Darkness Unleashed (#6, The Mystic Wolves)

By Belinda Boring

Nothing is as it seems.
Alliances will be forged and broken.
Friendships will be tested.
The bitter sting of betrayal cuts the deepest ... prepare your hearts for the DARKNESS UNLEASHED.

As the startling truth behind Darcy's strange behavior is revealed, the race begins as time runs out for Mason to save his beloved mate. Fighting against an unknown enemy, he must rely on instinct and powerful magic to uncover the devious plot to destroy the woman he loves. Just when Mason thinks he understands and has everything under control, the true mastermind behind recent attacks steps forward to claim authority over the Supernatural community. As the Master releases his cruelty and malice on those who dare to defy him, it will take everything the Mystic Wolves Alpha has to protect those he's pledged to serve.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Belinda Boring
• Release date: Jul 27, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310607912

Belinda Boring

A homesick Aussie living amongst the cactus and mountains of Arizona, Belinda Boring is a self proclaimed addict of romance and all things swoon worthy. It wasn't long before she began writing, pouring her imagination and creativity into the stories she dreams. Whether urban fantasy, paranormal romance or romance in general, Belinda strives to share great plots with heart and characters that you can't help but connect with. Of course, she wouldn't be Belinda without adding heroes she hopes will curl your toes. Surrounded by a supportive cast of family, friends and the man she gives her heart and soul to, Belinda is living the good life. Happy reading!

Book preview

Prologue

Darcy

Trapped.

I was a prisoner inside my own body, all my efforts for freedom falling by the wayside.

Nothing I did made any difference. In fact, it seemed to please Amber, the werewolf who had managed to possess me when I died during my vampire conversion. She didn’t waste a single moment in gloating about how she was going to finally have Mason all to herself.

She’d aligned with some powerful friends, Helena being one of them. Together, they were preparing the way for someone they called the Master. In secret, they had plotted, killed, and performed the darkest of magic—all the while pretending to be the good guys.

All the while fooling the people I loved most with their lies.

It was torture watching from the shadows as Amber masqueraded as me.

Meanwhile, I grew weaker. Each day that passed, another piece of my soul faded until, eventually, I would simply disappear, forever out of reach.

There would be no bringing me back then. Even if something happened and Amber was discovered, it would be too late to save me.

I would be gone. Truly dead. My life over.

My time was running out, and with each passing second, Amber grew stronger. Bolder. More reckless.

Hopefully it would be her downfall.

I hadn’t given up on Mason realizing something was wrong. He’d know; and when he did, he’d come for me.

Until then, I remained trapped—helplessly watching while Amber left destruction in her wake, reminding me that the clock kept ticking away.

Bringing me one step closer to nothing.

Tick.

Tock.

Chapter One

Mason

How’s she feeling?

Entering my office, I found Daniel sitting behind my desk, typing at my computer. We were in business together and we often used this room to deal with the various aspects of the job. Both of us had a love of computer programming; but if truth were told, Daniel enjoyed the marketing side of it more. He definitely had the right personality to win over potential customers and keep our clients happy.

She’s going to have one hell of a hangover when she wakes up, I admitted, closing the door behind me. Part of me wanted to laugh at how funny Darcy had been once we’d pulled up in front of the house. She’d kept up a steady stream of drunken snores all the way home from the bar, but trying to get her inside had proved to be more difficult. Jostling in my arms, she’d stirred and flown off into a confused slur of a rant about something, her alcohol-laced breath proof that she’d indulged in one too many drinks.

It wasn’t the fact she’d decided to go off by herself, or that I’d found her singing Karaoke for a bunch of overly friendly bar patrons—I tried to always keep my overprotectiveness under control when it came to my mate, remembering the countless heated discussions we’d engaged in over her need for independence. For the most part, I knew I didn’t have much to worry about and Woodside Hollow was relatively safe.

No, that wasn’t what had me concerned right now. It was the growing evidence that something was drastically wrong with the girl who owned my heart. She wasn’t herself and it didn’t matter how much I wanted to rationalize it away as a result from her conversion.

Something else was at work here, and damned if I was going to sit back and watch from the sidelines as she unraveled.

