The next 30 minutes I just go on autopilot.

Every step mentioned in the contingency plan is followed.

Everyone is escorted safely to the front yard.

Staff headcount is accurate.

911 is called and the fire is finally put out.

As the smoke dies down we see paramedics help a few of the staff who were coughing and I see Alpha Carmine pacing around agitatedly.

"Is everyone safe?" he asks gruffly trying to cough out the smoke in his lungs.

"According to today's staff attendance every head is counted for and minimal casualty to life has been reported. However property damage is yet to be assessed, sir."

"Were there any visitors?"

"No sir. It was staff lunch time." Also, I checked every room I could in the two minutes I had. I'm pretty sure I got everyone.

"What about your dad and the Froniuses?"

"I haven't seen them yet. I believe they have not arrived yet sir." And boy, how fortunate they are!

"That can't be right. I met your father in the Men's Room right before the fire went off."

Oh no. This is bad. This is so bad.

I dash inside without a second thought. A fireman tries to stop me. I clutch his arms without caring that he winced in pain.

"Where did the fire start?" I ask desperately, trying not to let my mind be clouded by the dark thoughts it's threatening to give way to.

"T-third room in the basement. T-the investigators suspect a-arson." he squeaks out cowering. 

The stairs are black with soot. When I had checked all the other ways in the house everyone had already made out as I led them away from where I thought the source might be....which would mean...

Wes is muttering some latin words trying to calm herself down, as I scold her and my legs for not moving fast enough. The door is blacked with soot and the pathetic thing just falls away with a push.

The sight in front of me will always haunt me.

My legs just snapped like a rubber band. My knees suddenly feel foreign to me. Something pierced through my core like the devil's pitchfork. Unable to breathe I shut my eyes hoping that the darkness can somehow change what I am seeing.

*******

"Time of death- 2:30"

"Bodies identified by kin as Mr. Julius Ron Tremellius and Dr. Samuel Rick Fronius."

"Primary cause of death- fourth degree burns."

The medics and fire investigators are talking to Alpha Carmine. Al and Sia are embracing in tears. My mother is in tears the middle of a crowd where Al's mom and the Alpha Female are also present. The people gathered are in tears, having lost both their Gamma and their Beta in a single afternoon.

I feel numb. I didn't shed a tear. I am wrapped in the shock blanket as I eye the corpses.

'That will be me one day.'

Wes is grieving and retreats to the back of my mind.

I'm sitting in the back of an ambulance where the nurse checks my vitals. After she is done I thank her and head over to Alpha Carmine.

He is announcing a week-long leave for the staff to pay respect to the victims.

"Anatolia! Come here. I need to talk to you. I'm really sorry for your loss. I give you my word that we will find the arson and give him a taste of our justice. I'll tell Michael that we'll join him for the investigation." Michael Burns is the Head detective in our area and also a werewolf Delta.

"Sir. I believe that will not be necessary, I have a clue on whose work it might be and I will take care of the problem without any help. I came to ask about tomorrow's evaluation. Are you planning to cancel it?"

"Lia, You have obviously been shaken up from the incident, you don't know what you are talking about. You can come back to work..."

"What did you say?" I said my voice dangerously low.

"You are not competent emotionally or mentall-"

I grab his collar. "You might be my Alpha but never disrespect me like that again." I snarled.

"Unhand me, Tremellius." He stiffens up like a statue and Alpha -commanded. I held long enough to show him that I didn't leave him because of the command. The air buzzed with hostility. I could hear his heart thudding.

"Violence is not the first resort. This only proves your immaturity. Do not forget your place, wolf." His eyes glittered with rage, his wolf making an appearance. My wolf is also almost in the front. My canines are also elongated and my fists ready to swing.

Al cut in suddenly.

"Alpha, are you coming to the hospital ?"

The air shifts now.

"Of course, I will notify of our next meeting via Text. All pack operations postponed until further notice." he said without meeting my eyes.

I just walked off and mounted my bike.

If I speed I will be able to go home before the meeting at the coffee shop.

Just then 4 wolves ambush me.

"Where do you think you are going?" Cam asks, quirking his eyebrows.

"Minding my own business. Something people should learn to do more often." I scowled.

"Come here, sweetie. I'm so sorry." Claire hugs me tightly.

Al, Sia, and Cam join in with tear stained eyes. I keep quiet and accept the comfort.

"Thanks guys, we have to..." I whisper. They shush me.

I added a sob or two. And counted to 10. I broke the hug and wiped my 'tears'.

"Lia, you are coming to the hospital , right?" Sia asks carefully. I just sigh.

"No, you guys go on ahead. I'm not ready for that, I need some alone time. I'll meet you back at the house for dinner." I whisper, not meeting their eyes.

"Sure take your time, sweetie." Claire smiles sadly, her eyes glossy with tears.

"Sure." Cam reassured at the same time.

"Okay. I'll tell Ma you'll be back by 8." Sia manages. The disaster still hasn't sunk in yet.

Al just pats me on the back.

Rushing out of there with desperation, straight to Mom's house; I race to the garage, straight to the gun cabinet.

I take what I need and run to my apartment.

The time has come to give up.

***********

sup humans !

 thank you for reading so far....

hope you enjoyed reading....

who do you think will she meet in the coffee shop? is it the same person who texted her?

wait till u find out i- 

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we override this transmission to remind you to be safe in this perilous times, wear a mask, wash your hands, together we ca-

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