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Iwoke slowly, the world coming into focus in bits and pieces. First came the sensation of softness beneath me, then the crackle and pop of a fire–a controlled one this time. I blinked, wincing at the brightness.
Wooden rafters crisscrossed above me, hung with bundles of dried herbs. Sunlight streamed through a small window, dust motes dancing in the honeyed rays. I was in a rustic cabin, tucked up on a sofa piled high with quilts.
As my vision cleared, I took in my surroundings, trying to piece together what had happened. The cabin was large yet cozy, with warm, inviting colors and simple furnishings. My gaze fell upon a chair in the corner, where a set of clothes was neatly folded.
My bunker was nowhere to be seen. Confusion and concern washed over me. As a firefighter, my gear was an essential part of my identity and safety.
I peeked beneath the quilt. I was wearing an oversized t-shirt over my panties. And I was clean, my skin free of the fire's residue. The realization hit me that Emmett had gone out of his way to gently clean off the soot while I was out cold, and I was overcome with a mix of emotions. Even my hair was clean. Jeez, I must’ve been completely out of it.
I looked up as the subject of my thoughts entered the living room with a glass of water, his dark brown eyes filled with concern. He was back in human form, freshly showered, judging by his damp hair. The t-shirt and jeans he wore clung to his muscular form.
“Easy there, Wildflower,” he rumbled. “You inhaled a lot of smoke. Just rest.”
“Where's my gear?” I asked, my voice hoarse.
Emmett gestured to a large, sealed bag in the corner of the room. “I had to remove it. But don't worry, it's safe and secure.”
Relief washed over me as I nodded in understanding. I knew the dangers of my gear all too well. After being in a fire, it was highly toxic and potentially carcinogenic.
“Thank you,” I croaked, my throat raw and parched.
Emmett handed me the glass of water and I drank thirstily. The cool liquid was a balm for my sore throat. Downing the glass, I stared at him, my brain struggling to reconcile the man before me with the bear who'd saved my life.
“Emmett,” I whispered. “What…? How…?” I had so many questions that it was difficult to vocalize them all.
Emmett's brows drew together and he looked away, his jaw working. “The fire's out,” he said gruffly. “It was a close call, but we got it contained. You were incredible out there. I’ve cleaned and bandaged your leg. It’s not broken, but you have some minor burns and some bruising.”
Despite his protests, I shook my head, pushing myself onto my elbows. I met his intense gaze steadily, a million questions swirling in my mind. “You have some explaining to do.”
A muscle ticked in Emmett's cheek. He was silent for a long moment, gaze fixed on the quilt. Then, with a heavy sigh, he met my eyes. He stood and turned to grab the wooden chair by the window.
“You’re hurt!” I gasped, seeing the long, open gash on the back of his shoulder.
Emmett twisted his head to look, his expression unconcerned. “It’s fine. Doesn’t hurt. And it will heal quickly.”
Standing on wobbly legs, I moved toward him, favoring my uninjured leg. I lifted my hand, touching the area and inspecting the wound. “Where’s the first aid kit? I need to clean and dress it so it doesn’t get infected.”
“It won’t get infected,” Emmett said confidently.
I opened my mouth to disagree when a shimmer beneath his skin caught my eye. “What’s that?”
He tensed. “What’s what?”
“You have another layer beneath your skin.” I peered closer. “It sparkles like thousands of crushed diamonds.”
“I don’t know what it is,” he admitted. “We all have it. It’s only visible if we’re injured, and we’ve always assumed it’s what helps us heal so quickly.”
“You all have it? You mean you and your family?” Shaking my head, I tried to fit all the pieces together. I lifted my eyes to his. “What’s going on, Emmett? You need to tell me everything.”
“You’re right,” he mumbled. I need to tell you what you saw out there—about what I am.”
I nodded, my heart suddenly hammering against my ribs.
Emmett led me back to the bed and waited until I was settled before grabbing the chair and straddling it. He fixed me with those blazing hazel eyes, the same ones I’d recognized on his bear. “What do you know about bear shifters, Amber?”
I blinked, taken aback. “Bear shifters? You mean, like… werewolves?”
He let out a low chuckle. “Not werewolves, no. But the principle is the same. We have the ability to transform into bears.”
