Before he could decide what to do-slink in through the back door and possibly interrupt the argument so he could get out of the cold, or leave and brave the long trek back to the alpha's house, he heard a new voice, a young voice.
"Being gay isn't a choice, mother. I told you that," the man-teenager, maybe-yelled.
Frankie guessed that would be Demetri.
The door opening, then slamming shut, drew Frankie's attention, and he watched a guy stalk outside. The young man yanked off his shirt, kicked out of his jeans, and shifted. It took him over a minute, proving his inexperience with the procedure-or maybe it was just because he was angry-but soon, a small, blond and gray wolf streaked into the woods.
The fact that he'd never even looked Frankie's way concerned him. The guy really needed to learn to be more watchful. What if he'd been a human out hiking?
"You wanna keep an eye on Demetri for us, Frankie?"
Talk about not paying attention, he mentally chastised himself. Of course, Carson's mate Jared could probably sneak up on the alpha himself. The guy was one sneaky human and there were all kinds of rumors circulating through the pack about him. Frankie would never get up enough courage to ask anyone about them.
Frankie nodded once and took off after Demetri, resigning himself to a little more time out in the cold. He certainly wasn't going to refuse a request from the head enforcer's mate.
"Bring him back here in a half hour or so," Jared called out from behind him.
He acknowledged the order with a yip, then doubled his speed and followed Demetri's tracks and scent. The youngster wasn't trying to hide, and Frankie was big and pretty fast. It was easy for him to catch up.
Frankie nipped the smaller shifter's haunch lightly to announce his presence. To his surprise, Demetri's legs immediately folded and he rolled into a ball, tucking his face under his tail. If Frankie could frown in wolf form, he'd have done it. This wasn't normal behavior for a wolf, was it? He'd never seen anyone else do that.
He lowered his front end, leaving his butt in the air, and nudged Demitri's shoulder with his snout. After a couple seconds, the other shifter lifted his tail and stared balefully up at him with big green eyes. Frankie licked the younger shifter's muzzle, then bumped his neck and shoulder. Backing a step, he wiggled his butt, expressing his desire to play, not fight. It was painfully obvious, even to Frankie, that the poor guy needed a confidence boost.
Frankie thought he should let someone else in the pack know about this behavior. Maybe their pack beta, Shane? Surely, he'd know how to help.
Demetri rose to his feet and cocked his head. Frankie hopped backward and barked. He used this tactic with cubs when he helped them shift the first couple of times. He'd been working with cubs for nearly five years now, helping them learn to shift quickly and efficiently. Jumping and playing got them used to how their animal body moved.
He didn't remember this wolf, so he figured Demitri must be in his late teens or maybe even early twenties. Either way, his new friend needed to run and release whatever frustrations caused him to leave Carson and Jared's home.
It took a couple more yips and nudges, plus some tail wagging, but finally Frankie got Demetri to run with him. They spent the next while diving through snowy bushes, rolling in the snow, and even found a rabbit to chase. Frankie thought it was fun, and by the time they both flopped onto the ground to catch their breaths, Demetri seemed far more relaxed.
After a few minutes, Demetri hauled himself back to his feet and took a few steps in the direction he knew Carson and Jared's home was. It was growing dangerously close to sunset, and he could feel the frigid air cutting through his fur. It was time to go inside. A cup of hot cocoa sounded really good to him.
Frankie looked back at Demetri. His new friend was sitting in the snow watching him. He took a few more steps, but found Demetri wasn't following him. He didn't like it, but knew he'd have to get more assertive.
He let out a soft growl ending with a bark. Demetri ducked his head, but didn't move. Trotting behind the unruly pup, Frankie snapped his jaws near his haunch. That got the wolf moving and he shot forward. Frankie quickly followed, using his much bigger body to guide Demetri where he wanted him to go.
It was almost dark by the time they reached the ranch-style home. As they loped up, the back door opened and Jared ushered them into the mudroom. "I almost thought we'd have to send out a search party," he said mildly. "Declan has already called looking for you, Frankie. He says to give your brother a call. Phone's on the table."
Frankie shifted quickly, put on the sweats Jared handed him, and headed out of the room. A hand touching his arm stopped him, and he looked back, remembering Demetri. He smiled at the slender young man. "Thanks for the run," he said, deciding he didn't need to tell the guy that Jared had sent him after him. "I'm Frankie," he said, holding out his hand.
"Demetri," the shifter murmured, his voice soft.
Nodding, Frankie took a moment to look him over. Probably just shy of six feet, Demetri had pale blond hair, green eyes, and lean features. Thick black lashes framed his eyes, and when Demetri saw him looking at him, he dropped his gaze. The guy either worried he'd offend Frankie, who he probably saw as a stronger wolf, or he had a submissive streak. Frankie didn't know which. Either way, his lean, pale body bordered on too thin. Frankie thought he needed another twenty pounds of muscle. Now he really wanted to talk to Shane.
"You know you're safe here," Frankie said, trying to reassure him.
Demetri nodded. "Here, I'm safe."
Frankie tilted his head and looked at him, uncertain how to interpret the words he spoke. Before he could decide, Jared cleared his throat. "The phone," he urged.
"Right." Frankie patted Demetri on the shoulder, pleased the guy didn't cringe from his touch, especially since Demetri's entire upper body tightened when Jared's hand replaced Frankie's.
Giving the young wolf an encouraging smile, Frankie made his way out of the mudroom, down a hall, and into the dining room. On the table rested a cell phone. He picked it up and dialed his brother's number.
"Reb, here," his brother stated.
Frankie smiled. "It's me."
Reb heaved a sigh, the sound loud through the receiver. "Frankie. You doing okay?"
His brows furrowing, Frankie thought about the answer to that for several seconds before answering, "Yeah. I suppose." While out running, he'd managed to push thoughts of his mate out of his mind for a bit, even with his wolf's desire to return and try to make friends with the vampire. "Guess there'll be some changes in my future," he whispered.
He knew his brother had no trouble hearing his quiet comment. "I'm always there for you, Frankie. You know that."
Frankie nodded. "Yeah, I know."
"I'll drop off your car in forty-five minutes, along with Dobs' phone number," Reb said. "I'll support whatever you choose to do from there."
"Why don't you just give me his number now?" he asked.
"Carson and Jared have already heard what happened. They're good friends with Casey and Caspian, and have met Dobs on several occasions. I bet they might have some insight into his behavior," Reb told him. "Listen to what they have to say before making any decisions."
Knowing his brother expected to be obeyed, Frankie dutifully answered, "Okay. See you in a while."
"Bye, Frankie." Reb disconnected the call and Frankie returned it to the table.
He turned around and spotted Carson leaning against the doorframe. The Native American stood a couple inches shorter than Frankie, but the dominance of his wolf shown from his dark brown eyes as he surveyed him. Frankie dropped his gaze, then looked at the nicely muscled man through his lashes. He knew that was acceptable, otherwise he could possibly miss some cue from the other shifter.
Carson's lips curved into a smile and he lifted the large mug he held. "Hot cocoa?"