Eight Lives, One Heart

Eight Lives, One Heart 11 ❤️

The next day, Alexis boards the plane to Texas, ready to help her cousin Owen Strand and his team. She'd heard about an emergency situation that required extra hands, and with all her experience, she knew she could be of assistance. As she arrives at the scene, her phone buzzes with a message from Owen, letting her know the team is preparing for a big operation.

She smiles to herself, knowing they don't know she's on her way. As she steps out of the vehicle and walks towards the area where the team is gathered, she hears voices. The team is busy with preparations when Alexis steps forward, calling out with a grin, "Did someone need a helping hand?"

Owen, who's focused on coordinating the team, looks up in surprise. His face softens when he sees his cousin standing there, ready to jump into action. "Alexis! What are you doing here?" he says, genuinely shocked but also relieved.

"I heard you needed some help," she says, her voice confident, as she looks at his team. "And I've got plenty of it to offer."

The team looks at each other, impressed by her confidence and readiness. Owen grins, clapping her on the shoulder. "We're lucky to have you, as always."

Tyler Kennedy Strand, excited to see Alexis, grins and says, "If it isn't my favorite cousin, the one who thinks she's a superhero!" He gives her a playful nudge. The two share a special bond, always teasing each other, but with a deep understanding of the tough work they do. Alexis, smiling back, shrugs and says, "Someone had to be the hero around here."Alexis steps forward with a determined look on her face, hands on her hips. "So, what are we waiting for? We have a fire to put out," she says, her voice full of energy and urgency.

Tyler grins, nodding with a look of approval. "That's what I like to hear!" he replies. "Alright, team, you heard her. Let's get moving."

The rest of the team—Owen Strand, Tyler's fellow firefighters, and a few other crew members—quickly assemble, checking their gear and preparing for the next move. Alexis, still ready for action, glances at Tyler, who's adjusting his helmet and glancing back at her.

"You sure you're ready for this?" he teases, knowing her background as a first responder.

"Always," Alexis responds confidently. "No time to waste. We've got people to save."

The team piles into the trucks, and as they speed toward the scene, Alexis feels the familiar rush of adrenaline course through her. She knows the importance of what's ahead, and the urgency only drives her more. When the sirens wail and the fire trucks race through the streets, she's focused—her determination mirroring the passion she brings to every job she has.

As they arrive at the scene, the smoke and chaos hit them hard, but Alexis is already in the zone. "Let's do this," she mutters to herself, knowing that when the stakes are high, the best thing to do is dive in and give it everything you've got.

Tyler walks alongside her as they approach the building. "Just remember, if you need backup, I've got your back," he says.

Alexis flashes him a quick smile. "I wouldn't have it any other way, cousin." Together, they push forward into the chaos, ready to face whatever comes next. Alexis made sure all the people were out of the building, but as she was about to leave, she heard the desperate barking of a dog trapped inside. Without thinking, she turned back toward the burning building.

"Tyler!" she called out, already rushing toward the door. "I'm going back in. There's a dog."

Her cousin shouted after her, but Alexis was already inside. The heat and smoke were intense, but she had a mission now. She couldn't leave the animal behind.