Unknown Touch by Gina Marie Long

I blissfully drifted off. After a few minutes, I slumped over onto Dominic's shoulder. Ironic, huh? But he, too, was already in la-la land.
     
     

 
    Chapter 7
    Intros Again
     
     
     
     
    I awoke while still leaning against Dominic. I'm sure he was tickled pink with my openness to have slept on his shoulder. He gloated and whispered in my ear, "We're here. Time to meet everyone so be on your best behavior."
    I rolled my eyes at him and jumped to attention. We filed out of the van, one by one. Immediately I started surveying the surroundings and looking for any form of life. Several people (or were they actually werewolves?) casually walked out of the front door of the resort. One was in the lead. Daniel. Our eyes locked onto each other as if no one else was around for miles. I wanted to run to him, hug him with all my might. But I knew that would be inappropriate and I would disappoint and shock Eli with such actions. As it was, Dom kept darting his eyes back and forth between Daniel and me. He was worried. Jealous.
    "Welcome to my resort and home, again. I wish it was all for relaxation instead of business, though," Daniel broke the ice by speaking first.
    Eli politely reached out to shake Daniel's hand and he responded. Eli said, "Daniel, good to see you again, friend. Yes, I agree that one of these days I need to just come down here and go fishing and not worry about anything else in the world."
    Zac and Tessa had gone around to the back of the van, unloading our suitcases. Daniel offered, "I have your unit ready down at the far end. Why don't we get your possessions put away then meet back in the cafeteria. It's noon and I'm sure everyone's getting hungry."
    I meandered around the side of the van, almost hating to lose eye contact with Daniel. I was picking up my suitcase and mentally pushed, I really want to come over to you this second but it doesn't feel right to do that with everyone watching.
    Kara, there will be time to talk later. Try to not look like you're about to explode! Daniel silently laughed with a huge smile lighting up his whole face. He was so handsome
    Then our little group followed Eli down the sidewalk, each carrying our own suitcases. We looked like baby ducklings trailing after the mother duck. Eli had been here a few times before, enough to know his way around as did Dominic. Though I had been here about six weeks ago with my parents, it seemed as if I was seeing this place for the first time through a different set of eyes. When I had been here before, it didn't mean much of anything to me. My parents had wanted to take a quick weekend fall trip and the images I picked up from Dom led me to suggest we come here. I spent most of my time lounging around reading a book, usually sitting outside on the balcony. We had only stayed two days and went back home. At that time, the whole incident was relaxing but didn't stand out in my mind. Needless to say, there were things going on under my nose and in my brain that I wasn't aware of yet.
    Now, I completely took in the serenity of the woods. Breathed the fresh air in deeply. Even though it was approaching winter, this area was still so peaceful and beautiful. It wasn't too cold either. The predictions had stated we were due for a warmer November and December. We would take any advantages we could get if this mission turned out to be based mostly outside, in the natural elements, dealing with whatever Mother Nature threw at us.
    Our unit, cabin if you will, was one of the larger ones available. It could house up to eight people. It sat at the tail end of a row of cabins and ensured the most privacy. I wasn't sure how many total units were on the property, as they were scattered over a great expanse of land, mostly intertwined with sidewalks. I would have to take a walk later. Maybe Daniel would give me a detailed tour of the resort.
    Each of us chose our sleeping quarters, settled in with our luggage, used the restrooms and generally got a feel for