Chapter 2

A/N: This chapter has an M rating for adult language and themes

The clanging sound of pots being shuffled was hard to ignore. Seth lifted his brow in question and Jacob ran a tired hand over his face shaking his head in warning and the young Beta in training knew better than to push. Nessie wasn't happy…and it was clear the Alpha was at the root of her unhappiness.

"Did you hear about Jared and Paul?"

Of course he had…there was little Jacob didn't know about his pack. The Alpha's bond with each of his wolves was as inimitable as the one he held with his wife. He loved them all; even his most unruly and defiant wolves and just like any new parent, he was learning through trial and error.

"Jared's just trying to adjust to our big dysfunctional family Seth. I don't blame him; he went from being Sam's Beta to one of my wolves without any say. He's entitled to be pissed…"

"Aren't you worried though? I mean, this kind of thing can drive a wedge in the pack"

"Well that's why I have you and Sam. The Alpha is the strength of the pack but the Beta is like the soul of the pack Seth; remember that"

Jacob chuckled at the doubtful expression on the young wolf's face and Seth's face contorted to one of dismay.

"Seth, if I'd needed an enforcer than I would've chosen Paul. Embry lacks confidence and Jared doesn't want to follow me. But you…you aren't afraid to go against the grain if you truly believe it's the right thing to do. You don't abuse your strengths and even if you don't realize it, the other wolves are drawn to you. The ass kicking you gave Paul didn't hurt either…they respect you"

The young wolf's features changed to genuine pride at hearing his Alpha's compliments and Nessie came storming in.

"Don't fall for his flattery Seth; don't let that boyish charm fool you. He is a master manipulator but I'm not falling for those puppy eyes" she finished, poking her husband's chest in anger.

Jacob released an exasperated sigh.

"Nessie, I'm doing this for their good"

"Are you listening to this? How can those two poor boys be better off living with Paul then with us? They need to feel loved and cared for. Paul can't even take care of a plant"

"She has a point Jake"

"We've already been through this…they aren't living with Paul; it's just until they get acclimated with the pack. You'll see them almost every night for dinner and they'll be staying with us on the weekends, so stop trying to make me feel guilty. Besides, this isn't just for their benefit; I have a feeling it will be just as good for Paul. Might actually make his ass think of others for a change"

The bronze haired imprint huffed in disagreement, turning and declaring herself unfit for kitchen duty. She was off to visit her family and Jacob knew he'd have to grovel a bit before the day was through. The door slammed behind them and both wolves cringed at the loud noise. Jacob shared a sheepish smile and veered the conversation to a more pressing topic.

"So where's Leah in all of this?"

"Hard to say…she says it's nothing serious but I'm worried about her Jacob"

"You're not the only one but I think the smartest thing to do is to let this play out. Leah doesn't react well to feeling boxed in but you already know that. Billy and Charlie are like a bunch of old hens; he couldn't wait to come home and tell us about your little standoff. And it only proves my point Seth; you pushed her against the wall when you outed her in front of Sue and it only steered her his way. But who knows maybe they'll be good for each other. Stranger things have happened man…"

Seth looked doubtful but recognized some truth in Jacob's words. The Alpha spent the next few hours speaking with his recruit; probing his mind on their wolves' strengths and handicaps. Leading him through conflict resolution exercises and forcing him to reflect on his own biases and moral code. It was mentally exhausting and the young wolf was beginning to grasp the nature of his role. After several hours, Billy exited the comfort of his room, a look of annoyance clear on his features as he glared towards the empty kitchen and directed his narrowed gaze at his only son. It was supposed to be Chicken Parmesan night and his loving daughter in law cooked a mean Italian dish.

"This isn't my fault old man. I get no kind of respect around here," mouthed the Alpha as he stalked towards the kitchen angrily; nearly pulling the refrigerator door off with one hard yank and scanning the items inside. Seth followed quietly behind, pulling out a large package of turkey ground beef and swiftly setting water to boil for a quick meal. The Alpha squinted at the younger wolf and Seth continued unconcerned; a soft smile grazing his lips; a wing man never leaves his man….

"So let me get this straight….vegetarian vamps are ok but the human blood leeches aren't?"

