Page 41 of Her Wolf's Demands

It was as if a witch had given me a truth serum. But, they hadn’t. I’d felt safe enough to tell Malone that I was losing myself in my new identity. And my old identity was the sister who had always cared for a brother. That wasn’t a part of myself that I was prepared to let go of. I would always be there for him, we came as a pair. Yet, here I was. With Malone and his pack.

A sob wrenched from my throat as an image of my brother and lover came into my mind. They’d hit it off instantly, gaining respect of the other within moments.

Releasing his arms, Malone tugged his shirt over his head and stepped out of his jeans. As he came into the shower, he pulled me into his arms and stroked my spine. I rested my head on his solid chest and sobbed again, swallowing when the tears appeared.

“We all felt that when we first shifted,” he said, holding me tight, “but I can’t imagine what it must be like for you. You were a witch and that part of you hasn’t gone. In fact, you’re more powerful than ever. Just see your wolf as an extension of who you are, rather than changing you completely. If you allow your wolf spirit to lead the way, she’ll meld within you, giving you nothing but strength.”

I clung to him, stifling the urge to ugly cry. He was soothing and practical, unlike most men. And yet, I knew he spoke the truth. There was nothing to fear but fear itself, as some random person once said.

“I have to save my brother,” I muttered, leaning my head back to look up at him. “That’s my number one priority.”

The water cascaded over his head, running down his face like a waterfall. He smiled, dropping his head to kiss me gently.

“Very well.” His shoulders relaxed as I calmed. “Tomorrow, we’ll visit my witch friend to see what’s so significant with the painting. Maybe between the two of you, you can figure out why Ertha so desperately wants Drake dead.”

“Thank you,” I said, unsure whether to be excited or anxious about meeting another witch.

“After we’ve solved that,” Malone said, interrupting my thoughts, “we’ll see about making amends with a few wolves my father pissed off.”

Nodding, I agreed, willing to help him to return his pack to its former glory. I just hoped it wasn’t too late.

Chapter Eleven

“I can’t believe Rochelle tried to kill you,” Malone said, locking the cabin door behind him as we left. “And you won’t even let me chastise her.”

Shaking my head, I took his hand as we turned to head towards the car. “We came to an understanding. As much as I love the alpha protection, you have to let me deal with my own stuff sometimes. Us girls had to figure it out between us.”

A huff expelled from Malone, extending when Rochelle waved at us from the communal area near the cold fire. Most of the pack were gathered around, either munching on their breakfast or staring, glazed and barely awake.

“I need you,” Rochelle called.

Glancing at one another, Malone and I raised our eyebrows, laughing when we did it at the exact same time. It wasn’t like Rochelle to be friendly, it would take some getting used to.

Butterflies fluttered in my belly as we approached. Every time I faced the pack, I felt the tension. I didn’t know much about werewolf law, but in wolf packs, the omega was the scapegoat. I had no doubt that if I was allowed to join the pack, I’d be their omega.

A couple of the older men and women glared at me, scowling when Malone took my hand. I didn’t know whether to smile or scowl back. I wanted to show them the respect they deserved, but they weren’t giving me the opportunity. The youngsters of the pack where far more welcoming.

“I’m just telling everyone about what happened last night,” Rochelle announced.

My stomach plunged to my feet, freezing me to the spot. Malone tugged me to his side as he stood by the table laden with beers and snacks, no doubt put out in preparation for the ceremony tonight. Shit, the ceremony.

“Della was incredible. Not just as a witch, but a wolf, too. She changed and helped me fight the huge-arse dog-thing. No idea what it was.”

“A hellhound,” I blurted without thinking.

All eyes were on me, each with a certain amount of curiosity. My palms broke into a sweat as I released Malone and wiped them on my jeans.

“Whatever that is,” Rochelle went on, “We held it off until Malone and Manual defeated it.”

Clearing his throat, Joe glanced at Malone’s cabin. “I smelt a cat as soon as the thing was brought into the camp. It’s not safe for us to be connected to you.” He looked at me, for the first time, addressing me directly. I swallowed down my rising panic. I happened to agree with him. Maybe I should just say that to the old dog.

“You’re right, I’m a walking target. However, you’re not exactly on good terms with anyone right now either. The Crawley Pack had it in for you, way before I came along, and it was only a matter of time until the row with the witches reached a tipping point.” Keeping my shoulders steady, and my head held high, I stepped in front of Malone – once I’d checked to see if he would object, of course. He was the alpha after all. “How about we make a deal?” My insides shook as I braced myself, not daring to look at Malone. He had no idea what I was about to offer, and I had no doubt that he would throw a hissy fit, despite the fact my plan was pretty genius.

“Go on,” Joe said flatly.

“We cancel the ceremony tonight…”

Cue surprised gasps all round, including Rochelle.

---