Unknown Touch (31 page)

Daniel rushed over to warm me up after Stephen's mocking comment that I was freezing. We had been outside for several hours, and I had become much colder as time wore on. I was physically and mentally drained from my heroic act of saving Stephen's soul. Abigail had played a huge part in that, providing the distraction to break down Stephen's mental block and allow me inside his brain to do my work.

Daniel mentally said to me,
I'm sorry, Kara. I forgot how cold you can get. Keep close to me and take in my body warmth. We've only got five minutes to go and we'll be back at Simon's.
He felt guilty. I thought it was tremendously sweet.

You should have been wrestling with me instead of David, while you were proving your point to Stephen. That would have heated me up instantly,
I teased.

Daniel gave me a huge hug, rubbing his hands up and down my back to warm me, and whispered in my ear, "You're putting ideas in my head, baby. Watch what you wish for."

I announced, "Okay, everybody, let's get going. Did I mention yet how I'm cold, and tired, and starving?"

I knew Zac would jump in on that last one. He was always hungry. "I totally agree with Kara on starving. It's about 2:00 and we haven't eaten since five this morning. Stephen, you think Simon will feed us? At least toss us a bone? Well, since you're werewolves, you might actually have bones lying around. So, forget the bones, how about real human food?"

We were trying to draw Stephen into conversations to make him feel part of a group. To be needed, wanted, accepted, to help him stay balanced and not feel like an outcast. He, in reality, was an outcast, one to be carefully watched because of his previous actions. Everyone was still being cautious around Stephen, looking for any signs of violence or wildness waiting to erupt. But, we had to play it cool with Stephen and create an atmosphere of belonging, of friendship, with him. Some of us still feared for his ability to control himself, but we had to give him a chance, and try to trust him.

Stephen replied, "I'm sure Simon's got plenty of food around to feed you, right, Rachel?"

As Rachel was Simon's daughter, Stephen figured she would know how stocked up they were with food. She laughed and said, "Mom and Dad always stockpile food. I'm sure they will be ecstatic to throw a little snack attack together for everyone. Especially since we have a few things to celebrate." She glowed with happiness.

Everyone was silent for a minute, pondering Rachel's comment. It was true. There were several things to celebrate. Stephen's return to sanity, even if he was walking a thin line, at least he was under control for the moment. And Abigail and Stephen resuming their relationship. David had had some sense kicked into him before having the chance to turn too violent from Stephen's bad influence. Rachel's pregnancy was a total shocker. And I would be staying in Kentucky with Daniel. Not everyone knew that yet. In fact, I believe the only ones with that bit of information were Daniel and Dominic.

We emerged from the heavy tree line into Simon's yard. I can imagine we looked like a small army charging forth to his house. Simon and Lydia immediately flew out the front door and down the steps to greet us. Their eyes scoured over the group, making sure everyone was accounted for. Of course, their daughter, Rachel, was the uppermost priority. Seeing her standing with David and looking very content, made Simon and Lydia relax instantly.

Daniel, always in charge, explained, "Simon, old friend, everything has turned out well for the day. But, the humans are cold, tired, some of us have been injured and everyone's starving. Lydia, your daughter insists you can get us something to eat. But, I don't want to be an inconvenience."

"Heavens, no! I'm thrilled to see everyone here together. This is wonderful!" Lydia was so polite and truly breathing a sigh of relief.

"Yeah, Mom, we've definitely got some things to be thankful for and need to fill you in on the details," Rachel was about to burst, wanting to spill the beans about being pregnant. But, she knew her mom needed to rush into the house to prepare for the onslaught of all these people. With the super human speed that a werewolf possesses, it wouldn't take Lydia very long to get everything together. Simon had us follow him into the house. He led us to a large family room that could accommodate our group. Rachel decided she better go help her mother whip up some platters of food.

