The Hunter

Chapter 4

    I turned out of dirt parking lot of the rundown hotel and onto the smooth black top road.  I drove past the little diner from which I had ordered the previous night and on out of town.  The road to the closest warehouse wasn’t far. Only about a 15 minute drive from where I was staying.  I spotted the sign for the old steel mill, and proceeded to turn down the old dirt road to my first location.  

    I parked about half way down the drive, and hid my car off road in the woods.  I opened up the secret compartment in my trunk and took out the holsters for my new daggers my parents had gifted me.  I placed them around my thighs. I then used an old, worn cloth to rub a small amount of wolfsbane around the edges of the blades before placing them in their holsters.  Then I grabbed a small curved blade my father had helped me design, that slide right into a slit in the heel of my leather boots. Concealing the weapon to the bottom of my shoe, but still giving me easy access if I were to need it in a tussle.  I also grabbed my silver lined brass knuckles and one more concealable blade, and tucked them into separate pockets in my leather jacket. Lastly, I donned my belt with one holster on each side to hold the two handguns I had brought containing the wolfsbane bullets, perfect for mutt hunting.  I grabbed the small pack containing the wolfsbane bombs, and began my trek towards the old steel mill.

    When I finally set eyes on the old steel mill, I could immediately tell this was not gonna be my spot.  I observed the building from the tree line, just in case. Hoping not to be seen by any look out detail the mutts may have.  I walked the surrounding woods around the building. Both large metal doors still contained the the chains and locks placed to keep intruders out.  The windows all appeared to be mostly intact, with the exception of a few holes big enough for a rock to fit through. This definitely was not the right spot.  

    I decided to walk the five miles to the next abandoned warehouse.  According to the map, it was an almost straight shot there from the old steel mill.  I made sure to keep an eye out on my surroundings and be as quiet as possible. At what seemed to be a halfway mark, I decided to take a quick break to text both my parents to check in.  I also decided to eat a couple bites of a granola bar I had stuffed into my jacket pocket the day prior. After about a 5 minute rest, I pushed on.  

    After about another twenty minutes of walking, I could see my next target not far in the distance.  As I stalked closer, ensuring to check my surroundings, I heard a loud clash. I stopped in my tracks, and turned to hide behind a nearby tree.  I peeked around when I heard the screeching of an old door being pried open. I knew then that I’d chosen the right spot. My months of research had not failed me.  

    I spotted two large, muscular men walking through the opening, followed by an enormous brown wolf.  Bingo.  It was them.  The pack I’d been pursuing.  The tree was a safe enough distance away to keep me from being seen, and the wind flow told me I was safe from them catching my scent.  So I knelt down to observe what the supes would do next.  

    The chestnut colored wolf seemed to be on guard.  Searching the area around the location. The men were standing by the door, having a conversation about who knows what.  I could not hear from my position. I was too nervous to move closer. In wolf form, weres hearing was said to be outstandingly better than human hearing.  I would be lucky if it did not hear even my heart beat from my position a mere 20 yards away. So far, it appeared I had been undetected. The wolf turned back toward the two men and swiftly shifted back to human form.  I had never seen the transformation with my own eyes. The hair seemed to disappear back into human skin, and bones were cracking and reforming in the blink of an eye. Had I not been paying such close attention, I would have missed the whole ordeal.  Within seconds, what was once an over sized wolf, was now a naked, petite woman with long flowing chestnut hair like her wolf’s fur. She stood next to one of the men who removed his shirt for her to don. He then picked her up and kissed her furiously.  They must be mates.  

    I’d heard tales of shapeshifters and their mates.  It was well known that the best way to take down a strong alpha male was to target his typically weaker female mate first.  The loss would make him go mad. Sending all logic out the window, and turning him into nothing but a rabid beast, just begging to be put down.  With the female now in human form, I took my chance to move a little closer to take in the lay of the land.  

