Page 31 of The Wolf's Captive
Malone’s arm came around my waist as Drake filled up the kettle and flicked it on. The tension in the room was palpable as we waited for Laura to return.
My heart thudded loudly as she opened the door and came out only moments after disappearing. “They’re desperate to meet with you,” she said, shrugging. “Apparently, they’ve been trying to call both of you for weeks.”
Drake scowled, his usual calm nowhere to be seen. He had blocked every number associated with the Brighton Coven. I got it, their previous leader had sent him into one of his worst ever psychosis episodes. He clearly wasn’t in a rush to go there again.
“That’s great,” Malone said, running a hand down my arm. “When?”
Lifting her shoulders gently, Laura blinked. “As soon as you can. They want you to go to the library.”
“Their headquarters?” My breath squeaked as I looked up at Malone.
The last time I’d been there, we’d fought a hellhound. What if they unleased another one on me?
They’d been adamant that they had never wanted to see me again, so why were they suddenly interested? Did they believe I had the answer to disconnecting their witches?
“That’s right.” Laura glanced at Drake, her eyebrows pulled low. “Are you okay?”
Taking a deep breath, he nodded slowly. His shoulders had been tight around his ears, but they dropped suddenly as he relaxed.
“I could feel myself getting worked up there,” he said, coming closer to Laura. “I need to remember that I’m safe from them.”
She reached out and stroked his face, smiling when he kissed her fingers. Wow, she had the same calming effect on him that I’d had as a child. Although, there was no finger kissing. Ew.
“I’m proud of you, Drake,” I said. “It looks like you’re handling everything well.”
Inclining his head, he wiggled his eyebrows. “Why, thank you, my guru. The Doc is in regular contact, and I’ve really tuned into releasing stress. It helps a shit ton.”
“Good.” Taking Malone’s hand, I threaded my fingers through his. “Because we need to go to the coven’s headquarters. Like… now.”
Chapter Ten
My hands tingled as I pushed open the library door and stepped into the Brighton Coven’s headquarters. The voices and traffic noise of the outside world disintegrated into silence.
Malone’s presence beside me gave me strength as we wandered past the shelves, towards the door marked Private.
Turning to look at my mate, I raised my eyebrows.
He held his hands up, his mouth opening in mock shock. “I already told you,” he said, “I’ll keep quiet.”
Nodding, I smiled my thanks. “I appreciate that.”
“Unless they’re cruel or threatening,” he whispered under his breath, “then I’ll rip their throats out one by one.”
I threw a glare at him as I pushed against the door, for some reason surprised when it opened. Only witches within the coven were allowed inside. Heather must have instructed the magical imprint on the door to allow me entrance again.
“Della,” Malone said urgently as we walked through the door.
Turning, I glanced up at him as he towered over me and lifted his hands to rest on my shoulders. “Remember, no matter what happens, I love you, and I’ll always stick by you.”
My heart fluttered wildly as I stared into his eyes, absorbing the intensity of his gaze as he looked down at me. His strong jaw was tight, clenching as he waited for my reply. There had been a slight disconnection between us since I’d returned from Paris. Maybe I should’ve taken a moment to get closer to him again.
“Thank you, for coming through for me. I love you, too.” Cupping his hand against my cheek, I licked my lips.
A wolf whistle – ironic – broke us apart and we headed into the main hall. The coffee area was buzzing with young witches and warlocks, laughing and joking together. The whistle had come from a random stranger, who clearly had no qualms about interrupting our intimate moment. Although, I was a banished witch, coming into my old haunt, with a werewolf. It wasn’t exactly a surprise.
“We better go see who’s in charge now.”
Taking Malone’s hand, just to let everyone know that he was with me – who was I kidding? It was also to give me strength – I marched to the door of Ertha’s old office. Who would be waiting for me behind it?