Spirit of the Wolf

I don't own anything, this was just a dream I had and thought I'd write it down... Enjoy

Chapter Seven

Carlisle POV

After Jasper, Emmett and the girls left, Edward, Bella, Esme and I talked about what just happened. We were all sitting in the living room silent, trying to come up with plausible ideas of what this could have meant.

"Did anyone make a reference to wolves since she's been awake?" Esme asked.

"I don't think so. Not even Jacob said anything. I asked him just a few minutes ago. He's on his way now. Sam already briefed him on what happened. Seth is going to stay on the border. Paul has stationed himself on the northern border." I looked at my family as I said this.

Bella settled herself closer to Edward and asked, "What does this mean? Okay, so he imprinted on her. How, though, does she know about wolves?"

"I don't know," Edward replied, "We'll find out more when Jacob arrives. He should be here any minute." His statement was made true when we heard a knock on the door.

Esme went and answered it and said, "Jacob, you don't need to knock. Please come in. Are you hungry? 'Cai still isn't up for much eating, and I'd hate for all the wonderful food Emily sent over to go to waste."

I smiled when Edward called out, "You may as well say yes, Jacob. She already heated it up."

Jacob entered the room with a plate full of meat, bread and vegetables. Esme brought him a chair and a glass of something to drink. He looked at her and said, "Mrs. Cullen, you don't need to wait on me. I know my way around your kitchen."

She laughed and said, "Just sit. Now, on to business. What happened? Paul came to take her to the reservation, saw 'Cai and barely had enough time to enter the forest before he turned. Then, before 'Cai left she asked about 'Wolf Boy'. Why do the Elders wish to see her?"

Jacob swallowed what he had in his mouth before he answered, "The legend of the Cold Ones and the Wolves aren't the only ones we were told as children. Bella, I didn't tell you this one since none of us ever thought it would come true in our lifetime. Quileute legend tells of a woman who will bridge the gap between Vampires and Wolves. We will no longer be enemies. Well, we won't be enemies with Vegetarian Vampires. The others, well, we can't promise much. She-"

"I'm sorry to interrupt, but how exactly will she bridge the gap?" I asked.

Jacob sighed and responded, "We don't know. We don't even know if she is the one. But judging by what Esme said and what the others told me, she very well could be."

"What do you mean? What did the others tell you?" Bella asked.

"From what Sam, Quil and Embry said, she has wolf blood. Her eyes hold traces of it. However, I don't think she can transform like the rest of us. She's different. How much of her history do you know?"

"Her mother and baby brothers were killed when she was four. Since then, she and her father moved back to the Blackfoot Reservation in Montana. She was raised with the help of her grandparents. Her uncle is the Chief and she has two male cousins her age. But-"

Jacob cut Esme off, "But when you checked at the Reservation, they have no record of her. She told me her father died in June and she ran off the night he died, but we didn't find her for months after. She wasn't shocked by what Nessie can do and has never commented on the lack of warmth in your skin. I don't know if Billy will be thrilled or dismayed."

"What should we do?" I asked.

"How does her scent affect you? Any problems?"

"No. For us, it smells like a forest in here." Bella answered with a smile.

"Do you mind if she stays with you for a couple more days? If not, then I'm sure she can stay with Billy and I. It wouldn't be ideal, but the only other available place is at Paul's and I don't think any of us want to go down that road yet."

The rest of us just smiled when Esme gasped, "Of course she can stay here. Alice wouldn't have it any other way and Nessie loves her. She can stay as long as she needs."

Jacob nodded his thanks, stretched and stood. He took his plate and cup back to the kitchen. When he returned, he said, "I'll keep you posted. I'll discuss with Sam and the Elders what we have discussed here, and I'll tell you what our next move will be. We may not need to meet with 'Cai tomorrow. I'll call in the morning." Jacob turned and walked out of the house. Turning back he requested, "Do you think it would be possible for Alice to keep an eye out on the future? I know she can't see us, but with this new development, one can never be too careful."

Nodding, we said our goodbyes. Going east, the rest of went out to hunt. With Alice shopping, the girls were sure to be gone all day.

_+_+_+_+_+_

Emmett POV

This was exactly how I wanted to spend my day; Shopping with my wife, siblings and the new girl. She's pretty cool. Rosie likes her so that says quite a lot. Since we had the whole day, we went up to Seattle for shopping. About an hour into the drive, Nessie fell asleep so Jasper and I were able to talk freely.

