Chapter Sixteen
Whatever I was resting on didn't feel familiar, and the emptiness inside my mind caused me to panic. It took me a few moments to remember what happened, my eyes scanning around the small room trying to gather as much information as possible. I attempted to send a message to Mason, to show him images, but it caused pain in my head, leaving me whimpering.
"I told you no messages, did I not?" A seductive voice floated through the air. Following the sound, I noticed my captor lounging on a chaise as if he didn't have a care in the world. I went to move, but found my body anchored to the bed I was laying on, propped up by pillows. No restraints bound me, the weighty feeling a result of the compulsion.
I opened my mouth to speak and was infuriated when I couldn't. He had complete control and it lit a fire in me. I shot dagger filled looks, ranting at him with my thoughts while he sat there and yawned as if bored.
Swinging his legs so his feet rested on the floor, he stood and moved toward me. "Did you enjoy your rest, Darcy? For someone whose been kidnapped, you sure did sleep a long time. I say a good two or three hours. I'd venture a guess the entire Pack is in uproar, tearing apart Woodside Hollow looking for you." He brushed his hand down the length of his leg, as if dusting himself off. "I know I would if you were mine. You really are exquisite." I hated watching him reach out and touch me, knowing I couldn't do anything to stop him.
"I can see why Mason is so taken with you." His fingers traced a path up my side, slowing briefly by my breast before continuing upward. He placed his palm against my cheek, leaning in to smell the side of my neck. "As I've sat here and watched you sleep, a question has plagued me. I wonder what you taste like?"
I willed myself to remain calm, not wanting him to have the satisfaction of knowing how scared I was. The last thing I wanted was to become food for a vampire, a toy to be played with before killing. Regardless of his intent, I didn't see myself walking out of this alive.
Images from the meeting sprung up in my mind along with the realization this was the person behind everything. He must have sensed it, been able to read the horror in my eyes, because it caused him to pull away, tossing his head back in laughter.
"Finally figured it out? I wondered how long it would take. You don't know how impatient I get sometimes while I wait for everyone else to catch up. Oh, come now, there's no need to look so angry. What is two deaths when there is so much to gain?"
I swear I wouldn't have been surprised if he'd added an evil chuckle on the end of his ramblings. Oblivious to the fact I'd yet to answer him, Avery began pacing back and forth alongside the bed.
"So do you know why you're here?" I watched him come to a stop, glancing at me, waiting for a response. "Any idea?" Annoyance flashed before a look of understanding crossed his face. "You may speak, Darcy."
I inhaled sharply as I found my voice, the sound shaky to my ears. Pausing to draw in strength, I spat out my request, "Release me."
"But we are getting on so well. Are you not enjoying yourself? I know I am. Now, where were we? Yes, I asked you a question and you failed to answer me. I warn you not to disappoint me. I've been known to have a temper. Just ask dear Vanessa."
"I have no idea why you brought me here, other than it's something to do with Mason and you wanting to send a message. All kidnapping me is going to do is piss him off, and no one's fury comes close to his. If you hurt me, he will hunt you to the end of the earth and tear you apart—painfully and slowly."
"Oh, such confidence in your Alpha. Such a pity it is misplaced." Avery crooned, his voice mocking.
"I know my Mason. He will not rest until you're destroyed. By killing Jasmine and Vanessa, then taking me, you've signed your death warrant. And if by some act of insanity, he doesn't get you, Devlin and his enforcers will be gunning for you. That's not just confidence. It's fact." I knew I sounded cocky, but it took everything I had not to make my voice shake and reveal my bluff. Not that I wouldn't be avenged, but that I wasn't afraid. I wanted to keep him talking for as long as it took for everyone to find me.
"You talk a convincing game, Darcy. Such a shame your fear wafts around in the air like a heady aphrodisiac. By all means, continue to fool yourself if it makes you feel better. It is definitely entertaining to watch." He moved his hand about in the air, gesturing for me to go on. Sitting down on the side of the bed, he rested his hand on my leg, the pressure of it wreaking havoc on my skin.
"Why don't you tell me why I'm here then? Instead of just killing me, why bring me to some room and talk?" I tried to put a pleasant tone to my voice, but it was hard speaking through clenched teeth. My attitude was lost on Avery, however, as he beamed back at me, obviously delighted in himself. All I could think was I was alone with a mad man and had no way of escaping.
"You know, I have been a neglectful host. Here we are chatting and not once have I asked after your wellbeing. Would you care for something to eat or drink?" As he licked his lips, the tips of his fangs revealed, he chuckled. "I know I would not say no to a little sip."
Fear shot through me, the idea of him biting me causing bile to surge up my throat into my mouth. There was a lot of ways to be violated, and this was one in my mind. I wasn't opposed to the concept of sharing blood—it was the idea of someone tapping my vein without my consent that caused my stomach to churn.
"No?" he paused, waiting for the answer I wasn't going to offer. "So I guess we will just talk business then, shall we? Get down to the nitty-gritty of why you are here."
"Can you release me at least? Give me the opportunity to move and stretch?" I knew it was a long shot, but I was tired of sitting like a helpless duck. I was used to being a predator, the creature who struck fear in the weaker, and there was nothing comforting about being the prey.
