Last Wolf Standing (#7, The Mystic Wolves)

By Belinda Boring

LAST WOLF STANDING, the stunning seventh installment in the bestselling paranormal romance Mystic Wolves series.

“In the space between breaths, Mason’s world forever altered and my heart broke for him. Once again, he was being called to face the refiner’s fire. Only time would tell if he’d survive it, this time, unscathed.”

War has come to the Mystic Wolves Pack—one that brings the supernatural community together in the desperate fight to destroy the Master. Things have never been so dire, or dark, for Mason and Darcy as their love for each other and their friends fuel their determination to win at any cost—no matter the price.

Hope soon turns to bitter frustration.
Friendships will be tested.
Lives are on the line—heartache and betrayal inevitable.

Who will be THE LAST WOLF STANDING?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Belinda Boring
• Release date: Nov 30, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310990595

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

It’s funny how everything can change in the microsecond it takes to inhale and exhale. Your world can one moment make sense—even when surrounded by uncertainty—and then BAM . . . the axis tilts and everything begins to spin out of control.

Mason didn’t have to say a word. I knew he was exhausted, but there was an unrelenting spirit that resided within my mate. He would never give up. He would always fight against those who threatened those he cared for.

While he might not always have the answers, he would keep on going until he found them. It was why he was so well respected. It was why I so deeply loved him.

We’d gone through so much together—an ex-girlfriend who, when she couldn’t break us apart with magic, used darker enchantments to possess my body. We’d faced a powerful warlock determined to not only destroy my uncle, Devlin, but to harness me as some kind of weapon. When that failed, burning out my witch nature, it had left us two choices—accept that I would die or replace the void with another nature . . . one that required permission from Zane, the vampire king. Placing two predators—my inherent werewolf nature and a new vampiric nature—within one body was a sure-fire recipe for disaster. The few who had attempted to comingle the two ended up losing their minds and had to be mercifully killed.

I knew that fear of the same outcome had weighed heavily on Mason, but we’d chosen to try and beat the odds. I survived; and except for the blood lust that still raged beneath the surface, we’d all breathed a huge sigh of relief.

That was until dissension emerged.

Until the Master had stepped forward, using Helena, a trusted friend, as his mouthpiece. She’d brutally tortured Mason, carving into his body, leaving scars as a reminder he wasn’t invincible.

We could live with scars. We could handle nightmares. Even the challenges from defiant allies and other Alphas, whom we’d once considered friends, couldn’t sway Mason from his duty.

He was honor bound to protect those in his care.

He was unmovable.

Until the last person he’d ever expected to throw down the gauntlet, challenged him.

In the space between breaths, Mason’s world forever altered and my heart broke for him. Once again, he was being called to face the refiner’s fire.

Only time would tell if he’d survive it, this time, unscathed.

Chapter One

Mason

I’d heard wrong.

Blinking, everything stilled as the chaotic noise fell away. While all around me, Michael’s supporters retaliated the loss of their Alpha to me; there was little time to catch my breath before the next challenge came. It didn’t matter that I’d killed Michael on the heels of another Fight-to-the-Death challenge with Paxton, the Alpha of the Shaw Buttes pack, or that the wolves I would now claim as my own set my home on fire in bitter vengeance.

There were so many things wrong with the madness that erupted around me.

Even the hurried yells of Darcy to Devlin—her desperate pleas to make sure there was no one trapped in the house, fell away.

My mate.

She was in danger.

All my Pack members, even those who had settled in for the night in other areas of Pack property were in danger.

Yet, the person standing in front of me held all my attention.

Nothing made sense; and as I stared into the cold, mocking face of my best friend—there was no other explanation. There couldn’t be.

It was either accept that the person I trusted my very life with had just announced he was the Master, or acknowledge that somehow I’d been dropped into some bizarre alternative universe where the impossible became reality.

There was no way it was true. It had to be a joke.

Unfortunately, the sneer that crossed Daniel’s features was as real as the fire that engulfed my home, threatening to burn the surrounding trees to cinder.

You sound surprised? he jeered, taking a step toward me, his gaze never leaving mine.

How? I demanded, my mind scrambling to piece together everything I knew about the Master. Memory after memory played over, flashes of moments I’d shared with Daniel. Normal conversations, friendly banter, concern and a whole myriad of emotions that not once triggered a warning that something wasn’t right.

