I took a deep breath and sighed. “I am loved, and I am cherished.”
“Good. Now turn around and let me get your front.”
It didn’t take too long after that before he had me wrapped in a large towel as he rubbed me dry before pushing me back into the bedroom. I quickly grabbed a pair of faded jeans and t-shirt, a comfortable silence between us. After running a brush through my hair, I turned around to find him ready with his game face on.
Silently, we exited and headed toward his office, hand in hand. With each step we took, I could feel a different kind of change come over us. I mentally prepared myself for the questions that would be asked and for the memories that would resurface as I retold the story. I prayed I would remember it all and not leave out any important detail. I was scared about what it all meant, but as I looked at the fierce Alpha beside me, I knew I’d be okay.
Mason’s expression lost all playfulness as a seriousness settled over him. Decisions would have to be made and I knew he worried about the safety of the Pack. It was up to him to make sure everything was okay, and that any threat to him and his own be quickly exterminated. He didn’t like violence, but accepted it as a natural part of his life.
We reached the door, but as I went to move forward, Mason stopped me.
“Remember. It’s you and me-there’s nothing we can’t get through together. Take your time and don’t let anybody bully you. Do the best you can and know I’m proud of you.” He quickly kissed me before pushing open the door. The noise of the room hushed and I heard everyone rise to their feet in respect for their Alpha.
Taking a deep breath, I centered myself. I am loved and I am cherished. I could do this.
Empowered, I walked through the doorway and smiled. I was ready. Bring it on.
Chapter Eleven
The power in the room had me thrumming the very second I entered, sliding over my skin and a shiver coursed through me. It was the same reaction I had each time I was surrounded by some of the most dominant males in the pack. Separately, each of them was a pussy cat. Together, they were lethal.
I looked around and my chest tightened-Daniel, Eric, Jonas, and Wade. I loved each of my brothers and the look of concern covering their faces shared just how much the events of last night had shaken them. It was one thing to go up against a pack male, another completely when threatening one of the females.
I walked past each one of them, letting my hand touch them briefly, giving them a chance to see I was in fact safe and in one piece. I couldn’t give them Jasmine, and it hurt, but now wasn’t the time for that.
As I took my seat next to Mason, who was all Alpha authority now, I looked around and took note of the other faces in the meeting. Devlin was sitting a few seats down, and I was pretty confident he hadn’t taken his gaze off me the entire time I’d been in the room. His stare was intense, as though he was trying to penetrate the wall of protection I’d erected and see into the heart of the matter.
For a vampire enforcer, someone who lived a life of justice and violence, I had a special kind of relationship with him. I smiled as my eyes met his. He nodded in return and I knew I hadn’t fooled him. It always impressed me how much he could communicate without ever saying a word. Sometime in the next few days Devlin would want to talk with me, and I bowed my head in return, letting him know to come find me.
There was someone new sitting by him, and judging by the way he drummed his fingers against the table, he wasn’t used to being in a room with this many werewolves. I leaned forward, trying to discern what kind of supernatural being he was because surely a vampire wouldn’t give away such an obvious tell of nervousness. Smelling the air, I reclined back shocked.
Vampire. Taking in his appearance and the way he held himself, I would say newly turned because there was no way an older one would throw off such a strong scent of uncertainty. I caught Devlin’s eye, gesturing towards his companion, and I was rewarded with a slight fanged grin. He rolled his eyes and shook his head.
Reaching out, he placed his hand over the nervous vampire’s and brought the agitation to a standstill. I’m not sure what was whispered between the two, but the look on the young man’s face was priceless as he blanched and visibly straightened in his chair. I tried not to giggle when Devlin turned to me and winked. There was a story there, one I couldn’t wait to uncover.
“Is everyone here?”
All eyes focused on Mason as he stood by his chair, waiting to bring the meeting to a start. If I thought the intensity of power in the room was overwhelming before, now it was stifling. Yes, these were men, but I was also surrounded by predators-hunters desperate for retribution and answers.
The air crackled and each body instantly tensed. Placing my hand gently on Mason’s leg, he looked down at me and smiled.
“By now, you would’ve all heard about the attack last night,” he paused, his voice cracking slightly. “Jasmine was taken from us, but thankfully, Darcy was able to take care of the situation and return to us safely.”
All heads turned my way and I struggled not to flinch or sink deep into my chair. Stiffening my spine, I met everyone’s gaze before returning to Mason.
“Not all of us are familiar with the events.” The voice belonged to the vampire newbie, and he wasn’t able to hide his cringe when the full focus swung to him. I think he even squeaked the next part of his sentence before remembering where, and what, he was. “I’d appreciate hearing the account from Darcy herself.”
“Who the hell are you to ask anything?” The question came from Wade, one of the younger pack members, and a gentle hand on the shoulder from Eric reminded him that outbursts wouldn’t go down well.
“I’m Vlad, and I come on behalf of my king to see how we may assist.” There was a hint of indignation in his voice as he sat up taller, seemingly developing his courage. “I accompany Devlin today to determine whether last night was an isolated event or something more.” Having finished his speech he leaned back, looking proud he’d been able to spit out the mouthful.
There was a brief second of confusion as each pack member glanced up toward Mason for direction, but before he could respond Wade burst into laughter, his throaty chuckle mocking.
“Vlad? Are you kidding me? Who the hell names you damn vampires? Don’t tell me, your last name is “the Impaler?” He shook his head, and seemed confused when Eric’s hand returned to his shoulder, this time with a more visible squeeze. The message was clear-shut up or he would do it for him.
“What? Seriously, you don’t think this is even remotely funny? We’re here to discuss what happened, and Mr. Dracula wannabe over there is speaking like he has a say in anything that goes on here. It’s a joke.” Wade slammed his body back against his chair, blowing out a breath of disgust. “Why are they even here?” He glared hard towards Devlin and Vlad.
“Wade, you’ll learn to curb your tongue, or find your ass tossed out of this meeting. I saw potential in you, an opportunity to bring you into pack business, but if you can’t control yourself, there’s the door.” Even I was surprised by the edge in Mason’s voice. He didn’t show his temper, but everyone knew he wouldn’t be pushed.
“Sorry.” The apology came out as a quiet murmur. Slouching down in his seat, Wade looked embarrassed to be called out in front of everyone. After a few moments, attention shifted from the chastised wolf back to the Alpha.
The room was silent, waiting to see what happened next, and a quick cough interrupted the pause.
“Maybe I should step in now?” Devlin said, and you never would’ve thought anything was wrong judging from the relaxed way he held himself. We could’ve been discussing the weather for all he revealed. Only those who knew him, who knew what to look for, could sense any kind of agitation from him. He was the master of concealment.