Page 67 of Rangers Mountain Rescue

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26

Aspen

The first shot comes just after dark.

It shatters the silence.

Glass explodes in the kitchen.

I scream.

Dylan grabs Buddy.

Havoc is already moving.

“Down!” he orders.

We drop instantly.

Another shot hits the side of the house.

Then—

Silence.

Thick.

Heavy.

Deadly.

Havoc crouches beside me.

“Stay here,” he says.

“I’m not—”

“Aspen.”

His voice stops me cold.

Command.

Not anger.

“Stay.”

I nod.

Because I trust him.

Because I have to.

Outside, engines roar.

Ace and Blaze take off toward the road.

Wolf is already in position.

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