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PART SIX - BLASPHEMY

The wolf ran deeper into the forest, farther away from his people beyond the gates. It had been hiding in the thick bushes, listening for the latest news about the village. The tribe was apparently enraptured with the new arrival, Leah Clearwater, and the gossip train was wondering if there would be a marriage between her and their chief.

Hearing such blasphemy made the wolf's blood boil with rage. It had to leave before it stormed through the gates and ripped their throats out for speaking such filth about its imprint. Leah Clearwater would never belong to that snake, that degenerate who had killed the wolf's father and stolen its birthright, casting it out into the wilderness while its own people believed that he was dead.

The wolf stopped at the clearing that had become a sanctuary of sorts. It was the place where it had seen her for the first time. It was the place where it had found its mate.

Alpha. A voice rang clearly in the wolf's mind, causing the man trapped inside to divert its thoughts from Leah's face, as he longed to be recognized. Since meeting her, Jacob Black clung desperately to his humanity, but the beast continued to hold him prisoner.

You imprinted? The voice asked, but it was clearly a rhetorical question. Congratulations, brother! You imprinted on your betrothed, that makes the whole arranged marriage deal a hell of a lot sweeter.

Don't congratulate me Em, please. I cannot marry her if I am trapped in exile, in this wolf. What news? The wolf pushed Leah back into his thoughts, dominating the man who longed to free himself from its control, but who lacked the strength knowing that she was in the clutches of another. The only occassion Jacob Black had managed to walk on human legs in recent times, was the night he saved Leah from the vampire.

You killed a leech! Embry was pissed that Jacob had found another leech without him. He missed performing his wolf duties, running patrols with his best friend. But since Sam had kicked Jacob out of the tribe and ordered the pack to kill their own alpha, nothing was the same. Of course they couldn't actually do it because Sam had no real control over them, but they pretended, and as a result the alpha lived alone in the woods. Now that Sam believed him to be dead the pack didn't use howl signals anymore. They didn't want to risk getting anyone into any more trouble as Sam could easily hear if a wolf was calling from the woods. The pack had not been allowed to phase in weeks since Jacob's "death." They were all being watched, basically put under arrest. Embry risked his life every time he snuck away to phase and communicate with his friend which wasn't even that often given the high risk. And if Sam found out he was alive, he'd surely come after Jacob himself.

Yes it almost killed Leah on her way here. (Jacob)

Your mother has met her, she believes that Leah will help us get rid of Sam. (Embry)

What? Jacob couldn't believe it. Hope surged through his body as he thought of seeing her again, of finally being able to claim her as his own. Does she know who I am now?

No, Emily was there watching them for Sam so they did not speak of you at length. But Sarah believes that she does not support Sam being chief. (Embry)

That usurper deserves to die. He is not a wolf, he has no right to control my pack or my tribe! I cannot allow him to marry Leah, Embry! Do you understand!? (Jacob)

Of course. But we need a plan, one that does not get us all killed. A plan that will encourage the tribe to trust that you did not kill Billy. They have to trust you, or else they will burn you at the stake once they find out you're still alive. (Embry)

I know, trust me, I know. That's why I've been looking for those girls, but...I haven't found anything anywhere. It's like they've just vanished. (Jacob)

Don't worry, we'll keep looking for a way to get ourselves out of this mess and you back where you belong. But I've been gone too long brother, I must get back. (Embry)

Watch over her for me Embry, please. She's all I have and I can't risk her coming to harm just to help me. (Jacob)

You've still got me too bro, and your mother. We'll figure this out I promise. She'll be safe. (Embry)

Be careful and tell the pack I miss them, and my sister and the little ones. (Jacob)

They miss you too, they know, brother. You just protect yourself Jake. (Embry)

Samuel Uley was not a foolish man. He trusted no one and left nothing to chance. When his faithful warrior Uta, came and told him that he'd seen Embry Call run off on his own, he immediately suspected the worse. None of the wolves were allowed to phase or leave the compound, so Embry's disobedience had to mean something.

Samuel needed to find out what his little venture was about. But it was impossible to keep tabs on every single member of the pack when the entire tribe needed watching for suspicious activity. His warriors were already overworked and he couldn't ask them to watch the pack individually now. So he decided to come up with a plan that would scare those filthy dogs into submission and keep his secrets. They would ultimately learn just how capable he was of destroying them and the memory of Jacob Black - and still get what he wanted.

