Page 214 of Ranger's Wildflower

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“We got this,” I say.

I pull back before I forget where we are.

“We move.”

Because if I don’t—

I’m going to forget everything except her.

And that’s not happening.

Not with this threat still out there.

We step outside.

The air feels colder. Heavier.

Like the whole damn town knows something’s coming.

I stay close to her—closer than before.

My hand brushes hers once.

Then I don’t let it go.

We reach the SUV. Blaze is already mapping routes. Trigger and Beast fall into position without a word.

This is what we do.

But this time?

It’s different.

Because it’s her.

“Tessa,” I say before she gets in.

She turns. “What?”

I step closer, lowering my voice. “This could get bad.”

“I know.”

“You stay on me. No hero moves.”

Her brow lifts. “After everything, that’s what you’re worried about?”

“Yeah.”

I hesitate.

Then it comes out anyway.

“Because I can’t lose you.”

The second the words leave my mouth, I know—

That wasn’t strategy.

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