Page 25 of Her Wolf's Demands
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.