Chapter 12 Off Road

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After Daniel's shocking announcement, everyone started talking at once. We automatically assumed Stephen had dined on the farmer's cattle and killed the camper, unless we could prove otherwise. I recalled Rebecca clearly insisting that at least two people needed to be in agreement about Stephen's mental state... to confirm that he'd lost all control, acted with evil intentions, and only then would he be destroyed.

Daniel rallied the troops together and asked for everyone's undivided attention. He said, "We are now on Plan B. I want to keep this hunting group small. I'll be the only werewolf going. That gives us six total. Zac and Tessa, you brought weapons in case we need to use them. We need to be 100% positive that Stephen committed those brutal crimes. So, don't shoot to kill. At least not yet. I'll confront him alone. If I approach him by myself, he won't feel as cornered or that it's a trap. The rest of the group will be close, but hidden in the woods, able to see and hopefully hear everything between Stephen and myself."

"Is this cabin easy to get to?" Zac questioned.

"Not like it used to be. The dirt road is barely considered a road anymore. It's overgrown with weeds, branches and debris. I'll hook the car trailer to the truck and load the ATVs. If we double up riding on the four-wheelers, then we'll need three. Luckily, I own several which are here at the resort. Zac, I'd appreciate it if you'd help me with that tonight," Daniel asked politely.

"Yes, sir, no problem," Zac answered. His military training came into play.

Daniel said, "Tomorrow morning, we'll drive to the campground nearest his cabin. Then, unload the ATVs and take them to get us closer. We'll walk the last half mile to his cabin to eliminate the noise from the ATVs. He easily could be out and about and discover us anyway. Once we're near the cabin, you can hunker down in the trees as I head up to the front door. Zac, you'll position yourself accordingly. I can handle my own fights, but if something goes wrong, it sure would be nice to have you in a prime location to take a shot at Stephen. I wouldn't shoot to kill, just slow him down. If he's responsible for these violent acts, I hope he'll be honest and confess. Our kind tends to brag about things we've done, to show off, and maybe he'll openly admit to it."

I piped in, "Your kind? Ha - males in general, of all kinds, like to brag."

All the men in the room turned their heads and scowled at me. Then, it appeared they thought about my comment for a few seconds and nodded in agreement! Yes, definitely some strong arrogant men in there.

"Anyway...," Daniel went back to the plan of attack. "Whatever Stephen's answer is will determine what we do next. Kara, when I'm talking to him, you'll be near by. So, if you're able to do your psychic manipulation on his emotions right then, go for it. Or, if you and Dominic can read his mind, search for information to let us know if he's slipped to the dark side. After confronting him, I plan to walk away, if he'll let me. Many possible scenarios could play out and we'll have to wing it. We don't have a crystal ball, and unless you two psychics can see into the future, we have no way of knowing what Stephen's answers will be or how he'll react to me."

Eli spoke, "As soon as Zac and Daniel finish loading up the ATV's, everyone needs to get some sleep."

The group broke up and everyone went their own way. Tessa mentioned to Zac that she would prepare the guns and choose some other weapons the rest of us could carry for protection. Lovely. I could just see me wielding a sharp knife trying to defend myself. Maybe she brought Mace. I could handle that.

Eli and Dom discussed tomorrow's strategy. Dom looked over at me and held up one finger, then he mentally said, Give me a second then we'll head back to the cabin.

Zac walked out the front door, with Daniel several steps behind. They needed to get the trailer and four-wheelers ready to go.

Daniel paused next to me and said quietly, "By the way, interesting position you were in earlier while napping. I hadn't forgotten that little scene, in case you were wondering. Don't worry. I'm not going to beat him up or anything. Dominic and I are friends, but that doesn't mean we can't have a little playful bantering about this. Just wanted to let you know."

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