10. Frankie

Shit. I check my phone for the hundredth time. No messages. No missed calls. Nothing.

It hasnt been that long since Devon texted me about the situation with River, but Im worried sick. Ive got no way of helping any of them, and Im stuck working at the diner all day.

Hey, you okay? Jenna, my coworker, asks as she sidles up beside me.

Yeah, Im fine. I try to sound casual, not wanting to cause drama on my first day. Just waiting for a call from my brother.

She frowns in concern. Is everything okay?

Yeah, Im sure its nothing. I shrug as if there’s nothing to worry about. Hopefully, there isn’t. Hes just...having some car trouble.

Oh, that sucks. Look, I know its none of my business but... She exhales heavily as she leans against the counter and glances around to make sure were alone. Youre a wolf, arent you?

I stare at her, my eyes wide with shock. How could she possibly know that?

Its okay, she says quickly. Its kinda obvious when you know what to look for. The thing is...my family, we come from a long line of hunters. Dont worry. We dont do that anymore. We havent actively hunted wolves since my grandfathers time. He was the last hunter in my family to ever do it, and since then, weve been...well, more like peacekeepers, I guess.

Peacekeepers? I narrow my gaze, not quite understanding what she means.

Yeah, we keep the peace between the humans and the wolves. She picks at her fingernails and then glances back at me. We help out when theres a conflict, and we make sure everyone stays safe. That sort of thing.

And you work in a diner? I raise a brow as I look past her at the quiet dining room.

Well, yeah. She giggles softly. Gotta put food on the table somehow. Anyway, when four new wolves roll into town, I cant help but notice.

Four? My heart rate increases as realization sets in. We haven’t been as invisible as we thought.

Yeah, theres you and three others. I saw you guys come in together yesterday. And Ive been keeping an eye on you ever since.

Youve been keeping a closer eye on us than I suspected. I swallow the lump in my throat. I thought we were being careful.

As careful as you could be, I suppose. She smiles reassuringly. But, like I said, its obvious if you know what to look for.

So, what do you want? I ask, narrowing my eyes at her.

Nothing. She holds up her hands in a sign of surrender. I just wanted to let you know that if you need anything, we can help. Were not the enemy here. Were on your side.

What makes you think we need help?

Look, I... She shakes her head and sighs. Im sorry, I know youve probably had some sour experiences in the past, and youre just trying to be smart. I cant completely overturn all your mistrust of humans with one conversation, but I know the one omega that was traveling with you is part of the local pack. Their Alpha reported him missing. He told us hed been kidnapped, potentially brainwashed.

She pulls out her phone and shows me a picture of River. This was sent out to all the local hunters yesterday afternoon, and we were asked to keep an eye out.

Shit, I mutter under my breath. I knew he was running from something, but I didnt realize it was his own pack.

Theyre...a reclusive bunch. They usually keep to themselves. She bites her lip like there’s more to the story there. Weve never had much trouble with them. They stay in their compound in the woods and out of human business as much as possible. But, I dont know, something about this whole situation really bothers me, and when I saw him with you guys yesterday, I decided not to report it until I got a chance to talk to you. You didnt seem like you were kidnappers who were on the run, and you certainly werent trying to keep him hidden.

No, we werent. I blow out a breath. He just showed up and needed help...

And you gave it to him. Her smile is warm, and I know she believes me. Like I said, the whole situation bothered me. I just wanted to warn you that theyre looking for him.

They already found him. I hate saying the words out loud, but it’s a relief to have someone to talk to. My brothers are looking for him, but I dont know what they plan to do.

Shit. She exhales deeply and shakes her head. Im sorry. I shouldve said something last night when you were here. Maybe you couldve avoided this.

Maybe. I shrug, but I can’t blame her or anyone else. Maybe not. We stopped in town because we needed money and resources to keep traveling. We couldnt have gotten very far, but... I frown and look at Jenna pointedly. It doesnt matter what we couldve done differently. What matters is that my brothers are out there looking for River and none of us know whats waiting for them.

Jenna purses her lips. I cant help you officially because I’m not allowed to get involved without risking the delicate balance weve got here. But...I could maybe leave my phone sitting here unattended and accidentally open the dossier weve got on the compound and its members. And who knows what might happen while Im waiting tables in the dining room out of sight...

She opens a file on her phone then sets it down on the counter, leaving the screen unlocked as she winks at me. Just dont go reading my texts. Theres some raunchy messages in there from my man that Id rather keep private.

Deal. I smile as she walks away. A part of me is still slightly suspicious of her motives, but Im not about to turn down the help thats being offered.

I glance around to make sure no one’s watching, then I pick up the phone and begin soaking in as much information as possible.

And there’s a lot of it.

Its a detailed report of the packs history, their territory, and their current activities.

It only takes a few seconds for me to send the information to my phone without being noticed. With the information safely in hand, I call out to the others in the kitchen and tell them Im taking my lunch break.

Outside, free from prying eyes, I pull up the info and begin to formulate a plan. At the very least, I can point Devon and Kyle in the right direction, but looking at the details here, Im beginning to worry we might be up against impossible odds.