Page 7 of Ashton's Mountain Man

“Look after him. Get him to Carlson. Please,” I uttered. “Do not leave the building,” I told Brock. “I mean it. I…”

He nodded instantly as I reached for my cell phone and dialled Maisie’s number. I felt weak at the conversation ahead as I rushed around the corner to the guys, attempting to lift the concrete crushed on Ashton’s leg, and I gasped out loud. “Where are the emergency services?” I cried as I looked around at all the other guys faces just staring at each other.

“West, is everything okay?” Maisie asked cautiously as I continued ranting as I kissed Ashton’s forehead, wondering why they weren’t helping or listening to me. What was I missing? “I heard shouting.”

“Listen to me and stay calm,” I replied through broken tears as the emergency services team arrived. “He's over here. Please help him,” I shouted. “He has to be alright.”

“Wyatt!!” she screamed. “What’s happened to my boy?” Maisie broke down.

“He’s fine.” I forced the words out through my teeth. “Ashton and Wyatt were saying goodbye and about to leave when a loud noise happened and Wyatt became scared and ran. We chased him and the building collapse, but Ashton pushed Wyatt to safety.” I continued as she sobbed. “He’s at the office with Brock and Carlson. Ashton is trapped, Maisie. I… I don’t know what to do. Maisie, what do I do?” I blurted out. “I’m scared.”

“I’m on my way,” she uttered in panic. “I’ll call the office and make sure they are okay with Wyatt for now. Are the emergency services on the way? Do you have help? Is he responsive? West, don’t put yourself in danger. Listen to me.”

I nodded at her words as the emergency team forbade any of us helping the mission at hand—apparently, we could cause more damage. I felt completely useless.

“He’ll be alright. Listen to me, Ashton is strong. We know this. He’ll fight—for you and for his son. I won’t be long, okay?”

“Okay,” I replied without emotion. My gaze stayed focused on the men hard at work, moving all the rubble out of the way and clearing a path as quickly as they could. I hoped for a miracle and for Ashton to make a noise—any noise—so I knew he was alive and fighting. In my gut, though, I knew if we all helped move the rumble and debris, all of us guys could make the task so much faster—every second was precious seconds that he needed. “Thank you.”

I held my breath, praying that the next second would be the one that someone would say he was free or that he was making some sort of response—anything to stop the panic overcoming me. I needed him to be fine. There wasn’t any other option asanother gust of wind took hold and nearly knocked me from my stance. It was only then I noticed the action taking place and a lot of movement suddenly happening around Ashton.

“I’ve got him free. He’s unconscious but breathing,” I heard one shout as my knees buckled. “Lift…”

People moved in tandem around me as my mind drifted, unable to focus until Maisie’s voice pulled me out from the depths I’d fallen into.

“It’s okay, I’ve got you now,” she replied softly, helping me to my feet. “Ashton is safe and being transported to the hospital and the mountain crew are here to arrange the rebuild plan and what to do about the safety of the area plus of course the next deliveries.” Her tone was soft and commanding, gaze locked on mine as if she knew I needed her to take control in this moment. “I’ve given them our numbers and they have called his emergency contact, but you need to come home with me and Wyatt.” She continued, reaching for my hand and giving it a squeeze as my gut twisted at the notion of someone other than me potentially being by his bedside.

“No!” I forcefully stated. “I have to be at the hospital. You know that, don’t you?”

“You have to understand, this is me making the decision for you. I’m looking after you. Now come on. I’ll ensure everything is okay. Don't worry about anything.”

“I mean it, Maisie.” I turned to face her, narrowing my gaze. “I’m going to the hospital. Are you and Wyatt coming with me, or am I going alone?”

“You’re not doing this alone,” she confirmed. “Are you sure you want us to come, though?”

“Maisie.” I turned my head to the side. “Wyatt is his son and you’re his wonderful mother. I couldn’t wish for two more perfect people to have supported the pair of us, and I’m sure Ashton would say the exact same thing.”

He just had to be okay…

What other option was there?

We’d only just found each other, and life was not going to steal that from the two of us… I wouldn’t let it. It had found its match.

CHAPTER 5

Ashton

What the hell happened?I thought to myself…

I tried to groan as I noticed the beeping and sharp smell of bleach that assaulted my sense of smell as I tried to open my eyes.Why was it so hard to open my eyes? Why was my throat so dry and a heaviness on my chest? Where the hell was Wyatt? I began to panic…Disorientation surrounded me as I attempted to move, but pain radiated through my whole body.

“He’s awake!” a voice shouted. “Wake him up and get a doctor.”

I forced open my eyes and squinted, trying to adjust to the bright stark lights all around me and white walls.

“It’s okay, man. You’re okay. Everyone is safe. Your boy is fine.” He continued as my vision cleared, and I made out the figure in front of me.Why the hell was Cole here? What had happened?“You gave us all a scare back there. I’ve sent Maxwell to wake West.”

I blinked twice at that news, just as the doctors and nurses entered the room and started to gather around me, checking me over as I coughed a couple of times before I was offered a sip of water to help clear my throat.

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