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By Saturday evening we heard from Sam. The boys tribal walk began at 5:00 a.m., just a half hour before sun rise. The Cullen family met the pack in the clearing, far enough away that no one would be in danger, but close enough to assist the phase. My mother had pools of unshed tears in her eyes while telling me how it all happened, but I was trying my best to hold in a laugh as she spoke to me. Apparently, once they reached the boarder, Embry's son Charlie almost immediately phased just from the close proximity to the vampires.

This is when things got really interesting, mum said. Within seconds, the jealousy of Charlie being the first new wolf spread like wild fire amongst the boys and they were all busting out of their shorts left and right.

Cole was the last to phase. He became nervous at the last second and was trying his best to calm himself down; unsure if this was what he really wanted. Shane was quick to notice though, whining at him in his wolf form, longing for his twin to join him. Mom also hinted that one of the Cullen's may have altered his mood to make him angrier then he was to have it happen quickly. Whatever the case may be, our pack of protector has grown by ten and things around La Push would certainly be changing.


My father and Uncle Quil were sent back to patrol the Res while the others went on their two-week bonding trip. There hadn't been a threat of a vampire on the Res in almost 6 years so having the two of them taking turns on patrol was more then fine. Quil was on patrol first that day and I was more then relieved to see my father walk in the house on Sunday afternoon.

I was in sitting in the living room watching a movie with mum when she jolted in her spot.

"Your fathers home," she said with a knowing smile. My mother always knew when my dad was near. Their imprint bond was like a personal rope tying them together. It was like whenever he was near, he'd pull a bit tighter on the rope, letting her know he was on his way.

Once, he tried to surprise us on a family vacation at the Grand Canyon, which he wasn't able to come on because of work. We had been hiking for almost 3 hours in the desert when my mum looked to us with a huge smile plastered on her face. When we asked her about it she just said, "you'll see," not elaborating any more then that. Sure enough about an hour later, our father was surprising us back at our camp sight, informing us he was able to get a few last minute days off and figured he'd join us.

I let my mother greet my father at the door, knowing they would want a minute of privacy before I came in. Watching them from the couch, seeing how my father was so gentle and loving with my mother left a ping in my chest thinking of my own wolf.

My wolf. A smile escaped my lips thinking of when I would see him next. I would have to plan something special for our first moments together. Someplace private. Someplace beautiful.

After a few minutes I got up to join my mother and father in the kitchen. Dad reached out and pulled me into a big hug. He smelled of woods and smoke, my favorite combination. We all took a seat around the table, mom turning on the kettle to make some tea. We spent most of the weekend cooking up a storm so mom pulled out a casseroles and rolls for an early dinner.

Dad filled us in on a first hand tale of the events that took place the day before. He couldn't help but hold his head high while telling us that Sean was the first to phase following Charlie. He said he was a natural. Once the rest of the boys turned, they took them for their first tour of the Res as wolves.

Mom and dad held hands across the table as he got lost sharing different details of how the boys acclimated to their new second skin. His pride was strong and it only made me excited for these next few weeks to fly by. He explained to us how over the next few weeks, the boys would master the art of phasing back and forth, staying calm in tense situations, and even practice chasing the Cullen's around. That idea came right from Dr. Cullen himself saying, "What better practice then to try and catch the real thing."

The boys would stay at the cabin near the Seattle boarder that Seth and Michelle bought when they were first married. It was built on a beautiful lake, nothing fancy, but big enough to hold many families at a time. I grew up in that cabin. Ryan's family always took Sean and I with them for a week in the summer. That is until we were in high school and my parents didn't want me vacationing with my boyfriends family. Sean still went until though to spend time with Ryan and the twins.

Dad continued to fill us in different tidbits of information regarding the boys training. He said they came up with a few fun obstacle courses and were planning to have a big celebratory dinner to finish off their training. The next piece of information I wasn't sure if I heard correctly and asked him to repeat himself before I got my hopes up.

"If all goes well with the boys, they'll try and have them back on the Res by next weekend. But they all have to pass each test to make sure they have their phasing under control before being part of the community again. And to encourage one another, no one leaves until they all pass," he said.

Makes sense, I thought. This new information had me giddy in my chair. I asked to be excused and ran to my room, grabby my cell phone before plopping down on my bed. I immediately dialed Avery's number. I wanted to know one, if she knew the boys were maybe coming home next week and two, what I should plan for Ryan and I's first day together.

She picked up on the first ring. She had a six sense for this sort of thing; it freaked me out sometimes how quickly she'd answer. I told her about the boys which she already knew. She spent the day with her grandmother in Port Angels who filled her in on the packs plan.

