Chapter 12
CHAPTER
TWELVE
Archer hobbled through the dense trees, half falling on his crutch as Bear searched for any more tracks. Worry sent his heart racing, and he couldn’t bear to hear the stress in Candy’s voice when he called to update her.
“Dakota,” he yelled, hoping she’d answer, knowing he shouted over a hundred times with no response.
Bear held his hand up, indicating for him to stop. “Yell for her again,” he ordered.
“Dakota, it’s Archer. Can you hear me?”
“Archer?” a weak voice called out.
He whipped his head toward Bear, who pointed to his right and took off running. Archer did his best walking over the rough terrain and nearly cried out in relief as he saw Bear kneeling before the young girl.
“She broke her arm from a fall. Don’t move her. I’ll radio for Doc and wait by the road to lead them back,” he said before taking off.
Archer moved closer and dropped down beside her. He grabbed his pack and took out a blanket to cover her as her teeth chattered.
“I’m sorry,” she sobbed. “I didn’t want them to take me.”
“It’s all right. We’ll get you to the hospital and get you fixed up,” he soothed.
“I gave up on anyone finding me. Everyone must be mad.”
Archer put his arm around her. “They’re worried because everyone cares about you. Candace will be relieved when she sees you.”
“How did you get down here on your leg?” she hiccupped.
“Someone told me never to give up,” he teased while he tugged the blanket tighter around her. “I refused to concede until we brought you home.”
Fifteen minutes later, the team appeared with Bear and Doc in the lead.
Shadow and Knight appeared with a stretcher, and they helped load her onto it.
Leo extended his hand and helped Archer to his feet.
“You’ve searched for hours on your stub.
It’s gotta be sore by now.” Saint supported his other side as the men lifted him and carried him out.
“Oh my gosh,” Candy exclaimed as the truck pulled up and the men unloaded a dirty and cold Dakota. Upon seeing her, the teen burst into tears and they clung to one another.
“It’s all right. We’ve got you,” she soothed, sending Archer and the men a grateful gaze.
Candy released her while they carried her into the ER. She turned to see the men helping Archer and grabbing a wheelchair. “Did you hurt your stump?”
“It’s a bit sore. Doc already peeked and said I’m on bed rest for the next few days. Do you know anyone who can keep me company?” He winked.
She choked out a laugh before nudging his shoulder playfully.
Relief filled his chest as he watched Candace fuss over the teen. Soon, Dakota would become part of their family, and eventually, he knew it’d be on a more permanent basis.