The War

Chapter One

Emmett ran up to me, his brown eyes filled with relief, "are you insane? Why would you run into a burning building?"

He knelt beside me, and wrapped his muscular arms around me. I felt numb, Lynda was gone, our house was still a blazing inferno behind us, and I had no idea who would do something like this.

I started coughing again, but manage to pant out, "the one ... who took Lynda ... started the fire."

Emmett kisses my head, "I know baby. I can smell the damn vampire."

I didn't know I was crying until Emmett was wiping the tears away.

Looking up at him I say, "whoever that vamp is will regret what they did. I will make them regret being born."

Emmett seemed taken aback by my statement, and looked down. A confused expression crossed his face.

He tugged on the arm that was securely holding the items I saved to my chest, "what's this?"

I set them on the ground, "the last picture I have of Lynda and me with our parents, and our tarot cards. They are two of the things that Lynda treasures most."

He picks up the picture and smiles, "you look like your mom and Lynda looks like your dad."

I laugh, "yeah, I got mom's Irish looks while Lynda got dad's German looks."

I look at the picture, we were sitting on the couch in the living room, our arms around each other. Lynda and I were sitting in between our parents. I was by mom while she was by dad.

I smile, "I remember this day. It was my eighteenth birthday; I used my camera, had set it up on its tripod, and had a ten second timer set. When I take pictures, I'm serious about everything, so we were all laughing at how I was moving everyone around before pushing the shutter button." Shaking my head I say, "when I plopped down, I almost fell off the couch, but I caught myself and flung an arm around Lynda before the camera took the picture."

Emmett smiled, and a medic came up to us.

She looked at me, "are you the one that ran into the house?"

I nodded, and she led me to the ambulance to check me out. Emmett followed, carrying the picture and tarot cards, he stayed with me the entire time the medic was checking me out. I didn't have to be told I was okay, I knew it. So when the medic told me I was okay and only got out with minor burns, I wasn't surprised.

I smile at her, "thank you."

The medic smiled back, "you're welcome."

At this time the firefighters managed to put the fire out, but the house was gone.

I looked at Emmett, "looks like you get to introduce me to the pack tomorrow."

Emmett looked surprised, "are you sure?"

I nod, "I don't have anywhere else to go."

Emmett nodded, "oh, you left your phone in my truck yesterday."

I laugh, and Emmett hands me my phone, "thanks. I'm going to call Dianne and ask if we can crash at her place tonight."

Emmett wrapped an arm around my waist, as I called Dianne and explained the situation. She said Emmett and I were welcome as long as we didn't do anything.

I hung up, and I knew Emmett could hear our conversation, so I didn't tell him what he already knew.

A police officer came up, and talked for a little about what happened. I answered every question he answered, and left when he said we could go.

I took my picture and cards from Emmett and put them in my center console. Emmett climbed his truck and followed me to Dianne's house.

When we parked our trucks, Dianne came out and hugged me, her shoulder-length, curly, black hair in a messy ponytail. I hugged her back.

Dianne said, "I am so sorry. Where are you going to live now?"

I pull back, "I'm going to Oklahoma. Emmett has a house over there."

Dianne smiled, "alright sweetheart." She turned her burning green eyes on Emmett, "if you hurt her, I will chop your balls off."

I laugh, "you'll have to wait your turn. I'm first."

Emmett groans, "what is it with you country ladies and cutting off balls?"

I grin, "city slickers chicks are babies. Country girls have all the balls. Literally."

Dianne and I laugh at the joke as we make our way inside.

I turn to Dianne, "is it alright for Alpha and Luna to come in as well?"

Dianne nods, "absolutely. Alpha and Luna are absolute sweethearts."

I look back, "come on guys."

Alpha and Luna came into the house and Dianne pet them, before leading us to the kitchen and making some coffee.

Emmett and I sat in the bar stools she has while Alpha and Luna lay by our feet.

She set a cup in front of me, "here you are Rose."

I smile, "thanks Dianne. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Dianne smiled, sipping her own coffee, "simple, you'd be staying in a motel room."

I laugh, "true."

We sat there talking and laughing. I finish my cup, and yawn.

Dianne said, "you know, the dinner won't be the same without you."

I sigh, "I know, but that new girl has been complaining about not getting enough hours. Maybe now she'll complain about getting too many."

Dianne laughed, "don't get me started with her. She's so freaking whiny."

I nod, "yeah. I'm gonna go to sleep. We're planning on leaving out tomorrow."

Dianne nodded, "I'll show you to the guest room. It has an in suite bathroom, so if you need a shower you can take one." Dianne looks pointedly at Emmett, "and no funny business mister."

Emmett threw his hands up, "why am I automatically blamed for everything sexual?"

I laugh, "Dianne give him a break. I start most of the sexual activities, and there won't be any tonight, because I promised."

Dianne laughed and lead us to the bedroom. I thank her again and bid her goodnight.

I took my shoes off and collapse onto the bed, falling asleep almost immediately.