Page 20 of Rescued By the Ranger

“Okay, Rhodes, I will.”

“Good. Let’s head in.”

But quickly, a shadow falls over us, casting a chill down my spine. My eyes widen as I spot the sleek form of a mountain lion prowling on the outskirts of the clearing, its predatory gaze fixed on Jazzy. I’m too big to be a meal, but she isn’t.

Without a moment's hesitation, I grab the tranquilizer gun from the back of my pants.

Her laughter fades into a gasp of fear as she sees the danger lurking in the shadows. Jazzy looks up at me. “I’m scared.”

“I’ve got this, Jazzy. Let’s back up slowly.”

It’s already been a long winter for the animals. More snow than normal and super cold makes it hard to find food.

I steady my hand, my heart pounding in my chest as I focus on the beast closing in on us.

“That’s a lion,” she whispers, her small hand clutching my free one tightly.

I whisper back, “Don't worry. Everything will be okay. Just stay behind me.” My voice is calm, contradicting the turmoil within me as I take a deep breath and pull the trigger, hoping to scare it away.

The dart whizzes through the air, just missing the mountain lion’s flank. The animal stares at me, pausing but then resuming its stalking. It has to be really hungry to be stalking humans.

I reload from the darts in my pocket. I only have four of them and I just wasted one. I take aim again and I hit it square in the hind quarter of his leg. The majestic creature lets out a roar of pain as it stumbles, its movements slowing down under the quick effects of the tranquilizer.

But the hiatus is short-lived as the mountain lion turns its attention towards us with a menacing glare. I have to act fast to protect Jazzy. With trembling hands, I reload the tranquilizer gun and take another shot, this time aiming for the beast’s chest. The dart hits its mark, and the mountain lion lets out a final growl before collapsing in the snow, its massive body creating a stark contrast to the serene winter landscape around us.

Breathing heavily, I grab Jazzy and scoop her up in my arms, holding her close as she trembles with fear and relief. “It's okay,sweetheart,” I murmur, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “We're safe now.”

There’s a deep respect for the powerful creature of nature that had come so close to harming Jazzy. I glance back at the motionless lump of hair and muscle, a mix of emotions swirling inside me. It’ll be fine in a while. I’d like the game wardens to come and get it. But again, the roads.

Gratitude is short lived for our narrow escape when I hear a vehicle on the lane, but it doesn’t come down the whole way. It’s like it’s waiting for something.

As we make our way back to the house, Jazzy clings to me tightly, her trust unwavering despite the danger we faced. I tuck her into the magical fort with extra blankets and watch over her as she drifts into a peaceful sleep, the adrenaline falling off quickly and I’m right there with her. Her face relaxes in the glow of the fireplace. I sit in the chair, my gaze lingering on her innocent features, so pure and full of life.

Leesa stirs from the bathroom and when she rounds the corner she rushes to me, drawn by the tension that still lingers in the air. She sees the exhaustion etched on my face and the tranquilizer gun lying on the table, its purpose fulfilled but a silent reminder of the danger we had narrowly escaped.

“Rhodes, what happened?” Leesa’s voice is laced with concern as she approaches, her eyes searching mine for answers.

I recount the chilling encounter with the mountain lion, every detail etched vividly in my memory. Leesa listens intently, her hand reaching out to grasp mine in a reassuring gesture. Her touch grounds me, reminding me of the strength we find in each other.

After finishing my account, there is a moment of silence between us, the weight of our shared experience hanging heavy in the air.

But then Leesa’s eyes soften with understanding, and she pulls me into a tight embrace. “You saved her, Rhodes. You saved my daughter,” she whispers, her voice filled with gratitude and love.

In that moment, a surge of emotion wells up inside me, a mixture of relief, fear, and overwhelming love for these two. I hold Leesa close, drawing strength from her presence, grateful for her unwavering support.

As the emotional high ebbs away, exhaustion washes over me like a tidal wave. Leesa guides me to the floor, tucking the covers around me with a tenderness that speaks volumes. And as sleep claims me, I find solace in the knowledge that I emerged stronger on the other side.

9

LEESA

Jazzy wakes up with a smile,seemingly unfazed by the day’s earlier events. She bounds out of the fort, eager to start new adventures.

I exchange a knowing glance with Rhodes, the unspoken bond between us growing stronger than ever. The close call with the mountain lion serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and I don’t know what I would have done if it were me and Jazzy out there, alone.

As Jazzy chatters excitedly about building snowmen and having snowball fights and making snow forts, I can’t help but be grateful that the encounter with nature hasn’t spoiled her happiness.

“So what’s for dinner?” I ask.

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