A/N: This is the 3rd story in the After the Rain universe. I would humbly urge you begin with Seasons of Change to avoid major confusion. Let it not be said flattery has no persuasion for I was determined not to post anything for this story till later down the line. This was inspired by Maxsmomma and Lory 77's request for just a bit more. Hope this quenches your thirst
Prologue
The young apprentice prowled forth, stepping carefully over the fallen leaves. She'd been at it for what seemed as forever in her five-year-old mind but was steadfast in her pursuit. The temperature was dropping with the dwindling light and it was only a matter of time before her mother stepped outside, halting the hunt. A twig snapped ahead, and she stilled in anticipation. Her bright eyes scanning the surrounding forest for clues. Her prey was crafty, and the little girl knew she needed to be even more so to find success. The sound of her front door snapping open incited a frustrated sigh, knowing she'd run out of time.
"Akeimi, it's time to come inside now baby. It's getting too cold for you to be out here"
A long black tail uncurled from the branch ahead and the little girl huffed in anger.
"No fair Auntie Jade…we said NO TWEES. I can't climb that high"
The feline leaped down, making her way behind the shrub to phase back human.
"If you want to hang out with the big kids then you need to do as the big kids do, squirt. Learn how to climb... All is fair in a hunt, I say"
Shye looked towards the feline in exasperation, wrapping her long cardigan over her swollen belly.
"Don't encourage her Jade. it's bad enough with Lahote and Koli egging her on"
The feline smiled widely, winking at her young protégé as they made their way into the house. Jade had never held much patience for children but Akeimi had carved her way into her heart much like her blue-eyed wolf. Maybe it was her fearless spirit or curious nature which appealed to her. The feline didn't know, but she'd grown rather attached to the five-year-old girl. And the feeling was mutual… Akeimi admired all the she-wolves in the pack but her Auntie Jade was a bad ass. At least that's what her uncle Koli had said.
The young protégé caught her father's eyes, running into his awaiting arms.
"I almost caught her daddy, but she cheated. I need to learn to climb higher"
Lahote answered with a doting smile as he gazed upon his little girl. There'd been a time when the young wolf had desired nothing more than to rise in the ranks of the pack, balking at his father's words regarding his priorities. But had since grown wise. This was what life was about…the love of a good woman… the inexplicable bond between parent and child, and the warmth of home.
"Then I guess we're gonna have to work on that aren't we? Can't let her beat you again, peanut"
His wife's tired sigh alerted him words would be shared at a later time, but his baby girl's answering smile made it all worthwhile. Solace approached, pulling her from his arms and throwing her over his broad shoulder. Akeimi laughed hysterically as he attacked her with his famous raspberries. She was the baby of the family and they dotted on her every move. From the powerful and fierce Jacob Black to Maya, their second youngest; she had them wrapped around her little fingers and it was causing his wife growing concern.
They were gathered at his home, awaiting the guest of honor. One of their most seasoned wolves was celebrating a birthday today and Akeimi had worked tirelessly with her Auntie Keyla's help to make the best cake ever for her Pa. As an infant, she had struggled with the full pronunciation of his name and Paul saw no reason to correct her; secretly loving the term of endearment. The purring of an engine brought Lahote back from his thoughts and he swiftly made his way towards his driveway, pleased his twin had decided to join in the festivities.
Lahote pulled his brother into a hug, and the hungover wolf welcomed the sentiment. His metabolism was still burning off the booze and drugs, but he'd showered and was clean-shaven for the pack gathering. Lahote nodded towards the new ink added to the array of tats covering his twin's left arm and Hawk replied with a small smile.
"Got it two days ago"
They walked up the driveway side by side and Isis awaited her son by the door, wasting no time in pulling him into a fierce embrace. Hawk hated the stench of worry seeping out of his mother's smaller frame, holding her tenderly close. She grabbed his face between her hands, holding his apologetic gaze.
"I'm glad you're here baby"
"You guys are acting like you haven't seen me in months. This is supposed to be a party…we should be celebrating. Where's the man of the hour?" he questioned, hoping to divert the attention elsewhere. Solace nodded to him in greeting, still hurting over their last argument but released the squirming child from his grasp as she tried to make her way towards her most favorite uncle in the world. Hawk loved his twin fiercely; would always love and protect what was most dear to him and his child held great prominence in his life. Except Akeimi also inspired him to be better than what he'd become; especially when she looked at him with those trustful grey eyes of hers.