She insisted we go shopping after school one day to buy new outfits for next weekend. She said I needed something sexy since it would be the first outfit for the rest of my life. Blah blah blah. I knew what she meant. I did want to impress Ryan. Make him understand that I want him as much as he wants me. We came up with the idea of setting up a picnic at our rock. Avery would help set things up before we got there, making it a bit more romantic then I would I'm sure.

Our plan was to go shopping on Thursday. Avery said she was also interested in buying a new outfit.

"What! Maybe someone will imprint on me too," she said. I wished I were there in person when she said this. Avery is not one to get embarrassed or shy, but by god I could feel the blush on her cheeks when she said it.

"You've always said imprinting would be the worst thing to happen to you!" I said. This was a constant argument between us, her on one end of the spectrum while I was on the other.

"I still think that but if it happens it happens. We all know I can't do shit about that. And if it does happen I want to look damn good for whoever gets to be the luckiest man alive."

Ahhh, there's the Avery I know and love.

We wrapped up our conversation, telling her I would see her in the morning. I took a quick shower before hoping into bed, only to dream of seeing my wolf, my imprint, at our rock next weekend.


When Thursday came around, I was more then ready for a night off the Res. Although it was only the second week of school, it felt like a never-ending marathon. The council gave the school the same excuse they always gave back in the day to make sure the boys were not in trouble for missing school, but that didn't stop the questions, stares, and uncalled for remarks from the other kids.

"My dad was telling me something similar happened when he was in school and the council did the same thing! Covered the whole thing up! That's why he's never liked any of them. Freaks me out too a bit if you ask me," some girl in my English said who was sitting behind me. I knew there was no point in defending the guys, but it still bothered me to have random kids being so rude.

When the last bell rang, I grab my things quickly and made my way to Avery's car. We told our parents we were going straight there from school, so we spent no time dilly dallying and hopped right on the highway. It took us about an hour but we enjoyed singing our little hearts out the whole way there.

We jumped from shop to shop, popping in and out of little boutiques tying on tons of different outfits. Avery insisted I buy this floral romper that she says make my butt look good. It was breezy and the back is low, showing quite a bit of skin. Avery insisted it looked great, saying I would have a bathing suit on underneath anyway. I had to admit, it looked great on and could already tell what Ryan's reaction would be.

She settled herself on buying a deep yellow dress that fell just to her mid thigh. Anything would look great on her but this dress was specifically sewn for her. I tried to pry more on Avery's feeling on imprinting but she didn't want to let on more then what she said on the phone. Between the ten boys, her chances were fairly high. There were only eight of us daughters, that including Quil and Claire's daughter Lily who was only 4 years old.

Avery and I discussed the final details for Saturday (if Saturday would be the day). Her and I would go to the rock and set things up around noontime. I would have him meet me there for 12:30 and Avery would disappear as soon as she smelt his scent in the woods.

After a quick dinner and drive back to La Push, I filled mom in on my plans for Saturday. Dad said that the plan was for the boys to be back for breakfast and a bonfire would take place that evening. Mom was part of the food prep committee so she said she would need my help on Saturday morning before I left. I happily agreed, always enjoying helping out for big celebrations like this.

Before I made my way up to my room, mom pulled me aside asking if she could talk with me for a moment. She opened the front door, taking a seat on the porch swing to the left. I followed suit, knowing the conversation we were about to have. We both looked out towards the ocean. We lived high enough that you could just see the water beyond the trees. Mom always insisted we had one of the best views on the Res. At times like this I believed her.

"You're excited for Saturday then?" she said. Not looking in my direction but loud enough for me to keep on.

"I am. Not just to see Ry, but to see all the boys. It'll be interesting having two wolves in the house don't you think?" I said, giving mum a warm smile. She looked over towards me and it couldn't help but acknowledge how beautiful my mother was. She was the poster woman of the Quileute Tribe. I couldn't tell you how many times people asked if she was my older sister; she would only laugh and tell them no but honestly she really did most of the time.

"It will for a while, won't it? I'd imagine your father will try to settle down sooner then later but I'm happy they'll have sometime together before that happens." My father's wolf retirement was something we knew would be coming. It would be a surreal day though for sure. He had been a wolf my whole life. It would be interesting to see how he changes when he stops.

I didn't say anything, waiting for what I knew would be next. "I know it's not what you want to hear but I can't go into this weekend without having this conversation with you," she said. I held my eye roll back, still facing the front of our yard.

"I know, I know mum. And I appreciate you worrying. I just don't want you or anyone else worrying about us. There's a pull in my chest when I'm around him. I feel it when he's gone, it's like an empty whole in my heart," I said. Looking right at her now, "Mum I know you're worried, but just trust me on this. I really do have a good feeling about it," I say.

Her smile didn't meet her eyes. I knew she wanted me to be more practical and I was deep in my heart but why worry about something I couldn't change? We wouldn't be sure until Saturday so I wasn't about to get myself worked up now.

