Page 178 of Scars of Fate

Adam’s expression hardened.

“And now we need him conscious.”

Hawk retrieved the copilot’s radio.

“They’re calling for him.”

A voice spoke in Farsi, demanding a response.

Hawk looked toward us.

“If he doesn’t answer, they’ll know we took him.”

“They already know,” Russ said.

The enemy opened fire.

Bullets shredded the trees around us.

Adam dragged the unconscious copilot behind cover.

“Move toward the pass!”

Russ helped the pilot to his feet.

Boone limped backward while firing toward the ridge.

Lucas pushed his sidearm into my hand again.

“Stay beside me.”

“Always.”

The word stopped him.

He looked at me.

I let him see the promise in my eyes.

This time, always would mean something.

We ran toward the narrow pass.

Hawk carried the enemy radio.

Adam dragged the traitor.

The others covered our retreat.

Behind us, Meridian’s soldiers poured into the forest.

Ahead, the pass narrowed between two walls of stone.

No cover.

No escape.

A perfect place for an ambush.