New Age Werewolf Series Book 2: Hunter's Daughter, Alpha's Mate

Part 21: Road Trip

LONG CHAPTER-SHOULD'VE SPLIT IT-SORRY!!!!!

"Thanks for trading with me, Father Joe," I said as I packed the last of my things in the saddle bags of the bike. I was surprised at how much I could minimize. My biggest problem was all the cash Dad stowed in the camper. There was a lot of it.

"It's the best thing to do," Father Joe smiled. "The camper won't be moving for awhile. I have no use for it."

"You could sell it."

"I think I'm going to wait on that," Father Joe chuckled. "A word of advice?"

"Sure."

"Try not to think of him." Father Joe smiled and his eyes glowed. "I sense a bond between you two, I do, and I haven't met him. If you feel or think too much, he might be able to track you."

I was horrified. "Are you sure?"

He looked as if there was something he didn't want to tell me, but smiled gently. "I have heard of such things."

I dreamed of him every night. He was always there, chasing me, but I didn't turn to face him again. I didn't want to deal with those feelings. I still felt he was completely the most handsome man I'd seen. I couldn't get him out of my mind. He was always there.  Father Joe was right, and I knew, this chase was going to end. Kyros was eventually going to find me, but I wasn't sure what he'd do just then, and that was what I was running from.

I sat at a campground, more than halfway to my destination, and decided to rest.

"Hi!"

Startled, I turned around. "Uh, hi."

A woman smiled, putting her hand on my shoulder. "You all alone?" 

"On my way to meet family," I lied. "Saginaw."

"Heard it's nice."

I shrugged. "You go where your family goes."

"Well, we got a campfire going if you're staying, brats and s'mores."

That sounded so good. "Thanks! That really sounds fun."

She nodded and smiled, "What's your name?"

"L-Linda."

"Okay, Linda, I'm Marion. See you there, okay?"

"Okay."

I played with Marion's children, even bought a suit and went swimming. I knew I should keep moving, but...it was so much like the times I had with Mom and Dad. I instinctively felt things would never be the same. College wasn't a prospect. Didi was with her family now and safe. All I knew was behind me, and a wolf was trying to catch me. Everything looked uncertain at best. 

"You guys have been really great," I said tearfully. "I'd better get to Saginaw before late. It's not far."

Marion drew me into her arms, and hugged me. I pulled back to look up at her, and she smiled, her eyes glowing gold. "Good luck."

"You--you--"

"Wolves are all over the country, Leilani," Marion whispered. "And word has been sent for your capture by one of the most powerful packs in the United States. Some of us will help because we know of your father and how he made it so we can live in peace, but others want you dead because your father killed an alpha--"

"And himself in the process!" I pushed her away. 

"Shhh--" She looked around worriedly.

"No, you don't understand," I felt like I was swallowing balls of sandpaper. "I was there, so was he!"

Marion's eyes widened. "Who?"

"Payton Kincaid's son is chasing me," I said miserably. "He won't leave me alone!"

"Leave you alone?"

"And I haven't been able to sleep, to rest since he laid eyes on me that night! He will catch me and probably kill me," I said. "He won't be happy till he does, I know it!"

"I don't think so." Marion shook her head. "I think there is more to this than you realize," She looked as if she was trying to find words. "You keep your eyes and ears open, heart open, y'hear?"

I nodded, not able to speak at the moment. I didn't want to cry. That took too much time.

"I'll tell you went to Saginaw if--"

"No, you haven't seen me--"

"He might have your scent."

"Who?" I asked. Marion gave a me a sad smile. "No. I'm miles from where I was--"

"He has your scent, Leilani, and if I'm right on why--" She shook her head. "Just be careful."

"Thanks." 

I rode as fast as the law would allow.  I was far more tense now.  Word has been sent? There were wolves everywhere. What if they were cops? What if...

They were looking for a camper, I told myself. I'll be okay.

Finally I made it: Mackinac Island. If there was a way to make him lose my scent, it's water, right?

All I knew was I needed to find Hughes on the Little Victoria. I didn't have much time. I sped through the streets to the pier, slowing just enough to read the ships. 

"LANI!"

I looked up desperately from deck to deck ship to ship, and found a man on one of the walkways. The letters of the Little Victoria on the side became clearer. 

"Hurry up!"

I pulled up to the ship and looked at the man.

"I'm Hughes!" he said quickly. "I told them you had a bike. Just drive up!" 

I drove up to see a older man standing. "Hughes?"

"You almost didn't make it!" He exclaimed. "Get ready to cast off!"

"Yes, Cap'n!"

"Uncle Jesse," He whispered.

I got off my bike and smiled, giving him a hug. "Hi, Uncle Jesse!"

"Hey, firefly!"

I swallowed hard. He did know my father. 

"You just rest now, it's gonna be alright."