Daniel glanced up from the screen, a frown creasing his brow. Did she say why she was partying by herself? It’s not like her to hang out at the bar alone. Pushing back from the desk, he leaned with his elbow on the chair’s side arm. Daniel had a good point, but that wasn’t what bothered me the most.

I’m not who you think I am.

I’d wanted to ask her what she meant, but had been busy trying to keep her from removing her clothes right there in the parking lot. Darcy was sexy as hell, and the sight of her skin, the curves of her body, always addled my brain. She’d then whispered something else that had turned my blood cold as she passed out.

She never did deserve you.

I’d gone over and over it in my mind. I’d told myself I must’ve heard her wrong, that she’d said I and not she, but it was as clear as day. Darcy wasn’t one to talk in third person. Whatever was going on, whoever was walking around in my wife’s body, it wasn’t her.

Can I tell you something that’s going to sound really crazy? I asked, dropping onto the couch. The second my body hit the cushions, I wanted to be up and pacing, a nervous energy filling me. Now that I’d entertained the idea, I knew I was right.

Dude, how long have I been your friend? Daniel replied, cocking his eyebrow with a sarcastic grin.

I’m being serious here. The tone in my voice said it all. He instantly sat straighter, ignoring the work before him.

Then I’m all ears. What’s going on?

This was my best friend, the man I trusted with everything. If I couldn’t tell him my suspicions, I was definitely in trouble. It’s Darcy, I began, pausing long enough to take a deep breath before continuing. I don’t think it’s really her.

Confusion flooded Daniel’s features, as my words seemed to hang in the air. I could see him trying to understand and the moment when he failed. Say that again?

I don’t think it’s really her.

What? Like she’s acting strange? We already knew that. I thought we’d decided to wait and see how she settled in?

No, I mean it’s not her. Daniel started to chuckle, but I raised my hand, shaking my head. "That woman who’s sleeping in my bed right now . . . that’s not my wife. Yes, it looks and sounds like Darcy, but think about it. We’ve all said it. She’s not acting like the woman we know. Yes, Devlin said there could be a personality shift after the conversion, but how much? I can’t imagine Darcy becoming that altered. There have been moments when I’ve thought it’s almost like she’s a completely different person."

Daniel nodded. I’ve wondered that as well, but then she’ll say something and I just brushed it off.

She said something while I was bringing her home. That she wasn’t who I thought she was.

That could’ve been the alcohol talking, Mason. Do I need to remind you of how many things we’ve let slip over the years after a night out? Honestly? Maybe she was referring to the fact she’s changed.

I was done with sitting. Now that I’d aired out my concerns, I needed to move. That’s what I thought. Trust me, I’ve gone through every excuse in the book, but she said something else. Standing by the desk, I restlessly perched on the edge as I dragged my fingers through my hair.

Well? Daniel prompted.

I didn’t realize I’d stopped. She said, ‘she doesn’t deserve you.’

Huh?

That’s what she said. ‘She doesn’t deserve you.’

What the hell does that mean? Daniel’s puzzled look changed into one of deeper bewilderment.

Exactly. When have you ever heard Darcy talk in third person? So again, I don’t think that’s my wife. Each time I voiced my belief out loud, fear anchored itself deeper in my heart. A frantic anxiety stirred in the pit of my stomach as bit, by torturous bit, that niggling thought became reality. It’s the only explanation, Daniel. I’ve gone over it.

Who else have you told?

Just you, I admitted. I thought I was going mad; but seriously, the evidence all points to something being wrong. And if that’s the case, the sooner we uncover the truth, the sooner we can get the real Darcy back.

I waited for him to laugh and tell me I was being paranoid. If needed, I was ready to list each situation where she’d acted out of character plainly, so he’d reach the same conclusion as me. It wasn’t necessary, though.

We’ll need a plan.

You believe me? It was my turn to sound astounded.

Of course. Listen, we grew up together. You’re the closest thing I have to a brother and you’re my Alpha. You could tell me aliens have landed in the back yard and I’d say, ‘let’s go greet them’. If you say something’s wrong with Darcy, then I believe you.

Relief rushed through me as I walked around the desk and pulled him up out of the chair, embracing him. There was a reason why I’d appointed Daniel as my second-in-command and trusted him with my very life. Pounding him affectionately on the back, the panic that had been jittering within my chest subsided and clarity replaced it. I couldn’t do this without you, man. Thanks for always having my back.

