I'm sorry that this chapter is so lengthy, but I just felt the need to keep this one flowing and keep it all together. I want to say thank you very much to everyone who has been reading this story. I also wanted to let you know that I have a link to the song referenced in this chapter, if you'd like to hear it. I thought it fit perfectly for what Tehya needed to say.


Chapter Seven

Que Quowle

Sam's POV

I stood on the front porch of the cabin and watched in shock as she drove away. I still wasn't exactly sure of what had happened here tonight, but when Tehya's car drove out of sight, I felt like she had taken a part of me with her.

As I trudged back inside, I saw the dish she had dropped on the floor when she saw Nilynn and me together. I had just bent down and was picking it up when I heard footsteps on the porch. Jake walked in just as I was stood up with the dish.

"Hey, man what's going on? I just passed Tehya....what's that?"

"I don't really know what just happened," I said, walking into the kitchen and placing the metal dish on the counter.

I removed the foil and swallowed hard when I saw the pie Tehya had baked, I presumed for me. It was still warm and smelled so good, but right now I didn't have an appetite, so I covered it back up and went back into the living room.

"So did the two of you have a fight or what?" Jake asked, folding his arms over his chest and giving me a strange look.

I sat down on the couch and looked down at the floor. I didn't want him to see the evidence of the tears that had fallen down my face when I saw Tehya leaving. So, I just sat there, hands clasped in front of me resting on my knees, staring at the floor.

"I came home this afternoon and called Tehya to let her know we were back. I told her I needed to get cleaned up and asked if she wanted to come over. She said she'd be here as soon as she could. When I got out of the shower, I heard someone and thought it was her, so I came out just like this in my cutoffs drying my hair with a towel. When I came in here though it wasn't Tehya, it was......it was Nilynn."

"You have got to kidding me, Sam?" Jake said, coming over to sit on the other end of the couch.

"I wish I were," I said, letting out a heavy sigh, "When I asked her what she was doing here, she started taking off her clothes. She said she wanted to rekindle what we had and wanted me to....to have sex with her. Tehya came in just as I had put my hands on Nilynn's shoulders and was pushing her away. Her blouse was on the floor and all Tehya saw was both of us half naked. I can only imagine what was going through her head and I could see the hurt in her eyes and it killed me."

"Then what happened?"

"I went to Tehya. I pulled her to me. I had to have contact with her and try and make her see that I wanted her and only her. I told Nilynn that I loved Tehya more than anything and that she could never understand what we shared. Then I told her she had caused a lot of trouble and she left. I tried to talk with Tehya, but she locked herself in the bathroom for a while. When she came out she....."

"She what?" he urged.

"She had turned things all around. I had told her the truth and I think she believed me, or at least I think she wanted to, but she was so hurt, Jake. She thought I was turned on by Nilynn, but I told her she was the only woman I wanted, so she started taking off her clothes and....I had to stop her. She was upset and it was just all wrong, even if I wanted her so much right then, it wasn't right and she would have regretted it, so I stopped her. Then she felt like I didn't want her, so on top of everything else, she felt rejected. She left and I couldn't stop her. I didn't stop her. I didn't know what else to say," I explained, still looking at the floor.

Jake placed his hand my shoulder and was quiet for a long time before he spoke up again. His voice was low and understanding, "Sam, you've got to stop letting her go. Sometimes you just need to hold her until things are right again. It's not always easy and it may seem that you are at odds with each other, but in the end the strength that you receive from each other will make you stronger individually. You know what Bella and I went through and how she kept running from me, but I finally wouldn't let her go any more and I just held her."

"Why does it have to be so tough? I love her so much, Jake. But I guess no one said the imprint would be easy, did they?" I said, looking over at him.

"No. I guess it's similar to other relationships in a way, but we have the connection to our mate that makes us a part of each other so when one of us hurts the other one hurts too. But you've got to learn not to sweat the small stuff man and know that love can overcome a lot making victory a sweet and fulfilling reward."

"What the hell does that mean?"

"You know what it means," he said, tightening his grip on my shoulder before standing up, "Go talk to her tomorrow and invite her to come with us to dinner Friday night when you guys celebrate your big catch. She'll probably feel better after she's calmed down and gotten some sleep."

"Yeah, I was going to tell her about the dinner when she got here. I wanted to surprise her."

"Well, talk to her tomorrow and maybe you can get things worked out," he said, walking toward the door.

"I will, but I have a feeling I'm sleeping in the woods tonight, beside her house."

"Let me know if you need anything. Okay?"

"Yeah, thanks Jake," I said, walking him to the door.

When he left, I went outside and into the woods behind the cabin so I could phase. I had to at least make sure she was safe and feel her near me, even if I couldn't hold her tonight. I ran the parameter of La Push, checking to make sure things were quiet, before I came to the woods behind Tehya's house.

I listened carefully, but she must have already fallen asleep. The faint sound of her shallow breathing was all I could hear, so I moved the snow away from the leaves with my paw and lay down to sleep as close to her as I could be the rest of the night.

The night was cold, not necessarily from the snow, but I felt cold inside. I had so been looking forward to seeing Tehya again, after being gone for two days and then to have this kind of drama going on.

But I knew what I needed to do, I had already decided it while I was out on the boat. Tomorrow, I was going to Seattle to pick out a ring. I was going to ask Tehya to marry me, I only hoped that she could put this thing behind us and consider my proposal.

