34. Caught in act
There was no going back. That's the only thing I can today my mind as we took calculated steps towards the packhouse. It was the opposite of what I was expecting. The house was huge with modern construction and not some den like I thought. Maybe the werewolves were more civilized then I figured them to be.
"Are you sure we are in the right place?" Kay whispered, her arm still entangled in mine. There was no reason for her to be so scared because no matter what they won't eat humans. What's the worst thing that could happen anyways? Apart from Damon finding out our entire plan and breaking off everything between us.
"The map shows this exact location" I rolled my eyes for the umpteenth time. Never figured my own best friend to be such a coward.
"How are we going to find Ryan in this crowd?" Kay questioned, her eyes still staring at the massive cars parked outside. We decided that it would be best to park the car a few miles away so they cannot track our scent. She sprayed some stuff on our clothes which would throw those werewolves off our scent. A clever idea.
"Like I know! Let me think something" I muttered trying to remove my hand away from her clutch. She whined but at my narrowed eyes just made a show of backing away from me. From past 20 minutes, we decided to take shelter behind the back gate of the packhouse. Apparently, werewolves feel safe enough as to not appoint any security outside the packhouse. They are the creatures of the night. Who's gonna attack them?
"Do you at least recognise Ryan's car?" Kay questioned again to which my head automatically turned towards her and I glared. Sometimes she can be really annoying and push my buttons. At the worst times too.
"It's a silver car. I'll be able to recognise it"
"Good. Let's start from there"
"But the wolves-"
"I know but we cannot hide here forever. Just make sure that you have Damon on speed dial..." Kay sharply inhaled, her eyes rolling back before she stared at me pointedly, "He's the only one who can save us from this mess"
"Yeah yeah don't worry"
Kay made a noise, "It's easy for you to say that. You are his soulmate they won't do anything to you. The sidekick always dies"
"You need to stop watching those stupid movies" I sighed, trudging forward. The wet soil below my shoes made my nose scrunch. Bad day to wear white sneakers. I couldn't exactly dress up for the hiking as that would arise suspicion in my house.
Kay threw me a look over her shoulder, "They are not stupid"
"Right" I drawled, pushing at the side of the tree falling over my side. The slight moment turned a few of the heads in our direction but we were quick to hide.
"They are quick"
"Cause they are animals," I said dumbly blinking my eyes at the commotion going on the other side. Damon was nowhere to be seen but I caught a glimpse of his aunty. She was facing back and forth in the porch, frown on her face.
"Yeah, maybe that" Kay mumbled softly and sagged against the branch of the tree. She was seconds away from making it a comfortable couch and sleeping on it.
***
We waited for a few minutes for the main area to be cleared. Ryan was still in the same location so it was a relief that we didn't get it wrong. Also, I was able to spot his car which was parked in the corner.
"Here," Kay whispered in a hushed-up tone, beckoning me closer to her by thrusting her right arm towards me. Kay hopped in quickly which was not a shock considering she did a lot of cheerleading.
"Thanks" I panted, trying to keep up with her rushed steps. As we were about to turn around I spotted Ryan.
He was dressed sharply in his white button-down and black striped pants. The man looked like he was in a hurry with the way he took long strides at a time. Not to mention the way he was checking his phone constantly. Maybe he was going to meet Mr Smith like they had planned and talk about whatever they were hiding.
"Kay" I nudged her shoulder, pointing at the direction Ryan was heading. She gave me a thumbs up.
"Maybe I should find Damon in case you are busy talking with them" Kay softly murmured her eyes shifting towards the small alley behind the house. For a second I considered that she was thinking of running away. It was a logical thing but Kay would never do that to me.
"Are you sure about it?" I raised my eyebrow at her. Even though she pretended to be strong and brave in front of Sam I could clearly see the fear in her eyes as soon as we step closer towards the packhouse. I was sceptical to leave her all alone.
"Yes...now go follow him. You have the pen on you, right?"
For a good measure and a backup, Sam suggested that I carry a pen along so that I could record everything without having to worry. My phone was going to be there with me obviously but in case something happened the pen recording could be a backup.
"Yes," I faintly whispered, my eyes shifting towards Ryan's back. Fortunately for us, he could not see due to the wall.
"Good luck. Be careful"
"You too partner" I mumbled and gave her a quick hug. She seemed happy by my progress but instead of commenting she turned around and disappeared into the hallway.
Taking a deep breath I stepped out, my target clear and walking in front of me. Without a doubt in my mind I trailed behind him, aware that he could turn around anytime and catch me in the act. That's the risk I was willing to take.
***
As suspected Ryan did stop in the empty veranda. It had two plush chairs and a huge coffee table in the middle with a tiny hut shape roof on top. He was clearly waiting for someone so I stayed back, enough distance for him to not smell me and also capture the conversation.
Few minutes passed by when I heard the shuffling sound from the other side. Holding my breath I turned around only to notice Mr Smith stomping his feet towards the veranda with a frown on his face. As always he was holding a drink in his hand but this time it was not the cool fruity one. Nor was he covered in shorts to which I was thankful.
"Seriously?" Mr Smith grumbled, a sour look on his face as he forcefully pushed the glass on the coffee table. Ryan flinched at his action and his face fell down, defeated. His shoulders sagged like he couldn't believe Mr Smith was so disappointed.
I pressed my ears closer towards the wall to catch the conversation clearer. My map app was replaced with me recording their conversation.
"I'm so sorry sir but I'm trying to-" Ryan started, his voice high pitched.
Mr Smith cut him off, "Do I look like I care about your excuses?"
Ryan winced, "No sir"
"Then don't give me those lame excuses. All you had to do was stop that girl from digging deeper. But what did you do?! Huh?"
My eyes widened at that. Were they talking about me? Did Mr Smith find out about the case I was working on? Of course, if Ryan knew he did too. And there was a possibility that the 'girl' they were talking about was none other than me.
Ryan fish mouthed tried to say something but Mr Smith beat him to it. There was that red rage on his face which I had never seen before and it made me shift on my feet. Mr Smith might be the most intimidating person I ever met.
"It's not like we ask you to do that for free. No! We pay you more than that teacher salary you get. Do you know how angry Mrs Smith will be when she finds this out? Do you?" Mr Smith snarled, leaning closer towards him. For a second I thought that he would hit Ryan.
The thought of Mrs Smith made my stomach turn up. She was scary than him for some reason. What would she do if she finds out? Kill me maybe?
"I'm sorry sir"
"This will ruin our names again Ryan. Don't you think we have already suffered enough? With Damon's parents and Dean went the media had a field day and we couldn't do anything till last moment. Now, this girl will do the same..."
I felt a tap on my shoulder which made me freeze on spot. My eyes clenched shut and I hoped that it was Kay. Anyone except her would definitely kill me. At the familiar touch, I opened my eyes and were met with stormy eyes of Damon. He had a frown on his face.
"Anya?" He whispered, his voice hoarse and shocking. As if to confirm he was not dreaming he touched my cheeks. I turned pink at that but he quickly retracted his hand and gaped at me like I was from some other planet.
His mouth pressed firmly as he blinked, "What the hell are you doing in the packhouse? How did you find the location?"
I nervously laughed looking around for Kay to pop up but there was no sign of her anywhere.
"It's a long story actually"
"Don't worry I have time" He crossed his arms against his chest.
***