7. River

I didnt think this was how my day would unfold. I certainly didnt picture myself crawling into bed between three of the most attractive alphas Ive ever seen. The tent is warm, the blankets and pillows have made it actually quite comfy, and all the bodies curled up inside have made it an inviting environment.

Despite the pleasant surroundings, Im still having trouble relaxing.

The sounds of the forest outside are intense. The wind rustling through the trees, the occasional hoot of an owl, the soft murmur of the three alphas sleeping peacefully around me. Its all so foreign to me. Ive spent my entire life in the safety of the compound, surrounded by walls and the security of my pack.

I never realized how isolated I really was.

Rolling over, I sigh and try to find a comfortable position. My mind is racing with thoughts of what the future holds, and there’s no way I can sleep. I have no idea where Im going or what Im gonna do. I dont even know if Im gonna survive the next few days. What was I thinking?

Im scared.

Im alone.

Closing my eyes, I try to steady my breathing so I can calm down. Relax.

Someone stirs beside me. It’s Frankie, I think. Before I know it, I’m being pulled back into a warm embrace. Muscular arms surround me and cuddle me against a broad chest. Almost immediately, I realize its not Frankie—its Kyle.

He must be dead asleep, because he wouldn’t do this if he were awake. He doesnt trust me, and hes made no secret of how much he resents having me around. But I push that to the back of my mind and just enjoy the moment. I cant remember the last time I truly felt safe and protected, but I do now, and I’m not gonna waste a second of this. It’s too good.

I take a deep breath and allow myself to relax. His scent surrounds me, enveloping me in a cocoon of warmth and comfort. My body naturally responds to his proximity. My heart rate slows, my muscles loosen, and my breathing becomes deeper and more regular.

Finally, Im drifting off to sleep.

Im safe.

For now.

The morning comes too soon. Im groggy and disoriented as I wake up, and it takes a moment to remember where I am and who I’m with. Unfortunately, Im alone in the tent, but I can hear the alphas moving around outside.

The low crackle of the fire and their hushed whispers as they try not to wake me. Its all so surreal.

I stretch and yawn, then reluctantly crawl out of the tent. The sun is just beginning to rise, and the air is cool and crisp. The smell of bacon and coffee fills my nose, and my stomach growls in response.

Morning. Frankie greets me with a smile. Sleep well?

Yeah, actually. I can feel my cheeks warming up, remembering just how nice it felt to be in Kyle’s protective embrace. I didnt expect to pass out so hard.

You were pretty restless last night. Devon pours a cup of coffee and then hands it to me. I was worried you might not be able to sleep at all.

Me too. I chuckle lightly and glance at Kyle, but hes focused on shifting the coals in the firepit. Does he remember anything from last night or was he really asleep the whole time?

Well, I hope youre hungry. Frankie begins serving up plates of food. Ive got plenty for everyone.

Thank you. I accept a plate and sit down on one of the logs around the fire. This looks amazing.

Its nothing special. Frankie shrugs as he flashes a small smile. Just some eggs, bacon, and toast, but I hope you like it.

I take a bite of the eggs and nearly moan in pleasure. Theyre perfectly cooked, fluffy and creamy, with just a hint of saltiness from the bacon. Its delicious. So, whats the plan for today?

Well, Ive got my first day of work at the diner, Frankie says. And Kyles got a few jobs lined up. So, I guess its just a matter of seeing what Devon and you are up to.

Im not sure yet. Devon chews a big bite and then swallows it dramatically. Ive got a few leads I want to follow up on, but Im not sure how far Ill get.

Im happy to do whatever needs to be done. I hope that doesn’t sound desperate or pathetic. Even though I’m both. I dont know what I can do around here, but Im willing to learn anything. Everything.

Thats the spirit. Frankie salutes me with his toast. Im sure we can find something for you to do.

The rest of the meal passes quickly with small talk about the weather and a den of foxes that has been circling the trash can. Its been a long time since Ive felt so relaxed and at ease with anyone, much less a group of strangers.

It’s almost enough to make me forget the reason Im here in the first place.

Almost.

But I cant afford to relax completely. If I dont move on soon, Im gonna get caught. And anyone with me when that happens will be in a world of trouble.

I cant let that happen.

I wont let that happen.

Once I do leave, I’ll have to keep my distance from these three. I won’t let myself get attached to them. Which means...shit. I know what I need to do.

I ride with them back into town, and we drop Frankie off at the diner. Then, Kyle drops me and Devon near the main street where we applied for jobs yesterday.

Should we split up? I look at the long line of boutiques and shops with a wary eye. We can each take one side of the street and grab applications for both of us?

Sounds good. Devon follows my gaze and agrees. Meet back here in an hour?

Yeah, sure.

Devon heads off to the end of the street, and I make my way toward the first shop. I hesitate before entering, glancing over my shoulder to make sure he isn’t looking back at me. Then, I turn and walk quickly in the opposite direction.

Im not gonna try to get a job because Im not gonna stick around. I cant.

Im sorry, Devon. Im sorry, Frankie. Im sorry, Kyle.

But I cant risk getting those guys involved.

I have to do this on my own.

I have to keep moving.