19. Devon

Theyve got Jenna. I snarl as soon as I step into the trailer. Some snitch in town mustve told them we were with her.

Wait, what? Frankie snaps with concern in his eyes.

We saw it ourselves. Kyle confirms my story as he follows me inside. We were gonna meet her at the gas station, and several big wolves bullied her into an SUV just as we got there. We didnt even have a chance to help her.

Fuck. Frankie swears under his breath and looks away. We cant just abandon her. Shes gone out of her way to help us.

Yeah, but thats what theyre expecting us to do. Kyle tosses a bag onto the counter. Thats why they took her. They want River back, and theyre not above using Jenna to get to him.

So what? I look sidelong at Kyle. Do we just run? Tuck tail, grab River, and get out of town?

They have no reason to hurt her. Kyle sighs, furrowing his brow. Shes a hunter. If they kill her, theyll be starting up a conflict with the hunters that they really dont want to get into right now.

I dont like it. Frankie leans against the wall with a shake of his head. We cant just leave her to fend for herself.

I know. Kyle seems in full agreement on that. But Im not willing to risk our lives just because its the right thing to do. Now that weve got River back, we need to get out of town. Besides, thats the entire reason Jenna helped us to begin with. If we go and help her, and it puts River in danger again, then what was the point of any of this?

I hate to say it, but hes right. Jenna would probably agree, which really sucks ass. We need to get out of here. Now.

Im sorry. River’s voice is small and timid. This is all my fault.

No. Frankie turns to face him. Its not your fault. None of this is your fault. You didnt ask for any of this.

But if I hadnt run away— River’s voice cracks with emotion. If I hadnt gotten involved with you guys, Jenna would be safe. She wouldnt be in danger.

Im telling you, shes not in danger. They cant afford a fight with the hunters, Kyle repeats.

How do you know that for sure? I ask him after a moment. We dont know what this out-of-state pack is capable of. They might be more than willing to restart that conflict if it gets them what they want.

They are…cruel, River says softly. My pack is isolationist and strictly hierarchal, but theirs is worse. I dont know how else to describe it. Theyre ruthless. They dont care about anything except power and control. Theyll do whatever it takes to get what they want.

And what is it that they want? I ask, raising a brow at him.

My packs territory. River lifts his gaze to meet mine. My father negotiated a merger between our packs by offering me as a mate to their Alphas heir. The agreement allows my father to keep his legacy and bloodline intact despite the fact that our pack will essentially become part of theirs.

Thats fucked up. Frankie shakes his head.

Its not uncommon in the packs that are more isolated. River sighs, his voice low and sad. I was raised to accept it as my duty to the pack. If I dont do my part, the only options left are for my father to surrender unconditionally or...start a war.

I can’t believe what I’m hearing. And your father would rather pimp you out than surrender?

River shakes his head. If there was no other option, I know hed do it. He wouldnt let everyone be slaughtered. At least...I hope not.

That doesn’t instill confidence in his sense of morality. And Jenna?

Shes a human and a hunter. River shrugs with a furrowed brow. Whatever happens next, his pack is gonna wind up merged with the northern pack. Pissing off the hunters probably doesnt seem like that big of a risk in that context.

Shit... I run my hand through my hair. This is bad.

Im sorry. River practically chokes on his words. I never shouldve gotten you guys involved.

Stop saying that. Frankie’s tone is firm and commanding. You did nothing wrong. You had every right to escape that life. No one should be forced into a marriage they dont want or be kept prisoner in their own home.

But now Jenna’s in danger. I dont know how to fix this. River’s eyes were glassy, his guilt weighing heavily over him.

Were leaving. Kyle has made his decision, and it’s not the one I was hoping for.

As he turns toward the door, I make one last plea. Kyle, can we really abandon her?

He pauses with his hand on the doorknob and exhales heavily. He shakes his head but says nothing before pushing the door open and stepping out onto the porch.

Frankie just shrugs before grabbing a duffel bag from the table and slinging it over his shoulder. Whatever we do, we cant just sit around. He offers a hand to River and helps him to his feet. Lets get out of here.

With the plan in place, apparently, I follow them out of the trailer, my heart heavy with uncertainty.

As we approach the car, Kyle is already behind the wheel. As I climb into the passenger seat, I glance at him, but he refuses to meet my gaze. I hate when he’s upset with me.

The engine roars to life, and we pull out of the trailer park.

I look back at River and Frankie in the rearview mirror. River is staring out the window, his expression grim. Frankie meets my gaze and offers a weak smile, but it doesnt reach his eyes.

We drive in silence for a while, each of us lost in our own thoughts.

Where are we going? River asks at last, breaking the tense silence.

For now, were just driving, Kyle admits after a moment. I can see the tension in his arms as he grips the steering wheel. The internal debate raging in his head is obvious on his face.

As long as we keep moving, were safe, Kyle says. Weve been running for a long time. Were good at it.

But Jenna... River says, his voice trailing off.

I know. Kyle’s jaw is tight. I know. But we cant help her. Not without risking your safety. And after what she told us about her relationship with your mom...

Kyles voice trails off when he notices Rivers expression in the rearview mirror.

What about my mom? River asks with a slight hitch in his breath.

Umm... I turn in my seat, so I can look back at Frankie. You wanna explain, Frankie? I wasnt there when she told you guys about it.

Oh. Frankie clears his throat and shares everything Jenna told them about her relationship with Rivers mother. How close theyd been and how shed promised to look after him.

River is silent for a long moment, his expression unreadable as he looks out the window at the passing scenery.

When he looks back at us, none of us are prepared for what he says.

My mothers alive.