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Relief rushes through me as I realize they must have gotten out safely before the cops showed up. At least they avoided a confrontation and made a clean escape for now. But where the hell are they headed?
There are still so many unanswered questions.
The scent trail leads me in a wide arc away from Whispering Pines, deeper into the sprawling forest. I follow cautiously, keeping an eye out for any sign of the pack or their rescuer.
Up ahead, the trees thin out, and I find myself approaching a small clearing. Scuffed dirt and broken branches tell me the wolves passed through here not long ago.
It’s there that it hits me in a rush.
Edirn! And… Casey Stone.
They stopped here. I pick up their scent near a cluster of shrubs. They must have been standing here a while.
What the hell?
What would Casey be doing out here?
Whatever it was, I’m guessing it involved releasing those wolves. She and her mate got out of there together, along with the others. If anyone could have pulled that off, it would be her.
Thank fuck!
Fat lot of help I was to them, but there’s no time for self-recrimination now. At least they’re safe.
We, however, are not.
The sound of barking dogs carries faintly on the breeze, and I tense, turning to pinpoint the location. Too close for comfort. I need to move, and fast…
I glance over my shoulder one more time at the thickening tree line. Those dogs are getting closer by the minute. We can’t stay here. Especially once the heavy hitters arrive – I can handle a couple of patrolmen, but professional hunters? Armed troops? Not so much.
I need to find a way to get Cedara out of these woods. But in her current state, that’s going to raise all kinds of questions. She needs clothes. So do I, to be honest.
My strides eat up the ground as I make my way parallel to the main road to the sanctuary, keeping under the cover of the thick forest. I can’t risk being seen on the open road – not with the search parties out in force. It’s a hell of a trek into town this way, but it’s the only choice I’ve got.
An hour later, I’m nearing the outskirts of Sweetwaters, the sounds of traffic a low murmur up ahead.
So far, so good. I made it through without being spotted.
I can’t linger here, though. Every minute I waste is another minute Cedara is alone and vulnerable. I move forward at a ground-eating lope, staying well back from the road until I hit the town proper.
The main street is busy with the usual foot traffic. I keep my head down, hands stuffed in my pockets as I scan the storefronts. There – a little mom-and-pop general store right in the middle of the block. Perfect.
I step inside, the little bell above the door jangling merrily. The teenager behind the counter gives me a cursory once-over, her attention quickly sliding away with disinterest as she stares down at her screen. Works for me.
Moving quickly and purposefully, I grab a basket and scoop up some basic clothing items – jeans, t-shirts, a couple of jackets. I add a cheap prepaid phone to replace the one that’s given up the ghost on me. Keeping my eyes down, I pay cash at the register, stuffing my purchases into the worn duffel bag I grabbed off a hook near the door.
Five minutes later, I’m back outside and moving away from the main drag, my steps hurried but casual. No sense in drawing unwanted attention by looking suspicious. I take the time to shoot off a message to Jagger, letting him know that I’m okay and that I’ll call in soon. I keep going until I hit the treeline again, then break into a jog, heading back toward the forest and Cedara.
We’ll have to be smart about this. Stay off the beaten path, avoid anywhere too populated. But at least now we’ve got what we need to pass as human for a little while.
My throat tightens at the thought of her waiting for me, alone and probably terrified. I push harder, eating up the ground beneath my feet.
I break through the tree line, the waterfall that hides the cave entrance finally in sight. Relief floods me at the thought of seeing Cedara again, of being able to give her the clothes and supplies I’ve brought.
But as I approach, my steps falter. The cave mouth gapes empty and silent before me.
“Cedara?” I call out cautiously, my voice echoing off the rock face. There’s no response.
Dread settles like a leaden weight in the pit of my stomach. Where is she? I scan the surrounding area frantically, searching for any sign that she’s okay.
