Keata's Promise [Brac Pack 7] by Lynn Hagen Page A

cared nothing for keeping their secret. That’s what made them dangerous, aside from the fact they were out to kill, but they usually kept it to other shifters.
    Maverick was going to shit kittens on this one.
    “There are more of you?” The human’s eyes widened.
    “A whole pack. Two, actually.”
    “Huh.” Frank looked thoughtful.
    “Listen, about your diner. I want to make it up to you for what those men did to you.”
    Frank held up his hand, “No, that’s what I have insurance for.”
    “Insurance won’t get you a brand-new, updated kitchen.” Cody dangled the carrot in front of him.
    Frank shook his head. “I can’t allow you to come out of pocket.”
    “Before you say no again, we have more money than we know what to do with. Living as long as we have, it’s no sweat off of our backs to help out. Give back to the community.” This Frank guy was 76
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    a tough sell. Any other human would jump at the chance of free money. He liked Frank’s ethics.
    “I don’t care about your money. I’ll tell you what. You can modernize my kitchen if you agree to become my partner in business.”
    Cody’s eyes widened. “You mean it? I’ve never owned a business before.” The idea had merit. It made him feel accomplished. Cody began to imagine what he wanted the place to look like. The excitement started building in him, but he kept a cool composure.
    There was one person, or he should say wolf, that had to approve this, and finding out that a human now knew they existed just might be the toughest sale yet compared to convincing the human to take the money.
    Maverick had to agree.
    This might have just gotten more complicated than Cody had anticipated.
    “Only way I’ll let you pay for the renovations.”
    “Deal.” Cody shook Frank’s hand. “But those damn wolves in my pack don’t get to eat for free. The profit and pantry would be dry before the ink on our agreement was.” Cody laughed.
    “Deal, but you can’t stop me from giving them free desserts.” Frank winked at Keata.
    Cody growled again.
    “Will you stop that snarly thing? I don’t want your mate. He’s just so adorable.” Frank waved his hand at Cody.
    Cody was amazed at how well Frank was taking things. “I told you, one mate per lifetime.”
    “So how do you know who your mate is?” Frank was once again intrigued.
    “You don’t. You have to find them. Once you do, heaven or hell won’t stop a wolf from claiming what’s his. You just know, you know?” And thank goodness he hadn’t blown his chance with Keata.
    “Yeah, I knew Emma was mine from the first moment I laid eyes Keata’s Promise
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    on her. I know what you mean, Cody.” Frank’s eyes misted.
    “You married?”
    “Widowed. My Emma was taken from me a few years back.
    Cancer.” Frank wiped the stray tear that came from bringing up an obvious painful memory.
    “Sorry, man.” Cody couldn’t imagine Keata being taken from him. Just the thought made his chest ache. He’d been a fool in waiting those months. But now that his mate was at his side, only the act of god could separate them.
    “Let’s leave the emotional stuff for the women and talk turkey.
    You come see me when I get out of here and we’ll hash over all the details.” Frank raised his hand to shake Cody’s.
    “Sounds good, Frank Thomas.” Cody shook the hand.
    Frank spoke to Keata in his own language again, getting a laugh from his friendly— too friendly —mate.
    “What are you telling my mate?” Cody eyed Frank then Keata.
    “That he has a smart wolf for a mate.” Frank winked a Keata again.
    Cody growled again.
    Frank waved Cody’s threat away. “No worries, old man.” Frank chuckled.
    Cody rolled his eyes and bid his farewells as he led Keata out of the Medic Center and drove him home.

    * * * *
    “Do you trust this Frank Thomas?” Maverick sat back in his chair, pulling at his soul patch. Interesting. He hadn’t seen this one coming.
    So a human knew of their