Page 41 of The Wolf's Captive
Both men turned to frown at me.
Malone scowled, his jaw tightening as Nigel nodded his agreement. “You think she should do that?” he asked his council man.
The older fellow moved to the window and looked out before turning back to us. “None of this would’ve happened if it wasn’t for your actions, Malone. It’s only right that Della should be the first.”
“The experiment, you mean.” Malone’s shoulders were tight, the anger pulsing from him.
Sighing, Nigel moved to sit in an armchair in front of a bookcase. I joined him, lowering myself onto the small couch. I didn’t even bother to invite Malone, instead leaving him to be all pissed off. I got it, I wouldn't be happy if Malone was offering himself up to be tested on. However, Nigel was right. Malone turning me had set everything into motion. If the alpha had stayed with me the first night I’d shifted, I would’ve never met Kieran in the first place. Not that I blamed him for the bastard’s actions, but it was what it was.
“I’m happy to go first.” Holding up my hand when Malone went to protest, I looked at Nigel. “As long as we’re free to go about our lives if it works.”
The whole matter of me even existing would be put to rest. The council wanted me to prove that I was capable of living in a wolf pack, and although I hadn’t been back for long, I wanted to show them that I belonged to the Brighton Pack.
“Very well,” Nigel said, the tightening of his neck making it evident that he agreed begrudgingly. “If it works, we’ll let you remain as you are. If it doesn’t, we’ll have to work out what we can do. Usually, we would execute Kieran. However, as your life is at risk, it may be that we imprison him for the rest of his life.”
A shudder moved me as Malone happily agreed. I wanted to be free from the other werewolf with every fibre of my being, so even contemplating the idea that Victor might not be successful made me feel sick to my gut.
“It’s a deal.” Malone nodded, coming over and offering his hand. “We better go and update the pack. They’ll be worrying.”
Nigel’s thick fingers wrapped around Malone’s palm, squeezing tight. “I’m trusting you,” he said. “Don’t let your emotions override your duty to your pack. Otherwise, there’ll be dire consequences.”
Chapter Thirteen
“Drake!” I greeted my brother when we walked into the camp.
He threw his arms around me, squeezing me tight, yet again. “I can’t bloody leave you on your own, can I?”
Chuckling, I waved at Laura over his shoulder. She smiled back, greeting Malone as he strode into the clearing behind us.
“I’ve called a meeting,” Malone barked, running a hand down my back before heading into the direction of the camp fire.
The other wolves were coming out of their cabins, watching us as we approached. Whenever Malone called a meeting these days, it meant something had gone down.
We’d come straight back from the council, not able to tell anyone, except Drake, about the latest attempt on my life. My insides quivered as the shock set in, settling over my skin. I couldn’t quite understand why Kieran was so intent on destroying us. Was it because he felt like Malone had won with both Frizz and myself?
“Della.” Drake touched my elbow. “You look like shit.”
“Oh, thanks,” I blurted, trying not to laugh.
“Sorry, but…”
“Drake!” Laura exclaimed.
Admonishing him, she dragged him away when Rochelle approached. The she-wolf had her fiery red hair tied up in a slick ponytail and her cheeks were tinged pink.
“I’m glad you’re back,” she said, slightly breathless, “I’ve been wrestling with a dress that needs to go out by the end of the day. Please give me your opinion?”
“Now?” Glancing over at Malone, who had gathered Manual, Henry and Lionel close, I paused, admiring his strong stance.
“Yes, it’ll only take two seconds.” Tugging my arm, the she-wolf led me towards her cabin.
Malone looked over at us, raising his eyebrows when he saw us going towards Rochelle’s cabin. Shrugging, I held up a finger, indicating that we’d only be a minute. I might have been wrong, but it looked the like alpha rolled his eyes before turning back to his men.
“Where have you been, anyway?” Rochelle pushed me through her front door and waved her hand at the dress that hung on a mannequin.
My breath sucked out of me as I traced my gaze down the chiffon and lace dress. The hue of it was an ice grey with darker grey lace. The top was cut in a medieval style with thick shoulder straps that tapered to meet the corseted bodice. From the waist, it plumed slightly, falling down to the ground, where the edges were lined with the same lace as the top.
“That is stunning. It’s like something The Dragon Queen would wear on her wedding day.”