Chapter 41

Clementine

He had run into the house like an idiot, screaming my name. I watched in horror as Liam opened the door and dived into a house full of orange and amber flames. Dark black smoke billowed out, and I stood there frozen in shock, shrouded safely across the road. The cell phone in my hand still glowed from my use. I had already called the emergency services.

I heard a pop and shattering of glass breaking, and felt my entire world stand still. My world may have stopped, but I hadn’t. On autopilot, I ran toward the house, shouting Liam’s name like a lunatic. I was looking through the windows, trying to see him, but I couldn’t. Panic rattled through me.

He has to be okay!

My rational mind had already departed. I was ready to run into the burning building; consequences be damned. My body was zinging with the need to save him. I screamed his name again and approached the back door.

A large tawny wolf came barrelling out of the house and tackled me to the ground, growling deeply.