Page 16 of Her Wolf's Demands
The men crossed the road, leaving me room to duck into an empty side street. Once again checking that I wasn’t being watched, I blinked, and pushed forward, running to get to the train station quicker.
I could’ve teleported to the hospital, using my magic. However, I needed time to be away from Malone so I could think – and replay our sexy times from the night before. A train journey was always soothing.
Reaching the station, I bought a ticket to London like a good girl. Yes, I could’ve also conjured one from thin air, but my conscience was still intact. Mostly.
The train engine fired up as I approached, warning me of its impending departure. My stomach fluttered with butterflies as I climbed on, being sure to cast a spell to cover my tracks. I didn’t want any witches following me.
An image of Bodhi shot into my mind as I found a seat and curled up, resting my head on the window. The pang of guilt twisted my insides, tearing me apart.
Ertha had been right, I had neglected my familiar. For a whole week, I’d stayed hidden in the woods, not daring to disobey Malone. And all along, my poor pet had suffered at the hands of the woman who wanted war.
“I’m sorry, Bo bo,” I whispered, wiping the tear that dribbled from my eye.
My brother had come home from Dr Amel when he was thirteen, holding two kittens proudly. It was tradition for witches to find their familiars around their thirteenth birthday. My father’s familiar was a snake – yeah, the irony had always struck me as a little too perfect.
When I’d run downstairs on my thirteenth birthday the year before, expecting my father to take us pet shopping, I’d been sorely disappointed. Firstly, he wasn’t there, he’d stayed at his current girlfriend’s house. Secondly, there was a card sitting on the mantelpiece, telling me that he’d get me a present when his benefit cheque came in next, but the familiar would have to wait.
Drake had been furious for me, even threatening to call social services. I’d managed to convince him that it was too risky. Social services would have placed us in homes, probably separately, and they would have noticed that we were different. In more ways than one.
So I’d gone a year without a familiar, until Drake had finished his latest treatment with Dr Amel and sold his first painting. On the way home, he’d asked the good doctor to stop at a pet store that was closing down. There, he bought Bohdi, and his own furry familiar, Barry. The kittens had been adorable, and I’d instantly fallen in love.
My throat closed as I remembered Drake’s sweet smile and proud shrug when I’d squealed in delight. Alas, the excitement would be short lived for Drake and Barry. The cat grew ill when Drake did; Drake’s recurring anxiety and paranoia causing him to whine and scratch. A year after Drake had so confidently brought the kittens’ home, our father had thrown Barry so hard against the brick wall, the poor thing had died instantly.
Tears dripped down my cheeks, soaking the sleeve of my jumper as I used it to scrub them away. Drake had never been the same since, the trauma triggering his worst ever psychosis.
“Tickets please,” a guard called, his friendly voice booming and bringing me back to the present.
The trees whirled past as the train sped towards London, taking me closer to the one person who knew me completely.
“Can I see your ticket?”
I glanced up at the guard, holding out the small piece of paper for him to inspect. He was a tall dark-skinned man with greying temples and the kindest smile I’d seen for a long time.
“Are you okay?” he asked, nodding, even though he hadn’t inspected the ticket.
Smiling, I shrugged and shook my head. “Memories have a funny way of creeping up on you.”
“They do, they do. Don’t forget that those experiences may have shaped you, but they don’t define you.” His wink warmed my heart.
“Well, wise one,” I started, enjoying the simple pleasure of talking to a friendly human, “have you ever had your world blown apart, both inside and out, by someone who suddenly had the power to destroy you with one look or one bad word?”
His chuckle was deep in his chest as he scratched his jaw. “Of course! That’s what love is. No one can deny the joy of it or the heartache. You’ll be fine, just go into it openhearted and he’ll bow to you.”
Without waiting for my reply, he waved and disappeared down the carriage. There were only a handful of people, mainly listening to music, sitting around me.
I sniffed, sitting back when only human scent drifted up my nose. Paranormals rarely travelled out of Brighton, preferring to stay where they were welcome.
The guard’s words echoed in my head as my phone beeped. Malone.
Where the fuck are you? I’ve searched the whole camp.
Two seconds later, another beep. Malone again.
I’m worried about you.
My phone had three missed calls. Oops. I’d been so engrossed in my memories and conversation with the wise train Yoda, I hadn’t heard it vibrate.
Dialling his number, I breathed out a shaky breath. My insides quivered as the images from the night before slunk into my mind’s eye. The man had bent me over and taken me in ways I hadn’t expected. No wonder I was a little sore.