While Evan and his team were closing in, Bower Sr. and Bruce were about halfway to the Lawson's house. They carried their artillery close to their bodies, and masked their scent with pine needles and such. It was their safest bet if they wanted to remain undetected. Use anything else, and it would be easy to pin point their trail.
Hanson took another route, and under his arm was a sniper rifle. He wasn’t that adept at long range shooting, but having him as backup was better than nothing.
"God, why the hell does it smell like rotten fish here?" Bower Sr. complained.
“Moon Lake has a small were-mer community. Best guess would be that they use the lake, since it’s a ways to the nearest beach.” Hanson said through their own communicators.
“Wouldn’t mind whacking a few of those useless half-breeds either.” Bower snarled.
As if his prejudice against werecats wasn’t enough, he also disliked were-mer. Since their were forms were the most human, and largely limited to their lower extremities. Bower saw them more as a meal than fellow weres.
“Stay focused Jere. We’re almost there. You still want to go with the original plan?” Bruce asked.
“I guess.” Bower grumbled, not that interested in planning or anything. All he could think about was killing Evan Lawson and his family.
“What about your weapons? You can’t walk up to their front door armed. I’m sure Lawson will have you thrown off his doorstep in two seconds.” Hanson said.
“Don’t worry about it. Let’s just get there,” Bower said. He and Bruce continued along the path Hanson had outlined on their map. Bower had already shifted, so as to have the upper hand when he stormed into the house.
-------------------------------------
“The scent trails split off here Beta. Getting a little muddled, they’re trying to cover themselves with the scent of a pine tree not indigenous to this side of the country.”
“And here I thought you spending all your time with your nose in the bushes would have no pay off.” Derek said, clapping Peter Russo on the back. He was their squad’s best tracker.
“Any word from the MLPD?” Evan asked McNally. He was talking on a cell phone with Samantha Twist. McNally briefly nodded before responding to whatever Samantha asked.
“Yes ma’am… Understood. No, no sign of any normals. We’re lucky… Yes, I’ll hand you over now.” McNally said. He held out the phone for Evan to take.
“Samantha?” Evan said once he had the phone.
“I thought you’d like to know you’re family’s safe. They’re out of the house, and we had a some officers go over and cover Spencer and Eric’s trail.” she said.
Evan breathed the second biggest sigh this week. The first he’d done when he found Spencer alive, hurt but alive after her fight with Jeremy.
“Thank you for that. We’re ready to go, but I don’t want to get any civilians involved. Bower’s got his third man stationed elsewhere, probably their backup. But they’re only a few miles ahead of us.” he said.
“Just a moment.” Samantha said. The line went silent for a moment, and it seemed like she’d never pick up again.
“The police started a fake scent trail to a safer location. Hopefully Bower and his partner will realize the house is empty, and track them to the selected area.”
“Which is?”
“The area our local wolf pack typically uses for induction ceremonies. I personally cleared it for use with the Alpha, Austin Perry. He’s got some of his own wolves waiting to meet Bower.”
“Are they armed?”
“Just with hunting rifles.”
“Alright. I’ll send McNally over to coordinate with the Alpha. We’ll take care of this third man first.”
“Sounds like a plan. The WERE team is rushing to your location now to assist.”
“I know,” Evan said, as three werewolves with bulletproof vests appeared from the shrubs. Their vests read MLPD in large letters, letting the rest of Evan’s team know they were in their side.
“I’ll let you get on then. Good luck Evan. Be safe.” Samantha said.
“I appreciate that Samantha. But the only thing I want right now if for my family to be safe.”
“And they are. Now go finish this, once and for all.”
Samantha didn’t have to tell him twice. Evan sent McNally and one of the WERE teams wolves to meet with Austin Perry’s pack. Then, the remaining werewolves ran towards the scent Peter Russo determined to be the third man’s. All except for Derek. Evan told him to keep on Bower’s trail, in case there was a change in plans.
“Will do Beta, Evan.” Derek said. The two stared at each other for a brief moment, then shook hands. It was what they’d always done their platoon were split up. In case they didn’t see each other again.
“If I get the chance, I’ll be sure to give Bower a good kick in the balls for you.” Derek said.
“I’d rather you tear his limbs off one by one first, but it’s the thought that counts.” Evan said.
With that, the werewolves broke. Evan lead the charge towards Hanson, who was burying himself under some shrubbery for cover, while Derek continued along after Bower and Bruce. Both of whom could just see the Lawson house over the bend.
And meanwhile, inside the Moon Lake High School teacher’s lounge, Spencer was curled up next to Eric. Her mind racing with worry, wishing that her father was home and safe. Ironically enough, he was probably safer than she was at the moment. He at least at protective gear covering his vitals, she didn’t.