Her Wolf’s Demands by Rachel Medhurst

Chapter Seven

 

“Your brother is amazingly talented,” Malone said, his expression grim as we left the hospital.

The flash of light eyes from a man who passed distracted me, sending a chill down my spine. Kieran had the exact same colour, and for a split second, I’d believed it to be him.

“Are you okay?” Malone’s fingers entwined with mine, their strength making me smile up at him.

“You’re a dark horse… wolf… whatever.”

A slow grin forced his dimple out to play, leaving me breathless as he brought his lips to mine and pressed teasingly. In the middle of the busy street. Talk about the alpha laying claim. And I didn’t mind at all.

Wait, what? No, I couldn’t be distracted by his lighter playful side. There was too much at stake.

“You’re a naughty wolf, just disappearing like that,” he drawled, checking to see if there was anyone around. “You got me all worked up.”

His teeth caught my bottom lip before he devoured me, his tongue plunging into my mouth. My insides quivered as the mating bond sang to me, willing me to lay down on the street and allow him to take me.

Half-heartedly shoving his chest, I dislodged him from me, licking my lips when he frowned. It took every ounce of self-control to turn off my turned on button. Shit, the wolf pheromones were tough to resist.

“Bohdi,” I squeaked, stepping out of Malone’s arms. “My cat, my familiar. Ertha has him.”

As a frown creased Malone’s forehead, his eyes narrowed on me. “Did you go back to your place without me?”

Where had my sweet Malone gone? He was suddenly replaced by the thunderous alpha, all angry and shit.

“I… no… well, yes, but–”

His fingers covered my mouth, stopping the stilted flow of my pathetic reply. Why was I so nervous about my actions? I wasn't a prisoner at the camp.

“It’s too dangerous for you to be gallivanting around Brighton on your own,” Malone spat, glaring at a man who watched us as he went by.

See? Chivalry wasn’t dead. The passer-by was clearly making sure I was okay – or not. He looked over his shoulder and winked at Malone. Bloody hell, talk about a slap in the face.

“Look, you were sleeping like a kitten,” I said. His growl almost made me laugh. “You were, don’t try to deny it.”

“I thought you’d spelled the cat to keep him safe?” Malone was still glaring, his heavy energy switched on to the max.

Huffing, I grabbed his arm. “We don’t have time for this, we need to get back to Brighton to come up with a plan.”

Before he could reply, the scenery around us shimmered and changed, re-forming as the woods just outside the camp.

“What just happened?” Malone blinked.

A laugh caught in my throat as pride puffed my chest. “We just teleported. Only the most powerful witches, like Ertha, are able to do that.”

“That’s pretty talented, I have to admit,” he said begrudgingly. 

“How did you find me at the hospital?” I asked.

The birds sung loudly in the trees, warning one another that we were below. I wanted to get annoyed with him, to be angry that he hadn’t trusted me.

“I heard the train announcement when you were on the phone. I followed your scent to the station. I was only half an hour behind you. You obviously teleported straight after because I lost your smell.” The resident frown appeared again. “But my wolf spirit moved my feet, guiding me to the hospital. It took me a while to find it.”

“I don’t know whether to be impressed by your detective skills or freaked out by your stalker side.” Holding up a hand when he stepped closer, I pressed it against his chest. “I’m serious, I need to do something about Bohdi.”

“You’re right.” Capturing my hand, he brought it up and kissed my knuckles. “What can I do?”

“Erm.” My mind went blank as I stared up at him, a little thrown by how easily he’d conceded.

The library was a magical fortress, almost impossible to break into. Almost.

When I’d visited as a teenager, one of the boys was showing off, claiming that he knew how to get into the great hall when no one was there. I still had him on my Facebook. It would be a ridiculously long shot, but if he still had that information, maybe he could be persuaded to part with it.

“I think there might be a very slight chance we can rescue Bohdi.”

Rolling his eyes, Malone clenched his hands into fists. “I never imagined myself going on a rescue mission to get a cat. Of all pets, why did you have to choose a cat?”

“He’s not a pet,” I spat, offended at his insult. “He’s my familiar, my family.”

Dismissing me with a wave, he watched as I dug out my phone and opened Facebook. A footstep sounded nearby, making the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. Until the scent hit me.