Trying to figure out when it all changed? Spreading his arms out as though he believed himself a brilliant magician who’d fooled his audience, my best friend and brother smirked even wider.

Power rippled over my tender skin and my body braced itself for another rapid shift into my wolf form. While he’d offered a challenge, it was definitely one I was reluctant to execute without the reasoning of my humanity. Everything inside screamed to find even a scrap of understanding to this madness.

In this one act, Daniel had stepped forward to supplant me as the Alpha to the Mystic Wolves as well as the two newly claimed Shaw Buttes and Silver Canyon packs. But that wasn’t the blow that left me slightly winded.

It was in whose name he’d done it in that sent me reeling.

If you’re being possessed, we can reverse it. There are spells—magic—rituals we can perform to exorcise the intruder. We saved Darcy. We can save you, too. Stretching forth my hand, I willed Daniel to concede, to slacken the aggressive stance he had adopted. We can beat this . . . together. You and me. Like we’ve done throughout our entire lives.

You really are an arrogant asshole, Daniel spat angrily, hatred twisting his lips into a snarl. Immediately you assume that this is something that was done to me. That I would never hold courage enough to finally step forward and claim what should rightfully be mine.

Yours? His aggressive retort confused me. This Pack has never been yours to govern. It has been yours to protect—both as member and my chosen second-in-command. The role of Alpha? No, I won that right each time I’ve defended that position throughout the years . . . winning each challenge issued.

Daniel’s fingers curled into fists, his face reddening in anger as a large vein throbbed at his temple. Taking another step closer, I held my ground, not letting him intimidate me with his hostility. I am the Master. You will bow before me.

I bow to no one, Daniel. You know that. My toes dug into the soil, ready to spring forward at a moment’s notice. I warn you. You’re treading on very dangerous ground. Yield. Withdraw your challenge so we can fight against the power riding inside you.

Always with your words. He shook his head, his eyes narrowing in on me with disgust. Time after time I’ve stood by your side and watched you act cowardly—extending mercy in the name of fairness, demeaning your station as Alpha, man, and wolf. No more, Mason.

Daniel— I interjected sharply.

The others were weak. They were obviously no match for you, but I am. I am your equal in every way. I know you like no other, aside from that bitch you mated. As the Master, I have untold power and resources at my disposal. Once I’ve crushed you and removed you from this world, it will be my pleasure to reduce everything you’ve worked for, so foolishly, into the ground . . . burning it until it is nothing but ash and rubble, like your home behind us.

A deep sadness flooded through me. Daniel had become a stranger—completely foreign except for the boyish face I’d loved all my life. Then you shall have your fight, I conceded, beginning my slow and deliberate steps around him. "But you won’t be victorious. If you continue on this path, you will die. I will kill you. I won’t let you harm those I love. Not even you."

Mason! Darcy’s voice interrupted. She’d been silently watching, equally shocked at the events unfolding around us. I could feel her horror pulsating through our link; her desperate need to stop the inevitable. She knew what this challenge could cost me—would cost me.

It would mean sacrificing a part of myself. Daniel had always been a constant in my life—a brother, a confidant. People joked that there were only two things in life that were sure things—death and taxes. But each time I heard it; I always added that there were two extra for me.

My wife.

And my best friend.

And now, I would have to kill him, unless, by some miracle, he surrendered.

With the billows of smoke and flames casting his body in a hellacious glowing backdrop, the likelihood of that happening grew slimmer by the second.

Sweetheart, I called out, anxious for her to remain safe throughout this crazy turn of events. Go help Devlin and Wade. Stay close to your uncle.

No, you need me, she replied, and I could hear tears threatening to spill in her voice.

What I need is for you to survive. I need to know that everyone is safe.

Be a good girl and do what you’re told, Daniel snidely added, his hands shooing her away dismissively. I have plans for you. A possessive growl slipped from my lips at the gross and lewd way he glanced at my mate.

Your plans end with me, I thundered, the precarious grip on my emotions fraying around the edges. While he was someone extremely important to me, it was galling to see the disrespect now oozing from him. Daniel was nothing like himself, and everything evil that the Master represented.

Darcy reluctantly backed away, rushing over to where Devlin stood, just beyond the burning building. With a loud crack and rushing sound, the walls finally gave way—the roof caving in, ensuring my home was a lost cause.