    From my new position, I could see that this building was significantly smaller than the steel mill.  Only two floors here, and about 4 windows on each. Two more men soon exited the building and joined the others in conversation.  Being closer now, I could hear them talking about their plans to attack a nearby pack and wanting to force them to aid in some sort of plan for conquering the world.  The same ole song and dance heard from most rogue packs. They never officially had a place to call their own. So they sought to dominate over everything. They always get knocked down in the end.  Either taken out by hunters, or destroyed by another rogue pack who thinks they are more deserving. Sometimes these rogue leaders were taken out by shifters in their own ranks. Someone more power hungry and tired of taking orders.  

    I observed the pack a little longer and came to the conclusion that the male with his arm snaked around the half naked female was indeed the leader of this little group.  I heard one of the men call him Dane, and his mate Veronica. The other three men stood looking toward the pair like they were now awaiting orders.  

“It’s settled.  Abe, you and Jonathon will head in first.  Check out the perimeter and kill anyone on guard detail you may find, before they can alert the others.  The Blackwoods are a small pack, but we need them on board if we are going to move forward with our plans.   They have great influence among the other packs. Which is why we need a little leverage.  They aren't going to cooperate without a little motivation.  Mitchell and I will then follow behind once the coast is clear.  You love,” Dane says, turning to Veronica with a wide, devious smile, “you will stay here where it is safe. Just be sure the room is secure for when we return.  He is of alpha blood. You need to make sure the chains will hold. Now, everyone clear on the plan?”

“Yes, Alpha.”  the group chimed in unison.

“Good.  It’s getting dark.  Lets move out.”

    Veronica then turns to head back inside while the others pile into a four door truck and pull off.  I wait a few moments and then continue stalking quietly as possible around the building. Checking for any other entrances I could maybe use to my advantage.  When I make it to the back of the building, I see one other door to the building, but the chains around the handle are still in tact. It doesn’t seem to be a viable entry point.  After gathering all the information I can of the lay out of the building, I walk back around to my initial position, and start the five mile hike back to my car.  

    While walking through the woods to my car, I had plenty of time to ponder my plan of attack.  I decide it best to come back tomorrow evening while they are resting after their attack. I also began to think about who they could be preparing for.  Obviously someone strong. Since he wanted to make sure the room could hold someone with alpha strength. Another mutt for me to put down guess.  After a good hour walk, I made it back to my vehicle and began unloading myself of my weapons.  My stomach began to growl fiercely. So, I decided to stop in that little diner where I had ordered my previous nights dinner, and grab a bite to eat on my way back to the motel.  

    I pulled into the parking lot of the little diner called Grans.  I walked up the steps onto a porch like area with a couple wooden tables set up for outside dining.  Though it was nearing nighttime, it was still warm out. So, I decided I’d order my food and dine there.  The inside of the restaurant had a rustic, country feel. There were deer heads mounted on the far wall, and dark brown leather booths lining each side of the restaurant.  I made my way to the counter where a middle aged lady stood staring at me with a smile.  

“Hello miss.  Welcome to Gran’s.  Will you be dining in this evening?”

“Hi.  Uh, yeah, I think I would like to eat out on your terrace area if that is okay?  Could I see a menu first, please?”

“Of course.  Just let me know when you are ready to order.”

    I carefully look over the menu and decide on a simple burger and fries, and also a double chocolate shake to go with it.  I placed my order with the waitress, and walked back to the sitting area outside to wait. I called to check in with my parents, and discuss what I had seen while out today.  

“So, have you made a plan of attack yet?”  My mother asked.  

“I was thinking more element of surprise.  I noticed a room the female was in after the males left.  Seemed to be their den, if you would call it that. Maybe toss a bomb through the broken window.  While they are inhaling the wolfsbane, go in, a couple head shots to take them out, and I’m on my way home the next morning.  I’ll pack a few other things in case they try to fight, but there are only 5 of them. It shouldn’t be too hard.”

“You sure don’t want back up?  We could be there by morning.”

“I got this momma.  Don’t worry. My food is coming.  I’ll talk to you later. Love you.  Goodnight!”

