The Hidden

Eavesdropping

Dyann showered and laid down to nap. She never got to nap. This was heaven. Well, it would be if she felt as tired as normal. Why couldn’t she rest?  Where had this energy came from all of a sudden. Dyann started noticing strange smells making the way upstairs. The pork tenderloin, the Dijon rosemary sauce, the roses from the centerpiece and something else. She could not put her finger on it but she smelled sandalwood and spice. It smelled good. As off putting as her uncles scent this one was that comforting. It felt welcome and familiar like home. Was it one of the strangers?  Maybe. Maybe she could sneak down the back stairs and catch  a glimpse of the dinner party. She wanted to see Meagan again. When they briefly passed earlier she looked so much older and more mature. There was something about her hair too. Dyann was in such a hurry and looking at the gown she didn’t register the color. Meagans hair color was darker. More similar to Dyann’s hair. Why?  Well that clenched it, before she knew it she was creeping down the stairs. She only went far enough to hear the conversation though. The smells were so much stronger from here. She had never had such a strong sense of smell but it was always stronger in the morning though not night. 

Dyann beamed in secret as she heard one of the visitors complimenting her meal. Her grandmother responded with a voice that sounded so gracious and out of place. “Thank you, I have always loved to entertain and cook large meals but since we left the territories there is rarely an occasion.”

Territory? She loves to cook?  What the hell?

Another new voice responded, “You are truly as talented as you are beautiful.”

Finally the third stranger spoke, “I’m pleased you brought up your departure. It has been a topic at every yearly meeting for the last 25 years. There is much speculation as to what led to your...disappearance.”

Dyann had no idea what they were talking about and when her uncle responded she was stunned at how gravelly and aggressive his voice sounded. “Three packs were all but destroyed, we were lucky to make it out without losing any family. So yeah we left. Why is that so curious?”  

Dyann was stunned. 25 years ago her parents died and even though she did not know how or why how could her uncle gloss over the fact that he lost his brother? 

The third stranger responded, “This is enough!” He all but shouted. “We have tracked you for years but never caught up until now. Where is the girl?” What girl? Are they looking for her?

Grandfather cleared his throat, “Yes there is more to the story. As my son mentioned it was not just our pack but surrounding packs. We took that girl to save her. She sits before you.  Meagan is the girl you seek.”

What the f**k is he talking about?

Dyann was having a lot of trouble keeping up. How could Meagan be a missing girl from 25 years ago?  Dyann remembered the whole pregnancy she was 7 when Meagan was born. Also, what are packs?  Why would anyone be searching for Meagan?  She was about to be more shocked when Meagan spoke. 

“It is true. I have been in the care of these people longer than I can remember. Loved, spoiled, educated. Since late summer I have been in training. We have spoken over the years of my return home but each time we were close a threat would be revealed and we would move on instead of backwards. If it is time for me to go, we will all accept it and I will travel with you willingly.”

At this point, Grandfather asked the strangers if they wanted to speak to Meagan alone in the privacy of grandfathers office. The three men asked if they could have a few moments alone first. 

“We will request her presence when we are ready. Also, good news Meagan - your family was left for dead, but they survived. They will be very anxious for you to return home. 

Dyann decided to change position and get to the front stairs so she could overhear the conversation in the office but before she withdrew she heard ice rattling in several glasses. She would love to see it but she felt like her family was all trembling.