My only hope was that they’d managed to evacuate anyone who’d been inside before the inferno had taken over.

Be careful. Darcy’s panicked plea brushed across my mind.

Always, I replied.

He’s in there somewhere. Daniel’s not lost to us. Save him, if you can.

Her thoughts echoed my own. I wasn’t in the habit of giving up so easily; and while the Master thought he had won by possessing my best friend, he’d greatly underestimated me.

Turning my attention fully toward my opponent, I steeled my emotions. I’m going to take great pleasure in evicting you from that body.

There’s nothing to remove, fool. Daniel is the Master and I am Daniel. We are one. It may be easier for you to digest your spin on it; but in the end, it is still the same. You are merely the stepping-stone in my plan for ultimate power and supremacy. Everything you hold dear will become mine to control and bend to my will.

Then prove it, I snapped, tired of talking. I’m assuming we’re fighting in human form? For all your threats and grandiose posturing, I know you haven’t been able to harness the spirit of Daniel’s wolf.

It’ll make my triumph even sweeter knowing I conquered the mighty Mason O’Connor with my bare hands. That it was me who finally stifled the life from your eyes.

His comment made me laugh. Here’s a little advice . . . if you truly want to convince me you’re Daniel, my Daniel, the man I have grown up with, you might want to act a little more like him. For all his joking around, when it comes down to a fight, he never gets this chatty. And with that final comment, I acted, claiming the first strike in one of the greatest fights I would ever face, with a brutal punch to his head.

There was no time to stalk about and size up my opponent. There was no need to evaluate his strengths and weaknesses. I knew them already, just as he knew mine. We’d trained and sparred for years—our technique meshing well, making us well-matched.

Brute strength wouldn’t win this challenge. It would take cunning and endurance. I would need to constantly be on guard whilst looking for that telltale sign or slip that would give me an advantage.

Chaos continued to explode around us. In the distance, the faint howl of sirens filled the air as each second brought help closer and closer. There was no way humans could handle the scene they’d find. While they would be equipped to battle the fire that still raged on with no signs of slowing, they would be out of their depth in subduing the violence and bloodshed happening.

Fighting the urge to look for Darcy, I zeroed in on the task in front of me. Devlin would make sure my mate was kept safe. It was time to trust in the friends currently surrounding me, in spite of the painful reminder that I’d been horribly betrayed by my very best friend and successor.

Moses, Alpha to the White Rock Pack, was a true friend and would do everything in his power to protect me and mine. I needed to rest in the fact that I'd trained my members for intense combat, as well. It was time to put my faith in those now fighting alongside me.

On my order, they stood down, anxious to defend their Alpha. But they couldn’t answer this challenge for me. No matter how much they wanted to help, it was something I needed to do on my own.

Is that all you’ve got? Daniel taunted, wiping away the small trickle of blood from the side of his mouth. One would think your heart wasn’t in it.

I didn’t answer. I refused to let him distract me. Slamming my fist forward, I clipped his forearm as Daniel blocked my strike and countered with one of his own. Back and forth we punched, some connecting while others were deflected—none of them slowing us down.

Settling myself into a stance that had become a habit over the years, I kept my weight evenly distributed, allowing myself to dodge his attempts to knock me down. One swift kick to his gut left him winded but it wasn’t enough to throw him off balance.

Neither of us were going for the kill—the realization giving me hope that somehow, if I could subdue him, I could still save him. Each blow I delivered was for the sole purpose of wearing him out, of turning the energetic spring in his step into slow, labored stumbles. While we were evenly matched, I outclassed him in stamina and I was determined to use that to my advantage.

Sweeping my leg out, he jumped in the air, barely avoiding the attack; but it was only a tactic used to distract him as I whipped around, my hands in tightly formed fists hammering his solar plexus with such force that it finally gave me the window of opportunity I needed. Blow after blow rained down on Daniel and his defenses started to crumble . . . his breath ragged as his chest heaved for much needed air.

Yield! I thundered.

Never! he roared as a blast of power surged out from him, knocking me to the ground. Magic. He had access to magic.

Who are you? I asked, quickly scrambling to my feet. And don’t tell me you’re Daniel. Enough with the bullshit. Reveal yourself!

I am your death! Cocking his arm back, the Master hurled his hand forward, but without the desired effect. He stared down at his open palm in anger before trying again. Nothing.

