to protect my mother from things, I’d also hurt her.

“But she’ll understand eventually. No one could fault your heart—it’s in your nature to protect those you love.”

Smiling, Vivien gestured for me to go first, and I entered into the receiving room which housed a large window overlooking the side gardens of the property. The furniture was immaculately kept, turn of the century style, and it lent the room an air of authority. As I sunk into the closest sofa, I released a soft breath.

Zane came to sit by me, his cool hand resting gently on my knee, patting it. “I’m sorry about the news, Darcy. It’s not something I wish to see happen to those I care for.”

With everyone in the room, Devlin closed the door before coming over to bow before his liege. Zane nodded in acceptance, and began to ask after Devlin when Vivien interrupted, seeking to know who would like refreshments.

“You are ever the perfect hostess, my sweet.” Zane smile, the edges around his eyes crinkling slightly as his pupils twinkled. As with most vampires, he was an exceptionally handsome man, sexy with a dangerous air. Everything about him sizzled with a lethal sense of power, a force that made him a formidable enemy to any who dared to cross him. I knew he had the ability to bend anyone to his will—whether by his charm, his smile, or his ruthless use of his vampire nature.

Once our choices were relayed to the housekeeper, Vivien took her seat with the rest of us, and a solemn feeling rested upon the group. “Devlin tells me there is enchantment being used, in the form of jewelry. May I see the piece you’ve brought with you?”

He wasted no time unwrapping the band from the material he’d used to protect it. Staring down at the ring, my stomach churned—a reminder of how sick it had made me. I’d be happy if I never saw the thing again.

Vivien watched, nothing escaping her gaze, and a frown wrinkled between her brows. “Extraordinary. This is an exceptional piece of magic. There is subtly in its weavings, but nonetheless cast with only the most deadly of intentions. There’s no doubt in my mind had you continued to wear this, Darcy, it would’ve killed you.”

“We need to know who sent it.” Devlin sat on the edge of his seat, peering down at the piece with a look of distaste on his face.

“If I can get this to reveal, not only the spell that was used, but also the one who cast it as well, it will definitely provide the evidence you’re wanting.” She looked at both Devlin and I, and we nodded. “If this does involve Amber, she’ll need to stand trial for her actions. She’ll no longer need the protection of Mason, because she’ll be housed securely within the Council’s prison.”

“What I want to know is how would Amber have gotten hold of something like this? It’s just a regular ring, but the magic added must be created by witches. As far as I know, she comes from a long line of werewolves.” I looked between Devlin and Zane, hoping they could answer my question.

“Sadly, there is always someone who can provide these kinds of things—a black market to the supernatural community. Such dealings are outlawed, but it’s a case of supply and demand,” Zane replied, shaking his head sadly.

“So what was added to the ring? Judging from Darcy’s reaction, the spell is malicious in nature, because it almost killed her, and she hadn’t even been wearing it for twenty four hours.” Devlin took hold of my hand and gripped it, lines of concern covering his forehead.

“We can find that out right now,” Vivien spoke, rising from her seat. Gesturing to someone outside the room, she stood by the door and waited for them to return. “Describe to me exactly how it felt, Darcy.”

Systematically, I listed all the details to my reaction—from the feeling of a war being waged inside my body. All the while, the look of worry grew darker and darker on her face. Now that I was away from the influence of the magic, I could see just how dire things had been.

A knock on the door brought our attention to the housekeeper and assistant. One held a tray with refreshments, which she placed on the skirted table and began to distribute. The other carried another platter, but this one contained items hidden beneath a silk piece of cloth. Handing it to Vivien, there was a brief nod of respect and dismissal before the lead witch returned to where we were sitting.

I’d seen this before—Vivien’s tools of her trade, and a thrill pulsed through me. Watching her do magic, whether it was to cast or reveal, was always something spectacular, but I was also excited to see exactly what had been done.

I graciously accepted my drink, and placed it beside my chair. I stared at the tray—a large clear quartz crystal lay on it, along with small dishes filled with crushed powders, a fresh white candle, and a silver chalice half-filled with reddish liquid. Testing the air, I could smell the herbs and fought the urge to sneeze.

“Do you wish for some privacy, Vivien,” Zane asked, signaling for Devlin to stand on the chance they would need to leave while the ritual was performed. I caught a fondness in the way he beheld her, the slight tenderness around the way his lips curled into a smile as he spoke, gentleness in his eyes.