Page 86 of Storm

Fox's expression softens as Frankie rubs my back. I hadn't even realized I'd started crying.

"Yes, Storm. They risked everything to find me and when they did, they brought me here."

"But... but I was there for weeks before they came." My throat tightens, making it hard to swallow. Fox gently wipes away my tears as he smiles down at me.

"You couldn't have done anything to help me," he says.

His answer rings true, but it still doesn't sit right with me. I fall silent, processing this new perspective. Jonathan Kingsley, the grumpy cold alpha. Reed, the silent deadly alpha and Alex, the sweet protective one, risked everything to save their male omega.

"Hey," Frankie says, squeezing my hand. "It’s not your fault. I didn’t know either. I worked there and had no idea there was another level."

I shake off the sadness, forcing a smile. "Yeah. Just... thinking."

"Dangerous hobby," he teases, nudging me with his shoulder.

His playfulness breaks through my thoughts, and I find myself grinning. "Watch it, beta boy. I know where you sleep now." A flush creeps up his neck, making me laugh.

Fox squeezes my hand. “I can show you where I sleep later.” He winks and now I’m the one blushing.

I release his hand to dart ahead, feeling suddenly light and mischievous. "Race you to that big oak!" I call over my shoulder, already breaking into a run.

I hear Frankie chuckle, then the sounds of footsteps as they give chase. The forest blurs around me as I run, my heart pounding with exhilaration. I haven't run like this in years. My muscles burn with the effort, my lungs burning in the best possible way.

I reach the oak tree seconds before the guys, slapping my palm against the rough bark with a triumphant laugh. "I win!"

Frankie arrives a moment later, breathing hard. "You cheated," he accuses, bending over to catch his breath. "Head start."

Fox is way behind, smiling at us.

"Excuses, excuses," I tease Frankie, hopping from one foot to the other, too energized to stand still. "Want a rematch? I'll even give you a head start this time."

Frankie straightens, a gleam entering his eyes. "You're on. To that fallen log over there." He points to a massive tree trunk about fifty yards away.

"On your mark," I say, settling into a starting position.

"Get set," he continues, crouching slightly.

"Go!" we shout in unison, both lunging forward at the same time.

The forest becomes a blur of green and gold as we race, weaving between trees, leaping over roots and rocks. Frankie is faster than I expected, his longer legs giving him an advantage. But I'm quick and agile, able to navigate the uneven terrain with more grace.

We reach the log almost simultaneously, both of us reaching out to touch it. Our hands land on top of each other, his larger one covering mine completely. We collapse against the log, laughing and breathless.

"Tie," he gasps, his chest heaving.

"No way," I argue, though I'm too out of breath to sound convincing. "I totally beat you."

Frankie just laughs, the sound deep and genuine. His face is flushed, eyes bright with joy. In this moment, he looks younger, carefree—so different from the nervous, reserved beta I knew at the Omega House.

"I don't think I've ever heard you laugh like that," I say, the words slipping out before I can stop myself.

His smile softens. "Haven't had much to laugh about until now."

The simple honesty of his words catches me off guard. I look away, suddenly self-conscious. "Where's Fox?" I ask, noticing his absence.

Frankie glances around. "Not sure. Maybe he went ahead?"

As if summoned by his name, Fox appears from around a bend in the path, Alexander at his side. They're holding hands. Something in my chest tightens at the sight.