Page 2 of Blood and Embers
One of them rushed forward and took Anton from his arms while another took hold of Pike’s arm and started guiding him out of the building. “Come with me, you need to get out of here." The man yelled and held onto Pike, refusing to take no for an answer. Rather than making things difficult, Pike did as he was told. The CFD had things under control, and he would be more help outside, assisting with the injured.
The fireman deposited him outside and, before turning away, graced Pike with a smile that lit up his whole face. “We’ll have this under control in no time. Don’t worry.” He said and squeezed Pike’s hand.
“Thank you.” Pike watched him rush back into the blaze and destruction. An urge to follow was strong, but this was their scene now, and he had to play by the rules. The fireman remained in his thoughts, though with his solid build, take-charge attitude, and that smile.
If it weren’t for the fucking place burning down around them, Pike would have liked to have learned more about the man. Maybe later, maybe never. He pushed the thoughts away and got busy helping where he could. Master Rose was front and center, dealing with the fallout.
By morning, the fire had been extinguished, and all the injured had been treated and taken to the hospital. Thankfully,no one was killed, but that was largely due to luck and the swift action of the CFD. He was standing near Master Rose and Drakon when the Fire Chief came over to talk with them. What he heard was disturbing, and the facts of the fire made it clear that the Rose Coven was under attack.
The area was taped off, and the cops showed up, but this was something that would be handled within the paranormal world. It was unlikely the cops would find those responsible for the destruction, and after a while, the case would be set aside, and that was alright. The Coven would quietly take their revenge on the perpetrators.
The fire had been started by deliberate gasoline bombs thrown in through the front doors. It didn't take a genius to figure out who was responsible. The Master sent Drakon in search of the Bagwell Pack.
Master Rose listened to the Chief respectfully and cooperated with the cops, but behind the scenes, he was already taking care of business in his own special way. He sent Pike to the front entrance to search out leads.
He approached the front doors, or rather, where the front doors used to be, and looked for scents, primarily something that would tell him who was specifically responsible. The firefighter who had escorted him to safety, the one with that beautiful smile, came up to stand beside him.
“Lieutenant Scott Jones.” He said and stuck out his hand, and there was that smile again. It did something to him, a warmth and excitement rushed through him, and it was nice. Pike took hold of his hand and returned the smile. His handshake was firm and friendly, as it should be.
“Pike Santoro, bartender.” Pike introduced himself.
“Sorry about your club, but most of the damage was centered near the front doors; the rest of the building is still sound." He was giving them hope, and Pike appreciated his intention.
“Mr. Rose will have the place back on its feet soon enough, I’m sure.” The small talk was easy and surprisingly refreshing after such an evening.
Pike turned to look at him, directly pulling his attention away from the burned-out entrance. "Thank you for getting me out of there and for all your work putting this thing out." He told him, feeling the need to show gratitude.
This group of guys showed up, and very shortly after, the fire was out, and the injured were treated and transported. Most impressive of all was that they did it without expectation of thanks or praise.
“You’re welcome.” He answered, and it wasn't a shallow, ‘it’s just my job’ answer, so again, refreshing. Pike realized that the longer he spent with Lieutenant Scott Jones, the more he liked him.
"So, it appears that the Blood Rose has enemies," Scott commented.
"It would appear so," Pike responded, and then added. "Mr. Rose will handle it."
“I don’t doubt that to be true after seeing him and his men in action. I believe he is well able to handle most things." Scott was fishing, but very politely.
“He takes care of his own.”
"As it should be." Scott placed his hand on Pike's upper arm, a simple and friendly gesture, but like the handshake before, it was oddly stirring and felt important. "Here, take this.”He said and handed Pike a business card with his name and personal number on the back.
Pike pulled out his phone and dialed the number. "Now you have mine." He said casually, but there was definitely something in the air. Something was existing and growing between them, and Pike was more than happy to see what it might be.
They stood there silently staring at one another for a few seconds, and then someone called to Scott, and the moment was broken. "Call me." He said and then ran to the large engine and jumped on as it was pulling away.
CHAPTER TWO
Scott watched the tall, dark stranger stand there with his strength and resolve on full display. There was something about Pike that he found fiercely attractive, and not least of all his rugged yet polished good looks. Pike, with his darkly handsome face and body so tall and solid, was clearly much more than a bartender, regardless of what he claimed. His aura spoke of a strength and a control that was trained like that of a soldier.
"Are you hoping he calls?" Andrew, a friend and fellow firefighter, asked with a grin. "I've never seen you so interested before, especially not at a scene.” He laughed again.
“He’s interesting." Scott shot back. "He says that he's a bartender, and yet he was handling that disaster like a pro, not a moment of fear or confusion. I’d say he’s used to trouble, and he’s used to cleaning up.”
“You found your soul mate, friend.” That statement struck Scott as soberingly significant. He’d dated a lot, but it was always surface, nothing deep or heartfelt. It worked for him, and he chose guys who were looking for the same, just brief and physical. But this man, Pike, presented something different from the moment he laid eyes on the gorgeous man. He felt somethingstir in his heart and in his core. It was like waking up or suddenly coming to life. It was important, and he wanted to find out what it was.
“Are you familiar with any of the people from the Blood Rose?” Scott asked him as they made their way back to the station.
“Not really, I've been there a few times, but unfortunately, I struck out every time." He laughed at himself. "I do know that everyone who works there is literally drop-dead gorgeous. It must be a prerequisite for hire."
