Disclaimer:

Characters based on Stephenie Meyer's Twilight Saga.

Embry POV

After the initial shock of the whole alpha business, there was no more problem with the pack. Sam pretty much made it clear on his replacement and with Jared and Paul's support, the others accepted me.

Sam used to only have two groups for the rounds, thus they only have one day off. Since I didn't think that the Cullens were any threat, I changed the patrolling groups from two to four. I assigned Quil with Collin and Brady; Paul with Tom and Daniel; Jared with Bruce and Kyle; me with Harry, Raleigh and Janus. The pack was grateful to have extra time to rest. Sam was not happy with the changes I did but there was no threat and he's no longer the alpha so he had to set himself on the sidelines.

--

In March, Jacob's pack left with the Cullens. It would be different not being with him; good thing this was not the first time he left. At least now he's just a phone call away.

Our task easily became routine around La Push. After a month, everything in La Push was peaceful and in order. There was really no need to hold any pack meetings and no need to adjust the patrol assignments. Jared, Paul and Quil had more time spending time with Kim, Rachel and Claire. Not to mention giving time to Janus, who imprinted on Layle, a girl he met in First Beach. Lucky guy, he imprinted before I did and I had been a werewolf longer than him.

--

The first problem I had encountered had nothing to do with my pack. My mom had been thrilled of me being around more than before, so she planned a visit to Neah Bay, Washington, the town of the Makah tribe. She's dragging me with her. It should be fine since it was only for a week, except for the fact that I had no idea who to put in charge.

I went to Sam's house to ask who his second-in-command was before.

"Well, I didn't really have a second-in-command until Jacob phased."

"Jacob? You waited until you Jacob phased?" I was surprised.

"It was only me for a while, then Paul and Jared phased almost at the same time. We were a small pack back then and it was not like I ever took a time off and we never really split any patrolling teams. I didn't have any second-in-command until Jacob phased, but he was supposed to be the Alpha. When he didn't take it from me, I thought it was just proper to put him in charge when I'm not around," Sam explained.

"Jacob left your pack a while back. Who replaced him?" I asked.

Sam looked nowhere before he answered, "Believe it or not, I was half hoping that he would come back to the pack. I never replaced him."

I nodded my head. I probably would have done the same, hoped the same. "Any suggestion who would be a good second-in-command? I wouldn't worry about it so much if my mom didn't plan on leaving town for a week and forced me to go with her."

"Well, obviously, I would recommend Jared, Paul or Quil," Sam suggested.

"Among the three, who do you think would be the best fit?"

"I'm afraid that's up to you, Embry. It's your pack now," Sam said.

"I guess you're right. Thanks, Sam."

I got up and left. Well at least he gave me three to choose from, not that it helped much. I pretty much thought about those three already. I would have to call a meeting before I leave for sure.

--

Everyone was gathered on the shore of First Beach that night.

"Guys, I'll be out of town next week. While I'm gone, there will be a change in the patrolling team. Harry will do round with Collin and Brady. Quil will be joining Raleigh and Janus until I come back."

"So, who's in charge while you're gone?" Tom asked. Smarty pants. I was hoping no one would ask.

"I'm scheduled to leave on Sunday afternoon. Jared will be in charge on Monday and Tuesday; Paul on Wednesday and Thursday; Quil on Friday and Saturday. I will be back on Sunday. Every night, I will phase and I expect an update," I informed them.

"That's kinda confusing," Daniel complained.

"It's easy. The order is Jared, Paul, Quil and it's changing every two days starting Monday, so there, what's confusing about it?" I almost snapped at Daniel but I restrained myself. It's not his fault that I hadn't made up my mind as to who my right hand man will be.

--

My short visit to the Makahs went without a hitch. There was no problem in La Push and things were going well, but I didn't want to push my luck the next time I need to leave town. I would have to talk to Jacob when he gets back. I need his input on choosing my second-in-command.

Months quickly passed and the next thing I know, it's already July. Jacob, Seth and Leah were scheduled to fly back from Hanover to visit us for summer.

It would be great to have them around, especially Jacob; it would be like old times. He, Quil and I could hang out by the beach, check out girls. Well, just me, I guess. Even though their imprints were still toddlers, they never looked at any other girl anymore.

However, when they arrived, there was not much of hanging around. Jacob spent most of his time with the Cullens, trying to spend as much time with Renesmee as possible. The Cullens came back in mid-June, leaving Jacob, Seth and Leah since Leah needed to stay behind for a month because of her work. I would have loved to hang out with the siblings as well but Seth and Leah spent most of their time with Sue. During the little time that they were here, we tried to have as much bonfire meetings and picnics with the two packs. The conversation that I needed to have with Jacob never happened since all the time that we were together, we have other people with us.

September came and Renesmee's first birthday party was in full swing. First official birthday, I should say, since the kid looked like four. Amazing how fast she grew, half-breed. Everyone in the tribe was invited, but not all came. While a lot of us were friendly with the Cullens, most of them were still not happy with this 'friendship.'

Charlie picked up Sue, Leah and Seth. Jacob drove his old Rabbit with Billy, Rachel and Paul. Quil and Claire rode with Sam and Emily. I could have ridden with any them, but I had to make sure that when we leave for the Renesmee's party, will be fine with us celebrating with the Cullens. Quil brought me clothes in their car so I would have something to wear for the party. I called a last minute meeting before I left the rest.