I must have woken up each time she did, during the night, because I felt her tension ease. She knew I was close by and that, I hoped would help.

The next morning, I ran back to the cabin when she got up and started getting ready for work. I showered, ate a quick bite of breakfast and left for Seattle. I wanted to stop and talk to her so bad, when I drove past the clinic, but I knew it would be awkward with her at work and that she probably was still thinking things over, so I would wait and see her tonight.

The roads were clear for the most part now from the snow storm, so I was able to make good time, but it still took me over an hour to get there. I drove to the first jewelry store near downtown and went in. I knew sort of what I was looking for and hoped they had something close.

I told the lady behind the counter that I wanted a solitaire diamond engagement ring, with two smaller diamonds on either side of it, and a wide gold band with a row of small diamonds imbedded in it. She led me to the wedding ring counter and pulled out a couple, but much to my surprise, in the very back row, she had exactly what I wanted, so I paid the woman and had her put each ring in a separate black velvet box.

When I left, I went to a department store, as much as I hated being there alone, and picked out a new sweater for Tehya. It was red and buttoned up the front. I smiled when I thought how sexy she would look in it. I knew it wasn't much, but I wanted to give it to her when I asked her to go to dinner with us.

After leaving the department store, I went to the grocery store and got the things I needed for the next couple of weeks, then I went back to La Push. When I got everything unloaded and put away, it was already three thirty. So I did some things around the cabin, waiting for Tehya to get off work.

I pulled into her drive about ten till five and waited for a few minutes before getting out and leaning against my truck. I wanted to see her when she walked around the side of the clinic. I needed to hold her and make things right with us again.

The sound of crunching ice told me she was coming and I looked up just in time to see her beautiful eyes meet mine. I felt alive again just seeing her, even if we had things to iron out. She made me whole and complete and all I wanted to do wrap her in my arms.

"Hello, Tehya," I said, and just the sound of her name coming out of my mouth was incredible.

"Hello, Sam. Do you want to come in?" she asked, walking past me, I guess playing it cool.

"I thought you'd never ask," I said, following her inside.

I watched her take off her coat and walk into the hallway to hang it in the closet. I looked her up and down making sure she was okay, then I looked into her eyes trying to assess how she was on the inside.

I wanted to just go to her and kiss her and tell her everything was okay, because I knew it was with me, I hadn't done anything, but she on the other hand saw things completely differently than I did, I'm sure.

I saw her rubbing her chest and wrapping an arm around her mid section so I walked over to her. I wanted to take her pain away and I wanted more than anything for her to trust me. I carefully touched her cheek, and relished the feel of her soft skin under my fingers. The feeling of our connection grew stronger and I felt the sparks and heat again.

"Sam....I"

"Tehya, I...." I said, swallowing hard, trying to get it straight in my mind what I wanted to say, "You have to stop running from me. When we have a problem, we have to confront it together. I have missed you so much. I was so looking forward to seeing you—being with you last night, but.....You know that I had nothing to do with her coming there, don't you? I have no idea what she was doing, but I never did anything to provoke what happened. I swear to you."

"I know why she was there," she whispered, as she closed her eyes and took my hand in hers pressing my hand even closer to her cheek.

"Why? Please, tell me why she was there?"

She looked at me and tears began silently slipping down her cheeks. I could tell she really didn't want to bring it all back up, but then again she had something she had to get off her mind.

"She....she's pregnant," she whispered.

"No! Tehya, I haven't seen her in more than six months. She wasn't even showing. There's no way it could be....." I knew there was no way it could be mine. But it scared me to death to think that it very well could have been.

"Sam. She wanted you to be with her, so she could....could tell you it was yours. She knew you wouldn't run away from your obligations, and that you would make a wonderful father," she said, as her entire body began to agitate from her sobs.

"Oh, baby, I'm so sorry you had to go through this. I didn't know," I said, pulling her to me and holding her so close.

She relaxed into my embrace as she rested against my chest. I rocked her back and forth, trying to offer her comfort, then I kissed her hair smoothing it gently, "But how did you find out?"

"Bella, told me. She said her dad knew about it because the guy she'd been seeing had been staying in Forks."

"I can't believe she would do something like this," I said, remembering the kind of person I thought she was.

"I suppose desperate people take desperate measures," she said, wiping at her face.

I took her over to the couch, sat down, and pulled her into my lap, then began rubbing her back.

"I'm not letting you go again. I'm just going to hold you until it's all over and we are back on the right track," I said, as I leaned her back onto my forearm, cradling her there, while I kissed her.

The salt from her tears still lingered on her lips and I tried to remove all traces of it, hoping it would remove the hurt and confusion from between us. I looked down at her resting in my arms and I was ashamed of myself for what I was thinking. I wanted to make love to her right then. I was needing her more than ever before. She looked so vulnerable and fragile. I wanted to love all of that away and make her strong by sharing my love with her.

But just like last night, it wasn't exactly the right time. She had to be ready, so I would wait for her until then.

"Sam, I'm sorry I left last night, but I.....I just had to think things over. I felt so bad after what I did, but I was angry and jealous."

"Baby. There is nothing to be jealous of. No one will ever have what you and I have. No one will ever mean to me what you mean to me," I said, stroking her hair and pushing strands out of her eyes.

