Bound by the Past, Locked by the Heart novel Chapter 29

"Willa," Zack lunged to Willa's side, his face even paler than hers. His hands shook as he gripped her shoulders, looking her up and down in absolute terror. "Are you okay? Where are you hurt? Tell me you're alright."

Teaming up, Miles rushed to Randal's side. Seeing the gruesome wound on his hand, he gasped. "Fuck! Randal, your hand... Zack, first aid kit, now!"

Zack finally tore his gaze away to look at Randal's hand, his voice trembling even more. "Randal, your hand..."

He frantically dug a small first aid kit out of his backpack and handed it over, his heart still hammering in his chest. "Randal, that was way too close. Thank God you were there..."

"Did I ask for your thanks?" Randal cut him off, his voice hoarse and freezing cold. "I just didn't want someone dying in front of me."

Zack didn't argue with the harsh rebuke.

Miles roughly cleaned the wound, his brow furrowing deeply. "We need to get down the mountain and find a clinic to patch this up properly."

Randal carelessly yanked his left hand back. As his gaze swept over Willa, a self-deprecating smirk tugged at his lips.

"Why the hell did you come hiking with a fever? You're just a burden."

With that, he started down the mountain, his gait hindered by a noticeable limp.

"Randal, wait, let me help you." Miles hurried after him, forcibly gripping his right arm to steady him.

Willa leaned on Zack to stand. Staring at Randal's retreating back, a suffocating wave of despair washed over her, twisting her heart into knots. By the time they made it back to camp, her ankle was incredibly swollen, pulsing with agonizing pain.

The moment she settled into a folding chair, a bone-deep chill crept over her, and she shivered uncontrollably.

Zack crouched in front of her, pressing the back of his hand to her forehead. His voice instantly tightened. "Your fever is worse."

"I don't have any fever meds. I'll cool you down with a damp cloth, and as soon as we pack up, we're heading straight to the hospital."

He stood up immediately to grab a towel.

Seeing this, Vivian Shaw stepped in. "Zack, go pack our things. I'll take care of her. It's better if another girl helps out."

Zack nodded gratefully, pressing the towel into her hands. "Okay, thank you."

Vivian sat beside Willa, quickly wetting the towel, wringing it out, and placing it gently across her forehead.

Willa peered through half-open eyes, her voice raspy. "Thank you..."

"Don't mention it."

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