Page 49 of Jagger

“Hold on, lady. I’m getting you to safety.”

“My baby. I can’t… leave my baby.”

She was starting to drift off, the beginning of hyperthermia the reason. As David pressed down the slope toward the Range Rover, I continued to hug her close. I’d caught a glimpse of Cally’s shoe. Time was of the essence more so now than before. I knew what I had to do.

As soon as we neared where the vehicle was parked, I stopped briefly. “David. Take the walkie-talkie. Tell the others we’re bringing in Bella. Also tell them we found signs where Cally can be found.”

Fortunately, the guy didn’t hesitate, or I might have beaten him to death.

“Team. This is David. Bella is hurt. We know where Cally went.”

While I could tell others responded, I had no clue what they were saying. All I could concentrate on was getting Bella back to the resort into warmth and safety.

I was as gentle as possible when I placed her on the passenger seat, trudging to the other side and jumping in while David climbed into the back.

The road leading down toward the resort was slippery, but I pushed it like I did with everything else. All the while, Bella was whispering words I couldn’t hear, but were no doubt about saving her daughter.

I wasn’t surprised the other vehicle pulled in beside me. As soon as I got out, I could hear snowmobiles heading in my direction. Everyone was returning and I was pissed.

With Bella in my arms, I stormed toward the back entrance to the resort, David opening the door so I could take her directly inside.

Several of the hotel staff were quick to respond, Zoe the one barking out orders. Bella was taken to one of the offices and placed on a couch.

“Blankets. She needs fucking blankets,” I yelled to no one in particular.

“I’ll get them,” a male voice shouted out. I had no idea who he was and didn’t care at this point. I dropped down beside Bella, brushing my knuckles across her ashen face.

I wasn’t shocked when she opened her eyes, grabbing my fingers in her own.

“Save my baby.” Her voice was weak yet determined.

How the fuck could I tell her the odds were falling minute by minute?

I had no plans on telling her something that would put her into a tailspin. Not a chance.

Both Shephard and Hunter barged into the room, pushing aside others. I noticed Denise’s face, her expression telling me everything I didn’t want to know.

Cally was likely not going to make it.

“What the fuck happened?” Shep asked.

“Bella took off on her own. Don’t say it, brother. I don’t need shit right now. We found Cally’s shoe. I know where she went.”

The blankets were brought seconds later and I stood so I could get out of the man’s way.

“You could have died out there,” Hunter stated, as if I didn’t know that.

“We need to suspend the search,” Denise admitted.

I shifted a harsh gaze in her direction. “Unacceptable and so the fuck what if I die? You got her covered, Zoe?” I asked.

“Of course. We’ll take care of her.”

I nodded and headed back to the door.

“You can’t do this,” Denise insisted.

I didn’t answer, continuing my determined path.

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