Dark of kNight (17 page)

“We have unfinished business, you and I,”
he growled quietly with his lips gently on mine. I could smell that soft spicy fragrance I’d longed for.

“
Yes, unfinished,”
I
breathed as my arms went around his neck. His kiss sent a fire flaming down my skin again. His body pressed closer to mine, covering the length of my body. My hands went to his head. Gently my fingers ran through his hair. Slowly his hands left my neck, letting his thumbs trace down my sides where he ran his hands over my back.

My eyes opened when I heard Charlotte’s voice greeting Jason and Heather.

“Where are Julie and Daniel?” she asked. All I heard was Jason’s chuckle.

Daniel let me go and we both tried to compose ourselves as we walked into the great room. I stopped to set the picture back in place as Daniel let out a soft laugh. We walked around to see Charlotte with her arms held wide to hug her son. He embraced her tightly. Yes, there’s nothing like a mother’s love.

Once we were all seated in the living room, I noticed Charlotte had a beautiful silver coffee and serving tray prepared with fresh coffee and homemade scones. Thomas and Charlotte sat across from Jason and Heather. Daniel and I sat in the large oversized chair together. It was very nice to feel him close to me again. He sat with his arm around me while I snuggled under him. I missed the smell of him, the wonderful smell of his cologne and his spicy scent. I missed the feeling of his warm embrace as his soft hands touched my face. I trailed off into my own thoughts when I noticed everyone’s attention was on me. To my surprise, my eyebrows raised, I looked down at myself and then to Daniel.

“Julie?” Charlotte asked.

“You have a surprise to tell me?” Daniel turned to me with a quirky grin.

My mind wondered for a moment. How did I not hear what she asked me? I thought quickly as I looked at her.

“Dr. Miller?” Charlotte coached.

“Oh!” I said in exclamation. The conversation was one I’d hoped to have with Daniel in private. Since the puppy was out of the box, I might as well play with it.

“Well, I’d been having these nightmares.” Daniel coughed out a little laugh and I nudged him in the ribs. “It turned out they were suppressed memories from when I was around twelve. The attack by the werewolf, according to Dr. Miller, was so traumatic I blocked the memory of the event. Anyway, after talking to Dr. Miller and Charlotte, I have my full memory back. I know everything about my father. I also know who I am. I know where I belong.” Daniel's arms were around me squeezing me tighter.

“I cannot tell you how glad I am. How proud I am of you,”
he whispered.

Thomas jumped up and walked over to me with his arms open. I left Daniel’s arms and embraced Thomas. “Welcome to the family, dear. We have waited for this a long time.

”

“That’s great!” Jason and Heather said at the same time sending me a warm smile.

I returned to my spot under Daniel‘s arm and pulled my feet under me. He was my safe haven. I never wanted to leave.

“I think this is totally amazing. So what’da you think of us Lycans now?” Jason asked.

“Well, I guess there’s still a lot to learn. But so far, I’m kind of fond of one,” I smiled proudly.

“So, when did you find out?” Heather asked.

“Actually Monday.”

“Well, we have more news to discuss. Not to take the attention away from Julie’s recovery.” Thomas began. “I am sure Daniel has filled you both in concerning our werewolf problem around here.”

“So how many people have they killed so far? How many are missing?” Jason broke in leaning forward with his elbows resting on his knees.

“At the moment, a total of six were found dead. Three are missing,” Thomas said pouring himself a cup of coffee.

“So that means there may be three added to their pack?” Heather threw in.

“I tried to track them the other day. I only caught a scent of two. They are somewhere nearby. I found a police officer’s body about ten minutes from here. The werewolves had pulled him from his car. I found his body behind the car where they killed him.” Daniel added.

For a moment, everyone was lost in his or her thoughts. Casey appeared on the stairs. Walking slowly she went to Daniel first and hugged him tightly. Then she walked over to Jason and Heather.

“Hello again, Jason, Heather.” She said hugging them both as they greeted her. Then she turned and sat on the floor next to the coffee table.

“So what have I missed?” she asked in her same perky voice. There was something different about her. I couldn’t put my finger on it.

