Forget Me Not (#2, The Mystic Wolves) (7 page)

I saw looks of curiosity on people’s faces. Some were making furtive glances around, while others were whispering softly to their neighbors.

“Last night Amber Bracken came to the Mystic Wolves and asked for protection against her father by claiming asylum. I’ve met with the Council, and an investigation has begun into the allegations she placed. Until it’s determined she’s safe to return home, the Council has stated she’s to remain here.”

“What were the charges?” a voice called from the back.

“That Michael, Alpha of the Silver Canyon Pack, threatened to harm her if she didn’t complete the task assigned her,” Mason added, and paused to let the statement settle before continuing. “She was to unite the two packs by becoming my mate.”

There was a second of silence before the garden exploded into angry protests and cries of disbelief. Mason stepped forward, his hands held out in the hopes he could calm the crowd.

“Please, everyone.” His request rang through air, loud enough to rise over the noise, trying to regain their attention. “Those are the charges, and will be taken seriously. It’s in the hands of others, so there is little we can do. What’s important is what happens within this pack. I know this news may come as a surprise, but it’s my duty to obey the Council and grant her stay here.”

“That’s insane! How can they make you do that, especially with the history you have with her?” It was an older member who spoke up, and before Mason could answer his question, there was a disruption. Turning to see what the cause was, I was surprised to see Amber coming in at the back of the group. She hadn’t been invited to the meeting because whatever happened within the pack was none of her business.

“You have some nerve coming here. You may think you can work your way back into the good graces of others, but I know you, Amber Bracken. And I haven’t forgotten.” The pack member directed his finger at her, emphasizing his point.

Seeing the potential for trouble, Mason stepped forward and called the meeting to order. “Amber, I don’t believe you were invited to attend tonight. This is a matter for the Mystic Wolves.”

“I understand. I knew I’d face hostility if I came, but I wondered if it may help to be here. I’m sure people will have questions.” She stood her ground, and glanced around the garden. “I’m not here to cause problems. I promise.”

Mason never looked away from her as Daniel whispered something quietly to him. “You may stay on the basis you only answer questions directed to you.” When she nodded, he continued. “Let’s try to keep the volume down, okay?”

“What did she do that was so bad?” Wade asked, raising his voice to be heard. A number of others joined with him, asking the same thing. I was curious to see how Mason would answer because a lot of the past wasn’t common knowledge—his change in personality and love for Amber, yes, but not the attempt to seduce Daniel that lead to betrothal ending.

“Years ago, my father entered an agreement with Amber’s for the two of us to marry. Amber and I started a relationship, and it caused me to act in a way I’m not proud of. I’d like to say I was young and foolish, but it doesn’t excuse it. I made a lot of bad decisions, ones that would’ve affected a lot of people. ”

I could see everyone staring up at him, hanging on his every word. “But that was then—I’m older now and much wiser. I want it to be clear—if there were any other way for the Council to investigate the allegations without Amber staying here, I would do it. Everything is being done to make her visit a short one, so I ask for your patience.”

“So you want us to believe you’re here for no other reason than asylum?” Nathan raised his voice, focusing on Amber as people turned in their seats to hear.

“It’s true, what happened in the past was unforgivable, but I was young.” She lifted herself from her chair so she could address everyone. “I was foolish, and under the order of my father. But I promise you, I haven’t come here to stir contention amongst you, or to cause trouble for Mason. I’m genuinely afraid, and I beg for your mercy. I know I can’t repair the damage of the past, but I’m willing to start rebuilding those bridges I burned.”

Amber’s bottom lip began to quiver, as her eyes filled with tears. She painted an impressive picture of repentance, and I could see certain members start to soften as she retook her seat. Nathan shook his head as though he wasn’t quite sure what to believe, and he wasn’t the only one.

“I won’t order anyone to associate with Amber if they choose not to, but I will ask that we show civility. I don’t anticipate her being here for long, just until she’s able to go back to her own pack safely. Should you have any questions though, please know the doors to my office are always open, and I’ll try to help ease any concerns.”

“I have a question,” April spoke, raising her hand in the air. “What will happen with the mating ritual between you and Darcy? Will the investigation postpone it?”

“No. The mating ritual will still be performed in three weeks,” Mason replied without hesitation. “I believe we’ve all waited long enough for that, don’t you?” Smiling at the crowd, he winked at the young werewolf, causing her to blush and drop her stare to her feet. “This changes nothing for us—our plans are to move forward. We’ll continue to do what we’ve always done… together.”

“Does anyone else have something to add?” Daniel asked, scanning the crowd. His focus rested on me briefly before he continued to look around.

There were some scattered comments—most wanting details from the past, but one stood out.

“What’s Darcy’s opinion?”

“You want to know what I think about this?” I asked.

Holding his hand out to me, Mason invited me come stand beside him, and I thought about how I could answer the question. It seemed like a wave of heads began nodding, as they leaned forward to hear how I’d respond.

“I trust Mason, and I know he’ll do everything in his power to keep us safe. Yes, there’s a history between him and Amber, but it’s also in the past, and we have an amazing future to look forward to. This is definitely awkward, but I hope we can make the best of the situation until everything is resolved.” I tried to make eye contact with each person, wanting them to see I gave my full support to their Alpha, and my future mate. I could sense their worry—emotions were still raw from the death of Jasmine and trouble with Avery. They didn’t want anything else coming in and wreaking havoc.

“So you and Amber are friends?” Stacey asked. I took a step to the side so I could see the young wolf, and chuckled.

“Amber and I have just met, so we have a lot to learn about each other.” I didn’t know how else to answer the question. I didn’t want to lie and pretend we were now soul sisters, but I also didn’t want to share that the mere sight of her made me want to gouge my eyes out. In the end, I gave the best response I could. “I’m willing to try, and I believe she is as well.”