Always, Mason. Don’t ever doubt it. He grinned, lightly squeezing my shoulder. Whatever happens, we’ll figure this out.

Then first things first. I’m going to call Devlin and see if he can come here. With Darcy becoming a vampire, we may need the extra help and he’ll want to know about this. I was all business as I reached for the phone and began dialing. It never ceased to amaze me how steady I could be in a crisis when it involved the Pack, but the moment danger approached my wife, I could feel that steely resolve begin to crumble.

Darcy’s father had jokingly told me that it was a feeling that never really went away, once the mated bond was forged. He’d shared a few of his own experiences, which had made me chuckle. Seems that Darcy’s feistiness was inherited from her mother and I wasn’t the only one prone to overprotectiveness.

Devlin answered after a few rings and his response was immediate. With this new concern, he agreed that he needed to personally investigate and would be at the house within thirty minutes.

Hanging up, all that was left to do was to wait. I’d spoken my unease and now the troops were rallying.

The days of whatever or whomever was possessing Darcy were now numbered.

****

Are you sure you heard right?

I couldn’t blame Devlin for asking. I’d been questioning the same thing since Darcy had mumbled it outside the bar last night. Positive.

He cussed softly under his breath and I cast a sidelong glance at Daniel. We’d sat in silence waiting for Devlin to arrive. There’d also been a brief stretch of nothingness after I’d relayed to Darcy’s uncle everything I’d shared earlier with my best friend. Now, Devlin also wore an expression of stunned disbelief. It seemed like something straight from the pages of a science fiction book.

But, if the past few months had taught me anything, it was to never discredit the impossible. It seemed that the unlikely and unexplainable was what always rose and became the most probable.

It’s definitely something that’s hard to wrap your mind around, right? Daniel vocalized.

I knew there was something going on with Darcy, but this . . . the thought that all this time it might not actually be just the result of her becoming a vampire . . . Devlin let out an incredulous breath. Mason, are you sure?

I barked out a laugh. I wish I wasn’t, but yeah. The more I try to reason it out, the more it leads me back to the same conclusion. The woman I carried home last night, the woman who’s been walking around, talking, and looking like Darcy—that’s not my mate.

Are we thinking spell? Mind control? Possession? Each word Devlin spoke grew in seriousness. Each word deepened the concerned frown he wore.

I don’t know, but I’m not going to sit around and let whatever’s happening grow worse. If we’re dealing with a magical influence, the longer it’s left ignored, I’m assuming the stronger the hold becomes. I didn’t voice my growing fear that with each passing second, Darcy could slip further and farther away.

Pulling out his cell phone, Devlin began dialing. We need Vivien, then. I know she’ll have some kind of incantation that will reveal the truth. I’ll need to notify Zane, as well. That made my stomach drop. As one of Zane’s closest advisors, I understood Devlin’s obligation to report this new turn of events to his king; but, if after exploring Darcy’s erratic behavior only to discover no magical trace of tampering, it meant only one thing: the love of my life was heading into a downward spiral into insanity.

It would be the only explanation left.

Madness was something we all dreaded, the large elephant in the room that no one wanted to acknowledge. But we all knew that it was a possibility when Darcy was changed.

Her death will be ordered if that’s the case, a sickening voice from the back of my mind whispered. The moment it was free from the locked box I’d kept it buried in, there was no ignoring it. With each breath I took, my fear escalated.

Never, I roared silently, refusing to let it control me. Over my dead body!

Gruesome images from my nightmare taunted me, forcing bile to rise up my throat and into my mouth. Even now, remembering the lifeless bodies of Daniel, Lynn, April, and Wade brought a chill over my skin. All that blood and carnage—the air of our bedroom ripe with the scent of gore—it seemed so real that night.

Maybe what you saw wasn’t merely a horrific dream, but a portent to the future. Your future. Your beloved Darcy . . . a psychotic killer.

My wolf was the one to respond now, as a rage-filled growl erupted deep within me. We would rather die, first, than let that happen.

We shall see then, the smug voice faded away, content with the damage it had inflicted.

As great as my fear was, my determination and stubborn non-acceptance of the possibility was larger. I was Mason O’Connor—Alpha. I had faced steep obstacles, stared down savage challenges, and triumphed. I had the wisdom that came from experience, a heart that loved deeply, and a spirit that refused to cower. I had fought hard—desperately at times—for everything I held dear.