“Hello, Manual.” Malone greeted his friend when he appeared through the trees.

I had smelt the wolf two seconds before he’d shown himself. The knowledge that my senses were enhancing gave me reassurance. Followed by a pang of regret. I was enjoying being a part of the pack more and more. Would it be possible to stay with Malone and keep Drake close too? Or would I have to give one of them up?

“What are you doing skulking around out here?” Manual asked, raising his eyebrows when I held up my phone.

“Trying to find an old acquaintance on Facebook.” Frowning at the screen, I bit my lip. “I so rarely go on here, I’ve forgotten how to do anything.”

Wiggling his fingers at me, Manual indicated that I give him the phone. “I’m a genius,” he quipped, “I bet I’ll find them in three minutes’ tops.”

I glanced at Malone, my own eyebrows raising as the alpha nodded his agreement, trusting that Manual was true to his word.

Gingerly extending my arm, I gave my phone to the werewolf, who flicked his floppy mousy hair out of his crystal blue eyes and winked. “The name?”

“Fredrick…” Shit, what was his second name?

Manual held up one hand while he typed on my phone with the other. “Second name?”

“It’s, um…”

“Patcham?”

“Yes, that’s it. How did you know?”

Flashing me a grin, he held up the phone, showing me the screen. “Is that him?”

Bloody hell, he had found my old friend already. Not that he was a friend anymore. Not since he had bullied me in the great hall, embarrassing me in front of everyone.

The image of his face gave me goosebumps. “That’s him.”

“Can I do anything else?”  

I’d been staring at the picture, unable to look away. The boy had grown into a man with a full dark beard and brushed back shoulder length hair. We had met at the library when my father dumped us there on a Saturday morning. We hadn’t spoken often, but when we did, we’d had fun. He was a joker, one who could make my stomach hurt with laughing.

“You’re looking rather nostalgic,” Malone mumbled. “Are you sure he’s just an old acquaintance?”

Lifting my head, I tried not to smile at his narrowed gaze and slightly pink cheeks. Was Malone jealous of the man in the picture?

He was waiting for an answer, his hands still clenched into tight fists. Would he punch something if he believed that I’d been in love with Fredrick? Surely not.

“I did have a little something for him,” I teased, stroking the face on the screen.

A roar exploded from Malone’s mouth, echoing around the trees, and wiping the smile from my face.

Spinning away from us, he thumped his fist straight into a tree trunk, cracking the bark and swearing loudly.

“You should never goad a mated wolf,” Manual said, his lips twitching.

My own beast paced in my mind, whining at Malone’s distress as the alpha turned back to us, his jaw tight and his shoulders square. “Is he your ex?”

I stared up at the alpha as he stepped closer, his hulking frame towering above me. My hair tickled my back, brushing against the bare strip of skin between my jeans and crop top. His intensity engulfed me, forcing me to feel everything.

“No,” I whispered, slowly moving my head from side to side, “I don’t have an ex.”

His shoulders relaxed as his tongue flicked out to lick his lips. His heady scent of male and pine slipped up my nose, sending heat between my legs, right where he had been – multiple times – the night before.

“Good.” The dark cloud covering his face lifted as he nodded at my phone. “Better contact him then.”

Blinking, I stared at the phone, confused by his whiplash behaviour. I knew the alpha was a moody contradiction, broody and sexy, but had he seriously just cut his hand on a tree because I’d teased him about an old crush?

Did he not realise I could bring up Rochelle, the woman he’d been sleeping with before I’d come along?

My stomach twisted, the realisation sinking in. He was still hanging around her, destined to lead her for the rest of her life.

“What’s the matter?” he asked, his tone tight.

Narrowing my gaze on him, I tried to contain the burst of jealousy that was slowly spreading through my body, tensing my muscles. “One word. Rochelle.”

His slow blink was followed by the duck of his head as a sheepish smile lingered on his lips for a second. “It’s in the past.”

“Exactly.”

My knotted insides drove my insecurities to a new level. I had never been one to be confident in my looks or self-esteem. However, I’d also not allowed myself to get close to a man in a way that would trigger my insecurities.

