Page 6 of Saving Dakota

“He’s coming here?” Raul looked as shocked as Terrance felt.

"Yes, if Dakota Winters won't come to him, then he's coming to Dakota Winters." They pulled into the lot parking across from Dakota's unit and waited. It wasn't long before the Master's car pulled into the lot and parked right in front of the unit in question. Master DuCane was not someone who hid in a back lot he always made himself known.

Ira was his driver and followed a few steps back as Master DuCane headed for the door. Both Raul and Terrance hurried to catch up and stayed back with Ira. The Master knocked on the door and then waiting only a few seconds he then opened the door swinging it inwards and stepping inside. Whatever Dakota was using it wasn’t powerful enough to keep Master DuCane outside.

Raul and Ira hung back, not able to walk across the threshold. Terrance stepped up to the Master positioning himself on his left and back a couple of feet. Dakota was across the room which was no more than about fourteen feet away. He watched them but did not move or speak. His expression was unreadable, but tension filled the air between them.

"Why are you in my territory?" Master DuCane asked, and his tone did not leave room for silence or denial. Dakota did not respond immediately as he sized them up and considered his options. Thankfully, he had the good judgment to give the Master what he asked for.

"I am Detective Lieutenant Dakota Winters from the Lac Vieux Desert Reservation in Watersmeet." He began by explaining Eric Blackbird’s disappearance and his family's concerns. He also spoke of the disregard he encountered with the police in Traverse City and the Sheriff's Department in Mt. Pleasant. Their shaman had indicated trouble, mystical trouble, surrounding the disappearance, and he was sent to find the young man.

“You spoke with the local police regarding the boy’s disappearance?” Master DuCane asked for clarity.

“Yes, I spoke with a deputy named Lawson and he couldn’t have cared less. I was dismissed and forgotten before I even closed the call.” That explained a lot regarding his disdain for the police and the paranormal population. It was surprising behavior for Deputy Lawson unfortunately.

Master DuCane stared at him for a few minutes neither of them speaking. Dakota held his gaze for a bit but ultimately dropped his gaze to stare at the floor. It was a sign of respect and Terrance wasn’t sure if Dakota knew what he was doing or not, but it was the right thing to do.

“You know what we are.” The Master stated but he was waiting for an answer. Dakota nodded.

"You and those standing with you are nightwalkers. Lawson is a wolf, and the Sheriff is a black dog, a guardian of the underworld." He spoke plain and did not falter to his credit.

"I am Master Louis DuCane, a vampire, and I lead Coven DuCane. This is Terrance, one of my soldiers." Terrance nodded to Dakota. Master DuCane then turned to the two standing by the door. "At the door are Raul and Ira, a soldier and a guard. Deputy Lawson is a wolf shifter, as are several of the officers, and Sheriff Keller is a hellhound. There are many different paranormal groups in this area, and I'm sure you are aware of them." The Master glanced around the room, taking in the evidence of protection.

"I was informed and prepared for this journey." That was all he said.

“I apologize for the behavior of my deputy, and it will be addressed. Your concerns and requests should have been given the care and respect they deserved.” Dakota seemed surprised by the apology.

“We will help in any way that we can my people and resources are at your disposal. I would ask that you take one of my people with you to make sure that you and your concerns are treated appropriately. You may choose who you wish to accompany you. Either Terrance, Raul or Ira but you must have an escort while in my territory.”

Dakota was stunned, frozen to the spot but tried desperately to no show fear or uncertainty. This one, Master DuCane, and the one called Terrance were completelyunaffected by his charms and talismans. Those by the door were being held back just as the wolf and his companions had been denied entrance.

These two were powerful, especially the Master. Dakota understood the hierarchy in a coven and had come face to face with a Master vampire before, but none had exuded the aura that this one held. His very presence left Dakota drained and immobile, but he could not show weakness in front of this crowd.

Able had told him he would be dealing with the strongest and most feared among the others, but he'd foolishly assumed Lawson and the Sherif to be the worst. They didn't hold a candle to the man who stood before him now. He was apologetic and offered him help but also included a chaperone in the deal. He wanted to keep an eye on Dakota, which was understandable. There was no trust between them, but there was a measure of honor and respect.

Terrance did not speak, but his eyes conveyed volumes. There was so much there beneath the surface. He sensed it first at the library, and the feeling of familiarity did not fade. When he stepped into the room behind the Master, Dakota was bombarded by the same thick smell of cedar. It enveloped him in a wave and soaked into his heart and mind. Terrance was important, and his presence brought calm and peaceful elements to it. Dakota knew his feelings were confusing and not something he really should be dealing with right now, but he went with his heart and decided that he needed to understand this man more fully.

“I choose Terrance.” He said after a few seconds of consideration. Terrance looked pleased by the choice and in turn that brought satisfaction to Dakota. It continued to be confusing all the way around.

"Very well." Master DuCane trained those black eyes on him once again, and Dakota was certain he could feel the cries through the ages, dark, angry, and ruthless, reaching for him. Then he broke off the connection and turned to the door. It was a small taste of who he was, and it shook Dakota to the core.

They left all except for Terrance, who remained standing before him, silent and waiting. The seconds stretched into minutes, and neither moved as they sized each other up. Whereas the Master's stare was bruising, Terrance's was warm and welcoming. His eyes appeared to see everything, and that was okay. Dakota was clear on the fact that he and Terrance were connected in some way. The peace he felt around the guy and the familiarity were both positive. He looked forward to getting to know him better because the attraction he felt was phenomenal.

“I’m sorry about your tribal member and I hope we will discover what happened to him and his friend and bring them back to you.” Terrance spoke earnestly and reached his hand out to Dakota. Dakota took the hand and held it in his.

“Thank you, Terrance.” He spoke the name, and it felt right on his tongue. “I appreciate any help that you can offer me.”

"Let's start at the Sheriff's office. I know you have had a rough start with our officers, but they are not all like Lawson. His treatment of you is an embarrassment and not what I would have expected from him." Dakota noticed that he had not yet released the man's hand, so slowly let it slide from his grip. He immediately missed the strength and security of his touch.

"I don't trust them," Dakota responded honestly.

"Sheriff Keller is a good man and a very capable sheriff. I'm sorry if you got off on the wrong foot with him, but he may have answers for you." Terrance spoke softly but therewas command in his tone. His voice slid over Dakota's nerves, soothing and agreeable. There wasn't anything about Terrance that Dakota didn't find enjoyable. He looked away from those piercing dark eyes and pulled his focus back to the issue at hand.

"I did not share my information or concerns with the Sheriff after he clearly supported Deputy Lawson. I have no time for their opinions or games. I've found over the years that I move best and fastest when I move alone." He wasn't doubting Terrance he simply didn't want to deal with the assholes at the Sheriff's office.

"That's true in some instances, but the land and the people here are not familiar to you, so let us help you, and together, we will solve this, I promise." Terrance took a step closer and once again held Dakota's gaze.

"I made Eric's sister a similar promise," Dakota commented softly.

---