She sat up and slid down on the couch, but left her legs draped across mine. She was looking down at her hands, fidgeting with her nails, "But that's just because of the imprint. If it wasn't for that...."

"Tealisa Michelle Morgan," I said, in a low husky voice, and her head shot, so she could look at me. I guess I had caught her off guard using her full name, "I've told you before, but I'll say it again, I felt something so strong for you the moment, the moment I saw you lying there trapped in that plane. I didn't even hesitate for one second when I pulled you out and took you into my life. I knew right then and there that you were special and I wanted to know you—no I needed to know you."

"You really mean that, don't you Sam?"

"Yes, I really mean that. And I tell you something else," I said, pulling her chin up so we were eye to eye, "I will never lie to you. I will always tell you the truth, no matter what."

"I know, Sam. I can see it in your eyes and I feel it in here," she said, placing my hand over her heart.

"I love you, Tehya, more than you may ever know, but I want to spend the rest of my life showing you, or trying too at least," I whispered, my voice full of emotion, as I pulled her to me and gently kissed her.

She placed her hands on the sides of my face and traced my eyebrows with her thumbs as she smiled back at me with tears glistening in her eyes.

"I'll be right here then, letting you show me. I only hope I can show you how much I care for you too. I love you, Sam. You've changed my whole life and I want to make you my world."

"I'm already there, baby. I'll be your life, your world, whatever you want me to be, as long as I can be with you."

It would have been perfect to have asked her to marry me right then, but I had left the ring at home. So I decided that I would ask her tomorrow after dinner.

"Are you hungry?" she asked, smiling as my stomach growled.

"Yeah, I guess I am."

"Then I'll make you something to eat," she said getting up off the couch and going into the kitchen.

I followed her and leaned against the counter, watching her move around the small kitchen, getting things from the refrigerator and cabinet.

"I....I saw what you made last night, the pie. It smelled so good, but after you left I didn't have an appetite. Did you make it for me?"

She turned around and looked at me, "Yes, of course I made it for you, but I thought it was ruined, when I dropped it."

"No, it was still in the pan, so I just left it on the counter at home. I was planning on eating it tonight, but I.....I hope you know that I'm not leaving you again tonight," I said, as I walked over to where she was at the refrigerator, "The ground got pretty hard last night and I even got cold, until I moved all the snow out of the way so I could just lay on the wet leaves."

Her expression reflected that of pity as she touched my arm, "I knew you were out there and I was worried about you. Why didn't you try to come in?"

"I knew you needed some time to sort through things last night, but I'm not doing that anymore. I'll be the one comforting you during our next crises and I'm sure we'll have more, but the next time I won't let you go," I said, confirming what I had already told her earlier, before pulling her to me and kissing her tenderly on the lips.

"Well, I guess that means you'll be hanging around here tonight then?" she said, drawing lazy patterns on my shirt, as she looked up at me through her long eyelashes.

"I'll go drop my truck off and come back after we eat, that way no one will be talking. I don't want to start rumors in this small town," I said and she started laughing as she swatted me on the arm.

"You know I'm right about that," she said.

"Yeah and I have to protect my lady's virtue," I replied, running my hand down to the small of her back.

"Well, your lady is getting hungry, so I better fix something. Do you like spinach?"

I wrinkled up my nose and started backing away, "No, not really."

"If I make it taste really good, will you at least try it? I've been wanting to make a chicken and spinach casserole."

"Okay, I'll try anything once," I conceded.

So she smiled triumphantly and put the chicken breast on to boil, took a package of frozen spinach out of the freezer, chopped some onion and garlic, and put those in a skillet to saute with the spinach in oil, while the chicken boiled. Then she added in a can of cream of chicken soup and the chicken she had shredded, once it was done.

She walked me through the process of the dish she was making and I only stopped paying attention ever so often to place a strategic kiss along her collar bone or exposed neck, then she would quickly pull my attention back to what she was making.

The dish was prepared in less than forty-five minutes after she layered it in a baking dish with the chicken and spinach mixture, corn tortillas, and mozzarella cheese then topped with another can of cream of chicken soup mixed with a cup of sour cream. She said it would need to bake for about twenty minutes, so we made a salad while it baked.

I though to myself as I watched her work in the small kitchen, that I could watch her cooking for the rest of my life and never get tired of it. She was beautiful and graceful as she worked and I just knew that whatever she made for us would be good.

And I was right. When we sat down to eat and I took the first bite, I was now a fan of spinach, at least fixed like this.

"This is great. The onion and garlic give the spinach a completely different flavor," I said, taking another bite.

She leaned over and took my hand in hers, "You just have to trust me," she said, smiling the most beautiful smile I'd ever seen.

"I do. Tehya, I'd trust you with my life," I said, in all sincerity.

After dinner, we cleaned up the kitchen and I told her I was going to take my truck home then come back and for her to listen for me. But when I got out to my truck I saw the sweater so I took it back inside.

"What? Back so soon?" she said, laughing.

"I almost forgot. I have a present for you."

She was beaming as she took the bag and looked inside.

"Oh, Sam. It's lovely," she said, pulling the sweater out to hold up against her chest.