    I hang up the phone as the waitress is walking out the door and towards my chosen table.  I thanked her, and began to dig in. The food is delicious. I kept thinking about how Dom would love this place.  I didn’t even feel the eyes on me until he was setting himself in the chair across from me.  

“Good evening Lydia.”  He said through that devilish smile. 

“s**t, Theo!  You scared me.  When did you even get here?”

“I seen you when I pulled in.  Watched you for a moment. You really like that burger don’t you?”  He laughed hysterically as I did my best to scowl back at him. To show my annoyance with his previous comment.

“What do you mean watched me?  What are you? Some sort of creep or something?”

“You could say that I guess.”  He shrugged his shoulders, and reached across the table to grab one of my fries from my plate.  “So, what brings you here? Hoping to run across that handsome delivery guy again?”

“What?!  NO!” I protested as my face heated up with embarrassment.  “I just wanted a bite to eat, but I guess I should have kept on driving.  Some old creep keeps stealing my food, and doesn’t seem to take the hint that I’d like to be left alone.”  

I could tell he knew I was lying through my teeth.  His smile grew wider, and for a second, I was sure his eyes grew a few shades darker.  Almost pitch black. Did I really just see that correctly? He shut his eyes. Shaking his head while laughing at my statement.  About that time, he received a ping on his phone, but he ignored it to continue staring at me. Another ping sounded. Then another.  

“Umm, Theo, are you going to get that?”

“I really don’t want to.”

Then his phone began to ring.  He hung his head and began to dig his phone from his pocket.  He looked at the screen. With a sigh, he answered.

“Yes...What?!...When?!...Fuck!  I’m on my way!”

“Everything okay Theo?”

“No.  I’ve got to go.”  

    Without another word or even a glance in my direction, he ran to his vehicle and sped off down the road into the night.  I finished my meal. After gathering my empty dishes and napkins from the table onto the tray, I walked back inside to pay for my meal.  The once happy and smiling waitress now seemed distant. She almost didn’t notice me walking to the counter.  

“Mam?”  I asked politely to get her attention.  “Are you okay?”

“Oh, I am sorry I didn’t see you there.  How was your meal?” she asked through an obviously forced smile.  

“It was wonderful, thank you.  I just need to pay please.”

“Oh, it has already been taken care of.  You just have a great night.” She still seemed so distant.  Like she was upset over something. Her eyes were almost in tears.  

“What do you mean taken care of?”

“Don’t you worry about it dear.  You just have a great night. I’m sorry, but we are closing now.  Come back and see us again!”  

    I walked out of the restaurant and entered my car.  I could see the lady inside moving around and quickly wiping down tables and flipping off lights.  They weren’t supposed to be closing for another four hours, according to the sign on the door. I wonder if it had anything to do with the way Theo ran off.  Whatever was said in the phone call sounded serious from his tone, and the lady inside was obviously distressed about something. I had my own problems to deal with right now, however.  I couldn’t worry about what was going on in the lives of people I barely knew. I had a rogue pack to hunt.  

    That’s when I got to thinking about my previous plan.  They were obviously planning something big tonight.  Maybe waiting until tomorrow evening was not the best plan.  After their attack of that Blackwood’s pack, they would most likely be to worn out to put up much of a fight.  Possibly even injured. They could heal quickly, but not that quick. Maybe tonight was a better time to launch my assault.  Catch them when they are down. I have everything I need. I can do it. I'm going to do it tonight.   

It was decided.  I’d go tonight. I pulled my car to the road and back in the direction of the old mill.  I decided to park my car where I had initially hid it earlier that day. I knew it would take a little longer to get there in the dark, but I didn’t care.  I loaded my weapons back up. My holsters for my wolfsbane laced ring daggers on my thighs, my guns holstered on my hips, my silver lined brass knuckles in my pocket, and my bag with those lovely wolfsbane bombs my father had created.  I closed the trunk to my car and began the five mile trek through the dark.