Page 82 of Frank's Felon
“We have plans. Which maybe will require some ice first,” Delila said, shaking her head as Frank strained to look relaxed while Frankie chattered on and on. Delilah suddenly turned to face Takara who was unwrapping the food. “Unless you need help with the baby or Mason.”
“No, we’re good. I get to plop Dillon on Mason when he’s fussy, and Frankie’s a very good mother’s helper.”
“How she doing after what happened? I mean she seems fine, but still—”
“I’m not quite sure. She hasn’t talked about it, but she’s having nightmares, and she’s sleeping in our bed now. Mila’s looking into therapists in town, but it’s hard to explain without giving details.”
“I hear you. Maybe someone from another pack?”
“Damien has feelers out. There’s a lot going on with all the displaced shifters from packs that were destroyed. New housing, security issues, and now this business with the treaty and the DSA. Are you really going to turn yourself in?”
“Boy, word travels fast here.”
“I heard Tess and Damien arguing on their way to visit us two days ago. Like Frankie said, I have really good hearing compared to most shifters. They probably thought they were out of range at the time.”
“What did they say?” Delilah rolled her eyes. “Yes, I’m nosey.”
“Just what you’d expect. Damien wants the treaty, Tess wants you.” Takara put her hand on Delilah. “Damien’s a good alpha, Delilah. And I’ve never known him to sacrifice anyone.”
“I’m not pack.”
“I was in your position once.”
“Really?”
“Close to it. Screw the pack and politics. Do what you have to do to survive.”
“That’s rather. . . forward thinking for a member of a pack.”
“Don’t get me wrong. I love this pack and I’d die to defend it, but like I said, I’ve been in your shoes. Did Frank ever tell you I’m a white wolf?”
“Frankie did.”
“I know those wolves who took Frankie and nearly killed Mason. There are more like them in my birth pack. It’s part of the reason I left.”
Delilah understood what Takara was saying. She hadn’t had an easy time of it either.
“And if you think Damien is unreasonable, well, maybe I should tell you about a certain bull-headed guard who tried to split Mason and me up.
“Frank?”
She nodded as she opened the foil-covered trays. “Talk to Damien, Delilah. See what you can work out together. And while you’re at it, maybe get Frank to talk to Damien at some point. They both could use it.”
* * *
FRANK
“Cute baby,” Delilah said as she and Frank walked back to Aloe’s house.
Frank didn’t say anything as he held the door open for her. He didn’t know what to say. Everything he wanted was back in that house, except he wanted it with Delilah. She was turning herself over to the DSA tomorrow, and there was nothing he could do to stop her.
This was their last night together, and he couldn’t bring himself to say anything to her as they got into bed. He turned his back to her, racking his brain for what he could do to stop her, to stop Damien from letting this happen. She knew how he felt, and yet it was as if she didn’t care.
Her fingers lightly traced his shoulder and went down his arm.
“Don’t leave me, Del.”
Her face pressed against his back. Wet. She was crying. Frank turned into her and pulled her into his arms.
