Dallas Fire & RescueHis Burning Desire

by Valerie Twombly

“You’re welcome, darlin’ and I don’t believe you have a rude bone in your body.” There was that smile again.

  Kate waggled her fingers. “Tootles.” Then drifted into a sea of people. Jenna made a mental note to pay her back later.

  “Hi, Derrick.” Jenna rubbed her sweaty palms on her jeans, suddenly aware of the low cut top she wore. What the hell was I thinking? His gaze remained that of a gentleman. On her eyes.

  “Evenin’, Jenna.” He straddled the saddle, his tight jeans revealing muscled thighs. Being a firefighter, he was in great shape. The tight black tee that stretched across his broad chest was proof of it. Women across the bar eyed him with a “take me home and fuck the hell out of me” look. The black hat didn’t help matters either. Nor did his baby-blues that sparkled in contrast to his short, raven hair and three-day scruff. If you looked up rugged cowboy, you’d find his picture.

  “You on call tonight?” he asked, pulling her from her daze.

  “I’m always on call, I thought you knew that.” Her special gifts didn’t save her from being pulled away from a good time or out of a deep slumber. “I don’t mind though, and one drink won’t hurt.” Her dragon DNA would process alcohol in minutes. Kind of a drag, but she’d known nothing else.

  “You are a special one, Jenna.” He smiled again.

  Her cheeks heated. “It’s always good when the phone doesn’t ring. Means I’m not needed. I like not being needed.”

  “Oh, everyone likes to be needed in one way or another.” His slight, southern twang made her toes curl. Couple that with a grin that would melt the panties off any woman, and she wanted to run. Far away. Right back into the arms of the man who still held her heart no matter how hard she tried to forget him.

  She shifted. “I suppose.”

  He swigged his beer and swallowed, wiping the back of his hand across his mouth. “I can’t believe shifters are any different.”

  She averted her gaze to the rim of her glass. “I’m not a shifter. I’m a halfling. My father is a dragon and my mother human.”

  “I see. I’m curious then, if a dragon lives for thousands of years, isn’t it rather heartbreaking to lose those they love? They do love, right?”

  “Of course we do. My mother and father love each other very much. It’s a bond unlike any other. When they mated, my mother took some of my father’s power, which also extends her life. At least for as long as he lives.”

  Derrick rubbed his jaw. “Wow, that’s pretty cool. So tell me, if you mate with a dragon, will you gain more power? How long does a halfling live?”

  Jenna shook her head. “You’re just full of questions, aren’t you?” She swore if the room was brighter, she would’ve seen him blushing.

  “Sorry, I guess that is kinda rude of me. I certainly didn’t mean to be nosy.” He looked away, picked up his beer, and took another swig.

  “Hey, I didn’t mean it that way.” She glanced down at the floor then back up at him. “I tend to keep to myself and forget that people are curious.” A fast-paced song pounded a beat out over the speakers, and she had the sudden urge to dance. “Do you like to dance?”

  His eyes lit up and that sexy grin returned. “You bet.” They both pushed off their saddles at the same time, feet hitting the floor, and he extended his hand. As soon as she placed her palm in his, butterflies bounced in her stomach.

  Her phone went off.

  “Damm it, that’s the station calling.”

  ****

  Connor stared out the window of the private jet as he settled into the leather seat. Nothing much to see, except darkness. The weather from northern Minnesota to Dallas was expected to be calm. He grunted then stared at the folder on the table next to him. The red file contained all the information Dallas authorities had on the arsons.

  The first fire started in the basement of an abandoned building. The only reason investigators knew it was arson was the accelerant used. If whoever started the fire had not used gasoline, they might have gotten away with it. The building, occupied only by the homeless, was full of garbage. Mattresses, torn up couches, blankets, and clothing along with trash littered the place, especially the basement. It was obvious whoever had done this had been seeking a thrill. The “high,” firefighters called it. Fortunately, no one had been seriously injured or killed.

