The Tormented

Part 43

Desmond's wolf was relentlessly galloping down the mountain and I could feel the same urgency as he pushed through the forest. His muscles were tense jumping over fallen trees and boilers but not once did he miss the landing. I pushed my thighs tighter around his ribs feeling the exhaust of his heavy breathing. I drew in a deep breath as the view of the city disappeared behind the trees as we made it to the root of the mountain.

I took a glance over my shoulder and saw the ruby glow above the peak as a warning. Keep it together, B. The wolf dashed out of the woods and was now rummaging on the streets that were now filled with panicked people and wolves. Shouting, crying and howling filled the air with the distress that was now present in everyone's minds. The rising sun peeked behind the mountain mirroring the crimson that was the looming colour of the fire.

The wolf's paws drummed the pavement as it kept zig zagging us through the rushing crowd. It was panting madly with the tongue hanging out. If the situation hadn't been so catastrophic I would have been enjoying riding the massive wolf as It reminded me of the time with Auryn. Another sting in my chest had me narrowing my eyes the closer we got to our destination. I was still feeling the rush of adrenaline and breathing rapidly when Desmond brought his wolf to a stop in front of the Alpha residence.

Without missing a beat he was already shifted and running into the large manor. Hurried footsteps, orders being shouted and rushing bodies occupied the house in a chaotic flurry. I had followed Desmond not sure what to do, wondering how I could be useful in a situation like this. He had disappeared into the crowd of tough looking people I could only assume were the warriors of the pack. I walked amongst the people in various states of undress as they shifted in and out of their wolves hurrying to their tasks.

"The breach has to wait. Evacuation is our top priority." I heard a loud booming voice somewhere in the middle of the packed room. I tensed as the authoritativeness resonated on my skin and had me pinned to the spot. Holding on to the door frame I held my breath unsure of my role in all this. The voice carried on with orders and information about how the city was going to react to the approaching threat. Breathe. "Dispatch every water tank and fire truck that we have available to the south rim. Help extract the people from their houses and move them further into the city."

"Yes, Alpha!" Few wolves pushed past the crowd and headed to the door to carry out the order.

"I will issue an open doors policy taking in any and all refugees, even rogues, needing asylum till the fire has been contained and the damages repaired, effective immediately."

"As you wish, Alpha." I watched as a few more of them flew past me without giving me a second glance. Finding myself clinging to the wood, I steadied myself as I felt my adrenaline crashing. I was still a nervous wreck but now was not the time to freak out. Focusing on the scent that lingered in the room I was unsure if it was the wildfire that was drawing near and filling the air with its smoky scent or something else.

"Schools should act as secondary assembly halls for the injured as I suspect the hospital will be full before this is over. Have anybody able with nursing skills and capable of treating victims sent there along with anything they need." More people had shifted into wolves and the room was starting to clear the more orders were given out with more than one voice. I saw the old Alpha Dominic behind a large desk counting down his fingers. "Temporary bedding, gaws, disinfectant, pain medication, the sorts."

"Right away, Alpha!" More people rushed out of the room clearing the view for my eyes to land on the one person I hoped and dreaded to see. Auryn. Before I could stop myself, I breathed out his name like a whisper which he could hear as his eyes locked onto mine instantly. I felt my lip quiver as I didn't know if I was relieved or annoyed seeing him. His darkened and serious expression softened instantly and I saw him exhale a sigh of- Of what? There was something about Auryn I could not never understand. He was always unpredictable and unreadable. Never revealing his true emotions which only fueled my suspicions and mistrust.