Page 163 of Rangers Mountain Rescue

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67

Aspen

“Stay down,” I tell Dylan, my hand firm on his shoulder.

“I’m not moving,” he says, eyes wide but steady.

Good.

Good kid.

Buddy growls low, protective, pressed against him like a barrier.

Another shot.

Closer.

“Back room!” Trigger orders.

I hesitate.

Just for a second.

Because I know what that means.

Leaving.

And something in me doesn’t want to.

Not this time.

Not when—

“Aspen!”

Havoc’s voice cuts through everything.

I look up.

He’s already moving toward the front.

Gun in hand.

Injured.

Bleeding again.

And still going.

“No,” I say, pushing to my feet.

His eyes snap to mine.

“Get them safe,” he orders.

“I can help—”

“ASPEN.”

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