Read with BonusRead with Bonus

2. Fire

TW: Brief vague descriptions of burns.

Cindy

Glen's cute eyebrows were furrowed together in concentration. "Wait, Comrade Core was the first one to try that strategy."

"Yeah," I took a sip out of my milkshake. "But they weren't the first to perfect it."

"Don't tell me! I know the answer!"

A giggle escaped my lips as he hurried to write down the answer for his mock test. Cooling breeze tossed his hair back and forth. My feet kicked at the water in the pool. I wouldn't mind staying here in this peaceful state, but a question I had on my mind that I've been burning to ask.

"Glenny?" I dropped the straw.

"Just one minute... okay done! Yes?"

"What do you plan to do when you find your mate?"

I didn't dare look at him but I could imagine him smiling.

"What wouldn't I do? If she wanted me to abandon everything for her, I would. Go for a dive in the Bermuda Triangle? Sign me up! Wrestle three alphas? She won't even have to ask. We only get one mate in our entire lives, you know? They're the person who should come first in our lives."

A bittersweet smile spread across my face. It's nice to know that Glen was determined to treat his mate like a queen. A part of me was a bit jealous. The chances of him being my destined partner were small. I mean, what's a future beta doing with a human?

"Just want until you have a mate, Cindy." He leaned back into his chair. "I mean, we're both single, but just imagine how everything will change when we meet them."

"Come on. We both know I might not have a mate."

"There's no guarantee that you won't. I mean, both your parents are full-blooded werewolves. Your sister too. Nothing is impossible."

I shrugged. "It doesn't matter. I'm kinda fine with it. Maybe in a couple of years after I finish college I can move away and do what I want. Love who I want. Maybe I'll find a hot Alpha to sweep me off my feet." I played with my braids.

"And leave me here? Nah ah! You better find someone in this pack and stay, so I won't have to lose my best friend!"

We laughed until I nearly snorted milk out of my nose, effectively erasing the tension in my mind.


When I envisioned coming back home, I thought of my younger sister annoying me about her new favorite song. Mom would tell me to remove the braids from my hair and try a new style. What I didn't expect was to see red flames reaching up into the evening sky.

I stopped in my tracks. "What the hell?"

Men ran towards the flames. Sirens belonging to a firetruck further beat into me that this was a reality. I wanted to run directly toward the flames and see if I could help in any way I could. One leg stepped forward to do just that when I spotted a familiar figure running towards me. She grabbed my arms and shook me. "Cindy, move it!"

My mind clicked back to reality and I glanced down at my little sister. I allowed her to lead me away to our street. I heard them shouting but didn't turn back. The scent of burning wood invaded my nose. "Claudia, what's happening? Are Mom and Dad safe?"

She shook her head and my heart dropped. I was prepared to rip my wrist from her hold when she explained. "Mom and Dad aren't here, they're on a movie date. Alpha Colt told everyone to go home and lock the door."

I bit my lip. He would only tell us that if...

"Are there intruders?" I asked as we approached our humble two-storey home. She turned to me on the step leading up to the porch, fear evident in her soft brown eyes. "Yes, Intruders."

We locked ourselves inside for the rest of the evening. Shivering hands shielded Claudia's ears from unwanted sounds. The two of us occupied the living room, sticking separately to each end of the couch. For once, I was grateful I didn't have enhanced senses like her. I could only imagine what she was experiencing.

After another hour had passed, Claudia raised her head and said, "Mom and Dad are here."

True to her words, I heard the door open and our parents' voices calling our names. They stormed into the living room, concern living their faces when they saw that we were unharmed.

Claudia was the first to run to them and throw her arms around their waists. I hugged Mom as tightly as I could manage.

"They hurt him," Claudia muttered, tears starting to build in her eyes.

"We know honey." Dad rubbed her back. "He'll be fine once he recovers."

"His screams were so loud..." Her sentence was interrupted by a hiccup.

I looked at Dad. "Someone got hurt? Who? Was it bad? Is it someone we're close to?"