"So, what do you think? Should she stay?" I asked Jasper."

He smiled and replied, "Believe it or not, the whole family adores her. Especially Esme. Rosalie has opened up more to her than anyone else. Well, except for you of course."

We were laughing when Jasper's phone rang. He put the call on speaker, "Hey babe, what's up?"

"'Cai just fell asleep." Rosalie answered, "Alice got as far as Gucci shoes and she went out like a light. What were you two talking about?"

I laughed and replied, "Oh nothing. Just how much you love 'Cai more than anyone else. How long are we staying today?"

"I would love to spend the weekend, but we have to get her back tomorrow. Sadly, we only have about four or five hours to shop." Alice responded.

"Oh, only four or five hours? How will I survive the anguish?" I joked.

"Jasper, sweetheart. Could you do me a favor?"

"Sure, what do you need?" He asked.

"Slap Emmett. I'll slap him again when we get out of the cars."

Without giving me any warning, he slapped me in the back of the head. I just laughed. "I love you too, Alice."

"Okay guys. We'll stop when Nessie and 'Cai wake up. Should be another hour or so." Rose added, laughter lacing her voice.

"Okie dokie," I replied, "Talk to you later, Captain. Over and out."

Jazz and I spoke quietly for the next half hour when his phone started going off.

"Jazz, we need to pull over. 'Cai is having a nightmare. We can't calm her; we can't even wake her up. About a mile down the road is a truck stop. We're going to go on ahead. We called Carlisle and he said she might be in shock when she wakes. We'll meet you there."

The phone cut out before Jazz or I could respond. Hanging up the phone, Jasper said, "Let's go. The rest of the ride she stays with us."

I nodded and replied, "She's okay. She's going to be okay. Between you, Nessie, Rose and the rest of the family, she's going to be okay. Come on, " I said when I parked, "they're over there.

We walked over to the car. Rosalie was in the car trying to wake 'Cai. Nessie and Alice had gone into the store to buy soda, crackers and ice. I watched as Jasper carefully took 'Cai out of Rose's arms. I wrapped my arms around her and watched the scene before me.

Jasper ran his hand across 'Cai's face and arms. Not looking up he muttered, "Has her skin always been this warm? I can't make the fear and pain go away."

I pulled out my phone and called Carlisle.

"How is she?" Esme asked.

"She's burning up and won't wake. Carlisle, should we come home.

Alice and Nessie returned as Rose answered, "She's always been warm. She seems to get warmer when she has a bad dream. Should we come home?"

"When she wakes up see how she is. If she is still warmer than usual, or seems dizzy or faint, come home. If she's unfazed by what happened, go shopping. It will do her good to be out of the house for the day."

"Thanks, Carlisle. Hold on, I think she's waking up." True to form, she started stirring in Jasper's arms.

Bleary eyed, hers eyes locked with Jazz's and she said, "Whoa dude. I love you too, but you have a girlfriend who, though small, could beat me up." She swung her gaze around to me and Rose, "Hey, Gorgeous. Did I faint?"

I laughed and said, "Why thank you. And no, you didn't faint. You just had a really bad dream and your temperature shot up."

"I wasn't talking to you. Rosalie is the gorgeous one in that relationship. And, as for my temperature shooting up, it always does that when I have a bad dream." She looked at Alice and asked, "I was dreaming about my mother again, wasn't I?"

Alice nodded and asked, "How did you know? Do you remember what happened?"

"No, but when my body temperature goes up, it's because I'm dreaming about my mother and brothers. When my body goes cold, then I'm dreaming about something scary. Is that Carlisle on the phone?"

"Emmett, give her the phone. I want to talk to her." I could hear Esme in my ear requesting.

I handed 'Cai the phone and said, "Esme wants to talk to you."

She nodded, "Hi Esme. No, I'm fine. I fell asleep in the car and had another nightmare. No no, I'm fine. You can tell Carlisle that no, I'm not dizzy or feeling faint. I promise, if I start feeling faint or ill, I'll hitch a ride on Emmett's back. Uh huh. Yep… Okie dokie. I love you too. I promise, we're going to have lots of fun tormenting Emmett. Yes Carlisle, I'll eat something." She rolled her eyes as she spoke, but the smile never left her face. "Okay. Yes Ma'am," She looked at me and said, "Esme says to tell you to behave. No riding mountain bikes in the store." She went back to the phone and asked, "Can I ride mountain bikes in the store? I'm super cute and wicked fast." She laughed again and replied, "Okay, I promise I won't ride the mountain bikes either. Okay, bye."

