Chapter 31

                                    

                                          
Every shift of a branch, rustle of leaves or animal call had us on edge. We were nearing the drop off location and the concerns of being ambushed by these creatures was increasing with each turn of the wheel.
Dad's vehicle stopped ahead of us and we came to a halt soon after, mom instructed us to stay put as the soldiers scouted the area.
"Honey how's the creature?" Mums question was laced with slight panic as she knew it was getting closer to waking up.
I unhooked myself from the side of the trailer and moved over to get a closer look.
"Still out but we should hurry, it's legs are starting to shift."  I replied as I noticed the twitch in the hind legs.
"Alright we've just gotta wait for the all clear from your father but start uncoupling the cage so we're ready to go." She ordered before turning back to the front and watching out for Dads signal.
"I don't like this! You felt it too... somethings wrong!" Tanya stated in her mind but continued to do the job assigned to her.
"I know but we have to do this, we're probably just feeling the effects of the schade, the other creatures were infected."  I replied knowing full well what she'd return with.
"Exactly those creatures we don't know what they can do what if they can camouflage themselves from the satellites? I don't like being out here without Selene." I understood what she was saying and agreed with it but we continued to finish off unlatching the crate and shifted it to the edge of the trailer anyway.
"Ok we should be good! You boys go help the girls unload the crate and we'll move it into position." Dad ordered sending Alan and Kai over to help us while the rest stood guard, taking up certain positions around both vehicles.
"Yes sir!" Alan and Kai called back before heading over to us, I noticed that Justin followed closely behind before stopping a few metres away from Alan eyes locked on the forest.
"Mom did you and Hilary want to check it over now or when we have it in position?" I questioned as she stepped out of the vehicle and Aunt Hilary followed suit.
"Get it into position I'll check it when it's out of the cage." She stated, I looked over at my father who clearly didn't like that part of the plan as I could see the crease getting deeper on his forehead.
"I don't like that plan Jules it should stay in the cage while you check it. What if it wakes up?" He questioned walking closer to his wife who clearly wasn't paying him any attention.
"Jules!" He called as he grabbed her shoulder lightly shifting her focus to him.
"Hun... I know but it's the only option we have to do a proper check of it vitals before we leave and I can't do that if it's inside the cage." She sighed starting to turn back to her bag as we moved the cage around the side of the trailer.
"But..." he started with a desperate plea but was cut off by mother. I saw her move closer to him and place her hand on his cheek.
"I know love but this is what I have to do and besides I know nothing will happen to me while I have you to watch my back." She encouraged with a smile. Dad released a sighed caving to my mother, giving her a nod of acceptance.
"Alright we'll place the cage down here and Freya and I will manoeuvre the creature out... honey we'll have to be very careful alright?" She ordered giving me a look I've seen countless times before, it was one of determination but a silent question, Am I alright to do this? I gave her a nod in return to show my answer and moved to place the cage on the floor. 
The boys took up position on either side of it and Tanya stood at the back ready to open the cage on our order. Mother got her equipment ready at the location we were placing the animal before joining me at the front of the cage.