Rochelle was a gorgeous and powerful she-wolf who had no problem letting everyone know her feelings. She had been in love with Malone before I’d come along and ruined it. Had they discussed it since I’d arrived? Had they been alone?

Oh shit, I had no right criticising him for his jealousy when I was now a raging mess inside, barely holding on to the temper that simmered beneath my skin.

To distract myself, I added Fredrick as a friend and sent him a message, asking how he was and where he was based. I hadn’t seen him around the coven for a few years. Rumours about him leaving had reached me, but I’d been too busy running my shop to take notice.

“There,” I muttered, putting my phone away. “Done. I’m starving.”

Without waiting for Malone to answer, I spun away and almost bumped straight into Manual. I’d forgotten he stood there, watching us closely as our own jealously raged within.

“Sorry,” I mumbled, smiling when he caught the top of my arms and righted me.

Malone’s growl made Manual drop his hands and indicate that I go before him. I strode away, determined to put distance between us. Let the men talk amongst themselves. Malone should boast that he had two women vying for his attention. Ugh.

A growl rose in my own throat as I emerged into the camp, shocking me out of my brooding. Hopefully Fredrick would get back to me soon. It would be nice to have an ally. Although, it was a risk, considering Ertha would have let the coven know how desperately she wanted my head on a platter.

“Della!” Emiliah appeared beside me, a smile on her face. “How are you doing?”

In the distance, Rochelle came out of her cabin. Her hair was tied high on the top of her head and make-up winged her eyes, making them pop. She really was a stunning wolf.

A surge of heat, not the good kind, burnt my nerves as I headed towards Malone’s cabin. See? I didn’t even have a place of my own. I was the alpha’s bitch witch, there for his every whim. Just like Rochelle had been only weeks before. Would I be that disposable?

My steps faltered as Emiliah took my wrist, her warm touch calming me.

The sudden realisation of the core of my fear filtered into my mind. I was afraid that Malone would grow tired and abandon me, just like everyone else.

Dropping my gaze from Rochelle, who jogged off her porch and disappeared into the woods, I swallowed the rising emotion that threatened to close my throat.

“I’m sorry,” I said to Emiliah, lifting my gaze to smile apologetically. “I’m a little shaken.”

A tear plopped from my eye, landing on my hand. The other woman tilted her head to the side, her eyebrows pulling low over her kind dark brown eyes. Her gorgeous ringlets were braided, pulled away from her face. It showed off her high cheekbones and flawless complexion.  

“Come.” She pulled on my wrist, gesturing to the cabin next to Malone’s. “Let’s go and have some lunch.”

The promise of food set my feet in motion. I followed her into the cabin, unsure of why she hadn’t taken me to hers. Oh, wait, it was because Lionel hated my guts.

Sighing, I sat at the breakfast bar that separated the living area from the kitchen. It seemed all the cabins were made in the same style, although this one was decorated with a feminine touch.

A crystal chandelier hung above the centre of the room, the flames in the fire-grate reflecting prettily off the glass. These guys apparently burned fires every moment of every day. It was a little weird.

“Who lives here?” I asked as Emiliah took out a bowl from the fridge and spooned cold pasta onto two plates.

Shrugging, Emiliah pushed a plate towards me and went back to the fridge. “No ones. We keep it stocked up for guests. I figured you might like some space to figure things out.”

A grateful smile tugged at my lips as I spooned a mouthful of pasta into my mouth. The flavours of tomato, basil, and onion exploded on my tongue, delicious and satisfying.

“I appreciate that. I…” Sighing again, I swigged the lemonade that was placed in front of me.

“I know I’m not supposed to befriend you,” Emiliah said, rolling her eyes when I raised my eyebrows, “but I do appreciate what you did to save Lionel.”

“I was only doing what Drake would’ve done if he could. I’m grateful that you don’t hold that against us.”

Nodding, she chewed her own food before swallowing. “It’s not for me to judge. I trust your explanation.”

“Thank you.” Tears hovered in my eyes again, trying to burst free.

I ducked my gaze, blinking as I thought of Drake and the precarious position we were both in. Okay, so I had struggled with him my whole life, but it had been a struggle I was willing to endure.

I wouldn’t allow the coven to harm him. Ever. I had to find out what he knew in order to protect him. I just had to be clever about it so I didn’t set off his triggers.

