Hunt

Chapter 58: Stalking the Apex

"Okay, one last check. Everyone have everything? We can't delay any longer..."

I begin to check my gear one last time, running through the checklist in my head for easily the tenth time. My rifle, check. Extra ammunition, check. Scent block, check... The list continues, all items are accounted for. Looking over at the others I watch Vince helping the other two apply their scent blocker. Reyna coughs as she rubs her face down with it.

God I hope it works...

We all know the mission inside and out. We had all prepared extensively for tonight. I alone had spent more than enough time going over any and all scenarios I could think of in my head. I could probably do this mission myself at this point. But in the end no amount of planning could cover every scenario we could face, I'd need someone out there with me to watch my back. We aren't perfect, and we aren't invincible. Vince and I know that problem all too well, and we all knew the consequences if we were to screw up tonight. So it's better to be prepared. One more time through the checklist...

"Mr. Parker? Could I have a word with you? If you can spare a moment." The calling of my name from behind me pulls me from my mental checklist, having gotten through about half of the items. Turning, I spot Reyna's father crossing the road towards me, motioning for me to follow him.

I take one last glance to the others before meeting him halfway out in the street. They were all busy with their own gear. "Yeah it's no problem, what's up?" I ask.

He leads me a couple yards away from the others, back across the street to the sidewalk out of earshot. "I wanted to personally wish you good luck out there. I know you've all worked hard in preparation for tonight. I do have one request..."

I shift my weight onto my back foot, hands resting casually atop the rifle slung across my chest. I respond impatiently, "Everyone will be making it home safe sir, I'll be personally making sure of that."

He shakes his head quickly, finishing what he was going to say before I had interrupted. "I know you'll do your best to ensure your team's safety, like a good leader always does. But I wanted to request that you don't harm any of the 'rogues' if you do encounter them. They're still my family, my pack. Even if they've been led astray..."

Vince calls my name from across the street, bringing my short conversation with Reyna's father to an abrupt end. I address his request before turning back to the others. "Look, I can't promise anything. We will defend ourselves if it comes to that, I'm not prohibiting my team from the use of lethal force if it becomes necessary. But fighting these rogues isn't what we intend to do tonight." I don't wait to hear David's reply before I cross back across the street back to my team.

Reconvening with the others I quickly finish my half completed equipment check. Catching a sideways glance from Vince as he makes sure everyone else is all set to go.

"What was that about?" He asks quietly, motioning to Reyna's father. Who hadn't moved from where we had our talk, watching us from across the road.

I wave his question away. "It was nothing. Just wishing us good luck."

I elect to not share David's request with the others. I didn't need something new weighing down on everyone's mind. We'd already be stressed enough out there as is. I couldn't have anyone hesitate if they needed to take a lethal shot, especially the lycans of the group. I couldn't have the disapproval of the Alpha dictating their actions. I was the leader right now, not David. Getting my team home alive is my main priority, and I would be getting everything home safe. Even if I had to sacrifice myself to do so.

"Gotcha. Well then squad lead, should we get moving? We're burning moonlight and I personally don't want to be out there until sunrise." Vince asks as he tosses me a small bag, pulling a second one out of his pack as I signal to the others to begin walking. Sliding the drawstring open I pull out a pair of tubes connected to a headband harness of some kind.