A/N: This chapter contains mucho mature content :)

Chapter 6

Rumor never imagined she'd feel this relieved to be on crutches. She'd spent the last weeks being passed around like a hot potato and had grown sick of it. Yes, she was a recovering, mute junkie but was keen on preserving the one ounce of dignity which remained. It took some getting used to but was now walking on her own, courtesy of her new graffitied aids. It would take about eight more weeks of physical therapy for a complete recovery but was optimistic on her progress. Ezra and Jahir had shared they'd never had the opportunity to ink a cast and took it upon themselves to ink her wooden crutches; recruiting the pack's help in the process. She knew it was their way of forcing her to interact with the pack and had to admit everyone had been friendly and welcoming. She hadn't realized how large the pack had grown and was angry with herself for noticing the absence of one wolf.

Rumor looked at herself in the mirror one last time. Her father had removed the stitches from the scar running down the right side of her face. But she'd only gained the courage to begin looking at herself a week prior. She was grateful to Carlisle for giving it to her straight after she gained consciousness. It helped prepare her for what she would face when the bandages had come off. Seth was still refusing to discuss the attack and had been reluctant to acknowledge her symptoms of withdrawal. Isis had gone into momma bear mode, called him out on it, and insisting there was a greater problem than the physical wounds. She'd been barking at anyone treating her like a cripple and was encouraging Rumor to push herself a little more each day… dragging her around town and foiling her plans of seclusion. She was grateful for Isis's presence, but it only made her miss her mother more.

They spoke on the phone daily and had recently learned her grandparents and mother would be joining them in two weeks' time, if all continued to remain peaceful. Seth had begun the renovations of his old childhood home and was looking to gain employment at Olympic Memorial Hospital in Port Angeles. Jacob had teased him mercilessly about becoming the pack's new vet and had even gone as far as purchasing a veterinary stethoscope. Rumor was hoping to find some solidarity in Caleb but had received her answer when she'd inquired on whether he missed home. His response had simply been "This is home". He was overjoyed at the prospect of making La Push their permanent residence, but Rumor felt lost. She didn't know her place, or what her purpose would be here, except a burden on her family.

Ezra's voice pulled out of her gloomy thoughts…He was holding the front door open, teasing about her snail's pace. The gangly teen was eager to get to Second Beach for the pack bonfire. Z had been a pleasant surprise and was fast becoming the little brother Rumor had always wanted. She was convinced, it was his infectious smile and caring nature which reminded her so much of her father's. Rumor wasn't sure what the appropriate attire was for such an event, but had settled on a pair of skinny jeans, and her trusted red chucks.

"That's a cool top Rumor…... It's Blitz is one my favorite albums".

Rumor looked down at her Karen O t-shirt and couldn't keep the surprise from her face. She pointed to Raven and then to her ears in a silent question. Raven laughed good- naturedly, but it was Isis who answered her query.

"Are you kidding? Alternative music is a staple at our house, except when Solace and Z get their way. My husband's idea of rocking out is listening to the Beatles and Ezra favors hip hop. You should see him dance, he's pretty good".

"He's awesome, "gushed his older sister; making Ezra sit up a little bit taller at Raven's compliment. Solace looked aggrieved and grumbled something about no one appreciating classic rock. Isis looked towards the driver's seat coyly, kissing her husband lovingly.

"Don't worry old man, I still love you".

Solace sprung his right arm towards his wife, tickling her mercilessly, while Ezra made the motion of sticking a finger down his throat and pretending to gag. Rumor knew exactly how he felt; being around imprinted couples had a way of making you want to scratch your eyes out. Luckily, the drive to Second Beach was a short one, and Rumor tried to let the calming sound of the ocean's waves pacify her jitters. She hated being the center of attention and would have to force herself to be sociable tonight. Solace had given her the choice, but knew she wasn't strong enough to make the hike up to the beach and so she settled for being the hot potato once again.

