Page 29 of The Wolf's Captive
A small laugh burst from me as Malone put a hand on my back, steadying me. I had to swallow several times to stop tears from forming in my eyes.
“Jeez, woman, where have you been? I’ve missed you. I needed my freakoid friend.”
Her ire was light hearted, giving me reassurance as she pulled away and looked into my eyes. We smiled at one another, our bond resurrecting instantly.
“Evie,” I said, “it’s really good to see you. But… you’re standing on my foot.”
Jumping back, the werewolf laughed. “Dude, I’m so sorry.”
Several other wolves came out of their cabins, each staring in my direction. I waved at them as Evie linked her arm in mine, encouraging me deeper into the camp. My apprehension had almost completely evaporated under her protection. She had basically taken me under her wing, despite being several years younger than me.
Malone trailed behind, lugging my luggage effortlessly. He stayed back as a couple of the wives came to see me, surrounding me and blasting questions.
Rochelle appeared from nowhere, a scrap of material haphazardly taped around her arm.
“You better be teaching me some French, bitch,” she said, putting her hands on her hips and staring at me.
The others backed away, patting me on various parts of my arms and shoulders in a show of support. They were less likely to be affected by my disappearance. Rochelle, the fiery she-wolf, on the other hand… would more than likely want to rip me to shreds in true werewolf style.
“I’m sorry,” I said, taking her hands in mine.
They were smooth, even though they were spotted with blood. She’d obviously pricked herself while creating her latest fashion design.
“Why did you go?” Her bright eyes narrowed on me, the hurt in them flashing so quickly, I almost didn’t see it.
When Emiliah had gone, we’d grown closer, aware that our mutual friend bonded us even more.
Clearing his throat, Malone stepped forward. “It was my fault,” he said, glancing at me. “She heard what I said to you and Drake outside the cabin on the night I failed her. I’ve told you that.”
“I know, but I need to hear it from Della.” Tucking her hair behind her ear, Rochelle stared at me.
“Have you ever had anyone touch you inappropriately?” My question might have sounded random – and from the confused frown on Rochelle’s face, she agreed – but I had a point to make. Plus, most women in one way or another, had been touched when not invited.
“Yes…” Shrinking in on herself, she swallowed hard. “…I have.”
“Imagine that touch starting from inside your being and spreading out to every inch of your skin.”
Her furrowed brow deepened as tears slipped into her eyes. My gut flipped and churned, and I had to resist the urge to vomit. Something had happened to Rochelle, I could see it in the fear that gripped her muscles.
“That’s what it felt like when Kieran forced the connection between us,” I said, swiping at the tears that dripped from my eyes. “The disgust made me sick and knowing that Malone could feel it too… I couldn’t bear it. I just… I had to go.”
Sobs wrenched from my throat as Rochelle grabbed my head and buried it into her shoulder. I held her tight, letting go in a way that I hadn’t been able to with Malone. I had never wanted to show weakness to the alpha, even though he had supported me in every way.
“I’m sorry you went through that,” Rochelle whispered before pulling back and looking into my face, “but we are your family now. We will hold you and protect you, no matter what. You must never run away again, it hurt us deeply knowing that we couldn’t be there for you.”
Her soothing voice slunk into my skin, calming my racing heart. Her arms disappeared, and I was turned, engulfed by a strong chest and big muscly arms. Malone’s scent danced in my nostrils, enticing me to cling to him as I cried.
He gripped the back of my hair, holding me to him like his life depended on it. His breath fluttered across my ear as he brought his mouth close to my head. “I’m so sorry.”
A comforting warmth spread throughout me as I lifted my head. A gasp rushed from my lips as the faces of every wolf in the camp looked at me, their hands stretched out to the werewolf in front of them. They were gathered around us, forming a circle that was connected by their touch. The ones nearer us had rested their hands on Malone and Rochelle, who still held me by the shoulders.
Their energy and support filtered through each other and into me. I had never felt so held, so loved, before. How had I ever doubted their loyalty to me?
“Della?”
The wolves broke the circle as Drake flew out from the spare cabin, his hair messed up and his eyes glassy. His feet barely touched the ground as he almost teleported across to me, his embrace bruising when he clung to me as if I were about to disappear again.
Guilt grasped every inch of me, making my stomach hurt. My brother had been the only person I’d kept in contact with, which had put him in an awkward position. Had the stress of being the go between got on top of him?