Page 37 of Love and Loyalty

As they caught their breath, Drew's gaze locked onto Smith's. "We need to get out of here."

Smith nodded, her eyes scanning their surroundings. "I've got the package. Let's move!"

That was when it happened.

A round of bullets had rained down on her, searing a deep pain as multiple rounds hit her, sending her crashing to the ground.

"Major's down! We need to extract now!" one of the team members yelled as they returned fire.

Smith rushed to Drew's side. "Drew, can you hear me? We need to get you out of here!"

Drew tried to respond, but her voice was barely a whisper. She felt her vision blurring, her body numb.

The team quickly regrouped, forming a protective perimeter around Drew as they called in an emergency airlift.

As they waited for the medevac to arrive, Smith held Drew's hand, her eyes locked onto hers. "Hang in there, Drew. You're going to be okay."

But Drew knew she wasn't okay. She felt her life slipping away, her thoughts fading to black.

The last thing she remembered was the sound of the helicopter's rotors, and Izzy appearing and calling out to her, "Drew, don't leave me!"

Then, everything went dark.

Drew lay in the hospital bed, her body wracked with pain and her mind foggy from the medication. But as she drifted inand out of consciousness, she became aware of Izzy's constant presence by her side.

At first, Drew thought it was just Izzy's duty as her superior officer, but as the hours passed, she saw her genuine concern. Izzy's professionalism was unwavering, but Drew caught glimpses of something more—a deep care and worry for her well-being.

When the medical staff came to check on Drew, Izzy was always there, asking questions, advocating for her needs, and ensuring she received the best care possible.

But when the room was empty and Izzy thought Drew was asleep or sedated, she broke down in tears. Drew, despite her haze, saw the raw emotion, fear, and love in Izzy's eyes.

Drew's heart swelled, realizing that Izzy's tough exterior hid a deep vulnerability. She wanted to reach out, to comfort Izzy, but her body wouldn't respond.

As the tears streamed down Izzy's face, Drew felt a sense of peace wash over her. She knew, in that moment, that Izzy's feelings went far beyond mere professionalism.

And though Drew couldn't speak, she smiled inwardly, knowing that she was loved, truly loved, by the woman she loved in return.

Her condition took a critical turn as a massive internal injury ruptured, threatening to claim her life. Izzy sprang into action, calling for emergency surgery.

The operation was long and grueling, with Izzy working tirelessly to save Drew's life. Her hands moved with precision, her focus solely on repairing the damage.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the surgery was over. Izzy was exhausted, but her eyes shone with relief as she gazed at Drew's still form.

Thinking Drew was unconscious, Izzy leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper. "Drew, my love, you're going to make it. You're going to be okay. I love you so much."

Drew, however, was not unconscious. She had been listening, and her heart swelled with emotion.

Tears streamed down Drew's face as she felt the depth of Izzy's love. She wanted to respond, to tell Izzy she loved her, too, but her voice was trapped, unable to escape.

Izzy, believing Drew was unaware, continued to whisper words of love and encouragement.

Drew's heart overflowed with joy, knowing that Izzy truly loved her. And as she lay there, she knew she would fight to recover, to be with Izzy, to tell her how much she loved her in return.

A few days later, Drew's eyes fluttered open, her mind groggy from the medication and sleep. She was met with the familiar sight of the hospital room, but what surprised her was who sat by her bed: General Jackson, her commanding general.

General Jackson's face was stern, but his eyes showed a hint of warmth. "Major Mitchell, glad to see you're awake."

Drew's mind raced, trying to remember how General Jackson ended up here in her hospital room. She recalled the surgery, the internal bleeding, and Izzy's words of love.