Rumor had traveled through most of Europe, visiting its most famous beaches, but was still taken aback at the rustic beauty of Second Beach. The dimming sun only added to the majestic scenery, and she took a few moments to admire her surroundings. Solace, perceptive as always, had released her to the support of her crutches a hundred feet back, and Rumor had slowly made her way to the gathering crowd. The bonfire had already been lit, and women moved busily about; arranging a ridiculous amount of food on large tables meticulously arranged. A melodious but stern voice was shouting out instructions on the seating arrangements, but Rumor could already see families staking their spots with woven blankets on the sand or fallen logs around the bonfire. She noted an unclaimed log off to her left and hurried her pace to stake her claim. It was the perfect spot… close enough to still be part of the group, but far enough to avoid being the center of attention.

"That's a perfect spot".

She hadn't realized Ezra was following closely behind; swiftly throwing down a blanket in front of the log. Rumor placed her crutches down, using the driftwood for support as she ungracefully took her seat.

U don't have 2 stay w me. I know u want 2 hang out w ur friends. I'm fine Z.

Ezra looked torn but chose to take a seat on the blanket next to her. Isis followed his lead while Raven wasted no time in pulling her boyfriend down next to her. Kris Cameron was an imprinted wolf in love, and Rumor found it extremely entertaining to watch him try to keep their interactions PG whenever her father was around. Solace was pretty laid back as dads went, but he was still struggling with the changing relationship between his business partner and teenage daughter and was currently giving them the stink eye from where he stood. Jacob and Seth made their way over, and Rumor saw Jacob slap his hand behind Solace's back whispering "Payback's a bitch Sol," while her own father laughed with glee.

She spotted Caleb across the fire speaking to a woman she didn't recognize and felt slightly miffed he'd yet to come over. But was instantly distracted by the older Quileute man hugging her father so fondly. Judging by his size, Rumor surmised this man was once a wolf.

"Rumor, this is your aunt Claire and her husband Quil. He's a very old friend of mine".

Rumor gave her best smile, stretching out her hand but found herself engulfed in a bear hug by one Quil Ateara. There was an emotion in his eyes Rumor recognized; she'd seen it many times. It was the look of a man who recognized her likeness to Leah and was taking a trip down memory lane. Rumor didn't mind… her aunt had been a phenomenal woman, and it only made her feel closer to her somehow.

"Dad, get off her. You're such a spaz sometimes".

A chestnut-haired girl about her age was making her way through the row of giants around her.

"Hi, it's nice to meet you. I'm Alex Ateara… your cousin?"

Rumor smiled back in greeting, proceeding to shake her mother's hand as well. It was all so strange…being surrounded by people who shared the same heritage, same blood line even and yet Rumor had never felt so out of place. She looked towards her dad, catching a strange emotion in his face…guilt maybe? Rumor would try harder… would become the fucking poster child for hospitality… and hoped the smile plastered on her face was convincing enough.

Koli bid his time, watching the gathering from the cover of the trees. He would complete his assignment soon enough but was having a hard time tearing himself away from the reality drama of the pack. It'd been a while since a new face emerged in their circle, and every single family had lined up like a damn welfare line to welcome the Clearwaters and pay respect to the Alpha. Quil had made an ass of himself, no surprise there…But the real entertainment began when the Uleys and Littleseas arrived.

In a barefaced and yet rare act of interest, Sebastian had all but peed on Keyla's leg in his attempt to catch her attention. But the she-wolf wasn't biting. Luckily for him, Remy had been too busy measuring the most opportune time of when to make his way over to the Clearwaters.

How about never?

But Sam Uley's oldest son knew he had no choice in the matter, and awkwardly dragged Mila, Keyla and Luca over for the family reunion. It had been a tense moment; made significantly lighter by Caleb, who appeared happy as a clam to reunite with his kin. Collin and Brady looked miserable. Each looking over towards the other's direction when they thought the other wasn't looking. And Koli knew it was only a matter of time before Cheveyo or his grandfather decided to put an end to the soap opera angst.

Then there was Lahote, who'd practically wagged his tail upon Shye's arrival. Koli wanted to punch his best friend in the face in hopes of knocking some sense into him. At least she was appearing a little more receptive. But it only made Koli more resolute on never acting so pathetic for a girl's scraps of attention. The thought shifted his attention back to the real reason he was there. The girl was a martyr, and the sight pissed him off… Anyone with any sense could see she was uncomfortable with all the damn attention she was receiving. And yet there she sat, with a fake smile plastered on her face; pretending to enjoy herself. And for what? That's what Koli wanted to know.

