Shepherd's POV
Hauling this girl down the cliff proved far more challenging than the ascent. I should have planned for that complication, but hindsight meant nothing now. When Tristan provided the route onto pack territory, I moved immediately with my strongest fighters. The opportunity was too perfect to waste.
I never expected her to walk right into my trap. Tristan had assured me the patrols avoided this sector, so my original plan involved infiltrating pack lands and striking at the hospital where she reportedly spent most of her time. But when fate delivers a gift, you take it.
The rappel down the rock face tested my endurance. Dead weight exceeding a hundred pounds strapped across my shoulders made every movement treacherous. My body spun repeatedly, slamming me against the stone. Each impact left me fighting for control.
