Unknown Touch (10 page)

The room was silent. Obviously, the werewolves knew exactly how they could be killed. This information wasn't for them, it was meant as a refresher course for the humans, The Liaison. It was new knowledge for me as I filed it away in my brain, hoping I would never have to use that piece of data to kill one of them. Not that I'd have much of a chance against their super strength, speed and heightened senses. I noticed how the werewolves all sat at attention after Daniel finished explaining how we could kill their kind. I put myself in their shoes and realized how vulnerable they felt. The males seemed to have taken on a "don't challenge us" attitude. Even though we knew them to be the good guys for goodness sake. Gee, you could have cut the air with a knife, the atmosphere in the room felt so heavy.

Isaac threw in one more piece of information. His choice of timing right after Daniel's explanation of how to kill a werewolf was interesting. "We do have within us the natural instinct of the animal we take after. We have a strong feeling of nobleness and greatly value our pack structure. We will fight to the death, if need be, to protect our family and even close friends from harm. We do not fear for our own safety in those times. Anyone who hurts our family will pay a high price because we will get back at them. And this mentality is the same for Stephen, too. So keep that in mind as we start dealing with him and his pack. He is very territorial."

"I think it's time to take a break. Everyone needs to stretch their legs and shake off some anxiety," Daniel announced. The mood had become pretty intense in the conference room. Everyone could feel it. No one was upset with each other but rather with the situation presented to us. It was sad how Stephen's actions had stirred up everyone's emotions. And he wasn't even in the building to personally ruffle any feathers. As I looked around, I was thrilled to see humans and werewolves intermingling with one another as we took our break.

After about an hour, Isaac cleared his throat loudly to get everyone's attention. "Why don't we call it a day and meet again in the morning. I need to head on over to the other resort and check in on things."

Daniel took up his suggestion gladly. He said, "I agree with Isaac. It will be time to eat supper before we know it. Rebecca, I imagine you and Samuel are also feeling the urge to check in with your resort. Okay then, meet back here at 9:00 in the morning."

Even after Daniel had adjourned the meeting, it was interesting to see how four of the werewolves still hung around and chatted with us. I was learning from them the hierarchy of who ran which resort or campground. Daniel was definitely at the top rung of the ladder, owning all the properties. He enjoyed dealing with all the aspects of the businesses: the paperwork, the management side of it, money issues. He made a ton of money in the stock market and other investments, too. Some of the other wolves had fabulous investments, but all made their successes with Daniel's recommendations and advice.

Daniel, of course, took care of the resort we were staying at with the help of his niece, Abigail. His brother, Isaac, with nephew, Matthew, ran a resort a couple of miles away. His sister, Rebecca, and Samuel took care of the third resort, a few miles away in the other direction. Anthony and Sarah took care of the two campgrounds, also within three miles of Daniel's main resort. Philip, their son, floated between all the properties, helping with maintenance where needed. I couldn't believe I was remembering all this, but when the four wolves that remained behind to chat kept talking about who does what, the information was really sticking with me.

I glanced around, wondering where Daniel had wandered off. He and Eli seemed to have finished a conversation. Soon enough, Daniel was heading straight for me, casually taking me by the elbow to guide me out of the conference room. Dominic's head about popped off his shoulders as he witnessed us leave together. I so badly wanted to stick my tongue out at Dominic, but thought that might be too childish on my part. Instead, I mentally put the image in his head of me doing just that action and gave him a monster size smug grin.

Daniel led us into the cafeteria. His niece, Abigail, was just getting ready to prepare a meal for those of us staying at the resort. She was walking into the kitchen, so at that exact moment no one was in the dining room. Without any warning, he reached out and gave me that big bear hug I so desperately had been waiting for. It felt wonderful being in his arms. Safe and protected. Warm and loved. He plunked me back down on the floor and kissed the top of my head, just like in our telepathic dream state. He stood a foot taller than me and it was an easy enough thing for him to do.

