"My Goddess, that was so out of character for you! You know, you're awful at interrogating. No wonder Nic's going to be the Alpha, not you, you probably couldn't make an alliance to save your life."

"I know, Chantelle," I sighed sheepishly, running my hands through my hair as Chantelle giggled on the other line. "I messed up, saying those words to him. But it was a one-time thing! I was just so angry for some reason."

"Angry? No, really?" She gasped dramatically. "Our bubbly, happy little Bennett...angry?"

"Chantelle! I need your help!" I yelled into the microphone of my phone.

"Okay, okay, sheesh," I could hear her roll her eyes. "So, you want to get answers out of him."

"Yes," I gritted my teeth. "I have to."

"Have you tried getting him to open up?"

"Of course I have."

"And how have you tried to do so?"

I blinked. "I tried being nice at first, but he didn't do anything. And then I tried yelling at him, but it didn't work. So I threatened his life with the hopes he would give me some information."

"So you're unfairly lashing out at him, and you're surprised he's recoiling and putting up walls?"

"...well, when you put it like that, it kind of sounds bad."

"That's because it is, Benny!" Chantelle groaned in frustration. "Listen, little cousin, I might not be a werewolf, but I can tell you right now, you're not getting anywhere with an attitude like that."

"And what do you know about werewolf interrogation techniques?"

"I'm a professional journalist, interviewer for Ablaze TV, and part-time marketing consultant. It's literally my job to get answers out of people."

"Touché. You make a fair point. I'm sorry, Chantelle. I just..." I pinched the bridge of my nose and sighed. "It's a bit different when it comes to werewolves, you know?"

"I do," her tone softened. "You've told me."

"We just get stupidly aggressive and territorial over the smallest things. I mean, you humans don't care when people just show up in town, but in the werewolf world? The idea of some stranger stepping foot on land that belongs to you just makes you want to rip their head off. I know it's not an excuse, but it's just how it is."

"You're right, that doesn't really make any sense."

"I guess that's why I'm mad, because he stepped foot in my pack." I knew that definitely wasn't the full story as to why I was harbouring strong feelings towards him, though. "But you know, at the same time, I'm just...yeah, you know what, can you just give me some advice, please?"

"Alright, then. I'm not a werewolf, no, but I know enough to understand that most organisms on this planet don't like to be prodded and pushed around. Perhaps you should consider being a bit nicer and more patient. If he's this defensive and reclusive, then evidently he's hiding something for a good reason."

"I guess I'll try. Being nicer, I mean."

"Try to gain his trust and respect - you know, which is what most people do when they want something from someone."

Now that I was able to think more clearly, I realized how obvious that advice was, and how awful I had been towards him. I was grateful for Chantelle.

"I know you will! I have the best advice, after all. Bisoux!" She hung up on me, leaving

-

"I want to make amends," I told him abruptly, shoving my gift into his arms.

"I want to make amends," I told him abruptly, shoving my gift into his arms

Frankie took the large stuffed hot dog, trying to conceal his surprise.

"Why did you get me a furry hot dog?" He asked me blankly.

"Well, because your name is Frankie, which kind of sounds like Frank, which is another word for a hot dog, and one of my favourite foods..." My face reddened at how stupid and cringey my gift idea was. "You know what? Just take the stupid toy."

Frankie turned around and gently placed the toy on his bed, while I stood awkwardly in the doorway.

"Listen, Frankie," I sighed. "I was angry yesterday, and I said some things I didn't entirely mean, okay? Killing you was never an option for me. I'm sorry for bringing up a topic like that."

It took a lot of willpower to get those last words out. Alpha werewolves, I had to admit, weren't big on apologies. Or talking things out. Or being wrong in general.

"Okay."

Just okay? Frankie was really good at making one word seem very passive aggressive. I felt as if I had just been given the verbal 'K' text.

"So...are we good?" I asked, fiddling with my fingers. I was rather taken aback at how calm he was acting, and how quickly he had forgiven me.

"Sure. I'll be gone soon, anyway."

"About that...your stay has been extended. Take the next week to recover, gather any resources you might need, whatever you need to do."

He only shrugged.

"So, are you going to stay a bit longer?"

"We'll see."

I waited for a further explanation, but was only met with silence. Man, it really was hard to talk to this guy!

"Why are you still here?" Frankie asked me after a few moments of awkwardness. "You should go."

"No, I'm not leaving this room. I'm...trying to be hospitable, that's all. Like any good Alpha wolf looking out for his fellow wolfkind."

"Leave."

"Not happening."

"Bennett," he said, with a hint of warning in his tone.

"Frankie," I mimicked back.

The toy came zooming towards my face, and at the last moment, I was able to jump out of the way of the furry projectile.

"Hey! Do not throw your hot dog! I spent $60 on that!" I ordered him. Those $60 had come from giving the pups swim lessons. I did not babysit children like Curtis for several hours and spend my paycheck on a meaningful gift, only for Frankie to throw it across the room like it was a football. Speaking of which - why was I so willing to buy this for him, anyway?

"That's on you, then." I rolled my eyes at his indifferent response and turned around to pick up the toy, feeling his eyes linger on my back.

"Well, if you're just going to abuse your food, then just give it back to me," I said, miffed. "I'll take care of it. I already love this little guy."

"You're the one that just called it stupid," Frankie said, his eyes flashing mischievously.

"Yeah, but it's a stupid kind of lovable, you know?" Looking at its two beady eyes and adorable little smile, I couldn't help but find happiness in this inanimate object, despite being an Alpha wolf. It really was a heartwarming gift, but it was unfortunate Frankie didn't appreciate its purpose.

Frankie sighed. "Oh, all right. Give me back the hot dog."

"Are you going to take care of it?" I asked him coolly.

"Fine. If it really bugs you this much, I will. I'll make sure your $60 doesn't go to waste."

"Good," I replied, and I tossed him back the toy.

"Although, beats me why somebody would pay this much for a stuffed food item," he muttered under his breath.

"The jumbo sized product was $40. And then I had to pay for shipping. And then I had to pay extra for 1 day shipping. So, you're welcome."

"Thank you, Bennett. I appreciate your gift. Now, if you could gift me with your absence, that would also be very much appreciated."