He felt eyes burning a hole in his head, and knew his time was up. He had to man up and talk to the girl, if only to prove Hawk wrong. Koli was convinced he hadn't imprinted. He could admit he was a little curious, and tremendously aroused. But it was carnal desire…that was all. She was skinnier then the usual girls he favored, but maybe it was related to her drug abuse. The realization prompting a humorless laugh… If he had imprinted, of course it would be to a girl equally fucked up as he.

Raven had dragged Kris to the edge of the water, and his aunt Isis had made her way to where his mother and grandmother sat; providing the opportunity he'd been waiting for. Koli made his way towards the unsuspecting girl, nostrils flaring as the scent of Jasmine invaded his nose. He was glad he decided to wear boxer briefs tonight, helping rein in his growing erection.

What was it about this girl?

He released a long breath before continuing down the rocky path. The animal inside him paced like a caged beast, and Koli fought the urge to turn and go in the opposite direction. If he had any hope of acquiring full control over his impulses, there was no better place to start.

"I hear I have some crutches to ink".

Rumor jumped at the sound of his voice, clearly startled. Koli met her narrowed gaze and waited…Nothing, just like he thought. There was confusion written all over her face, and Koli guessed she hadn't really heard him. He took a silver sharpie from his back pocket and crouched down next to the crutches; ready to scribble his name and the quote he'd decided on, but stopped short, remembering Hawk's words. If she truly disliked him, he should await her response.

"It's cool, isn't it?"

Rumor shrugged her shoulders in nonchalance, but kept her eyes fixed on the young wolf. New beginnings are often disguised as painful endings. He'd heard his father chant this millions of times growing up, and it had immediately come to mind when he was thinking on his chosen quote. Koli didn't know if she loved the fucker who'd hurt her, but he did know what it was like to have your whole life ripped apart with no choice in the matter. Her situation was all kinds of messed up right now, but he hoped in time, she would find solace with the pack. And realize she was better off with that piece of shit gone. Rumor eyed him suspiciously and Koli felt the need to elaborate.

"It's Lao- Tsu. He was a Chinese philosopher".

Koli awaited curiously, as she typed away on her cell…

I know who he is; I'm just surprised you do.

Huh, I guess Hawk was right…

Koli pushed down the bile threatening to spill out and settled for a wry smile instead. He shifted his gaze down his scuffed boots while counting to ten…battling to rein in his irritation.

"Well, we all can't be as cultured as you, but I promise we're not all inbreeds here in the res".

The temperamental wolf enjoyed seeing the redness traveling up her cheeks, pleased he'd managed to get such a reaction out of her.

"I'm gonna get me a drink. It looks like you could use one too," he smirked.

Rumor wanted to tell him where he could shove his drink but was wise enough to let him walk away. She realized that in her eagerness to rattle him, she'd been careless in her remark and was mortified. Caleb's eyes met hers across the fire, lifting his brow in concern. But a shake of her head kept him rooted in place. Koli returned in record time, an extra bottle of water secured in his hand; satisfaction clear on his face. If she refused him, she'd give him the satisfaction of knowing he'd gotten to her. Rumor hated playing these types of games. She was never good at hiding her emotions and was fighting the urge to snatch the water bottle and throw it back at him. But her pride was greater, and so she received the bottle from his hand and mouthed the words thank you with a fake saccharine smile in place.

The temperamental wolf had to admire her stubbornness. And his wolf perked up in interest. She was practically vibrating in anger and clearly fighting to stay in control. He took a minute to survey the girl. A long angry scar ran from the top of her head to just the front of her right ear. There was faded bruising around her neck from where the leech had choked her, and Koli knew there were many more hidden underneath her clothes. Yet he had to admit he still found her very attractive. Her skin was a light caramel tone and her pixie cut only accentuated her high cheekbones and pouty lips. The rubbing of her hands clued Koli in, and he realized she hadn't been shaking in anger but from the drop in temperature.

"You're cold".

It wasn't really a question, but she nodded as she reached for Raven's blanket.

