Page 7 of Her Wolf's Demands
The bang on my door jolted me awake. The soft mattress enveloped me, my body sinking further into it. My eyes fluttered closed again, resisting the person who had interrupted my slumber.
“Della?”
The voice was feminine, demanding. If I didn’t listen, she would no doubt come in.
Pushing up into a sit, I rubbed my eyes before checking the clock on the bedside table. Wow, I’d slept for almost twenty hours. In a spare bedroom in Malone’s cabin. Alone.
“Yes?” I croaked, clearing my throat. “What is it?”
“Time to come and get some food.” Emiliah’s voice was kind, inviting.
If only the rest of the pack would be so nice, maybe I’d consider forming a life here.
Scoffing gently, I clambered out of bed and padded over to the door. Who was I kidding? Not only would the wolves hate me, I’d have to leave Drake behind. That would never happen.
Fluffing my bed hair, I opened the door. “I’m not so sure…”
My words dried on my lips as the scent of barbequed meat blasted in my face. Acoustic guitars strummed, the melody calling me outside. The bedroom certainly had good soundproofing. It sounded like a party was in full swing. And I was invited?
“We’re celebrating Lionel’s recovery and the prospect of building the pack again,” Emiliah said, her tight black ringlets bouncing as she bobbed her head to the music. “Think everyone is actually excited that you’re here to help us.”
“They are?” I asked, despite myself.
My stomach rumbled loudly, distracting Emiliah from my embarrassingly desperate question. She shook her head and gestured into the bedroom. “Get ready. If werewolves know how to do anything, it’s party and food.”
The idea of letting my hair down was more appealing than I wanted to admit. However, there was something on my mind.
“Is Malone outside already?”
Frowning, Emiliah shook her head. “No, he’s gone to his workshop. He didn’t tell you?”
My gaze ducked to the floor as my cheeks heated, no doubt turning bright beetroot. What could I say? Oh, we’re not really talking. In fact, I told him I didn’t want to be with him. Yes, he’s sexy as shit with a brooding nature to attract my daddy issues, but I can’t stay in a pack with werewolves who despise me, or abandon my brother, who is still a witch.
Fuck. My life was fucked.
“Come on.” Emiliah’s tone was kind, her smile reassuring, “Let’s go and get a drink.”
A drink! Yes, I could do with a few of those to ease the tension that was knotting my muscles.
Turning to the bedroom, I paused when my stomach twisted in another hunger pang. Sod the shower, magic would do. I needed food, pronto.
Waving a hand over myself, I created a cute outfit made up of skinny jeans with white roses embroidered on them and a plunging red tank top that hugged my breasts before flowing from the ribs.
“No wonder Malone wants you to help us with your magic,” Emiliah said, her eyes wide as I fixed my hair into fresh waves.
A small part of me enjoyed her admiration. I had been outraged at Malone, but really, I should’ve been flattered. Someone as strong as Malone wanted, no needed, little old me to help a whole wolf pack.
The realisation made me hover on the threshold of the bedroom as Emiliah turned, gesturing for me to follow. A tiny prick of pride broke through the annoyance. Maybe I should be proud that Malone was happy to allow me to use my power to stand beside him.
As I followed Emiliah out of the cabin, I chuckled to myself. Stand beside him? Who was I kidding? I would be his to control, like the other wolves.
“Tell me,” I called to Emiliah, who slowed her pace to walk next to me. “Why do you all bow down to one man or woman? Wait, has there ever been a female alpha?”
The music grew louder as we neared the fire. It raged, the flames tall, reaching for the dark sky. A white marquee had been erected nearby and picnic benches pulled together to create a dining area.
Different smells combined, sending my system into overdrive. BBQ burgers, sausages, hot chocolate and chilli mixed with charcoal, burning wood and earth. There wasn’t one hint of perfume or aftershave.
“There was a female alpha, Malone’s grandmother, in fact. The pack thrived under her. She was forward thinking and believed in being inclusive.”