Hope sparked within my chest. Yes, magic would be a game changer in the challenge; but it looked as though it was malfunctioning. It added to my belief that Daniel was possessed and still fighting from the inside. Somehow he’d managed to influence the spirit infiltrating his body. While it was just a hunch, it was the only thing I could hold on to. This didn’t need to end in death.

Next time you take over someone’s body, do your research, I goaded, withholding my assault for a moment. The worst thing you could do is underestimate a wolf—and the one you’re hitchhiking in . . . he’s the bravest one I know.

Something flashed in his eyes, a secret understanding, that was closely followed by a smirk. I always do my homework, Mason. I knew exactly what I was doing when I chose Daniel. Mirroring my stalking moves, there was a look on his face I didn’t like. Or should I say he chose me?

You’re lying.

Am I? When would I have had a chance to take over your second-in-command? Why was this a shock to you? Be honest, did you see this coming?

He already knew the answer. I hadn’t. Never in a million years would I have guessed this could happen on my watch. Then, again, after going through hell with Darcy—having Amber possess her in the name of the Master, this shouldn’t have been so surprising.

Who are you? I repeated. I needed to know my enemy. I needed to know who wore the face of my best friend.

I am the one who offered Daniel the deal of a lifetime. One that he obviously accepted.

He’s not that power hungry. Domination isn’t something he’s interested in.

Are you so sure? People change. They grow up and their needs evolve. Not everyone is content to remain in the shadows of the great Mason. Some want their own chance to shine.

What I was hearing was ludicrous. If he’d been unhappy, all he had to do was speak up.

Would you have been so willing to let him go? To divide up your power and share? It was plain that the Master was talking by the coldness in his tone.

I only ever wanted to see him happy. I was not his enemy.

And yet, here we are. Your brother yearned for more and, unlike you, I delivered.

With each twisted word he spoke, the deeper my resolve sank. The manipulative speech I was hearing seemed almost convincing. Closing my eyes for the briefest of seconds, I stilled my mind and searched for the truth.

Lies.

It was all lies.

My relationship and bond was stronger than this.

I wouldn’t be so easily deceived, no matter the method of delivery.

Even with the slightest chance the Master was correct and Daniel had been the one to approach him, it was vastly overshadowed by my conviction that my second-in-command was buried within his own body, trapped, relying on me to trust in our connection.

I will not let you have him! Righteous anger spilled out from me and a renewed strength began coursing through my veins. I resumed my attack, the time for talking and understanding over.

I had one goal only, my intent and purpose solidified. The Master wouldn’t conquer me. He would no longer play on my emotions and manipulate me. I would do the only thing left to do.

When someone took something of mine, I would simply take it back.

I intensified my assault, waging a brutal series of kicks and punches that left the Master scrambling to maintain his footing. Although he was able to block and counter with his own offense, he simply wasn’t a match for the adrenaline pumping inside me. He was weakening with each heaved breath he took, while each unwavering swing of my arm served to strengthen my resolve.

Sirens echoed in the smoke-filled air, signaling we only had a few minutes before humans would arrive on the scene. This could end in disaster if I didn’t somehow take control of the situation. The Enforcers had worked diligently at masking our existence from an unsuspecting world. While the burning house would be no surprise, the flames spreading to the tree line that bordered the Pack’s outdoor living space, it would be difficult to explain why there was a massive brawl occurring and no attempt to douse the flames.

This had disaster written all over it.

Seems we’re about to have company, Daniel croaked, holding his side as he spit out a mouthful of blood.

Call your people off. Order them to retreat and surrender yourself.

At first he didn’t answer; instead, he straightened, a maniacal grin curling the edges of his mouth. You are in no position to demand anything of me.

Do it! I reiterated, taking a step closer. People will die.

Daniel shrugged. Yet, I don’t care. What are a few deaths if it brings me glory? To prove his point, a surge of power flickered through the air as it formed in the center of his palm. With surprising strength, Daniel hurled the ball toward the closest group of battling people. Screams erupted as one by one, bodies stiffened before crumpling to the ground. I couldn’t tell whether they were injured or dead.

Then you leave me no choice. Sadness tinged my words as I called upon my wolf. I would bring an end to this, even if it meant killing Daniel. He would understand. If given the chance to speak, he’d willingly sacrifice himself in order to protect those we both loved.

