Then she looked at Ranger and understood everything in a single, brutal flash. He hadn’t hurt her baby. He had saved her. “Ranger… I’m so sorry,” she choked. There was no time to think. No time to fall apart.
She rushed them both to the car — she didn’t even remember how she managed it — only that her arms were shaking, Ranger’s weight was terrifying, and Lily clung to her shirt the whole time. She got everyone inside, slammed the doors, and peeled out of the driveway with her heart in her throat.
Halfway to the emergency vet, she fumbled for her phone and hit the call button with trembling fingers. David answered immediately. “Emily? What’s going on?” “Snake,” she gasped. “There was a snake. Ranger… he got bitten. Lily fell — she might be hurt. I’m taking Ranger to the emergency clinic, but I need you to meet me there and take her to urgent care.”