Unknown Touch: Werewolf Series, 1

Chapter 24 Return

Daniel grimaced and rushed over to warm me up after Stephen's mocking comment and my playful complaints about freezing. We had been outside for several hours, and I really was much colder now.

Plus, I felt physically and mentally drained from my heroic act of saving Stephen's soul. Although, without a doubt, Abigail had played a huge part in providing the distraction to break down Stephen's mental block which allowed me to access his mind.

Daniel mentally said, I'm sorry, Kara. I forgot how cold you can get. Keep close to me and take in my body warmth. We've only got five minutes to go and we'll be back at Simon's house. He felt guilty. I thought it was tremendously sweet.

You should've been wrestling with me instead of David, while you proved your point to Stephen. That would've heated me up instantly, I teased.

Daniel hugged me and rubbed his hands up and down my back and arms to warm me. He whispered in my ear, "You're putting ideas in my head, baby. Watch what you wish for."

I shouted, "Okay, everybody, let's get this show on the road. I'm not the only human here shivering in their boots. Did I mention yet I'm cold, and tired, and starving?"

I knew Zac would jump in... he could eat at all hours of the day or night. "I totally agree with Kara about starving. Cold and tired, yeah, but I'm really hungry. It's about 2:00 and the last time we ate was five this morning. Stephen, you think Simon will feed us? At least toss us a bone? Well, since you're werewolves, you might actually have bones lying around. So, forget the bones, how about real human food?"

We tried drawing Stephen into conversations to help him feel part of the group. To be needed, wanted, accepted, to help him stay balanced and not feel like an outcast. In reality, he was an outcast, one to be carefully watched because of his previous actions. Everyone stayed alert around Stephen, on the lookout for any signs of violence or wild behavior waiting to erupt. In the same breath, we had to play it cool with him and create an atmosphere of friendship and caring. We had to give him a chance and try to trust him.

Stephen said, "Oh, I'm sure Simon's got plenty of food to feed everyone, right, Rachel?"

As Rachel was Simon's daughter, Stephen figured she'd know how stocked they were with food.

She laughed and said, "Mom and Dad always stockpile food. I'm sure they'll be ecstatic to throw a meal together. Especially since we have a few things to celebrate." She glowed with happiness.

Everyone pondered Rachel's comment in blissful silence. Very true. There were several things to celebrate. Stephen's return to sanity, even if he walked a thin line, at least he seemed content and in control at this time. And Abigail and Stephen resuming their relationship. David had a reality check and common sense thankfully kicked in before he turned too violent from Stephen's bad influence. Rachel's pregnancy was a total shocker.

And I planned to stay in Kentucky with Daniel. Not everyone knew that yet. In fact, I believe the only ones with that bit of knowledge were Daniel and Dominic.

We emerged from the heavy tree line into Simon's yard. I can imagine we looked like a small army charging forth upon his house. Simon and Lydia immediately flew out the front door and down the steps to greet us. Their eyes scoured the group, making sure everyone was accounted for. Of course, their daughter, Rachel, was the uppermost priority. Seeing her standing with David and looking very content, made Simon and Lydia relax instantly.

Daniel, always in charge, explained, "Simon, old friend, everything turned out well today. But, the humans are cold and tired, some of us have injuries and everyone's starving. Rachel insists you can get us something to eat. But, I don't want to be an inconvenience."