From Air (Wildfire, #1)

by Jewel E. Ann

When I race past the entry, I find Jamie standing on the kitchen counter, one hand gripping the top of the fridge and her other hand cupped over her mouth. Eyes wide. Legs shaking. I don’t smell smoke. Is someone in the house? I can’t get a read on the situation other than that she’s paralyzed with panic. “Run!” She points toward me. A mouse runs past my boot and hides under the sofa. I follow the mouse’s path, inspecting every kitchen corner before glancing at Jamie. “Where is it?” Her brow lines with as much confusion as I have in mine. “You just watched it run under the sofa.” “No. Where is the rattlesnake? The bear? The mountain lion? The escaped convict? Where is the scary thing that was chasing the mouse?” She scowls. “Tell me you’re not on the counter screaming your lungs out at a measly little mouse.” “Did you see it? All”—she wiggles her fingers—“fast and twitchy. Beady little eyes. A horrifying critter spreading disease, stealing food, and chewing through the furniture.” “Get down.” I hold out my hand. She shakes her head, pulling down the long sleeves of her fitted white T-shirt to hide her hands. “It’s under the sofa. Get it.” I try not to laugh, but she’s quite the sight. “Maybe I need to get on the counter too. Will might show up soon. He was looking for it the other day. Why should I risk my life if you’re unwilling to risk yours?” Her frown deepens. “I’m irrationally scared of a mouse. I need you to be my hero today and get rid of it. Is that what you need ...