The atmosphere was definitely lighter as we emerged from the house. The gravity of the rite was tenderly placed aside for a more casual appearance, tables set out where the chairs had once been. Alongside the walkway, a delicious feast was in the process of being arranged by a small group of Vivien’s associates.
Whispering to Mason I’d return, I made my way through the tables, checking to see that everyone was alright and was getting enough to eat. We were a solemn bunch, talking softly amongst ourselves and the ritual was on everybody’s mind.
I lingered by some of the conversations, reaching out to touch those I spoke with, letting them know how grateful I was they were here. Soon, the reverent hush became lighter, as laughter broke out and as I caught Mason’s eye, I smiled and nodded. We were all okay.
Walking over to where the food was displayed, I helped an older pack sister fill her dish. She shared different experiences she had with Jasmine, how the young wolf touched her life, and as I led her to her table, I thanked her. The topic of dinner shifted, and the air filled with an assortment of memories. It felt like a warm, comfortable blanket settled over the group, and I leaned into Mason, as he came up behind me.
“Have you gotten something to eat yet?” I asked, turning around so I could face him. Telltale signs gave away how tired he was, and I traced the skin under his eyes before standing on my tiptoes to kiss him. “How about you go take a seat by Daniel and let me wait on you a little?” Not giving him time to answer, I gently pushed him in the right direction before turning to grab him a plate of food.
There was so much to select from, so I chose a little of everything I knew he liked. Making sure to pick up utensils and a napkin, I made my way over to where he was. Mason’s head was down in quiet conversation, and I smiled as I watched his best friend reach out and pat his arm.
It was hard not to worry about Mason. As much as I was hurting from all this, I knew he was just as devastated, but wasn’t able to lower his guard too much. He needed to be strong for the pack, especially in light of what we’d learned at the meeting. Watching him enjoy his company, and the brief respite, I was determined to make sure I was there in any way I could.
Placing the food in front of him, I smiled as he moved his leg and gestured for me to sit on his knee. I enjoyed sitting this close, finding his touch soothing.
“Looks good, sweetheart,” he shared, as he leaned forward to see what I’d brought. Taking in an appreciative sniff, he touched my knee and added, “Smells amazing as well.”
I reached over to fill his glass with water, careful not to spill any over the nicely arranged decorations. Someone had displayed floral centerpieces, surrounding them with the rich green foliage of our woods. The one in front of me was beautifully created, the result of a talented individual.
Finally situated, I quietly pushed the fork towards Mason’s hand and was rewarded with a burst of laughter from Daniel. Startled by the sudden noise, I wasn’t sure whether to glare at him or ask what was so funny.
“Well, my Liege, should I step in a cut your meat for you?” He stretched toward the plate, gripping his own knife and before I could move, Mason whipped out his hand and slapped away his friend’s.
“Touch it at your own risk,” he growled, shifting the plate away from him. Turning to me he added, “Don’t mind him, Darcy. He’s just jealous he doesn’t have anyone to make sure he eats.” Placing a brief kiss on my cheek, he whispered into my ear. “I love it when you take care of me. Thank you.”
Sticking my tongue out at Daniel, I placed my hand on Mason’s chest and answered. “It’s my pleasure. I enjoy making sure you’re happy.” Wearing a stern expression, I pointed my finger at the bratty wolf. “You better make sure you eat up too, Mister. Don’t make me come over there and hand feed you!”
This won a round of chuckles and snorts in response. “As if you could.”
My eyebrow instantly arched and I went to move. He must’ve thought better of it because he picked up his own fork and began eating, mumbling about how he didn’t need another mother. I smiled at him sweetly, before popping a piece of cucumber from Mason’s plate into my mouth.
“You can call me your Royal Highness, if you like. That, or Queen Darcy, Ruler Supreme,” I suggested, enjoying the moment to tease.
“How about Empress Bossy Boots? That has a nice ring to it.” Daniel smirked as he smeared a piece of meat with sauce, taking a bite.
“Only if you have a death wish, Brother,” Mason replied, filling my mouth with a cherry tomato from his salad before I could answer.
I narrowed my gaze at him as I bite into the fruit with my teeth. Bossy boots indeed, I thought and I shook my head. Daniel knew me so well, and I winked at him.
Feeling the need to move around, I noticed desserts being brought out, and the resulting grumble in my stomach had Mason helping me off his lap.
“Does anyone else want something sweet?” Straight away I saw nods from them both, and heard the request for chocolate.
Kissing Mason on the cheek, and slapping Daniel on the arm for being a punk, I zigzagged my way through everyone and almost sighed at the sight of the table. It was laden with so many delicious things, my sweet tooth felt like rejoicing.
I felt someone touch my elbow, and turning around, I found myself facing one of Vivien’s friends. “Thank you so much for everything. We appreciate all the hard work you’ve put into preparing this.” I grasped hold of her small hand and shook it slightly. “It means a lot, and I know Mason will want to thank you personally.”
