Page 72 of Frank's Felon
Frank let his wolf take over, gave him unilateral control to do whatever it took to defend Delilah and Frankie. His wolf’s reaction were sharper and faster than his own, and Frank trusted his wolf’s judgement. If nothing else, his wolf hated white wolves more than Frank did.
The rock outcropping would provide the cover he needed. Frank disappeared into the trees, wrapped around until he was on the other side. The white wolf would be looking in the wrong direction when he ran through the narrow gap of rocks.
The white wolf didn’t slow as he raced through the narrow passage. Frank’s wolf threw his body into him. The force threw the white wolf against the rocks, stunning the wolf enough to slow him. Frank lunged for the throat. The white wolf leapt away, though not far enough.
Frank sank his teeth into the wolf’s left upper thigh. The growl that emerged startled Frank. He knew that growl. Even Frank’s wolf hesitated, long enough for the white wolf to pivot and turn on him. The white wolf bared his teeth, but he didn’t attack, even though he could have.
Frank held his ground, and then the wolf shifted.
Hayden collapsed onto the ground, unable to support his weight given the gaping wound in his left thigh. “What the hell, Frank!”
Frank shifted. “I thought––” Frank neared Hayden to examine the wound. The bite was bad, but Frank hadn’t ripped any flesh away. “Never mind what I thought. I didn’t recognize your scent. Wasn’t expecting you either.” Hell, hell, hell. . . Hayden’s scent had changed after blood-bonding Mila and Frank hadn’t recognized it, though he should have. He wasn’t thinking straight. He needed sleep.
“Who were you expecting?” Hayden said, as he tried to stand on the leg and faltered.
“Never mind,” Frank said, as he caught Hayden. “I’m running on fumes. Not thinking clearly. Why are you here, Hayden?”
“First things first. Did you find Frankie?” Hayden asked.
“She’s safe. Delilah’s guarding her at the cave over the rise. I’m sure she’ll be glad to see you.” Frank, supporting Hayden, started walking toward the cave.
“She’s not going to bite me is she?”
Frank wanted to laugh, but he couldn’t. He was glad to see Hayden, but he was upset with himself. He had made another assumption about the white wolf he’d seen heading toward them. No wonder Frankie was scared of white wolves. Frank hadn’t exactly learned to shove his own prejudice aside. He wasn’t a good role model for Frankie, not that he ever intended to be one. That was Mason’s job. Was. Damn.
“Glad you found them. Blade and the others returned two days ago. Couldn’t find any sign of her, Delilah, or you. We’ve had trouble keeping Mason from heading out to search.”
Frank swung in front of Hayden. “He’s alive?”
“It was touch and go there for a while, but yes, he survived. He has a lot of healing to do, though.”
Mason was alive! It was as if the past four days finally caught up to Frank. He felt completely drained. He could relax now. They were home, and Mason was alive. His body knew it was time to give in.
It made sense that Hayden was here. Damien must have sent for Mila to help with Mason, and there was no way Hayden would allow Mila to travel unescorted through Drake’s territory, especially with Nickels’ gang on the loose.
“Who took her?” Hayden asked.
“Nickels.”
“Shit. We thought we’d taken care of him and his degenerate friends. Callen nearly had them caught when they trapped a female a few weeks back. He had to choose between saving her and losing them. He barely got away from them. Got roughed up pretty bad.”
“That was Callen?” Frank had never asked Delilah the details, given how shaken she had been. He had only known that a wolf had taken on Nickels and given her a chance to escape. “Maybe Damien was right to let the four of you go down there. Are you staying now?”
“Leaving soon, though not sure when. Depends on Takara.”
“Takara?”
“She’s the reason we came. There were complications.”
Takara wasn’t due for another month.
“The baby?”
“Mila’s still with her. I’ve been out here, testing our patrols, trying to see what went wrong and to ensure we fix it. I haven’t been back to camp in two days. I thought I caught your scent in the wind.”
They were close to the cave now. At least Frank had good news for Frankie about her dad. “Delilah, you and Frankie can come out,” Frank called ahead. “It’s only Hayden. We’re good.”
“I spoke with Damien and Tess, Frank, and if you’re thinking of running, don’t.”
