Full Moon on the Lake (5 page)

Derrick stood needing more information to make his decision asked, “Michael, what do we have in the way of following Caleb’s suggestions?” 

Watching Derrick pace Michael answered, “The place she bought is the most secluded area and the easiest to guard.  There is only one road into the place and except for the lake, which runs along our territory would be easy to guard. It was one of the main reasons; Jacob was trying to buy the property. It would be hard for someone to sneak in without us knowing.”

Derrick stopped pacing and turned staring out the window.  “Caleb I want you and Michael to work out the most effective details and help him get it implemented immediately.” 

Derrick turned toward the both of them with a cover story that they would implement for now.  “This is the information to be given to the rest of the pack. Mr. Bentley is interested in some property we have and that we are not interested in his offers and because of who he is, we are increasing security.”  Derrick took in the expressions on their faces and continued, “Inform everyone involved that ANYTHING suspicious, no matter how small, is to be reported immediately.”  Grabbing his phone roughly and slamming the computer closed he moved toward the door.  Derrick dismissed them stating, “I need to get out to the cabin, Michael have security meet me at the garage in fifteen minutes.” and abruptly left the room.

4

Derrick showered and changed quickly then headed back to his office.  Grabbing his computer and several files, he walked swiftly to the garage.  Entering the garage, Michael walk up to the alpha with 4 others following close behind.  “They have been all briefed on the situation. These four,” he reported to Derrick, “will be assigned permanently to the cabin until further notice. Others will come out to relieve them at night and at other shifts, but these four will remain in the area.” Michael reported as the four nodded in acknowledgement in turn in acceptance to the alpha’s orders.

“Michael, you will be my second temporarily until this situations ends.”  Derrick Stated briskly.

“Yes Sir,” Michael replied, “my thought was to stay here and direct security while you and Kyla were at the cabin, and then relieve you both when you are needed here.”

Derrick approved once again of making Michael his choice in security.  With his natural protective instincts and military background, he knows automatically what actions needed executing in any given situation. “Very Good.” 

Michael waved the four to their vehicle as he continued his briefing, “They are all well-armed and have all the supplies they will need for the next week. More will be sent as needed, with the relief.” 

Derrick nodded his approval, “Call me if the situation changes or there is a problem.” With the final instruction given, Derrick got into his car and drove to the cabin the other car following close behind.

As they got to a mile out from the cabin, Derrick saw that the car behind him had stopped. Two of the security got out running in two different directions into the woods, and then continued to follow.  Derrick got to the cabin and waited for the others to catch up.

They got out of the car and walked up to Derrick, “Sir, Jace and Serena are scouting the area past the pack border on their way here looking of any areas that may need special attention. We will scout the area closer to the cabin.  Where would you like us to set up?”

Kyla walked out of the cabin at that moment hearing everything pointed them over to the north side of the cabin.  “There is a clearing over that way a few hundred yards. You will have a clear view of the road and the surrounding area. You can set up there. When Finished, come inside for dinner and introduce yourself to Daniela. 

“Yes Ma’am.” The taller of the two answered smiling. 

“Eric if you call me ma’am again we are going to have problems!” She reprimanded playfully.

“Yes, Kyla ma’am!” they both answered laughing as they walked away.  Kyla was easier than Derrick to communicate with yet, they both knew never to cross her.  Derrick gave her a smug look as both boys turned back toward empty the car to set up in the clearing.

“Kyla...” Derrick exasperated with the idea of informing Kyla once again, that she needed to learn about proper command procedures, but stopped when she playfully answered

“Yes sir dear?”

Shaking his head, he noticed he was relaxing with her playfulness.  “Daniela awake?” he asked sternly instead.

“Yes the others are in there calming her down. You be nice to her, this is a lot for her to take in.” She answered as she turned walking back to the cabin.

Emily was talking quietly with Leisa as Jasmine sat next to Daniela, her hand on Daniela’s shoulder.  Daniela just stared at her hands clasp in front of her trying to figure out when she was going to wake up from this strange dream.  Her life could not be any more confusing than it had been, or so she thought.  She shook her head slightly thinking; and I thought the divorce would be the hardest thing to deal with.  Kyla opened the door and walked in, closing it after Derrick walked through.  Daniela looked up seeing who had walked in, she laughed silently, somewhat hysterically to herself at the strange turn of events.

