Page 12 of Goddess of Storms

Nile follows Stone and Phoenix takes a place by my side.

“What made you want to be a park ranger?”

“I have always loved being outside. When I heard there was a job you got paid for and you worked outdoors, I knew it was for me, so I signed up to be a ranger.”

“That's awesome, what are you guys doing here now? A top secret mission?” Phoenix asks as his hazel eyes light up.

“No, actually we are out scouting for fires. We had a couple big storms roll through with massive lightning strikes. I have a feeling there will be another one tonight. Hope your tent is waterproof.” I smile.

“But Nicks said it would be clear tonight,” Stone argues.

“I have a feeling,” I state.

“Well, if you need help putting out the fires, that’s my job. Back home, my sister and I are firefighters,” Phoenix offers.

“That’s good to know, may come in handy, but let’s keep our fingers crossed that they have all burnt themselves out. We don’t have the resources on hand to fight a huge wildfire.”

“What do you do if that happens?”

“We radio it in, and hope that the fire jumpers can get it out before most of the park burns.”

“So, basically, you’re helpless unless backup puts it out,” he says.

“Yep.”

“Harper, we got one!” Stone calls back.

“Phoenix, you’re the firefighter you take the lead,” I tell him as I hand him my shovel.

“What am I going to do with this? Fan out the flames?”

“If you don’t want it, give it back.” I sigh.

“No, no, I’ll hold it for now,” he says, hugging it.

Stone

I’m not liking Phoenix being so close to Harper, nor the way he was eyeing her. It’s bad enough that I have to share her with Nile. What’s a soulmate to do? She told me that she loved me, but she had a connection to Nile. She begged me not to make her choose, so I didn’t. I couldn’t bear the thought of not having her in my life or bed, so we made it work.

“This is just a little guy, we can cover it and it will put itself out. Not too much to worry about,” I states as placing a shovel-load of dirt on the embers.

In a matter of minutes, it is out and we are back on our way.

“How much farther till camp?” Phoenix asks.

“We are nearly there, we will set up camp. Nile, you and Phoenix will collect firewood as Harper and I secure the area. Let’s try and set up our tents around where we decide to set up the fire. This will help block the wind and we will be close to each other but not too close.”

“Oh, this is a side of Stone I’ve never seen,” Harper teases.

“Do you like it?” I ask with a smile wide.

“Nope, you’re still an asshole.” She smiles.

I’ll take the teasing, she may hate me when her memories come back. Her mother told me to stay close but to keep a distance. Nile was supposed to do the same but he didn’t listen. They had a relationship for a little over a year before she broke it off and Nile came crying to me about it. Idiot, that was his fault for not listening.

“Earth to Stone, we are here, you ready to secure the area?” Harper asks, waving her hands in my face.

“What? Yes, let's get to it.”

---