through his chest.
As the motorcycle roared down the street, bringing us nearer to our destination, all I could do was close my eyes and pray.
Chapter Nineteen
“Let’s go,” I said, as we parked just beyond the property near the end of a long driveway.
Stripping the helmet off, I placed it on the seat, and moved toward a row of hedges. Hiding myself, as I stared up at the house. I still wasn’t able to forge another connection with Mason, but I tried to sense him again. Daniel and he were both in there. I just knew it.
“Slow down, Darcy,” Devlin said, dragging me to his side. “I told you I’d get you here, but you play by my rules. First thing we’re going to do is wait for back up. With more of us, we’ll be better prepared for whatever game Avery is playing.”
It had been a while since I’d visited this part of town. A place rich in history, it was rumored to be filled with hauntings and strange occurrences, but all I saw was large, expensive houses and beautiful landscaping. As I gazed around at the different kinds of trees, I felt a slight tug around my heart.
Mason.
Taking in a deep breath, centering myself, I relaxed a little to encourage my senses to continue reaching out. Sure enough, after a few moments, I felt a stronger pull, and I knew with a surety, Mason was inside.
I glanced back at Devlin, and saw him reaching into his pocket. Removing his buzzing phone, he answered it, his back now to me. I couldn’t wait for him. The longer I did, the more I risked losing the signal.
“We need to go, Devlin. The connection has reestablished. I can feel him.” I grabbed the back of his shirt, yanking as I started to move up the driveway.
“We’re out of time. Get here as soon as you can.” He ended the call, and grabbed my hand, taking the lead. We moved across the lawn, not stopping until our feet hit the front porch. The tug was more insistent now, and with one last careful glance around-finding no one-we entered the house.
As my eyes adjusted to the dim lighting, I was stunned by the opulence of the foyer. Beautifully crafted paintings hung on the wall, one a family portrait, and the other of children playing. A grand staircase stole most of the room’s focus, with elegant carvings of rich mahogany, leading up to a second floor.
Looking around, I pondered what direction we should go.
“Which way now, Darcy?” he asked, his stance alert as he gazed about us.
My nose caught a scent. It was faint, but it was definitely werewolf. Leading him to the nearest room, we peered into what looked like a parlor. I instantly recognized it as the room everyone had met in.
“They were here,” I spoke, taking a few seconds to check for evidence.
Devlin entered, giving it a quick scan, but I sensed nothing.
Trying not to be discouraged, I went back into the foyer and closed my eyes, Devlin returning to my side.
I dug down deep, channeling all my energy, and without over thinking it, I began to walk, letting my senses direct me. We passed another room, turning down a hallway that led by a kitchen.
We came across a smaller set of stairs-ones that looked like it would take us to a cellar or basement. The feeling of Mason grew stronger so placing one foot in front of the other, we began our descent.
I tried to tell myself I had nothing to worry about, and I felt the reassurance come from my wolf. She was alert, watching closely to see what would happen. Using the handrail to keep my balance, I finally reached the bottom and found there was a doorway.
There was a loud crash from the floor above, and the sound of voices shouting. Devlin reached for his boot, pulling out a dagger, and moving back toward the stairs, he ordered me to find somewhere to hide.
“Don’t come out until I return for you,” he called over his shoulder, and taking two steps at a time, I quickly lost sight of him.
Not knowing where to go, I turned around to the door behind me. Pushing it carefully, I cringed as I heard the creaking of rusted hinges, and I waited to see if anything would jump out.
The room was dark, but the tug around my heart grew stronger. I fumbled for the light switch. The bulb flickered on, fading somewhat before surging to full capacity, and I found myself standing in a storeroom where the owners kept food and other household items.
It was a large room filled with row after row shelves, and I walked in further, looking for a place to hide. Coming around one of the shelves, I gasped.
Mason was manacled to the wall, a blank expression on his face.
I gave into my first instinct, racing over to him, feeling for injuries while trying to figure out how to break him free of the cuffs around his wrists. They held his arms out straight, and I could only imagine the pressure it was placing on his shoulders. I whispered words of love, asking him to hold on. Reaching for the restraints, I recoiled back instantly the second my skin came in contact with the metal.
Silver. Avery was holding Mason hostage with the one substance known to burn a werewolf, as well as draining their strength, and preventing from shifting. As I looked closer, tears filled my eyes to see the angry red skin and blisters weeping on his wrists. I knew they had to hurt, but he didn’t utter a single sound.
I took hold of his face, moving it back and forth, and noticed his eyes didn’t follow me. I spoke loudly, calling his name, but his expression remained empty.
“He is compelled, sweet Darcy, and completely under my control. I could not have him run off and spoil the party, now could I? Where would the fun be if you were not here to watch?”
Avery stepped out from around one of the shelves, smiling widely at my surprise. He looked pleased with himself, and I released a low growl of warning.
“Oh, come now, there is no need for that. Your beloved Alpha is still alive, maybe a little worse for wear, but still breathing.” He chuckled as he glanced over at the body hanging on the opposite wall. “I rather like my new decoration.”
“Let him go. There’s no need to keep him like this. There was no need for any of this.”
“Oh, there definitely was, my beauty. You see, after I took you home, I had a change of heart, an epiphany if you will. I discovered I do not really need your Mason as much as I thought I did.” He began pacing slowly before me, a look of determination on his face, and I placed myself in front of Mason as a shield.
My wolf began to howl, sensing danger, and we both watched as Avery paused. He seemed to be waiting for something-listening-and with a small sigh he began to shake his head. “Once again, our time is cut short. Oh well, I will do what I must.”
A sense of relief brushed over me as I hoped Devlin was returning. I expected him to burst through the door at any moment, and was disappointed when he didn’t appear.
“No one is coming, my dear-at least not who you are wanting. If I am right, whoever came with you is now engaged with my guards and I have trained them well.” He looked at his fingernails, feigning boredom.
“So where were we? Ah… yes.” He moved quickly, a gust of air revealing his speed, and I found myself staring deep into his eyes. I closed mine, fighting the urge, knowing if I looked I would be under his influence again.
“Look at me, or I will kill your lover.” His tone was serious and cold, removing all doubt to his sincerity.
Glaring back, I slowly raised my eyelids. “I hate you,” I uttered.
“You have not begun to hate me, Darcy, but do not worry. In a few seconds, you will forget and all you will know is that my touch brings you pleasure.”
“You’re fooling yourself.” I called on my wolf instantly, trying to bring her to the surface. Before I could shift, Avery grabbed onto me roughly. I wasn’t able to finish the change as he spoke a few words, the compulsion cutting me off completely.
I felt all resistance to him melt away, and it was replaced with the sudden urge to wrap myself up in him. I couldn’t keep my hands from reaching out and stroking him, each time I did, it felt like electricity traveling through my body, covering me with tingles.
I wanted him-needed him-and as I began to rub myself against his body, he whipped me around so my back was against his chest.