Leah was called to dine with Samuel that night. With Kim's help she'd put on her best tunic along with her boots, and instructed Kim on how to braid her hair in the way that Leah preferred. Leah wanted to feel most like herself, she wanted to feel strong and invincible when she faced the beast.

Despite the sling which she silently cursed for making her appear weak, Leah walked into the chief's tent with her head held high. She noticed that it was just her and Samuel alone in addition to a servant.

"Good evening Leah, you look beautiful as always," Sam said, turning on his charm. He'd realized that bending his bride to his will might not be as easy as he'd hoped, suspecting that she was upset that the Blacks were no longer available. He understood that she had arrived expecting to marry Jacob, but after tonight he was certain that she'd see why he was the better option - the only option. The plan was simple, Sam would never let her return home.

They started with a course of fresh berries tossed with green leaves and herbs. Sam informed Leah on all his work for the tribe thus far, how he had extended their trade routes further south. The tribe would see a good winter because of his new trading associates.

"Who are they?" Leah asked remembering Sarah mentioning people from across the sea.

Sam laughed and shook his head. "They wish to remain anonymous. But I can tell you that they are unlike us, and so the concern is that my people will be hesitant if they saw them. They are harmless obviously, just different, if you will."

The pale-faced man flashed before Leah's eyes and she couldn't help but wonder if the traders looked like that. "Are they native to these lands?"

"No, they are not, they come to our lands by great canoes called 'ships' that glide on the ocean. They are much bigger than ours."

"Oh." Leah had never heard of 'ships' and wondered what they were like.

"But don't fret my princess, I assure you they are harmless. My tribe will prosper above any other because of them." Leah tried not to show her disdain as Samuel constantly referred to the Quileute as 'his.'

Sam clapped his hands and the servant returned with a clay pot which was set on the mat between them. The chief pulled off the cover and Leah was immediately delighted by the smell of the roasted turkey. It was surrounded by potatoes, squash and maize.

After Sam took a piece of the bird, Leah followed and spread some of the berry sauce over the meat and took a few bites. It was delicious. In fact, she'd never had meat this spicy and juicy before. The vegetables were well seasoned with herbs as well. Since she'd been there she'd found herself njoying the Quileute way of cooking and was eager to learn their methods.

"So? Do you like?" Samuel asked.

Leah nodded and forced herself to offer him a placating smile. "It is good, thank you, Chief."

"Wonderful! I am sure you will enjoy living here." Sam winked at the princess before him, unable to stop himself from ruffling the Raven's feathers a little bit.

Leah tried to remain pleasant but she didn't like what Samuel was implying and she wasn't going to let him think otherwise to the truth either! "Why would I be living here? My betrothed is dead and therefore I shall be returning to my people as soon as my shoulder is healed. In the meantime, yes I shall delight in your food, Kim is an excellent cook as well."

Sam stared at his bride for a few moments before he chuckled. He knew it was best not to respond to her misconception now and mess up his plans to woo her. They would play this game a little longer yet, and he found it all to be rather thrilling. She would be his greatest acquisition, one that would be the final tarnish to the Black Wolf's name and memory. "You have a lot of fire in your spirit princess, I rather enjoy it. In fact, I want to gift you something, Leah." Ignoring the way she glared at him across the mat, Samuel reached under the mat and pulled out a woven bag which he handed over to her. Reluctantly, Leah opened it and found a flat silver rectangle, and almost dropped it when she saw her face appear in front of her. "It is called a 'mirror', do not be afraid, it shows you your reflection."

Leah turned the object over in her hands and then held it up in front of her. Sure enough there was her image, one that she had only parlty seen when bathing in the river. It felt strange to see herself so clearly and she quickly put it back into the bag, unsure of how she should feel about such a thing. "Thank you Samuel, I think it might take some getting used to, but maybe I can use it when Kim is fixing my hair."

Sam laughed and nodded, returning back to their meal, and Leah followed his lead. "It is one of the many things I have obtained from my new friends. They carry many wonders that we have never dreamed of."