  The second had been identical to the first. Again, another abandoned building within the city. This, too, had started in the basement. Gasoline seemed to be the favored accelerant. Unfortunately, this had been a four-story building, which stood in an older industrial neighborhood where several other structures were no longer being used. The ones that were still occupied had been closed down for the night. There had been no one around to call 9-1-1 for help. It was only when a resident a few miles away spotted the black smoke, that someone made the call. By the time firefighters arrived on the scene, there hadn’t been much left. Authorities suspected it was started by the same person. However, they couldn’t rule out a copycat.

  The third fire had started in the stairs but this time in a small apartment building. Two floors, with ten apartments total. An elderly couple and their cat had died from the smoke. Authorities now believed they had not only a murderer, but a serious arsonist on their hands.

  The fourth, and so far the last fire had been slightly different. In their usual MO, the fire was started in the basement. This time the arsonist targeted a single-family home in a neighborhood where houses stood within feet of each other. Not only had he or she decided to break in and burn down a family’s house, they wanted to see the whole neighborhood go up. A trail of gasoline had gone from the starting point to the house next door, where the assailant had doused the bushes that nestled up to the siding. Another trail led across the small backyard to the house in the back. It appeared the son of a bitch was playing connect the dots. However, they had stopped there. Whether it was because they ran out of fuel or feared getting caught, it was uncertain. No one had seen a thing.

  Connor rubbed his temples as the pilot announced they were beginning their descent for landing. They should be in Dallas in about twenty minutes. From there, he’d take a car straight to Station 58 where he was supposed to meet with the captain and a local detective. He closed the folder, shoved it into his bag, and did a quick check of his email before logging off. As he went to shut down his laptop, he took a second to look at the last photo he’d taken of Jenna before she ran off. Hazel eyes haunted him as they stared back, and he wondered what he’d done that had caused her to leave. A glutton for misery, he reached into the black leather bag and pulled out a worn envelope. The one that contained her last words. Unfolding the paper, he read what he already knew by heart.

  Connor,

  I’m so sorry to let you down. I realize a letter is so impersonal, but it is better this way. I’m leaving. Please don’t try and find me. My parents won’t even know where I am, only that I’m safe. I need to start a new life, one that doesn’t include us being together. It’s nothing you did, it’s me and always has been. You’ve been great, but you deserve better than me.

  Break the bond and find someone who makes you happy.

  Regards,

  Jenna

  Apparently, she failed to realize that she had been the one to make him happy. Had he scared her off somehow? As he’d done every day since she’d left, he retraced their last night together, a little more than a year ago now. He’d invited her for dinner at his place and cooked her favorite. Steak, medium-rare with baked potato and green beans fresh from the garden. For dessert, chocolate ice cream with strawberries. She’d eaten every bite.

  Later, they’d sat on the back deck in a swing he’d built the summer before, holding hands, and watched the sun set. As the sky lit with vibrant colors of pink and orange, he’d gotten down on one knee and proposed. Even though they had already started a bond when she was but a babe, he wanted to make things official. He wanted to cater to her human side by presenting her with a three-karat diamond. Promised to buy her any wedd
ing dress she wanted and they could have a ceremony with all the human frills on the date of her choosing. He only asked that they complete the bonding ritual of the dragon shortly after.

  Her hesitation should have been a dead giveaway something was amiss, but when he’d asked, she denied anything was wrong. The next evening, her parents had come to him with the note and the ring. They swore they had no idea where she’d gone and thought she just needed some time to think. He reluctantly agreed. That had been a year ago. Jenna would have recently celebrated her three hundredth birthday, and he had missed it.

  City lights came into view as they approached the airport. He buckled his seatbelt and prepared for landing, his thoughts still on Jenna. He needed to push that female to the recesses of his mind, so he could track the arsonist and get the hell out of Dallas. City life had never been something he liked. Open skies, clean air, and forested land was where he was most comfortable. There was another reason for wanting to close up this case and be on his way. He was going to search for his mate. It was past time for answers as to why she left.

