Page 4 of Shielded By My Mate

I suck in a breath, my eyes locking on a small grouping of trees up ahead.

Just get there. Get there, and then I can come up with a plan.

I scramble faster, looking back over my shoulder to see how close the men are. Tears land on my cheeks, and I let out a cry when I see how close they are to catching me.

My head snaps forward again, and I let out a gasp, falling back on my heels before I can run into the pair of thick thighs in front of me. My nose brushes against his jeans, and I stare up at the stranger in shock.

How did he get so close without me noticing? I never even heard him approach, which is crazy because the guy is a giant.

I jerk away from the stranger. Who is the bigger threat? The two men behind me or this guy?

I’m debating it when the man steps around me, blocking me from my abductors’ view.

“Move,” one of the kidnappers snaps at my protector.

“Not going to happen,” the man growls at them.

“I said, move.”

I gasp as the guy raises the gun, pointing it right at us. My hero grabs me, shielding me with his body.

It all happens so fast. One minute I’m kneeling in the dirt and the next I’m wrapped securely in the giant’s arms.

“Please,” I whisper up at him.

His deep brown eyes lock with mine, and I get lost in his gaze. It’s a weird time to experience attraction for the first time, but I can’t deny the way my body heats as we stare at each other. Leave it to me to finally want a man when I’m being chased by two criminals.

A loud bang startles me, and I scream in shock as I cling to my savior.

“Ugh,” the man grunts, tightening his hold on me.

It takes me a second to realize that he’s been shot.

“Oh my god!” I shriek.

“Stay here,” the giant says, tucking me behind the trees.

I gape at him as he turns to face off with the men. Shouting comes from nearby as people are drawn to the sound of the gunshot. I hold my breath, watching as my abductors share a look before taking off toward their truck.

A dark red spot is forming on the man’s back. I swallow hard, staring at it as it spreads. Guilt slams into me. This poor man. He was trying to help me, and he gets shot for his trouble.

I hobble forward, needing to help the man who saved my life, but my ankle throbs, giving out on me. I sink to the ground, landing with a thud.

“Easy. I’ve got you,” the man says, his voice deep and comforting as he wraps me in his arms.

“Your shoulder,” I gasp. “You were shot.” I feel numb, and I wonder if I’m going into shock as I stare up into his handsome face. “I’m so sorry.”

“For what?” He frowns.

I stare at him. Is he serious? Is he in shock too?

“You… you were shot. I got you shot,” I explain.

“Oh, it’s fine.”

“Fine?” I laugh hysterically. “I, um, we need to get to the hospital. We both need a doctor.”

“We need to get you somewhere safe. What’s your name, Angel?”