Chapter 86

Michael really didn't want to go along with this. He could tell Scarlett had it out for Isabella, and he didn't want them hanging out together.

But before he could say anything, Kenna chimed in.

"I think it's a great idea. You kids should get out and do stuff instead of staring at your phones all day. It's bad for your eyes. What do you think, Isabella?" Kenna asked, turning to her.

"I don't mind. I'm just a bit worried about running into some dangerous animals," Isabella said, not wanting to outright refuse Kenna's suggestion.

Scarlett jumped in, "Don't worry, Isabella. We're going to a legal hunting ground with harmless animals like rabbits, deer, and goats."

"In that case, I'm in," Isabella said, feeling relieved. She figured Scarlett wouldn't try anything crazy with Kenna and Michael around.

But she didn't know just how nasty Scarlett could be.

'Just wait, you won't make it out of the forest alive,' Scarlett thought, even though she was smiling.

The next day, Scarlett took Isabella and Michael to the hunting ground.

Isabella was dressed in sporty clothes with a leather vest, while Michael wore a simple tracksuit. Scarlett didn't bring Lucas this time but brought two of her close friends.

The owner of the hunting ground was a middle-aged, bearded, chubby guy dressed like a cowboy. He greeted everyone warmly.

"Hey there, I'm Austin Roberts. My hunting ground is the best around because you can hunt, have picnics, and feed small animals. We've got koalas, ponies, kangaroos, even bowerbirds and crows," Austin said, eyeing the women. He figured they were the main guests, and Michael was just there to foot the bill.

Michael wasn't too thrilled about this hunting trip. He was already bored with these kinds of activities. Harmless herbivores didn't excite him; only fierce animals like tigers and lions were worth his time.

Suddenly, Isabella noticed they had pandas, which blew her mind. "Austin, you have a panda here? Aren't they only in zoos?" she asked, looking at him.

Michael raised an eyebrow, skeptical. He couldn't believe this place had pandas. Everyone knew pandas were unique to a far-off country called Emberlyn and were super rare.

Austin patted his chest and said earnestly, "Yes, a true panda from Emberlyn. It's incredibly cute."

"Can I see it?" Isabella's eyes lit up.

"Of course, follow me, ladies, and you too, sir," Austin said, leading Isabella and the others to see the pandas.

Michael followed behind, passing one cage after another until they reached the "panda" Austin had mentioned.

"This is the panda you were talking about? It's just a koala painted to look like one!" Isabella exclaimed, pointing at the black-and-white koala in the tree.

The koala lay lazily on a eucalyptus tree, munching on leaves. Its eyes had been painted black, and its fur had been painted white. If it were a bit fatter, it might have actually passed for a panda.

"Well, it does look like a panda, right? You can call it a panda if you like!" Austin laughed heartily, not at all embarrassed.

"This is not funny at all, Austin. When are we going hunting?" Scarlett said impatiently.

Austin waved his hand. "Come with me, I'll take you to choose weapons."

Austin led the group to a warehouse filled with various weapons. There were cold weapons like knives, swords, daggers, and crossbows, while the only firearms were hunting rifles.

"These rifles should be enough for you to enjoy the thrill of hunting," Austin said, handing the rifles to the women.

Michael casually picked up a crossbow hanging on the wall. "I'll use this. It's not much of a challenge to begin with, and using a rifle would just take the fun out of it."

Isabella looked at the rifle in her hand, then at the weapons on the wall, some of which still had traces of blood on them.

"Maybe you all should go hunting without me. I'll wait here. It's a bit too gruesome for me. I think that painted koala is pretty cute, even if it's not a real panda," Isabella said, handing the rifle back to Austin.

Austin shrugged and took the rifle from her. "Alright, Ms. Taylor, I'll get you some food to feed the animals here."

Michael wasn't really interested in hunting. Seeing that Isabella didn't want to participate, he was about to return the crossbow to Austin.

Scarlett stopped him. "Michael, don't give up just yet. Austin said we can have a picnic at the hunting ground. We can hunt some fresh game for a barbecue. Let Isabella wait here."

Austin nodded. "Yes, I released a few young wild boars in the hunting ground today. They make excellent roasted boar. But I suggest you stay within the fenced area. Beyond that is the real wilderness, where large wild animals roam freely."

Michael looked at Isabella, and she smiled and nodded at him.

"I'll wait here and get the grill ready," Isabella said with a smile.

Michael nodded. This time he didn't refuse; he wanted to bring back a young wild boar for the barbecue.

"Austin, make sure Isabella is safe, or I'll tear your hunting ground apart," Michael warned, giving Austin a cold stare.

Austin was frightened by Michael's gaze and shuddered.

"Don't worry, if anyone tries to mess with Ms. Taylor, my rifle will send them straight to God!" Austin reassured, patting his chest.