"I can sit here and be your personal space heater if you like"

An incredulous look crossed her features, and the amused wolf couldn't contain his laughter. He didn't wait for an invitation and hunkered down next to her. If she wanted him gone, he trusted she would find a way to let him know.

"You got a good spot, and I don't feel like moving much. Close to the food table… close enough to the woods if I need to phase and far enough away from the crowd".

He waited for her response, but none came. Rumor brought her knees to her chest with great effort and directed her sad brown eyes his way. It made him feel guilty, and Koli couldn't hold her gaze. He wasn't accustomed to looking away, but the look of despair in her eyes was hard to swallow. Seconds turned into minutes the awkward silence dragged on. Koli wasn't good with emotions and recognized he needed serious help if he had any chance of lasting another minute. He spotted Ezra and Jahir by the food table, and jumped at the opportunity …

"Yo Z, bring us some grub kid".

Ezra and Jahir were piling their plates of food sky high and looked pleased at the sudden invitation. Jahir handed his plate over to Rumor, preparing another plate for himself. The two pre-teens hastily made their way over, scarfing down their food while Rumor looked on half amused, half appalled. She picked at her food like a bird, and Koli had the sudden urge to ask if anorexia was the sudden rave in Europe, but sagely held his tongue.

"I can get something else if you don't like what I picked out Rumor?"

Jahir moved to stand but Rumor instantly began consuming larger portions from her plate. Her passiveness confused Koli, who'd caught a glimpse of her stubbornness just moments ago. And wandered on what really made her tick. He didn't offer much to the conversations around him; mostly nodding and agreeing when prompted. Instead, he chose to observe her in silence as she interacted with the different members of the pack. She appeared relaxed, and genuinely enjoying herself…and oddly enough, Koli realized he was just as content sitting in place. He looked across the fire and was met with Hawk's amused smirk to which he promptly replied with a one finger salute.

His father and Tokola emerged from the woods, and Koli knew it was time for his patrol. He rose fluidly, smacking Ezra and Jahir on the back of their necks as a sign of affection, before casually telling youngest Clearwater he would see her around. She didn't smile or wave goodbye, just simply nodded in agreement. But her eyes regarded him with less hostility and he knew progress had been made. Truth was, he was leaving with more questions than answers, and strangely, wasn't as wound up about it as hours prior. In fact, he felt in more equilibrium than he'd felt in a long time and made a mental note to not prolong his conversation with Cheveyo any longer. Remy growled impatiently as he waited for the younger wolves to join him before taking point, and Koli looked back at the girl causing havoc in his life one last time before joining his pack brothers.

Shye carried the container of cookies on her lap as she rode on the backseat of her father's SUV. She knew Lahote hadn't been serious about his request, but something had made her want to play along and bring them anyways. Alex had given her a shit eating grin when she'd seen her make the extra batch which had almost been enough to make her change her mind. The car ride had been unusually quiet. Her mother had spent most of the morning at Nessie's house, and looked to be in good spirits, but her father carried such a gloomy demeanor, Shye felt the need to speak up.

"Daddy, why don't you just talk to him? I'm sure he's missing you as much as you're missing him".

The long sigh coming from the driver's seat confirmed her suspicions. But her father simply answered with a weak smile and gave her the old "It's nothing for you to worry about sweetheart," as he pulled up to the beach parking lot. Most of the pack had already arrived, and Shye nervously played with the end of her braid as she walked onto the beach; choosing to stay by her parent's side and make the customary greetings to the guests of honor. Shye spotted Alex on the other side of the bonfire, sitting on a blanket suspiciously located next to the Tso twins. It ruffled her feathers a little bit, but she had to admit it made for a less awkward greeting.

Lahote wasn't even trying to be discreet as he tracked Shye's nearing form from his seat; readying to meet her half way. But a strong hand on his shoulder stopped him short. His brother gave him a slight shake of his head and he immediately realized Hawk had just stopped him from making an ass of himself. Her hair was styled in a long braid, and she looked even more beautiful than he remembered. She dropped her bag on her friend's blanket before making her way over to say hello. Gifting him a genuine smile and taking the empty seat by his side.

"Hey"

Lahote answered with a hey of his own, looking towards the container she held in her hands.

"Is that what I think it is?"

"Well you didn't think I'd dare sit here empty handed, did you?"