  The plane came to a halt, and as soon as the door opened, he descended the stairs. Air so thick and hot, wrapped around him and squeezed. It reminded him of the fire he’d just fought. He’d never been to Dallas but already he hated it.

  He strode across the private runway, heading for the pickup truck that sat near the hangar. He would have much preferred a Harley, but this was more suited to the business at hand. Perhaps later, he’d have time to grab a bike and go for a ride. He pulled open the door, tossed his bag across the seat, and climbed in. Searing heat crawled down his spine, curled around his torso, and made a beeline for his balls.

  “Damn.” Apparently, the heat was also affecting the Kamirth because he had a sudden urge to fuck. He might have to check out one of the local clubs and find him a willing female. At this point, he could still sleep with a human and gain a little relief. However, later he would require one of his own.

  Chapter Three

  Jenna stepped outside the club and pulled out her phone to read the text message. Derrick slipped up behind her.

  “What’s going on?” Concern laced his voice.

  She quickly read the text. “There’s an accident not far from here. I’ve got to go.” She looked around and realized driving was out of the question, since it would take her longer to get there than it would on foot. Plus, Kate had driven and had the keys. “Shit.” She muttered under her breath, regretting she was unable to shift. She quickly pulled off the high heels she wore and shoved them at Derrick. “Here, hold on to these.” Before he could respond, she took off at a high-speed sprint down the sidewalk.

  “Wait!” Derrick yelled, but Jenna was already too far away to hear anything else he shouted. Maybe she couldn’t shift, but she could run faster than any ordinary human. She only hoped it was fast enough.

  Four blocks later, she spotted the flashing red lights as she closed in on them. By her calculations, she should only be about a block away. Reaching deep inside for an extra burst of speed, she pushed forward and ignored the growing blisters on the bottoms of her feet. They would heal after a good soak. As she rounded the corner, she finally spotted the carnage. Twisted metal that was now unrecognizable filled the street. Police, firefighters, and paramedics hustled through the scene, and she wasn’t sure which way to go.

  “Over here,” someone yelled, and she headed in the direction of the voice she recognized as belonging to Trent, a fellow paramedic.

  She dropped to her knees beside him and peered inside the wreckage. The lights, setup to help rescuers see their grisly work, revealed way too much blood. The woman was pinned. Twisted metal stuck into her chest, and it was hard to tell if it went straight through or not. She reached between a small opening of glass and metal and touched the woman whose eyes flitted open. Jenna saw death lingering in them before she even began her scan.

  “S-save my baby.” Her chest rattled.

  “She’s not going to make it. We have others who need our help, but she keeps talking about her baby. We’ve searched but can’t find anyone,” Trent said.

  It was at that moment Jenna sensed a small flutter. She probed deeper, her gift allowing her to see inside the woman’s body. “Damn. She’s eight months pregnant. You can’t tell with all the wreckage blocking her belly.”

  “We need to get her out. Can you hold both of them?” Trent didn’t wait for a reply. He jumped to his feet and began yelling commands to those nearby.

  Jenna shoved her ability into high gear and scanned the mother’s internal organs. She was pinned at the chest, but her stomach had somehow been protected. The baby grew weaker by the minute, and mom had lost a lot of blood. Jenna closed her eyes. “You need to hurry, Trent.” Sustaining more than one life would drain her fast. Once again, she cursed under her breath and wished she’d been born a full dragon.

  A faint heartbeat drummed in her ears. She summoned every ounce of power available to her and wrapped invisible fingers around both the mother and child. Their life forces held to her, taking from her own. Jenna had to shove back anger and disappointment in herself. If she could have shifted, she would’ve made it here faster. Seconds might have made a difference in helping the mother.

  “It’s a girl,” she whispered as someone dropped in next to her. She opened her eyes. “Derrick. I wasn’t expecting you.”

