Last Wolf Standing (#7, The Mystic Wolves) Read online

  Helena’s foot came down hard across my throat, pinning me to the gravel. Growling, I snapped one last time, my teeth grazing her skin and leaving a bloodied gash.

  The gun’s warm muzzle buried into the side of my head, gave me only the space of a heartbeat to find Darcy’s face before Helena’s gloating voice spoke. “I’ll make sure your bitch suffers, Alpha. I won’t ever let her forget the moment I killed her weak, pathetic mate.”

  I love you, sweetheart.

  One last declaration before the trigger fired and then it was over.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Darcy

  A bloodcurdling scream pierced the air, so filled with guttural anguish that the sound shook through my body, setting my lungs on fire.

  Whoever was responsible for it broke my heart.

  It would be the sound I would forever remember—marking the second my own world shattered into a million jagged pieces. In that one moment, it perfectly captured the absolute terror now consumed me.

  Of not just seeing my beloved mate die, but feeling it through every cell . . . every synapse . . . every nerve ending.

  That’s when I realized I was the one screaming—that all-consuming grief, mine.

  “Come now, Darcy. There is no need for hysterics.” Julian’s chastising comment reached me through a fog. I could hear him, but my brain was still struggling to process what my eyes had just seen.

  Mason, my Mason, lay dead before me, his blood pooling beneath his body from multiple bullet wounds. It didn’t seem real.

  It couldn’t be.

  “If you don’t shut your mouth, you’ll be next,” Helena threatened, swinging the gun that had murdered my husband toward me. Hatred like I’d never felt before detonated with the force an atomic bomb and I lunged, my hands stretched out to rip her into shreds.

  My fingertips barely brushed against the skin at her throat before Julian yanked me back, cruelly robbing me of my vengeance. Staggering, I threw myself at her again, determined to wipe the evil bitch from off the face of the earth.

  Even then, her death wouldn’t be enough. I wanted her to suffer—viciously—repeatedly—over and over until the excruciating pain that crushed me faded. I’d heard stories of the madness that followed once a mate died, leaving the other alone to survive the loss.

  Part of me wanted to welcome that insanity, knowing it would be worth it if it meant Helena paid for her crimes. I would be her judge and executioner.

  I would send her soul to Hell, laughing as I did it.

  She could pave the way for Julian.

  They would both feel my wrath.

  They were both responsible for so much death and blood, my vision swam with red.

  “I’m going to kill you!” I screamed, struggling to break free from the restraints holding me. The manacles around my wrists ripped into my skin, but I didn’t care. I would find the strength to snap them—to push past the magic that dulled my senses and kept me weak.

  She was so close, yet so far away at the same time. Julian wrenched me back again, the motion jolting me like I was a mere rag doll. He was stronger, but I was more persistent.

  “Enough!” Magic hit me, extinguishing the fire that fueled my resistance instantly. The world seemed to spin as fresh weakness settled over me. “Behave, Darcy.”

  I did the only thing I could do.

  I spat at Helena. “Your days are numbered.”

  “Control your property, Julian,” Helena growled, wiping her cheek with the back of her hand. “Or maybe . . .” Raising the gun once more, she adjusted her aim, and fired. Wade’s loud yelp answered.

  In my mind, I rushed at her, my hands curved into lethal claws. “Stop!”

  “You’re testing my patience, Helena. The barrier.”

  My chest heaved with labored breath as Julian sent another wave of crushing exhaustion through me. Sagging against him, unable to stand on my own, he realized the same thing I had—unless he broke through the barrier, he was losing his advantage. Even though everything had happened quickly, too much time had passed.

  Blast after blast, Helena continued to strike at the barrier, her magic flaring brightly before fading. With me under control, Julian joined in the onslaught, and my stomach sunk as it flickered.

  “Devlin!” I yelled, his body still lying where he’d fallen. “Someone!”

  I needed to get away—I needed to help. I couldn’t let Mason and Zane’s death be in vain.

  And then came the next sucker punch to the gut.

