“I’ll let you borrow it when I’m done. It’ll be our little secret.” I tapped him on the leg and got off the bed. Mason still hadn’t come by yet, and I was anxious to see him before he left.
“He’ll be okay, you know?” I turned around quickly, ready to blast him. “And no, I didn’t read your thoughts. I understand you well enough to read your body language. You’re worried about the meeting, but Mason’s got a smart head on his shoulders. He’ll be careful.”
“I hope so.” I began to slowly pace back and forth, inching closer to the door with each step. As if willing him there, I heard a knock and Mason entered, followed closely by Daniel. They were both dressed in black, weapons concealed, but my focus was solely on the man moving toward me.
He looked lethal and dangerous. I could tell by the game face he was wearing, he was in complete control. Any uncertainty was gone as the full weight of the Alpha mantle rested squarely on his shoulders. He’d take no risks tonight.
“We’re ready to head out, sweetheart.” The use of the endearment settled some of my anxiety. He seemed balanced, and I stepped into his open arms, ignoring the way the knives he had hidden dug into my skin. I inhaled deeply, enjoying his masculine scent, and I tried to show my support through our embrace.
I was the one who stepped away first, squeezing his hand before looking back at him. “Be safe, okay? Do what you need to do and then come home.” I smiled widely, and my heart skipped a beat when he returned one of his own. I saw the look of relief in his eyes.
“I’ll try to send you updates through our connection, so you don’t spend the rest of the night worrying. I know you have a bad feeling.” He reached out and stroked the curve of my face. “I did hear you, even though I acted like I didn’t. Daniel and I have gone over every possible scenario we could think of, and if it looks like a trap we’ll get out of there. I just can’t let this chance slip by. Who knows what lengths Avery will go to if these have been his opening moves?”
“You don’t need to explain. I understand, and I appreciate you offering to send updates. Besides, I’ll be fine here with Devlin.” I gestured over my shoulder to where he was laying. “I know just how we’ll spend our evening as well.” I could hear Devlin groan softly.
“I love you, Darcy.”
My eyes moved over Mason’s face, taking everything in. “I love you too,” I whispered and I took another step back as he turned to go.
“Keep her safe, Devlin. I’m counting on you. Leave here only if you have to.”
“Does this mean you rescind your Alpha command for me to stay on pack property?” I asked.
“Yes, should the need arise, you stay with Devlin. No running off on your own. Promise me, Darcy, or the command stands.”
I agreed to his terms, and I felt the burden of the command lift. “I won’t leave here by myself. You have my word.”
He paused for a moment, weighing things and seemed satisfied. Nodding at Devlin, both Daniel and he left the room.
I let out a heavy sigh, staring at the closed door and I shut my eyes briefly to offer up a heartfelt prayer. Twirling around, I attempted a smile as I settled myself back on the bed. Devlin wrapped his arm around my shoulder, pulling me close, and I rested against him.
“Ah, the joys of waiting.” I laughed, breaking the silence. “So, what shall we do?” I tilted my head to the side, peering over at my friend.
“Anything you’d like. I’m at your service, Madam Darcy.” He added a flourish with his hand. “Your wish is my command.”
“Honestly? I think I’d just like to talk. We don’t often get the chance and I’ve missed you.” Devlin had always been a part of my life, showing up from time to time when I needed him or whenever he was in town. As an Enforcer, he travelled the world at the order of his King, but I loved whatever chance I got to be with him when he was home in Woodside Hollow.
“Then fire away. What’s the first topic for discussion?”
I loved the way he bantered with me, and I tapped my finger against my chin, trying to decide. There was still so much I didn’t know about him because he was the master of evasion. Though I learned not to pry too much into his life, I looked forward to whatever tidbit he revealed. There were things on my mind we could talk about, but an image flashed in my mind. I suddenly sat up straight, turning myself to face him before crossing my legs.
“What is the deal with Vlad? He doesn’t seem to be the kind of partner you would have so I know there’s a story there. Spill it.” I looked at him intently, waiting to see what he’d divulge.
“He is the bane of my existence at the moment… the thorn in my side… the constant source of irritation.” He rubbed his hand across his forehead, lowering his voice. “And he’s also my family.”
I couldn’t help it. I exploded into laughter so hard I had tears welling in my eyes. “He’s your relative?” I was lucky to get the question out.
“Are you finished?” He cocked his eyebrow, a scowl on his face. It seemed I found a tender spot that begged for me to poke at it.
“Nope. I’m sorry, but this is too funny. He appears to be so awkward, and you’re always so… not awkward. How come I’ve never met him before?”
“Because I never intended him to become a vampire, or to be introduced into our world.” He let out a frustrated sigh, and I slanted forward, knowing he was about to reveal something. “He’s a descendant of my beloved sister, and was meant to remain human. They all were, but sometimes things happen. Vlad was to remain ignorant of who I was, but after a lapse in my judgment, discovered I was a vampire. He became enamored with the idea of being turned, pestering me relentlessly until I finally decided to just wipe his mind and remove myself from his life. The evening I chose to execute my plans, I arrived at his home to find him dying, lying in a pool of blood. Seems he didn’t need me after all, and had found someone to help him. I had no other option but to help finish his transition and ease his passage into his new life. I was honor bound to protect my family, having given a blood-oath to my sister, so I took him back to my King for guidance. He’s with me now because his sparkling personality has almost gotten him staked on numerous occasions.” Devlin chuckled to himself. “Imagine that?”
“You made a blood oath with your sister?” I couldn’t help the surprise in my voice and I’m sure my eyes were as large as saucers. I didn’t know too much, but what I did know was a blood oath was one of the most sacred of pledges a person could offer. It was unbreakable, immovable, and very rarely made. It was the tightest of commitments between two people and to break it meant suffering a death too horrible to imagine.
“My, you are observant tonight.” He nodded, smiling, a wistful look crossed his face and I knew he was remembering her.
“You remind me a lot of her-the same willful spirit, gentle soul, and playful heart. There are even times where I think you share similar mannerisms. It made loving you, and wanting to watch over you a joy. Hers was a hard life, one I would never have chosen for her, but as a devoted brother, I honored her wishes. She made the mistake of loving the wrong person, became pregnant, and later lost her life in childbirth. The babe lived, but losing her was a devastating blow. From her death bed she requested something of me, demanding I give her a blood oath, and I couldn’t refuse her. I left that night to see it begin and have spent the years bound by it. I know I’ll spend the remainder of my life fulfilling my promise, even when it means I’m stuck with a family member who thinks he’s reached bad ass status by calling himself Vlad.” He scoffed as he ran his fingers through his hair before crossing his arms over his chest. “Of course, maybe it’s an improvement from his birth name, which was Cuthbert. I called him Bertie for short, which annoyed him to no end.”
I snorted. “Really?” I asked, loving the way he was sharing about his family. I couldn’t remember the last time he had talked this long about himself. I was almost too hesitant to interrupt. “Well, it could’ve been worse, you know?”
“How so?” He asked, looking curious.
“He could’ve called himself Edward, or Jasper. Sparkling is the “in” thing right now.”
Devlin groaned loudly. “I would’ve staked him myself.”
Laughing hard, I grabbed my sides as I imagined him chasing poor Vlad around the room with a stake. Just when I thought I could stop, an image of Devlin glittering in the sun filled my mind, sending me into another round of hysterics.
“Now what?” he said, scowling at my laughter
“I was picturing what you’d look like as a Cullen. I think you’d totally rock the sparkle.”