Leah didn't see what the big deal about a mirror was, but she remained silent. She was not oblivious to his diversion tactics, she knew the ways of men even though she'd never had one of her own. Leah just wanted to get through the dinner without doing something rash...or dishonorable.

The next course was a small bowl of soup with a bread roll which contained a few other vegetables Leah had never tasted before. She was again impressed by the food and believed Samuel when he spoke about the benefits trading and growing these foods would bring to the Quileute.

Still, she couldn't forget that it was not his place to be doing all of this.

"Samuel, please take no offense when I ask this, but, I would like to know what happened to Billy and Jacob Black. As you know, I came here with the intention to marry Jacob. It has come as a huge shock to see that he is not here. My brother and his wife would be saddened to know that things are not as we expected them to be."

"Yes Leah, and you have every right to be told the truth, of course! This is why I invited you to dine with me tonight. It is a sad tale to tell, and I hope you can understand that I have only done what was best for the tribe."

"What has happened?" Leah asked, not interested in his drabble. She didn't trust that he was truly remorseful at all.

"Well, to be honest, Billy was growing old and his ability to lead was questionable. He held on though, instead of letting his son take over, and it was because Jacob had changed. The boy became aggressive and foul-tempered. He himself was also not fitting to be chief. Everyone witnessed how much he'd changed. Young girls feared him and our people were forced to keep their daughters locked away because ten of our girls went missing. People always saw him and his friends coming from the woods and we could only assume that they had done something unforgiveable to those innocents. They became a gang of misfits, rule-breakers. So many families were destroyed by their wrong-doing."

Leah regarded him doubtfully. How could this be true? Why would the chief's son do such a thing? Why would he bring such dishonor to his own name and the names of his friends? Leah couldn't imagine how Rebecca's brother could be capable of something so horrible. "Did you find their bodies or other proof?"

Sam shook his head, no they hadn't.

"What else happened? Why are Billy and Jacob now dead Samuel?"

"Because, in a fit of rage, Jacob killed his father and he had to be punished for it."

Leah drew in a sharp breath of surprise. Jacob had killed Billy?

"I had no choice, as leader of the warriors I had to take matters into my own hands. I had begged the chief for a while to let us round up Jacob and his band of miscreants and punish them by law, but he refused. He protected them despite their aggressive ways. He kept making excuses and told us that they were not harmful and would never hurt the tribe, but clearly they were if the tribe feared to even go near them. "

"That is awful," Leah said. The Makah never had such problems.

"Yes, and it got worse. One evening after going home for dinner I heard them arguing. I came just in time to see Jacob push his father to the floor. Billy hit his head and started to spasm, he died before Sarah could tend to him properly. I arrested Jacob and his thugs and I sent them all to the woods. I gave them the choice to kill him for his crime or I would have the warriors execute them all."

Leah couldn't believe what she was hearing. "So what did they decide?" She asked.

"They did the right thing. They eliminated the bad seed to save themselves. They are now loyal to me, of course. I saved their lives, although I will always regret not being able to save Billy's." Sam's face was the epitome of remorse and sorrow.

"So then as head warrior, you became chief?" Leah concluded.

"Billy had no nephews and no other sons. His other daughter Rachel also has no sons, only daughters. It was the only option."

Leah nodded and sighed, feeling sad and confused at the same time. She didn't know if to believe everything Samuel was saying, but there had to be some truth in it, right? He couldn't be so bold as to create such an elaborate tale could he? Leah was torn. Obviously Jacob had deserved his fate if what she heard was the truth. It was tragic but nothing could be done now that he and his father were gone. It was hard to accept that the entire Black line that had ruled for hundreds of years, was now extinct and maligned forever. From such a thing Leah knew Rebecca would never recover.

Leah wondered then what Sarah could possibly do to reverse this mess. Leah felt sorry for her and could only assume that the woman wanted to clear both her husband's and her son's names, but she didn't see how. What good would it do if they were dead and there were no more heirs? If Sarah wanted Samuel gone, a man who seemed to have his head on his shoulders, whom did she intend to replace him with?

Even though Leah had gotten answers, she still felt like she knew nothing.

AN: thanks for the reviews. Sentinel10 u had me laughing. I've got some writing before I update again because I have to change up quite a few things in my plot now to incorporate new ideas. This fic wasn't intended to be long either by the way!