He glanced at his wife briefly before speaking. "It's Larry. During the fire at the training gym, he suffered third-degree burns all over his upper body and areas in his thighs."

Silent dread filled me. "B-burns?" I stuttered.

"Yes, dear," Mom said. They walked us back to the couch. "But you know he'll be just fine. Alpha Colt moved him to the pack house to get treated. So don't you worry, my darlings."

My sister and I shared glances as we sat between our parents in the middle of the couch. She gave me a look, her eyes making it clear that she knew what I was about to do. And she's never been wrong for as long as I've known her.


"What are you doing here Cindy? You know you can't come here without permission." The Beta, William, stated.

I froze with one leg in the air ready to step into the hallway leading to the infirmary. Before the Beta could see my reaction, I planted a smile on my face and spun to face him. "Hi, Sir! I didn't expect to see you here at this hour. I thought the Alpha left already?"

"The Alpha is in a meeting, so naturally I would remain by his side as his second." He swept strands of blonde hair out of his face. "But that doesn't answer my question. It's quite late for you to be here, don't you think?"

When I didn't reply, William walked and stopped before me. He was a good foot taller than my 5'7". Even taller than Alpha Colt. I didn't let him intimidate me. After all, werewolves can sense fear.

My finger reached up to play with one of my braids. "I guess you could say it's late. What time is it? 10:15 PM?"

"It's almost 11:30 PM, Cindy..."

"Wow! Time flies!" I covered my mouth. "I had no idea it was this late. A late delivery was requested of me by one of the Gammas." I showed him the flat box inside my bag. He spared it one short glance before returning his attention to me. "What is it?"

"Sorry, Beta William. I can't expose private like that, even if it's you asking." I closed the bag and looked at him with what I hoped was an innocent smile.

"Humph." He waved me off. "Fine, but be quick. Use the other hallway. I wouldn't want you waking in the patients in the infirmary."

Good thing I don't plan on waking them up then. "I understand, Beta William."

He frowned then nodded his head and left, jotting something on his clipboard. I headed down the other hallway meant to lead me to the sleeping quarters. That is, until I was sure the Beta wouldn't be able to hear me.

After a few minutes passed I changed my course and headed back the way I came from. I was going to see Larry, whether Glen's father approved it or not.

My soft sneakers barely made a sound. The lights from above reflected off black tiles. I kept close to the wall, knowing I was only a few turns away from reaching the infirmary.

I still found it hard to believe he was caught up in the fire. I just need to know that he's healing.

Before arriving at my destination, I had to pass by Alpha Colt's meeting room. Should be easy enough. Who would be having a meeting at this hour?

What I didn't expect was to see light escaping from the gap beneath the door. I tried to calm my breathing. If he caught me, I'd just give him the same excuse I gave to William.

As I tried to sneak by, I heard Larry's name being uttered. Without realizing it, my feet stopped walking right outside the door.

"... third degree! Do you know how painful that is? The fire burnt off so much skin that he lost a lot of blood."

"As I said, we had nothing to do with that! It's not our fault! We didn't even bring any lighters."

"You Highland pack members are a bunch of liars! It's enough that you hurt one of your own, but how are you going to compensate us for the destruction of our gymnasium?"

"Alpha Colt, please! We've already gone over this. What we're waiting for now is for you to choose who-"

My palms pressed gently against the dark wood as I tried to hear as much as possible. My ear touched its cold surface. I recognized the Alpha's voice while he was arguing with someone from Highland, but who was that last guy?

"Cindy," someone said. "This isn't the sleeping quarters."

Shock ran up my spine at the sound of William's stone-cold voice. Crap! How did he get back here so fast without me realizing it?

I tried pushing myself away from the door while thinking of a way to not appear as guilty as I was.

Unfortunately, I underestimated my own strength.

With just a little force the doors flew open. I fell on the carpet with a thud. When I gazed up, all eyes in the room were on me.

Previous Chapter
Next Chapter