She wrapped her small hands around his neck and Hawk leaned into her touch, burying his nose in the crook of her neck and allowing her scent to ease some of his burden. He spent the next half hour in her room, listening rapturously as she spoke about her first two weeks of kindergarten. She had drawn a picture of his wolf near her school, because she knew he was patrolling near, making sure they were all safe even when she couldn't see him. Her words cut him deep and he pulled her close, taking out their most favorite book. They lay in the comfort of her bed, as they awaited the birthday boy's arrival; his words repeating a story she knew by heart but that was OK, because it always sounded better when he read it.
This was a dangerous waste of his time…His parole hearing was scheduled in a couple of days and Ryan knew the foolishness of taking such unnecessary risks. But this asshole had it coming, and he'd been itching for physical release. Ryan had been burning some serious hours in the yard; running… jumping rope…sparring with the punching bag, but it just wasn't enough. Gabriel stood in his corner greedily, collecting bets from the fools stupid enough to wager against him. And though he'd never been one for gambling, knew the extra commissary would come in handy. He was just another inmate in the system, but once upon a time, Ryan had been a contender with big dreams. Arrogance had never plagued his character, but he hadn't won junior amateur boxer of the Pacific Northwest without skill. And Gabriel loved the street cred it provided them both.
There weren't any formal weight classes in the pen and his opponent was a beast. But Ryan felt like a monster himself and knew that this would go in his favor. Rowdy men encircled them and if the crooked guards weren't invested in the match, this wouldn't even be taking place. Ryan stepped forward with a jab, astutely measuring his reach. His opponent was all brawn and no skill but caught him with a powerful cross. He feinted forward, and his challenger lunged, allowing Ryan to release a vicious left hook to the side, staggering him back. He went to the body, trying to avoid causing serious harm but TJ caught him with a low blow and Ryan faded back to regroup angrily.
Fine…he wanted to play? They could play…
It was easier than he'd anticipated, and nowhere as satisfying as he'd imagined it would be when TJ's head hit the canvass. Gabriel was eagerly collecting their winnings, but Ryan just wanted the solitude of his cell. There was an unsettling mass of something brewing at the pit of his stomach and he wondered if it was the start of a panic attack. It'd been years since his last episode and he barely made it to the urinal; emptying the contents of his earlier meal. His head spun as he crawled to his bed, rolling over in time to pass out from the stupor. Ryan remained in solitude the next couple of days, choosing to leave his cell only when forced as the day of his parole hearing neared.
He'd awoken with a knot in his throat. Her gentle face was the last thing he'd seen before awakening to his reality. Ryan hadn't much faith left, but as he waited to be interviewed by the Parole Committee, knew it was more than luck on his side. His alleged victim failed to show, and he'd caught the various letters of support on the committee's desk. Maddie…
He would need to wait for the authorized document but had unofficially been granted an early release. And he chose to keep the news to himself, apart from Gabriel. Fearful of drawing backlash from other inmate until the morning of his release.
"You're up Lakoda. Let's go… get your ass moving".
The words were music to his ears and Ryan grabbed the book underneath his pillow, stuffing it in his back-jean pocket. The sound of clattering cups against the cells echoed through the wretched cellblock he'd called home the last three years of his life. He glanced to the right towards Gabriel's cell, meeting his gaze as he leaned against the bars. A fast smirk in place, as he nodded to him when he walked past.
"See you on the other side brother".
Ryan said nothing, thought of nothing except focusing on the bright light ahead. His hands trembled in anticipation.
Almost there Lakoda…
He'd entered this hellhole at the age of seventeen; still a minor by law but the prosecutor had fought to try him as an adult. And the stacked book which was his juvenile record had convinced the judge. So, there he was at the age of twenty, making his way out of the Olympic Correction Center with his worldly possessions consisting of an old book, a worn picture, the clothes on his back, bus fare and the $50 he'd been allowed to keep from his meager earnings.
The last buzzer sounded as the guard opened the gate and Ryan tasted the fresh air on his tongue. Thought the sun had never felt so good on his skin as he stepped into the light. It'd been a long time since Ryan had shed a tear and if he could remember how, would've wept in happiness. He picked up his pace; wanting to place as much distance between himself and the cage he'd endured. He had a couple of hours to burn before checking in at the Half-Way house on the res and headed towards the nearest diner to grab some much-desired nourishment.
His appetite had been insatiable these last couple of weeks and if he didn't slow down, would need to invest in clothes soon. The amount of muscle gained these last weeks had been crazy and Ryan resented he couldn't allow himself happiness over it. His new appearance only made his resemblance to him more pronounced and it was harder and harder to look at himself in the mirror without self-loathing. He forwent the option of public transportation for the solitude of a long walk in hopes of centering himself before joining the rest of society.
