Page 1 of Roaring Flames

One

IZZY

Wolves.

Mates.

Fate.

My head reels, spins, somersaults, and a headache threatens to rip apart my skull. There’s a strange sluicing sound between my ears as well, drowned out by the pounding of my feet against the earth. Twigs snap. Leaves crackle. Dried dirt crunches. But all of that is background noise to my tumultuous thoughts.

Wolves.

Mates.

Fate.

The wind is brutal today—keen, almost, as if I’m being stabbed by a thousand tiny knives—but the slice of it against my skin makes me feel alive.

I need to feel something.

Anything.

Without breaking my stride, I begin to scrub at the mark on my arm, half expecting for pain to spiral through me at the touch. Yet, despite the distinct texture of my skin, there’s no ache.

Wolves.

Mates.

Fate.

Those three words ricochet in my head like pinballs—bouncing off every wall, hitting every surface, and eventually falling into tiny holes before re-emerging and beginning anew.

Wolves.

Mates.

Fate.

I know I shouldn’t have run out of Mr. Montgomery’s office the way I did. That’s not me. I don’t run from my problems.

The old Izzy would’ve laughed in the vice principal’s face. Maybe even suggested he see a shrink.

Who the fuck believes in werewolves?

And yet…

I can’t deny the sincerity in his words. The sheer possessiveness that emanated from his red eyes. The slightly sharper than normal canines that dug into his lower lip.

Wolves.

Mates.

Fate.

Water pricks my eyes, but I’m not sure if it’s tears or sweat. Despite the chill in the air, I’ve been running for who the fuck knows how long. All I know is that I have to get away.

From the school.

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