She handed the phone back to me, "Well, can she still go shopping?"

Carlisle's voice came over the phone, "She is absolutely fine. Make sure she eats something with sugar. I'm sure Alice already has that covered." I smiled, said my goodbyes and hung up.

"All right, missy. You can go shopping, but only if you eat something. Alice," I stepped aside and let Alice hand her the crackers and soda. At 'Cai's grimace, I explained, "Carlisle suggested something with lots of sugar. It will help you bounce back faster."

"I know, but I still don't think I can keep that down." She took a deep breath and slowly ate the crackers and soda. Sitting still for a moment, she looked behind her at Jasper and said, "What did you do that got you regulated to 'chair'?"

We laughed and he answered, "I seem to have a knack for calming people. We were hoping it would work on you. Did it help?"

She pondered this for a moment and replied, "I think so. Okay, so now that I'm sure I won't throw up, can we go shopping?"

Rose and Alice laughed, relieved to know 'Cai was fine.

Nessie walked over to 'Cai and tugged on her dress. 'Cai leaned down to pick her up, but almost fell off Jasper's lap.

He grabbed her around the waist and said, "Hold on there. If you start bleeding, we're going home. Alice?" Alice nodded and placed Nessie in 'Cai's lap.

"Hi honey. Are you having fun?"

Nessie lifted her hand and placed on 'Cai's cheek. 'Cai closed her eyes and paused. Opening them, she smiled and said, "I'm okay. I just had a bad dream but I'm all better now. I vote we go shopping. I need more clothes and your aunties want to torment your uncles." Nessie giggled and climbed into Rosalie's arms.

I helped 'Cai stand and said, "How about you ride with me and Jasper. It's no fair the girls get you all to themselves."

'Cai saluted and said, "Aye aye, Captain."

I laughed and said, 'Come on, baby girl."

After our pit stop, Nessie was moved into Alice's car and 'Cai rode with us. She sat in the back, reading one of Bella's books. Jasper and I were busy arguing about sports… again.

"Wrestling is not a sport! Two guys, in spandex, rolling around on the floor..." I trailed off when I heard 'Cai laughing in the backseat. "What are you laughing at, Short Stuff?"

She shook her head and waved a hand at me, "Nothing, nothing. What do you consider a sport then, Oh Mighty One?"

She put her book to the side, unbuckled her seat belt and leaned forward to listen.

"Football, Baseball… Pretty much anything that's body contact."

"What about hand to hand combat? Karate, Sword play… Those are all body contact, well not so much Sword play, but I use my body when I fight."

"Whoa," Jasper swung around in his seat, "You can fight with a sword? Who taught you that?"

"Various teachers… I can also hunt, track, ride horse back. I prefer bare back, but I will use a saddle if I have to. Umm, I can also fight hand to hand. I know a little Karate, but it isn't really my favorite. Everything I can do is passed down from generation to generation. I was taught alongside my cousins."

"Do you do anything… I don't know, Girly?" I asked.

She laughed and said, "Yeah, I cook, clean, I can sew and knit, I'm a great breeder… I can even read and write. Would you like references? So sorry, but the only people who could give me a reference don't even exist." She slapped me hard on the back of my head and muttered, "Gomer."

I looked at her in the rearview mirror. Seeing that she wasn't seriously angry, I laughed when she stuck her tongue out at me. "Okay fine, so you aren't actually a girl. Just don't tell the others. Esme, Alice, Nessie and Rose adore you. Bella adores Edward and Nessie. The rest of us come second."

She was laughing when I asked, "Okay, so what normal sports do you like?"

Still leaning forward, she placed her chin on my shoulder and listed, "Soccer, Football, more playing than watching. Hmm, Hockey, ice and field, Baseball-"

"Are you freakin' kidding me? I love baseball. Next time there is a thunder storm, you are so playing."

She laughed and said, "Okay. Why are we going to play in a thunderstorm? Oh, I get it. You suck so badly, your family doesn't want to run the risk of anyone seeing you. Okay, I get it now. Moving on. Jasper, what is our next topic of discussion?"