  A large, mean looking thug was currently dragging Vivien through the still brawling crowd toward us, her body frantically kicking and striking against him. “We got her, boss,” he announced, grinning widely at his accomplishments.

  “Vivien,” I cried, reaching for my friend.

  “They killed him . . . Vlad. He fought to protect me and they staked him.” There was more anger threaded through her words than shock. That was until she saw Mason’s lifeless body. “Oh my god, Darcy.”

  “Yes, yes. Her mate is dead . . . blah, blah. We killed the vampire king, as well.” Helena mocked, interrupting the brief reunion. “Lower the barrier and I promise you’ll get to live long enough to cry your pathetic tears.”

  Vivien’s face darkened with unbridled rage. “I’d rather die.”

  There was the faintest of motion, Julian nodding ever so slightly, and the thug released Vivien long enough to snap her neck. “Wish granted.”

  My knees buckled beneath me. “Please . . .”

  Helena’s face practically glowed with triumph as she threw one more ball of energy at the magical force field, easily passing through. The Vortex was now vulnerable and unprotected. Julian was one step closer to getting everything he’d ruthlessly killed for.

  “Well done,” Julian hollered excitedly. “Let’s finish this. Come.” Dragging me behind him, we entered the building and headed toward the Vortex. Each sluggish step filled my heart with dread.

  Energy from the Vortex skirted across my skin, teasing me with its power. Once upon a time, I might have been able to take some of its magic and use it to free myself, but that day was long gone.

  The dual predator nature that had been viewed as such a gift and weapon had rendered me useless against the elemental magic Julian and Helena wielded. Their knowledge and darkness overshadowed my wildness.

  With the Vortex’s power source coursing through Julian, he would become unstoppable, especially now that the strongest witch I knew was dead.

  “Start the ritual,” Julian ordered, his touch zapping me once again of strength. “Let me secure my treasure and we’ll begin.” A soft glow enveloped him as he extended his hand, coating it with energy before it absorbed into his skin. He was replenishing his magic, siphoning a little from the ley line like he was trying a sample before buying. “Do you know what it tastes like, Darcy? Ultimate power? There is such richness in that initial moment, like the sweetest of wines. It’s intoxicating, but then comes the bitterness . . . the full embodiment of depravity. There’s always a flip side to every coin . . . the good and the bad . . . light and darkness. It’s that obscurity that I want to harness.”

  “All this . . . for more magic than you could ever possibly need?” I exclaimed, my anger and grief giving way to shock as I trembled.

  I didn’t know what side of Julian scared me the most—the sadistic cruelty that would fill his features or the jovial, almost giddy expression he now wore. “You can never have enough power, Darcy.”

  “And that will be your downfall,” I replied. “Because it will never be enough. You will never be satisfied. Your thirst for more will eventually destroy you.” He was already psychotic, his obsession to dominate corrupting him throughout the centuries.

  “Go big or go home.” Julian shrugged, smirking. “Seems a fitting phrase to use right now.”

  “Then go home.” Devlin stood in the rear doorway, his sudden appearance shattering Julian’s smug and self-important façade. He was the epitome of everythin
g lethal in a vampire—his towering frame one hundred perfect pure muscle that was coiled and ready to strike. Devlin’s eyes were piercing as he glared with the ferocity of a thousand suns.

  This wasn’t my kind-hearted uncle, the one whose gentleness had kept me protected from harm since childhood. In his place, a killer stood—one who was about to become his enemy’s worst nightmare.

  “Of course, you are here. The thorn in my side,” Julian retorted, angrily. “Although, I do appreciate the perfect symmetry it presents. If only Elynor were here, as well.” Waving his hand through the air, he let out an exaggerated sigh. “Unfortunately, you killed her.”

  “You murdered her, you bastard,” Devlin thundered, striding toward us.

  “Watch out,” I cried, knowing my uncle wasn’t aware Julian had begun already enjoying the magical boost from the Vortex. I’d lost so many people today, my heart forever broken.

  I couldn’t handle losing him, too.

  “And to think, if you hadn’t hesitated, and had killed me then, none of this would be happening. How does it feel knowing you are solely responsible for the deaths of everyone you love?”