I had dug deep and confronted my demons in the Heart and Death challenge that the Fates had required for a love I’d forgotten. There was no way in hell this would be any different from any of the other times I had to fight for my mate.

Darcy was mine. I was hers. If it took my dying breath and the last drop of my blood to secure her safety, so be it.

Tick-tock. Tick-tock.

The sound of each passing clock stroke filled my ears, intensifying my impatience.

Devlin’s voice broke through my distraction, giving me something else to focus on. We’ll leave now. Have Helena there, as well. Maybe she can help shed some light on the situation, too.

No! I blurted out, startling both Devlin and Daniel with the degree of force I used. Just Vivien. Right now, we don’t know what’s happening, so I want this to remain between the four of us. The people I trust impeccably. He nodded before relaying my wishes.

I couldn’t explain why I felt so strongly about excluding Vivien’s witch friend from our meeting, but I saw the importance with crystal clear lucidity. I’d disregarded my instincts—that uncomfortableness that had been prodding me over the past week or so. Never again.

Okay. She said there are some spells she can do, with or without Darcy being present. Obviously having her there would be best, but if something truly is controlling her, whatever it is may put up a struggle once it realizes that we suspect something.

I’m not letting her out of my sight, Devlin, I answered quickly. We’ll restrain her, if needed.

Do you want me to go get the silver cuffs? Daniel asked. It won’t affect her vampiric traits, but it should weaken the wolf in her.

The mention of her wolf made my chest tighten. The murkiness that surrounded Darcy’s conversion and her personality change started to become clearer and, at the same time, make heartbreaking sense.

That’s why she hasn’t shifted, I whispered. The idea was too horrifying for words. She kept resisting my encouragement. It wasn’t because she couldn’t, or because she was afraid she’d hurt her wolf. I glanced between Devlin and Daniel, both of them reaching the same conclusion. I continued, She knew if she shifted, her wolf would take over to protect both of them from whatever threat was occurring.

The implications were staggering.

If that’s the case, this is much bigger than anything we could imagine, Devlin replied.

Damn, Daniel muttered. All this time . . .

All this time. I agreed. We can’t waste a second more. I want this resolved. Now. Rising from where I’d been sitting, I stalked toward the door. Do whatever you need to prepare, but we leave as soon as I wake Darcy up. Daniel, go get the chains and meet me at my room. Devlin?

I’ll follow shortly. I need to give a quick call to Zane.

With my fingers wrapped around the door handle, I nodded. I understand. Let him know I’ll also call, once we know what’s going on. I know you owe your allegiance to him, but I have no idea what I’ll be facing when I enter my bedroom. Don’t take too long.

I won’t. His thumb was already pressing his phone’s screen, activating Zane’s speed dial.

Then let’s do this. Taking a fortifying breath, I left my office with the feeling of impending doom.

There was a small, slivered chance this was a mistake and I’d misunderstood her last night—that a few more days, more control of her blood lust and possible help from Devlin regarding her vampire nature, and this strange new personality would pass.

But with each determined step, the more certain I became.

Darcy was in danger.

And time was running out.

Chapter Two

Amber

The first thing I noticed as I woke up from a dead sleep was the incessant throbbing in my head. The second thing was that I was still in bed, covered by a soft, warm comforter.

Considering the memories that came flooding back of my drunken display with Mason last night, I’d half expected to find myself handcuffed in chains or, at the very least, locked inside the silver cage I knew he had downstairs in the basement. I’d come so close to revealing all my secrets—telling him what I’d done to his precious Darcy.

That bitch was in her own kind of prison right now and soon, soon she would no longer be the persistent presence inside her mind . . . my mind. She’d become the parasite feeding off its host, ever watchful as she struggled to find a way back in, so she could reclaim control.

She thought she was so smart, but not this time. This time I would be triumphant. I’d win the guy. Mason would be all mine and there was nothing she could do about it. I’d made sure of it when Helena approached me with the plan that would give me everything I’d ever wanted.

The ambitious witch had come with promises of power and a future filled with mayhem and incredible possibilities. She was working on behalf of someone greater—a threat whose entire goal was world domination—someone who had patiently waited for a chance to strike.

I understood that kind of determination.

