A Way Out

Chapter 15

I can’t see them but the smell of dog is overwhelming. I know I’m close. I move through the woods as quickly and as quietly as possible. After forcing myself through a particularly dense, scratchy bush, I see their camp right in front of me. If I didn’t know better I would have thought it was some sort of family camping trip. It was like a village of trailers, trucks and tents. There were even a few Winnebago’s. The werewolves walked around, talking, sat around, doing normal stuff; they were way too comfortable. I would bet anything that most, if not all, of them didn’t know that werewolves were persona non grata in New Orleans.

I was on a slight incline so I could see that the vehicles were arranged around the tents, which surrounded a large clearing. I had to give it to them. That was smart, circling the stronger vehicles about the more fragile, low-lying tents. It was also stupid, because it gave them little legroom to run. Wolves and their inseparability. It often actually was the death of them.

                There was a small concentration of wolves in the very center of the clearing. I focused all my senses on it and to my surprise, I recognised two of the voices.

                “…Bet she didn’t think she would end up here…slutting around with Klaus Mikaelson…”

                “…We should kill her. She is an abomination…”

                “…The kid is the problem. Get rid of it…” That sounded like Tyler.

                “…We need to think about this. Do we really want to have to deal with Klaus’ wrath?” Definitely Sienna.

                “…This is bigger than Klaus and his control issues. If Klaus is allowed to use this child’ s blood to make hybrids, the balance of the world as we know it will be destroyed…”

That was when I realised the thing in the middle of the clearing must be a cage. And that Hayley was in it. Damn. I would have to literally got through that entire pack to get to her. Okay. Time to get smart. I had to empty the camp.

Like it was that frickin’ simple. Think, think. What scares werewolves? Vampires maybe… but I couldn’t get the necessary numbers now. Not anymore. Actually…maybe I just needed one…

I took out my cell phone and sent a message.

I know where Hayley is. I can get her out. I need you to distract them so come to the south east end of the bayou. Please trust me. And don’t tell HIM. Let Sienna know what you’re doing. Tell her to stay and “guard” the cage.

Within the next thirty minutes, I heard the conversation shift.

“…on the way. Wants the girl. Want to talk…” Sienna.

“…We should all go talk to him…show our numbers…that we’re not afraid…”

“…might be a trap…suppose there’s a strike while we’re gone…”

“I’ll stay and guard her.” Good girl, Sienna.

“So will I.” Damn, it, Tyler.

“As will I. A non-hybrid member of this pack should remain here.” That person, whoever they are, has a bit of an attitude.

The wolves start to get together and move out for the south east boundary of the bayou. Now all I have to figure out is how to get past Tyler and the wolf guy. Whatever it takes, I have to get past them. I have to get Hayley out.