15. Devon

Were still coming down from the high of sex when the hair on the back of my neck begins to prickle. My nostrils flare as my head snaps toward the front door. The other two feel it as well. Theyre instantly on alert.

We were already beginning to clean up, preparing to shower and settle in for the night, our moods much improved by the bonding session.

But now, were all on edge again.

Clothes are thrown on hastily, wordlessly. Were always prepared for an emergency exit. Always. We never book into a hotel room that we dont have a secondary exit from. The window in the bathroom looks out into the woods less than fifty feet away. Its a small window, but we can squeeze through it if we need to.

We move as one, like a well-oiled machine. Weve done this before, obviously. Weve had to run before, and we know the drill. Our duffle bags are chucked out into the darkness, and we follow right behind them.

Frankie goes first, his lean frame making it easy for him to slip through the window. Kyle follows, his larger frame requiring more effort. Im the last one out, pulling the window closed behind me as I drop to the ground.

Were barely out before I hear someone pounding on the door.

Fuck, I mutter under my breath as the scent of Rivers pack hits my nose. Why are they here?

Doesnt matter, Kyle says, shaking his head. It cant be good.

We take off into the woods, running as fast as we can. The darkness is our ally, concealing us from the eyes of our pursuers. But theyre wolves, like us. Vision isnt their only tool for tracking us, and if we cant shake them quickly, were screwed.

Shifting would allow us to cover more ground, but wed have to abandon our clothes and supplies. It also gives us fewer options for hiding. Blending into a crowd of humans is a great way to confuse pursuers. If you can find a crowd to blend into.

We cut through the woods and break out onto the main street. Its late, and this tiny town has long since gone to sleep. The only establishments still open are the bars, and while theyre not the worst places to hide, drunks are unpredictable—something wed rather not get entangled with, if possible.

We loop around; the asphalt and concrete of the suburban environment is our ally. The scent of motors, oil, and machinery are all embedded deep in the hard surfaces beneath our feet. If we move quickly, our scent wont linger as long. Thats the hope, anyway. If we can get back to the hotel, not only will it confuse our pursuers, but we can pick up the car and make a proper escape.

But as we round the corner and see the motel parking lot ahead, I know were not gonna make it.

Shit. I see the familiar form of Charles standing beside the station wagon. Hes flanked by two large men, probably some of the same wolves that surrounded me and Kyle earlier. They seem unbothered by the fact that we slipped away from the motel.

I guess they knew wed come back for the car, Kyle says, blowing out a breath.

It was a safe bet. Frankie watches them carefully. I thought you said he let you go. Why would they be after us?

Does it matter? Kyle crosses his arms over his chest. Its us against them. It always has been. They outnumber us, and Im not putting us at a disadvantage by fighting them on their terms.

So, what do we do? I ask, stepping closer to his side.

Kyle doesn’t look away for a second. We run, and we dont look back.

And River? My heart aches at the thought of leaving him behind.

Well figure something out. Kyle swallows hard, his expression grim. But right now, we have to get out of here. We cant help him if were dead.

Wait. Frankie places his hand on Kyles shoulder. Look. He gestures to Charles again.

Another vehicle is pulling up alongside our car. All these black SUVs look the same to me, but the plates are from out of state. An unfamiliar alpha climbs out of the car and approaches Charles with a grim expression. The two of them stare one another down, their posture tense and angry. Theyre keeping things civil, but anyone with half a brain can see the tension in their body language.

These two want to kill each other.

God only know whats holding them back.

The alpha from out of state finally turns and leaves, getting back into his car and driving away. Charles and his goons watch him leave with squared shoulders and serious expressions. As soon as the other car is gone, Charles whistles sharply and starts yelling orders to his pack.

Somethings up. Something bigger than wed anticipated, and somehow, weve been dragged into the middle of it.

What the hell is going on?

I dont know. Kyle glances at me, his brow furrowed. But it doesnt look good.

Theyre not looking for us, Frankie says after a moment of silence. Theyre looking for him. For River.

They have River. Don’t they? They took him this morning.

Kyle stiffens beside me as he locks eyes with Frankie. Theres no reason for them to come after us unless River managed to escape again...

Theyre hunting him down. Frankie’s tone takes a sharp edge. And theyre not gonna stop until they find him.

Fuck, I mutter, running a hand through my hair. What do we do now?

We find him first, Kyle says, his voice low and determined. And well get him out of here. No matter what it takes.

If they came here, looking for us, it means they couldnt track his scent either. Frankie turns in a circle, looking around. He mustve covered his tracks somehow.

I bite my lip, looking between the two of them. How do we find him?

We start with the hunter. Kyle’s eyes narrow as he watches Charles and his men leave the motel. She knows something. She has to.

Frankie’s eyes are also locked on the group of vehicles pulling away. What makes you say that?

Why else would she randomly offer you the exact information we needed to find their compound the first time? I raise a brow at him, hoping my hunch is right. It was weirdly convenient when you called up with exactly what we needed to know.

She said she recognized River, right? Kyle has a look of concentration on his face. But Im pretty sure River has spent his entire life inside that compound. So either she was lying or...

Or she met him there, Frankie finishes the thought. Fine. If we can get into the diner, I can find her address. Its the closest thing weve got to a lead right now.

Then lets go. Kyle turns back into the woods. We dont have any time to waste.

I hesitate for a moment, almost waiting for Charles and his men to come back. I hate the thought of leaving River out there, alone and running from such relentless pursuers.

Devon, Kyle calls, snapping me out of my head. Come on.

I turn and follow after him, my heart heavy with worry.

Were coming for you, River. Were gonna find you. I promise.