20. Frankie

Its been a few hours since that car ride, and Im still not sure I completely understand the plan we devised in the aftermath of Rivers revelation, but theres no going back now.

One way or another, were committed.

I take a deep breath as I drive up the long driveway toward the front gate of the compound. Im alone in the station wagon because the others have split off to handle their respective roles.

My palms are sweaty as I pull up to the gate, but I somehow manage to stay calm when Im stopped by the guards.

Who are you? You better have a good reason for being here. A large meathead alpha tries to intimidate me after I roll down my window.

Im the only one whose face hasnt been seen by any members of Rivers pack. There’s always a chance they might recognize my scent from the hotel room or from when River was picked up, but so far, it seems like Im in the clear.

Plus, we opened like...a dozen of those car freshener things and stuffed them in every single crack of the station wagons interior. So thats definitely gonna confuse things a bit.

Im here to speak with Charles, I say as clearly as I can manage. Ive got news about his son that hes gonna want to hear.

You can leave any information with me. The guard narrows his gaze, not buying my story. Ill make sure he gets it.

No, I need to speak to him directly. I shake my head, holding my ground. This is sensitive information that I can only share with him.

The guard frowns at me, his expression suspicious.

Please, I add, trying to sound as sincere as possible. Its about his son. Its important.

Uh-huh... The guard clearly isnt interested, but his radio crackles to life a moment later.

What the fuck is going on down there?

Some bozo’s here claiming hes got info on the kid but wont tell anyone but Charles, the alpha says, keeping an eye on me as he talks into the radio.

Then process him and get his car out of the way, the other voice snaps. Hes blocking the gate, and the northern pack entourage is due any minute.

Understood. The alpha releases the button his radio and turns back to me. Get out of the car and come with me.

I smile politely and do as he says, following him into the compound as he orders someone else to move my car. Im patted down, and the station wagon is moved through the gate and parked in a lot with a bunch of other vehicles.

For an isolationist pack, they certainly have a lot of wheels.

Alright, lets go. The alpha grabs my arm and drags me toward the main building.

I dont resist, letting him manhandle me as he leads me inside.

The compound is bustling with activity and people rushing around, preparing for the arrival of the northern pack. Theres a somber air permeating everything, as if everyone is resigning themselves to some awful fate.

After what River told us about the northern pack, they just might be.

Im led into a large office where Charles is sitting behind a desk. He looks up as Im brought in, his expression souring at the sight of me. Whats this?

He claims hes got news about River, the guard says.

Charles waves him away, sitting up straighter and steepling his fingers as he looks at me with his calm, cold demeanor.

Well? His voice is low and dangerous. What is it?

I know where he is. I keep my tone even, not giving anything away. And I know how he escaped.

I already know that. Charles raises a brow at me. The guard responsible has already been dealt with.

Theres something in the way he says those words that makes me wince a little. I mean, I know how he escaped the first time. He had help.

Oh? Charles looks at me with a placid expression. If my words surprised him, he doesnt show it. At this point, how he got out is less important than getting him back. So if you would please just tell me what you know so we can get this over with, you can be on your way.

Im sure you wont feel that way once you learn the truth. Im pushing my luck here because hes clearly getting impatient with me, and I wonder what hell do if I piss him off too much.

I really dont have the time for games today. Charless expression is calm, but theres the barest hint of a growl in his tone. I don’t give a shit who helped him escape. Ill deal with them later. My sons return, on the other hand, is of paramount importance. Now, either tell me what you know, or Ill have you dealt with. Severely.

Would you still feel that way if the one responsible was your mate?

For a split second, Charless expression cracks. His eyes flash toward me and he springs to his feet, his chair falling over backward. But then, the mask is back in place, and hes just as cold as he was before.

Be very, very fucking careful what you say next. Charles slowly circles around the desk, getting right in my face. My mate has been nothing but loyal to me. You, however, are just some stray piece of shit Ive never met before. Why would I believe you?

Nothing but loyal? I quirk a brow at him. So, you werent aware of the affair she had with a hunter?

River was right when he instructed me on what to say to get a rise out of his father. But this...might have been a mistake.

You’re playing a dangerous game. Charles leans in closer, attempting to overwhelm me with his presence. Hes not a physically imposing alpha, but his aura alone is enough to make me want to back off.

Im just telling you the truth. I shrug, doing my best to keep my voice steady. Your mate had an affair with a hunter. In fact, Im pretty sure its the same hunter that you currently have in custody.

Youre lying. Charles spits the words, dropping some of his cool composure. My mate would never betray me like that.

The fact that you havent had me immediately thrown into a cage or dungeon tells me you think its at least a possibility. Maybe knowing the others are relying on me to fulfill my part of the plan is what’s keeping me from trembling in front of this alpha whos clearly used to wielding power.

Even if my mate were responsible for his escape, if she were engaged in an affair with a hunter, then what does that have to do with you? Clearly, you want something from me. Otherwise, you wouldve just told me the information you claim to have. Charles looks at me with a mixture of annoyance and suspicion.

I dont want anything from you, I say, choosing my words carefully. But...there is something I want from your mate.

He looks at me sharply.

She’s the true Alpha of this pack, after all...isnt she? I tilt my head slightly to the side as I whisper those words so only Charles can hear me.

Youve been talking to River. Thats the only way you could know that, he muses quietly. So you do know where he is after all.

Nothing Ive said tonight has been a lie. I cross my arms to put some space between us as he steps back. I know the situation youre in with the northern pack and that you see River as the only way to protect your pack.

Charles says nothing as he smooths the wrinkles in his shirt sleeves.

I clear my throat, preparing to take the biggest gamble of this entire game. If I can speak with you and your mate, I may have a solution to your problem that doesnt require giving up your territory or your power...