A Chained Fire Wolf

Kurt's face was pressed against the passenger window as he alternated between trying to console Marina and coaxing her to unlock the door.

Marina remained a curled-up, sobbing mess. She didn't move, didn't respond. She was trapped in her own world of terror, her amber eyes squeezed shut as if she could will the entire scene away as she broke apart.

"He's found us," Marina wailed, her voice muffled by the jeep's door. "Oh Goddess, he's found us. He's going to kill us all! I'm so sorry."

Just as Kurt was about to smash a window to reach Marina, Selina exited the farmhouse exclaiming "Got It!" and to Kurt's relief, the door locks clicked and released.

Kurt slowly opened the creaky door of the Jeep, the metallic sound echoing through the tense silence. He slid into the back seat with a practiced ease, his movements deliberate to avoid startling Marina further. The dim light from the setting sun cast long shadows across her face, accentuating the streaks of tears that had begun to dry on her cheeks.

Marina was still curled up, her small frame trembling with each ragged breath. Kurt could smell the fear on her, sharp and acrid, mingling with the earthy scent of the forest around them. He reached out, his calloused hands gentle as he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. The warmth of her body against his was a stark contrast to the chill of the evening air.

"Hey, it's okay," Kurt murmured, his voice low and soothing, a contrast to the rough edge that usually lined his tone. "You're safe now. I've got you."

Marina's sobs had begun to subside, replaced by shallow gasps as she clung to Kurt, her fingers digging into his shirt. The mate bond between them pulsed softly, a reassuring presence that seemed to calm the storm within her. Kurt could feel it too, a steady hum of connection that reminded him of the unspoken promises they had yet to fully explore.

Outside the Jeep, Selina approached Liam, her footsteps light on the gravel. Her dark hair was disheveled, and her indigo eyes were wide with concern as she took in the sight of her brother. Liam was leaning against the side of the Jeep, his hand pressed firmly against his thigh, where a dark stain was spreading through his pants.

"Let me help," Selina said, moving to the rear of the Jeep to grab the first aid kit.

Liam turned his head, his expression a mask of controlled pain. "I've got this," he replied, his voice steady, though there was strain beneath the surface. "Go help Kurt with Marina."

Selina hesitated, her eyes lingering on her brother before she nodded and moved towards the front of the Jeep. She climbed into the passenger seat, her presence filling the space with a safe, protective warmth. The air inside the Jeep seemed to shift, the tension easing as her aura wrapped around them, a comforting blanket of safety.

"It was just rogue wolves," Selina said, her voice carrying a quiet authority. "Not your father. You're safe, Marina."

Marina's breath hitched, but she didn't respond. Kurt held her closer, his hand stroking her hair in a gentle rhythm. The mate bond between them seemed to amplify Selina's words, grounding Marina in the present.

Selina turned slightly, her gaze meeting Kurt's over the back of the seat. "Why didn't you shift?" she asked, her tone curious but not accusing. "You could have defended yourself."

Marina looked at Kurt, unsure how to respond as the question hung in the air. Kurt's arms tightened around Marina, offering support. "Storm can't sense her wolf," he said, his voice filling the gap. "I'm not sure she has one."

Selina didn't respond. If Marina didn't have a wolf, it could mean she was vulnerable in their world. How would they be able to to fulfill the prophecy while keeping her safe?

Outside, Liam had finished tending to his wound and climbed into the driver's seat passing a towel back to Kurt, who took it with a nod of thanks. Marina spoke as she watched Kurt tried to wipe himself clean. "I have a one, I cannot access it."

As Kurt wiped the blood from his hands, his nakedness a reminder of the fight they had just endured, Marina spoke again. Her voice more hesitant, with an undercurrent of despair.

"My father... he chained my wolf inside me," she said, the words tumbling out in a rush. "I don't know how to let her out. Well maybe I do. I think I need to be marked by my mate," she finished in almost a whisper as she stared back at Kurt.

"It's not safe though," Marina took a deep breath and paused before continuing.

"My wolf... it's not like yours," Marina said finally, her voice barely above a whisper. She stared at the window, her amber eyes watching her own reflection. "It's fire."

Kurt's fingers flexed against her arm, as his eyes opened wide.

"When I was six... I shifted for the first time. It wasn't just fur and claws. It was flames. Everywhere. My wolf is made of fire, Kurt. I couldn't control it. I couldn't stop it." Her voice cracked. The memory was old, but the pain came rushing back, a wound that never healed.

"I couldn't control it. I couldn't stop it." Marina's voice became as hoarse whisper as she closed her eyes as she allowed the nightmare to return.

"Part of our pack burnt down. I was so scared... I didn't know what was happening to me. My father—he had to alpha-command me to shift back. He locked me in a cell, left me there for days, waiting for a witch to come and help. He…he said it was necessary to keep the pack safe from me."

"Help? You were a child!" Kurt's voice was tight as low growl simmered beneath his words.

Marina laughed, a bitter, hollow sound. "To chain her, they needed my mother's blood to power the spell. Said it was the only way to keep me from destroying everything. I haven't seen her since."