Unknown Touch (35 page)

It was hilarious watching them. They would play-bow often to each other, indicating this was an invitation to play and was all for fun. Suddenly one would dash off and then come charging back at the other, running in circles. Some were playing keep away with the sticks; as one would approach another wolf, he would drop the stick on the ground, enticing the other to try to go for it. The moment the other made an attempt to grab the stick, the first one picked it up again, and took off running with the other in hot pursuit. When one of the wolves caught up with another, wrestling ensued with massive amounts of growling and yelping. Those wrestling matches were definitely being monitored by Dom and me. At one point, Stephen was wrestling around with another werewolf, we weren't sure which one, and I touched at his mind to assure him I was watching and to praise him on his joyful, playful behavior. He acknowledged my contact, but wasn't about to lose his focus on that particular wrestling match. I think it was against David. Just by looking at them, I only knew about half from their wolf appearance alone. If I accessed their mind, immediately I knew who I was in contact with.

Dominic sat next to me on the picnic table as we continued to watch this display in awe. I sensed something was boiling up in Dom, and he opened the flood gates with, "Kara, I'm giving this another try. Please come back to Illinois with us. We can make trips back down here every so often to visit the wolves. But I think it's best for you to leave here and go back home to your parents. We can end their worry and confusion by telling them you've experienced life on your own out in California and made the decision to come back home. We'll cook up a story that you've found this wonderful job, working for Eli, as his assistant in research or his secretary or something. And that the job has travel requirements occasionally, but that you'll return back home after the job has been completed."

"I see you've put a lot of thought into this, Dom," I responded, somewhat irritated. He had mapped out an entire scenario of what I could do next with my life. I had been through all of this with him before, and he had tried to convince Daniel to let me go, too. Dom was not giving me up without a fight. I was irritated with his persistent persuasion on this issue, and yet, I felt grateful that he cared so much for me. In his mind, he was only looking out for my best interest, or what he, personally, thought was best for me.

He continued, "As a matter of fact, I have thought about this a great deal. Kara, as you are well aware, The Liaison is leaving tomorrow and we would really love it if you would come with us. It seems like I'm the only one who has the nerve and is willing to speak up about it. How many times do I have to remind you that you are human and these are werewolves. Staying with Daniel will get more difficult as time goes on. This is not the way things work."

Suddenly, Daniel, still in wolf form, ominously loomed before us. He had noticed the deep conversation Dom and I were involved in, and sensed my distress over it. In fact, he had either read my mind as Dom and I talked or with his heightened hearing actually listened to our discussion. His emotions were that of jealousy over Dom's closeness with me. He felt possession, almost territorial, of me. And his aggression was growing. A soft, low-pitched growl emitted from Daniel's throat. He stared directly at Dominic. His stance was that of dominance, confidence, very stiff-legged with the fur raised on his shoulders. His nose was wrinkled up, ears forward, tail up and bristled, teeth exposed. This was not good. All the werewolves had stopped playing and the humans didn't move a muscle. Daniel was supposed to be the good guy, the one that set an example for the rest of the wolves, and here he was showing aggression. The standoff continued, with no one moving and barely breathing. It reminded me of two gunslingers, both waiting for the other to draw their weapon first.

I entered Daniel's mind,
What are you doing? Everyone, and I mean every single being here, is staring at you. At us. I love you, Daniel. Dom is just trying one last time to sway my decision to stay here. Even you said to me, you couldn't blame him for trying. I
am
staying here. It's okay. Set a good example, please. Show how you can turn this situation around. Don't do anything you'll regret.
Immediately, I flooded his mind with soothing, calming thoughts and images. I surrounded him mentally with my love for him.

Daniel answered me,
Kara, I knew you were upset and my instincts forced me to respond to your need, come to your rescue.
He visibly relaxed as he talked to me telepathically.
I am fine. I'm sorry for scaring everyone. My actions were more of a threat, I was not going to attack. I wanted Dominic to quit harassing you. Please explain to everyone.

