Page 127

Two cameras recorded interference between 2:13 and 2:19 a.m. Nothing visible entered the property, but six minutes of footage dissolved into static before returning as though nothing had happened. It's getting bolder. Or more patient. Neither possibility makes me happy.

I kneel beside the eastern fence, replacing one of the sensors with a higher-frequency unit from my equipment case. If the entity wants to test our defenses, I'm going to make every inch of this property cost it something.

The front door opens. Sayer steps outside.

"I figured you'd already be up."

"I usually am."

He joins me at the fence. For a while, we simply look out at the woods beyond the property.

"They're quieter today," he finally says.

"The woods?"

He nods.

"Whatever's out there."

I don't dismiss it. Not anymore.

"What does it feel like?"

He searches for the words.

"Like..." He frowns. "Like it's waiting."

I don't like that answer. Neither does my wolf.

"Good," I say.

He blinks.

"Good?"

"If it's waiting, it isn't attacking."

"I guess."

I finish tightening the sensor.

"That gives us time to prepare."

He watches me work.

"You really think all this will stop it?"

"No."

His shoulders fall.

"It'll slow it down."

"That's honest."

"I don't lie to the people I'm protecting."

Protecting. The people. Not the witnesses. Not civilians. My people. My pack. The realization hits me almost as hard as yesterday's fight.