Chapter 8
Chapter 8 - HUNTED IN THE WILDERNESSThe storm that rolled off the Montana peaks that night was different from the one in Chicago. This was a mountain storm—cold, dark, and thick with early winter snow that blankeeted the pine needles in white. The wind howled through the canyons, reducing visibility to less than ten feet.Jaxson’s plan was simple but dangerous. He knew the terrain of the national forest behind the rescue center better than anyone. He knew the abandoned logging trails, the deep ravine drops, and the old ranger cabin at the top of the ridge.
"We lure them into the woods," Jaxson said, checking his tactical hunting rifle as they stood inside the dark clinic. "They are city boys. They don't know how to navigate a mountain in a blizzard. Once they are separated, we take them down."
"I'm coming with you," Wren said, her voice no longer shaking. She wore a heavy winter coat, her hair tucked under a black beanie. She held a heavy iron tire iron she had taken from the truck. "I'm not hiding in a closet while you fight my battles, Jaxson."
Jaxson looked at her, seeing the fierce, unbreakable spirit of the woman he loved. He nodded, a proud smile touching his lips. "Let’s go."
They left the clinic doors unlocked, leaving a single light burning inside to make it look like they were hiding. Then, they slipped out into the dark, snowy woods, disappearing into the pine canopy.
An hour later, the black Escalade pulled back through the gates. Arthur Montgomery stepped out, wearing a heavy designer winter coat, a silver revolver gripped tightly in his leather-gloved hand. Miller and two other hired thugs followed him, their flashlights cutting through the falling snow.
"They ran into the forest," Miller said, pointing to the fresh footprints in the snow that Jaxson had deliberately left behind. "They are heading up the ridge."
"Idiots," Arthur sneered, his face contorted in a psychotic grin. "They think the trees will save them. Find them. And remember—Iris belongs to me. Do not shoot her. The vet, however... you can leave his body for the wolves."
They plunged into the dark forest, their flashlights sweeping through the trees.
But the mountain was not their friend. The snow quickly covered their tracks, and the howling wind muffled all sound. Within twenty minutes, the group was completely disoriented.
SNAP.
The sound of a breaking branch echoed from the left.
"Over there!" one of the thugs shouted, running toward the sound.
He didn't see the thin steel wire Jaxson had strung across the gap between two pine trees. The thug tripped, his body launching forward into a deep, snow-covered ravine. He let out a sharp cry before crashing into the rocky bottom, his flashlight shattering, leaving him unconscious in the dark.
"Edward!" Miller shouted, but his voice was swallowed by the wind. "Stay together! It’s a trap!"
But it was too late. Jaxson appeared from the shadow of a massive Douglas fir like a ghost. With a swift, powerful strike of his rifle butt, he knocked the second thug to the ground, stripping him of his weapon and tossing it into the snow before disappearing back into the darkness.
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"Arthur!" Miller yelled, his voice finally showing panic. "We need to go back! We are outmatched!"
"No!" Arthur screamed, his eyes wild with obsession. "I am not leaving without her! Iris! I know you can hear me! You are a broken piece of trash! You are nothing without me! Come out!"
