Page 25 of Mountain Defender

As I fight against this monster above me, my muscles grow weak. Uncoordinated. Useless.

But the dogs!

And—

Gage.

I’m not ready to leave.

There has to be something. My brain still works even though my body is failing.

After everything I’ve gone through, I’m not giving up now.

The stinking breath closes in.

A voice slithers towards me, cold and reptilian. “Did you really think you could escape?”

Then, a harsh laugh.

Pain explodes in my chest.

NO!

“Rory!”

Please, no.

“Wake up, Ror. You’re okay.”

Why? Why me? What did I do to deserve this?

“Rory. Come on, baby. Wake up. It’s just a dream.”

Through the fog of terror and pain, a warmth seeps in.

Something solid. Comforting. Smelling of pine and citrus.

“Rory, come on, come back to me.”

As I force my way out of sleep, the dream pieces fall away as reality settles in.

I’m not cold. Not in pain. Not struggling to breathe.

The touch on my shoulder is gentle.

The voice calling to me is rough with worry.

A low whimper sounds beside me. Then another.

I’m not dreaming. Not dying.

I’m alive.

Prying my eyes open, I look up at Gage’s worried face leaning over me. Lines are etched between his eyes and across his brow.His mouth is twisted in an unhappy frown. “Ror? Are you back with me?”

Hot tears run down my cheeks as I stare at him. My throat burns. “Gage?”

“Yeah, it’s me.” He studies me, his gaze roving across my face. “You’re at the cabin. Safe.”

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