He laughed and replied "Sorry, but we're about to pull in now. Our conversation will have to wait for the ride back. Maybe the girls will let us commandeer you for the ride home."

It was about eleven when we finally arrived at the mall. Laughing, she scooted over so I could help her out, "Milady," I said with a dramatic bow.

She just laughed and punched my arm. Turning to the other car, Alice and Rose came over with Nessie. Nessie ran over to me and demanded, "Up."

I just glared and replied, "What am I, your horse?"

'Cai stood behind us and said, "Giddy-up, little pony,"

When I lunged at her, she ran behind Jasper and pleaded, "Save me, save me from the Demon Horse of Hell." Jasper just looked at her. She straightened and said, "What? He's the one that sucks at baseball. I'm just the cute and innocent bystander. Aren't I, Alice?"

Jasper shook his head and asked, "What does that have to do with anything?"

Taking a moment to think about that, she replied, "Absolutely nothing, but I'm still the cute and innocent one. Right?" She asked, this time including Rosalie in her look.

Alice just gave Jasper a hug and said, "Yes. Remember, we brought you guys along for 'Cai's benefit. Come on, children. We have lots of shopping today."

I swung Nessie up onto my shoulders. Jazz and Alice took the lead and 'Cai and Rose followed behind us. It was cute. My baby was bonding with a human.

_+_+_+_+_+

Jasper POV

The first hour of shopping went pretty well. Except for the emotions around us. The male emotions especially. I was thankful I couldn't read minds whenever a male looked at 'Cai. Alice and Rosalie warranted a couple stares, but they were quickly put to rest when Emmett or I put our arms around them. Sadly, 'Cai didn't have that sort of protection. It got so bad, that 'Cai even noticed the staring. She had enough when a couple guys approached her.

"Hey there cutie. Wanna go to a party?" Idiot number one said, slinging his arm around her waist.

Emmett and I took a step forward, but stopped when she gave us a look.

"Are you going to be there?" She asked, playing the sultry card. The look she gave these guys is a look I never want to see on her face again. She leaned back against the wall behind her and licked her lips.

Idiot number two came up beside her and leaned into her, glancing down her top. Emmett gave a small growl. I held his arm and said, "Wait. When these guys start touching her we go over there. Right now, she's doing okay. Alice," I asked, "Can you see anything?"

She frowned and replied, "In about two minutes, she disappears completely. I'm lucky to be able to see her now."

I nodded and turned my attention back to the scene before us. Rosalie had taken Nessie to look at books. Upon her return, she gave a soft hiss, "Where's the wolf?"

"Don't worry," I said, "He's one of Sam's… Oh God, it's Paul."

Emmett laughed and said, "This is going to be so good. I'm glad you stopped me. Oh, look out. We're about to miss the show."

I looked back and saw what he meant. Standing in front of 'Cai, with arms crossed, was Paul Walker. He set his glare on the protesting idiots in front of him.

"Hey man. What do you think you're doing? We were here first."

Paul's glare just deepened as he answered, "I'm protecting my woman from a couple of idiots. Did you not see the ring on her finger?"

I looked at my family confused. 'What ring?' we all thought.

Our question was answered when 'Cai replied, "You know that with my pregnancy, my fingers are changing sizes. My ring didn't fit this morning when I left with the girls. It's safe in my jewelry box."

Paul gave her a soft kiss. Looking at the stoners in front of him he said, "I suggest you both leave before you do something stupid. You see the big guy by the window?" He gestured towards Emmett. At their nod, Paul continued, "That's her step brother. Make no mistake, he will hurt you and I won't stop him. Go."

These two jokers tripped over themselves trying to get away. We couldn't help but laugh. I looked over at 'Cai when I heard her laugh. Keeping up with their façade, she dragged Paul over to where we were standing. He was still looking tense, so I helped calm him. He gave me a slight nod, indicating he felt what I did.

"Are they gone?" 'Cai asked softly. When Paul nodded, she introduced herself, "I'm Na 'Caia, but please call me 'Cai. Thank you for your assistance. How did you find us?"

With his eyes never leaving her face, Paul held 'Cai by the waist and answered, "Jacob told me. I'm sorry the Elders couldn't meet with you today. I'm sure you're having more fun here anyway."

She just shrugged and replied, "I have some questions for you and your Elders. Alice," She turned her attention towards my lovely wife, "Where else do we need to go?"