  “I won’t hesitate now,” Devlin answered, running.

  “And yet, I’m still not afraid.” Julian laughed, the sound almost maniacal. Cocking his arm back, I screamed when Devlin’s body contorted mid-step, his muscles reacting as though he’d been struck by lightning.

  “You’re killing him!”

  “No, death is too good for the likes of your uncle. I want him to suffer. I want him to keep on living, knowing he was never good enough to stop me.” Wrenching me by the arm, Julian’s touch jolted me with the same agony before he shoved me at Devlin. “Now you both belong to me.”

  When his magic finally subsided, it revealed the faint telltale shimmer of a barrier. He’d sealed us in together—unable to move or stop him from completing the ritual; the one Helena had just finished preparing.

  “We’re ready.”

  “Ah, excellent. Just in time,” he gloated, bowing slightly to Helena, who flushed with excitement.

  With his back now turned toward us, Devlin took advantage and began removing the restraints around my wrists and waist. “Talk to me, love. Are you okay?”

  I didn’t know how I could answer him without breaking down completely. “Mason.” I whispered around the large lump lodged in my throat. The tears that had threatened to fall earlier, now spilled over my cheeks.

  Crushing me to his chest, Devlin held me like somehow he could mold me back together—piece by piece. “I saw.”

  “The others, as well. Zane, Vivien . . . Vlad.” My voice shook under the pressure.

  Cupping my face in his hands, Devlin carefully wiped away my tears. “I need you to listen to me, Darcy, okay? I know this hurts, but I need you to push it down. Focus.”

  All I could do was nod as I struggled to regain the whirlwind of emotions that had slipped from my control. Biting on the inside of my cheek, the stinging pain helped.

  “Once Julian activates the spell and the Vortex begins to transfer into him, we’re only going to get a very short window of opportunity to stop him. His own magic will drop, leaving him vulnerable for a fraction of time before his new power takes over.” Eyeing the force field around us, he touched it gingerly with the tips of his fingers. “We’ll be free. If you want to kill him, you will need to be ready. Do you understand what I’m saying, Darcy? I can buy you some time and distract him, but . . .”

  “But it will kill you,” I exclaimed, my eyes widening as I shook my head. “No, no. No!”

  “I don’t plan on dying.” He chuckled. There was nothing funny about it, however.

  “We’ll wait, then.” As much as I hated Julian, my love for Devlin surpassed it. I would still avenge Mason and all those who’d fallen.

  “That’s what I’m saying. I don’t think we’ll get another chance. Once he fully harnesses the Vortex, Julian will be unstoppable.”

  The earth shook beneath us, causing me to topple into Devlin. “There has to be something else,” I said.

  “We’re running out of time,” he answered.

  He was right.

  Accepting the artifact from Helena, Julian lifted it into the air, the stone chalice cradled between his hands. Wind blustered about, nipping at their clothing. A storm was brewing—electricity crackling in sparks.

  “Now, for the final ingredient,” Julian exclaimed. Catching a glimpse of his profile, he looked positively high—like he was riding the crest of a drug-induced wave that enthralled him.

  Helena’s features mirrored her master’s. “To a new world!” She offered him a worship-filled grin as he took the knife resting across her palm.

  “To your last sacrifice. Blessed be.” And without mercy . . . without any remorse, Julian sliced across Helena’s throat, catching her blood in the chalice.

  “Damn,” Devlin murmured at the same time I gasped. Helena deserved whatever fate delivered, but even I recognized how callous it was to kill the one who had most faithfully served him. If it hadn’t been for Helena, Julian wouldn’t be here—standing on the cusp of ultimate power.

  “I guess the saying ‘there’s no honor amongst thieves’ is true,” I remarked.

  “Yet, I won’t grieve her death,” Devlin answered, his gaze never straying from Julian, Helena’s body now lying ignored on the ground. “It’s almost time. I can feel it . . . the magic . . . it’s escalating.”

  The weight of the air pressed heavy against me. It wouldn’t stop me from reacting, however. “Not much longer.”

