Page 78 of Kian

She gazed into his eyes and nodded. “I love you too, but you better come back to me, Agent Doyle. If you think you’ve seen me mad, just wait and see what happens if you don’t return.”

Kian smiled. “Yes ma’am. Don’t open the door for anyone but me or another agent. Now go.” He helped her up and she walked with Lobo through the woods toward the cabin. Lobo was limping, but Kian knew that Gretchen would take good care of him. He was just relieved that the dog had only sustained a minor injury.

He quickly picked up his weapon then ran into the woods, looking for the men. After crossing the creek, he stopped behinda tree and called the department telling them he found the men, and he needed backup now. Then after taking a deep breath, he peered around the tree, and after seeing one of the men running down a hill, he ran after him.

****

Gretchen’s nerves were shot. Kian was out there alone, but she couldn’t risk going to help him and potentially drawing the men’s attention away from him. She knew he would be worried about her, and she didn’t want to add to his stress. She prayed that he had been able to call for backup, but she knew he had to get to the spot where he could get a signal.

“Come here, Lobo. Let me take care of your leg, baby.”

The dog followed her limply as they made their way to the bathroom. After making sure the wound wasn’t bleeding heavily, Gretchen gently washed it with lukewarm water to remove any dirt or bacteria. Then she dried it off and applied an antibiotic cream before wrapping it in gauze to prevent Lobo from licking it.

“Okay, big guy, let’s go back to the living room so I can keep an eye on you and make sure you don’t mess with the bandage.”

As time passed without any sign of Kian, Gretchen’s stomach twisted in knots with worry. She hadn’t heard any gunshots but that didn’t mean anything; there were plenty of other ways to kill a man.

Tears streamed down her face as she thought about Kian out there all by himself. Surely more agents had arrived by now to help him.

She couldn’t lose him. They had just professed their love for each other and although she had been angry earlier, she wanted him in her life.

“If only I hadn’t been so stubborn about wanting him to come see me,” she muttered to herself.

She regretted being so tough on him about not showing up; when what he needed was support and encouragement, not an angry woman pushing him away.

He had a job to do, and it wasn’t just about finding these criminals; he also helped ranchers and farmers protect their livestock from harm.

“Gretchen, why did you have to be so difficult?” she scolded herself.

She wanted to run outside and search for him, but she knew she couldn’t. If there were other agents out there helping him, she would only be in the way. Plus, Kian would drop everything to make sure she was safe. He would put her safety before his own.

Shaking her head, she forced herself to stay inside just as he had instructed her. But she couldn’t shake the fear that they might kill him this time. If she hadn’t shown up earlier, they probably would have killed him already.

Her heart sunk into her stomach when she saw one of the men make Kian get on his knees and kick him. She almost shot the man right then and there. They probably didn’t think she was capable or willing to use a gun, but they didn’t know her very well. She would do whatever it took to save the man she loved.

Feeling overwhelmed with worry, Gretchen closed her eyes and said a prayer for Kian and anyone else who might be out there helping him. She didn’t know if Killian was with him, but if he was, she knew he would have his brother’s back. She just hoped no one got hurt.

Unable to sit still any longer, Gretchen began pacing back and forth before walking toward the window to peek outside. The sun was shining, and it was a beautiful day, but danger lurked out there somewhere and she had to remain hidden in her cabin.

Letting out a heavy sigh, she sat back down on the sofa before getting up again. She was so anxious and restless; if she didn’tcalm down soon, she feared that she would drive herself insane. A sob escaped from her throat as she made her way back to the window.

Opening the door, Gretchen listened carefully for any signs of danger outside. All she could hear were birds chirping in the trees, but she knew better than to let her guard down.

She closed the door, made herself a cup of coffee and wished she had something stronger to get her through this.

****

Kian felt his phone vibrate in his pocket and checked it to see a text from his brother.

I’m here with four other agents, Sam and two deputies and two FWP men. Give me your coordinates.

Kian sent them and waited for their response. He knew the poachers were close by, waiting for an opportunity to either circle around him or make a run for their truck. Another text came through from Killian.

We’re on our way.

They’re north of me.Kian replied.

Got it.

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