I felt Mason’s hand slide into mine and squeeze. The feel of his touch was comforting, and it also sent a powerful message. We were united, and the pack could continue to place their faith in their leader.

“Any more questions?” Daniel asked once again.

Based on the feel of the crowd, they seemed to be satisfied, but I knew it wouldn’t be the end. Something told me some were afraid to be seen as though they doubted and would rather the privacy of an intimate conversation to air their concerns. Peering at Mason as he began to speak, I knew he would allow them the time they needed.

“Okay then, let’s close the meeting and you can get back to your evenings. I appreciate you all coming at such short notice.” He broke out into a wide smile as members started to rise to their feet. “Feel free to hang around, and I’m sure you can find something to eat.”

I watched as little groups formed—hugs and whispers being exchanged. It wasn’t a surprise to see some head straight for the house as Eric and Wade’s stomachs dictated their priorities.

“So how do you think it went?” Mason whispered, never taking his eyes away from them. “I was expecting a lot more comments and questions from the pack.”

“I know, but the important ones were brought up, so we’ll see what happens. Once everyone gets home and has a chance to ponder over everything, there may be more,” Daniel added, letting out a deep breath.

“I wondered if perhaps they didn’t want to look as though they didn’t have faith in you. They may not want to say something they think will publicly embarrass you.” I noticed a few people approaching us. “See, I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s what happened. You both might be here for a while.”

Leaning in to kiss Mason on the cheek, I patted the side of Daniel’s arm. “Don’t let them keep him up too late, okay?”

“Sure, Momma Darcy.” Daniel grinned, raising his hand in a salute.

“You heading out?” Mason asked, pulling me in close. He traced the side of my face with his finger, twirling a strand of hair as I placed my hand on his chest. I loved being able to feel the strength of his heartbeat under my touch.

“Yeah, I’ll leave you two to business. I’ll go socialize a little and then go to bed.” I lifted onto my tiptoes and placed a kiss on his lips, feathering twice. “You were good tonight. I love you.”

A soft chuckle was all the warning I received as Mason’s arms wrapped around me, causing me to press up against him. His mouth descended to mine, and he gave me a proper goodbye kiss—one that was answered with wolf whistles and a smattering of applause from those nearby. He wore a triumphant smile when we finally broke apart, and tipping his head back, laughed.

Leaving him, I wandered through the crowds, thanking people and discretely checking in with them to see how they were. I’d almost made it back into the house when I heard my name being called. It was tempting to keep walking, to pretend I hadn’t heard the feminine voice, but after sharing how I’d try to get to know Amber better, I couldn’t be seen ignoring her. Schooling my expression, I turned to greet her.

“Did you really mean what you said earlier? About being willing to get to know me?”

“I did,” I replied.
It’s also a good chance to keep an eye on you
, I thought as well.

“Okay then, I was just wondering if we could do something tomorrow,” Amber asked, an overly perky tone to her voice. I looked closely, trying to gauge her intent.

“What did you have in mind?” I could feel the stares of others as our conversation started drawing attention.

“I don’t know. Maybe go shopping in town? We could go into Woodside Hollow, and I thought it might give us a chance to talk,” She looked at me earnestly, “I feel like I have a lot to make up for, and this is a good step toward showing my support of you both. Despite everything, I do want Mason to be happy. From what I’ve seen so far, he is.”

Suspicion warred inside me, telling me to laugh at her attempts to win me over. But I didn’t, honoring my decision to befriend her and see what I could uncover.

“Sure, if it means that much to you, we can go to town. Sounds like … fun,” I plastered a smile on my face.

We made arrangements for the next day, and I escaped into the house. I didn’t encounter anyone as I arrived inside my room, and leaning back against the closed door, I let out a huge sigh and groaned.

A day of shopping with Amber—heaven help me.

Chapter Eight

“So where did you want to go first?” I asked, pressing the remote to lock the car before pocketing my keys. I stepped onto the sidewalk and looked up and down the street.

Woodside Hollow had a lot of cute boutiques that brought in a constant stream of tourists, but the area was pretty quiet right now with only a trickle of early shoppers. Hopefully it meant this trip wouldn’t take long, and we’d be able head back. The drive here had been awkward at first—both of us offering the customary inquiries into each other’s day. There’d been an extended period of silence, and we’d let out a soft sigh when we finally approached town.

“I guess we can pick a direction and head that way first. In fact,” Amber paused as she peered over my shoulder, something catching her attention. “Why don’t we try walking down there?”

Shrugging, we began, occasionally stopping to peek into a shop’s window display. I tried not to think about the argument I’d had earlier with Mason about coming today. He didn’t like my plan of trying to gain more information by spending time with Amber, even though I thought it couldn’t hurt. The investigation was in full swing now, and even I knew every little detail counted. I’d asked him to trust me, giving him the promise that if it proved a waste of time, I’d agree to keep away from her. It’d taken some effort to convince him, so I mentally crossed my fingers, hoping I could uncover something—anything to help. A few hours of sacrifice was easy to make if it meant we could get rid of Amber once and for all.

“So, are you looking for anything in particular?” I asked, after we had gone into what seemed liked the hundredth shop and leaving empty handed. Coming to town with Amber had seemed like a good idea at the time, but I wasn’t learning anything new.

“Well …,” she paused, avoiding my eyes. She released a sigh and stopped walking. “I am. I wanted to get you and Mason something as a mating ritual gift. I saw you were starting to get deliveries this morning, and it gave me the idea.”

I crinkled my brow. “Don’t you think that’s inappropriate?”

“I know what it might look like, but I really want to do something to show I support you both. I can’t change my past, but this would be a good start,” Amber explained.