  Watching quietly, my hunger flared as Julian lifted the chalice of Helena’s blood to his lips and slowly tipped his head back, draining the contents. The fact wasn’t lost on me that during this entire ordeal, my need for blood had been drowned out by my grief and shock.

  “Get ready!” Devlin yelled, crouching somewhat so he could burst forward.

  “I’m going to shift,” I answered, signaling to my wolf that she would lead the charge in avenging our mate. She howled in anticipation. I wasn’t quite sure whether I was strong enough to change; but in wolf form, it was my best chance at stopping Julian. I needed the savagery that came with being a werewolf.

  “Drink then.” Devlin shoved his wrist at me and I didn’t pause—sinking my sharp teeth into his skin, swallowing huge mouthfuls of blood. This time, when my thirst roared to the surface, I pushed past it.

  I couldn’t afford to lose control. There was too much at stake. As each second passed, I grew stronger until I finally brushed my tongue across the puncture wounds.

  It would have to be enough.

  Stark, brilliant light ignited from the Vortex, its magic capturing Julian and elevating him above it. Brighter and brighter the energy that now enshrouded him burned—searing the impression of his glowing body into my mind.

  The barrier holding us wavered, the glittered shimmer pulsating as it struggled to maintain its equilibrium. Any second now and it would be gone.

  I dropped to my knees.

  “Darcy . . .wait!” Devlin screamed over the deafening hum that now vibrated through the air. His arm shot out, looping around my waist as he distracted me from shifting. “Look!”

  I couldn’t see what he was pointing at. The only thing I knew was he was dragging me in the opposite direction, away from Julian. Even when the ground darkened from a large approaching shadow, it didn’t register.

  Julian was vulnerable. It was now or never.

  “No,” I yelled, struggling to break away. “Let me go, Devlin!”

  A new sound infiltrated the skies—one that was equally beautiful and terrifying. It was the battle cry of an enraged dragon. In one glorious motion, Mikey had arrived, his green-scaled body reflecting the light from the Vortex and causing it to dance over every surface.

  Swooping down from the heavens, Mikey inhaled, gaining speed as he zeroed in on Julian. I knew what was coming next, knew that in one flame induced breath, this would finally c
ome to an end.

  Despite the heat that erupted, I didn’t turn away. In one steady stream, Julian’s body was engulfed by fire, his body contorting in agony. There was no escaping the onslaught as Mikey circled back, spraying more of his lethal breath across the Vortex. Julian’s body burst into black ash, signaling his demise.

  “Get down, Darcy!” Devlin roared as he threw himself at me, shielding me from the shockwaves that followed. The Vortex was gone, destroyed, no match from Mikey. The ground convulsed from the magical explosion, sending wave after wave of energy outward.

  Debris rained down on top of us. Burying my head under my arms, we lay there, trapped at the epicenter, riding out the worst of it.

  The war was over.

  We’d survived.

  My body had, at least.

  As for my heart . . . it hadn’t been so lucky—my grief finally consuming me.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Darcy

  The atmosphere in the bedroom I’d shared with Mason felt oppressive, the walls feeling too close for comfort. Each breath I took seemed like a betrayal.

  He was gone, forever out of my reach, and yet, I continued living.

  Staring at his still body as I lay beside him, I wanted to scream—shake him—beg him to open his eyes and smile. Anything, but the excruciating silence that had filled my world ever since Devlin carried me away and brought me back to the mansion.

  Somewhere inside me I knew I should be happy that, despite my fears, Devlin had survived and Wade hadn’t died from being shot by Helena. He now rested in the makeshift infirmary Devlin had ordered to care for the wounded along with Thorne. Many had lost their lives fighting against Julian’s thugs, but there were also survivors.

  Unfortunately, none of that helped ease the hollow feeling that had taken up residence inside me. It went beyond shock and denial. While I could hear the steady stream of footsteps that came and went outside my door, numbness stopped me from calling out.

  I knew they worried.

  I knew that I had a responsibility to help comfort the Pack members who were now without an Alpha.