Simon walked over to Stephen and patted him on the back as a way to say that things would be just fine. Stephen was still feeling awkward and not too sure of himself. Anyone looking at his face could tell that. I touched at Stephen's mind gently, and asked,
You doing okay? We're all here for you. Remember that.

I'm okay. Still confused, but I have held onto the good thoughts you've given me,
Stephen replied honestly. I was so glad to have broken through his mental block. We nodded at each other with a mutual understanding.

Before long, Lydia and Rachel popped around the corner carrying several trays of goodies. I thought Zac's eyes were going to bulge out of his head. It was absolutely hilarious. I had to admit, I was famished, too, and all the finger foods looked so delicious. Everyone filled a plate, settled down and proceeded to pig out. As in the past with meals, most of the time, we would try to get the meal eaten first before diving into massive conversations. And there were a great deal of revelations, discussions, decisions to be made. Simon and Lydia were chomping at the bit wondering what had transpired out in the woods. Our group didn't feel we should discuss every single detail about the actual take down, the fight, between Stephen, Daniel and Isaac. We thought that would be difficult for Stephen to listen to, as it was so intense and emotional, and he didn't need to live through it again by the rest of us talking about it while he just sat there.

Finally, we were finished stuffing ourselves, and in about five minutes, Rachel and Lydia had the entire mess cleaned up. I wasn't as comfortable here at Simon's as I would have been back at Daniel's resort, but it was an interesting, rustic looking house. I just had never been here before, so I was having a harder time relaxing, but all that food I ate did help. And I was nice and toasty warm.

Daniel explained to Simon and Lydia the main points of what had happened out in the woods. He briefly passed over the fight scene and focused on Abigail making her surprise appearance, and my telepathic skills helping Stephen overcome his aggression. Eli had acted as the mediator, a counselor, letting Stephen speak freely about his emotions and actions.

Abigail, with the utmost respect, asked, "I would like to stay here with Stephen tonight. He needs me and I want to keep an eye on him. Do you have any objections, Simon?"

"Of course not! Please, you are welcome in my home any time," Simon adamantly exclaimed.

Abigail went on, "Stephen and I want to give our relationship another chance. I do still love him." She smiled and rubbed Stephen's arm. I thought Stephen was going to cry. I, especially, could sense his emotions. I entered his mind and pushed in calm, comforting thoughts. He was feeling as if he didn't deserve Abigail after all he had done. I quickly corrected that thought process, letting him see that she, alone, made this choice to come to him. No one had forced or bribed her to seek him out today. He needed to embrace this love, accept it, roll with it. He glanced sheepishly up at me, knowing full well what I was doing to try to help him understand and to cope with this new way of living.

Stephen gave me a mental nod and looked directly at Abigail and declared, "I love you, too, Abby. I've missed you so much." He called her by a nickname. How sweet. I could relax again.

Simon added, "Stephen, if you're feeling any aggression or unease creeping up, would you please keep me in mind to come and talk to? We want to see you happy and want to help as long as you'll let us."

Stephen was in awe with the fact that so many were reaching out to him. To help him. Before today, he looked at the others as if they were chastising him, punishing him or trying to discipline him. And he was not going to allow anyone to tell him what to do. Especially Daniel. But, in reality, the other werewolves were trying to protect their race, their existence, human lives, and save Stephen's soul from the dark side all at the same time. He could now see that. He had put them all at risk.

Stephen answered Simon, "Thanks, Simon. I appreciate it. I'm sorry to have put you and your family through hell. And don't be too hard on David. I really put pressure on him to join me in my dangerous pursuits."

David spoke up for himself and admitted, "Stephen had this exciting, daring, kick-butt attitude that I was drawn to. It pulled me into a different world when I was running with him. I felt some higher levels of aggression, at times, but I don't feel I was engulfed in rage or filled with violence."

"I have an announcement to make," Rachel began, "Mom, Dad, all the others here already know what I'm about to tell you. I burst forth with this revelation out in the woods to catch David's attention."