"Well, you have shoes, we just need outfits for those shoes. I'm thinking skirts and dresses. Do you dance?"

Startled, she replied, "I did. I haven't in years. Is it still evident in my walk?"

Alice cocked her head and mused, "I haven't seen someone so graceful in a long time. Why don't you dance?"

When 'Cai tensed, Paul left a kiss on her neck and whispered, "Breathe…"

He looked at us and explained, "The women of most Native American tribes dance and sing at the funeral ceremonies of loved ones. As the only female in a long time, she danced, even when she was a small child. Am I correct?" He asked 'Cai in her ear. She only nodded, still with a dazed look on her face.

"'Cai… I'm sorry," Alice started.

'Cai reached for Alice's hand and said, "Don't be sorry. You were bound to find out soon anyway. I need to begin the mourning ceremony for my father. You don't need to be sorry. You and your family have given me so much already. Okay?" When Alice nodded, the doubt washed from her face, 'Cai proclaimed, "Now, let's go shopping!"

Laughing, the four women in our company walked ahead to the nearest clothing store. Emmett, Paul and I brought up the rear, carting the bags full of shoes. When I handed Paul some of these bags, he just shook his head and muttered, "The things we do for the ones we love."

We just laughed at him. Emmett asked, "So… You imprinted. Does she know?"

"No, but it shouldn't come as a surprise for her. She carries the spirit of the wolf. She is special, so very special…" He trailed off, taking on a wistful look to his face.

I nudged Emmett and said, "How do you feel about imprinting on her?"

He smirked and replied, "I can't begin to tell you how angry I was. I knew there was a chance of imprinting, but I never expected I would. Not only to I imprint, but I imprint on a woman who may or may not be the answer to a legend we have been told for generations. She… she is amazing."

I only smiled. When I noticed the direction we were walking, I stopped short and said, "Guys. You are about to walk into Victoria's Secret. Emmett, I didn't know you wore ladies underwear."

I laughed at the look on his face. He whipped out his phone and called Rosalie, "Hey babe. How long do you think you'll be? Okay, we'll be at sporting goods. Call when you're done. Love you." He hung up and looked at us. "She said no less than an hour. Sporting Goods?"

I looked at Paul who just shrugged and nodded. We followed Emmett to the nearest sporting goods store. We spent the next hour looking at baseball bats, footballs and so on. We even bought 'Cai a soccer ball. We were checking out when I received a call from Alice.

"Hey Jazz. We're done. But," she added slyly, "we need a little help."

"Okay," I replied, "What do you need help with?"

"'Cai is getting tired. She's also getting hungry for the first time in days. We were wondering if you would drop Paul by the food court so the rest of us can take the bags back to the car, and give those two some time alone. It will give us a good excuse for not eating. How about it?"

Trusting my wife's judgment, I answered, "Sounds good to me. How long?"

"We'll be there in about ten minutes. We're going slow for 'Cai's benefit. Love you."

"Love you too." I said, hanging up the phone. "We are going to drop you and 'Cai off at the food court. She's finally hungry and we don't eat. So,"

"So, you are going to leave us at the food court while you guys put the bags in the car." He nodded and added, "Are you taking the little one?"

"Yeah," I answered, "We'll give you guys time to talk. Alice and Rose will probably find another sale on the way back."

Emmett laughed. "Well, lover boy. You two have fun on your date. Here," he handed Paul a wad of bills, "dinner's on us."

Paul just shook his head and stated, "I should deck you for that. But, since you are paying for me to eat, I'll let it slide." He smacked Emmett on the shoulder and started walking.

Emmett, looking confused, said, "You know, he's not so bad. I wonder why that is."

I shrugged and suggested, "Maybe we should call Carlisle when we get to the parking lot. He may have heard some more from Jacob or the rest of the pack."

We walked the rest of the way to the food court in silence. Arriving, we went to stand next to our family. Alice was describing the plan when I reached her.

"Okay, so we're going to take these bags to the car while you guys eat. We're not super hungry and this way you two can talk." Alice's beautiful smile would make anyone agree.

'Cai laughed, looked at Paul and quirked her right eyebrow. "Sure, Alice. How about it Paul? Want to go on a date?"

We laughed and he answered, "Sure. I'm starving and a little bird told me you are finally hungry."

