Smoke and Mirrors - 61

An hour later the trio was about ready to call it a night. They’d separated and searched the whole area, even crossing the stream to approach the boundaries of the farm, and found no tracks or any other sign of the Chupacabra.

When they regrouped in the glade, Daniel returned to his human form. “I think it’s a lost cause for tonight. Either he’s moved on or he’s gone to ground, maybe because we’re here.”

“Which ever it is we have to find him,” Jared stated. “But you’re right, I think we’d better hang it up and head back to the cabin.”

In a flash they landed at the edge of the clearing surrounding Norris’ home. Norris quickly shifted from jaguar to human, holding up his hand to stop the partners from moving towards the cabin door. “Someone or some thing was here while we were gone,” he said very quietly.

“Some thing,” Daniel replied just a softly after sniffing the air.

Jared nodded in agreement as he visually and mentally searched the area. “It’s still close by,” he told them.

The brothers immediately reverted back to their jaguar forms so that their animal senses came to the forefront. Their ears laid back, noses lifted to catch any scent, they stalked around the cabin. Jared followed a few paces behind, every nerve tense. He could feel the presence of something, he just couldn’t pin-point exactly what it was. Using his mental connection he asked Daniel if he could tell yet.

::It’s not a were, and it’s not human::

::The Chupacabra?:: Jared asked

::Possible. But why would it be here?::

Catching Daniel’s words and understanding their intent, Norris added his two cents worth, telling Daniel, ::If it sensed us while we were searching for it, it could have back-tracked us::

Daniel relayed that thought to Jared, adding ::If so it could be waiting to attack if it can get one of us alone::

::Let’s test that theory. You two go inside::

::Hey now, how come you get to play the stalking goat?::

::Because I’m older and smarter?::

Norris shifted, telling Daniel to as well, which he did. “I’m tired of hearing only parts of the conversation,” Norris muttered.

“Big tough guy there wants us to leave him out here as bait,” Daniel growled.

Norris considered the idea. “It could work.”