Page 63 of Wild Card

I shoot off a text that I’m outside and knock again.

Still nothing, not even a bark from Wolf.

Maybe she took him for a walk? That would mean she’s feeling better.

Hell, maybe she did truly take the day off?

But why wouldn’t she answer her phone?

Something doesn’t sit right, and I dial her number.

I hear the faint ringing, trailed by a barking in the distance.

Following the sound around the house, my reflexes go on alert when I see Willow’s back door open. Wolf runs back and forth, barking louder at the sight of me.

I jump the fence and catch him mid-air as he leaps. He’s still barking and blood covers his paw.

Adrenaline races through my system, years of training kicking in. There’s a gun in my truck, but taking the time to retrieve it is not an option.

We go through the door and I take in the room. A glass is shattered on the tile with bloody paw prints leading through the kitchen.

“Willow!”

There’s no answer, but Wolf cries when I carefully place him down to search the house. Nothing else seems out of place.

I spot her body crumpled in a ball on the floor.

“Willow!” I race to her, cradling her in my arms.

She doesn’t respond.

My chest seizes at the paleness of her skin and faintness of her pulse.

“Fuck, Willow..”

She’s burning up, the heat from her body seeping into me. Her small form begins to tremble, her lips part slightly, and a drop of blood trickles on her chin.

“Jesus, baby. What’s happened?”

Wolf whines, nudging my elbow.

“I’ve got her, buddy.” I stand, situating her to my chest, grateful for the little whimper that escapes.

When we get to my truck, Wolf is at my heels as I buckle her in. He looks at me anxiously.

“Up you go.” He lets me help him into the backseat.

I grab my phone and find the contact, peeling out of her driveway.

“Chase Richards,” he answers on the second ring.

“This is Talon. I have Willow in my truck unconscious and burning up with fever. Found her collapsed on the floor, non-responsive.”

“What the hell?” he interjects. “She said she had a bug.”

“It’s something a fuck of a lot more. Taking her to the emergency room.”

“Go to Vanderbilt. We have privileges. Dad and I will meet you there.”

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