The compound rose out of the mountains like a scar.
It was built into the cliff face. Gray stone walls. Iron gates. Watchtowers at each corner. The kind of place that said stay away without saying a word.
I stood at the edge of the tree line. My heart was pounding. My hands were shaking.
Cade was beside me. His hand was in mine. His grip was steady.
"We're really doing this," Nellie said.
"We're really doing this."
"How many do you think are in there?"
"At least a dozen. Maybe more."
"Great. Just great."
I looked at her. Her face was pale. But her eyes were steady.
"You don't have to come," I said.
"Yes, I do."
"Nellie…"
"I'm not letting you face this alone. That's not how this works. We're a pack. Remember?"
I smiled. "You're not even a wolf."
"I'm a wolf in spirit." She he
