Chapter 9
Using every ounce of her substantial strength, Jewel pawed through bricks and lumber, tossing them to the side.
“Help me,” she called to one man, but he wandered off in shock, stumbling toward fresh air and safety.
“Ma’am, you’ve got to come outside.”
Not comprehending, she looked up. A man in a yellow firefighter uniform reached for her arm to help her up.
She bared her teeth in a wolf’s snarl.
“I need some help with this one,” the fireman called, not taking his gaze from her.
“You don’t understand. I think someone’s buried under here.” Resuming her digging, she glanced back up. “Please, please help me. We’ve got to get him out.”
Dragging a soot-blackened hand across his mouth, he shook his head. “If anyone’s under there, it’s doubtful he’s alive.”
With all the fierceness of a she-wolf protecting her mate, she glared him down. “You don’t know that. You can’t know for certain until we find him. Last time I heard, you have a duty to save lives. Either help me, or get out of my way.”
After another second of hesitation, he began pulling at the rubble with her. Soon, two more firefighters joined them.
“There he is,” she cried. “I’ve found his leg.”
Not caring who saw, she continued using every bit of her extra strength, tossing bricks and boards and pieces of shingles. A moment later, they had his torso freed, then his arms, and lastly, his head.
“Is he…”
Gently, the first firefighter pushed her aside. “This is my job, ma’am. I’m a trained paramedic. Let me check him.”
Keeping a grip on Colton’s hand, she moved aside. “He’s breathing.”
“Pulse is steady. I don’t see any blood, or any visible external injuries.”
“Maybe he was knocked unconscious by debris.”
They ignored her.
“We need a stretcher and an IV. This one’s going to Athens.”
The other two men sprinted off.
“Athens?” Jewel continued to massage Colton’s tanned fingers. “To the hospital there?”
“Exactly.” The firefighter met her gaze. “Now, if you want to help your friend, you need to stay out of our way, understand?”
She nodded, releasing Colton’s hand.
“His vitals look good.” He winked at her. “I’m hoping it’s only a concussion, nothing really serious. But we won’t know until we have him thoroughly checked out, okay?”
She bit her lip. “I understand.”
The other two men returned with a stretcher. Gently, carefully, they loaded Colton on it and carried him away. Jewel followed.
“Wait.” A medic blocked her way. “Are you family?”
“No, I’m…” She bit her lip. “I’m a good friend.”
“Then you can’t ride in the ambulance. If you want to check on him, you can meet us at East Texas Medical Center, 2000 South Palestine.” Closing the double doors, he went around to the driver’s side, started the engine and sped off, lights flashing.
