Sanctuary Ranch, Hayden, Colorado:
“What do you think, Bart?” Anika was walking around the custom log mansion.

“I think there’s no way the Hunter organization will be able to sneak up or set a trap.” Bart was at least a hundred acres out from the old fashion log mansion.

“Not with the wolves patrolling the property.” Anika knew her brother was going to bring some of his wolves to patrol the property.

“Even if Jack didn’t bring the wolves, there’s enough wildlife here to warn us.” Bart had watched as a black bear and her cubs walked near his location.

He knew there were a lot of elks, mule deer, and moose on the property. That wasn’t counting the birds that called the place home. The log mansion sat up on a hilly area and looked down towards the only road leading into the place.

“Who else do you think my brother is going to call in to act as security?” Anika steps out onto the porch and looks down towards the road leading to the place.

“Besides me and you? Maybe, Mad Jack, Bear, Julia, Gina, Casey, and Rachel. That’s not counting who Cheshire might have come in.” Bart knew Cheshire had several agents she trained that were like him and Anika.

“Of all those people you mention, I can deal with, except Mad Jack. He’s crazier and deadlier than Hatter.” Anika trained under Mad Jack and he was the toughest and meanest person she has ever met.

He taught wilderness survival and he threw all sorts of obstacles in your way. When he trains you, he makes you leave everything behind. The only thing he permits you to have with you is a survival knife he gives you, that he forged himself.

Mad Jack lived off the grid in a log house he built himself. He also had very few modern devices. He believed in living off the land.

“You’re lucky you survived his training. Most people who take his course, don’t last the first two weeks. I would hate to see what would happen between him and Aylin.” Bart knew how crazy Aylin was.

“Mad Jack might be good in the wilderness, but Aylin is unpredictable. He would have a hard time predicting what she would do.”

“Speaking of Hatter, where is she? The girls wanted to come and spend some time with her.”

“She’s on a mission in South America with Terry. After all this mess is over, she could fly to Texas and stay with you and the girls.” Anika knew
how Bart’s adopted daughters looked to Hatter like a big sister.

“I’ll mention it to my wife.” Bart makes his way back up to the mansion.

As Bart gets closer to the mansion, he spots Anika out on the porch. She had on a pair of black ankle boots. She also was wearing a pair of black leggings, and a gray short sleeve tunic shirt.

“So, has your boyfriend asked you to marry him, yet?” Bart walks up the steps to the porch.

“Not yet, but I know he is about too. I saw the engagement ring he bought me.” Anika looks at Bart.

He was dressed in his favorite cowboy wear. Slightly faded blue jeans, light blue short sleeve dress shirt with his custom-made black Stetson western cowboy hat. Anika knew how much he loved his custom cowboy hat.

“Are you going to tie the knot with him?” Bart knew Anika has been dating the guy she was seeing for a few years now.

“I want too, but I don’t know if I want to give up my job in New York.” Anika has been thinking about it lately. She knew Shade asked Hatter to marry him.

“I can understand that.” Bart heads into the mansion.

Anika follows behind him. The two of them head into the bar in the place. Bart walks behind the counter and grabs two glasses. He pours himself and Anika a glass of bourbon.

“Thanks.” Anika accepts the glass.

Bart takes a sip of his first. He watches as Anika takes a sip of hers as well.

“So, how does it feel to be an uncle now?”

“You mean with Dakota’s and Terry’s adopted daughters?” Bart saw the pictures Dakota sent him of her newly adopted daughters.

“Yes. The girls are adorable.” Anika was smitten with them when she first saw them.

“I can’t wait to meet them. Caroline already wants to fly out to see them. Also, the girls are happy to have cousins as well.” Bart knew Julie and her sister Laila wanted to see the babies as well.

“Well, I know Terry would appreciate it. Also, how is your cousin Katie doing?” Anika remembered she took a new job.

“She’s doing good. She and her girlfriend came out to the ranch for Christmas.” Bart liked Jessica.

Anika refills her drink. She looks towards Bart “want a refill?”

“Yes.” Bart holds his glass out.

Anika refills it.

“Thanks.” Bart takes a sip.

They stand at the bar and drink their drinks. Bart, wonders what else Jack has up his sleeve for the Hunter’s?

Anika looks out the huge window and watches as the sun goes down. The outside lights turn on and light up the area around the mansion.

“That might be a problem.”

“What might?” Bart was puzzled.

“The area past the mansion. The lights only light up around the house and part of the driveway. The rest of the road and area away from the mansion can allow a sneak attack.”

“I wouldn’t worry about it. The wolves can handle that area. I think six of Jack’s wolves will even the odds.”