Page 40 of Dark Captivation

We trained until the hour was up and spoke more about what life was like for me in the demi-god pack. Surprisingly, they were all fascinated with wolves. I thought demons hated wolf shifters, but instead, these demonesses were curious about everything to do with us. From how it felt to shift to what it was like for us to bond with our inner wolves. They even followed shifter influencers online, loving their makeup tutorials.

I enjoyed talking to the other women, it made me miss Ray and Aurora just a little bit less and made me feel less lonely in this strange new world.

After the training was over, Ferina and I returned to the castle. We showered, changed, ordered pizza and made cheesy popcorn to celebrate my progress in learning today’s attack formations.

In the downstairs living room, Ferina and I sat down to play cards at the round wooden table. A large pepperoni pizza laid to the right of the cards, the oversized bowl of popcorn was to the left.

Ferina played like a hustler, beating me brutally like money was on the line. Or maybe I was just a bit too distracted to play well.

Time passed and the afternoon quickly vanished. The cool evening air wafted inside and I went over to shut the window.

A servant entered the room offering us something to drink.

Setting her cards facedown on the table, Ferina sprang from her seat like a jackrabbit. She went over to collect a metal jug and two mugs from the servants. “Thanks, Jason. It’s like you’re a mind reader. I’ve been dying for a cup of your famous cocoa.”

“I aim to please, Princess. If you need anything else let me know.” Jason acknowledged me with a nod and left.

Setting the two mugs down, she poured hot cocoa for herself and then for me.

“Look alive, Sunny. Don’t you want to be able to tell Mally you won at least one round?”

“The next one’s mine, just you watch.” I took a sip of sweet hot cocoa.

A fierce determination knitted her brows, and she held her hand with all ten fingers.

Was it any wonder I was having trouble focusing on the game? I was living with an ancient demon I knew little about. He claims we were childhood best friends, but I didn’t have the faintest memory of him nor was I allowed to pry too deeply into his past. Malek was sketchier than the demi-gods.

The only question was, was he a danger to me? Something told me I’d find that out tonight, when Malek finally showed up and took me to the caves.

The game neared its end with another victory for Ferina all but assured. Malek appeared at the door with a black raven perched on his shoulder.

“I don’t believe it! How did you manage to pry Jeffrey from his harem long enough to grace us with his presence?” Ferina queried, unknowingly dropping her hands low enough for me to see her cards.

Malek walked over to the table.

“So, this is the famous Jeffrey, the familiar. It’s nice to finally meet you.” I set my cards down and stood up to meet Jeffrey.

Without warning, Jeffrey took off from Malek’s shoulder, perching on mine. “You’re even prettier than I imagined!”He spoke excitedly, rubbing himself into the curve of my neck, tickling me with affection.

“And you’re the most handsome raven I’ve ever seen.” I said.

“Why thank you, I had my feathers polished this morning. Your neck is so soft. Much softer than Malek’s leathery skin. I could stay here all night.” Flattening his wings tight at his sides, he nested right in the curve of my neck, looking too cozy to disturb.

Malek didn’t seem to agree as he swiftly but gently plucked Jeffrey from my neck and tucked him under his arm. “Now Jeffrey. You know that Sunny and I won’t be staying long. You can play with her after.”

“Really, and where are we going?” I asked, pretending to be none the wiser.

Ferina took out her phone and started playing a game, faking innocence.

Malek invited me to go with him on another date, this one he claimed would be ten times better than the last. But he wouldn’t say where. Not wanting to get Ferina in any trouble with her brother, I didn’t spoil the surprise.

Malek cut quite the figure in a white, loose fitting, long sleeve shirt and tailored black pants. I wore a pair of jeans, a pink crop top and black sweater. Nothing fancy but Malek didn’t seem to mind as he offered me a hand, pure seduction emanating from his wide smile.

Unsure of what the future held; my curiosity drew me to his steely, dark gaze. Why was it that every time he looked at me, he made me feel like I was the only woman in the world? That was his strength, against which I was powerless.

Three black ravens waddled into the living room singing a peppy tune.

“They found me.” Jeffrey squawked, “Sunny, please take care of my friend. He may seem wise but on the inside he’s like a baby. He’s always making childish mistakes!”

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