Free Wolf's Desire by Ambrielle Kirk

something beeped loudly and persistently. The red light blinked on under the speed dial, indicating that the van was out of gas.
    “Dammit!” She pounded the steering wheel and pushed the gas pedal harder hoping she’d make it on the fumes or what little drop was left in the tank.
    The van sputtered and chugged and the engine failed.
    “No.” She panicked, turning the key in the ignition as it rolled at a snail’s pace down the freeway. This time commuters were furious and horns blared behind her and others whizzed right passed her. She fought the urge to flip each one of them the bird. What ever happened to southern hospitality? Wasn’t it obvious that she was stuck? When she turned the key, the engine refused to turn over, but made clicking noises instead.
    She managed to roll safely to the side of the road before putting the gear in park. “Who the hell drives a moving van and doesn’t put any gas in it? Unbelievable!” She bit her tongue just before delivering any more insults. Those movers had died while packing her belongings and it was all her fault.
    Keira reached down for her purse, but realized that she’d left it on a stand near the foyer. Her photo ID, money, credit cards, migraine pills, and other essentials had been the least of her worries when pack of Jonathan’s mobsters had attempted to gun her down. As if nothing could get any worse, her head began pounding in what felt like the beginnings of a headache.
    She took several deep breaths in and out, as several cars whizzed by them on the freeway almost as if they didn’t have a care in the world. The time was inch ing close to six in the evening. Stuck on the side of the road as night descended was not a place she wanted to be.
    Keira contemplated two choices: Ge t out, leave Aiden unconscious, and walk to the nearest gas station. Or get out and flag down a car.
    She leaned over and grabbed Aiden’s hand. His wrist felt limp as she checked for his pulse. He was definitely alive. The vein pulsed furiously against her fingertips. His skin was also scorching hot. He could have been running a fever or gotten sick from infection from the bullet holes. Maybe he was hyperventilating—even dying.
    There wasn’t much time. She had to get help fast.
    She settled for the quickest option. Get out and flag down a car.
    Keira unbuckled her seatbelt and had her hands on the door knob when a cell phone rang.
    The ring was more like a tune. The sound was coming from Aiden’s jacket.
    She stood up in the middle clearing between the passenger’s and driver’s seat, reached into his pocket, and retrieved the phone. The LCD screen flashed with a name.
    Devin.
    She hit the talk button, listened briefly to the eerie silence on the other end, and swallowed. “Hello?”
    “Who is this?” The voice was raspy and demanding.
    His angry tone immediately struck fear in her heart. “I…I…,” she stuttered. “I’m Keira.”
    “What are you doing with this phone?”
    “I’m with Aiden. He’s right here, but…” She glanced at Aiden, who was still slumped over in the seat.
    “But what?” the man called Devin blared.
    “He’s in trouble.”
    “Where are you? Who are you?” There was rustling on the other end. “Put Aiden on the phone right now.”
    “I told you my name already. Aiden’s in trouble. He’s been shot, and I’m taking him to the hospital.”
    “Don’t do that,” the man warned. “Give me your location.”
    Strange. Why did both of them insist on not taking Aiden to the hospital for medical attention after being shot? Was Aiden a criminal? What was he afraid of?
    “Sandy Forks. Just a few miles north of the hospital. It’s close. I can make it and they can help him before it’s too late. Who are you?”
    “I’m a friend. I’ll send help, but whatever you do, stay put.”
    “Are you crazy? ” she exclaimed. “By the time you get here, Aiden will be dead. This man saved my life. I’m not letting him die by waiting