The imprinted wolf bit his bottom lip boyishly, grinning like a fool as he accepted the container of chocolate chip cookies. Hawk became increasingly interested in the topper wear, smiling at their new companion in greeting.

"Sharing is caring bro".

But Alex snatched a cookie with wolf like speed before any of the twins could stop her, greedily popping it in her mouth.

"What? I'm starving… I didn't want to spoil my appetite for tonight."

Everyone broke out in laughter, and the mood was instantly chilled. Lahote was relieved the time spent away from each other hadn't changed their budding friendship. She spoke about starting to volunteer at the community center again; about the shows she was currently watching… about how much she loved her truck…about the possibility of starting to take dance classes again and Lahote listened to it all with rapt attention. Shye realized they'd been speaking for almost an hour and with obvious embarrassment, apologized for monopolizing the conversation. He put her worries to rest, letting her know he was happy to see her and listen. His life these last couple of weeks had been comprised of patrols, sleeping, eating and more patrols and was relieved to be doing something else.

She realizing she had completely forgotten about her best friend and was glad to see she'd found someone to talk to. In fact, Alex looked enthralled by one Caleb Clearwater, and knew she'd finally found some ammunition to be used at a later time. She spotted Koli sitting next to Rumor Clearwater on the other side, and Shye wondered if it was her presence keeping him away. Lahote squeezed her hand lightly and shook his head in a silent response, which prompted a roll of her eyes. He laughed aloud and caught the attention of the wolves sitting near, but Shye knew their silent exchange would remain between them. She wasn't sure how she knew, and as she met Lahote's caramel colored eyes, the answer hit like a wrecking ball. The implications shaking her to the core. Shye opened her mouth to speak but was stopped by the sound of Jacob Black's voice.

"I want to thank all of you for coming today. Tonight, is a very special night for me... for all of us. We have a lot of reasons to celebrate. My son Cheveyo is home…... Seth and his family have also returned home, and now his son Caleb has joined the ranks of our pack. In two weeks time, Embry will arrive with the rest of his family and our pack will be whole once again. I…."

"No brother, our pack is not whole, and won't be until my son returns home. Or have you forgotten about him already?"

Brady was wavering on his feet, clearly inebriated and Anna moved to reach for him. Shye wanted to walk onto the ocean and let it swallow her up. Lahote reached for her hand; feeling the sudden tide of pain, and trying to anchor them both, but she was already on her feet and walking towards the sound of the waves. Jacob's eyes softened in deep sadness as he walked towards his wounded pack mate. Cheveyo had already made his way over to stand next to Brady, offering a strong hand on his shoulder for comfort and support.

"Bray, how can you ask me that? I see you brother… I see your pain, but we both know Ethan had his reasons for leaving us. When he is ready, he will return and be welcomed with the same love and respect we've always held for him".

Lahote understood the significance of what was taking place and felt a little guilty about where his focus stood. But it would never be near enough to stop him from following Shye. The Clearwater's homecoming was already changing the dynamics within the pack, and in his opinion, it was for the better. Shye was beginning to stumble in the dark and he reached for her, trying to keep her on her feet.

"Go away Lahote".

"No. You don't have to talk to me if you don't want to, but I'm here if you do".

He smelled her tears before he heard her sobs, and he fought against the desire to hold her.

"Shye, this isn't your fault. Brady is missing his son and isn't handling it well".

"Don't be a fucking hypocrite; of course, it's my fault. Ethan didn't even want me, but I pushed and pushed, throwing myself at him every chance I got until I wore him down. And where is he now huh? He's lost his family and his pack and for what? So, you and I can fulfill some mating ritual to breed more wolves …."

Lahote felt like a shaken soda bottle, ready to pop, and angrily wished he had inherited his father's restraint.

"Don't you think I feel guilty? Every time I see any of them; Anna, Brady or Ellie… I can barely look at them in the face. I'm the one that imprinted Shye; I'm the reason he left, not you. You want me to say that I'm sorry? Well I am; I'm sorry that you're hurting Shye. I'm sorry that Ethan had to leave because I can't even imagine being without my family. I'm sorry for what this is doing to them, but don't ask me to say I'm sorry I imprinted Shye, because I can't. If I did, then I would gladly let you call me a hypocrite".

