***
The afternoon quickly turned to evening, and still, the crowds came. Amanda wasn’t sure how Dunc was handling all the socializing. He didn’t get a break. Dunc would sit for a while on one of the porch chairs, get up, walk around, play with the kids, and talk to them and their parents. He maintained a smile the entire time. This wasn’t the Dunc Amanda had come to know. There was never a hint of shyness in him. Everyone continued bowing to him.
Amanda noticed as the sky began darkening that Dunc looked for her more frequently. He was checking to see if she was there within his sight. She was supposed to keep nearby. They weren’t sure what would happen, but something was, and they had to be prepared for it.
Dunc continued greeting families with a growing sense of unease. He was hiding it well. The presence of all the families going up and down the street was worrying him. A message had gone out days before that everyone needed to be wary and watching for strangers. He had given orders to everyone visiting his house. The children were to be taken to safety before anyone attempted to assist him. The Waters, specifically Amanda, needed to be protected. Scions were to get them to safety and hopefully not let them see any Lycans in their full forms.
“I need to run over to my house and see how Dew and Sallie are doing.” Amanda touched Dunc’s shoulder and motioned to her home. “I’ll be right back.”
“Okay.” Dunc took her in his arms, gave her a firm hug, and then kissed her on the forehead. “I’ll be here.”
Amanda walked down the steps and through the crowd of people amassed at the porch. Children in costume were running around screaming, laughing, and having a good time. She cut through the graveyard. Kids were jumping out from behind tombstones yelling at other kids. Then she was in her yard, which was also full of kids and people talking.
Sallie and Dew were having a good time handing out candy to the children and talking to their parents. They were standing in front of the steps to their home.
“You guys doing okay?” Amanda walked up to them.
“Great!” Sallie giggled. “Have you ever seen so many people out on Halloween?”
“And they have great costumes!” Dew added. “I’ve seen some of the best werewolf costumes ever tonight! They look professional!”
“Glad to hear you’re enjoying it.” Amanda smiled, then stepped up to grab both of them by the shoulders so she could whisper to them at the same time. “Remember what I said. If anything happens, you need to stay out of the way. If you have to do anything, please don’t let anyone see you. Most importantly, if you are in danger, please run.” Amanda had told them what she and Dunc were expecting. She was repeating the same instructions she had given them earlier in the day. “Don’t worry about me.”
Amanda had barely finished when she heard the sound of vehicles coming down the road. Signs had been placed on both ends of the street to block any cars, so the kids could freely roam from house to house. People began yelling.
Amanda took a deep breath and informed herself she could not lock up. She could not freeze.
Two large armored vehicles stopped in front of Dunc and Amanda’s houses. They were going slow enough to allow people to get out of the way. But their presence brought an ominous atmosphere to the previously pleasant evening.
“Everyone, get your kids out of here now!” Dunc shouted, pushing past the people on his porch. “Now!” People began grabbing whatever child was near them, whether it was theirs or not—the sounds of children frantically screaming pierced through the night air.
“Good evening, Darlin’.” Joseph stepped out of the first van running a hand through his hair. He headed for Amanda, completely ignoring the people scrambling to get out of the way. He was fully geared up in Hunter armor. Black plates of heavy armor covered every inch of his body. A visible assortment of bladed weapons, pistols, and a rifle were strapped to his armor. His three most trusted men followed him out of the van.
Amanda felt the need to fight or flee wrestling for control. Three more men were disembarking the vehicle in front of Dunc’s house, and Dunc was heading her way.
“What do you think you are doing?” Dunc snarled, waving at the families running down the street. He had to stall them as long as he could. “There are families out here!”
“Quiet. I am talking to Amanda. Stop right there.” Joseph lifted a finger and wagged it at Dunc. His trio raised their rifles and aimed at Dunc. Dunc stopped, turning to face the three men.
“Joseph, please leave. Why can’t you leave me alone? I do not want you. I want nothing to do with you.” Amanda calmed herself and spoke gently. If they shot Dunc, they would kill him.
“You just need a little time and attention, honey. I do love you.” Joseph took a step forward, and Dunc growled. “With all my heart. I will never cheat on you again. I will not hurt you. That was a mistake I will never make again. I love you.”
Amanda felt sicker with every word he said. He was repulsive, and she knew exactly what he had planned. She put her hands into the shallow pockets of her dress, her left hand on the taser, and the right on the silver necklace. “I do not love you. I never will.”
“You heard her. Leave!” Dunc took a step closer, and the rifles all made a simultaneous clicking sound. Red laser lights pinpointed on Dunc’s chest.