She laughed again and grabbed onto his arm. She gave us a soft grin and asked, "Are you sure you guys won't join us? I know it's not gourmet, but it's better than nothing."

"No, you two go ahead," Rosalie answered. "We'll drop this stuff off and be ready for more. We want to keep one of the boys free, in case you need a lift before we're done."

'Cai just shook her head and dragged Paul away. We last heard them discussing what they wanted to eat.

"Okay," We heard 'Cai begin, "something with salt. I like salt… What?" She asked a laughing Paul.

"Most women like sugar. I was right, you aren't normal. What?" He asked, still laughing.

"I am… Wait, I take that back. I agree, I'm not normal."

My siblings and I just laughed as we walked out of the mall. Emmett turned to us and asked, "Should we really leave those two alone? I mean, look at the way they look at each other."

Rosalie kissed him and replied, "They are in a crowded mall. I don't think they are going to do anything stupid. Come on, we're going to call Carlisle and ask him why we don't feel like ripping the wolf to shreds."

_+_+_+_+_+

'Cai POV

"You know, I can carry my own tray. I'm not as helpless as you seem to think." I laughed when Paul still insisted on carrying my food. "Fine, but I'm carrying the drinks. I 'd rather they did not end up on the floor." I soaked up his warm laugh, walking behind him so I could take in his well-defined body. The muscles in his back rippled whenever he moved his arms. His legs were encased in faded jeans topped with a black belt. Leaning over the table, his forest green shirt rode up, putting his six pack abs on display. Glancing quickly to my left, I noticed a table of white, high school girls ogling Paul. I stamped down the possessive fire running through my veins when Paul turned to me and held out my chair. Smiling, I sat down and handed him his soda.

He winked and crooked a finger towards me. Leaning forward, he placed a small kiss on my lips. When I cocked my head, he put his lips to my ear and explained, "I was starting to feel uncomfortable with all the staring. This way, they might leave me alone."

I just laughed and started eating my lo mein. Finishing my bite, I looked at him and asked, "So, what's your favorite season?"

Sipping his soda, he answered, "I don't really have a favorite. When you live in this part of Washington, your seasons aren't very different. But, if I have to choose, I'd choose summer. Best time to go cliff diving. Now you, what is your favorite season?"

"Spring," I said, "I love the way the wind smells when the snow starts melting and plants start coming alive. Corny, I know, but I've always loved spring the most. Okay, you're turn. Ask a question."

He pondered a moment and asked, "Favorite soda to drink on a hot summer's day."

I kept my eyes trained on the table as I answered, "It used to be Coke or Dr. Pepper. Now, I don't think I'll drink either one of those again."

Paul grasped my hand, "May I ask why? I didn't mean to upset you."

I shook my head. "No, no, it's alright. The night my father died, I sent him to town to buy the soda for the bonfire. It was almost three hours before I noticed him missing."

Paul kissed the palm of my hand and said, "I'm so sorry. I wish I could give you back your family, but I'm very glad you are here now. Oh, and Coke. Your turn."

I gave him a watery laugh. "Okay, favorite type of music."

"Heavy rock, baby. I listen to some country, but only when I'm really bored and the guys won't change the radio station. You?"

"Drums. Mainly tribal music, but I've been known to listen to some Within Temptation or Nightwish. But I only listen to that when I'm really upset." We continued on like this for the next twenty minutes.

I was still laughing after he told me his favorite show growing up. "I still can't believe you loved 'Sesame Street'."

"What's wrong with 'Sesame Street'?" He asked, feigning hurt.

"Nothing, it's perfect. 'Sesame Street' was my favorite show too. Okay, your turn. Ask away, Oh Gorgeous One."

"What is your favorite color?"

"The deep, dark blue of the sky after a summer thunderstorm. And before you ask, I love thunderstorms. They make me feel alive. I love watching the patterns of the lightening running across the sky and the thunder vibrating through my chest. Okay, now you."

He leaned forward and smiled. "Your eyes."

I rolled my eyes and replied, "That doesn't count. 'Eyes' is not a color."

"I didn't say 'Eyes', I said your eyes. The way the brown changes color depending on your emotions. When the sunlight catches them just so," he raised his hand and tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, "hints of gold and green come through. If you look long and deep enough, there is also a bit of blue. That's why, your eyes are my favorite color."

Reminding myself to breathe, I asked, "How long has this been your favorite color?"

