Page 260 of Rangers Mountain Rescue

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Still suspicious.

“Don’t trust them,” she mutters loudly.

The entire room hears it.

Briggs coughs to hide a laugh.

I definitely don’t hide mine this time.

Just a small one.

But it’s there.

And for a second—

Just a second—

Everything feels… lighter.

Havoc turns slightly.

His eyes find mine.

And I see it.

That shift again.

Not just the fighter.

Not just the protector.

The man.

The one who just made sure a group of stubborn women got home safe… in the middle of a crisis.

Because that’s who he is.

Always.

Even now.

Buddy finally stops growling.

Just for a moment.

And leans against my leg instead.

Like he knows.

Like we all know.

This isn’t over.

Not even close.

But for one brief, unexpected second—

We breathe.

And somehow…

That matters too.

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