"I just knew the color would look good on you. I was hoping you would wear it tomorrow night. We're going to go to Forks for dinner with some of the others, if you want to? It's sort of a celebration dinner for a good catch."

"I'd love to go. Thank you, Sam. I really like the sweater," she said, reaching over and brushing her fingers against the side of my face.

For a few moments, I was just lost in her touch and smile. I completely forgot that I was on my way out, until she reminded me. So I regained my focus and headed back out the door.

When I got the cabin, I ran inside to check on things and saw the pie still sitting on the counter. I couldn't resist and considering tonight's mood was a much happier one, I decided to cut a small piece and eat it before going back to Tehya's. Besides, I wanted to be able to tell her that I had eaten a piece. My only regret is that I didn't get it fresh out of the oven.

I locked up the cabin, went into to woods and phased, then ran back to Tehya's house. I knocked on the door, but it took her a minute to answer. She had taken a shower while I was gone and was just getting out.

She let me in and said she was going to dry her hair in the bedroom, if I wanted to take a shower. I didn't have any extra clothes at her place, but I took a shower anyway and just pulled my clothes back on for the night. There were some disadvantages to being a werewolf and not being able to carry an overnight bag.

I came out of the bathroom and she was sitting on the edge of the bed brushing her hair. The light in the small room made it shimmer. I watched her for a while, just leaning against the door to the bathroom, thinking someday we wouldn't have to be separated or worry about what other people thought.

"I had a piece of the pie when I went home. It was wonderful. I wish I could have tried it while it was still warm."

She looked at me and smiled, then looked down like she had something on her mind.

"What are you thinking about?"

"I was just thinking about Nilynn," she offered quietly.

"Baby, I thought we put all of that behind us? Why are you thinking about her?" I asked going to kneel down beside her.

"I guess it's just because I'm a nurse, but I don't see why she wouldn't be on birth control. I mean I've been on it for over a year and I'm not.....well.....you know....I haven't.... It's just better to be safe than to risk bringing an innocent little baby into the world without being settled and able to offer it a home with both parents."

I thought about what she had said as I ran my hand over her silky hair. She was right and her position on the subject made me love her even more. She was a person who genuinely cared about others and the fact that she was even remotely concerned about Nilynn after what she had done, showed her true character.

"She was back when I was seeing her, but even then I felt the same way you do and made sure things were taken care of."

Why was I even having this conversation with her, I thought? This is the sort of thing that hurt her so deeply yesterday when she thought about the relationship Nilynn and I had shared. But she surprised me with her next remark.

"Sam, I'm glad we share the same views on this. Thanks for telling me, even after the way I reacted last night. You know I'm sorry, don't you?"

"There's nothing to be sorry about. If the situation had been the same with that guy, Russ, I would have felt the same way. I'm just glad I don't have to worry about another man having touched you like that."

This conversation was taking a very personal turn, but maybe she and I needed to talk about things like this. I wanted to know how she felt and I respected her for hearing what I had to say. This made me even more certain about asking her to marry me tomorrow night, after dinner.

She looked at me with a suffering look in her eyes and her expression, "I wish I could be the only one to touch you that way," she whispered.

"I'm sorry, Tehya. If I had known...."

"It's okay. We can't change our past, Sam. We can only plan our future and I know that you will always be true to me. That's what matters most."

"God I love you," I said, as I moved to sit on the bed beside her.

She lay back on the bed beside me and I wanted to take her right then. Her hair fanned out on the sea foam green comforter and her silky robe was open, just barely exposing the tender flesh of her chest. I leaned down and propped myself up on one elbow so I could look down at her.

I let my finger trace each of her dark eyebrows, over to her temples, down her jaw line, and back up to her lips where I traced their perfect outline. She closed her eyes and seemed to relax, she looked like a goddess lying there beside me and I thought to myself that I could just stare at her all night long.

"So, what time are we going to dinner tomorrow night?" she asked, opening her eyes to look up at me.

"How about I pick you up right after work?"

"Okay. Sam, I'm glad you're here tonight. Will you hold me tonight? I want to make sure you're warm and safe with me."

"I have a feeling I can comply with that request," I said smiling down at her.

I kissed her on the forehead and got up, pulling the bed back and watching as she climbed up further into the bed. She sat up and pulled her robe off and lay it at the foot of the bed and I covered her up and lay down beside her, then reached over and turned off the lamp.

She tucked one arm in beside me and stretched the other out over my chest then rested her head on my shoulder. I held her as close as I could and in a few minutes she whispered, "Goodnight Sam," as she went to sleep.

I stayed awake for the next hour listening to the sound of her soft breathing and every beat of our hearts which were beating in the same rhythm, at the same pace, then I too drifted off to sleep.

We must have slept peacefully, because in the morning, we were both still curled up on the same position as when we went to sleep and I had to admit that I liked where I woke up a whole lot better than where I woke up the day before.

"Good morning," she said, stretching and yawning.

"Hey, did you sleep well?"

"I slept like a rock. I'm glad you stayed with me. I bet the guys are getting tired of you not helping with patrols though. Aren't they?"

"No, it's okay. We have a schedule worked out and for now it's working out okay. Why don't you start getting ready and I'll make you something for breakfast?" I said, as I dashed into the bathroom first.

When I came out, she was standing there with her clothes in hand waiting her turn. I kissed her as I walked past and went to the kitchen, looking for the ingredients for a nice breakfast.