“Malone and I…” I started, pausing as I tried to find the right words, “…had a jealous spat, thing.”

Not exactly the right words, but Emiliah’s knowing smirk put me at ease. I didn’t want to come across as the green-eyed new girlfriend. It hurt too much to feel so threatened by another wolf, one who had a past with my man.

Swallowing when Emiliah stayed quiet, giving me time to talk, I pushed on. “I had a shitty time growing up, so I’ve never trusted anyone. I know it sounds pathetic, but I know Malone and Rochelle had something between them, and… you know.”

“I do.” Emiliah placed her fork on her plate and came to sit beside me.

The rustic bench was carved from driftwood and sat on homemade cupboards. Malone had clearly been responsible for every piece of woodwork in the cabins. That man was bloody talented.

“Everyone believes,” Emiliah said, “that those of us who are jealous should lighten up. It’s seen as an ugly trait. However, most women are taught to believe they’re not good enough. Either through trauma and neglect as a child, or by society’s standards when we become a teen. How are we supposed to compete with social media’s idea of perfection, especially when it’s still geared towards men? It pisses me off that we’re supposed to be cool about our men being free with their attentions.” Throwing her arms in the air, she groaned in frustration. “And yet, most of us are dying inside because no matter how hard we try to feel good enough, we’re criticised.”

Smiling, I nodded my agreement. “We’re certainly a messed up society. My brother has a soft but strong energy and people take advantage or bully him because he doesn’t act a certain way. The stigma is never-ending. I want a man who can be in touch with his emotions and know who he is at the same time as tying me up on the bed and taking me. Is that too much to ask?”

Laughter burst from both of us, echoing around the room. My heavy energy lifted as Emiliah took my hand and squeezed. “Can you tell I’m a therapist? I’m advocating for therapy in schools to help build both boys and girls up so they can cope with life and maybe eventually change the world.”

A genuine flutter of excitement tickled the inside of my tummy. “You’ll do it. Let me know if I can help in any way. I’ve always wondered whether Drake and I should advocate for change in attitudes to mental health illness. Maybe when I’ve got my life sorted…” Staring at the smooth polished surface, I bit my lip.

My life was a mess. How could I dare to assume that I could help others who were going through what I’d been through with my father and Drake?

“Well,” Emiliah said, getting up and washing the plates, “there is something that Malone has failed to mention.”

Frowning, I went to the drainer to dry up and put away. “I’m sure there’s tons of crap he hasn’t mentioned. Like how he runs a whole pack from the comfort of his apartment in Brighton.”

“Don’t get us started, although, he seems more interested now that you’re here. He’s never been a keen alpha, too broody to connect to the wolves, but when his sister…” Emiliah’s voice hitched. “…betrayed the pack, it changed him.”

Desperate to ask all about what had happened, I resisted, knowing full well that I might let Frizz’s truth slip. If the pack resented him, despite their belief that Frizz had betrayed them, they would forgive him if they knew the truth. I still didn’t get why he kept it secret.

“Anyway.” Waving her hand, Emiliah shook off her melancholy and headed towards the door, just as someone knocked. “Like I was saying, the ritual will make you feel less insecure. Even Rochelle won’t trigger the green-eyed monster once you’re officially bound.”

“Wait, what?” I blurted.

The door swung back as Emiliah opened it, chuckling when Evie handed her a floaty lace dress. My mouth dropped open when the younger wolf winked and clapped, clearly excited about the frilly ensemble Emiliah brought into the room before closing the door.

“The wolf spirit binding ceremony,” she said, so matter-of-factly, I almost felt guilty for not knowing what the fuck she was going on about.

My heart thundered in my chest as she hung the dress from a cupboard door and brushed a hand down it. Did she think I would marry Malone or something? Fuck no. I was a newbie wolf, totally finding my feet, without the need for an alpha wolf to trap me in a marriage without even getting on one knee first.

“Oh!” Emiliah stopped fussing and came over to me, placing her hands on my shoulders. “Don’t panic, it’s not a legal wedding. It’s just a wolf tradition to magically bond the spirits inside us. You’re already bound on the physical level, but we invite the wolf magic to bind in the ethereal also. It’s nothing too strenuous, just a few words and a tying of the knot.”

