Rich slowed down, matching Ian's speed.  When the latter came to a complete stop, Rich let himself run into a solid looking tree, taking most of the impact with his shoulder.  Unhindered, the Alpha stalked over to Ian, his face calm but focused.  "You and I need to talk..." he began.  Then, with a gesture in the general direction of Pine Springs, "...when we get back.  'Till then, we focus on the lycan.  Understood?"<br/><br/>Once Ian had acknowledged him, Rich turned towards the source of the scent.  "Talton is following, in case things go south."  He rolled his shoulders, sniffed the air, and started a fast jog.  He indicated for Ian to follow.<br/><br/>The bloody scent was slowly growing stronger.  Although it was easily ten times stronger than it had been at Pine Springs, it was still a subtle smell.  The fragrant pines and even the distant, odorous smell of human urbanization were much stronger.  Whoever the blood belonged to still had most of it.<br/><br/>Rich jumped a fallen log, skirted the edge of a man made cliff hanging over a two lane highway, and then veered back into the forest.  The smell definitely led towards Aberdeen, but at least it was on their side of the highway.