Page 48 of Frank's Felon
“Yes.”
Bear. One of the four visitors was a bear shifter. Even without their ability to scent, the outline of guns on three of the men indicated which males were the humans. That meant the tall guy with wavy dark hair and black eyes and muscular arms crossing a broad chest was the bear shifter. Whatever was going on, the presence of a bear shifter wasn’t good.
The man in front reached into his pocket slowly as he eyed Frank’s guards and withdrew a badge. “Agent Gallagher. DSA. Here to speak with Damien Black.”
“Where’s Sloan?” Frank asked.
“Agent Sloan is currently taking care of another matter. Your alpha will recognize me. We met in Boulder.”
Frank liked nothing about this situation. Damien certainly would have told him if DSA agents were expected. “I’ll escort you. You can keep your gun, but the rest of your group stays here.”
The agent had a second gun that Frank had spotted in an ankle holster, but there was no need to point that out. He’d let the human think he had the advantage. Frank could rip out the human’s throat before Gallagher took even a single shot.
“I need them with me. They’re not here for show.”
“I don’t care why they’re here, but they’re not coming in. If you want to see my alpha, you come alone.”
Gallagher mumbled beneath his breath as he entered, without even saying a word to his group. Frank left Mason behind to ensure the guards on duty didn’t get twitchy and accidentally start a fight, or worse, kill anyone, especially the bear shifter. The last thing the pack needed was another war with the bears.
After a quick word to Jace, the younger shifter shifted and leapt into the woods. Jace was a fast runner and a good scout. He’d find Damien quickly. The alpha would have plenty of time to do whatever he might need to do before Frank arrived with Agent Gallagher in tow.
Agent Gallagher said nothing as Frank and he walked the three miles to Damien’s house. Frank wasn’t the least bit impressed with the DSA agent. The man knew he was entering the woods in search of his alpha, but he didn’t have the common sense to wear hiking boots. These were the people Damien wanted to build an alliance with? This wasn’t a step in the right direction.
As Frank expected, Damien was waiting for them in front of his house, and the central compound had been cleared of shifters, except for Jace’s silver wolf standing in the tree line. Emptying out the area was no easy feat given the time of day. At this time of day, there should be dozens of shifters cutting through the main compound, trying to finish up work before the first dining shift at the cookhouse. Damien had likely sent the word out for everyone to steer clear, including Tess and Delilah. That eased Frank’s mind, knowing Delilah would be safely tucked away from this agent.
Except for Anna, Frank didn’t trust humans, least of all this agent. The man had abearshifter with him. Enough said.
“I wasn’t expecting you so soon,” Damien said to Agent Gallagher.
“Or at all,” the agent said, now sporting a friendly but very fake smile. “An issue’s come up.”
“Already? I just returned. I haven’t had a chance to meet with the other alphas in this region. We don’t use cell phones out here.”
“Well, for those of us in the digital age, life moves faster. My superiors are eager to move forward. They’re even discussing citizenship, the same type humans enjoy, should the trial period with your operatives prove beneficial.”
Operatives?Frank kept his face neutral. Clearly Damien hadn’t told Blade, Mason, and him everything in yesterday’s meeting. But as Damien had just said, he hadn’t met with Liam and Drake yet. It was entirely possible Damien had more to tell them but couldn’t do so until he conferred with the other alphas. It sure seemed as though internal pack politics were changing. Damien used to discuss everything that affected the pack with Hayden, Callen, Pryce, Blade, and him and then solicit their opinions. Times were changing. Hayden had been his second, Callen his enforcer. Maybe with them gone, Damien felt there was no need to continue involving Blade and him. Pryce hadn’t even been at the meeting. Damien was becoming more closed to the shifters he once called his top officers. As alpha, that was his right, but it didn’t sit right with Frank.
“We will not be rushed into a decision,” Damien said, folding his arms over his chest.
“That’s not why I’m here. The deadlines, the details we discussed, haven’t changed, but the entire treaty is at risk.”
“How?”
“You’re harboring a fugitive. The very type that is a threat to our nation’s security.”
“There are no fugitives here. One felon, and he served his time, on trumped-up charges.”
Gallagher pointed his chin toward Frank. “We know all about Mr. Connelly. I’m referring to a woman. Delilah Matthews.”
Frank’s heart sped up. He focused on Damien, not Gallagher now.
“What of her?” Damien asked, his voice too steady. Frank felt his stomach turn as he realized his alpha hadn’t denied Delilah’s presence. Would Damien sacrifice her? Year ago, Frank would have said no without a second thought. Right now, though, he couldn’t say what Damien would do. This wasn’t the same alpha of five years ago. This alpha had matured, toughened up in ways that left him less open, less compassionate.
“She was spotted in town by my agents, Mr. Black. She’s your mate’s sister.”
“I’m well aware of who she is,” Damien said, his face giving nothing away. “What I don’t know is why you would think she’s a felon. Or did you fail to take note that the WSSO killed my mate’s entire pack?”
“Not a felon, a fugitive. And yes, we verified your claims. That wanton disregard for the safety of humans and shifters alike is why we’re taking this treaty very seriously. If you’re serious about the treaty, then you’ll hand over Ms. Matthews.”