"That's right"

Paul had spent the last hour discussing the pup's trip to casa vamp and was trying to explain the difference between the Cullens and the bloodsuckers they were charged with destroying. In all truth, it had mostly been a one sided conversation; Oliver talked and Paul had listened, nodding and shaking his head at the appropriate moments. Solace seemed content to let his friend monopolize the conversation but Paul hadn't missed the glint of excitement in his eyes with the mention of Blondie's cars. Paul had to concede respect for the dame's taste in cars; they truly were a hard-on inducing collection of beasts.

"Well, how are we supposed to know the difference? They all smelled the same to me…"

"Trust me they don't. The Cullens' eyes area tawny yellow and they give off a sickly sweet scent. Regular leeches reek of rot and their eyes are bloody red. There's no mistaking the difference"

"What about Nessie?"

Paul turned towards the quiet teen, surprised that he'd chosen to speak. Solace's curiosity must've gotten the better of him.

"Ness is a mutt; she's half human, half vamp. It's a long, complicated story that I frankly don't have the patience to go into right now"

"Damn Paul, shouldn't we show a little respect; she's the Alpha's wife…Quil said imprints were sacred and that the pack protects them at all cost"

Oliver seemed offended for his newfound friend and Paul snickered in response.

"He would say that…But you're right; Ness is all of that and more. I meant no disrespect. She's alright in my book and that says a lot because the list is pretty short".

"What about Leah?"

"What about her?" Paul turned once again to meet Solace's gaze, noting the slight inflection in his tone and sensing his words had also rubbed him the wrong way.

"What is she?"

"Dangerous is what she is"

The young pup narrowed his eyes and Paul narrowed his in turn. The kid had balls and Paul would enjoy breaking him. Jacob was right; there was something disturbing behind his eyes, something wild and repressed that demanded respect and Paul suspected his wolf was one mean son of a bitch. Solace shifted his gaze in disinterest while Oliver took meticulous care in rolling up his night-time medicine.

"Kid you're gonna have to smoke a lot more than that if you expect to feel anything; our metabolisms burn off booze and drugs before we can feel the effects. Believe me; I would know…the only thing that gives me a buzz these days is Old Quil's moonshine. Look I personally don't care but Baby Alpha will skin me alive if he gets word that I let you burn smoke on my watch, so that's a no-go."

Oliver appeared heartbroken and the sight sent Solace into fits of laughter.

"Fuck you Sol. I don't judge you man…We all cope in our own ways"

Paul was genuinely curious and decided to bite.

"What do you need help coping with kid?"

"His ADHD"

"I don't have ADHD asshole. I just get a little distracted sometimes; weed mellows me out, brings out my artistic side"

"Well you're gonna have to find another way of channeling your inner Picasso pup. Besides, after I get through with you, you won't need anything to help you relax; you'll need something to help you stay awake from exhaustion. As a matter of fact, there's no time like the present. Come on, we're going for a run. We can stop by that gas station you mentioned at the meeting"

"But that was near Hoaquim"

"Your point?"

"We're going to run all the way to Hoaquim?"

The evil glint in Paul's eyes was answer enough and the two teens exchanged concerned looks. Solace was already annoyed and a snide remark from Paul set them both off, facilitating the phase. And so they ran…ran parallel to all their patrol routes and past their borders; ran until they picked up a faded vampire's scent and the metallic one of blood. The discovery enraged the older wolf; a human had lost its life and the pack had done nothing to stop it. So they ran some more; crossing into Oregon territory near Astoria where a fresh trail lay and Paul knew he couldn't pursue with a couple of pups as back up and begrudgingly turned back. The two young wolves were wise to remain silent; Oliver focusing on the many scents surrounding them and Solace enjoying the rush of the run.

Paul used the opportunity to try his reach into the pup's minds. Oliver's was an open book…a telling story of an insecure kid at heart; a boy without much of an identity that fiercely sought the love and approval of those closest to him. Solace was acutely aware of what the older wolf was doing and focused on the trajectory before him, panicked that his most shameful memories would be out in the open for all to see. Paul thought that the young wolf was fighting a losing battle…it was almost impossible to keep secrets from the pack and if he'd wanted to really know, he would have already. Solace wondered if their Alpha was aware of how mighty and powerful he was and if that was why they'd stuck him with babysitting duty.