Daniel called for Abigail to come into the dining room. He told her to hold up with the meal preparation. He wanted to eat later, around 7:00, and to alert the others in the conference room on the change in the meal time. He explained to her how he wanted to give me a quick tour of the resort before it got too dark outside. The others, referring to the humans, already knew the entire layout of the resort and the surrounding area. I, on the other hand, had never taken a tour of the place when I was here with my parents. Heck, they probably got to know every nook and cranny while I preferred to lie around reading books. So, I was definitely at a disadvantage as compared to all the others here.

We headed out the main entrance, following the never-ending flow of sidewalks. I could not help myself but I had to keep looking up at Daniel every few seconds. He was so excruciatingly good looking. He was a living being not just an image in my dreams anymore. I had every detail of his face, his body memorized. And he was a werewolf. It seemed impossible that he could transform into that creature. I wondered if, when, I would see this happen.

He showed me all of the cabins including everything else he could think of on the property. Then, we carefully made our way down the little trail to the dock so we could view the lake. He guided me and at times held my hand if he thought I might slip on the trail. I knew I wasn't going to fall. I was very sure-footed and the trail was safe enough. But it was really sweet how he seemed so concerned about me. We stood on the dock, looking out across the water. The sun was setting fast and the view was spectacular. I wished I had a camera since the scene was postcard worthy. I worried about it getting dark and trying to make our way back up the trail.

I asked, "I guess you know your way around here pretty good, huh? It's going to be dark in minutes and trekking up that trail could be a nightmare."

Daniel chuckled, "I'm a werewolf, remember? My sense of sight is ultra heightened even in human form. I can see in the dark, so no problem. In fact, ALL my senses are ultra heightened," he smiled, leaned down and briefly kissed my lips.

"Oh," I smiled back at him and gulped.

Chapter 8

History

After Daniel easily guided us back to the resort in the dark, everyone started to gather in the dining area for the evening meal. Abigail was a pro in the kitchen. Maybe she and Dominic should get together, I inwardly giggled. She made a delicious, satisfying meal which The Liaison people raved over, including myself. The werewolves' hospitality was truly sincere which reminded me of an earlier thought.

"I would like to compliment whoever takes care of the cabins," I stated. "They are so unique and beautiful. Well maintained and extremely clean."

Daniel and Abigail looked at each other with approval. Daniel said, "We all chip in around here wherever needed. The ones that maintain the campgrounds, Anthony and Sarah, sometimes do not have very much work and will float around to the three resorts, helping out. Thank you for the compliment; I'll pass it on to the others. We enjoy positive feedback."

"Well, I don't know if it's because I'm the oldest one here, but I'm ready for bed or at least to just lie down," Eli softly sighed.

"Actually," Abigail teased, "Daniel is the oldest one here. And by quite a few years, Eli."

Everyone got a big laugh out of that. I thought how ironic that was. Daniel was hundreds of years older than Eli, but retained the look, the youth and the vibrancy of a man in his mid-twenties. Dom had mentioned he became a werewolf when he was 26 years old. But
how
did he become a werewolf? I could kick myself a hundred times over for not asking that question.

I wondered if Daniel had picked up that idea in my head somehow. He announced, "When we meet tomorrow morning, I would like to go over our history. Werewolf history. Dominic and Eli already have a decent amount of knowledge on this subject. I am concerned that Zac, Tessa and especially, Kara, need to be more informed. I'm sure that some of you have unresolved questions. And that curiosity is probably getting the best of you when wondering about us and our past. I'd also like to see with my own eyes some of your increasing talents, Dominic. We can have a little show and tell tomorrow."

We got up from the tables, lingered around a while longer, and soon our group took off for our cabin. It was getting colder outside now that the sun was down. The five of us, The Liaison, huddled close together during our walk back. Dominic put his arm around me for added warmth as he could see I was shivering. He hadn't had a chance to ask about my jaunt out and about with Daniel. We entered our cabin, took turns in the bathroom, and then each one of us literally collapsed on the beds. Dominic showed up suddenly standing next to my bed. He startled me so much I about screamed.