I clambered off the picnic table and knelt down to hug Daniel and ruffle his fur. A big wet kiss lapped up the side of my face. That felt weird. And too sloppy. I had to laugh. Everyone was so confused they didn't know what to think, say or do.

I explained, "Chill out, everybody. Daniel sensed and could hear that Dom was questioning me about going back to Illinois. He merely wanted Dom to back off. And Daniel feared losing me. Since he's in wolf form, his reactions to this were that of a wolf, an animal. And so, he took a threatening pose, to get Dom's attention. That's all. I know with our constant watch over your aggression, you jumped to the conclusion that this would turn out bad. But, nothing happened. Daniel reeled in his emotions and we're good now. Back to play time!"

I breathed a sigh of relief as I gave Daniel another hug and shoved him off to play with the pack before he slobbered another wet one on me. And I threw one of the sticks for good measure to get the mood playful again. Daniel went charging after Isaac, stopped short and took off the opposite direction to entice Isaac to chase him. I plopped back down on the picnic table and gave Dom a look that meant 'don't even start talking about me leaving here again'.

After another thirty minutes of hilarious antics watching the wolves at play, we, humans, were getting rather cold. Daniel registered my discomfort by reading my mind and barked at the wolves to wind it down for the day. They made a mad dash, a final all out run, to the thick line of trees where they transformed back to human shape and to get dressed. They emerged all smiles and were very content as they walked up to us. There was so much camaraderie in the air it felt electrified. This was a wonderful idea Daniel had to get the werewolves together, both for their benefit and ours. Even with the little incident Daniel had over Dominic, it was an afternoon I would never forget. The other wolves said their goodbyes, and we headed back into the house for the evening.

The night was uneventful, rather quiet, a somber mood as we lounged around, enjoying each other's company for one last night before Eli, Zac, Tessa and Dom left in the morning.

* * * *

I woke up in Daniel's arms again. He was so protective over me, which I realized was in his nature to be that way. He asked, "This is your last chance to change your mind and leave with the team. Are you definitely staying here, with me?"

I flicked him on the chest, as if he needed to ask. "Of course I'm staying here. That doesn't mean it's going to be easy for me to see them go. Remember that when you watch me saying goodbye to all of them. And don't get all jealous when I give Dom a hug. He will be the hardest to say goodbye to. Even though he's driven me crazy with his persistent attempts to drag me back to Illinois, I understand his concern, as you should, too. Just give me some breathing room to say goodbye. Okay?"

"I love you, baby. And I love the compassion you have towards others and respect the close bonds you have made. I will stay away as you say goodbye to them," Daniel said.

I implored, "No, Daniel, I want you there with me. I don't want you to run off and hide. You need to say goodbye, too. Just give me my moments with them is all I ask."

"I'm there for you."

About an hour or so later, we gathered in the kitchen for Dominic's breakfast bonanza. We had some final discussions, more or less confirming a few things before they left. I was staying with Daniel, and had not changed my mind on that. I would contact my parents over the next few weeks with the next stage of the story we had woven together to tell them. The Liaison would be contacting me if, or when, another incident arose where my psychic powers could be put to good use. And Eli would be making another trip down here in a month or two to check in on Rachel's pregnancy. In the meantime, I had not made any plans, as of yet, to convert into a werewolf. That was an especially touchy subject to talk about with all of them sitting there.

It was time. They packed the van and were prepared to leave. Everyone stood around helplessly, awkwardly, not really wanting the moment to end. Not really wanting to leave, but there was no reason or purpose for them to stay any longer. I knew deep down inside that we would all be together again on another mission before too long. It's just a feeling I had.

Daniel broke the awkward silence as he walked up to Eli and shook his hand, then proceeded on to the next person. He thanked them for all their help and loyalty in dealing with the problems that werewolves were prone to when meshing in with humans. Daniel praised their skills, appreciated their desire to protect the wolves, and to keep their existence hidden.