He was panting from the intensity of his words, and Shye dropped to her knees on the wet sand, looking out towards the water; silent tears streaming down her face. He joined her on the sand, and looked out onto the vast sea, feeling small and helpless; his lupine eyes allowing him the privacy of admiring her in the dark without any reproach. Lahote knew he was fucked; he was hopelessly in love with her and didn't see a way around that. The thought he might be pining for her in silence for the rest of his life filled him with dread and it was in that exact moment, he truly understood Ethan's sacrifice.

"What were you thinking about just now?"

Her soft voice startled him, and he instinctively turned to meet her gaze. She was looking up at him, eyes expectant and focused.

"Can you see me?"

"Not really, just your profile. Tell me…what were you thinking about?" Her voice sounded resigned, but much steadier then moments ago.

"Why do you want to know?"

Shye answered with a sad smile, stretching her hand across the sand, and silently asking for his: knowing full well he would see it. It seemed like most of their conversations ended with her in tears while he tried to comfort her.

"Because as fucked up as this may sound, I suddenly got the feeling I may not be the only one mourning something, and I thought that we could maybe be sad together".

Lahote laughed humorlessly.

"You're right, that is fucked up".

And Shye laughed as well, releasing a long sigh before continuing.

"Thank you for staying with me, Lahote".

He didn't know how to answer that. Anytime Shye… I would do anything for you Shye… I will always be there Shye... They were all true, but the reality of it left him feeling a little sick.

"Don't worry about it. Are you OK if we go back now? I only have a couple minutes before my patrol".

"Yeah, we can go".

He took her by the hand, helping her to her feet, and was surprised she didn't let go for most of their walk back. They'd made it a good distance from the bonfire, and he tried to enjoy the last quiet moments with her; indulging in her vanilla scent, the way her feet sounded against the sand, and the rhythmic beating of her heart.

"I heard Cheveyo tell your dad your family was invited to our Sunday family brunch. So…. maybe I'll see you there?"

"Yeah, maybe," she whispered not committing either way, but knowing full well if the Alpha had invited her father, they were dam sure going. She reached up on her tippy toes and wrapped her arms around his shoulders, silently enjoying the comfort of his warmth. She felt like she was constantly balancing herself on a tightrope when it came to her feelings towards him. She hated that their imprint had hurt so many, but nothing could be done about that now. They were both stuck dealing with the aftermath, and Shye was weak enough to rely on the comfort of his company to not face it alone.

"Be safe tonight".

That was the second time she'd initiated physical contact, and Lahote couldn't deny his happiness. He waited until she released her hold and turned to go, after biding her a good night. He spotted Koli ahead of him and Lahote bounded up the path, surpassing him while stripping off his sweats and catching him in the face with the piece of garment before phasing.

"I got something for your ass, fucker," he growled, and Hote heard the crunching sound of his cousin's bones realigning to allow the phase.

"Done playing footsie in the sand I see?"

"What about you man? Done playing Mr. Hospitality with Rumor Clearwater?"

"Why don't you both shut the fuck up and focus on running your patrols. We're running light on wolves tonight which means we have to cover more ground, and Oliver picked up the faint scent of a leech towards the Makah reservation".

Remy was usually in good spirits, but the stress from tonight's bonfire had put him on edge. Lahote looked towards the beach one last time and spotted Shye walking towards her brother. Tonight, had not turned out how he'd hoped, but Lahote was quickly learning nothing about this imprint was what he'd expected it to be. Koli thought that predictability was both boring and overrated, and Lahote appreciated his support. Remy thought they could have their Kumbaya moment on their own time, and they needed to get their heads in the game; no leech was breaking through their borders on his watch. Aye, aye captain was Lahote's response as he turned off all thoughts of his imprint, giving himself over to his wolf.

Sebastian was at a loss… Keyla hadn't come to see him since the last pack meeting. He'd risked getting his ass beat tonight just for the chance to speak to her, but she wouldn't even glance his way. He could swallow his pride and try speaking with Hawk in hopes of gathering any kind of clue, but knew the kid hated his guts. He'd made his thoughts clearly known during their last patrol together, and Bas knew it was out of loyalty and affection for Keyla. Hawk had his father's impeccable control and if he leaked his thoughts into the pack mind, then it was intentional. His chances of getting any information were slim to none. But was growing desperate enough to try and felt grateful when Remy Uley left the bonfire for his assigned patrol.

