Page 181 of Knotting the Firefighters
A shadow falls across the doorway—Bear, his massive frame filling the frame.
"Hey, Captain Brood. Wendy's organizing a quick spar in the gym. Says you owe her a rematch from whatever elevator deal you struck." His grin is infectious, but I wave him off.
"Later. Inventory first." It's evasion, and he knows it, but he shrugs, leaving me to my solitude.
It feels like the rest of the day is going to drag on; my satisfaction only a haze of wonder as to whether I can enjoy such carefree attraction to the only woman who seems to light a flame in our pack.
Or dangerously to admit…him.
OBSERVATIONS AND INVITATIONS
~WENDOLYN~
The early morning air carries October crispness that makes each exhale visible—breath manifesting as small clouds that dissipate quickly in weak sunlight struggling to warm the training grounds.
Perfect running weather.
Cool enough to prevent overheating.
Warm enough to avoid hypothermia.
Montana autumn at its finest.
The rookies maintain formation beside me—Dax, Rook, and Flynn keeping pace with varying degrees of success, their breathing patterns revealing fitness levels and cardiovascular endurance. We've been running the station's perimeter track for approximately thirty minutes, completing a circuit that tests both physical stamina and mental determination.
Building crew cohesion.
Physical training doubles as team bonding.
Classic fire service methodology.
Blaze runs enthusiastic circles around our formation—puppy energy at full capacity despite the early hour, tongue lolling with pure joy at being included in physical activity. His coordinationhas improved dramatically since arrival, growing into paws that initially seemed too large for his body.
He's going to be massive.
Already showing signs of Newfoundland heritage.
Going to rival Bear for sheer physical presence.
The kittens—Ember, Ash, Cinder, and Spark—occupy Bear's lap on the sidelines, climbing over him with complete disregard for his authority or dignity. He's watching our drills with professional assessment, occasionally calling out corrections or encouragement, serving as observer while I lead practical training.
Pack dynamics.
Sharing leadership responsibilities.
Co-chiefs actually functioning as a cooperative unit rather than competing authorities.
I call final circuit completion, slowing to a cooling walk that allows cardiovascular systems to adjust gradually rather than shocking them with immediate cessation.
"Gather up," I command, gesturing the rookies into loose formation.
They comply immediately—residual discipline from their training academy, combined with the genuine respect they've developed over the past weeks. Their faces are flushed with exertion, breathing elevated but controlled, posture suggesting fatigue without complete exhaustion.
Good.
Pushed them without breaking them.
Exactly the balance required for effective training.