"Are you sure you'll be safe there?" Raleigh asked.

"There are three wolves from our tribe going to that party. Aside from us, there's three more from Jacob's pack. Our families will be protected. The Cullens will not try anything," I snapped. We've been at it since Jacob invited the pack for the party. However, the new ones expressed strong emotion against any of us going.

"How about their 'friends'?" Brady asked.

"They won't be there until we're gone," I answered. "Any more questions?"

"So, who's in charge while you're gone?" Collin asked.

"Jared," I answered then said, "Meeting adjourned."

I heard Collin mumbled about not getting a chance to be in charge, but I ignored it.

--

I phased and ran to the Cullen's house for the party. I grabbed my clothes from Quil's car before I looked for them. Everyone was settled outside the house, complete with barbeque grill and bonfire. It looked like a fun party and everyone was at ease around each other, no vampires and no werewolves. From afar, it looked like a regular birthday party.

I didn't know what to get Renesmee. What do you buy someone whose family can give her everything she want or need? I decided on clothes. I asked Emily to pick the clothes for me as I have no idea what kind to buy.

When the breeze picked up, the party moved indoors. We continued our conversation amongst each other. Our tribe asked how was their move to Hanover; how was school; how's the weather there; was hiding hard to do during the day; any interesting creatures. Some even asked how I felt being an alpha and I responded with a shrug. It was not a big deal for me anyway.

During the party, I didn't get a chance to talk to Jacob either. He's been busy playing Uncle Jacob with Renesmee and assisting Billy in the party. Billy could pretty much easily go around their own house, but the Cullen's was an unfamiliar place for him, thus needing assistance from time to time.

When the gifts were opened and the day turned to night, it was time to go home. Our party slot was from three to seven, as they have other 'friends' to join them at night. Every guest left except for Jacob and I. Jacob had met the other guests and was comfortable being around them. Seth drove his Rabbit home. I on the other hand had to stay because I really need to talk to him. In two days, they were scheduled to leave for Hanover again and I really wanted to talk to him in person.

"Hey, Jacob, you got a minute?" I asked him.

"Sure, what you have in mind?"

I looked around, "Alpha business."

He led mo towards the dining room. He looked at me as if saying 'okay, spill.'

"How did you decide your second in command?" I asked.

"You mean you haven't chosen yet? You've been Alpha, what, more than six months ago?" Jacob was surprised.

"Well, that's the thing, how did you decide Leah over Seth?"

"It sort of fall into place. Seth joined me first but Leah really took on being second in command, but I guess it came with age, too. She went on patrol more than needed; I think it was more because she hated being around the Cullens at that time, but she has determination. Even when you and Quil joined that one time, I didn't plan to take the command from Leah. She earned it," Jacob explained. "You have to take into consideration who you can trust to take over in case, you know, something happens to you. Who's been acting as your right hand?"

"I sort of rotate between Jared, Paul and Quil. Jared and Paul are the oldest so I was thinking I could pick from them, but Quil's our best friend, so I don't know. I'm not even considering Collin and Brady because they're pretty young." I once mentioned to him that I assigned the patrolling assignment with four of us leading each team.

"Did you ask Sam?"

"I did, no help. He said he didn't really have a second in command until you came," I shrugged.

"What I can tell you is this; don't take friendship over command, it has to be justified. By blood, Quil's a good pick, blood of the elders. Paul's a little hard-headed, so maybe Jared. He's been around with Sam for a while, too. So there, I narrowed it down from three to two. The final decision is up to you."

"Thanks, Jacob."

Jacob patted my shoulder, "Don't know how much help I'd been but that's what friends are for."

We walked towards the living room and I bid goodbye to the Cullens, "Thanks for having me everyone."

I opened the door and froze. There seemed to be a commotion behind me but I did not know what happened. All I saw was the most beautiful woman I've ever laid my eyes on. Her strawberry blonde hair moved with the breeze. Her pale skin seemed so soft like silk. Her butterscotch eyes penetrated through mine. Could she be a vampire? With beauty like that, pale skin, butterscotch eyes like the Cullens, that was the only explanation. And yet, it did not matter. Eyes ours locked toward each other. I just stood there, looking at her, absorbing the beauty that radiated from her being.

I didn't know what went on and how much time passed. I guessed I was still in the Cullen's house since I heard Bella speak, "Embry, this is Tanya. Tanya, this is Embry. May I suggest we all get seated in the living room?"

I extended my hand her, to Tanya, the beautiful Tanya. I was half-nervous, not knowing if she would take my hand. I was glad that she did. I didn't know what came over me, was it the touch of her cold hand or the sparkle of her eyes. I lifted her hand to my lips and kissed it as I said "Pleased to meet you." I held on to her hand and led her to the living room. I sat on the love seat and was delighted that Tanya sat beside me. I looked at her and saw her looking down at our hands. I looked at our hands, amazed how they perfectly fit.

Whatever was happening around us seemed like a blur; all my attention was focused on Tanya. At that very moment, I knew she was my shining star in the empty dark sky. I didn't know who she was, what she was and I didn't care. There was only one thing I was certain of, I imprinted. I found my soul mate.

--

A/N: Next chapter/s will be Tanya POV.