The rumbling in his belly reminded Sebastian he hadn't even eaten tonight, but he'd been so preoccupied trying to capture Keyla's attention, everything else had taken a backseat. That was until Quil took Brady's drunken ass home, and he'd walked over to his father's side to comfort him. His sister had taken off running, and if it hadn't been for Lahote, he would've been by her side as well. Sebastian felt guilty as he looked towards his mother. Shye was still fighting the imprint even though she pretended she wasn't and Sebastian was…well a fool; a fool for getting physically involved with a sixteen-year-old girl, and for becoming infatuated with said sixteen-year-old girl.

He spotted Keyla making her way to the food table, and Bas wasted no time in following. She tensed, no doubt sensing his presence, but continued piling food onto her plate.

"Why are you avoiding me Keyla?"

He tried to speak in his lowest tone, but she showed no signs of acknowledging his question. So, he cut off her retreat, forcing her to meet his gaze, but not before taking stock of her surroundings.

"Are you fucking crazy?" she whispered.

"You haven't answered any of my texts… what am I supposed to think La?"

"I've been busy with school and patrols…"

"Don't lie to me. I know we can't talk here …Come to my place tonight".

"I can't…I've got some stuff I gotta take care of at home".

"Fine. Your dad's patrolling so I can come to you. Meet me by your house around midnight".

Keyla's eyes widened in alarm and Sebastian took that as a no as well.

"Your choice La… I'm not letting this go. It's either my place or yours. If you don't come, then I'll know where to find you".

He left her standing with the plate in her hands and went around the bonfire to bid his parents and pack mates goodnight before jumping on his motorcycle and taking off. Luca, having witnessed the strange exchange, met her half way; wasting no time in questioning his sister.

"You look like you've seen a ghost. What did he want?"

"He just wanted to switch a patrol day with me".

She didn't bother waiting for her brother's reply and walked back to her seat. Hawk was the only one aside from Raven who knew the true nature of her involvement with Sebastian, even if half of the pack already suspected. He'd been urging her to speak to him about her growing discomfort in the secrecy of their relationship. He was right of course; she couldn't continue this way, sneaking around behind her family's back. She'd hoped her show of disinterest these last couple of weeks would've put him off and had waited with daily anguish for any news he might've started hooking up with someone else. It would have gutted her, but at least spared her the task of facing him. She imagined he'd laugh upon learning of her juvenile infatuation. But hoped that if she gained enough courage to speak to him. would at least want to maintain some sort of relationship with her, even if only based on friendship.

The night progressed in idle pace. Keyla couldn't remember getting dropped off at home. It was instinct driving her now… walking the familiar path she'd taken many times in the last months to his home. She didn't dare enter and waited behind his apartment building, knowing he would scent her arrival. The back of his apartment complex faced the woods and it would be better this way… quicker and less painful. The sound of her heavy breathing filled the air, and she hoped he wouldn't make her wait out there for too long.

Sebastian had spent the better part of an hour pacing across his living room floor, and his wolf wasn't faring any better. In fact, his wolf was livid; demanding its human wake the fuck up and realize how close they were to losing the only thing that mattered… their mate. Bas had been racking his brain trying to figure out what the problem was and kept coming back to the only thing that made any sense… she didn't want him anymore, and the thought made him physically ill. His wolf was struggling to take control, convinced Sebastian would find a way to make the situation worse. And knew the only thing to do was to prove their worth as a mate. Sebastian thought back on their most intimate moments together and knew without a doubt that Keyla had been sexually gratified every time. His wolf groaned, giving into its despair, and realizing its human was a hopeless case.

Sebastian thought that if his wolf wasn't going to be of any good use, then he should just stay the fuck out of his head. The wolf retreated to the recesses of his mind, silently praying the she-wolf take pity on them both. He caught a whiff of her scent and listened for her arrival, but after five minutes of waiting, decided to venture out in search of her. He found her at the back of his building wearing the same jersey sundress from the bonfire.

