Page 30 of The Wolf's Captive
“Thank fuck you’re home!” he snapped, glancing at Malone. “You could’ve told me you were due home.”
His aggressive tone was a pre-curser to other issues developing. Had Drake struggled while I’d been gone?
“I’m sorry,” I said, placing a hand on his arm. “I should’ve let you know.”
Shaking himself, Drake took a deep breath and ran his hand through his hair. “No, I’m sorry. I’ve been on high alert ever since you said that you were coming home. I know I should be controlling my stress better.”
“Well, I’m going to need your help.” Linking my arm in his, I drew him away from the crowd and towards his cabin. “Like… now.”
“Now? You’re going to send me on an errand so you can have alone time with Malone, aren’t you?”
I chuckled as I shook my head, glad to be in the company of my brother again.
Laura emerged from the cabin, wringing her hands in front of her as she threw me a smile. “It’s good to see you again,” she said, extending her hand to Drake as he released me.
His shoulders relaxed as soon as their skin made contact. It seemed she had a soothing effect on my brother. I wasn’t sure whether that was a good thing or not. I didn’t want him to have to rely on someone else to keep his mental health issues in check.
“Likewise. How has everything been?”
My insides quivered as Drake rubbed a hand over his face. “It’s been stressful worrying about you.”
My brother wasn’t one to blame me for his issues either, but I understood why my disappearance would’ve put him on edge, despite my regular messages. We were a pair, regardless of how happy we were within our own relationships.
“I’m really sorry, to both of you.”
Waving a dismissive hand, Laura smiled at Drake. “We’ve been coping fine. We just wanted to make sure you were okay.”
“I’m okay,” I said, unable to pretend that I was anything more than that.
It was going to take a moment to acclimatise to being back in Brighton. I wanted to see the sea, check on my shop, and arrange a meeting with the Brighton Coven.
“Are any of you still on speaking terms with the coven?” I enquired.
Malone put his arm around my waist and nudged me gently. “Don’t you want a moment to settle?”
“No,” I said, nudging him right back. “This is the best opportunity we’ve got.”
Drake frowned, shrugging as he dug out his phone. “I’m not really in contact with them. They did banish us, remember?”
“I am.” Laura gestured towards the cabin. “I have a friend within the coven who I message regularly. Can I help?”
Nodding, I stepped up onto their veranda, ignoring Malone as he growled low in his throat. I got it, he wanted to wait a moment to recalibrate. However, I needed to take action. Being in England, and seeing Kieran, had incited my anger, heating me up from the inside.
“Please,” I said to Laura, following when she disappeared into the cabin.
The men stayed behind, talking amongst themselves. I had no idea what was being said but hopefully they weren’t planning an intervention.
“It’s so good to have you back,” Laura said, grabbing up her phone from the table. “What did you want me to ask my friend?”
Clearing my throat, I contemplated my words. I trusted Laura, and yet, a slight unease settled over me. Shit, I had become paranoid in my time alone. If Drake and Malone trusted her, I had to believe that she would be on my side.
“Please could you arrange a meeting with her? I’ll come with you so I can tell her that there may be a way for the witches to be disconnected from the werewolves.”
Her mouth hung open slightly, her cheeks turning pink. “That would be amazing. Have you managed to disconnect yourself from Kieran?”
Shaking my head, I swallowed as Malone came in. I didn’t dare turn to see whether he’d heard Laura’s question. Yes, he’d promised to be with me, regardless, but it was still a subject we hadn’t managed to navigate well.
“I’ll ring my friend now,” Laura said, heading into the bedroom.