Page 252 of Mountain Boss

I don’t know if I’ll get away before he cuts too deep, but I’ll try.

I’ll fucking try.

I pull in a trembling breath, preparing myself.

Then we both freeze as the undeniable sound of a shotgun being cocked fills the darkness around us.

Chapter 193

Sterling

Fear and ragewrestle inside my ribs.

I knew whoever shut that gate was here for something bad.

But I wasn’t prepared.

Nothing could have ever prepared me.

I keep the shotgun pointed at the ground, my finger next to the trigger, as I take in the scene.

The Fucking Creep has a hold on Courtney, probably gripping her shirt. And he has a knife to her throat.

He has a knife. To my girl’s throat.

“Stay there!” the man shouts.

Courtney finally opens her eyes.

Tears are rolling down her cheeks.

And her neck… I can’t look at her neck.

Not yet.

I take one step forward.

“Don’t come any closer.” He seethes. “I’ll fucking kill her.”

I hold Courtney’s gaze. “I got you.”

The words are barely audible, and it’s dark, but I know she can see my mouth as I say it. I know she can read my lips.

Footsteps approach from the side, and I glance over to see Fisher and Cook crossing the driveway.

The Creep shifts his attention back and forth between me and the other guys.

Panic builds in his jerky movements.

“Surrender and I won’t shoot you,” I say in a loud, clear voice.

“I’ll never—” His head whips to the side.

Toward the woods.

And then I hear it.

The deep, huffing breaths and heavy footsteps… of a bear.

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