Page 80 of Wild Fires

“I do. And while we don't have a wildfire specialist, I do have capable teams willing to come out and help you fight this beast of a fire.”

“Thanks. How’d you hear about it anyway?”

“Are you kidding? Ravenden is a national headliner in the news right now.”

I groaned. “Well, that's the last thing I need.”

“I know. They do mean well though. Don't be surprised if you have an influx of reporters and humans rushing in once this is over.”

“I can't even think about that right now,” I admitted.

“Well, if you need anything at all, just call me. You'd be surprised at how resourceful I can be.”

“I will, thanks.”

We ended our call just as I parked. Staring down at my phone, I shook my head. Patrick O’Connell was the head of Westin Force, a paramilitary organization of shifters. I'd worked with them on issues before and appreciated the offer of help. I just wasn’t certain this was exactly their area of expertise.

As I got out of the car, there was a flurry of excitement. I quickly went to find out what was happening.

Dan was leading the way out with others following him, and I knew Gracie was on his team.

My heart pounded in my chest as I tried not to shove anyone out of my path as we all pressed forward for information.

Dan.

Rodney.

Big Dick.

I looked around but didn't see Gracie. Where the hell was she?

“She was the true hero,” I heard Rodney tell the Chief. “If Gracie hadn’t sacrificed herself like that and given up her gear for me, I'd be dead right now.”

My heart dropped. Logically I knew fire couldn't kill her, not really at least. But she'd never faced a fire like this, and they'd been right in the thick of it all.

A puff of feathers shot out around me though I remained in my skin. My whole body was shaking, and people noticed as they rushed to get out of my way. It was like some out of body experience or something as I walked, unable to feel anything but the pain in my chest.

It didn't register that the guys weren't upset.

I didn't notice the way everyone parted and stared at me.

I could see Gracie's suit rolled up in Big Dick's arms and went to it.

The overwhelming need to punch someone was strong, but I stayed stoic and emotionless as I reached out to take it from him.

He started to protest and when he jerked back, I felt the slightest sensation in my mind. It was like a light breeze, or a feather brushing against my brain.

Mate! my raven wailed.

“Mine!” I said in a voice I didn't even recognize as I took the suit from him and unwrapped it to find a small black raven shaking all over.

Gracie.

Gracie

Chapter 22

My bird was dying.

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