Derrick sat down in the chair across the table from Daniela, as Kyla stood beside him laying her hand supportively on his shoulder. Leisa stood with Jasmine and Emily quietly waiting to see what the alpha had to say.  Daniela looked back up waiting, looking pleadingly to Derrick not knowing if she could take any more information.  What else could they spring on her?

Derrick decided to start with the pertinent information, “First, there will be at least four pack members here patrolling the area at all times.  Anytime anyone leaves or comes to this area, they ‘will be escorted’.” he stressed.  This is for your protection as well as the packs.  Kyla and I will be here most days to help you get through all of this and answer any questions you have.  Leisa, Emily and Jasmine will be here anytime you need them. At first, they will be here every day helping Kyla. As I have things that need to be taken care of daily back at the office, I will be leaving at night. Then after you are more confident in your understanding of this mating’s circumstances, they will return as needed.” Looking directly to Daniela he asked, “You have their numbers in case you need to talk?” Daniela reaches for her phone absently and nods.  “Good,” Derrick nodded back then continued.

“Second, We have discovered a reason why Jacob it acting the way he is. It has to do with the possible threat to you.  It is a natural instinct for a wolf to protect what he feels is his.” Holding his hand up as Daniela opened her mouth to protest he continued, “Whether that person feel they are his mate or not.” Daniela lowered her eyes. “This extreme mating has not been experienced by a mating male in recent memory, so we are not sure what direction this will be going in. We have others researching to find as much information on the subject as we can. Know we will protect you from your ex-husband and Jacob, as well as protect Jacob and the pack.  This being said; we will have to set up an area for Jacob to stay out here. He will need to be close to know you are safe”” 

Kyla and the rest of the women looked to Derrick in confusion.  Seeing their confusion Derrick informed them, “This is the most isolated area; it is the safest place for the both you and Jacob as well as the pack.”

Daniela feeling overwhelmed to this situation looked up speaking softly, “There is a small hunters cabin in the back corner of this property.  It is a little run down but it is usable.”  Thinking for a moment she looked at everyone as she stated, “I could leave if it would help matters.” 

Kyla spoke first, “Daniela that will not work Jacob would just follow you. Without our protection from your Ex and Jacob it could get worse for you.”

“But would it be better for you and your pack?” she returned. 

Derrick replied before anyone could answer, “Daniela it would actually make it harder to control Jacob, not easier. Also, to honor your request, no one will know your real identity; so we will call you Daniela at all times to avoid any mistakes.”

The conversation turned to guard shifts and helping Daniela become acquainted with pack protocol. The day had slowly working toward late afternoon, when Leisa cleared her throat.  “I think that is enough information to keep Daniela busy with her thoughts and it is time I got back to my home.” She announced briskly ending the conversations for the day.  Getting up from her chair she picked up the emptied coffee cups and staring intently at Emily and Jasmine, encouraging them to get up with just a look. 

Emily rose asking, “Who will be escorting us home?” 

Jasmine patted Daniela’s hand as she rose, “We will return tomorrow morning, you make the coffee dear and we will bring the pastry.”

Derrick rose and walked outside as the women finished making plans for tomorrow.  Walking over towards the clearing, Serena leisurely walked out from behind a tree, “Are the women ready to go back Sir?”

“Yes.” He replied, “Where is everyone at?” 

“Jace is walking the perimeter we set up, Thomas and Eric are resting getting ready for the next shift.” She answered pointing to the clearing behind her.  “I will go get the car ready to go.” With her report made, she walked toward the front of cabin to where all the cars were parked.

Leisa walked out of the cabin looked up to the sky and the surrounding area, “She really did find the most beautiful spot.” 

Jasmine walking up behind her agreed, “It truly is beautiful here, and I would love to come out to run someday.  It is so peaceful here.” 

Emily walked out and passed them going down the steps, “Let’s go ladies time’s awastin’ and I got baking to do!”  They all laughed as they walked to the car.

“Hello Serena how have you been dear?” Jasmine asked as she opened the car door. 

“Just fine AuntieAuntie Jasmine how is Uncle Frank?” 

“Just fine dear, ornery as ever.”  They laughed as Serena pulled away.