“Well, I think that we should at least go on a hunt to see exactly where they are holding up.” Daniel suggested.

“I agree.” Jason said.

Thomas nodded.

“Well, there’s one thing we’re forgetting,” I added. I didn’t realize with everyone’s attention on me how uncomfortable I’d suddenly become. “I have Barney Fife and his Deputy Dog sniffing around my house.”

“Oh, that is right. I went out early the morning after the storm to find out the where the werewolves were heading. Apparently our Sheriff found my tracks, so now they are looking for a pack of oversized wolves.” Daniel added.

“Well, that’s a bummer.” Jason shot back. “How much territory do you think we have to cover?”

“The land tracks between Julie’s house and here are around a forty mile radius.” Thomas cleared his throat. “I figured we could split up.” He stood and then laid a map out on top of the coffee table. “Charlotte, Casey and I could take the western area surrounding our house. Jason, you and Heather could take the corner on the East.” He looked up toward Daniel and me. “Daniel, you and Julie will have the southern area around her house. We have until Sunday before there is a full moon.”

“So what’s the plan if we find where they are?” Jason threw in looking at the map.

“Set a trap.” Daniel chimed in. “We will draw them out. Find a local point and wait for them.”

“Okay then, when do we start?” Jason said wide eyed with excitement.

“All right, Irish boy, do not don your kilt just yet. We will have to be careful and move around the police. They are still combing the area looking for oversized wolves. Our best bet is to go out at night,” Daniel stated.

“Tonight should be perfect. There is a half moon,” I added. Everyone nodded in agreement.

“Tonight it is,” Jason said. “So Julie, this will be your first hunt with Daniel?” The way he said it sounded more promiscuous than a regular question.

“I think it’ll be fun,” I said looking to Daniel. His face contorted into a frown.

“I would certainly like to be there for this.” Jason said chuckling.

“Oh, no you most certainly will not my friend.” Daniel shot back in a back-off tone. Feeling Daniel’s body tense, my head snapped toward him to see the angry expression.

“Oh, it couldn’t be that bad,” I said trying to lighten Daniel’s tense mood.

“Maybe it would be a good idea if they went on their own. At least for the first time.” Charlotte spoke in Daniel’s defense.

Heather glanced at me and gave me a wink. “You’re going to enjoy it. Believe me. We’ll catch you on the second run.”

Daniel murmured something under his breath I couldn't understand. I reached over and just patted him on the leg. My heart stopped when I felt the strong muscles in his leg. I pulled my hand back and folded my arms to my stomach. My thoughts became harder to control than before. The desire I had for Daniel was greater, making it more difficult for me to concentrate.

Casey had been so quiet. A smile crossed my face when I glanced at her. She forced out a fake smile, but I could tell there was something haunting her.

My first hunt with Daniel, this would be exciting. Although, I had no idea what was involved. I was excited to be with him. The hunting shows on TV showed men going out in the woods with guns and walking around dressed in camouflage. How hard could it be? I glanced over to Charlotte. It was hard for me to imagine her walking through the woods dressed in camouflage and carrying a gun.

“Okay, so where are we going to round up?” Jason asked.

“Tonight we will head out around nine and meet back here. You do not think you two will get lost do you?” Thomas asked looking at Jason and Heather.

“She’s got a better nose than me. I doubt it very seriously. I didn’t marry her for her cooking ya’ know.” I could tell Jason was going to be a lot of fun. I was disappointed they weren’t going with Daniel and me.

“Okay, everyone, to the kitchen for a real breakfast.” Charlotte announced.

“Mom, actually I am a little tired from the plane ride. Besides, I want to check out the perimeter around Julie’s house. Since no one has been there in three days, I want to make sure they have not tracked to her house.”

Charlotte stared at Daniel for a moment. Her expression turned to concern. She glanced to me with a raised her eyebrow then returned to Daniel with a firm glare.

“You both better be back here tonight.” Her firm voice commanded.

“I promise,” I spoke quickly. The expression on her face told me exactly what I needed to know. Daniel and I would need to be careful in more ways than one.

“Jason and Heather, I will see you both tonight.” Daniel said as we both stood.