“Huh?”

Staring at me, Emiliah bit her bottom lip before rolling her eyes. “Why am I not surprised that Malone has failed to prioritise the ritual?”

I blinked, unsure how to answer her. I had more important things to do, like rescue my familiar. How would she react if I told her that I wanted to ditch a wolf right of passage to go and get my cat? Dogs and cats hated each other enough as it was. Although, I doubted that Bohdi would put up a fight against one of the wolves. They would crush him in an instant.

“I’m not sure we’re ready for that.” I tried to defend the alpha, knowing full well that he wouldn’t be worrying about some hand-tying ceremony.

He also had more pressing matters to attend to. Like sorting out his pack and stepping into his role as alpha with much more enthusiasm.

Emiliah’s glare scorched me as she walked backwards towards the door. “I’m sorry,” she said, reaching for the handle, “I’ve persuaded the pack that once the ceremony takes place, they have to accept you. The wolf spirits won’t bind with the knot-tying if you’re not supposed to be in our pack. It happens on the full moon tomorrow night.”

She was gone, the door slamming shut and locking behind her, before I could reply. No, they couldn’t keep me prisoner. I had to find Bohdi or Ertha would kill him, which in turn would kill me.

Going to the door, I yanked on it, grunting when I heard a deep masculine chuckle on the other side. Shit, they were going to keep guard. Were they serious? All this fuss over a wolf wedding that had been arranged behind my back. What would Malone have to say about it?

Dialling him, I stalked to the kitchen window. Malone’s cabin was right beside mine, the windows covered by net curtains.

“Della.” His voice was tight. “I’m sorry, I can’t fight this.”

“They’re trapping you, too? Like a fucking mouse?”

His harsh release of breath made me swallow. I hadn’t meant to be mean, but I was sick of his pack dictating what I could and couldn’t do. Especially since we were supposed to be the one’s leading them.

“Listen to me,” he hissed, “this could be the answer. The pack have agreed to allow the ceremony to go ahead. Which means they’re willing to accept you ruling alongside me. I know you want to be free, but if you show them respect by agreeing, we can both benefit.”

My chest vibrated with my heartbeat as perspiration lined my forehead. How could I tell him that I had been planning to bind the wolf? I wanted to be with Malone, the heady pull of him and the fantasy of belonging was almost too strong to resist. However, Drake was my number one and always would be. Could we find a way to co-exist?

“And there I was,” I breathed, “waiting for the declaration of love and how you’re dying to marry me.”

“It’s not an official marriage,” he said, almost choking, “just an old wolf tradition for fated mates. Look, I didn’t tell you because we’re not ready, I admit it. However, they’re trying to find a way to make it acceptable for you to stay. I appreciate that and will honour it. Please… support me in this.”

His throat closed near the end of his sentence, strangling the words from him.

My gut twisted as I imagined him, his head bent and his shoulders lowered, vulnerable, only to me.

“What about binding the wolf?” I whispered, afraid to rile him. “What about Drake?”

“You can’t bind your wolf, I forbid it.” His tone tightened, his breath rapid in my ear. “Do you hear me, Della? I won’t… I can’t… Fuck.”

“Okay, okay.” Staring at the window, I willed him to lift the curtain at the same time as hoping he didn’t. “I’ll do it.”

His intensity made my heart pound. No one had been passionate about keeping me before. Okay, so he hadn’t expressed his feelings for me in words, but his desperation for me to stay told me more than fluffy sentiment ever could.

“Thank you. We have to stay separate until the full moon. I promise, once it’s done, we’ll go and get Bohdi.”

“Yeah.” I almost laughed. “Because the wolves will appreciate having a cat around the camp.”

His chuckle relaxed my shoulders as the last rays of sunlight disappeared. It had been a long day, and the pull of my muscles reminded me that I hadn’t had any sleep the night before.

“I don’t know if I can sleep over here, just inches away, and yet, unable to touch you.”

A light switched on in his bathroom. The misted window blocked my view, but the bulk of him was visible, tormenting me even more.

Hurrying out of the kitchen, I went into the bedroom opposite Malone’s bathroom to get a better view. The sound of running water started up in the background, loud as he pulled his shirt over his head.

