Page 34 of Wanted

"I know."

He grins. "I'm just reminding you because I know she can be a pain in your ass."

"Trust me. The fact you love her is what keeps her from actually being a pain in my ass." I drain half my lukewarm mug. "Where're the kids?"

"Lucy's at school, and Bennett's already at daycare. Whitney took the day off, and I have Hunter covering the motel so we can spend some time together."

"Got anything planned?"

My twin gives a noncommittal shrug. "Just some quality time with my fiancée."

"You don't have to dump them at daycare for that. Any time the two of you need a night off, feel free to give me a call."

Jack nods. "I'll keep that in mind. What about you? Besides this whole thing, what else is going on?"

I drain the rest of my cup and set the empty on the counter by my hip. "Liz is stopping by this afternoon to take the boxer into her home for a long-term foster. I got a call about a stray dog running along the highway on the north side of town, but I couldn't find it when I went out to check. I'll probably make another trip out tomorrow once Frankie's feeling better."

"Taking her to work with you?"

I lick my bottom lip, noticing how tense my jaw feels. I didn't reveal to my family the agreement Frankie and I settled on. They don't know she'll be working at the Sanctuary. "Taking her everywhere. Don't trust her alone in my house."

"Huh," Jack says.

I cut my eyes sharply to my brother. "Huh... What?"

"Oh, nothing." He pushes away from the wall and digs his keys from his pocket. "It's just that I didn't expect you to bring her over to Mom's so soon."

"Mom? I'm not bringing her to Mom's."

"So you're skipping another family dinner?"

Son of a bitch.

I sigh. "I guess I'm bringing her to Mom's."

Footfalls sound from the staircase behind us. Jack directs his attention across the room. "Good luck with that," he says.

"Do I have one sibling who isn't getting a kick out of this?"

"Maybe try Aiden. Or Cortney."

"She's been on vacation, but I can bet by Sunday afternoon, she's going to be right in the thick of it with the rest of you."

"I'd lose that bet," Jack laughs.

"What bet?" Whitney asks.

Jack pulls her close and kisses her on the side of the head. "Nothing, beautiful. How's Frankie?"

Whitney spins in Jack's arms. Her back presses against his chest as she gazes up at me. "She seems really sweet. She was overly grateful and promised to pay us back."

"Did you tell her no?" I ask, feeling the familiar tension begin to rise inside me.

"Of course I did."

"Good." A harsh lump in my throat impedes a swallow.

"Need anything from us while we're here?" Jack offers. His sincere question does nothing to ease the familiar feelings flooding my system.

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