“Okay, buddy.” Jason said when he stood and took Daniel’s hand followed by a manly shoulder hug. He gave Daniel a little wink and patted him on the shoulder. Daniel then gave Heather a glance. She nodded to him as if he’d asked her a question and she answered.

Daniel rested his hand on my back as I picked up my purse and keys, then we headed toward the door. He grabbed his luggage on the way out while I held the door open for him. The smiles we passed to each other were like two high school teenagers in love. I opened the trunk and he placed the luggage in. We laughed when he stole a kiss from me while sneaking the car keys out of my hand.

It was good to be with him again. The brightness he brought into my life was like a breath of fresh air. We chatted about different things while we drove to my house. Mostly how we missed one another.

He pulled the car in the front of the house. Climbing out the car, I stood for a moment and looked around. I thought maybe that I’d be able to stay in the house for a while.

Daniel looked around the woods for a different reason.

“Come on, we need to put this stuff it house. I want to check out the area.” He announced.

I unlocked the door and we walked inside. A light chime let me know the alarm system was still working. Pausing, I punched the code in and then there was silence. Daniel headed directly upstairs, while I walked out to the patio. Staring out the back, there were still a few branches that needed picking up from the storm. It felt good just to stand here and feel the cool breeze blow. The day was nice, and tonight was going to be a nice night to go out.

Consumed in my thoughts, I didn’t hear Daniel when he walked up behind me. Placing his hands around my waist, I jumped. He rested his head on my shoulder and pressed his face against mine. He pulled me back to his body and held me close.

“So, you said you missed me?” he asked sheepishly.

“I think I mentioned something like that.” Daniel met my playful response as he turned me around to face him.

He looked up into the trees as he shifted closer to me. “Well, I believe I remember the words a little clearer than you do.”

I watched as his mouth twisted into a grin. “Well then, exactly what were my words?” I teased.

He drew his eyebrows together then his eyes dropped to mine. “See now that is the hard part. I cannot tell you.” He leaned down toward me, his lips touching mine softly. “
I
have to show you,”
his voice whispered ever so softly.

“I think… ” I murmured against his lips, “that someone said they wanted to check the perimeter?” I pulled back from the kiss.

“Well, okay then.” His expression reminded me of a scolded schoolboy. I laughed a little.

“Besides, I want you rested for my surprise this evening.” His expression changed into one of curiosity.

“Oh, that is right. Well, in that case, I guess I will have to rest then.” He said releasing me. “I will see you in a few minutes.” He turned and walked down the steps toward the path at the edge of the back yard.

There was no way I could properly thank Charlotte for her help yesterday in the prep work for this evening‘s meal. Charlotte and I spent two hours in the kitchen prepping the food so it would be ready to place in the oven to cook. I knew that for dinner to be ready by six, everything needed to be in the oven by four. Daniel will be resting. After we finished dinner, we would then go on our little hunting exposition.

I waited until Daniel was out of sight in the thick wooded area to return inside of the house. Looking down at my watch, I realized it was already eleven-thirty. Daniel would be back soon and resting. This would leave me with several hours to pre-occupy myself before starting dinner. Pausing and looking around the large living room, I stared at the television for a moment. Maybe a movie, I shoved the thought out my head as soon as I remembered it might keep Daniel awake. A book would be a nice substitute for a while. I headed for my father’s study. Walking into the study I looked at the wall covered with books. I glanced up, looking for a book which would keep me interested for a while. I had read most of the books on the shelves. Smiling I reached for Bram Stoker’s
Dracula
. It may not be about werewolves, but it definitely would keep me in suspense for a while.

Satisfied with my selection, I walked back into the living room. Daniel was just walking in from the patio. The breeze that followed him in smelled strongly of his cologne. He stopped to look at me. He looked exhausted.

“Hey,” he breathed.

“Hey.”

“Well, I did not see anything that resembles our friends. We should be safe.” He paused looking back out to the patio. “I um, think I am going to get that shower and take a quick nap.”

The tone in Daniel’s voice told me he was hiding something from me. It wasn’t about the werewolves, it was more than that. I could tell Daniel was anxious by the way he’d become suddenly distant.