think I would need to be informed. Is it connected to Gary?”
Vlad lifted his cell phone and began touching the screen, searching for something before passing the device toward the Alpha.
“They forwarded me three images and asked if you knew what they meant.” The phone made its way into Mason’s hand, and I shifted in my seat so I could look with him. When he pushed the screen, illuminating it, I couldn’t help my gasp of horror.
There was so much blood. I prayed that it had been quick and whoever it was hadn’t suffered, because the violence it would’ve taken to accomplish the scene left me speechless.
Mason was tightlipped, and I felt him buzz with energy beside me. His wolf was stirring. I was sure of it because the air suddenly crackled with electricity, eliciting a round of growls from the rest of the pack in response. The Alpha was unsettled and it didn’t bode well.
With the scroll of his thumb, he moved on to the next image-a piece of paper with some words scribbled on it.
I peered in closer, but I didn’t need to as Mason read it.
“How many women must die before you lose everyone you love?” He flipped back to the previous photo, but it was just as indiscernible as before. He looked back at the note, and started to speak, but Vlad interrupted.
“It was written in blood, and before you ask, look at the last image.”
Now I was confused as a bloodied driver’s license filled the screen. The owner was a pretty young woman, but someone I wasn’t familiar with. I raised my head to ask Mason whether he knew her, and was rewarded with a not-so-subtle cuss. Seems he did, and judging by the fury that flashed in his eyes, she meant something to him.
Dropping the phone, he pushed back the seat and began pacing, raking his fingers through his hair. One of the greatest things about Mason was he usually had a cool head under pressure, and he made a point not to become unhinged in front of others. I was stunned by how truly rattled he was, and I could almost taste his impending change on my tongue. He needed to settle before he forced a shift on everyone.
My own wolf raised her head and howled, feeling the energy being generated, and I struggled to coax her back to sleep. I glanced around at the others, and they were also trying to rein themselves in. If something didn’t happen, Devlin and Vlad would soon find themselves in a room full of wolves.
“What is it, Mason? Who is she?” I placed my hand on his arm as he brushed by, bringing him to a halt.
Steadying himself, he finally realized what effect his reaction was having on everyone, and a wave of calmness flowed through the room.
Retaking his chair, composed and back in charge of his emotions, Mason began to answer my questions. “Her name is…,” he paused, “was Vanessa Madison. She was a childhood sweetheart of mine, and playmate to Jasmine. Her father was a work colleague of my father, so our families would spend some time together. I haven’t seen her in maybe… three or four years. Last time I checked, she was finishing up with grad school and getting ready to move across the country.”
“Who have you pissed off, Mason?” Daniel responded. “I think fang boy over there is right. It’s too coincidental. Someone’s trying to get your attention and will go to any lengths.”
“Well, whoever it is has a death wish coming after the Alpha. I say we hunt them down and…”
Wade was interrupted by Mason. “Let’s settle down. Look over everything. Devlin, will you be able to stay longer?”
A nod from the Enforcer was all that was needed.
Facing the group, the Alpha continued. “Eric, put everyone on high alert. Send for members to come in and set up a team to begin perimeter surveillance. Nothing in, nothing out until we know more.” Finally, he turned his focus to me.
“I know. No going anywhere. Stay at the house, and no traipsing in the woods.”
“Just until we know what’s going on, okay? Promise me.” His gaze held mine.
“Girl Scouts honor,” I replied, raising my hand to salute.
“You weren’t even a girl scout, Darcy.” Mason chuckled, and his smile almost reached his eyes. He caressed the side of my face with his fingers. “Safety first. I can’t lose you too.”
I nodded, as I briefly leaned into his touch. When he broke the contact, I refocused on the room and stood. “Well, I’ll leave everyone to figure this out.” I pushed my chair under the table, and Mason reached out to grab hold of my hand.
“Where can I find you when this is finished?” He studied my face as if he was afraid this was the last time he’d see me.
“I have a ritual to help prepare. And goodbyes to offer.” Letting my fingers trail out of his grasp, I nodded to those in the room, pausing a moment to touch Devlin’s shoulder. “Thanks for being here.” He squeezed my hand and I exited quickly, closing the door on the meeting turned war council.
What a change of events. Shaking my head, I began my journey toward Jasmine’s room, my heart preparing itself for the next few hours.
Chapter Twelve
It was into a quiet hush- a reverent silence-when I slipped inside Jasmine’s room, closing the door softly behind me. The curtains had been drawn, candles lit on almost every surface, and it gave the space a solemn ambience befitting the moment.
Not ready to look at the bed where my beloved friend and pack sister lay, I gazed around the place I’d spent so many hours in. Echoes of memories flittered about in my mind, and it tugged on my heart strings because I truly, and deeply, loved Jasmine.
Our connection had been almost instant, two hearts reaching out, and rejoicing in finding one another. Similar in age and tastes, our friendship had steadily grown until we became inseparable-in thoughts and actions. Mason would laugh so hard each time we finished each other’s sentences, and would groan over the antics we’d get up to.
He always shared how good it felt knowing we were close, easing a burden I never knew he carried. He worried over his sister, afraid she’d be lonely if his future mate didn’t recognize the importance Jasmine held in his life.
Back in the room, something pulled me toward the bookshelf which was crammed-filled with some of Jasmine’s favorite reads. It was the photo frame I’d given her for her last birthday-a silver one with the words “best friends” stamped into it. I gingerly picked it up, my eyes never leaving the smiling faces peering back up at me. I traced her image, marveling at the glow the camera had been able to capture.
I couldn’t even remember when we took the picture, we’d taken so many. Judging from the goofy looks, I’d say it was from one of the many nights we used to lie giggling on top of her bed together, taking random poses. No matter the occasion, we always found some reason to be silly, and would spend hours trying to outdo the last shot.
Both our mouths were open, teeth sparkling, but the twinkle in our eyes showed it all. We were best friends. We were happy, and we had the rest of our lives ahead of us.
It hurt my heart knowing the last part wasn’t true anymore. Placing the frame back on the shelf, I began randomly pulling out books. It was another thing Jasmine and I had in common-our love of reading romance, and the sexy heroes we found in each story. I couldn’t count how many times we would text, or show up at each other’s rooms, gushing over what Mr. McSwoony was doing, and sighing together. We were complete junkies, and would stay up all night talking about what it would be like to be transported into one of the books. We had weaknesses for highlanders, and no matter how hard we tried, we could never get Mason to speak in a Scottish brogue.
I laughed out loud, remembering how we used to badger him.
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