Page 144 of Daddy Sees Snakes

Their efficiency is both comforting and terrifying.

This is real.

This is really happening.

"Ma'am, can you tell us your name?" one of them asks, kneeling beside me.

"Iris," I manage, my voice barely above a whisper. "Iris Ashton."

They work quickly, asking questions about my pain level, what happened.

I answer, feeling oddly detached from my own body.

"We need to stabilize your neck and back before we move you," the other EMT explains. "This might be a bit uncomfortable."

I nod, bracing myself.

As they carefully fit the neck brace, I can't help but think how surreal this all is.

Just hours ago, I was feeling powerful and in control. Now...

They secure me to the backboard, and the pain that shoots through me is blinding.

I bite back a scream, tasting blood where I've bitten my lip.

"Easy, baby girl," Viper says, his voice tight with concern. "You're doing great."

As they lift me onto the stretcher, one of the EMTs turns to Viper. "We're taking her to Tinsel Creek Central. It's the closest trauma center."

Viper nods, his expression grim. "I'll be right behind you."

As they wheel me out, the Montana cold hits me like a wall.

I squint against the harsh sunlight, suddenly missing the dim interior of the club.

"Viper," I call out, panic rising in my chest.

He's there in an instant, his face filling my limited field of vision. "I'm here, Iris. I'm following right behind, okay? I'll meet you there."

I want to nod, to say something, but the words won't come.

Instead, I watch as he grows smaller, the ambulance doors closing between us.

The siren starts up again as we pull away, and I close my eyes, trying to breathe through the pain and fear.

I don't know how much time has passed when I open my eyes again.

The white ceiling and antiseptic smell tell me I'm in the hospital before I even fully register my surroundings.

"Hey, you're awake," Viper's voice comes from beside me.

I turn my head slightly—grateful to find the neck brace gone—and see him sitting in a chair next to the bed.

He looks exhausted, worry lines etched deep around his eyes.

"How long...?" I start to ask, but my throat is dry, the words catching.

Viper reaches for a cup of water, helping me take a sip. "A few hours. They ran some tests, gave you something for the pain. How are you feeling?"

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