Daniela laid her head on the table her brain feeling like it was going to explode with all the information crammed into it.  She raised her head to see Kyla looking at her with concern.  Self-consciously jumping up from the table she announced, “I am going for a walk to clear my head.” and rushed out the door. 

Hearing a conversation to her left, she turn right when she landed on the bottom step and ran into the forest running to get the anxiety out of her system. She was not sure how far she ran when she finally stopped completely out of breath.  Leaning against a tree, she looked up through the branches at the sun twinkling methodically in the gentle wind.  It was quiet, peaceful; the Katydids chirping in tune with the birds were the only sounds in the cool breeze.

Daniela walked over and slid down the tree closest to her, sitting in the cool green loam surrounding the tree.  Everything that has happenedhappened to her in the last six months was catching up with her. She felt overcome with uncontrolled emotions. Frustrated tears flowed slowly down her cheeks, her emotional damn bursting, making small paths to her chin. She hoped moving here would be a new start for her, but she was slowly realizing things were not changing the way she thought they would.  What is the point of planning when it never goes the way you want it too? She felt like a feather that had floated onto a whorl pool, lost and out of control. Her overwhelmingoverwhelming emotions breaking free she let the tears flow unheeded.

Jacob was her mate.  How could that be?  What did it mean?  Could I really find love after all this time?  Doubt pushed its way into her mind. She could not trust, Garret made sure of that, but could she live alone, unloved?  Suddenly a pain so severe ripped from her heart and spread to her chest, sucking the breath away from her lungs.  The pain, emptiness threatening to implode her chest. She could not breathe her breath caught in her, her throat closed. Just the idea she could never love, never trust anyone to be loved, had her paralyzed with fear. A caress so soft hit her mind urging her to breath.

Jacob sat, then paced, then sat again in the main room at the pack house waiting. For what, he did not know.  Suddenly he knew something was wrong with Daniela, he had an overpowering urgency to get to her now. She was in pain! “Breath,” he whispered, “I am here.”  Looking around he saw James sitting by the big picture window staring out into space. Jacob, moving got up quietly turning to James as he stood, “Just going to the kitchen to get something to drink, want something?” He asked James innocently. 

“Nah, go ahead, I’ll be right here.  Hurry back though.”  James requested.

“Yeah, No problem.” Jacob left the room and walked to the refrigerator incase James followed. Opened the door as if to look around listening for footsteps.  Closing the refrigerator door, he opened a cabinet and closed it sharply. Darting to the back door he opened it quietly and changed as he leaped through, going out and across the grass as quickly as he could.

Derrick stormed into the cabin with his cell to his ear, “Damn it how long ago?”  He pause, looking around the cabin then at Kyla. “Where is she?!” Kyla jumped up quickly meeting him half way to the door,

“She went for a walk. Why what’s wrong?” 

“No, no we will take care of it at this end. Just make sure James understands I will take care of his lack of propriety when I get back.”  He hung up the phone not waiting for a reply.  “Jacob got away from his guards.guards  We need to find her now!”

Serena drove up just as Kyla and Derrick came rushing out of the cabin door.  Seeing the look of worry on their faces, she hurried to their side. “What’s going on?”  She asked. 

“Jacob is on his way here unescorted.  We need to find Daniela quickly; we do not know his state of mind.  She went for a walk.” Derrick informed her.

“Hold on sir.” Serena replied as she turned she whistled into the air.  Jace arrived first, then Thomas and Eric. Derrick repeated the problem. 

Jace spoke, “She didn’t come my way.” then looked to Eric. 

Eric looked at Thomas for confirmation while he answered, “She didn’t come by us either.”

Derrick acknowledged the effectiveness of the way these four worked together, “OK, we split up in pairs spread out and go this way, there are three trails she could have taken.  Get her back to the cabin.”  When all acknowledgedacknowledged his orders, they took off running.

Kate was still crying when she felt someone near her. She looked up to see that same wolf from last night, standing in front of her just watching. “Jacob?” she whispered tentatively. The wolf moved slowly toward her lowering his head as he approached.  She reached out with a hand palm up. When he came forward, whimpering sorrowfully, she stretched out further and touched the fur around his nose slowly and he leaned into her.  He moved closer touching her stomach first then raised his head looking into her face. She reached out with both hands, hugged him around his neck, and continued crying unhindered into his fur. He whimpered not sure what to do as he had realized when he saw her he had ran off forgetting his clothes again.