The nearing sound of wheels turning on the asphalt caught his attention, but Ryan didn't need to wait long to know the source of its origin.
"Where you headed Lakoda? Bust stop's the other way"
Ryan ignored the question continuing to walk, focusing on the trajectory ahead.
Of course, he'd know of his release.
"I'm talking to you boy. STOP…"
Ryan had been on the other side of the law enough times to recognize the difference between a request and a lawful order and was not about to give this asshole any reason to ship his ass back to the joint. He released a long sigh, turning to face Officer James T. Moletti in silence. Clear hate in those cold eyes of his as Ryan waited for him to speak.
"You may have fooled them Lakoda but you don't fool me…I know what you are and I'm going to be watching. Just waiting for you to screw up and when it happens; even that old bat won't be able to help you then"
Ryan felt a burning traveling up his body and was using all his control to keep himself in place. It would be so easy to have his way with him now, but Maddie wouldn't want that, and neither would've she. The thought cut him deep… he'd already failed her so much and he'd promised it would be different this time. The police cruiser drove past, and he released a long breath, realizing walking a straight line would be harder than he'd imagined. He continued into town, surprised much in the area had not changed since his incarceration.
The local drunks still hung out at Jake's and people still bustled in an out of the Diner. Ryan sensed many sets of eyes following him in as he stepped up to the take-out counter. A new face was always noticed around these parts and a six plus tall native man looking straight out of Flex magazine would be noticed even more so. The attention was making him anxious and he rushed out the exit with his food, almost running a little girl over who was hopping her way up the stairs.
"Oh man, are you ok? I'm so sorry, I didn't see you there"
Shit…
The last thing he needed was to injure a kid with Moletti on his back as panic struk him.
"It's OK, she's fine. Akeimi has a habit of not paying attention. Don't you Keimi?"
The little girl smiled widely, proudly displaying her two missing bottom teeth and Ryan found himself looking down into the prettiest set of grey eyes he'd ever seen.
"You tall. You almost as tall as my daddy"
"Akeimi, what have I told you about running out of the car like that?"
"Sowy nana… I just wanted to get our most favowite seats before anyone else"
Ryan looked up to see a striking brunette. Her features changing into one of shock as she openly gawked at him. He stood awkward and unsure, wanting to get the hell out of there before anything else went wrong but felt a need to make sure all was good with the kid before taking off.
"I'm sorry… I promise I don't usually stare at people this way, but you look very familiar. I'm Isis… Isis Tso-Black and this little munchkin is Akeimi"
She extended her hand in greeting and Ryan felt obligated to return the gesture.
"It's no big deal. It's nice to meet you both. I'm Ryan," he mumbled out, smiling at the little girl as she extended her hand as well.
"I'm sorry again for not paying attention but I really do need to get going before I'm late"
It wasn't a total lie. He did need to get moving if he was going to make it to the half-way house in time. But had a more pressing reason for leaving. There was someone else he needed to visit first, and she came before all. Ryan hurried down the dirt paved road, completely missing the look of worry on the beautiful woman's face as she allowed the exuberant child to lead her up the Diner's stairs.
He'd walked this path countless of times, but repetition didn't make it any easier. He made his way towards the large fig tree, noticing her headstone was one of most well-kept around. Ryan felt a tightening in his throat, it was one more thing he owed Maddie for. The beautiful white lilies were fitting, and the young man took a seat before her, tracing the letters of her name reverently.
"Hi momma, I'm sorry I haven't come visit. I've been a little busy, but you already know that. I'm gonna do better this time momma. I promise…"
His words were but a whisper, erroneously thinking he'd forgotten how to cry. The pain piercing him now was debilitating… It'd been years since he last shed a tear but as he gazed upon his mother's grave, Ryan Lakoda sobbed unabashedly.
"Solace, he needs to know. It's his right and it should be you who tells him"
"What am I supposed to say to him? We don't even know where this kid lives and we can't exactly prove it without him knowing can we?"
"What is there to prove? He looks exactly like him and he's going to phase any day now. Is that how you want him to find out? We need to at least prepare Cheveyo and Ethan for what could happen"
Solace didn't want to believe this. Knew that if his wife's suspicions were accurate, the truth of it would crush his friend and mentor to the core. And nodded solemnly as he prepared to dial the Alpha's phone number in preparation of what would soon ensue.
Playlist
Sparks-Coldplay
Prepárame la Cena- Calle 13
Oh Sailor- Mr. Little Jeans
