Richard hadn't quite finished his tantrum. With the wolfsbane draining, his wolf was emerging and it was obvious he could feel it doing so. He was panicking now, Mason could smell it on him. His brother was still trying to resist his true self.
Brady had stepped out to get some air, but really to get away from the scene. It was probably better that way. Mason could handle his brother talking shit about him but if he lashed out at his mate again...
"You're in for it when I get out of these chains! You hear me Mason!"
He wondered how long until all of the toxin would clear his brother's system. After years of ingestion his blood had to be saturated with it.
"Loud and clear," he murmured, watching the gold glow brighter in Richard's eyes.
The color was strong now so it wouldn't be much longer. He let his own wolf out a little in an attempt to connect.
"Look at me, Richard. Do you feel that? The pull between us?"
He locked glowing eyes with his older brother's.
"That's family. Shared blood. I feel it with you and I feel it with Tyler. Tap into it. Feel our connection."
He knew the instinct would be rearing itself by now. All wolves desired a pack. And biological family tended to be a wolf's first pack. In most cases anyway. His family obviously hadn't gotten the memo. Richard was still growling but his head did tilt slightly. Then he sniffed.
Good, he's identifying our family's scent.
He might not realize it but recognizing that scent was the first step to bonding.
"You want to know what I feel, Mason?" Richard remarked.
"I feel the overwhelming urge to smash your face in with my foot. That's what I feel."
Okay baby steps. He'd known it wouldn't be easy.
"You're angry because you're scared, Richard. Because you believe all that stuff dad said about the wolf inside. But take a moment to stop and just feel what it's trying to tell you."
His own eyes brightened as he released more of his canine side.
"It's not the out-of-control monster you think it is. It's more like a second awareness. A deeper awareness of nature-- our nature and instinct."
Richard scoffed.
"Okay, think of it like this," Mason tried to relate. "Remember when Tyler was born? He couldn't walk or talk or do anything. But he could suck on a bottle right? He didn't have to be taught because it was instinct. Now imagine stripping that away. Something so basic and fundamental to survival. That's what you're doing to yourself with this wolfsbane. You're killing a basic part of you."
He wasn't sure how else to explain it. How else to make his brother see. He'd have to trust that Richard's wolf would begin to take hold over his prejudiced human mind. Then maybe he would be more receptive.
But when would that be?
"Hey Bubba," Brady's call from outside interrupted his contemplation.
"I think we have company."
Company? He glanced at Richard for an explanation.
"Were you expecting anyone today?"
His brother offered a smug look.
"I'm the mayor Mason. People will always come to see me. That's what happens when you actually make something of yourself instead of rolling in the dirt with dogs."
Same old Dick. But he didn't have time to think about that. If Brady was calling him then he must be picking something up from the arriving guest. It would be wise to investigate.
"You stay quiet," he warned his brother as he stood.
"When have I ever taken orders from you!" Richard spat.
Mason rolled his eyes.
"Look, the wolfsbane is just about out of your system. Do you really want to risk seeing anyone like this?"
He knew he struck a chord when Richard flinched. Image was everything to his brother. Like their father, he viewed his wolf side as a threat to that. Using his own fear against him was quite effective.
"I'll be back. Sit tight."
He left him to find Brady standing at the entrance with his arms folded, eyeing an oncoming vehicle. Inside were two men, neither of whom Mason recognized. But he didn't like the hardened looks on their faces as they watched him. Instinctively he stepped before Brady, providing a shield. The car slowed and the dark haired man in the passenger side leaned out the window.
Mason felt a chill at his phony smile.
"We're looking for Jeremy Gilbert. Know where we can find him?"
The fact that they'd come to the Lockwood estate for Jeremy was a red flag. No one should know the kid was here except maybe Bonnie and Matt. They'd seen Tyler drag him off. But even then they could only speculate where Tyler had taken him.
"And who might you be?" he kept his tone casual despite his rising hackles.
This time the blond driver answered.
"We're friends of the family."
He'd only met Jeremy today but had grown up with both the Sommers and the Gilbert families. And he didn't recognize either of these two.
"You know, I thought small town folks were supposed to be friendly," Brady remarked from behind him.
"Seems awfully rude to just ride up on somebody's property without introducing yourself."
The pale brunette raised a brow.
"This is Mayor Lockwood's property. Am I to assume you to be a relative of his?"
His eyes met Mason's.
He knows who I am.
Good. Then he would know who not to fuck with.
"I'm Richard Lockwood's brother," he confirmed.
"And Tyler's uncle," he added in warning.
If these guys were coming for Jeremy then they were coming for Tyler. He still remembered his nephew's conversation on the way to the hotel earlier.
"What do you mean? Ric's going to come after me?"
The threat'd had Mason ready to draw blood.
"I'll tear this Ric's face off if he touches you."
No one came for his pack. Tyler hadn't taken it as seriously
"Chill Mason. He's my teacher. He's cool. Or I thought he was."
