Page 1 of Pining for the Ranger (Shadow Mountain Forest Rangers #1)

Terror roots so deep it is in the very marrow of my bones. My arms windmill in vain to keep my balance as my feet slide across the wet mossy rocks at the edge of the falls. Not that it will do a damn thing to keep me from going over because I am already past the point of no return as I fall.

A blood-curdling scream tears from me as I tip over the edge. My body rushing toward the frigid water below at an alarming rate, at the same time I seem to be suspended in the air for much longer than it should take to hit the rushing river below.

When my back hits the surface, which feels like concrete from the drop, I suck in as much air as I can. Then I’m being pulled downstream. Tossed around like a pinball in a record setting game.

The current is so strong there’s no way I can fight it. It’s all I can do to hold my breath while I’m pulled under and then gasp for air with each reprieve, which comes when I briefly break the surface intermittently.

Enormous boulders pummel my body as I use the last of my rapidly fading strength in a bid to latch onto anything that might help keep me from continuing to be battered around like a soccer ball in a gold medal match.

My fingers and hands, now completely numb from the biting water, are futile in securing a hold.

The numbness overtakes my body completely. I pray with each passing minute I’m carried further downstream there will be someone who can help.

I’ve always believed one should stand on their own two feet and be self sufficient. Life has taught me you can only rely on yourself. Now, as I lose the battle with the turbulent river, I can only hope someone finds me, because this time I can’t save myself.