The Wolf Within Me
Chapter 29:

Days later 

Tao: “Why are you off with Kiani?”

River: “What are you talking about?”

Tao: “You know what I'm talking about. She's going to notice. What's up, River?”

River: “I'm acting normal.”

Tao: “So you're telling me you didn't dive out of the kitchen as soon as she came in?”

River: “I didn't do that.”

Tao: “What's going on?”

River: “I saw Kiani and my mom hugging.”

Tao: “We’re talking about Sierra, your mother, right?”

River: “Exactly. I don't know, it's like a punch in the gut. My mom can hug Kiani but not her own daughter? I know I sound like a baby but I can't help how I feel. I feel like I should’ve been the first to hug my mother after ages. Hell, even Rocco for fuck sake.”

Tao: “I get it, babe. But maybe Sierra needed that at the moment.”

River: “Yeah, probably. They would have a connection, with my mom saving Kiani and all. But we've been through hell as well. My mom hardly even talks to me.”

Tao: “Why don't you talk to her about it? Instead of feeling punched in the gut about the whole thing. (outside at the gate)”

Officer Joe: “Darkwood Manor.”

Officer Carrie: “The wild rumors from this household are pure madness. But now we have a missing rich boy on our hands last seen in these Woods near the manor. The Hawthrone’s called for us to stop by here first.”

Officer Joe: “We'll see if they know anything. They seem to have their security.”

Officer Carrie: “The Darkwood’s have big money here in Meadow Lake just like the Hawthorne’s. After we’re finished here, Mr. Hawthorne said his daughter has some information for us. (Asher’s wolf listening in - on the balcony)”

Aspen: “Yeah, that should keep it stabilized. I could do with a beer now.”

Rocco: “Nice one.”

Aspen: “Do you want one, miss lazy?”

Kiani: “Well, only if you're offering. (Aspen laughs)”

In Kiani’s head: Talk about a hat view. I've been enjoying it all morning.

Rocco: “See something you like? You want me to get you a bucket from all the drool?”

Kiani: “Smug ass. (Rocco laughs)”

Rocco: “What's that face for?”

Kiani: “I love how you only laugh like that for me. (Kiani laughs - Rocco blushes). Are you blushing? (Kiani laughs)”

Rocco: “It's a good thing I love your ass.”

In Kiani’s head: Rocco catches me as I throw myself at him. Literally.

Kiani: “How much do you love me? Must be a bunch, I can't believe I made you blush.”

Rocco: “More than likely that you keep stealing my hoodies.”

Kiani: “Borrowing.”

Rocco: “Oh yeah?”

Kiani: “Oh yes, baby.”

In Kiani’s head: Shivers run down my spine as I stare at his lips. (they kiss)

Kiani: “Blush for me all you want. (Asher comes in naked from shifting back to human form). Oh my God! EYES!”

In Rocco’s head: He better not have heard I blushed.

Rocco: “What's wrong?”

Asher: “Police are here.”

Kiani: “Police?! GOD ASHER! MY EYES! (Asher leaves). Better button up that shirt.”

Rocco: “You better get out of my hoodie. Then wait for me later. (Rocco’s office)”

Sierra: “Can I get you anything to drink, officers?”

Officer Carrie: “No thanks, Ms. Darkwood. I’m Officer Carrie and this is Officer Joe.”

Sierra: “Can I ask why you're here?”

Officer Joe: “Have you heard of a boy named Lucas Smith?”

Sierra: “I can't say that I have.”

Officer Carrie: “Well, Lucas Smith has been missing for over a week now.”

Sierra: “Oh dear.”

Officer Joe: “We know you have high security around your lands.”

Sierra: “Do you want to know if we've seen anything?”

Officer Joe: “Lucas was last seen with Brooke Hawthorne, going into the woods.”

Sierra: “I'm guessing that Brooke Hawthorne is okay?”

Officer Carrie: “Yes, apparently so, we're going there next.”

Sierra: “It seems rather odd that Brooke’s not missing either.”

Officer Joe: “We’ll do the investigating here, Ms. Darkwood.”

Sierra: “Of course, officer.”

Officer Carrie: “We would like to work with your security on covering the grounds around the wooded area. We would like to do it without a warrant but with your permission. What we've spoken to the Hawthorne’s.”

