Page 19 of My Ruthless Mountain Man

While she zips her jacket, I grab the extra gear bag and toss in a med kit, headlamp, and a blanket. I hesitate only a second before handing it to her.

She doesn’t blink. Just slides the strap over her shoulder and clicks it into place.

I tug her in for a quick, fierce kiss. “Stay close. If we’re separated, you hide andwait for me.”

“Yes, sir,” she murmurs, so fierce, sweet, and totally mine.

As we head for the door, headlights slash across the drive. Anson’s truck. Right on time.

And thank God—because if this ends in a firefight, I want the guy with a long gun and short temper on my side.

CHAPTER EIGHT

KENDALL

I don’t knowwhat’s worse. Staying in an empty cabin waiting for the inevitable horror flick outcome or sneaking through the creepy woods at night, knowing the mob is out here.

An owl hoots overhead. In the distance, lightning flashes, briefly lighting up the sky and illuminating the three men in front of me. I met Bishop, the hot mountain ranger who came to Stone’s house earlier. Seeing him up close, I can think of at least five friends who would willingly get lost in the woods if it meant he’d show up.

Then there was Mason who’s as big as a bear but has a soft smile. Especially when Stone asked about his wife, Bella. I don’t know how, but he’s been following my brother’s trail away from the crash site, even though the rain washed most of the tracks away and it’s darker than a black hole out here.

Anson hasn’t said a word since he joined our little band of rescuers. He’s wearing all black, which means he blends into the surroundings so well, that twice I’ve jumped when he moved around me to say something to Mason. He’s a little bit scary. Maybe it’s the long gun strapped over one shoulder, or hisstealth-ninja setting. Whatever it is, I’m very glad to have Stone at my back.

He’s keeping watch in all directions as we follow this trail that is little more than an animal path.

“Here,” Mason calls softly, halting our progression. He kneels, pointing to something low. Stone and Anson pass me and flick on flashlights just long enough to see what it is.

“Damn,” Stone mutters. “Now we know for sure.”

Bishop points. “Six hundred yards that way. Last time I was here, the brush was high, but there should be a clear line of sight from the trees in front.”

I squint into the darkness following his direction and spot a low light. It must be the station.

“Anson, take the trees and keep an eye on Kendall. Mason, take the back. Bishop, want to walk in the front door?”

The ranger smiles. “Let’s see who’s home.”

Stone returns to my side. “Stay low and be ready. Your brother might need medical help.”

“Got it.”

We close the distance to the small cabin, which looks like it hasn’t seen life in a decade. Stone has me crouch near a bush that’s less than ten feet from the porch. “Anson will be close. If you need help, call.”

“I will.”

He presses a hard kiss to my lips, then melts into the night with the other men. Darkness closes around me. I suddenly feel very alone. But I’m not. Stone will keep me safe. I only hope these guys will protect him.

Seconds tick by. Each one feels like an hour. I grip the backpack tight, ready to rush to someone’s aid. It also gives my hands something to clench from the nerves swirling in my belly like a cyclone.

A throat clears nearby.

I freeze, not daring to breathe.

A shadow separates from the darkness, moving around the side of the house. He steps into a patch of moonlight.

I clamp my hand over my mouth to hold in the gasp. It’s Mikhail. He’s not wearing his suit jacket, so the guns in his holsters are visible.If I move an inch, he might spot me. I scan the area, trying to locate Anson, but it’s like finding a black cat in the dark!

Something swishes through the air.

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