Page 77 of Wanted by the Lawman

Wynn leaned against the wall, everything turned fuzzy as she sipped at the air. She closed her eyes, barely hearing anything around her. She didn’t want to die, not like this, not until her dreams come true. Zander would never know that she loved him. She’d never have his children.

Time seemed to slow down. She felt arms around her but didn’t have the energy to shake them off. Lansing was back to end her life. She moaned in resistance, feeling everything fading into black.

“Sweetheart, you okay? I’m here.” It was Zander’s voice. He was here! With her!

“I-In…hale.” She forced with a weak voice.

“I have it here in my pocket.”

She felt the plastic on her lips and took two puffs. It wasn’t quite enough to bring her back fully, but enough to help her take in less labored breaths.

“Breathe, darling. Breathe in,” Zander encouraged.

She looked up into the face of her hero. “Zander.” She cupped his cheek. “You’re really here. I was starting to think I was dead.”

“No, baby, You’re alive.” He scooped her into his lap, holding her close against his chest.

“Where’s Lansing?” She didn’t even care to move her cheek from his shoulder. It was too nice.

“You’re safe. He’s out. We’ve called an ambulance. The EMTs will take care of him.”

Lansing had killed innocent women. He killed Rory and would have killed Zander if given the chance. He chose his own path and unfortunately today could have ended differently.

Engulfed in Zander’s arms, her worries melted away. She inhaled deeply, enjoying his scent that never failed to soothe her. Everything around them didn’t matter, only that they were both alive.

She felt him stand and carry her away, still cradling her with amazing arms that offered safety. This was where she wanted to be every day.

“Your brothers. Are they here with you?” she mumbled.

“Cullen and Nix, yes. So is Rudy.”

“Is everyone okay? Are you okay?”

“Yes, we’re all fine.” He reassured her in a quavering voice. “My clothes are wet. I’m getting you wet. I didn’t think. I just reacted.”

“I’ll take you anyway I can get you.”

He didn’t let her go until they’d reached his truck and he deposited her in the passenger seat. She hated that she was no longer in his arms, but his finger came to her chin and he lifted her face to meet his gaze. “The EMT will be here soon and they’ll check you over.”

“I’m fine. Really, I am. They should check Lansing. I stuck the syringe in him.”

“Yes, you did, and you helped us out, sweetheart. You’re a heroine.” He kissed her on the forehead.

~~~**~~~

Wynn sat on the couch, her feet tucked up under her and she snuggled in Zander’s hold. She’d been checked by the EMT and got a stamp of approval, then came home to take a long hot shower to erase any remaining scent of Lansing. It was now one in the morning and her body and mind were so tired, but she was so happy that everyone was alive, even Lansing, that she didn’t want to sleep.

She did find out that the bullet that Lansing had shot off had skimmed Cullen’s shoulder, but he’d been bragging at the scene that he’d have a story to tell.

Lansing had been out for blood, anyone’s blood. Hopefully, he’d get the help that he needed. He obviously was suffering from PTSD from the death of his wife, but Wynn believed there was more to the story and hopefully a licensed psychologist could wade through the disorder inside his head. Sheriff Rudy had taken statements, just for protocol, and he had advised Zander, his brothers, and Wynn that the case would be closed on his side but expect Agent Gaines to possibly ask questions later about Rory’s death.”

For now, Wynn wanted to embrace the fact that tonight could have been far worse, but she was safe. Zander was safe. And that’s what mattered.

“I knew you’d save me. I had trust in the fact that you would find me,” she divulged.

His fingers were in her hair, massaging her scalp. “I would have done anything to save you.”

“Will you get into trouble for any of this? Will I be in trouble for the money I gave to Rory?”

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