Officer Joe: “We will get a warrant if need be.”

Sierra: “Happy to help. My son Rocco takes care of the security. Ask him.”

Officer Joe: “Is it true you don't just live here with your family?”

Sierra: “We have a big family regardless of whether we're related or not.”

Officer Joe: “I heard your husband Hunter Darkwood died. I'm sorry for your loss.”

Sierra: “My husband died a long time ago. Not that it has anything to do with this case. I’ll go get Rocco for you.”

Officer Carrie: “Why did you have to bring up her late husband, Joe?”

Officer Joe: “Like you said, the endless strange rumors. (outside in the garden)”

In Officer Carrie’s head: I can't get over the sheer size of this man.

In Officer Joe’s head: There's no way I'm taking these shades off. I can't show fear with this guy. I can't let him see the fear in my eyes. I'm the police officer here, I've dealt with far worse. What's wrong with me?

In Officer Carrie’s head: Rocco’s been nothing but helpful. I can't help this fear that keeps trying to creep up. I understand why there are rumors surrounding this manor. The men and the few women we've seen here. Something I can't explain about them. Joe's hardly said a word since meeting Rocco Darkwood.

In Rocco’s head: The pure strain to rein in my dominance is a pain in my ass. I smell curiosity and fear from them. Humans can be weak. But Officer Carrie is showing me great inner strength. Determined not to fear me. After all, I've been helpful. Well, as helpful as I can without telling them the truth.

Rocco: “As I said, you're welcome to investigate more of my grounds. I hope you replace the boy. Is that all, officers?”

Officer Carrie: “Thank you for your cooperation Mr. Darkwood. But we might be back if Lucas is not found.”

Rocco: “Do what you need to do.”

Asher: “I'll show you the way out. (Fang’s conference room)”

Winter: “That stupid Mystic nearly fried my brain.”

Fang: “But she didn't kill you.”

Winter: “How the hell can we trust people who want us dead? What's stopping them from killing us?”

Fang: “I thought you weren't scared of anything.”

Winter: “We don't even know what the male can do. I don't fear easily but I'm not stupid either. These Mystic Hunters are dangerous.”

Fang: “Exactly. Dangerous and deadly enough. But we need them, Winter. To district the Darkwood pack while we work on the actual plan.”

Winter: “What real plan?”

Fang: “In our world, you only survive in the strongest pack. Weak packs are easily killed off. The top survive and thrive. The Mystic Hunters have revealed themselves. What more magical creature is out there waiting to come out of hiding? I knew the Hawthorne’s would seek them out. Now I know they exist. But it wouldn't be so easy for our world to survive if humans knew we existed. Every magical creature would think twice. Humans would protect themselves. Our world will become balanced. Rocco wants our pack dead, and you can bet he’ll try. If Rocco has strong allies, we're doomed. No doubt that he has. We’re with the Hawthorne’s. They want to expose the truth to the world. Time to change the game, Winter.”

Winter: “Are you insane? If you haven't noticed we're magical beings. If humans knew we existed, the world would go into chaos.”

Fang: “Chaos is a ladder. This is the only way we can start again. (Fang walks away)”

Angelina: “Aww, are you still with us, Winter? You know, traitors blow like the wind, so I’ve been told. (Winter chokes Angelina)”

Winter: “Talk to me like that again, and I'll snap your pretty little neck. Know your damn place. (Hawthorne’s living room)”

Officer Carrie: “You said Brooke Hawthorne had information for us?”

Officer Joe: “That's understandable, as she was the last person with Lucas Smith.”

Mr. Hawthorne: “Tell Brooke she's needed in the living room.”

Maid: “Of course.”

Mr. Hawthorne: “Did you replace anything at the Darkwood’s?”

Officer Carrie: “They were very cooperative, but nothing for now.”

Mr. Hawthorne: “How long has Lucas been missing?”

Officer Carrie: “Over a week. The parents are getting worried.”

Officer Joe: “They said Lucas was dating your daughter.”

Mr. Hawthorne: “Was. Do you think he's dead?”

Officer Carrie: “We hope not, Mr. Hawthorne.”

Officer Joe: “We want to know why Lucas and Brooke went into the woods? Only Brooke has been seen ever since.”

