Chapter 4
Time passed for as though I was unaware of its existence. I had slowly become assimilated into my new found pack. The males looked up to me as second in command – I was strong, fast and about a head and a half taller than the other wolves. The females found me to be much more interesting and good looking than the other males of the pack. I relished in midnight chases with the other wolves, in bringing down the kill, of being part of a family that didn't ask questions – that just accepted me as I was, broken or whole. I did not see pity or pain or understanding in the eyes of these beasts – just acceptance. I rarely thought about Bella these days, only when I slept did memories of her disturb me, but even those dreams were fading into yesterday. I could no longer remember the planes of her face, the texture of her hair nor the feeling of her hand in mine. The sun she once remembered had become the moon, casting only a reflection of its once brilliant light.
I couldn't remember the last time I'd heard the voices of my Quileute brothers – the silver wolf had been teaching me how to block my thoughts and put up a guard against those I wished not to hear. I was grateful for the old wolves' help – I had learned much more from him than I ever would have from Sam. The old wolf had also taught me other skills that came along with being a werewolf – I could communicate with other animals, I could tell where to find the biggest herds, my tracking skills had improved ten fold, I could smell change on the wind; my once useful wolf features were now priceless tools, used to protect and nurture his pack.
I had learned so much, yet there was still something missing. I could feel it in my being, down to my soul. Although I would never admit it, not even to my mentor, I missed Embry and Quil and longed to see my friends who had been like brothers to me.
One day, after a long hunt had taken us many miles, the old wolf motioned to I. I turned my head from my meal and walked to where the old wolf stood.
Brother, we need to talk. Maybe you have missed it, but there is great change on the wind the old wolf said to him, using images to convey his message. There is a new threat, one that could cost our pack lives.
Yes, Ireplied This smell is familiar to me.
Then you must deal with it, young one. I sense that a presence is coming nearer – that whatever is coming is looking for you.
I opened my mind, trying to figure out what the old wolf could mean. I stretched my mind out, searching. I touched the minds of other wolves, two of which were coming nearer and nearer. They stopped momentarily, feeling my probe, and then continued their journey, coming ever closer to where I was.
It didn't take too long for them to arrive, seeing as werewolves travel so much faster than regular wolves. Embry and Quil came into the clearing, greeting me quickly and then getting to business. What they told me was not good news – Sam had been seriously injured during a recent vampire raid – one of the blood suckers had somehow slipped between Seth and Leah as they were on guard, getting all the way into Sam's house before he could do anything about it. The vampire threatened Emily, angering Sam who immediately changed into his wolf form to fight the vampire. Unfortunately, the vampire somehow was able to trick Sam, casting some kind of illusion, biting and maiming Sam during their battle. In the end, Sam was bleeding so much, nobody was sure if he'd make it – Emily, who'd been in the back room during the confrontation had called Sue Clearwater who then alerted Embry to what had happened. When Embry arrived at Sam's house the vampire had already left and Sam was on the floor, seemingly bleeding to death.
Although they didn't want to, Emily called Dr. Cullen to see if he could help Sam change back into his human form and treat his wounds. What they didn't realize is that Sam had been bitten multiple times, leaving many unhealing wounds all over his body. Dr. Cullen did as much as he possibly could, but said the prognosis wasn't good – vampire blood didn't mix well with werewolf blood. He told them that Sam could probably make a full recovery if he didn't change, but if he tried phasing into his wolf form, there was a possibility that Sam could die.
Seeing all of these images through Embry's eyes, I understood why they had come. They wanted me to take over leadership of the pack until either Sam was better or they found someone else to take the lead. I wasn't sure what to do. I had been gone so long – months upon months – that I wasn't even sure the other pack members would respect me or want me to be their leader.
I told Embry and Quil of my worries, but they seemed unconcerned. From what I picked up from them, there wasn't anyone else who as willing or able to take the leadership position. The fact that I had been gone so long seemed unimportant to the two of them. I thought to myself for a moment and then motioned them to join me.
I walked over to the old wolf, pointing to Embry and Quil who were behind me.
Brother, these are my friends that I ran away from so long ago. They say that I am needed – the leader of my old pack has been badly injured and I must go take his place.
Go young one. Be not afraid. If you need us, we will be near. Just call.
I looked at the other pack members, sure that they knew I would be on my way. Each bowed his head to me, wishing me a good journey and long run. I took one last look at the wolves who had become more than friends – they were my family as well. I nodded to them and then turned into the forest, Embry and Quil at my side, as I made the long journey home.