Ember emerged from the shrubbery and gave Slide an assuring wave. He waved back, feeling his heart seize in his chest. He would do anything to protect her, to keep her alive so they could share more of their lives together.
Slide had never prayed before, but gazing at her form, so close, yet so far, he whispered aloud to himself.
“Please,” he said harshly. “Please, please, whoever is out there, keep her safe.”
She retreated into the bushes, hiding behind the rock formation and getting into position.
Slide heard the stampede of feet coming along the trail. The General would be at the front. If the man wanted to get to the rest of his team, to his beloved, he would have to get past a beast.
Slide walked toward the trail, holding the gun just behind his hip, waiting for the violence he h