The young woman, possibly in her early twenties, blushed and smiled shyly. “Oh, there’s no need to thank us. It’s the least we could do to show our respect.” Looking around at the contented crowd, she added, “My name’s Lily. I actually came over to ask you something. We had a little accident and were wondering where you keep your cleaning things. I hate to interrupt, but I didn’t want anyone to trip and fall.”
“Oh, no problem. Let me go get you some supplies. Where will you need them?” I stood on my tiptoes and strained to see if I could spot the area.
“Please, no. I’ll take care of it. I don’t want to pull you away from the meal.” Lily’s forehead wrinkled into a frown and she looked concerned.
“It’s no worry. It’ll only take me a few minutes and it’s easier than me giving you directions.” I touched her arm, reassuringly. “Honestly, it’s okay. I don’t mind.” After repeating back where I needed to meet her, I headed into the house. Hopefully, what I was looking for was where I’d last seen it. It’d been a long day, and I was anxious to spend more alone time with Mason.
Arriving in the laundry, I began looking around for the dustpan and brush. It was the distinct cough of someone that pulled my attention back to the present. I glanced up, startled to find a man a few steps away, a knowing smile on his face.
“Can I help you?” I queried, unsure of who he was. I wasn’t going to assume in knowing all of Mason’s acquaintances, but there was something about this person I couldn’t quite put my finger on.
“Oh, I’m sure you can, Darcy.” I didn’t like the smug way he looked at me or how he spoke my name as though we were intimately connected. I took a step backward, attempting to put some distance between us. I felt reasonably safe with all the pack members and guests just outside, but I couldn’t deny the way my wolf had instantly awakened. She sensed danger, and so did I.
“If you’re looking for Mason, he’s outside. Here let me take you to him.” I moved quickly, aiming toward the door and protection. I miscalculated a step, banging my hip against the washing machine, and I yelped in surprise. Rubbing my side, and ignoring the pain as it throbbed, I kept my eyes focused on the stranger. But even doing that, I didn’t see him move until it was too late.
His hand lashed out, grabbing hold of mine, and he pulled me toward him. I raised my arm to push him away and break free of his grasp, but it was like trying to pry off steel fingers. He was strong, painfully strong, and I gasped when I looked up
into his face. I tried again, only to find myself captured.
“Let me go!” I put all my weight behind my body as I shoved, and was met with brute resistance. “Who the hell are you?”
My wolf was rushing to the surface, chomping at the bit, and I sent a message for her to wait a moment. She was ready to take over and eliminate this new threat, but I needed to know who this person was, and why they were here.
“Tsk-tsk ... such a mouth, Darcy.” He shook his head as if disappointed with me, and it only served to infuriate me more. I struck out with my foot, kicking him hard in the shin. His grip remained iron clad. He didn’t even flinch.
“Yes, you will do perfectly. What fun we’re about to have.” He chuckled to himself before using a commanding tone. “Darcy. Look at me.” Compulsion filled the air, magic trying its best to persuade me.
Vampire. I instantly closed my eyes, and I fought the urge to look at him. The weak were easily swayed just by hearing the coercive tone of voice, but for most supernatural creatures, it required direct eye contact. I opened my mouth to scream, and signaled for my wolf to change.
“Oh, no you don’t, my lovely.”
I felt my body being shaken with such incredible force my eyes flew open, and any thought I had was instantly rattled silent. Gripping hold of my face, our eyes locked, and contact with my wolf came to a halt. I couldn’t sense her—couldn’t sense anyone. It was just me and the stranger in front of me.
“You will not change. You will not contact your future mate or pack members. You will come with me quietly, and offer me no resistance. What I say, you will do. You won’t speak, or move, unless directed. Nod if you understand.” He was authoritative, and my head nodded automatically. I was completely at his mercy.
“Perfect.” He smiled, and taking hold of my elbow began leading me toward the front door. No one saw us, everyone was still in the backyard, and there was no breaking the spell of persuasion I was under.
He hurried us over to his car, sliding me into the front seat and getting in behind the wheel. He locked the doors, turning the ignition before looking at me again.
“Put your seat belt on, Darcy. You are precious cargo.” My hands moved on their own, the sound of the buckle clicking into place loudly. My head hit the back of the seat as my now captor stepped on the gas, and pulled away from the curb. I tried to look at him accusingly, and he smiled at me as if we were the best of friends going for a fun ride.
“By the way, my name is Avery.” He reached over and stroked my leg, lingering long enough to make my skin crawl. I willed my hand to move, but was powerless. “This is for your own good. Show me you can behave, and when we get to our destination, I’ll lift some of the compulsion.”
I glared at him again, causing him to frown.
“I won’t have you looking at me that way. Not when we’ll be such good friends.” Squeezing my leg hard, I knew I made a mistake when I caught his gaze again. “Sleep.”
I don’t even think I heard the full word before darkness descended and I was gone.
Chapter Sixteen