Page 46 of The Wolf's Captive
Shaking my head, I went over to the make-shift kitchen area and flicked on the kettle. Luckily, the camp had a generator that had been wheeled across the lands and deeper into the woods. The trees hid us from the flowing fields that were too open for us to hide.
“I’m sure you could do with the rest.” Malone indicated that the other wolf help him to attach the rickety door.
Scoffing, Manual hoisted it up and lined it against the hinges. Malone made quick work to drill in the nails, attaching the door and completing our new little home.
My heart had wrenched when Malone had made the announcement that we needed to leave. It felt like it was my fault, yet again. But now we were out here, and had been for a couple of days, it was nice to disconnect from the rest of the world and immerse myself into the pack.
“Good job!” I said, bringing over mugs of coffee for them.
The men high fived one another as Malone started to clear up his work tools. A warm glow spread throughout my chest as I watched him work, pride filling me.
The hut was made of logs and wooden slats. It had four sides and was just tall enough for Malone to get inside. It was small, with only space for us to lie down. All the better to snuggle, my dear.
“I’ve just finished my tent.” Manual gestured towards his material palace.
It was navy blue and rose high into the trees. It could sleep at least eight people, which was ludicrous considering the rest of the pack had their own little tents or huts.
“Are you planning on bringing all your women here?” I quipped, winking when he laughed.
“Henry is sharing with me,” he said, dismissing my joke with a wave, “and have you heard him snore? I needed my own wing in that tent in order not to be kept awake all night.”
We laughed together, enjoying the comradeship of building a temporary home. The stress of the attack two days ago had put everyone on high alert. At least out here, we had the advantage of seeing down the hill.
My phone rang, shocking us all into silence. It was rare to get signal out here, but I’d specifically left it high up, just in case Drake needed to contact me.
Reaching for it, I answered the unknown number dubiously. “Hello?”
“Della,” a smooth male voice said, “it’s Victor. I’m in Brighton. Where shall I meet you?”
An unbidden squeak expelled from me, drawing the attention of everyone nearby.
Malone raised his eyebrows, clearly confused by my sudden outburst.
“Victor!”
Malone moved closer, his expression turning serious. I held my breath as I thought about the answer. We were currently stuck deep in our pack lands, away from the city.
“Well,” I started to reply, shrugging at Malone who frowned down at me. “I suppose we can come and get you, but the thing is, we’re…”
“Oh, good.” Victor’s reply was breathless as a bus horn blasted into my ear. “I prefer being with you wolves. Where shall I go? How long will you be? I’d forgotten how strange this place is. I need a moment to realign myself.”
Malone had stood close enough to hear. He shook his head before holding out his hand for my phone. Passing it over, I allowed him to take the lead. It made my life so much easier.
“We’ll come and get you from Madeira Drive in half an hour. Look out for the Range Rover.”
Listening to Victor’s reply, Malone chuckled and hung up the phone.
I stood open mouthed as Manual crossed his hands over his chest. “Who are you bringing back here?” he asked, his gaze narrowing on the alpha.
His suspicion was understandable considering what had happened a few days ago. Camping out in the woods had been our safe haven. To bring a stranger into it was dangerous.
“The warlock who’s going to save Della and our pack. Although, if we can get him to the witches first, we will.”
Bending, Malone grabbed his backpack. I copied him, ready to leave as soon as he had instructed Manual to inform the rest of the pack.
“We won’t be long,” the alpha told Rochelle as she approached. “Make sure this place is as presentable as it can be.”
Smiling at me, Rochelle nodded her agreement. There was a rush of excitement filtering through the camp. I didn’t feel the same energy. In fact, my nerves were fraught, my hands shaking at the thought of what was to come.