Chapter 4

Jack’s message to meet him in a place I had never been to terrified me, and even though I was in no mood to play along with him, I knew this was serious, and I had to make a move.

As I drove, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was being followed. It was the same feeling that had haunted me for months, ever since the Lycan King had been killed by Jack and me. I tried to ignore it, to tell myself that it was just my imagination, but I knew better. After everything I had been through, I had learned to trust my instincts.

I drove for hours, my eyes scanning the road ahead of me, searching for any sign of danger.

And then, in the distance, I saw it. A small town nestled at the foot of a mountain range, with a single road leading in and out. It was the perfect place to hide, to start over, to meet Jack, and make a plan.

I drove into town, my heart racing as I searched for a place to stay. And then I found it--a small motel on the edge of town, with a neon sign flickering in the darkness.

I parked my car and walked into the lobby, my eyes scanning the room for any sign of danger. But the woman behind the counter was just a normal human with a friendly smile and a warm welcome.

“Welcome to the Pine View Motel,” she said, her voice kind and gentle. “How can I help you?”

“I need a room,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

“Of course,” she said, handing me a key. “Room 12 is open, and it’s one of our most private rooms.”

I thanked her and walked down the hallway, my senses on high alert. But as I opened the door to my room, I knew that I was finally safe. The room was small but cozy, with a queen-sized bed, a small fridge, and a TV. I locked the door behind me and collapsed onto the bed, my heart racing as I tried to calm down.

And then I saw it. A small piece of paper was tucked under the lamp on the nightstand. I picked it up and read the words written in Jack’s handwriting.

“I’m waiting for you at the diner down the street. Come find me when you’re ready.”

I smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. Jack was here, and he was waiting for me.

I took a deep breath and walked out of the motel room, my eyes scanning the street for any sign of danger. But the town was quiet, the only sounds coming from a group of teenagers hanging out at the gas station across the street.

I walked down the street, my eyes locked on the diner ahead of me. And then I saw him, sitting in a booth by the window, a smile on his face as he waved me over.

I sat down across from him, my heart pounding in my chest.

“Hey,” he said, his voice soft and gentle. “I’ve been waiting for you.”

“I know,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. “I saw your note.”

He smiled and reached across the table, taking my hand in his.

“I’m so glad you’re here,” he said. “I’ve missed you so much.”

I felt tears welling up in my eyes, and I blinked them back, trying to keep my emotions in check.

“We need to talk,” I said, my voice serious.

“I know,” he said, his expression turning serious. “I know what’s been going on, and I want to help you. I want to be there for you.”

I nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. Jack was here, and he was on my side. Together, we could fix this.

“I have been dreaming about the Lycan King that we killed for some days now,” I said to Jack. “And, with each new passing day, I feel he is still alive, watching us.”

Jack’s expression turned grave as I spoke, and I could see the concern etched on his face. “I’ve been feeling the same way,” he said, his voice low. “Something isn’t right. It’s like there’s a presence lurking in the shadows, watching us, waiting for the right moment to strike.”

I shivered, feeling a chill run down my spine. “Do you think it could be the Lycan King? Could he somehow still be alive?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Jack hesitated, his eyes flickering with uncertainty. “I don’t know,” he said finally. “It’s possible. But we need to investigate further, find out what’s really going on.”

I nodded, feeling a sense of determination wash over me. “We need to be careful,” I said. “We can’t let anyone know we’re here or what we’re planning.”

Jack nodded, his expression serious. “Agreed. We need to keep a low profile and stay off the radar. But we also need to gather information, find out what’s really going on.”

I nodded again, feeling a sense of purpose beginning to take hold. Together, Jack and I could figure this out, could get to the bottom of the mystery, and put an end to whatever threat was looming over us.

Over the next few days, we set to work, gathering information, talking to locals, and scouring the town for any sign of danger. But despite our efforts, we couldn’t shake the feeling that something was watching us, waiting for us to let our guard down.

And then, one night, it happened. We were walking back to our motel after a long day of investigating when suddenly we heard a rustling in the bushes nearby. Before we could react, a figure emerged from the shadows, his face obscured by a dark hood.

Jack and I stood frozen, our hearts racing as the figure approached us. And then, suddenly, he spoke.

“I know what you’re looking for,” he said, his voice low and menacing. “And I can help you find it. But you need to trust me.”

I looked at Jack, uncertainty etched on my face. But he nodded, his expression resolute.

“We need all the help we can get,” he said. “Let’s hear him out.”

And so, we followed the figure into the darkness, our hearts pounding with anticipation and fear. We didn’t know what we were getting ourselves into, but we knew that we had to keep moving forward, no matter the cost.