Strange Trails

Four

Even as they hit the final trails that will lead them to the heart of her Pack Land, Lauren remains still and silent in the back seat. It's a little worrying. Maisie thought the initial discomfort that lingered around the other She Wolf had been because of them, now she wonders if it is something else entirely.

It's a good thing Maisie has driven to Black Lake before, otherwise she wouldn't have a scooby where she is meant to be going. Most Pack Lands are approached by paws, so roads in are often hidden or purposefully misleading so Watchers can assess humans before they cross into their territory. Black Lake is no different.

She cleaves a clean line from the border to the centre of Black Lake, her grasp on the steering wheel tightening as they slip deeper into the new territory. The back of her neck prickles, and she forces herself to take a few deep breaths before her hackles can raise at the perceived threat. Sean notices her white knuckled grip on the wheel and huffs, "They're watching us."

"They're on higher alert than usual," Maisie replies, easing the car down a gear so Bug is crawling over the rough tracks. "Word about Moorland must have gotten back to them already."

"Do you think they've noticed the pattern yet?"

"No," Maisie says. "They've got some of the best Watchers in the country, but they're too inward looking."

She hesitates before adding, "Besides, Lauren had no idea what you were talking about before."

Sean grunts, but says nothing further. Maisie urges Bug onward for another mile until they reach the border of the settlement. It's usually where she drops Sean off before he meets with Patrick, allowing her to keep out of sight and him to keep half an ear on her from within the town. A big sign reads, 'Welcome to Black Lake'.

She can already see a small group of Watchers gathering near it, and it sets her on edge. It's as she's slowing the car to a halt that Sean finally notices the flicker in the woods she's been hearing for the last mile or so.

"Calm," she tells him as he sMaisieens. "It's just Patrick."

"How long has he been following us for?"

She shrugs, "For the last few miles at least."

The answer doesn't relax her brother the way she expects it to. His body is rigid, eyes darting back and forth between the growing Watchers and Maisie. Finally, Lauren snaps back to awareness, tension rising from the female wolf in the back seat. Maisie kills Bug's engine, and the rumbling car falls silent.

"Something's not right," Sean says.

"Maybe I should go out first," Lauren offers quietly from the back seat. He hesitates before nodding, "I'll come help you out."

"Okay."

Sean unbuckles his belt and turns to Maisie, "Stay in the car."

It's like an instant bucket of cold water over her curiosity. She scowls at Sean, "No."

"Yes," he says firmly.

"No."

"Maisie," he growls.

She scrutinises his eyes, the uncertainty that's lingering in their depths, before she sighs, "Fine."

He casts a quick look at Lauren, who's now practically vibrating in the back of the seat, her hands trembling and eyes darting everywhere. She sinks down into the seat so she's not visible from the outside. Maisie narrows her eyes at the action, she can tell the She Wolf isn't scared, but she is almost sheepish about something.