"Gee whiz, I think you know
how,
Mom!" Rachel teased. "I'm just as shocked as you are. David and I have been married for over fifty years. We wanted to have children, but just figured getting pregnant was a very rare thing among werewolves. Suddenly, we got our wish."

With Eli being a doctor and scientist, this subject matter was right up his alley. He politely asked, "Rachel, I think you're aware I'm a doctor, and if you like, with your permission, it would be a great honor to do what I can to help you with this pregnancy. It's not like you can run to the local hospital. I may not know everything about a werewolf's inner workings and chemistry, but I have done immense research and study on your species. I'm probably your best shot with my devotion to your continued, safe existence. Think about it."

Rachel looked at David and her parents, hoping they would give their opinions. Lydia spoke first, "Rachel, he is a doctor and he has knowledge of our kind. If we're at all concerned about this surprise pregnancy, it would be a good notion to let him examine you and have him keep an eye on you throughout the entire pregnancy and delivery. Is that what you have in mind, Eli?"

"Exactly my intentions," Eli responded. "Plus, I would like to do some more research on the reason why pregnancies are so uncommon in your race."

Rachel had made a decision, "Eli, yes, I would like you to be my doctor. I think it will make me feel more comfortable knowing I have you, a real live physician, who is looking out for my well being and the health of my baby. And it would be wonderful if you made some discovery about our rare pregnancies and I would be thrilled if I can help with that in some way, as long as it doesn't jeopardize the baby."

Eli was so excited, I could see the beads of sweat on his forehead. He said, "Absolutely, Rachel. We've got a deal. We'll set up something here, in a room of your choice, where you feel the most at ease. Perhaps over the next few days, we'll get the exam taken care of and I'll ask a series of questions so I can ponder your answers. I would like David present during these visits. I think it will help you stay relaxed and comforted having him with you. And it will be good for him, too." He nodded at David.

"Can Kara be in the room with me or nearby where she can link with my mind? I know she can help with my nerves...I've never had a doctor look at me for anything before..." Rachel was a little embarrassed to be discussing all this with so many people in the room listening to every word.

I immediately jumped in, "Rachel, don't even think twice about asking me. I will be wherever you want me. Now that we've already mentally connected several times over the day, and physically being around you, I bet I could link to your mind from Daniel's resort. We need to experiment with that. And that reminds me of something else. As long as I've had enough contact both physically and mentally with anyone here, I have discovered that if you think and concentrate very firmly for me in your mind, scream my name in your brain, then I will sense or hear your need, your call for help. I can initiate the telepathy with you and we can talk – in our minds at that time. So remember that, guys."

Eli made a strong suggestion. "I would like myself, Kara and Dominic to hold some behavioral sessions over the next week. Daniel, you should be around, as we are all humans, and we want to keep a balance that doesn't make any werewolf feel threatened or awkward. Call it counseling, guidance, whatever you choose to consider it to be. Obviously, Stephen will be the main focus, but David is important in this, too. And, actually, I believe every single werewolf in both Stephen and Daniel's packs should sit in on a session, whether it is an individual or group session. Hmm, I guess you could even call this anger management classes."

Daniel gave his thoughts, "That is a good idea. I'm sure some of the wolves will feel a bit odd getting together, but it all makes sense in the big scheme of things. Hopefully, if they are very aware of their emotions, it could prevent any devious behavior down the line. I'll let the rest of the pack members know what's going on."

Isaac had walked to a window and gazed out, checking the weather. He warned, "It's going to snow. I can feel it. And the temperature has dropped outside. Maybe we better head back to the resorts, as long as we've got things wrapped up here for the day."

I suspected everyone wanted me to touch at Stephen's mind, just to make sure we were leaving him in a solid, calm state. I did so easily and asked,
Stephen, if I leave for what remains of this day and night, are you under your own control?

Yes,
Stephen seemed fairly confident.
I'm a little shaky, tired, and still confused, but Abigail will be with me and that makes a huge difference. I can reach your mind if I need help, right?