Rich had already smelled it: the slightly citrus-like tang of lycan blood.  He had caught a faint, almost nonexistent whiff pulling into the parking lot, but had dismissed it as belonging to one of his charges.  Being so faint, it didn't indicate anything life threatening.<br/><br/>But now the wind blew between the tall pines, and the scent was most definitely<em>not</em>Talton's, Ian's, or any other member of his pack.<br/><br/><em>"Lycan blood if I'm not mistaken, we should investigate."</em><br/><br/>Rich held up a hand, palm facing Reinard.  He was about to define who "we" was when Ian muttered something and ran off into the woods.<br/><br/>The Alpha watched him go, then tugged at the baggy sleeve of his too-large windbreaker.  He began jumping from one foot to another like a runner warming up before a race.  He looked at the two remaining lycans, an eyebrow cocked.  "Reinard, you stay here and wait for Stephen.  Talton, you follow me, but pace yourself: I want you available if this gets hairy."<br/><br/>With that, he followed Ian into the forest, running at an all out sprint.  Even as he ran, Rich formulated a plan of action.  If the lycan was dead by the time they reached him, chances are they'd have to deal with whatever had killed him.  But the scent was strong and fresh, which indicated the lycan was alive (or recently slain).  If that was the case, Rich would have to decide if he should offer him a place in the pack.<br/><br/>And then there was Ian...  The Alpha would have to deal with him, hopefully after they were back at Pine Springs.  Although he liked it when his pack members took action, he couldn't have his pack running all over.  The hotheaded lycan hadn't even considered the possibility of a trap.<br/><br/>Rich paused for a split second to sniff the air: the smell was growing stronger, which meant Ian had at least taken off in the right direction.  It didn't take long for him to catch up after then.  Within ten seconds, Rich had pulled alongside Ian.<br/><br/>"Hey, Ian, apply the brakes!" he called out.