I kissed her cheek before getting up and heading inside. My family wanted what was best for me and so did I. It would be Ryan. He would be my imprint. If the spirits didn't want us together at this point they would have found a way to pull us apart before now.


My alarm clocked sounded at 8:00 a.m. that Saturday morning. I wanted to have enough time to shower, shave my legs, and primp myself up before 11:30 when Avery and I were meeting at the rock. I had also told mum I would help her do some cooking before I left so I would have to be quick with my time.

I jumped from bed and made my way quickly to the shower. I made sure to spend adequate time washing my hair and body. Also, making sure not to leave a stray unwanted hair behind from my body. If today went as planned, who knows how far Ryan and I would take our relationship.

As I was rinsing the lavender mint shampoo from my hair, I gasped suddenly, feeling like the wind was knocked out of me. As I caught my breath the feeling in my chest did not go away. Instead it was replaced with a tight strain. I tried not to miss a beat, continuing letting the soap flow from my hair. I kept a clear mind while I finished up in their, knowing full well what that feeling had been. He was here. At my house. I pushed the thought aside; I had too much to do this morning to get lost in that feeling.

I went into my room and put on a simple black sting bikini underneath the romper I bought from the store the other day. It looked nice with my tan skin and left little to the imagination, as Ryan would say. I slipped on some simple sandals and made sure my beach bag was packed. I put my long hair into a loose braid that fell over my shoulder while contemplating putting on a bit of mascara. I decided not to since we would be swimming and gathered my stuff to bring it downstairs.

I was anxious to ask mom who had been outside while I was in the shower but lost my thought upon seeing Sean. I stopped dead in my tracks. As if he wasn't large enough! Sean had to have grown another inch or so and easily gained 15 pound of muscle. I would think he was intimidating if he wasn't still my goofy brother. His face lit up into a smile when he saw me and all about ran to lift me into his arms. He spun me around the foyer as if I was light as a feather. I giggled into his chest, slapping at him to put me down.

"Well I'll be damned big bro. You are quite the man now," I said playfully. He gave me a smirk before flexing his arm muscles.

"Ya, you can say that again," while kissing each bicep. Boy was he cocky. We joined our parents in the kitchen. They both seemed so relieved to have Sean back in the house. I joined mum at the counter and helped her with some desserts while Sean filled us in on their trainings. Dad pretended like he didn't know every last detail while mom and I ouh'd and ah'd as he went. Of course father had kept us in the loop during the week, making sure mum was never too nervous about what was going on.

"Kayls, you better get going if you want to make it to the rock on time," my father said. 11:45 already?! I was late. I washed my hands of the cookie batter I was making, placed a kiss on everyone's cheek before heading for the door. I gave my mother a reassuring look before bounding out the door.


Avery was there before me, what a surprise. She had already began setting up and I rolled my eyes watching her try to light candles in the soft breeze by the lake.

"These damn candles won't stay lit," she said while throwing one into the forest. I told her not to worry too much about candles. Knowing me I would start an unintentional forest fire. I sat on the tapestry she set up on the side of the lake with a picnic basket filled with sandwiches and lemonade. My nerves were making my hands shake at this point so I left Avery to do what she does best.

Just as I was finally feeling settled and my nerves begin to calm, Avery called out that she could feel someone coming. I nearly jumped on the spot. I smoothed out my clothes and grabbed Avery's things that she would be taking with her. She had an unsure look on her face and she walked over to me and I gave her a questioning look.

"It's nothing," she said. "It's just that I sensed him coming before I actually smelt him." I gave her a look but she just said, "I'm sure him being a wolf has changed his scent is all!" She gave me a quick hug before running off in the direction of First Beach. She was going straight there to help set up for tonight.

I stood here awkwardly waiting for what felt like forever. I assumed he would be closer then he was with how fast Avery got out of here but I stood there waiting a bit longer before I saw him. For a moment I was breathless. I was also definitely speechless and I thank god he was too far away at that point to have to say anything to him. He wasn't looking at me as he walked over. I knew he wouldn't until he was right in front of me. He always said how he'd want to be holding me in his arms as it happened.

My chest was tight in anticipation. Jitters were flowing freely through me and I almost laughed at loud unintentionally. As soon as he was close enough, I could feel Ryan's eyes on me. Starting at my toes, he scanned his way up my body. He reached out and grabbed my hand. I was taken aback by his warmth, but let me hand melt nicely into his. I heard him take a quick breath as he looked over my outfit. Yes! This was the moment I had been waiting for. I was staring at his face now, waiting for him to look at me.