Oliver thought that Solace should shut the fuck up; his paws were tired and he kinda liked the mind link. It made him feel less lonely. Solace reminded his fellow orphan friend that this was just another form of foster care; one that he would gladly be free of the day he turned eighteen. Paul barked out a loud laugh. Kid you don't have to drink the Kool-Aid but I hate to break this to you. You don't have a fucking choice.Our great ancestors deemed you both worthy of protecting our people so how about I talk and you fucking listen.My job is to keep you alive, to make sure you are trained and prepared for the one thing you will excel at; killing leeches.So until the Baby Alpha says different young grasshoppers; you are both mine.

Solace was tired of having his choices taken from him; tired of being shuffled around like an inconvenient piece of baggage and was straining to rein in his anger and frustration. Paul reached for one of the young wolf's fleeting memories and it only served to push him past his control. GET OUT OF MY HEAD…The older wolf was taken aback with the strength of the command and felt the young wolf's mind go blurry. Interesting…The seasoned wolf continued to lead them back towards the reservation in silence, satisfied with what he'd learned from the run. Paul needed to speak to the Alpha and headed them towards his home.

The kitchen had seen better days and Paul entered the Black's home warily, surprised at seeing the three men devouring their large plates of spaghetti and meatballs quietly. The Alpha raised his brow in question and Paul sheepishly requested their audience.

"Take a seat son. Why don't you boys grab a plate and join us?"

Billy was nodding towards the empty chairs and the hungry wolves need not be asked twice, heading straight for the food. Paul recounted the details of their run in between mouthfuls of food, leaving out the last bit for another time. The Alpha sensed Solace's brooding and glanced towards the pups, meeting Paul's gaze. A slight shake of his head was answer enough and Jacob knew he'd need to check in with him at a later time. Seth was quietly observing the silent exchange, noting the subtle body language by both pups. Oliver had pulled his chair closest to Solace's and had allowed him the larger food serving, trying to pacify him in his own way.

Pack behavior was fascinating to the young wolf. The pups were already displaying lupine behavior and Seth reckoned it was embedded in their DNA. Whatever it was; the proximity of the Alpha always seemed to pacify frayed nerves and Billy's stories finished putting them at ease. They listened attentively as the Quileute chief gifted them with their ancestor's tales and both teens appeared greatly impressed by the elder's presence. Jacob watched in amazement as his father commanded their attention, wondering if he'd ever be successful in doing the same of his wolves. The Alpha wanted their respect and loyalty; not out of duty but because it was earned.

They ate and Billy shared embarrassing stories of every seasoned wolf present including the Alpha, reminding them that they'd all been pups once upon a time and Solace and Oliver knew they were in the presence of a wise man. Seth ordered them clean-up duty and they all complied, even a narrowed eyed Paul. The Alpha requested his presence at the meeting with the Cullens the next day and the insubordinate wolf seemed pleased by the invitation. Both pups appeared disappointed at having missed their bronze-haired friend but knew they would see her the next day.

It was a foreign feeling for both teens; the feeling of certainty and whereas Oliver seemed content with the assurance, it only caused Solace further distress. He'd learned long ago it was best to never get attached. Oliver had been the only constant in his life these last years and Lord knows he'd tried to repel his company. But the kid had been persistent to say the least and Solace had grown to appreciate his friendship. They walked tiredly towards their temporary home, reveling in their new enhanced senses as they experienced the forest's night life with a new set of eyes. The earthy smell was soothing and the introverted wolf had to admit his new spidey senses were kinda cool. Improvise, adapt and overcome had become his life's motto; after all, life could be worse. He looked down at the faded scars running down his right side and remembered that yes…life could be a lot worse.

"Renesmee honey, don't you think you may be overreacting a bit?"

"Overreacting? Overreacting? No mom, I don't. Whose side are you on anyways?"

Bella rolled her eyes discreetly. Her daughter was one of the kindest and most patient persons alive but once in a while, her husband's tendencies for the extreme tended to manifest themselves openly.

"Well it sounds like they'll be spending just as much time with you then with the pack. I'm sure Jacob only has their best interest at heart. Don't you trust him?"

Nessie's face contorted to one of dismay.