“I know,” he said, “I wanted to bend you over the kitchen table tonight.”

Heat blasted through me, pushing all thoughts of anything other than Malone out of my mind. The memory of his kisses and naked body crushing mine made me swallow hard.

“That sounds fun.” I placed my hand on the window, enjoying the cold of the glass on my hand. “I could just use magic to come to you. They’ll never know.”

His laugh echoed as he put me on loudspeaker. “They’ll know, trust me. They’ll track your scent to my cabin. Jeez, I want you.”

His shout was followed by the splash of water and his silhouette moving out of view. I whispered a demisting spell, too desperate to care about Malone’s privacy.

The frosted glass cleared, revealing the inside of the bathroom. Malone was in the shower, his head leaning back as the water sprayed him, droplets running down his muscles and over his tight buttocks.

As he turned, my breath caught. His hand was clasped around himself, gripping the hardness of his length.

“I can see you,” I said loudly, smiling when he turned his head, his dark eyes meeting mine through the window.

Instead of releasing himself, he slowly turned and faced me, tipping his head back to allow the water to cascade over his head and down the ridges of his stomach.

My breasts tingled, heavy with desire as my pussy pulsed. I wanted to be the water, licking down his chest and circling the head of him with my tongue.

“Shit,” I exclaimed. “You’re breath-taking.”

He stepped out of the shower, leaning against the window with his spare arm. He stared at me with hooded eyes as his hand stroked up and down. “Take your top off.”

His order sent a thrill dancing down my vertebra. I had never taken part in sex games before, but I was willing to play.

Putting the phone on loudspeaker, I placed it on the cabinet beside me. My hands shook as I slowly grasped the bottom of my crop top and lifted it over my head, shaking my hair out. My gaze stayed glued to his as he licked his lips and his breath came harder.

Slipping my hand under my bra, I kneaded my breast, circling a finger around my nipple.

“Let me see.” He huffed, his hand working himself faster. “I need to see you.”

The muscles of his arms flexed, the movement sending desire shooting through me. Taking my hand away, I unclipped my bra and peeled it off, suddenly too hot for clothes.

“You’re fucking beautiful.” His deep gravelly voice pulsed through me, igniting the embers that simmered.

I reached for my breast again, teasing myself as his hips thrusted, pressing himself harder through his cupped fingers.

My other hand trailed down my stomach, tickling my sensitive skin and sending my heart into a frenzy. His face started to strain, and yet, his dark eyes bore into mine. A fireball of power lit every nerve, enticing me to stroke myself, which I did, sliding my hand under the waistband of my jeans. My finger found my delicious spot and flicked gently. I controlled the alpha in this moment, making him mine.

“Don’t,” he cried, his voice shaking as his orgasm took over and he hunched, his body shaking against the window.

“Don’t?” I questioned, frowning. “I’m not allowed to pleasure myself?”

A chuckle rumbled through his heavy breathing as he recovered. “I want you to wait for me.”

“Seriously?” I breathed, excitement hitching my voice. “I have to refrain, even though I’m horny as fuck?”

“The expectation will be delicious. I order you, as your alpha, and your mate, to wait until tomorrow night, after the ritual.”

My hands dropped away as desire filled me up, almost sending me over the edge. His stare demanded me, forcing me to obey.

I bit my lip, excited by the prospect of waiting for my man to finish me off, even if my insides quivered and begged for release.

“As you command, my liege.”

A grin split his lips as a darkness crossed his eyes. “Good girl. You’ll come to know that I’m generous when you bow down to me.”

“Oh,” I breathed. “I’m digging the fifty shades vibe.”

Standing straight, Malone tilted his head to the side and watched as I bent to retrieve my clothes. Once I’d pulled my top back on, I leant my forehead against the window, staring at the alpha who hadn’t moved.

“We have so much to learn about one another,” he said, his voice tight. “I think there’s a surprise or two in store for us.”

“Yeah.” Picking up the phone, I held it in front of my mouth. “Those kinky skeletons are sure to emerge, I hope you’re ready.”

Licking his lips, he narrowed his gaze on me, intense and heavy. “Oh, yeah.” He growled. “I’m ready.”