Page 94 of Wild Fires

Carson Pierce.

He was agitated and pacing back and forth.

“Yes, I do,” he said. “They need to pay. They need to know they can't just toy with us. You're a Montgomery, maybe you don’t quite understand. You're part of the problem when you should be part of the solution, Gracie. Come on Andrew, you know. You get it. You're a Grimes. They treat us like shit just because of the Flock we were born into. It's always been that way. They think they're better than us, but not for long. I'm going to burn this whole fucking place to the ground, and I'm going to dance on the ashes. They'll learn they can’t treat people like this. And the Pierce Flock will rise again from the ashes, just like little Gracie. Ravenden will be stronger for it.”

“What's your plan, Carson? Continue setting fires in relatively isolated locations in hopes that one of them will catch closer to town? Didn't work so well for you with this last wildfire.”

Why the hell was she taunting him like this?

“These were just the beginning, a wakeup call and a distraction. The big show is about to begin, starting with your precious mayor's building. Until Elias turned his back on the Davenport Flock and mated Kimberly Grimes, no Grimes or Pierce was allowed occupancy there. Did you know that? Do you know how many times I applied for an apartment there only to be shot down as it was passed off to one of their kind instead? Do you?” he yelled.

“And I'm sure it had absolutely nothing to do with your sunny disposition,” Andrew said sarcastically.

“You're protecting them? You think this is funny? You disappoint me, Andrew. I genuinely thought you of all people would understand.”

“Why? Because I'm a Grimes? Look asshole, I’m proud of my Flock and the legacy my family has created here in Ravenden. So don't drag me into your delusions.”

Carson spit on him.

I couldn’t take it anymore.

“That's enough Carson. This game ends now.”

For a moment he looked startled, as if he had been so caught up in his rant that he hadn't even seen us approach. But then a creepy grin crested his lips.

“Well look who the cat dragged in. My old friends Ryan, king of Ravenden, and his pathetic sidekick, Vance. You always were a sellout, Vance, trying so hard to kiss ass to the Davenport and Dean Flocks while going out of your way to belittle the rest of us. You were the worst of all.”

“We had our issues, but that was strictly between you and me. You're delusional if you believe the rest of this shit you're spouting. Ever think you didn't get an apartment in that building because we all know you're an irritating asshole and no one wanted to live with you?”

“Vance, that's enough,” I warned.

“Go hide behind Ryan as usual.”

“I'm warning you, Carson.”

“Or what? You'll drag me to the edge of the cliff and push me off. I've been there, remember? It's how I learned to fly, because my raven was forced to surface for the first time or die.”

“You'd been bragging for months about your raven and yet wouldn't show him to anyone. We were just making a point.”

“One that could have cost me my life.”

While the two of them continued to argue, I was able to get close enough to my mate to pull her back against me and wrap my arms around her waist, letting her presence calm my bird before I did something stupid. But the second Carson looked back our way, I pushed Gracie behind me. No way was my girl going to stand as a shield between me and him.

“Enough, Carson,” I told him.

“And what do you think you're going to do about it?”

I nodded at Vance who slowly approached him with cuffs in his hand.

“Carson Pierce, you have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney . . .”

He was cut off as Carson started to shift.

“He's going to get away!” Andrew yelled.

I lifted my hand and let my power fly in his direction. He cried out as he fell to the ground twitching, giving Vance enough time to cuff him and finish reading him his rights while hoisting him up from the ground and dragging him to the back of the cruiser.

“What just happened?” Gracie asked.

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