Page 191 of Rangers Mountain Rescue

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Another sound.

Soft.

Too soft to be accidental.

Not one of the guys.

Not someone relaxed.

Someone trying not to be heard.

My entire body shifts into something else.

Not Havoc lover.

Havoc Operator.

Havoc Protector.

I slide my hand gently from Aspen’s back, easing out from under her without waking her.

She murmurs softly, shifting into the pillow, reaching slightly like she’s searching for me.

That nearly undoes me.

But I don’t stop.

I can’t.

I quickly pull on my sweats. I grab my weapon from the nightstand.

Move silently toward the door.

Every step controlled.

Measured.

The hallway is dim.

Quiet.

Too quiet.

I pause just outside the door, listening again.

There—

A whisper of movement near the stairs.

Not one of ours.

I know the rhythm of my team.

This isn’t it.

My grip tightens.

I move forward, each step soundless. Down the stairs as quiet as a mouse.

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