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Joe smiled smugly as the Large SUV left the compound. Getting rid of Ambrose and Abraham had been easier than he'd hoped.
He had sent them to visit Napoleon in Baton Rouge. Becky had been homesick and this was a perfect excuse for them to leave. To everyone's surprise Alisha had agreed to tag along.
Megan and Jackson would fly into Baton Rouge on the 26th of December and they would get back to Texas on New Year's Eve. Their travel plans had been delayed and it worked perfectly for Joe and his conspirators.
Walking back into the main house, he stretched and popped his neck and whistled happily. It had been a long time since he'd had a little dangerous excitement in his life and he was looking forward to a good fight.
Of course he was aware that Fabio would never fight fair and he would be ready for him. This was his land and there would be no more trespassing.
Joe walked into his father's study and sat in front of Silas as he finished some paperwork on his desk.
"You can call the whole thing off Son. I'm sure Louisa would be happy about that."
"You know Dad, I need to do this. Not only will our pack be saved, but many others who live in fear of a rogue like Fabio."
"So you will begin your tour after lunch then?" Silas asked with a raised brow.
"That's right. That will give everyone time to set up. Stephen has assured me that he has a surprise that the imposter will really enjoy." Joe said sarcastically.
"I bet he will." Chuckled Silas.
"Well you better prepare yourself and be ready for a few surprises yourself. If this is Fabio you know that he is ruthless. I don't want you to be hurt son; your Mother will kill me."
Joe smiled at his Father and rose to leave the study. "I will be cautious Dad. I have too much to live for believe me."
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Stephen was relieved when Alisha accepted Becky's invitation to go to Baton Rouge. This made it a lot easier for him to take care of things this afternoon. Sullivan was waiting for him, and
Maddie had agreed to watch the twins with Louisa.
They would all meet in the pecan grove after lunch while Joe and Andrew/Fabio toured the property.
It felt awkward not confiding in Raphael, but they needed him to stay with Drusilla as if nothing was going on.
Ralph had been a wealth of information when it came to the pack lands. He had been a big part of its restoration and the Pecan Grove was his baby.
Unfortunately the pack had cleared out much of the over growth and they would have to hide a little further away than they would have liked.
He would be the only one close enough to get off a shot. He knew his ammunition would debilitate Fabio, at least he hoped so.
But who knows; Joe may not need their help. He was an Alpha and Fabio was not. Joe really had the advantage here. Besides; Fabio did not know that Joe could shift. That would be the best weapon of all.
Stephan looked out of his window and noticed the sky had become dark. Damn it looked like rain. Of all the days for the weather to take a turn for the worse this was not on his radar. Rain had not been a part of his calculations. What would the Virgin Heat act like when it was wet?
He pulled out his rifle and unloaded it. He placed a potion packed shell in first then added a silver bullet.
He would take no chances today. This charade had to end, and one way or the other it would end today.
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"Carlotta I want you to go with me and Joe when we tour the property today."
"Why do you need me? I thought you wanted to get him alone." Carlotta's irritation showed and Fabio jerked her against his hard chest and held her tightly to his body.
"Listen my little accomplice; I need to keep my eye on you. What if you try to warn the others about me while we are out? I can't let that happen Cara Mia, now can I?"
"I thought you trusted me Fabio. I have given you no reason to be suspicious of me."
"As long as you love your daughter, I will always be suspicious of you Carlotta my love." He threw her against the wall and she hit it with a thud. Her right shoulder took the brunt of the impact and she slowly slid to the floor.
"There is no need for violence Fabio. I will accompany you on your outing." She said submissively.
"That's more like it. Now get dressed we will meet Joe after lunch."
Fabio walked out of the bedroom and slammed the door. He had taken a chance leaving her alone with Drusilla last night and he would not make that mistake again.
Perhaps Carlotta's presence would give Joe a greater sense of security. There was no reason he should suspect anything as it is. As soon as he had him a safe distance from the main buildings, he would make his move.
He walked out onto the front porch and felt the freshness of the rain that was falling. This was not what he had expected. He had not scented rain on the air and that was unusual. Looking up at the sky Fabio questioned Luna.
"What are you up to Luna? You don't have any power over me and I won't let a little rain ruin my plans."
Just then a little ray of sunshine broke through the clouds and settled on his face and just a quickly disappeared behind the dark clouds.
"You don't scare me Bitch of the Moon." He growled and breathed in the pungent scent of wet earth and the humid air.
"I will make this weather work for me. I can't let my chance slip away."
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The dining hall was crowded and the conversations were loud and full of holiday cheer. The food was hearty and filling and no one left the room unsatisfied.
Joe was surprised to see Carlotta by Andrew's side and he wondered what this new addition would do to their plans.
"Hello there Joe." Andrew/Fabio greeted Joe with a handshake and smile.
"Hope you don't mind Carlotta tagging along. She wants to see this place just as much as I do." He looked at Joe for any sign of disappointment and found none.
"Of course Andrew you both are welcome to view our compound. Usually we don't allow Non-Weres on the premises, but of course you two are family. I hope you enjoy our time together."
Joe led the way and the rain began to dissipate as they walked away from the dining hall.
"It's a good thing you two are dressed for the bad weather. Boots are just the thing you'll need to navigate the grounds. Weather never stops a Were, I'm sorry I forgot to warn you about what to wear."
"Raphael advised us well it seems. He and I are becoming fast friends. I'm glad he and Dru are together. He is a good mate for our daughter."
Andrew/Fabio smiled at Joe and continued on. Joe was beyond angry. This man was very good at his game. If he hadn't seen the real Andrew Guyon with his own eyes he would never have guessed this man was an imposter.