"Close your eyes," he said softly. Not sure why but also not questioning him I slowly closed my eyes. Instinctively I leaned closer, tilting my head towards his. Our lips met in a burn of passion. There was no holding us back in this moment. Every fear, every want, every desire was flowing through my lips and into Ryan. I wound my hands into his hair while he reached under my bum to lift me onto his hips. I fastened my legs around his waist, making it easier to deepen our kiss.

Ryan's arms tightened around my waist and I had to turn to gasp for air. Ryan continued down, licking his way down my neck. His lips on my body were setting me on fire. I needed more of him. He knew what I wanted and I could tell he needed me too. Ryan turned back to capture my lips once more in his. This time softer. A caress. We stayed that way for a moment. Our lips holding one another. My favorite feeling. This was it. This was the moment of truth.

I pulled my face back just enough to see his face, still close enough to feel the warmth of his breath lingering on my face. Ryan's eyes captured mine then. I looked deep into the pools of brown that I knew like the back of my hand. The same brown eyes I've loved my whole life. The eyes I fell in love with at the young age of 13. The eyes that would find mine in a busy hallway at school. The eyes that would flirt with me across the dinner table. The eyes that would express their desires in the heat of the moment.

These eyes I then realized, were not the eyes of my soul mate after all.

We stayed this way. Arms tangled together, my legs wrapped around his waist, staring into one another's eyes. Many moments went by of us staring at each other, silently hoping our fate would somehow change. It wasn't until a single salty tear fell from the corner of Ryan's eye that my worst fears were confirmed. He made no move to wipe the tear away and I was too stunned to comment on it.

Ryan slowly lowered me down to the blanket, realizing neither of our legs were strong enough to support us in that moment. I pulled my legs to my chest, staring out into the lake. My deepest fear, my coldest thoughts were at the surface. I gasped aloud; suddenly realizing I hadn't taken a breath. I felt Ryan's eyes on mine, not having the heart to return his gaze. What was I to do in that moment? Every critical comment I had ever heard suddenly came rushing into my head. Be careful with your heart. You just don't know. You know what could happen.

An instinct I wasn't sure I had suddenly kicked in and I found myself moving towards the picnic basket and began pulling out food for the both of us.

"I packed us some lunch. You should eat something you must be starving," I said just over a whisper. I was surprised that he didn't protest while I put a sandwich and chips together on a plate. I poured him some lemonade as well and turned to place the meal in front of him. Robotically he reached down and took a bite from his sandwich. I had no appetite, I felt a bit nauseous to be honest, but found myself doing the same and taking a bit of the turkey sandwich. We sat silently finishing off our sandwiches and drinks.

What was there to say?

Nothing.

Ryan stood from the blanket and held his hand out to mine. I took it without question and we began to strip down to our bathing suits. I could feel Ryan's eyes on my body and I had to try my hardest to push those thoughts aside. I am not his imprint, I thought. He cannot have me in that way anymore. Without looking at him I made my way towards the water, wading in until the water reached my waist. I dove under, letting the cool water rush around my body, freeing the feeling of suffocation.

I swam around a bit then, distracting myself the moment. When I was finally finished, I looked to Ryan who was floating on his back, eyes closed and basking in the sun. I reached out to grab my hand; surprising him and making him spin around. I knew we needed to get this over with. It was neither of our faults. The spirits were the ones to let us down. We were foolish to think we'd be so lucky but we couldn't dwell on the past right now. We need to do this now before the floodgates opened and there was no turning back.

Before I could get my words together Ryan spoke. "Never doubt my love for you, Kayley. I love you so much." His eyes were boring into mine, not letting me look away from him.

All I could get out was, "I love you, too." I moved closer, wanting to feel the heat from Ryan's body on mine on last time. I wrapped my arms around him and felt him place a small kiss to neck. We let go as quickly as we came together and walked out of the lake. This place that I loved felt different to me now. It no longer felt sacred.

We gathered up our things before toweling off and putting our clothes back on. Ryan grabbed one of the bags of things, insisting to help carry things back to my house. I knew everyone would be down at the bonfire already so we wouldn't have to deal with anyone's questions just yet. I couldn't think about that now. I had to focus on not breaking down until Ryan was far enough away to not hear me.

We made the walk back to my house in somewhat silence. Occasionally saying random things here and there but nothing memorable enough to note. For a while we walked hand in hand but stopped when our hearts began to ache. When my house began to peak through the trees I knew this would be the moment of truth, the final goodbye. We made our way to my back deck and we both put our bags down. I reached for the key hidden in the planter but Ryan stopped me before I got there. He had a peculiar look. One I knew instantly.

"I need to go. I'm so sorry, Kayley." And with that, Ryan ran from the deck. He ran from me. He ran from us. I went to chase after him, calling his name, making him stop and come back to me, but then I heard it.

His howl. It was the howl of a wolf.

The howl of a wolf that was no longer mine.