I wound up making scrabbled eggs, coffee, and toast, the way she had showed me she liked it. We ate and talked about what she had to do today and I told her I would be by to pick her up about five-thirty this afternoon.

We tidied up the kitchen and I kissed her goodbye, then slipped out the door and into the forest, before anyone could spot me. I ran patrols the rest of the morning and caught up with Seth. He had the morning shift today.

He filled me in on what had been going in with him, what I had missed while we had been gone on the boat, and how Leah was doing, even though I didn't specifically ask. He said that she was finally coming to terms with the fact that I had an imprint and I felt great relief in knowing that. She would have to come around sooner or later, we were all too close not too. I just hoped Tehya could handle being that close to my past.

By lunch time, I had finished patrols. Seth and I didn't find anything out of the ordinary, which worried me, because it had been way too quiet ever since we took down the last cold one.

I went home, got cleaned up, and washed some clothes. I ate some more of Tehya's apple pie and did odds and ends around the cabin until it was time to get ready to go pick up Tehya. I changed into a black western dress shirt that buttoned up the front, a pair of black jeans, and black boots. I locked up, went to my truck, and I was on my way.

I pulled into her drive at five thirty, right on time to pick her up so we could go meet the others for dinner. We were going to a quaint little place we occasionally went to when we went out. It was quiet and out of the way which made us feel a little less conspicuous. After all, it was unusual to have so many big Quileutes in one place at one time.

Tehya opened the door before I even reached for it and I stepped back to look at her in the new sweater. She looked fabulous and the red seemed to set off her skin tone perfectly.

"Let me look at you. You are absolutely beautiful tonight," I said, and watched as her cheeks became as red as the sweater.

"Thank you. And I have to say. You look extremely handsome too. You do know how to dress up, don't you?" she said, offering a teasing smile.

"Are you ready?" I asked, offering her my hand.

"Sure. So where are we going again?"

"This little place in Forks. It's nice and quaint. I think you'll like it."

"I know the view will be very appealing," she said, as I helped her into my truck.

I had a feeling tonight was going to be very interesting. This was actually the first time we had gone out on any kind of date and I had to admit, I was excited and with Tehya sitting right next to me as we drove to Forks, I could feel the heat and energy dancing between us every time she touched my skin.

"It looks like most of the others will be meeting us there, but I told Jared and Kim I would swing by and pick them up. Is that okay?"

"Sure. I think we'll all fit, but I don't mind if I have to sit extra close to you," she said with a wink.

"Neither do I," I replied, as I pulled up to Jared's house.

I put the truck in park and waited. A gust of cold wind blew into the cab as Kim climbed in, "Hello Tehya," she said, as she slid in beside Tehya.

Tehya moved over closer to me and flashed me a smile, then turned to back to Kim, "How are you, Kim?"

"I'm starving. I hope Sam drives fast," she said, laughing softly as Jared climbed in beside her.

I listened as Kim and Tehya chatted quietly on the drive to Forks. Jared and I didn't talk much. It would have been too difficult to have two different conversations going on at the same time. Besides, it was nice to see Tehya forming a friendship with Kim. They seemed to be getting along very well.

When we got to the restaurant, I parked and opened the door. I took Tehya's hand and helped her slide over to climb out, but when she put her legs over the seat, I just lifted her up by her waist and slowly slid her down to the ground.

She gasped as I sat her down, "That, um tickled," she said, sheepishly. Hum, I thought. I'd have to remember that technique for later.

We went inside and told the hostess we were meeting friends and she immediately knew who, so she led the way to a large table in the back across the room from a raised platform where a musician was playing a guitar. The music was quiet and relaxing, so we settled in and took the menus we were given.

"How long have you guys been here?" I asked the others.

"Not long. She just took our drink order," Jake replied.

"Tehya, how are you doing tonight?" Bella asked, leaning over to give her a hug.

"I'm fine. Thanks. It's good to see you again," Tehya said with a smile.

The others spoke to Tehya and before long had her laughing. I saw a sparkle in her eyes as she seemed to warm up to everyone and it felt good having her here with the others, even if the entire pack wasn't here, it was like we were a family.

The waitress took our drink order and I had her bring a bottle of wine to the table. This was a celebration, so I thought it wouldn't hurt to have at least one toast. She also brought us several baskets of fresh bread with butter while we waited on our meal.

"So, you know what happened while we were out on the boat?" Paul suddenly asked.

I noticed Tehya immediately turned her attention to him and seemed very interested in what he was about to reveal.

"We were lowering some cages the first night. We knew we were too excited to sleep much, so we were just going to stay up and watch the lines for a while. You know, see if we got anything for an hour or so. So Sam, decides he's going back out of the bridge compartment to check the first cage and he put on his gloves, but just as he grabbed a hold of the line, something snagged it and took off with the cage. We lost that one and all he pulled up was a tattered rope. And I'm not talking small gage. It was at least six inch pp polypropylene 1,000 test line. My guess is that it was a shark," he said, confidently.

"You see. I told you it wasn't safe out there," Tehya said, as she turned to me looking a bit pale.

"Baby. I'm fine. We are all fine and we made it back in one piece," I whispered into her ear, which caused her to shiver.

