"Sunny did her best. I know you did, too. But I wish you had been more selfish. I was a tough kid. I could've handled it. I wish I had known you. I have a feeling now I never will."
I flip the wallet closed. Why did my dad leave his wallet before he skipped town? Was it a message to Jordy?
I search through, and other than a few folded bills, change and a library card, there's nothing of note. Except, when I search an inner pocket, I discover a brass key. A small piece of tape marks it with a long number. A code? Is this a key to a safe? I tuck the key back carefully. Tank will know. I grab my phone and dial him.
A few rings later I realize his bag is vibrating. He must've left his phone here. I go get it, ready to run down and find Tank and tell him what I discovered. He has a few missed calls from last night and this morning. One's from Garrett. There's even a text from a "Jared." "U alive?!?"
Guess Tank has been neglecting his pack to deal with my drama.
As I stand there, holding the phone and feeling guilty, it rings. The caller's name is "Dad."
Biting my lip, I answer.
"Tank's phone. He's not here right now, but I can take a message."
"Who's this?" an older version of Tank's voice asks.
"I'm Foxfire. Did you want to speak to Tank? He left his phone here but should be back-"
"Is there a reason you're answering his phone?"
"He just ran out on an errand and left it here. I'll tell him to call his pack as soon as he gets back-he's been busy… um… helping me with some family problems."
Silence. I wince. This is not how I wanted an introduction with Tank's dad to go.
"I'm a fox shifter," I offer, then wonder if it was wise to tell him that. "You're his father? It's nice to meet you-"
"Look," the man interrupts. "I don't know who you are, and I don't care. Tank has been off with you while his alpha and members of pack were in trouble."
"What?" The air sucks out of the room.
"I don't know what he's doing with you, but his alpha's back in town, now, and wants answers. Tank needs to wise up and get back to his duties."
It's my turn to be silent.
"Listen, I don't mean to be hard on you. But Tank's second in the pack. You know what that means? His alpha relies on him. He doesn't need a woman messing up his place in the pack."
"I wouldn't do that." I will my voice not to shake. "We only just met, but I care about your son."
"If you care for him, you'll be careful with him. You say you're a fox shifter?"
"Y-yes."
"Shifters don't mix with other species. Tank needs a mate who understands him. He belongs with his kind."
"I'll tell Tank you called," I whisper, and hang up. My body is numb, like I've been slammed into the ground.
Shifters don't mix with other species.
My kin, waving guns at Tank.
Tank needs a mate who understands him.
Tank at the wheel of his truck, trying to explain how a pack works to me.
He belongs with his kind.
Tank's face, filled with pity as he looks at Jordy. At me.
The missed calls. His insistence he can't involve his pack. His father's ugly words, not angry, but worried.
I don't belong in his world. He definitely doesn't belong in mine. I'm doing just what his mother did, putting his good pack standing in jeopardy.
Selfish, selfish, selfish. I pack up my stuff and put it in Sunny's room.
I find out from Sunny where Tank had the car towed. Turns out it's a short walk from the hotel.
Tank comes around the bus as I approach, rubbing his greasy hands on a rag.
"Tires should be here by noon. I just did an oil change, and I'm going to check a few more things before we go." He glances at me. "Everything okay?"
My feet falter. I rehearsed what I'm going to say on the way over, but, at the sight of him, biceps stretching the sleeves of his shirt, jeans creased with oil stains, proof that he was taking care of my mom's vehicle even though we didn't ask, and she probably can't pay. Tank being Tank.
"So, we're leaving?"
He shrugs. "It's up to you. I was thinking we'd stay a few more days, see if we can get any more leads on your dad-"
I shake my head. It's just like his dad said. I'm a ball and chain, dragging him down.
"You need to go," I blurt. His head jerks back, brows knotting. "I mean… I think it's best if you go back to your pack. They need you. My kin won't talk to me with you around and…" I shrug.
He studies me a moment. "What's wrong, Foxfire?"
I take a deep breath, and bring out the big guns.
"When were you going to tell me you marked me as mate?"
~.~
Tank
Foxfire rubs her palms on her jeans but stands her ground. Her scent is off, somehow, and she isn't looking me directly in the eyes.
Until now.
"Well? You marked me, Tank."
Fuck. "Who told you that?"
"Jordy." She pulls her hair to the side, baring the red weal. It's healed up nicely. Shifters heal fast, but the serum in my fangs for claiming a mate makes sure it leaves a mark.
"Foxfire-"
"Why, Tank?" Her voice is hard. I've never heard this tone from her before. If I didn't know any better, I'd say someone abducted my woman and put an actor in her place.
"I messed up," I say, rubbing the back of my neck. "I didn't mean to."
She closes her eyes.
Fuck.