"What are you doing out here La?"

The rich and deep sound of his voice filled the silence of the night.

"It's better if we talk out here, I don't plan on staying long".

His beautiful features were marred by his confusion, and he moved closer, reaching for her arm.

"Keyla, what the hell happened? Why are you acting this way?"

She backed herself up to the wall of the building as he continued to advance, stopping mere inches from her, wanting to be as close to her as possible. He placed his hands around her hips, trapping her in place while his nose skimmed the line of her jaw, inhaling her heady scent.

"I've missed you, I just want to be close to you".

Keyla was shivering. She wanted so badly to tell him how much she'd missed him as well, but knew she needed to be strong. She placed a shaky hand on his chest and pushed him off.

"That's not why I came here Sebastian. I just came to talk".

Bas was confused by her words. She obviously had something important she wanted to say, and by the tone in her voice, it was anything but good. But her body was responding to him like it usually did. He didn't want to hear the words he was sure would come next. No, he needed to remind her of how good they were together, of why her body shivered and willowed at his touch; molding on to his and pushing each other to walk that fine line between pleasure and pain. Sebastian cocked his head to the side, taking in every luscious inch of her; drowning in the smell of her arousal. An arousal that was also mixed with fear.

"What are you scared of Keyla? I can smell your desire from here. I know you want me just as much as I want you".

He didn't wait for an answer and pounced. He kissed and nipped at her bottom lip asking for entrance. When she turned her face in defiance, he nipped at the side of her neck, and was rewarded with a moan. Sebastian had worshipped her body at length, and knew where to touch, where to kiss and where to pull. He grabbed one of her breasts roughly and knew that her resistance was waning rapidly as her hips undulated onto his. She opened her mouth to speak, and Sebastian silenced her with an eager tongue, tasting her flavor and ripping her underwear off with one swift move. She was slick with want, and as he entered her knuckles deep, she let out a strangled cry and clamped down on his fingers.

"That's right La let go. Let me feel you cum on my hand".

Sebastian fell onto his knees, pulling her dress over his head and tasting her sweetness while he continued to drive his fingers inside of her. She was close, and as he nipped on her bud, he tasted her release while she dug her finger nails onto his shoulders. He brought her gently to the ground floor, removing his shorts in one quick maneuver and entered her. It was dangerous to be doing this out in the open, but Sebastian didn't care; lost in the feeling of being inside of her.

She was his; didn't she know she was his?

He didn't realize he'd said it aloud, and it was these words that brought Keyla back down from her high.

She was his; his to take whenever he wanted, his to discard whenever he so chose, and the reality of that broke something inside of her. Her wolf had never been very dominant, but Keyla could hear her roaring inside of her now. NO, NO, NO. She used her strength to push him off as she scrambled to a standing position, trying to right her clothing.

"Is this all I am to you? A piece of ass that you can tap whenever or wherever you want?"

Sebastian sat on his heels, looking clueless and trying to understand what just occurred.

Was she mad because of where this was happening?

Granted, it wasn't smart of him to do this out in the open, knowing full well that another wolf could have been patrolling or passing nearby, but still…

"I can't keep doing this with you Sebastian. I know I said I could, but I'm tired of hiding, and I deserve better".

She whispered the last phrase, but Sebastian heard it just as well and felt empty at hearing her words.

She deserved better. Of course, she did. It was his worst fear coming true; she'd outgrown him.

Sebastian could only nod in understanding and stood to put his shorts back on, not wanting to stay in her presence longer than he needed to.

"Aren't you going to say anything?"

Keyla already knew how this would end but had held on to the slightest scrap of hope he might surprise her and hadn't been ready for how it would feel. Sebastian looked at her with tired eyes.

"What do you want me to say Keyla? You're right, and I'm sorry that you are".

Keyla felt like her heart had been ripped out of her chest. She picked up the remains of her undergarment from the ground and disappeared into the darkness of the forest, not bothering to look back. If she had, she would have seen one of the pack's most ruthless, and vicious fighters brought to his knees by the retreating form of a sixteen-year-old girl.

Playlist

With wings- Amy Stroup

Rules- Jayme Dee

Clever Gains-Zuzu