My eyes spilled forth streams of tears as it was now my turn to say my goodbyes. I hugged Eli and thanked him again for the new car, which I barely had a chance to drive yet. I told him to keep up the research and to be sure to call if they needed my help. I looked forward to seeing him in a few months when he came to see Rachel.

Zac was next, and I thought he was going to squeeze the air out of my lungs when he gave me a hug. He lifted me off the ground and plunked me back down. I razzed him about keeping up his workouts as we didn't want him getting all soft. And to be good to Tessa.

I hugged Tessa and thanked her for all the support she had given me. She was the only human female that I could go to and talk girl stuff with. I thanked her for the clothes she had given me on my birthday as they ended up being much needed. And she had to keep Zac in line and to kick his butt with their target practice.

Dominic stood there next, and last, in line to say goodbye. I put up a mental block against Daniel, which I felt guilty in doing, but this was a private moment I wanted between Dom and myself. It didn't matter that everyone was standing around watching, we spoke mentally as we hugged each other.

I began the mental link,
Dom, I have put up a mental block against Daniel, so feel free to say what you want. Let me speak first. I will miss seeing you every day. Thanks for everything you've done. I know you care for me and are concerned, and I appreciate that. You have opened up an entirely new world to me. Be sure to call and email. You are my very best friend, and I love you dearly.
Tears were pouring down my face and I started sobbing. Thank God for our mental communication as I don't think I would have been able to speak out loud.

Dom mentally took over the intimate conversation,
Kara, I will always be available to you even if I'm not physically here. Remember that. Don't forget me. And if you truly need help, I will drive down instantly. Please keep in mind what we've discussed about you being human and Daniel being a werewolf. I care deeply for you, so much so that my heart aches at times. I do love you, even if it's different than the way you love me. It hurts, but I'll live. I want you to be safe and happy. And we should still be able to communicate mentally even with the distance between us. We'll have to experiment, just like we did before when we practiced our psychic skills. I love you, Kara. They're waiting on me to go now.

We pulled apart, and said the words, "Bye." Eli, Zac, Tessa and Dom piled into the van, and drove off. They were gone. I was crying so hard, I could barely breathe through my nose. Daniel was right there behind me, offering his support, as I turned into his chest and fell into his consoling arms.

Chapter 27

Arrival

After my friends, The Liaison, had driven away, no longer within my sight, the realization of what I had chosen to do, really hit me. I felt such a rush of conflicting emotions, all I could do was stand there and cry. Daniel guided me back into the resort and gestured that I relax on my favorite couch in the lounge. He tended to the fire, making sure there were enough logs in the fireplace to not burn out any time soon. He also knew that the fire comforted me and he wanted to soothe me in any way he could. He placed a soft blanket over my legs and snuggled up next to me on the couch. He turned the TV on to offer some background sound as we sat in silence.

Daniel was completely aware of my chaotic thoughts and feelings. How strange to think I had been the savior in helping the werewolves with their emotions, aggression, violence, and now here I sat, needing behavior modification done to myself. I knew it was just a matter of time and I would get over my sadness, my sense of loss. This wasn't the end of The Liaison, but perhaps, could be considered the beginning. We were just on a break for the moment from saving society from evil beings. Somehow, I truly knew this to be true. I almost questioned myself if I was having premonitions, since that feeling was so strong.

We were alone. Daniel and I. No guests were checked in at the resort anymore. Abigail, who had stayed here for quite a length of time, was now with Stephen at Simon's place. There was no one else at Daniel's resort, just the two of us. I had been living within a group setting for over a month. Day after day, I had been on this mission, this covert operation pulled together by Eli, working with him, Zac, Tessa and Dominic. And now the resort seemed so eerie, so empty, without the hustle and bustle of my team members roaming about.

"Daniel," I asked, "can you understand why I'm so emotional, so sad?"