He studied the two wondering if one of them was the teacher Jeremy had warned about over the phone. He quickly decided it couldn't be the pale one. He looked much too young and the chill he was emitting said he would not be suited for a classroom. But the blond, he was definitely old enough. And the way he was watching them with a military precision told Mason more than his words could.
"You his teacher?" his wolf was rising.
Nobody threatens my blood. Nobody threatens my pack.
The blond seemed to understand because suddenly he was drawing a weapon. Totally wolfed out, Mason lunged toward him. Only to be blocked by the cold one.
Unnaturally cold as the brunette managed to toss Mason backward into the nearby brush. His enemy was fast as he was suddenly on top of the wolf baring black veins and sharp fangs.
A fucking vampire?! Really?!
Well he knew how to handle that. One bite from a wolf could kill the dead things slowly. As far as he knew there was no cure. Snarling he shoved him off and prepared to bite. But this was no weak vamp. He countered quickly and soon they were engaged in a bloody battle.
Near the road Brady was fighting the teacher, who was definitely human. Though Mason worried for his mate he knew that Brady could handle himself. He was pretty badass in his own right. Still that didn't stop him from wanting to quickly dispose of the vampire to come to his aid. He would always protect him even if Bray didn't need it.
"Come on Lassie," the vampire taunted.
"Why don't you be a good little doggie and roll over and play dead!"
Mason growled.
"Pretty sure you've got the dead part covered, Corpse Bride!"
He wouldn't give him the dignity of calling him Dracula. There was nothing classic about this pretty boy. The fighting raged on as both alpha and vampire employed their supernatural abilities to attack and dodge the other. The scent of their blood polluted the air as scratches and punches landed. But neither could get close enough to bite. Or to kill.
The crack of a gunshot drew Mason's attention and he heard his mate's enraged howl. Had he been hit? At the thought his wolf went haywire. He felt his mind fade as the wolf took over. Losing himself he howled the beginnings of an alpha blood rage.
0_0
Tyler jolted up at the gunshot. Even without his new enhanced hearing he could tell that it was nearby on the property. But who had shot and why?
"Did you hear that?" Jeremy was sitting up as well.
He started to answer when he heard the howl. Instinctively he knew it was Mason. The pull was instant. He needed to go to him. Summoned, Tyler leapt from bed.
"What the hell was that?" his mate was confused.
"Mason. He's calling me. I have to go."
He grabbed the first items of clothing he could find, some sweat pants and running shoes. He didn't bother with a shirt.
"Then I'm going too."
He didn't argue, only tossed Jer another pair of sweats and hurried for the door.
Outside he could see them in the distance, Alaric's car open and still running. Brady on the top hood grasping his shoulder and where the hell was Mason? He shot forward, closing in as he sensed the impending danger. He was aware of Jeremy behind him and made a mental note to keep him that way. Behind him so that he could remain protected.
As the scene became clearer he caught Alaric on the other side of the vehicle, some strange, large gun in his hand aimed at Brady. The scent of blood hit him and he fell into fight mode, releasing his own battle cry.
It was fucking on!
0_0
Whatever the hell that was it, had Richard trembling in his chains. He blinked at the fury, at the sheer power in the howl and something inside of him knew that it was greater than he. He didn't want to think about who it was. Didn't want to admit it to himself who it belonged to...
I need my damn meds.
With the meds he'd never felt fear like this. Not from his own sissy brother. The same little brother he remembered knocking around as a kid when he tried to come into his room or giving a good shove when he would touch his things, who would cry when Richard kicked over his bike or took his snacks. Even when Mason had grown up and begun fighting back he'd never felt a smidgen of fear of him. He'd never seen Mason as an equal. Only his little brother, the family fuck-up in need of redirection.
In this moment he felt more.
It was the damn beast. It feared Mason's beast. The perverted thing was a coward. And without his meds it was becoming harder for him to separate what he felt from what the beast felt. If he didn't medicate soon he might fully become it.
I won't allow that.
He grit his teeth, once again tugging on the chains. He had to get out of here. Away from Mason and his insistence of making him into a that creature. Using everything in him Richard yanked and jerked. He growled and snarled and focused on escape.
With the meds gone he was feeling the increase in his strength. Though he hated where it came from he could put it to good use while he had the opportunity. Maybe if he pushed hard enough he could crack something.
Outside came another howl and the beast inside moved. It recognized the new younger howl. This wasn't Mason but it was still his blood. Tyler.
"That ungrateful little shit raised his hands to me."
Something else he could blame on the beast. Tyler had never had the audacity to do so before his perversion. Richard would have to correct that. See if there was anything left of his son worth saving. Tyler couldn't be too far gone yet even if he did consummate the unholy bond with that Gilbert kid.
But as long as Mason was around he couldn't get near him. He would have to get away from his brother first, then lure Tyler away as well. And he knew the perfect bait for the job...