"For you to attack me? Escape? Don't insult my intelligence, Darcy. You will remain how you are until I say otherwise. Besides, our time together is short. Let us not waste it on requests you know I will not approve."
Avery pulled himself to a stand again, turning to face me as he would a crowd. I inwardly rolled my eyes, hoping he wouldn't begin grandstanding and give over to dramatics. Fervor seemed to strike him as he began his story.
"You, my delightful girl, are the perfect pawn in my plan. Do you know how insufferable it is to watch a fool govern over my people, leading us away from the old ways because he feels it is best to keep hidden? Vampires were never meant for the shadows, yet as the centuries pass by, that is exactly where we are. We do not reveal ourselves—we no longer keep humans as the slaves they truly are. We do not bend others to our supreme will, and as a result, we have become weak creatures to be mocked and laughed at."
The look of disgust covering his face was the first real indication Avery wasn't all charm and madness. He had a glint in his eye that drove home how dangerous he was. Whatever show of hospitality he'd been performing earlier was lost now as his true nature was exposed.
"If you're so upset by the way things are, why haven't you done something about it?" I couldn't help the question. Up until the last day, I never heard of Avery before, and if he was all about domination, surely news of his attempts would have filtered through the supernatural community.
"Oh, I've tried, but to no avail. One thing about my kind is we can afford to be patient and not act rashly. We have an eternity to plot and put our plans in motion. The last time I made a serious attempt, I was foiled by the mistimed alliance with Zane, and a young, foolish Alpha."
"Mason," I whispered, trying to remember what I'd heard a few years ago when the agreement to join forces had been put into place. It was spoken of as the turning point in our history because instead of everyone working separately, and most times against each other, leaders had met and agreed to pull together.
"Yes, if it were not for him, my ploys at stirring up the factions would have succeeded. I would be the one sitting on the throne, my will being enforced. So you see it's quite simple really. Mason breaks his alliance with Zane, bows down before me, and with him brings the rest into humble submission."
"You're mad if you think he'll agree to those terms."
"I know he will agree to join me because you underestimate your complete value. I have chipped away at his resolve by killing his sister and childhood sweetheart. Should I hurt you, it will break him even more, make him easier to bend and mine for the controlling."
"So why not just kill me? If your whole plan revolves around brainwashing him, why prolong it?" I knew I was tempting fate by talking of my death, but I wanted to know—needed to know exactly what we were up against.
"Because I am almost certain your death will utterly damage him, therefore making him useless to me. No, I want him to see I hold all the power, and only his obedience to my commands will keep you with him."
He looked so arrogant, standing there as if he had it all figured out, but I didn't point out the blatant flaw in his plan. Mason would never bow. Yes, my death would crush him, but there was an amazing strength and resilience to the man I loved. It wouldn't be long before he rose and focused his entire attention on seeking justice. I knew love made people do crazy things, and it could also make them feel like they're buried deep in a pit of despair when lost. But never take from a wolf because eventually they will bite back, heading straight for the throat. Avery was a fool for not recognizing that.
"So now you have me, what do you plan on doing with me?" Everything hinged on this answer.
"Are you eager to part ways, Darcy? I'm hurt." He held his hand to his heart and slightly bowed his head, a mocking look of distress on his face. "What would you say if I told you I hoped to keep you by my side ... indefinitely?"
I tried to school my expression as he studied my face, capturing my eyes.
"Not going to answer my questions? Fine, it seems you no longer need your voice. Do not speak further." The compulsion hit hard and I found myself mute once more.
All I felt was a slight breeze to indicate he'd moved. One moment he was standing away from me and next, he had his mouth at my throat, fangs grazing back and forth over my pulse. I froze as I waited for the telltale pricks on my skin to say he'd bitten me.
"You are so easy to taunt, my sweet. There will be no biting today. In fact, as I told you earlier, our time together is short. I will return you to your beloved Mason, and I trust you'll share with him everything I've told you. You will be my message." He trailed his face alongside my neck, taking in a deep breath before brushing against my ear. "You are so tempting. Maybe I should take a little sample—one for the road as they say."
I felt him nip at my ear lobe, his teeth breaking skin and I tried to block out the sensation of him sucking briefly. He groaned with pleasure, my blood obviously appealing to him and I began to fervently pray that a sample was all he truly wanted.
"Interesting, Darcy." He pulled back, a look of surprise on his face. "Is there something you wish to share?" I felt my brows furrow in confusion as he continued. "Hmmm ... mystery and beauty. I shall enjoy this indeed. Now sleep."
Before I could figure out what his cryptic comments meant, I was pulled back into darkness.
****
The first thing I noticed was my ability to move, and next the incessant pacing of my wolf. Before I could act and see why things had changed, I heard a loud noise that sounded strangely like a door being ripped off its hinges.
"Where is she?" the voice demanded.
"Mason?" I finally opened my eyes and found myself surrounded by the familiarity of my bedroom. Looking around the concerned faces of Devlin and Daniel, I saw a much disheveled Alpha storming towards me. Scooping me up in his arms, crushing me against his chest, he practically bellowed for an update.
