Without Mercy (4 page)

“Well as Alpha, I can force the change but
I’m worried if I do, the wolf will resent me and I don’t want that
coming between us. We could wait and see if she relents, but
something tells me tonight was too traumatic and she sees this as a
matter of survival for you both.”

Mason paused, looking thoughtful as he
studied the problem out. I marveled at just how amazing he was.
That he knew exactly what was happening not only spoke volumes
about the type of leader he was, it showed the kind of man he was
as well. He was my mate and it filled me with a sense of security
to know that this was the man who would swear to love and protect
me for the rest of my life.

A thought popped into my head at the same
time a smile spread over Mason’s face. The light that sparkled in
his eyes told me he had an idea and he believed it would work.

“I know how we can convince her to release
you. She’s always been there to protect you, keep you safe and out
of harm’s way. It’s a natural response, but she needs to realize
that there’s another who can do that for you too, someone that
wants to and is ready to step in. She needs to relinquish control
over to me as your mate.”

Relief coursed through me as Mason shared
the same idea I’d had and something in my gut told me this was the
answer. Who better to keep me safe at the moment and in the future
than my mate? Even my wolf couldn’t argue too long with that.

I felt her respond to the idea and
stubbornly acknowledge that maybe Mason was right but she still
needed a little convincing. She wasn’t going to hand over anything
just yet.

I tried to understand the hesitancy. He was
a good man and wolf. I’d seen Mason in action and so had my wolf.
What she was waiting for was beyond me.

I looked at him again; trying to share what
was happening and got up to sit on my haunches as Mason quickly
pulled away. His body began to shimmer and pulse.

He was changing. It was one of those blink
and you miss it kind of deals. One minute Mason was sitting there
and the next a magnificent wolf.

I could never tire of looking at him – if
there was ever the poster child for werewolves, Mason was it. All
sleek curves and muscles, he was the color of midnight, perfect for
blending into the darkness.

His black fur was immaculate and covered
every inch of his perfectly formed body. With strong legs and
finely tuned agility, he was a lethal predator and competition to
all who crossed his path.

And he was all mine.

With a quick shake, he padded over and
nudged me with his nose. When I didn’t move and tilted my head in
question, he nudged me again.
Let her look,
a voice echoed
in my mind and I understood. If my wolf was going to release
control, she needed to see and approve of who would be taking
over.

I jumped up onto my paws, prodding at my
stubborn wolf and showed her Mason’s wolf. Even she couldn’t deny
he was glorious and I begged for her to take a closer look.

Standing at attention, waiting for
inspection, Mason’s wolf didn’t flinch as I began to nip and poke
at him. Rubbing my body against his, energy emanated off of him,
causing my own to sizzle from the contact. Energy like that meant
only one thing - power and lots of it.

My wolf nodded at the feel of it and
approached the front of our mate. Without warning, she growled and
barked at him, baring her fangs as she set back in a pounce like
stance. She was preparing to attack. I screamed for her to stop. We
don’t attack our mates, but she wouldn’t listen.

He stood stoically, never flinching as she
launched us at him. Landing on top of him, he let my body pin him
to the ground as my wolf snarled and snapped. She was provoking an
attack on purpose, wanting to see his reaction.

A rough tongue whipped out, licking the side
of my snout. Seconds later, Mason’s wolf tilted his head and bared
his throat, a total sign of submission. Instantly, the fighting
instinct fled and I began to change. Apparently, Mason had passed
her test.

It took only moments before I felt myself
being scooped up into strong arms. Mason’s scent wafted over me and
I couldn’t help taking in a deep breath. After all I’d been
through, it spoke of comfort and I wanted to wrap myself up in
it.

Everything was quiet except for the sound of
Mason and me breathing, still slightly labored from our changes.
For a moment, it was as if everything was okay and then the
crushing weight of reality bore down and threatened to bury me
alive.

“Oh my gosh, Mason. Jasmine...” I couldn’t
finish my sentence as a sob ripped from me. It was impossible to
hold back the barrage of emotions that washed over me as tears
streamed down my face.

Over and over I cried as Mason held me,
gently rocking me back and forth, not speaking a word as he joined
me in my grief. My sadness knew no end, and I felt like I was
drowning as the events of the night replayed themselves in my
mind.

“Oh no, Mason. I ripped him to shreds!”
Vomit forced itself up my throat and I was barely able to pull
myself free before it violently erupted out of my mouth. I could
feel my hair being held back as my stomach emptied itself. I
continued to heave when there was nothing left, like I was trying
to purge the events from my body.

When I finally settled, I wiped the back of
my hand over my mouth and glanced back at Mason. He looked haggard,
the worry and strain of tonight clearly written on his face. Love
shone from him as well as deep anguish over the death of his
sister.

“Take me home Mason. I want to go to sleep
so when I wake up I can say this was all a dream. That’s what this
is right, it’s just a dream?” I begged for him to lie to me, tell
me anything but the truth.

“We’ll talk about it when you wake up, okay?
Here, let me help you.” Scooping under my legs, Mason tenderly
lifted me into his arms again. “Sleep Darcy, you’re safe. I have
you now.”

My wolf howled in agreement and I felt my
body slowly begin to relax. Hesitating for a moment, I closed my
eyes and it wasn’t long before the blessed blanket of sleep
embraced me. My last thought,
Please, let this be a
dream.

***

About The Author

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. When she's not
devouring her latest read, you can find her celebrating her passion
for books on her blog The Bookish Snob.

With all that excitement, 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!

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Belinda:

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