I could appreciate the foresight it had taken to meticulously plot and envision every viable option and outcome.

From the very second my father had introduced me to Mason O’Connor, the heir and sole son of the Mystic Wolves’ Alpha, I knew he had to become mine. I wouldn’t settle for mere trifles—a casual acquaintance or the pathetic, sniveling girl who loved and yearned for the guy of her dreams from afar.

I saw him and knew that I wanted, needed, to become the one who stood by his side as he rose into the position for which he was being groomed. I saw great things in Mason.

I envisioned even greater things for me.

There would be no more standing in the shadows as other, less worthy wolves stepped forward and claimed the notoriety for which I was born. People were supposed to look to me with adoration and reverence. They were meant to come to me out of respect for the authority I held.

Unfortunately, I was born a female; and from as early as I can remember, women were merely pawns to be pushed around on an invisible chessboard. We were bargaining chips in closed-door meetings. We were a means of acquiring loyalties, fealty, and safeguarding alliances.

We weren’t supposed to want anything more than babies, home, and hearth.

We were meant to be perfect—our only power coming from our willingness to lie on our backs and submit.

But not me.

I would never be that weak.

I would never become the trophy wife my mother was.

I would become Amber O’Connor, mate to the most powerful Alpha I’d ever encountered.

And I’d almost blown it, in my impatience, by opening my huge mouth. Darcy was fading, her spirit unable to linger much longer without her body to anchor her to this world. It was surprising that she’d been able to hold on this long, but Helena had assured me that her time was running out and to enjoy the satisfaction of knowing I’d supplanted her.

Why give the bitch a quick release when I could extend the torture?

Helena had been right. The pleasure I felt as Darcy screamed and fought for her wolf to take over, once she realized she was helpless, was invigorating. I relished every feeble threat she uttered as she weakened. I rejoiced in that moment when I whispered she was dying, her soul diminishing with each breath I took.

I positively vibrated with smugness the night Mason made love to me, taking what he needed from my body, turning to me for solace. Each kiss and blessed stroke as our bodies collided sent me spiraling toward me owning him, completely. As he worshipped my body with his hands and mouth, it made every sacrifice I’d made to be in his bed worth it.

It told me that I’d made the right choice in placing my faith in an unknown stranger. In believing that Helena could make my wishes come true.

After failing in my own attempts, I’d been desperate. She’d become like my fairy godmother and I was Cinderella.

You’ll never get away with it. The voice was smaller this morning. Frail.

I already have, I retorted confidently. Stretching my body, I smiled, realizing that I still remained unshackled. Your beloved Mason doesn’t even realize you’re gone.

Gloat all you want. Darcy’s voice suddenly grew louder in my mind. But you will never be me. It doesn’t matter how many times he uses your body, that’s all it will ever be. Using. It will never be you he sees. Never be you he touches. Never be your name he calls out. It will always be mine.

Shut up! I screamed as the truth pierced the bubble of denial I’d surrounded myself with.

You will always be the pretender.

He loves me!

He loves me and I will hold his heart forever. You may kill me, but you will never win. You lost the moment you agreed to possess my body.

Fury whipped up in a maelstrom of heated emotions within me. She was wrong. This was merely a last ditch attempt to strike at me—the defeated fighting against the inevitable.

You lose. You’re dying. Mason is mine.

Oh, Amber. Her voice was now tinged with sorrow. If he were, you would never have needed to do this.

I blasted my own consciousness toward the space where Darcy watched helplessly, in an attempt to finally silence her. She was wrong; and soon she would be gone. It didn’t matter what she said or how she tried to unravel my beliefs, I was the one who held all the power, now, and the only response she deserved was my mocking laughter and scorn.

Still in possession of my freedom, I needed to text Helena and see what was on today’s agenda. The time was fast approaching when all our careful preparations would pay off. All the magic, blood sacrifices, and deaths would unleash an unfathomable dark power. Stories were told through the community of past attempts to seize domination, but nothing like Helena proposed—the scale and immensity of the overall plan was beyond anything I could imagine.

And I was a part of it. My reward: Mason. From what I understood, I was simply holding Darcy’s body . . . keeping it alive until the mastermind behind all this could take over. A new body would be found for me, which suited me just fine. If I never looked into a mirror and saw Darcy’s