After that though, she got very quiet. I watched her out of the corner of my eye as she sipped a glass of water and played with the crust on her bread. She was watching the musician intently and seemed to be lost in thought. When he stopped to take a break, she suddenly got up and said she would be right back.

I was worried about her now. After Paul opened his big mouth and told her about us losing the cage, I thought that she was upset. Jake started talking to me about some new equipment they had gotten at the garage, and the girls were chatting happily, but I felt like something wasn't right. Tehya had been gone for several minutes and I was about to go check on her myself when I heard a piano began to play.

I looked up and so did everyone else, and to my surprise, no actually my astonishment, I saw that it was Tehya on the platform sitting at the piano playing, but when she began to sing, my heart literally stopped and I felt this huge smile pull at the corners of my mouth.

"Chances are you'll find me, on your road tonight. It seems I always end up driving by. Ever since I've known you, it just seems you're on the way. All the rules of logic don't apply. "

I was lost in the sound of her voice, but tried to focus on the words she was singing. Then she looked right over at me and I knew she was singing this song to me—for me.

"I long to see you in the night, to be with you till morning's light. I remember clearly how you looked the night we met. I recall your laughter and your smile. I remember how you made me feel so at ease. I remember all your grace and style. And now you're all I long to see. You've come to mean so much to me. Chances are I'll see you somewhere in my dreams tonight. You'll be smiling like the night we met. Chances are I'll hold you and I'll offer all I have. You're the only one I can't forget. Baby, you're the best I've ever met. And I'll be dreaming of the future. And hoping you'll be by my side. And in the morning I'll be longing for the night."

Bella reached over and took my hand in hers, "Sam, your relationship just moved to the next level. She's either asking you to marry her or telling you she wants to move in with you," she said, but I never took my eyes off of Tehya.

"Chances are I'll see you somewhere in my dreams tonight. You'll be smiling like the night we met. Chances are I'll hold you and I'll offer all I have. You're the only one I can't forget. Baby, you're the best I've ever met."

When the song ended and Tehya had finished playing the last few notes on the piano, I heard some applause throughout the restaurant and I felt my chest swell with pride and love for the woman who had just serenaded me.

She walked timidly back toward the table and I stood up to met her, "I didn't know you could sing or play the piano," I said, looking down at her and feeling so close to her right then.

"I....I....guess I just never thought to tell you. I've been wanting to tell you how I've felt for a while, but I just couldn't seem to find the right words. But tonight, sitting here hearing the musician I remembered that song. I used to sing it all the time, hoping that someday....someday I would find a love like that. And now I have," she said, smiling up at me.

I caressed her cheek and whispered into her ear, "You have no idea how much I love you right now," then I held her seat out as we sat back down and I saw her blushing profusely.

"Tehya. That was a beautiful song," Bella said, leaning over and patting her on the hand.

"Yeah, so you have talents we don't even know about. You've been holding out on us," Rachel said, laughing softly.

"I guess Sam is bringing out the best in me," Tehya replied.

Everyone else was telling Tehya how lovely her song was when the waitress brought out our food. She handed everyone their plates and the others all started eating and talking, but I was having trouble concentrating on the food. I just wanted to watch Tehya and kept smiling.

She finally looked over at me and noticed I wasn't eating, like I normally did, "Sam, are you okay?" she asked, running her hand over my forehead.

"Yeah, I'm fine. I was just thinking about you," I said, beaming.

"Well, you better eat. You don't want to be here all night?" she said, looking a little nervous as she turned her attention back to her food, which made me wonder what she was thinking.

After we had finished our dinner and drank a toast to the success of our trip, we all got up to leave. We walked out to the parking lot and I saw the girls talking with Tehya. Jake was trying to talk to me, but I couldn't seem to keep my eyes off of Tehya, she was so beautiful tonight and I felt something different like we were now closer than we'd ever been.

"So Sam, did you find anything new on patrols this morning?"

"Sure, whatever you say," I managed to get out.

"Hello. Earth to Sam," I heard someone say, then I turned to look at the guys, but still could see Tehya out of the corner of my eye.

"You two sure made up fast after the Nilynn ordeal," Jared said.

"What can I say? She's a genuinely forgiving woman," I said, turning my attention back toward her.

"Yeah, well you're lucky she didn't do some permanent damage to the family jewels," Jared popped off and I growled at him.

"In case you haven't heard or didn't know, I didn't do anything wrong. She came over to my......"

"Yeah, I know. Jake filled me in earlier. I'm just glad things worked out," he said, slapping me on the arm.

"Yeah, me too," I said smiling in Tehya's direction and she must have sensed my watching her, because she looked at me and smiled too.

"Well, I guess we better be going. I'll catch up with you guys sometime this weekend."

"Ouch, it sounds like you've got big plans," Paul said, laughing.

"I'll talk to you two later. Jared, let's go," I said, ready to get everyone home, so I could be alone with Tehya.

The drive back to La Push seemed so long, but I was very alert seeing as how Tehya had her hand firmly planted on my inner thigh and tonight the heat and frisson was so intense that I could feel it through my jeans almost.

We finally dropped off Jared and Kim, I turned to Tehya and said, "Where are we going tonight, or do you want me to drop you back off at your house?"

I had no intention of her being alone tonight, but I left the options open so she could make the decision that would ultimately tell me if I was right about the vibes and intense feelings I was experiencing tonight.