"I'm not sure what happened. No one saw her come back, or any sign of who took her. One minute her room was empty, and the next April came running out screaming she was here. I've asked those who've been patrolling the grounds and they all say the same thing—they saw nothing." Daniel spoke firm and clearly, delivering his report.
I went to speak and share where I'd been, but it was as if I was invisible, the men talking over me and amongst each other.
"What about now? Who's looking for any indication of the intruder? Someone can't just waltz in and out of here, however they damn well please, or whenever they feel like it." Mason's roar made me flinch with its intensity. "I want this entire place put on extreme lock down. No one breathes without me knowing. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Mason. I've already issued the alert."
"Heads will roll if this happens again. Whoever this is doesn't know who he's dealing with." Mason turned slightly before continuing. "It goes without saying this person is mine. No interference from you, or your Enforcers. I want full authority to deal with the culprit myself."
I could feel the tension building in Mason—he was like a tight string of elastic ready to snap at any second.
"No one questions your right," Devlin answered. "You may want to let Darcy down, however. I'm pretty sure she has things to share, and your crushing her is only preventing her from breathing. She's safe, Alpha."
"Don't presume to tell me what to do, vampire."
I was shocked at the hostility I heard. I'd never heard Mason speak like that before—especially to someone he counted as a close friend.
"Do not let your anger and frustration cloud your judgment, wolf. I am not your enemy. I am, as always, amongst your friends. I'm merely pointing out the fact she has tried to speak, but is not being heard. Now is not the time to give in to your temper."
It was a testament to their friendship as I felt the man I love step back, the struggle just under his skin as he reined himself in. Not many people would get away with speaking to the Alpha that way without facing consequences.
Suddenly, I was being transferred into a different set of arms—Daniel's. I turned to look toward Mason. He was shaking with power, running his fingers through his hair, his eyes practically blazing with the sign of his wolf. He was fighting instincts, the need to kill and maim, and I reached out to him through our connection.
I'm okay. I'm safe. I tried to infuse my words with all the love I had. I hated seeing him so riled up, his control hanging in the balance, but either my message never reached him or he was too far gone. I gestured for Daniel to lower me to the ground, thanking him and Devlin for being here before returning to sit on the edge of my bed to wait.
Mason finally calmed, his fists unclenching, but he still carried a hardened expression on his face—the Alpha ever present, the man who was my lover and mate off to the side.
Glancing around to the others, I took in a deep breath and began relaying Avery's message. Once I was done, there was a brief lull of silence before all three exploded into action, a mass of comments and curses flying. Having everything out in the open showed just how serious the matter had become.
Devlin excused himself, phone all already out and his king's number being dialed. Daniel was listening intently to Mason as he ordered for everyone to meet again to discuss and come up with an effective strategy. Each had a task to perform—all but me.
"What would you have me do, Mason?" I looked up expectantly. I knew there wasn't much I was able to do, but I wanted to be useful. Not just as his future mate, but as a member of the pack.
I was taken aback when he growled at me. "You can stay in your room, with guards at your door and window until I deem it's safe for you to leave."
I snorted, shaking my head slightly. "I understand your concern. Really I do, but keeping me a prisoner isn't going to solve this, and I honestly don't think Avery is going to return for me. He's delivered his message, I've served my purpose. He'll be waiting for your response now. Let me help." I reached out to touch him, my hand resting gently on his arm. "I'm safe. We didn't know what we were facing and now we do. It'll be okay."
He shook his head. "I thought you were safe before, Darcy. Here in our home and on pack land. No one should've been able to get to you, but he did. I know you don't think so, but I can't think if I don't know every precaution has been taken."
"I agree with being careful. I don't ever want to be taken from you again, but please don't turn me into another hostage. If it gives you peace of mind, assign someone to stay with me when you can't. Just let me move around if I want. Don't put me in a gilded cage." I added an extra layer of pleading to my voice. I needed to reach him.
"Fine, just no leaving the property. I don't mean to be insensitive, I just want you safe. I need to know I can find you whenever I want to touch and see you. Avery may have a death wish coming after me, but he knows enough to recognize you as my Achilles heel. I refuse to lose you."
He pulled me into another embrace, this one much gentler than the last. I could feel his heartbeat pounding inside his chest, adrenaline causing his body to prepare itself. There would be no relaxing or lazing about together until this was over. I stretched upward to place a kiss on his lips, hoping he'd take the bait and give in to a few moments of savoring each other, but he offered back a perfunctory peck before releasing me.
"Stay in your room until I can find someone. It shouldn't take long, and then you're free to roam. I also want you checking in with me every hour on the hour. No texting. I want to hear your voice."
I tried hard not to roll my eyes at what I saw as overkill, and nodded. He left without touching me, his mind elsewhere, and I let out a sigh as I looked around my room. What was I possibly going to do while I waited?
Remembering the romance novel I only read half way through, I flopped myself on my bed and got comfortable. Finding the place my bookmark was protecting, I willed myself to focus on the story and the happily ever after the hero and heroine were desperate for.
I just hoped I still had one of my own.