Page 25 of Packed in the Fire house

He nodded. “Gil Warwick, second of Station Sixteen. Nice to meet you.”

“Did you guys go on a call? Also, do you want a cookie?” I asked, holding up the plate.

“Well, I was just gonna grab a coffee before I go shower, but I can't say no to that, now, can I?” He smiled before plucking a cookie off the plate. “We went over to Station Seventeen tohelp them run some drills, even though we aren’t on shift.” He beamed down at Luka. “God, it's hard to believe my babies were ever that age.”

“How many do you have?”

“Two. Both of them teenagers. Trust me, you've got some joy to look forward to there.” He chuckled.

“Luckily, I've got some time before that.” I was immediately at ease with this alpha, there was something so warm and almost fatherly about Gil.

“Thank you for this,” he said, holding up the cookie as he wandered out of the kitchen, a smile on his face. “This smells divine!”

He hadn’t been gone three seconds when another firefighter entered the room.

“You taking over my kitchen, Cher?” a warm, Cajun lilt asked from behind me.

Turning with a smile, I met Rune’s gaze. He was wearing sweats and a dark gray T-shirt that molded to every muscle on his chest. His hair was slightly damp, and I could smell the clean, freshly washed scent. He must have showered as soon as he got back.

Yummy.

“Well, Blaze said you don’t bake, and when I mentioned fresh cookies…”

“You created a monster?” Rune asked, raising a brow and crossing his arms.

“Let’s just say, he was a tad excited,” I said, scrunching my nose playfully. “It’s been quiet around here today. Where are Blaze and Walker?”

Truth be told, I was happy for the distraction. All I could think about was what was going to happen next. Most of my possessions were gone, and Luka and I were technically homeless.

Studying wasn’t going to happen anytime soon. I was probably going to have to repeat a semester, but that was the least of my worries at the moment.

Rune took another step into the kitchen, his sweet graham cracker scent washing over me, making my body tingle with desire.

Maybe I could make some s’mores cookies, or would that be too on the nose?

He smiled. “Even though we just watched and judged everyone else on the call, we still got a little dirty. I rushed to shower, but the others are probably still washing the smoke off them. You don't have to bake for Blaze just because he got over excited. In fact, don't feel like you have to at all.”

I shook my head. “I enjoy baking, honestly, but if I'm in your way, let me know.”

“Not at all. In fact, I didn't feel like cooking tonight, due to how late that call ran, and was considering ordering pizzas. What toppings do you like?”

“I’m a barbecue chicken girl.” I smiled.

“Good to know… must admit, whatever you're making smells damn good. I'm surprised Blaze isn't sitting here already, begging for scraps.”

Rune walked over to Luka, crouching down so he was closer to his level. “Little man, are you enjoying that cereal?” He reached over, grabbing a cloth off the counter. “How about we wipe some of this off your hands?”

He cooed gently at my son as he wiped the worst of the cereal carnage from his fingers. I couldn't help but watch in amazement as he handled Luka with such care. Despite his gigantic size, he treated my baby like he was precious, and it was doing something to me.

“I'm sorry he's managed to make such a mess of himself.”

Rune shrugged. “Babies are messy creatures by nature. It's no trouble.”

I pulled out the cookie scoop Blaze had bought me and started portioning the dough onto the cookie sheets that had also somehow ended up in our cart. Blaze must have put them in when I wasn't looking.

“Mama! Up!” Luka squealed, reaching his hands out for me.

Looking back at the cookie dough, I put the scoop down and was about to turn around and pick up my son, when Rune scooped him up and stood.

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