A Wolf's Nightmare

Chapter 24

Jason

There was no doubt in my mind that Taylor knew about the choice I had to make. Vampires could sense and smell other creatures, so he knew Adam was here at night. What I still don't understand is why me? Adam hated me because I "stole" Brenda away from him, so why ask me to choose? There's no doubt in my mind that he knows my choice. He's hurting my friends to break us apart. Brenda is the heart of our group. Without her, Trey can't think reasonably, and Taylor has too much on his plate at the moment. How is he going to take down Adam, keep an eye on Trey, watch over Megan, help Austin find his brother, and rescue Brenda from a crazy werewolf? It's a lot of work for one seventeen year old to handle.

"Taylor, what's the plan? How are we going to do this rescue mission?" I asked as I looked over to him.

"We should start by taking precautions. We need to move everyone that could be considered a potential target by Adam Sherwood. Trey and I will talk to Mr. and Mrs. Hernandez, while you and Shawn talk to your mom. Hailey will watch Megan, and give our little friend a call. I'm sure you can handle that, right, Hailey?"

Hailey crossed her arms over her chest as she glared at Taylor. "Why do I have to talk to him? He only likes to talk to Brenda and Jason. He doesn't trust you since that incident, and doesn't trust me since we're so close."

Taylor gave her a half-smile as he thought about the incident. Austin was shot by one of the deadly dozen, which takes away every supernatural healing abilities from non-human creatures.

"I gave him a good reason too. Anyways, it has to be you. Jason needs to talk with his mom. Trey and I are going to talk to his parents, which leaves you with babysitting duty."

Megan frowned at the word 'babysitting' and gave Taylor a puppy dog face.

"I'm sorry, Megan. I wasn't talking about you. Hails is going to babysit the werewolf."

I looked away from them, wondering where exactly Brenda is. My best friend has been taken by her worst nightmare. Taylor better rescue her before it's too late. We've seen what happens to a person when they deal with their fears. Taylor was frightened to the point of almost tears. He was shaking with fear when we found him, but it took Brenda a while to break his fear. How is Brenda going to be when we rescue her? She isn't mentally strong as Taylor. I mean, I know that since Marcus, Brenda has gotten braver, but only by a bit.

"Taylor, can I ask you something privately?"

Taylor shrugged and followed me outside. "What's wrong?"

Before speaking, I studied him for a bit. "I know you're worried about Brenda just like the rest of us, but do you think she will be the same girl we lost? I mean, fear changes people. What if we don't save her in time?"

He shook his head no. "I don't want to think about that. You know what I would sacrifice for that girl, and if it brings her home, I'm ready at any moment. Brenda may not be the strongest girl, but I have faith in her."

With a sad smile, Taylor stuck his hands in his front pockets as he leaned against the wall. "Besides, we both know how stubborn she can be. I'm sure we'll find her soon."

I nodded as I realized how worried he actually was. This is an enemy unfamiliar to him, and the one person he loves the most is gone.

"Was that what you wanted to ask?" Taylor asked as he met my eyes.

Nodding, I pulled out the note and ripped it in front of his eyes. "Don't worry about me, Taylor. I'm sticking this thing out with you until the end. I mean, who else can bug you without being related to you?"

He chuckled before saying, "we're family, alright. Family has to stick together."

"What about Shawn?" I asked. "He's not a part of the Association. With no training what so ever, is it a good idea to let him tag along?"