Page 31 of Her Wolf's Demands

Smiling, I stayed completely still, not quite trusting that she wouldn’t rip my throat out. Instead, she threw her arms around me and squeezed. The scent of summer flowers filtered up my nose as her soft hair brushed my face.

My heart lifted as I patted her back awkwardly. I was totally unused to friend hugs, and yet, a stupid smile wouldn’t leave my face.

“Sorry,” I said when she released me, “mint choc chip is the best. Nothing else compares.”

Dismissing me with a wave, she made her way over to the door.

My phone bleeped, showing a message from Fredrick.

Hey, Della Wella, I’m well out of the coven. They’re nasty bastards so you’re well rid. What info do you need? Happy to help.

“Hey,” I called, placing my hands on my hips as Rochelle turned back to face me. “How do you feel about cats?”

Her dainty nose screwed up as she shrugged. “We’re not supposed to like them, but I secretly do. Why?”

Okay, my friend-mance had only just started, so it was risky to ask Rochelle – aka she-wolf who had entered my cabin to kill me – to help me. We had bonded over our grief, both broken by something out of our control. However, I had to be careful.

“How do you feel about breaking and entering?”

“No qualms about that,” she said, crossing her arms over her chest and raising her eyebrows. “What do you need?”

“A friend who’s up for a cat rescue mission. Now.”

Chapter Nine

“Hello, old friend,” I greeted Fredrick when he picked up his phone, glad that the witch was a night owl.

Rochelle sat on the bed, patiently waiting for my next instructions. I had persuaded her that I had to rescue my familiar before I could go through with the ceremony. I wouldn’t allow both my brother, and my cat, to come second to the pack. They were both my life.

“I’ve heard you’re well and truly in the shit.” Fredrick’s cheerful voice was a contrast to my mood.

Clearing my throat, I pushed away the flood of anxiety that clenched my muscles. Partly due to Bohdi’s hostage situation, but also a little due to Fredrick’s bullying. His young face popped into my mind, his sneering and chanted taunts not easy to forget.

“Yep, you could say that,” I replied, happy that my voice was strong and indifferent.

“You’re still pissed at me, aren’t you?”

Ah, maybe I wasn’t as cool as I’d imagined. It wasn’t surprising, considering the circumstances. “You called me a freakoid in front of the whole coven. Sang it in a rap you’d made up about me, actually.”

An amused scoff came from Rochelle, spiking my ire. I glared at her. So much for my new friend.

“What can I say?” Fredrick sounded bored. “I was intimidated by you. You were clever and pretty, and the other girls hated you, so I had to fit in.”

Flapping a hand, I pushed away the memories. It wasn’t worth holding a grudge anymore, even though his betrayal had cut deep into my teen soul. “Well, you can make up for it now.”

“What’s going on?”

“I… guess you’ve heard that I’m a hybrid by now?”

His grunted affirmative was followed by chewing. “Sorry,” he said with a mouthful, “I made myself a sandwich to eat after our call. It’s been calling my name, and I couldn’t resist. I know you’re a hybrid. Proceed.”

“So you might have also heard that I can kill you instantly if you betray me again.”

Another amused snort from Rochelle and a bark of hilarity from Fredrick, despite his chomping.

“I won’t betray you again,” he said. “Pinky promise.”

Closing my eyes, I whispered a truth spell without feeling any guilt.

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