He gently asked, "I have an extra blanket if you need it. Here, let me go ahead and cover you with it. I'm hot-blooded and don't need so many layers."

"Thanks, Dom. You are so sweet for thinking of me like that," I felt humbled with his unselfish actions, concerned about my comfort. With that, he reached over and kissed my forehead. My head was sure getting a lot of attention tonight. First, Daniel kissing it and now, Dominic. I tried to conceal that thought from Dom, not sure if I was quick enough to put up the mental block before he might have caught that thought. I was exhausted and fell asleep within seconds.

* * * *

By 9:00 in the morning, the gang was all there. There being the conference room again. The gang being The Liaison and the werewolves. Daniel brought the group to attention and suggested that Dominic and I show off our skills first. All the wolves were immensely curious as to what we were capable of doing. Daniel figured we could experiment for an hour or so and then some of the wolves would leave to go about their duties for the day. They were not all needed to sit in on the next session which was werewolf history.

Dominic was not shy to dive into showing off his abilities. He took on the facade of a magician, performing his act to perfection for the small audience. First, he started with moving objects with his mind. Small items to begin with, like the pen sitting on the table. Then he moved a chair, the table, the huge (expensive) LCD TV, and I held my breath until it was firmly put back in place. Gradually, he had worked up to the grand finale when he asked me to throw one of my shoes at him. I looked at him and mentally said,
Couldn't you have come up with something better than my shoe?!

Sorry, spur of the moment idea. Just do it for me,
he pleaded.

I took off both of my shoes for a double whammy. I knew he could handle it even though he had requested only one shoe. We had practiced such things back at Eli's facility. I stood up and with all my strength threw first one, then two shoes directly at him. Both shoes stopped in mid air as they hit the invisible barrier Dom mentally put up and fell to the floor. I walked over to retrieve my shoes, feeling a little weird, like his stage girl or something.

Isaac inquired, "Very impressive. This can be put to good use. I'm wondering; have you ever tried moving or stopping a living being?"

The room was quiet. It was a brilliant question. And something we had not practiced or even thought of. I looked at Dominic as he stood still, unsure how to respond. I sensed his tension and embarrassment for not having thought of that very idea himself. I entered his mind,
Dom, quit feeling so awkward. It's showing on your face. Tell the truth. And take a brave stance and tell them we'll try it out right now. You can use me.

He was so grateful and replied,
Okay, if you're up to it. I don't know what will happen if anything. Why, oh why didn't I think of trying this skill on something alive instead of just inanimate objects?

Get busy, Mr. Show Off, let's see what you can do.
I prompted him.

He proceeded to tell the group what we had mentally discussed. The wolves appreciated his honesty and sat ready to observe his next moves. When Daniel heard Dom say I would be the test subject, I swear I heard a tiny growl escape Daniel's lips. He did not like the idea that Dom had never tried this before and now I was the guinea pig. I think some of the wolves glanced over at Daniel when he growled but I don't believe any of The Liaison heard him. I was the only human who did catch his reaction.

This time I pushed at Daniel's mind,
Daniel, do not worry. I will be fine. Just watch.

I played out my part in the experiment. Quite simple since all I was going to do was walk at Dom and see if he could halt my approach. I took off at him, probably a little too quick, when all of a sudden, bam, I hit his invisible wall with my face and literally bounced backwards and fell on my butt.

Immediately I blurted out, "I'm totally fine everyone. Chill out. I didn't think Dom had thrown up his barrier so fast. Well, Isaac, your question has been answered. Dom can stop a living being in mid-tracks and quite well, I might add."

"Can you physically move or shove at a person with your mind?" Isaac was sure onto something here. I realized it all had to do with providing safety for any of us coming up against Stephen. Defense against an enemy.

Daniel stood up and asked Dominic, "Do you feel like trying it out? This time, use me as your test subject."