"Sam, can we go to the cabin tonight, you know home?"

I swallowed hard and turned my truck in the direction of the cabin, probably driving a little faster than usual. When we finally pulled up at the cabin, I was about to get out when Tehya caught me by the arm.

The look in her eyes, a mixture of love, devotion, need, and desire, told me that I had been accurate in the assessment of what I was feeling tonight. The next thing I knew, Tehya had made her way over to me and was working her way onto my lap, eventually straddling me, right there in the truck.

I ran my hands up her back under her sweater and she arched her back bringing her chest up closer to my face. I breathed in, inhaling the scent of my woman, the woman who was going to bring me joy and happiness the rest of my days, and I wanted to claim her right then.

The passion between us, seemed to leave trace burns upon my skin and I was ready to burn all night for her if she would let me, but I just tried to follow her lead.

She wove her hands into my hair and her breathing picked up as she drew her tongue over my lips and then came to whisper in my ear, "I need you tonight. This time it's for real and it's just about you and me."

I kissed her, taking full advantage of her lips parting to breathe, as I found the entrance to the soft, tender flesh that waited on me there. Our tongues moved against each other in a movement for destined lovers and I tasted her sweet breath, capturing it as my touch caused her breathing to increase.

I pulled her down on me as I pushed up against her at the same time, until she knew what I was telling her with my body language. Her moans only urged me on and I wanted to get her inside. The cab of my truck was no place to experience the wonders yet to be discovered.

Opening the door, I managed to climb out, but I kept her securely wrapped around my waste, as I carried her toward the cabin and up the steps. I fumbled with the key and finally got the door open, as we nearly feel inside, but I managed to keep us upright and her wrapped firmly around me, kissing her in between steps and running my hands under her hair to pull her even closer.

If I was correct and what I thought was happening was going to take place tonight, I wanted everything to be perfect. My thoughts raced over all the romantic scenarios I had dreamed of for this very night. I thought of drawing a tub of hot steaming water for her and joining her in it until we were both relaxed. I thought of building a fire and lying with her in the floor on a sea of blankets while I explored her body. And I had also thought about just taking her to the bed and letting her guide me to what would please her. So I settled for the latter.

I closed the door with my foot and began carefully maneuvering the furniture until I was at the door of the bedroom. But I stopped. This was the same spot where, just night before last she had wanted to do the same thing, but under completely different circumstances. Was she truly okay with this and this was what she wanted—what she needed, I thought?

"Tehya," I said, my breathing heavy against her lips, "Are you.....I want this to be right, baby. I want this to be perfect for you," I said, as she exposed her neck to me.

"Yes," was all she said, in a husky, sexy voice.

Then we were collapsing onto the bed and she released my waist with her thighs like loosening a set of shackles. As she sank back onto the bed, I started unbuttoning my shirt with one hand, holding myself up over her with the other, but she moved my hands out of the way, and I looked down as I watched her take her time with each button, slowly opening my shirt and pushing it off my shoulders.

Her hands roamed freely over my chest, down my abdomen, around my waist, and back up my back, as she inventoried every ridge of muscle I could manage to flex for her. She pulled me against her as she tasted the flesh of my pectoral muscles causing me to moan and shiver and I felt her smile against my skin.

I moved back and got up on my knees in front of her. She sat up and unbuttoned a few of the buttons on her sweater then pulled it over her head exposing a black lace bra that framed her breasts like a masterpiece. I reached around her and unclasped it, but she held it in place modestly, as she lay back down, killing me slowly with anticipation.

Bending down over her, I placed kiss after kiss along the contours of her chest before reaching for and removing the lace that separated us. She held her hands in place then, shielding herself from my view. I looked into her eyes and whispered, "Are you sure, Tehya?"

She nodded and slowly moved her hands, sliding them down until they collided with the waist band of my jeans. She began unbuttoning them and sliding the zipper dangerously low, while I looked upon her perfect breasts just waiting for me to touch them.

I lay down on her, not will all my weight, but enough to halt her exploration below my jeans, so I could concentrate on her. Her skin was beautiful, soft, and supple as I touched her gently, caressing and molding her flesh beneath my touch.

Looking down between us, I smiled at the contrast of her skin tone to mine and I thought that it couldn't be more perfect. I needed the taste of her skin, so I let my tongue explore that which she had kept from me.

It wasn't long though before I could tell she needed more, so I moved aside and began unbuttoning her pants. Her breathing caught in her throat as I kissed down her stomach and around her navel. I looked up at her to see the arousing effect I was having on her and lazily drew my tongue along her abdomen.

I pulled her pants off in one fluid movement and toyed with the lace of her underwear which happened to be the black lace boy shorts she said she couldn't imagine herself wearing. Maybe she was wearing them for me, I thought.

I got up off the bed and let my eyes roam the length of her body. I honestly had never seen a more beautiful woman, than the one I was looking at right now. I smiled at her and began pulling my jeans off, until I too was in nothing by my underwear, then I lay back down beside her.

Her trembling hand found what she had been looking for and I tried to suppress the growl threatening to erupt but when she touched me, I couldn't contain it any longer. But it didn't frighten her, it only fueled her determination to continue driving me mad with her touch.

Within the next few minutes, the remaining barriers between us were removed and I too began exploring her perfect body.

