Page 112 of Knot What I Expected

I don't know either. But I know one thing. I'm putting this fucking fire out.

Because this motherfucker doesn't get anywhere near her.

Not on my watch.

Chapter 12

Havoc

We win.

Barely.

By the time the worst of the active front is knocked down, my body feels like somebody took a sledgehammer to it.

We've got containment where we need it.

Local crews remain on mop-up, checking for hot spots, working smoldering roots and watching for anything that might flare again. The threat to Ember Hollow is over.

For now.

The second that reality sinks in, Monster has exactly one thought.

Gabby.

“Soon.”

Now.

“We smell like a fucking chimney.”

Need. Gabby. Now.

“Christ.”

The ride back to A-Feral feels like it takes six years. My shoulder throbs. My back burns.

Every bump in the road makes me want to rip the suspension out of the truck. Wreck looks like death. Justin isn't much better.

Nobody talks.

We don't have the energy. But as the winding road climbs toward our cabins, the tightness inside my chest gets worse.

Not better.

Because the closer I get to home, the more I need to see her. I haven't seen Gabriella in days. I need to know she's okay.

That's all.

Just check. See her. Make sure she’s fine. Maybe smell her.

Fuck.

Okay.

I definitely need to smell her.

Sick fuck.