"Of course I trust him. I trust him with my life"

"Then you have to trust that he knows what he's doing Ness. He's the Alpha for a reason"

It was rare when Bella used a scolding tone with her beautiful daughter. Nessie's maturity and accelerated growth had paved the way for more sophisticated conversations throughout her upbringing allowing Bella to sometimes forget that her intelligence lacked life experience.

"Honey, what is this really about? I know you've become attached to the young wolves. From what you've shared, it sounds like they will benefit from having someone as caring as you in their lives but I'm not convinced it's the reason you're so worked up"

Nessie deflated and slumped in her seat, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. Rosalie strutted in, a look of disgust marring her perfect features.

"What has the dog done this time? I told you, we should have insisted on having them live with us Bella. Look at her"

"I'm fine Aunt Rose. Mom's right; I got a little carried away. I don't know…I've been thinking about this a lot lately and I just…"

Bella took her daughter's hand, recognizing her difficulty in expressing her thoughts and allowed her gift to speak for her.

"Oh…"

Rosalie looked between both women and released a frustrated sigh.

"It's bad enough feeling clueless with Alice and Edward around you two"

Bella smiled and turned to her sister-in law in awe.

"Renesmee is hoping to become a mother soon, Rose"

The look of joy on the beautiful vampire's face was dazzling and she took a seat next to her niece, holding both of her hands between hers.

"That's wonderful news Nessie. Are you guys trying?"

"No…I've tried giving Jacob some hints but I get the feeling he's trying to put off speaking about it"

"Having a child is a huge step honey; you both have to feel ready. If you think that you are, then you need to sit Jacob down and have a serious discussion. No hinting, no guessing, no assuming. Timing is also very important"

Renesmee recognized the wisdom in her mother's words and welcomed her mother's embrace. She spent the next hours listening to her aunt's plans for the near future. Bella gave her daughter a what have you done look and after hearing Alice's plans for a maternity clothes shopping spree, decided she'd heard enough and made a beeline for her vehicle. It was past dinner time and a twinge of guilt hit her as she thought of her family's Italian night dinner. The Diner in Forks was probably still open and she pulled out her cell phone regretting her emotional outburst.

The wolves had left her kitchen sparkling clean in gratitude of the surprisingly delicious meal and Nessie tip toed into her home. Her husband sat in his custom made man chair awaiting her arrival. He stood and grabbed the bags of takeout food from her grasp, kissing her lovingly in greeting. Nessie sighed, never being able to stay mad at him for long and leaned into the kiss.

"I'm sorry Jacob. I might have overreacted a little"

She pouted her lips and the Alpha chuckled in response, scrunching his nose and bringing his thumb and index finger closely together as assign of his agreement.

"Are you ready to tell me what this is really about Ness?" He led her by the hand, pulling her down onto his lap and enclosing her in his massive arms. Renesmee pulled at hem of her shirt nervously and Jacob lifter her chin up to meet his gaze.

"Nessie, you're starting to make me really nervous. What's wrong baby?"

She sighed heavily and decided to just spit it out.

"I want a child Jacob and I think I've been pretty obvious about my desires but you don't seem to take any notice or maybe you just don't want to tell me no"

The look of devastation on her face at the prospect hurt his heart and Jacob took her face gently in his hands.

"Nessie, I want a pack of them baby but I just don't think this is the right time. I'm sorry if I made you feel like I was ignoring you. I just need a little time; there's so much going on with the pack right now. Jared's not coping well; we've got these two new pups and Seth is still not ready to take Sam's place"

"What's a little time?"

The Alpha took a minute to consider his next words and met his wife's soft gaze.

"How about we have this conversation again in the spring?"

Spring…that wasn't so bad; she would need to seek out her grandfather's medical advice anyhow. Jacob's hopeful expression made her feel self-centered. She'd been the biggest supporter of him stepping up as Alpha and was aware of all that he shouldered. He was right; this wasn't the right time and responded with a genuine smile.

