8. Kyle

Hes gone.

Devon sounds panicked as I answer the phone.

What? Who? I frown, leaning against the car and looking toward the pile of wood Ive been hired to chop by hand.

River. Devon is breathing hard into the phone. Hes not here. We split up. We were gonna meet back here in an hour, but its been two hours and theres no sign of him. I checked the shops he was supposed to be visiting to look for work, but none of them have seen him.

Shit. I swear under my breath as I let my shoulders slump. I havent made a secret about my mistrust of the omega, and Ive been pretty outspoken about him joining us, but... I cant deny that Im worried about him.

Where are you? I clench my jaw, annoyed that I made him feel so unwelcome. It’s probably my fault that he took off.

The little park at the end of Main Street. Devon has that pitch in his voice that I hate hearing. It means he’s upset, and I never want him to be upset. Im sitting on the bench by the fountain.

Okay, Ill be there in a few minutes. Dont worry, well find him. I say it as much to myself as to him.

I hang up and turn to the old man who hired me to chop firewood. Hes standing nearby, watching me with a curious expression.

Sorry, sir, I say. Ive got an emergency. Ill come back later and finish the job.

No worries, son. The old man waves off my apology with his hand. I understand. Family comes first.

Thank you. I quickly pile up the wood I’ve already split and hurry back to the car.

Im not sure why Im so concerned about the omega. Maybe Im used to looking after Devon and Frankie. Its just my protective instinct. Nothing more than that.

I pull up to the park and spot Devon right away. Hes pacing back and forth in front of the fountain, his brow furrowed in concern. I climb out of the car and approach him.

Ive been trying to catch his scent, but its like he just completely disappeared, Devon says, shaking his head.

Lets just stay calm, okay? Im not just reassuring Devon with those words. Im reassuring myself. Well find him.

But where do we start? Devon looks around like River might just appear from behind a tree. If only. Theres no trail to follow.

My nostrils flare as I turn toward the wind. With closed eyes, I take a deep breath, focusing on the scents around me. There are so many people in this town. So many unfamiliar scents. But then, I catch it.

Rivers scent.

Its faint. I might not have noticed it if I hadnt been so close to him all night...holding him in my arms. Soothing his trembling nerves as he shivered with uncertainty. Ive got him. Let’s go.

What? How? Devon seems shocked that I was able to do what he couldn’t, but I dont give him an explanation. Truthfully, I don’t have one. Not yet. And now isn’t the time for any deep analysis of anything. Weve already lost so much time and every second counts.

I lead the way through the streets, following Rivers scent. Its not easy to hold because there are so many people around and the wind keeps changing direction. But I stay focused, and eventually, we reach the edge of town.

The scent is stronger here. He lingered for a while...standing here.

I look up and down the road, but theres no sign of him.

You looking for the kid who was just here? a woman calls from a nearby front porch.

Yes, maam. I rush over, carefully approaching her. Hes a friend of ours. Were worried he might be in some trouble.

Oh, hes in trouble, alright. She sighs and shakes her head. I saw him get picked up by a big black SUV. Looked like the sort of thing those mobsters always drive on TV.

Picked up? Devon quickly steps forward. Like he was hitchhiking?

Oh no, not at all. The woman leans on the broom she has tucked under her arm. He was hollerin something awful. Swearing at them. They were quite upset at him too. Seemed like they all knew each other. I was about to call the sheriff, but he finally got in the car without a fuss, and they all drove off together.

Fuck, fuck, fuck. What direction did they go?

South, she says, pointing down the road. Toward the highway.

Thank you, maam. I reach Devon’s hand and pull him back with me. Youve been a great help.

Anytime. She straightens out her broom and starts sweeping the spotless porch. Hope you find your friend.

We will. My pace is rapid as I retrace our steps back to where we left the car. Devon is silent as he follows beside me.

He almost never shuts up, but right now hes quiet. Too quiet. Im sorry, he says softly as we climb into the car. I shouldve stayed with him. I shouldnt have let him out of my sight.

Why are you apologizing? Youre not his babysitter. I give his knee a squeeze and then start the car. Besides, hes a grown-ass adult. He can make his own decisions.

Yeah, but... Devon sighs and looks down at his hands, slowly clenching them into fists. Ill never forgive myself if something happens to him. I know you dont like him, but I think hes…special.

I dont dislike him. I pull the car around and gun it out onto the road. He was obviously running from something or someone, and after everything weve been through, I just…didnt want us to get caught up in his drama.

So then why are you going to all this trouble now? Devon raises a brow at me, tilting his head in confusion. Whatever he was running from has caught up to him. If you don’t want us to be involved, then you should be glad that he’s gone.

Im silent for a moment as I consider his words. Hes right. I should turn the car around and head back to the campground, but... I dont know. I just keep going, following the road out of town. Theres an ache in my chest as I think about River being scared and in danger. Confusion battles deep inside me as I try to piece together all these different emotions. “But you might be right.”

My wolf is agitated, but I cant tell if its because of the unknown threat ahead or something else. Something more personal.