Chapter 340
My Person, My Rescue
Alpha Henry’s chest was burning with panic. Even as he ordered the soundwave detector set to receive mode, his voice broke with urgency. “There has to be another way–there must be!”
“Alpha Henry!”
Her words snapped his gaze sharp.
“This time, you’ll find me in the shortest time possible and save me, won’t you?”
Wouldn’t you?
For a fleeting moment, it was as if they weren’t separated by a phone and a broadcast channel but standing face–to–face–she below the cliff, he above it.
His pounding heart calmed for a breath. Just a breath, no more.
“Yes,” he said at last, every word firm and heavy. “This time, I’ll find you as fast as possible.”
Aubrey’s lips curved faintly. She pulled out the gun, and a strange serenity settled over her. It felt almost like release.
The moonlight was hidden once more behind thick clouds. The glow of the phone screen was the only light in the world.
Her only connection.
Her only salvation.
The wind howled through the ravine as gravel slid away again. Aubrey inhaled deeply, raised the gun, and pulled the trigger without hesitation.
Bang!
The gunshot thundered between the cliffs like a beacon. At once, the search teams sprang into. action.
“Got it–southeast, seventy meters out, seventeen hundred meters above ground!”
At last, her exact position was confirmed.
From above was the fastest way down. The forest below was too dense for movement.
Alpha Henry’s chest was burning with panic. Even as he ordered the soundwave detector set to receive mode, his voice broke with urgency. “There has to be another way–there must be!”
“Alpha Henry!”
Her words snapped his gaze sharp.
“This time, you’ll find me in the shortest time possible and save me, won’t you?”
Wouldn’t you?
For a fleeting moment, it was as if they weren’t separated by a phone and a broadcast channel but standing face–to–face–she below the cliff, he above it.
His pounding heart calmed for a breath. Just a breath, no more.
“Yes,” he said at last, every word firm and heavy. “This time, I’ll find you as fast as possible.”
Aubrey’s lips curved faintly. She pulled out the gun, and a strange serenity settled over her. It felt almost like release.
The moonlight was hidden once more behind thick clouds. The glow of the phone screen was the only light in the world.
Her only connection.
Her only salvation.
The wind howled through the ravine as gravel slid away again. Aubrey inhaled deeply, raised the
gun, and pulled the trigger without hesitation.
Bang!
The gunshot thundered between the cliffs like a beacon. At once, the search teams sprang into action.
“Got it–southeast, seventy meters out, seventeen hundred meters above ground!”
At last, her exact position was confirmed.
From above was the fastest way down. The forest below was too dense for movement.
Alpha Henry didn’t hesitate. He ordered the helicopter to position directly over Aubrey’s location, ready to descend. Alpha Mateo joined him.
But below, Aubrey gasped and dropped into a crouch. The ledge shook violently at the sound of the shot, tilting further as it began to slide downward.
She reached desperately for anything to hold on to–but there was nothing but stone. Even when she heard the rumble above, she knew time had run out.
If she fell, she would die. And she couldn’t die. Not now.
The helicopter rocked hard under the pounding winds. Barry moved to jump, but Henry stopped him.
“I’ll go.”
“Alpha-”
Mateo stepped forward, sharp–eyed. “By weight and strength, I’m better suited to rappel. Henry, you should stay inside and direct.”
Henry didn’t even glance at him. Grabbing the safety rope, he buckled the harness fast and coldly cut him off. “When it comes to reflexes and high–altitude experience, I outmatch you. Or…” His gaze sliced like steel. “…are you willing to gamble with her life?”
Mateo’s jaw clenched. He wanted to argue, but Henry had already locked the last buckle and moved to the edge. The storm wind whipped his coat like a banner, but he stood unshaken.
“My person–I’ll rescue her myself.”
The crumbling ledge couldn’t bear the weight of a wolf’s form. He couldn’t shift. This was the only way–pull her up with his own hands.
Barry’s throat worked, but seeing there was no stopping him, he ground out instructions.
“Alpha, the rope length is measured. If you descend to the end, you’ll see Ms. Aubrey. Move slow and steady. If you swing too hard, the helicopter might tilt in this wind.”
Henry’s face was grim as he strapped the phone against his chest, ready for anything.
Just before leaping, he spoke through the broadcast one last time.
“Aubrey, look up. I’ve strapped a searchlight to my hand. You may not see anything else, but when you see the light–reach for me.”
And then he jumped.
Mateo stood frozen for only a few seconds before his face hardened. Snatching up another set of gear, he strapped it on, grabbed a heavy supply barrel for added weight, and vaulted straight out after him. He wouldn’t stand by. He would save her too.
Barry swore loud enough to shake the cabin. “Damn it!” He whipped around to the pilot. “That’s two down the rope now! Keep the bird steady–don’t you dare let it flip!”