The last couple of days had been stressful and I could not wait to finally go home, soak in a hot bath then start my much needed two days off. Covering for a co-worker with car problems extended my usual 8-hour shift to an 11-hour one. I was utterly physically and mentally exhausted.

Gathering my things together before heading out the door of the Cafe, the hair on the back of my neck stood up. It was only then when I spotted two of the local Cats sitting at a table in the dimly lit corner sipping coffee. Usually that would never have bothered me; downtown was part of the neutral territory. The Wolves and Lions have their own territory on opposite sides of the town; downtown was middle ground (neutral) and this was how it had worked for over 40 years with little incidents.

What had my stomach in knots was that I could not shake the feeling of being watched ever since my friend had gone missing. Maybe it was just guilt or I was being paranoid?

I have always walked to and from work with my apartment only 15 minutes away and not liking to take up valuable parking space away from a paying customer, especially since the tourist and campers have started to arrive for the year. Saying my goodbyes, I really wished that I had brought my car. Hesitating as long as I dared without looking obvious, I quickly left out the front door; sweeping a quick glance one last time around to see if anyone got up to follow.

Not wanting to attract attention I kept a brisk pace instead of running, which I was fighting the urge to do. Head up, walking in the middle of the sidewalk so I could keep an eye on the shadows of the doorways as well as to keep an eye on the cars that drove by. Every time a horn honked, or a door opened or closed, my heart skipped a beat. Heart racing, I could no longer keep the stench of fear coming off in waves by the time I made it to my building.

Running up three flights of stairs, heart pounding more from fear then exertion. Heart threatening to break through my ribs, hands shaking so bad it took, what seemed, a full minute just to get the keys in the deadbolt. Finally getting the door open I stumbled inside, then slammed the door shut before immediately locking it. Falling back against the door, I stood immobilized with fear, not able to take another step into the apartment for a few moments.

Once my heart no longer felt like it was trying to escape from my chest, I put down my purse that I held on to for dear life. Like it was going to protect me somehow. One sluggish step after another I finally made it into the living room. Just about to sink in my favourite oversized chair, I froze midway scenting someone else had been in my apartment. Taking in a deep breath through my nose, I could definitely smell other scents that didn't belong, and more then just one. Another deep breath and I was convinced that whoever was there was long gone.

Walking cautiously towards the hall closet to retrieve the baseball bat, more for comfort than anything else. With a shaky hand, I swung open the door, praying my nose was not playing tricks on me, as my heart threatens to jump out of my chest once again. Finding it empty of intruders, I took the bat and headed to the closest room, the kitchen. Checking every cupboard and drawer no matter how small. Satisfied it was void of any intruders I moved to the bedroom then bathroom.

White knuckling the bat over my head the entire time. I was a complete basket case by the time I cleared the apartment. Grabbing the cordless phone from the end table, I squat down in the corner of the living room, giving me the advantage to see most of the living space and the door. Dialling my Alphas phone number, I sat, waited, and hoped he would pick up.