Page 57 of Wild Fated

My mind flew back to when we stood outside the she-wolve’s hut. “I conjured fire,” I whispered. “Did we check that it was gone?” Panic gripped my heart.

Destin grabbed my hand and pulled me back into the bedroom. “It doesn’t matter now. But we’re going to have to find a way to stop it.”

Epilogue

Mia

Ishoved open the door to the mechanic shop, and the bell above the door frame clanged as the door swung back shut. The smell of grease and rubber filled my nose, and the hum of machinery buzzed from the back of the shop. I scanned the room, searching for someone—anyone—who could help.

My eyes landed on Tori sitting behind the desk, her fingers flying over a keyboard. I rushed over, my breath coming in ragged gasps as I skidded to a stop in front of her. Tori looked up, her eyes widening in surprise. "Mia?" She pushed her chair back, standing. "What's wrong?"

I opened my mouth, but all that came out was a wheezy exhale. I took a moment to catch my breath, then blurted, "I just saw the news. There's a fire. Up north. Where Rowan and the others are."

Tori's eyes narrowed. "What kind of fire?"

I shook my head. "They didn't say much, just that it was in the middle of nowhere. Not near any serviceable roads. And that the fire stations up there are few and far between."

Tori frowned and grabbed the remote on the desk, turning on the television hanging over their waiting area. The news flickered on, and she flipped through the channels until she found one with a banner running along the bottom of the screen.

Fire BreaksOut Near Secluded Home in Northern British Columbia

My heart poundedas the news anchor spoke, describing the scene. "A fire has broken out in a remote area of Northern British Columbia, posing challenges for emergency responders due to its location far from main roads. The blaze started near a solitary, rustic home in the woods, and with limited fire stations in the region, containment efforts are expected to be slow."

Tori's knuckles turned white as she gripped the edge of the desk. "They’re smart. There’s nothing we can do, but I’m sure?—"

"There's nothing you can do?" I hissed. "There are packs up there. Can't you send them to help?"

She gritted her teeth. "My people are already tracking a threat, and Jasper is dealing with a situation with a newly pregnant she-wolf. We're stretched thin, Mia." Tori blew out a breath. “And you know the northern packs. They don't want to help. They don't want to get involved."

I clenched my fists. "I’ve heard about their alphas.”

Tori's eyes flashed. "It’s not our job to?—”

"The northern alphas only care about themselves. You know that!" I shook my head.

Tori's eyes narrowed. "Why do you care so much, Mia?”

It was a fair question. Besides loving our forests, I’d given her no reason to take my concern seriously. My throat tightened, and I blinked to stop the tears from coming. "My sister is a rogue."

Tori's eyebrows lifted. "Your sister?"

I nodded, my vision blurring. "The last I heard from her, she was living up north. In the mountains." I swallowed hard. "I know her. She won't leave if there are people in danger."

Tori's lips parted, and she paused for a long moment before finally saying, "Mia?—”

“I have to find her.” I shoved my hands in my pockets, my lips pulling into a tight line.

Tori nodded, then met my eyes. “You shouldn't go alone."

I burstout of the mechanic shop and sprinted to my car. My heart pounded in my chest, adrenaline pushing me. My hands shook as I fumbled with my keys, finally managing to unlock the door and slide into the driver's seat.

I started the engine and pulled out onto the street, barely glancing at the speed limit signs as I sped toward home. The world outside blurred, a mix of green trees and grey pavement.

I slammed on the brakes in front of my apartment building and ran inside. My mind raced as I grabbed a backpack from my closet and started shoving essentials into it. Clothes, a flashlight, a first aid kit. I paused, then added a map of the area. I didn't know if I'd need it, but something told me it would be useful.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing thoughts.You shouldn’t go alone.I needed help. Someone who knew the area, someone who would be willing to drop everything and come with me.

Liam.

---