Chapter Sixty-Two

Nicole POV

We reach the outskirts of Michael's territory late in the afternoon. We have been dodging rogues all day; it didn't take the bastards long to sense there wasn't an Alpha in this area anymore. Monique, Simone, and two of the Jackson warriors separate from our group; they must get as close to the town center as they can without being seen. Marian Diana, myself, and the last two warriors continue toward the mountain.

When we stop at the mountain's base, Marian turns to Diana and me and says,

“We need to reach the top of the mountain before dark.”

The plan is to reach the top before nightfall to give us a better view if anyone approaches the cave. We need to be cautious if Sasha and Isaac see us; the general census is that they won't hesitate to kill Layla before we can reach her. We haven't stopped running all morning; it's so hot; sweat runs down my face stinging my eyes; our clothes cling to our skin. When we come across a small stream, we stop for five minutes, washing ou