Page 69 of Break The Ice

I race downstairs, shouting for the alphas. Kelly’s phone is in my hand as I dial the fire station. I hang up when I see them arrive, but when I get out onto the lawn and look towards the garages, I can see what’s happened.

Both of the packs’ cars are on fire.

I bite my thumb and stand there watching them burn, praying it doesn’t spread anywhere else.

Callan comes out and stops beside me. His hair is a mess, and he’s only wearing track pants. I glance around the street, neighbours are pouring out, coming to watch the commotion. They gather in groups and huddle. A few come across and stand talking to Raider and Kit in hushed voices.

The smoke burns my nose, and the cold leaves me shivering convulsively.

I can’t see anyone that shouldn’t be here, not that I’d know who shouldn’t be here. They are all strangers to me.

I rub my aching head and sway, but I’m caught by Raider. I stiffen and step away from him, discreetly glancing around the street that’s full of unfamiliar people. Did someone see him touch me?

Sweat breaks out on my spine, and even the chill of the night can’t cool me down.

Raider’s hurt poisons his aura, but I ignore it, resolving to making sure I don’t cause any more trouble. It’s not safe for them to touch me. Not out here, not in public.

What I should do is go upstairs, grab my stuff, and leave now, while I can. That would be the right thing to do.

I chew my bottom lip, and then leave the guys standing there watching the fire crew spray the cars with water.

“We got it before it got the tanks!” I hear one of the guys call out. “Almost out, Cap.”

The relief I feel leaves me wilting. My eyes burn, and all I can smell is the acrid smoke. Tiredness pulls at me. With a last look around, scanning all the people and memorizing their faces, I decide to call it a night. I go up to my room and sit on the bed.

I should leave.

I’m sick of running. I decided to fight. That was the plan. I thought I’d have more time to get ready.

I didn’t think there would be people I care about around to get hurt.

Time’s up. What are you going to do?

I ponder that question for a long time. Even when I fall asleep, I hear it being asked like it’s on a stereo in my dreams.

I wake up to my door opening, roll out of bed, and sink into a defensive pose. It’s instinctive. I’m still trying to blink sleep out of my eyes, but I’m ready to defend myself.

Where am I?

Oh, Pack Mogel, the cars, the fire. I look up and see Callan, whose expression has folded into shock.

“Ryann?”

I shake my head, trying to get rid of the fog. My heart is racing, and my body trembles like I’ve run a marathon. It’s only then I become aware of how fast my breathing is.

Callan blinks at me and cautiously moves the tray of food to the bed.

“Callan?” My voice sounds weak.

“Good afternoon,” he says the words carefully, his eyes scanning me from top to bottom.

“It’s afternoon?”

“We thought we’d let you sleep.”

“Uh, thank you.”

Callan points at the food. “Eat and rest. Wren and Raider are at practice, so it’s just the three of us.”

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