  He studied her. “You look pale. Trent went to see if anyone else needed help”

  She forced a smile. Just like him to be concerned about her welfare. “Tell them to hurry.” She felt herself sway, and the drone of machinery rang faintly in her ears.

  “Jesus, Jenna. You don’t look well.” He touched her arm. “You’re burning up. What’s going on?”

  “I-I don’t have enough power to keep them both alive. The mother is draining me, and my body is overheating. I can’t hold onto her much longer. If I lose consciousness, I’ll lose the baby too.”

  “Then you have to let the mom go. We can’t help her, but her daughter stands a chance.” His hands cupped each side of her face. “Do you hear me, Jenna? Let her go.”

  Tears blurred her vision further as she let the woman’s life force slip away. The sound of shredding metal stopped and yelling ensued.

  The mother’s heart stopped.

  “Jenna, they have her free. You’re going to have to stand up. Let me help.” Derrick put his arm around her waist, and she slumped into him.

  “Okay but I can’t break contact or I lose the baby.”

  How they managed, she had no idea since everything was a blur, but they’d gotten the woman free and onto a stretcher. It appeared the rescuers had cut the chunk that had impaled the woman as close to her body as they dared. Jenna walked alongside with Derrick’s assistance as the paramedics wheeled the victim toward the ambulance. Once inside, they wasted no time in heading to the nearest hospital. The paramedic across from her in the ambulance called in to announce they were coming and to relay the details of the accident. A team would be standing by waiting to perform a cesarean section and offer life support to the baby if necessary. Jenna would have no choice but to keep hold of the infant’s life force, until the doctors were able to remove the baby from the mother’s womb. She was now this child's only link to survival.

  As the ambulance made its way across the city, she could feel Trent’s gaze on her. “How’s the baby doing?”

  “She’s hanging in there.”

  “I don’t know how you do it, but I’m glad you’re here.” He slapped a cuff on her arm to check her blood pressure. “Will it help if I give you an IV?”

  “No.” She finally lifted her gaze to meet his, feeling as tired as she imagined she looked. “I didn’t make it in time, and now this little girl will have to grow up without her mother.”

  His gaze softened. “We can’t save everyone and you know that.”

  Her jaw tensed. “If I could’ve shifted, I would’ve made it.”

  “You saw her insides.
Tell me she could have been saved.”

  He was right. The steel had punctured both lungs and nicked the heart. By all rights, she should have been dead when Jenna arrived. Sheer determination of a mother had kept her breathing. Her thoughts moved back to Connor. He was a powerful dragon and had she mated him, she may have been able to save the woman. The thought only worsened her guilt. She should have stayed and faced whatever challenges came her way. Instead, she ran from the man she loved.

  “What about the others? Any survivors?” She closed her eyes again and focused on the baby. The little girl was a fighter.

  “The semi driver had minor injuries as far as we could tell. I think he’ll be okay.” At that moment, the ambulance stopped and the back doors swung open. A nurse issued orders as the driver came around and assisted Trent in getting the stretcher out and rolling through the emergency room. They were directed behind a curtain where a team was standing by ready to go.

  A doctor tied his mask. “You have been keeping the baby alive?”

  Jenna nodded. “She has a steady heartbeat.” She moved her hand along the woman’s side and down her leg until she was touching the ankle.

  “We need you to gown up,” said a nurse next to her, holding out a gown. Jenna quickly shoved her arm into the hole then switched hands. By the time they had a mask on her, the doctor had already started making his incision.

  “I’ll need to know before you cut the cord,” she blurted out. The team all looked at her with questioning eyes. “I’m sharing my life force with her, using the umbilical cord. An abrupt break might hurt us both.”

  What felt like minutes ticked by until the infant was lifted from the protection of the womb. The last connection the little girl would ever have with her mother ended, and Jenna experienced a rush of sadness. A nurse suctioned the baby’s nose and mouth, and the room filled with relief as she let out her first cry. This time, Jenna let her tears fall. Miracles really did happen. She lifted her hand from the mother’s leg, disconnecting herself from the baby.