Wild Hunger (The Phoenix Pack, #7)(76)

Frankie knew her smile was a little on the shy side. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“You too. I have to say, I was fascinated to hear how you two figured out you were mates without any drama or near-death experiences to open your minds. You recognized her on sight, right?” she asked Trick.

“That’s right,” he confirmed, sliding his arm around her waist.

Frankie bit her lip, admitting, “It took me a couple of weeks to figure it out.”

Ally sighed. “Yeah, it took me and Derren a little while, even though the signs were all there.” She crossed her eyes as if annoyed with herself. She pointed to a group of people in the corner. “That’s my mate over there. Derren’s the dark-haired one. The guy he’s standing next to is Zander, an enforcer, who’s mated to the blonde human in the little shorts—she’s Gwen. The redhead standing next to her is Shaya, our Alpha female . . . oh, and she’s just spotted us.” As Shaya took Gwen’s hand and started pulling her through the throng of people, Ally asked, “So what are you all having?”

Taryn had just finished placing orders when Shaya sidled up to them. She threw her arms around Taryn, and it was clear just how close they were. According to Trick, they’d been friends since childhood.

After the females quickly exchanged greetings, Taryn turned to the newcomers. “Girls, this is Frankie. Frankie, this is Shaya and Gwen.”

Shaya beamed at Frankie. “We’ve really wanted to go to Phoenix territory to meet you, but Taryn didn’t want you feeling any more overwhelmed than you already do. Damn, you’re so cute. Isn’t she just adorable, Ally?”

“Utterly,” said Ally, still preparing their drinks. “Even cuter than Jazz, and that’s saying something.”

“Jazz?” echoed Frankie.

“That’s Harley’s cousin,” Gwen told her. “You’ll see Harley in a second. She plays the electric violin. Totally awesome.”

Ally clapped her hands. “Here you go, everyone. Beers, cosmos, tequila, and cocktails galore.”

Riley was there first. She tossed back the tequila and then slammed the glass on the bar. “Needed that.”

Makenna snickered and turned to Frankie. “Riley can do that for hours before she even nears the vicinity of drunk. I think it’s a raven thing.”

Trick grabbed two beers—one for Frankie, one for himself—and then propped her up on a bar stool. Situating himself between her legs, he splayed one hand on her back. “You sure you want to chance getting shit-faced again? I’d really rather not have to summon a priest.”

She snorted. “I’ll be sticking to water after this. I can’t deal with two killer hangovers in one month.”

A broad male wolf suddenly appeared at Trick’s side and tipped his chin in greeting.

“Frankie, this is Jesse,” said Trick. “Jesse, this is my mate.”

Eyes so dark they were almost black studied Frankie carefully. Jesse then inclined his head, so she gave him a brief nod and said, “You’re Harley’s mate, right?” Trick had told her plenty about the Mercury Pack.

Jesse’s mouth softened at the mention of his mate. “I am. She’ll be over to meet you after her set.”

“Bracken doing any better?” Trick asked him.

Jesse’s eyes dulled. “No. I’m just so fucking glad that Ally had a vision showing him injured and dying. He was bleeding out when we arrived on the scene. By that time the extremists had hightailed it out of there. Ally healed him, but I think part of him wishes she hadn’t.” Hearing clapping, Jesse looked at the stage. His pained expression smoothed out a little at the sight of his mate. “Looks like Harley’s up now.”

Frankie turned to the stage just as a dark-haired, golden-eyed female walked on holding a metallic-blue S-shaped electric violin. Casting Jesse a quick, intimate smile, Harley propped the instrument on her left collarbone and placed the left side of her jaw on the chin rest. She and the DJ played alongside each other, and the tune had the entire dance floor going wild.

Drawing out the final note, Harley gave the audience a beaming smile. They clapped and cheered as she left the stage.

“She’s really talented,” said Frankie.

Jesse’s smile was one of pride. “I know, right?” His gaze was on the curtain that led backstage. Mere moments later, Harley appeared from behind the curtain and—smiling at each of the people who shouted compliments—made her way to the bar. Jesse pulled her into his arms and kissed her hard. “Amazing, as always.”

Harley’s mouth curved, her modesty clear. “Well, thank you.”

Shaya spoke then. “Harley, this is Frankie.” Leaning toward Frankie, she mock whispered, “Quick warning: our pretty kitty’s not good at talking with strangers.”

Harley rolled her eyes. “I heard about your mating,” she told Frankie. “Congratulations.”

Frankie smiled. “Thanks.”

Harley looked at Shaya. “See, I can talk to people.”

“You said six words,” Jesse pointed out. “But that’s actually progress.”

Shaya turned to Trick. “Did Nick tell you that Morelli called us, asking for a meet?”

Trick nodded. “I can’t say I’m surprised that Nick hung up on him without a word.”