"We could start preparing…making plans"

"I like plans…we could think about making some expansions on the house"

Her eyes brightened and Jacob could almost see the wheels inside her head turning, knowing he'd just catapulted her towards a more immediate endeavor. She ran towards her laptop and the Alpha settled in for the night, shifting his thoughts towards his conversation with Paul. The dominant wolf was sure that he'd picked up the scent of several vamps and the notion disturbed him greatly. They would need to follow the trail and travel far past their borders. He pulled out his phone, sending a text to his mother-in –law and best friend requesting to move up their meeting's time. Edward never copped to it, but Jacob knew it annoyed him when he used his influence with Bells to get his way. Her reply was fast and the Alpha turned on the tube with a smirk fast in place. After all, it was the little things that sometimes made life fun…

The Alpha called early that morning and Paul was rushing to make it out to the Cullen's on time for the early morning meeting. The two teens were quietly getting ready as well and when he noticed them making to follow turned in mock amusement.

"Stay…"

Oliver looked perplexed but Solace's angry sigh alerted the older wolf that he'd understood the jab.

"But Jacob said that we should go where you go" insisted the happy go lucky teen.

"Yes…but this is a come by invitation only type of meeting and pups aren't allowed. Anyways, aren't you two sick of seeing my face? Consider this your morning pass. Now my little juvenile delinquents; don't do anything daddy would do or your ass is grass. Go explore, find a new hobby…..but no ganja" He finished with a warning glare towards the perkier wolf before rushing out of the cabin.

Oliver turned towards his pack brother and Solace's eyes sparkled in mischief.

"Well you heard the man…let's go find us a new hobby O"

His wide grin was answer enough and the two teens headed out of the cabin with twenty five dollars between them. They tried their luck at the local ditch hangout and their effort paid off. Both wolves had been blessed with good lucks pre-phasing and their physical growth only added to their draw. Oliver was tall and trim, his refined facial features gave him a pretty boy appeal. Solace was slightly taller and muscular in frame. His long lashes accentuated his sad, deep eyes, only adding to his brooding allure.

They convinced a couple of pretty brunettes to tag along and after Oliver's smooth talking and constant flirting, persuaded them back to the cabin for some much desired privacy. Paul took no chances and fortunately for the teens, stashed condoms in every room in his home. They treated the two girls to pizza after their romp and wished them luck in the coming school year before walking them back into town. They headed back to the cabin blissfully relaxed before their tyrannical guardian's return.

The meeting at the Cullens had dragged longer than expected as the Alpha made plans to lead his wolves further out of the reservation. The Cullens agreed to patrol along with the pups during the pack's hunt and Alice promised to keep watch for any nearing threats. Carlisle agreed that the phasing of these two wolves was telling and he agreed with Paul's belief that his family was not responsible. Esme wondered if it was time for the family to relocate but Bella profusely refused, unwilling to leave her daughter's side and Edward appeared stunned at his wife's thoughts but kept the knowledge to himself.

Paul took the opportunity to share his thoughts on their two newest pack members and both Jacob and Sam agreed that Paul should continue with their training but advised him to tread carefully around their more fragile pup. Seth requested a patrol with both teens and the Alpha readily agreed, seeming pleased with the young wolf's interest. Sam left them all speechless when he announced that Emily and he were trying for a child and the news felt like a bucket of cold water for the three wolves present. The aftermath of this would not be pretty and Paul hoped that the she-wolf would navigate through it with grace. He sent her a text shortly after leaving the Cullen's home, hoping to get some one on one time with her and the she-wolf agreed to meet him later on.

The perceptive wolf knew the scents of his pack mates and extended family well and was surprised at the floral aroma that swept near his home. The voices of his two roommates alerted him of their presence and as he entered his home, stilled in confusion and disbelief.

"Why does it smell like….Oh Hell No…. Did you two fuck in my house?"

"You said to find an activity that we both enjoyed," argued the young pup defensively.

"I meant like a fucking hobby you little bastards… Did you at least change the sheets? Leah is …You know what? Just …uhhhhhg" growled out the young wolf angrily. "Get out, just get the fuck out"

Oliver sprung up from the couch and all but ran out the door but it was Solace's wry smirk as he walked past that told Paul all he needed to know. He had to give it to the little fucker; he had definitely underestimated him but it was a mistake he would not make again.

"One point for you" conceded the temperamental wolf and Solace faltered in his step slightly, regaining his composure almost immediately as he descended down the stairs of the old cabin without so much as a glance back but couldn't help but wonder what he'd just unleashed.

Playlist

Isombard- Declan McKenna

Lover is Childlike-The Low Anthem

Brazil-Declan Mckenna