Page 18

Im so tired. So hungry. So thirsty. Im barely holding it together. Honestly, Im not even sure how Ive managed to maintain my wolf form for this long. I shouldve passed out from exhaustion and shifted back a long time ago.

Maybe its the fear. The adrenaline.

The animal control vehicle is still parked near the campsite I shared with the alphas, obviously waiting for me. The guy inside hasnt made a move to try and follow me into the thicket Ive been hiding in, which is good because Im not sure Ive got the strength to run.

My stomach growls loudly, and I wince, trying to ignore the gnawing pain in my gut. I havent eaten since yesterday morning. Im not at risk of starving to death just yet, but my stomach apparently didnt get the memo that we’re in a life-or-death situation here.

Motion draws my attention as a new vehicle approaches. Its a beat-up old pickup truck, and as it pulls to a stop by the campsite, three familiar figures hop out of the back.

My heart leaps at the sight of them. The alphas. My alphas. They came for me. They found me.

But as they approach the animal control officer, I realize theyre not alone. Theres a woman with them—someone I dont recognize.

I cant help but panic a little. Uncertainty roots me in place. How well do I actually know these guys, after all? What if they negotiated some sort of deal with my father? Or what if they plan to hand me over to someone worse?

I want to trust them.

God, I want to run to them and throw myself in their arms. But Im afraid. So afraid that I can barely breathe, let alone move.

Devon looks directly toward my hiding spot. Hes picked up my scent. Or, well...the scent Ive masked myself with. He glances at Frankie and says something I cant hear.

The woman who was with them hangs back and talks to the animal control officer for a moment as the three alphas slowly approach my thicket. They stop a few yards away, waiting and watching until the guy from animal control climbs back into his vehicle and drives away.

River? Devon calls softly. Are you there?

I hesitate for a moment before stepping out from the brush. Im still covered in mud and excrement, my fur matted and filthy. I must look like a nightmare.

Oh, thank god. Frankie rushes forward to greet me. We were so worried about you.

He reaches out to touch me, but I flinch away. I dont want him to touch me. Not like this. Not when Im so filthy.

Hey. Kyle steps forward, his voice soft and soothing. Its okay, baby. Were not gonna hurt you. Were here to help.

I look up at him, my eyes wide and uncertain.

Were gonna take you somewhere safe, Devon says, looking at me with a pleading gaze. Somewhere no one will ever find you.

Frankie kneels and holds out his arms toward me. Come on, sweetheart. Lets get you cleaned up.

I hesitate for a moment, then step forward and lean into his embrace. He wraps his arms around me, holding me close as he strokes my fur. Before I know it, Ive shifted back into my skin. Naked, shivering, and sobbing into Frankies shoulder as he holds me.

Shh, its okay, he whispers, his voice low and soothing. Its okay, River. Youre safe now.

Kyle drapes his jacket over my shoulders. Its big and warm, and Im surrounded by his scent. Next thing I know, Im being carried back to the truck and bundled into the cab with blankets and the heater on full blast.

All of this feels like a dream. Like I passed out in the thicket, and any minute now, Im gonna be woken up by the growling of my stomach as I shiver from the cold.

But I dont.

Instead, Im driven back to a trailer and ushered inside. Then Im cleaned up, fed, and given some clothes to wear.

Its all a bit of a blur.

When I finally fall asleep for real, Im lying on a sofa with my head on Devons lap. Finally, safe again.

I dont know how long I sleep for, but when I wake up, Im still nestled on the sofa with a blanket draped over me. The trailer is quiet, and the sun is low in the sky.

Frankie is standing near one of the windows, peering between the curtains with a watchful eye. He notices me stirring and his expression softens, immediately replaced by a warm smile. Hey. He comes and sits beside me on the sofa. How are you feeling?

Tired. I rub my eyes and force them all the way open. Hungry.

I bet. Frankie chuckles. Youve had a rough few days.

Where is everyone?

Kyle and Devon are getting the car from where we left it last night. Jennas picking up some supplies to help us on our way. He reaches for my hand and holds it in his. They should be back soon, then we can hit the road and put this town behind us.

I breathe a sigh of relief, grateful they found me. Why are you guys doing all this for me? It takes a moment before I finally meet Frankies gaze. None of this is your problem. You couldve stayed out of it and been fine. You probably should have.

We care about you, River. Frankie speaks slowly, making sure I absorb every word. And we dont want to see you hurt.

But why? Im just some omega you met on the side of the road.

Youre not just some omega. Frankie reaches out to cup my cheek. Youre special. I dont know how to explain it, but we all feel it. You belong with us.

I withdraw slightly, frowning at his words. Im not just some puppy-making factory to help rebuild your pack or something. I barely escaped one alpha who saw me as nothing more than a way to continue his bloodline.

Frankie looks appalled by my words. River, youre so much more than that. The three of us have spent the last two days on the verge of storming your packs compound to free you. The thought of you being miserable, unhappy, trapped...” He shakes his head as if trying to knock out the image. “It was driving me crazy. I mean, Id be lying if I said I didnt want you... His gaze glides across my body from head to toe, and I flush in response. But your happiness means more than any of that.

I just...I dont know what I want right now. Other than safety and freedom, I haven’t thought about my future much. This is all insane, right? I just met you guys, and now Im running away with you?

Frankie chuckles. Life has a way of taking unexpected turns that land us in insane situations.

I glance toward the window at the sound of a car pulling up to the trailer.

Looks like Kyle and Devon are back. Frankie rises from the sofa and stretches.

For the first time I take a moment to appreciate him as more than just the kind man who convinced his friends to give me a ride. Maybe I was too blinded before, caught up in my flight and fear to notice him as an alpha. But now, in the quiet of the trailer, I cant help but acknowledge how handsome he is. How strong and capable.

I swallow hard as my cheeks heat up, and my dick twitches in response.

But the arousal quickly fades as reality comes crashing back in. Were not out of the woods yet.