(IBook 16 Arrow/SPN Crossovers )When Hunter Becomes Hunted

Runs in the Woods

The drive to Oliver's Lake House was breathtaking, even at night, and Samuel was right, the woods passing by us in the moonlight did remind me of home, especially when Ireland had  a great deal more trees than it does now.  I took in the sights while Samuel stayed focused on the drive, especially after a few small deer darted across the road. 

He turned into an unmarked drive that led to a gated fence, the security panel looked quite new and definitely modern. 

"Oliver had this installed after a brush with people finding pawprints around the place, he also put in motion sensor camera traps throughout the woods.  He's ended up giving the photos to the local environmental groups to help keep track of wildlife populations. The gate only opens for us." He rolled down the window and pressed his eye up to a small lens. The panel emitted a small beep and then the gate slowly parted to allow us entry. 

"Not one to leave things to chance, is he?" I asked. 

"Never has been," was Samuel's reply as we drove into the lush and slightly overgrown property.

The house itself did not command ones full attention,  unlike what many mansions tend to do, the grounds around it were not overly lit, just a few lights by the stairs and outlining the driveway so one could find their way in.  I assumed all this was done on purpose so as to not attract the attention of passerbys on the road below. 

We parked close to the stairs and Samuel, once again, opened my door and held my hand as I got out of the car.He smiled, led me up the stairs, unlocked the door and walked in. The foyer lights lit up as we walked down the hall into the great room, which was very well appointed but what caught my eye was the moonlight reflecting off the lake which the full picture windows on the far side of the room showed off splendidly, "Oh, this is perfect." 

He stepped behind me, took me in his arms and simply held me, "There's something about this place that helps heal every person that comes here, at least it's done that for Dean and I, Oliver too." 

"Well, it is certainly a lovely night for a run. Shall we be about it?" 

"In a minute," he shifted my body so I faced him, "Honey, I heard. Your history with Rowena. You had your earpiece and mic off, Mac didn't. I know it was a long time ago, but, I just wanted to say I'm sorry she messed up whatever your plan was to save someone you loved." 

"It was Sean, the man in the picture you saw at my house," I still missed him horribly at times, "I was attempting something truly unwise, perhaps it was for the best Rowena stole what she did. I'm not sure Sean would have benefited all that much in the end. I appreciate the sympathy, however, we have much more enjoyable things to dwell on at the moment." 

He placed a gentle kiss on my lips, pulled back and that excited, little boy smile he gets when Wolf is getting impatient for a run, or time with me, chased all his somber concern away. "Wolf's been pestering me the whole way up here. Let me go shift, I'll meet you on the porch." 

He walked down the hall, pulling off his shirt as he did so.  One of the most amusing things about my relationship with Samuel is the added friendship with Wolf. We don't speak, obviously, but he's much more mischievous than Samuel is, or perhaps ever was. I often feel that Wolf's antics allow Samuel to enjoy a side of himself that he was never allowed to show, or indulge in, and, there is something to be said for having a rather large wolf lounging on a couch next to you or walking very sedately on a leash while you stroll through the town. From what Samuel says Wolf gets considerable enjoyment from the reactions of other people when they see him. He's even been at a few of my performances, and got the lion's, or perhaps I should say, wolf's share of leftover steaks and burgers from the crowd.