Page 164 of Knotting the Firefighters
And we're off.
Bickering commences on schedule.
Everything is proceeding as expected.
I leave them to their verbal warfare, laughing with Hazel in tow as we escape toward the kitchen and relative peace that comes from removing ourselves from Alpha territorial displays.
This is my life now.
Managing pack dynamics, mediating conflicts, and hosting impromptu dinners with rival emergency services.
Somehow, this feels more right than anything has in years.
Even the chaos.
Especially the chaos.
MORNING REVELATIONS
~WENDOLYN~
The morning air carries October crispness that makes each breath feel cleansing—cool enough to invigorate without being uncomfortable, perfect conditions for the run I'd convinced myself I needed despite my body's protests about recent overexertion.
Physical activity as therapy.
Classic avoidance mechanism disguised as health-conscious behavior.
Officer Hazel Martinez maintainsasteady pace beside me, her breathing controlled despite the incline we're navigating. She'd suggested this trail during last night's dinner—a scenic route that winds through Montana wilderness while remaining accessible enough for varying fitness levels.
Accessible being a relative term.
This is significantly more challenging than anticipated.
Dr. Sylvie Winters struggles noticeably behind us—her shorter stride and less regular exercise routine evident in labored breathing and slightly panicked expression. Hazel had invited her spontaneously, extending an offer during a casual conversation that somehow evolved into an impromptu Omega bonding activity.
Three Omegas.
Running together.
Without Alpha supervision or permission.
Revolutionary concept, apparently.
I slow my pace, falling back to match Sylvie's struggling rhythm rather than leaving her behind. Hazel notices immediately, adjusting her speed with practiced ease of someone accustomed to group dynamics.
"Break?" I suggest diplomatically, not wanting to embarrass Sylvie by pointing out she's clearly dying.
"Please," Sylvie gasps, gratitude evident despite breathlessness. "Medical professionals are notoriously terrible at following our own health advice. I prescribe exercise constantly while personally avoiding it whenever possible."
Relatable.
Extremely relatable.
We locate a fallen log that provides adequate seating, settling with collective sighs of relief at respite from physical exertion. The view from this elevation is spectacular—valley spreading below us, Sweetwater Falls visible in the distance, mountain ranges creating a dramatic backdrop that justifies Montana's reputation for natural beauty.
Worth the cardiovascular suffering.
Barely.