"Your scent is captivating and it lures me to you, like the scent of a sweet flower," I whispered, inhaling the fragrance and licking my lips.

Then her lips were on mine and we tangled and mingled our arms and legs together in a perfect passionate dance, until our need was overwhelming us both.

"Oh, Sam, please?" she whispered.

"No, baby, not yet. You're not ready," I whispered against her breast, "Tehya, you said you were a vir...."

"Mm hum," she replied.

"Then there's something.....you know I'll need to do, but I don't want that to be the end. I need for you.....to be complete tonight," I again whispered against her lips, as I kissed her feverishly.

"Sam, just take me," was her hurried reply.

So, I moved into position above her and ran my hand along her thighs as she moved them for me.

"Do I need to take other precautions too?" I asked, looking down into the eyes that reflected the same need I had for her and she had for me.

"No, I've already told you....."

And that was all I needed, as I made preparations for our union. She screamed and pushed her head back against the bed, and I had to gather all the strength I had to contain myself and I hated having to hurt her.

"Baby. I'm sorry. Shhh, it's okay, I'll make it feel better now," I said, kissing her passionately and running my tongue over her lips.

I moved away and lay down beside her, each one of us grasping at the other until we found the areas in need of attention. I took my time exploring and manipulating her body until her shuddering was closer and closer together and I knew she was almost there, to the point of unbridled passion and ecstacy.

I felt a frenzy of desire wash over me and I needed to join with her again. I was moving back into position again, but never left the contact I had with her body and with the last probing touch, she screamed my name and I came back to join with her as our bodies moved together with such rhythm and harmoniousness that if felt like we were one body and one soul, each an extension of the other, but together we were whole.

With my last move toward her, I too let go and joined her in the intense embrace that only lovers can share, then I held her and cradled her, kissing every inch of her that I could reach, as we came down together.

"Sam, I don't know what to say. You touched me in ways...."

"And no one will ever touch you like that but me," I said, kissing up the side of her face and nestling into her hair.

"No, no one, but you my love."

I got up and handed her some tissue and told her to wait on me for a minute. I went to the bathroom and started drawing a hot bath for her— for us. When I came back, she had wrapped my shirt around her so I picked her up and carried her to the bathroom.

I stepped out and let her freshen up, then came back in when I heard the toilet flushing. She had dropped the shirt on the floor and was just climbing into the tub, so I helped her. I didn't want her to be uncomfortable or ache tonight, so I wanted her to soak in the hot soothing water.

"May I join you?" I asked, smiling down at her as I dropped my underwear on the floor.

"How can I say no to an invitation like that?" she asked, as her cheeks blushed a perfect pink.

So she slid forward and I climbed in behind her settling down against the back of the large, black tub, and pulled her back to rest against me, having her lean on my chest and she began drawing pattens on my knees that were propped up on either side of her.

"This is nice," I said, pulling her hair out the way so I could kiss her neck.

"You know I've wondered why a big strapping guy like you had this huge tub. You just seem like the shower type to me. I guess you've enjoyed it a lot?"

"No. This is the first time I've ever been in it," I said, as I continued nipping up and down her neck.

"Then why did you have it installed when you built the cabin?"

"I had it put in and the time for her. For the woman that would someday be a part of my life, so I guess you could say I had it put in for.....for you."

"Sam....that's the sweetest....." she said, and I heard her voice change as it was filled with emotion.

"I've waited for you a long time Tehya, but now, now things seem right for the first time in my life."

"I know what you mean. I finally feel like I know where I belong," she said, turning her head to look up at me.

We finished bathing and stayed in the tub until the water began getting cool, then we got out and got ready for bed. Tehya was brushing her teeth, so slipped back into the bedroom and retrieved the black velvet box, hiding it under the pillow on the bed.

When she came back to the bedroom, she had my shirt wrapped around her, so I went to the laundry room and got one of the night gowns and some clean underwear she had left at my place. She turned her back and slipped into them, then turned around to face me.

"You know. You don't have to hide you're beautiful body from me anymore."

"Well a girl has to keep some of her modesty," she said, smiling at me as she slid into the bed.

I climbed in beside her and propped up on one elbow.

"Sam, do you think it will always be this good? I mean us, and the way we feel about each other?"

"No. I hope it gets even better," I said and I reached under the pillow and pulled out the box, popping it open with one hand and holding it out in front of her, "Tehya, will you marry me?"

I almost cried when I saw the look of utter happiness and joy in those hazel eyes of hers as she sat up and took the ring out to the box. I pulled it out of her hand though and held her hand in mine, "Tealisa Michelle Morgan, will you marry me and make me the happiest Quiletue man in La Push? And will you be my mate, my friend, and my lover forever?"

I waited as I watched tears began to slip down her face, then she replied, "Yes. Yes I will be with you always. I love you Samuel Joshua Uley. Yes I'll marry you."

I slipped the ring on her finger and kissed her hand, "Que quowle," I whispered still holding her hand in mine.

Tehya wiped a tear away from her face and whispered, "Always stay?"

"No, que quowle means stay with me forever," I explained.

"I will. I will Sam."

Then she wrapped her arms around my neck and pulled me down with her. She never let me go all night as we talked about our plans, our future, and about how much we loved each other, then we fell asleep tangled up in each other's arms.