Mr. Hawthorne: “The woods is a dangerous place. I'd be more worried about my daughter for that matter.”

Officer Carrie: “Yet your daughter is fine. Why would they go in the first place?”

Mr. Hawthorne: “Why do young people usually go up in the woods, I wonder? But I'm sure my daughter will tell you everything that she knows.”

Officer Carrie: “Brooke Hawthorne, we need to talk.”

Brooke: “Is Lucas okay? I haven't heard from him in a week. We fought, I'm worried.”

Officer Carrie: “So are his family, Brooke.”

Officer Joe: “Why go out there in the first place?”

Brooke: “To fool around? What do you think? We had a fight and I left. Lucas told me he was going home. He would usually be sulking for a few days then he would get in contact. But he hasn't. No one has seen him, no one and our friend group either.”

Officer Joe: “We should question the whole friend group.”

Brooke: “But haven't you heard the rumors from the woods we were in? Now I'm thinking maybe he didn't even leave the woods.”

Officer Carrie: “What are you trying to say?”

Brooke: “I saw something when I was out there.”

Mr. Hawthorne: “Brooke told me it looked like a giant wolf. I thought it couldn't be possible. This is why we didn't report anything. Time goes quickly as we see it's been over a week. Since the poor boy has been missing. That’s why we called you now.”

Officer Carrie: “A giant wolf?”

Officer Joe: “You're saying Lucas might have been attacked by wolves?”

Brooke: “It looks like a wolf. But I ran because I was scared.”

Mr. Hawthorne: “It has been known to have wolves in these parts. People around here always say they hear howls at night time. Especially around the Darkwood Manor.”

Brooke: “I'm worried about him. I had to tell you what I saw. All I know is we split up because of our fight. When I left, I saw what looked like a terrifying wolf and ran. I hope that I'm wrong. (Brooke cries)”

Mr. Hawthorne: “You're upsetting my daughter.”

Officer Joe: “If what you saw is true, then there could be wolves around these parts. Also, you're saying we're possibly looking for a dead body.”

In Mr. Hawthorne’s head: Plant the seed, what Fate needs. Brooke is doing very well.

In Brooke’s head: What is my dad planning? (outside the Hawthrone’s house)

Officer Joe: “Giant wolves are all we got from that?”

Officer Carrie: “This town is going crazy.”

Officer Joe: “I reckon he just got lost in the woods.”

Officer Carrie: “Possibly injured.”

Officer Joe: “What's with Meadow Lake and wolves?”

Officer Carrie: “I’ve heard Brooke is a loose cannon. Maybe she did it?”

Officer Joe: “I heard the Hawthorne’s started all these rumors about the Darkwoods in the first place. Giant wolves? (Officer Joe laughs)”

Officer Carrie: “We should take all allegations seriously.”

In Fate’s head: All I need you to do is keep talking about it. To plant the seed.

Fate: “You will investigate further into the threat of wolves. Rocco Darkwood’s entire territory you'll be highly suspicious of. Police will be watching the Darkwood manor 24/7. That should drop our little wolf friends from shifting. The truth coming out will be a disaster for them. Their strongest beast form is super annoying to deal with. I'd rather not risk getting my head bitten off. (Fate walks away)”

Officer Carrie: “We need to investigate the wolves.”

Officer Joe: “Roger that. I'm not taking any chances. I'll report in.”

Officer Carrie: “Okay. (Mr. Hawthorne’s library)”

Mr. Hawthorne: “So the police will be on high alert?”

Fate: “Yes. High alert and constantly watching the manor. It’ll be tough for them to shift. Unless they want the world to know.”

In Mr. Hawthorne’s head: We want the world to know. But all in due time.

Mr. Hawthorne: “Do you both know the next target? My daughter confirmed the wolves she saw were true, Kiani ‘Green’. Fang confirmed Kiani is Rocco Darkwood’s mate. If you can believe it. Same age as Brooke.”

Fate: “Never underestimate a wolf shifter. Age is never a factor. I've done my part. Now leave Embry to do his. Kiani will be ours soon enough.”

Mr. Hawthorne: “Killing Rocco’s mate will end it.”

In Mr. Hawthorne’s head: All while revealing all magical beings to the world. This is going to be fun. (Darkwood manor Embry’s wolf eyes comes to the surface)