Page 11 of Where There's Smoke
The words hit me like a slap, and I glared at him. “And you kidnapped me!”
“Well, apparently you needed kidnapping!”
I glowered at him, trying to think of a witty comeback. Jesus, what was I doing? Having a screaming match with a firefighter who helped me and my animals get out of said burned building. Inhaling deeply, I wished I could make out his scent. My nose had been funny ever since the fire. I couldn't get the scent of charred metal and building out of my nostrils. And all of that was adding up to put me in the worst mood possible.
Even though he was a dick, he was a very handsome dick. I’d put good money on him smelling just as good as he looked, being an alpha and all.
“You scared the dog.” I didn’t look at him, staring out over the dash as I stroked the puppy’s head.
He scoffed but didn’t respond, and then the engine was going. The heat came on rapidly, and I silently cursed the fact that this guy’s car was so much nicer than mine. I’d been cold in the sedan, and I knew it wasn’t great for my little roommate.Even being in Mr. Firefighter’s car was nicer than my now-demolished rescue.
Jerk.
It was quiet as he pulled onto the street. The dog in my arms settled some, and I could tell she was liking this new, warmer situation. She needed to eat soon, but I’d deal with that when this butthead got me to whichever shelter we were going to. I watched the lights outside the car as we drove, and then we were turning farther into downtown, not leaving it like we should be.
I perked up in the car, glancing around, and as we pulled up to a rather large, very distinct building, my stomach sank.
“The fire station?” I asked, turning to my abductor in confusion. “I thought you were taking me to a shelter?”
“Unfortunately, I can't take you to a shelter, because they're not safe for omegas. So you’re staying here for a while.”
I glared at him. “Has anyone told you that you'reinfuriatinglybossy?” What was this guy not getting about me being a beta? His buddies had been like that, too, and it was getting damn annoying.
His eyebrow quirked. “Well, that's good, considering Iamthe boss.”
“Of course you are.” I sighed, rolling my eyes to myself. “And a smart-ass.”
I’d muttered the words, not wanting him to hear me, but I could have sworn I saw a smile tug at the corner of his lips.
Mr. Firefighter turned off the car and stepped out of the SUV. Again, I considered whether I should use his phone to call a shelter when I was inside, but it wasn’t like I was looking forward to the idea of staying in one. It would be easier to care for the puppy here, anyway.
Dragging my feet, I got out of the car, holding my little bundle while I grabbed the supplies to keep her fed and happy. The firefighter who’d decided to kidnap me just stared as Igathered my stuff, waiting not so patiently near the door to the station.
“You going to help me carry things or force me to drop all this stuff?” I narrowed my eyes at him, and he reluctantly came over, taking the supplies.
“I thought you were perfectly capable of caring for yourself?”
If it wasn’t for the puppy, I would’ve smacked him. “And you have some kidnapping to make up for, now, don’t you?”
Again, he did his best to hide that smirk of his as he sauntered off toward the station, holding the door open for me.
As soon as I was inside, he led me to an area at the back that looked much more like a typical house, and a booming voice greeted me.
“Hey, firecracker! You’re here!” The curly blond-haired alpha from earlier beamed. There was another firefighter behind him, one I didn’t recognize, with salt and pepper curls.
“Not willingly,” I grumbled, throwing a glare his boss's way.
“Huh?” His face dropped in confusion as he approached me, folding his arms across his chest.
“This one kidnapped me,” I explained, jerking my head toward the Boss Man as my jaw tightened reflexively.
“She was sleepingin her caroutside of the shelter that burned down,” the bossy alpha growled before eyeing me. “I wasn’t about to leave you there.”
Blondie, who I think was named Fitz, furrowed his brow. “Elliot, you…you did what, now?”
Before he could answer, I stepped between Fitz and his boss, trying to appeal to the common sense of this other firefighter, since it was clearly lacking in Elliot.
“That doesn't change the fact that it was kidnapping. You physically picked me up and removed me from my car. That is thedefinitionof kidnapping! Also, your name is Elliot? You failed to introduce yourself.”