Sensing my change in heart, the Master’s face hardened in preparation. While he couldn’t shift, he appeared determined to go down fighting, figuratively with guns-a-blazing. Wild energy crackled as he drew more power into himself.

Before you shift and kill me, let me ask you one last question.

It was a ploy to distract me, one I refused to acknowledge. My skin itched as magic coursed through my body, bones and muscles vibrating as my human form gave way to one of sleek black fur.

What’s more important to you, Alpha? the Master screamed, his attention darting between me and something else. Protecting the people here . . . killing me . . . or perhaps— He pointed over to the right and, in spite of my desire to remain focused, my gaze followed. My heart sank the instant I realized his intentions. You would forsake it all to save your precious mate?

Fully changed, I instantly dropped to all fours and launched myself away from the Master. Time was of the essence, as everything seemed to still around me. A fraction of a second later, I sensed him releasing the largest ball of magic he’d managed to conjure up, so far. With my heart pounding within my chest, I surged forward toward Darcy, who was unaware of the extreme danger she was in.

Wiping her forehead, bodies lay at her feet, evidence she’d been successful in defending herself against Michael’s hostile supporters. In that fraction of a moment, I witnessed the look of satisfaction that lit her features and felt the flush of pride coursing through our psychic connection.

I fired her a mental warning, growling loudly at the same time for her to duck and take cover. She heard, spinning around, her mouth dropping open in surprise when she saw me.

Time was running out. I wouldn’t be able to reach her no matter how desperately I tried. Each agonizing inch I covered as my body all but flew over the ground wouldn’t be enough.

The Master had been right. Despite all my strength and convictions, he’d known my greatest weakness and used it without mercy. There would never be a time I wouldn’t choose to save Darcy, even at the expense of ridding the world of a greater evil.

I had been willing to lose Daniel, the brother after my own heart.

I was incapable of losing the one who had claimed my soul.

Mason! she screamed, dropping to the ground in an attempt to avoid the blistering ball of magic. My breath hitched as she lay only a few yards out of reach—the Master’s killing blow narrowly missing its target before exploding within the fire behind her.

She was safe. He’d missed. Whether on purpose or not, he’d proved his point.

I would always protect her.

Skidding to a stop, I prepared to return and finish what I’d planned, but Daniel was nowhere to be seen. He’d used it as a way to escape. I’d had him right where I wanted him. It had been within my power to put an end to this and save my best friend.

He’d seen an opportunity and taken it.

Doors slammed shut as fire engines arrived and men in protective suits began assessing the situation. There was no telling what they thought, but there was no preventing it, now. Police arrived shortly afterward, instantly jumping in and pulling the first group of fighters apart.

Go! Darcy cried, looking at me in fear. If they see you as a wolf, they may shoot you. Go shift and come back. Hurry.

I hesitated for a moment, not wanting to leave her alone, but thankfully Moses appeared, helping her to her feet.

Go, my friend. He gently urged me.

Knowing they were right, I retreated quickly into the trees, careful to avoid the small patches of burning brush and foliage. Anger fueled each breath I took as I rose up on two legs, my skin sensitive and tingling from the rapid shift.

Tonight, everything had changed.

War had been declared.

As I pulled on the clothes from the emergency stash that our Pack kept hidden away, I felt the heaviness of my role as Alpha more keenly than ever before. In the coming days, difficult decisions would need to be made. Questions would need to be answered—not just by the Supernatural community, but from the humans we lived amongst.

People would look to me for those answers. They would need me to be the rock they’d depended on in the past. They would expect the same strong, determined Mason, who was unfailing in his pursuit for justice.

Still reeling from the betrayal of Daniel, or the Master’s choice to use him as a pawn to get to me, I just hoped I would be up to the task—because the last thing I could handle right now was failing.

Not when there was so much to lose.

Chapter Two

Darcy

I didn’t need to ask or look at my mate to know Mason was in a state of shock over tonight’s events. I could feel his disbelief thrumming through our mental connection—that and his need to suppress everything until he could later process it, privately.

Even the strongest and most resilient had their limits, and there was no doubt in my mind that my mate was quickly approaching his. Emotions swirled between us and, at the very center, lay one name.

Daniel.

We’ll be in contact, Mr. O’Connor, the detective added, shaking Mason’s hand after