"Since this morning, when I saw you on the porch with Alice and Rosalie. You try to hide it, but I can still see the sadness hiding there." He leaned forward again and left a kiss on my lips.

Our lips were still connected when I heard a cough coming from my right. When we just ignored them, thinking it was one of the girls from the next table, the person laughed and stated, "I think we're interrupting something. Excuse me, Lovebirds. We have more shopping to do."

"Alice, I think they're having more fun doing this."

I heard a sigh, but I didn't turn to see where it came from since I was busy. "We better have a seat. They have to come up for air soon." I heard numerous chairs scrape across the floor and their owners sitting down.

After a few more moments, I heard, "Dear God. How much longer are they going to do this? Carlisle's gonna be mad if she passes out."

Finally pulling away, I looked at Emmett and said, "I was on the swim team. I can hold my breath for almost four minutes. Don't worry, if I pass out, I'll pass out on Paul." I looked at the smirking faces of the others and asked, "What?"

Rosalie just smiled and said, "Come on. We have to buy you some dresses. Esme will have my head if all we get are pants and Alice is sure to push me out of the car on the way home." Giving me her hand, she helped me stand and Jasper took our trays.

"Aye, Captain," I said in my best Scottish accent, "Where to first?"

"You need a dress for Rose and Emmett's wedding. Paul," Alice spun to Paul and asked, "what is your favorite color?"

Paul wrapped his arms around me and smiled, "'Cai's eyes."

When they only looked at us confused, I bent down to Nessie and showed her our conversation. Smiling, she nodded and showed Alice and Rosalie. Taking a moment to see, a bright smile spread over Alice's face.

"Aww that is so cute, "She turned to Jasper and slapped him," Why can't you say things like that?"

Jasper just shook her head and whispered in her ear. She giggled and Rose just rolled her eyes. She turned to Paul and me and said, "Come on. Paul, you are going to help this time. If I know Alice, she is going to drag you to the wedding." She took Emmett by the arm and we began our trek to one of the many dress shops in the mall.

Entering a shop, Rose took my arm this time and dragged me over to a row of earth-toned dresses. She and Alice, who finally showed up with Jasper, began pulling random dresses off the racks. Paul found a chair and pulled me onto his lap. I snuggled into his chest and watched the two Cullen daughters finding me clothes.

Emmett came over and asked, "Do we really need to be here for this?"

Paul flung an arm out and replied, "If I have to stay, then you two are staying." He bent closer to my ear and suggested, "Faint about half way through. Don't worry, I'll be there to catch you."

I laughed when Alice responded, "I heard that." She pulled on my arm before I could make myself comfortable once more, "Come on, we have dresses for you and no fainting!"

I just kept laughing as I tried on the dresses they found me. The first one was an off the shoulder, bubble gum pink sundress. Wincing, I walked out of the dressing room and said, "No, absolutely not. I didn't wear pink when I was little, and I'm not going to start now." Hearing choked laughter, I looked at Paul and Emmett holding each other up. Jasper was standing a distance away trying valiantly not to laugh. I went back to the dressing room and got my shoes. Throwing one at both boys, I said, "Stop laughing. So help me, I'll put you guys in this dress." I walked back and changed.

The next three dresses were all a big fat no. Don't get me wrong: they were all beautiful, but just weren't me. I prefer a skirt that comes to my knee, not almost four inches above. By the tenth dress, even I was getting a little nervous.

"Alice, you don't honestly expect me to come out there in this dress."

"Why, what's wrong with it?" Concern coloring her question.

"Nothing," I replied not wanting to hurt her feelings, "It's just.... Well, too short. Is it supposed to be this tight?"

"Let's see," Rosalie said.

"Oh no," I said, "There is no way I'm coming out there. You two come in here."

Standing behind the door, I waited for their knock. When it came, I opened the door. Sadly, it wasn't Alice and Rosalie who entered. When I heard a quick intake of breath, I opened my eyes and gasped myself. Standing in front of me was Paul. His dark eyes were busy taking in the short, tight dress I was in. The dress was made of a silky soft material. Midnight blue, it had silver embroidery around the bodice. The inch wide shoulder straps held the dress in place, not that it needed the extra help. The dress itself was form fitting and ended just above my knees. The slit half way up my right thigh made movement seem possible.

Afraid of the continuing silence, I looked at him and said, "This is why I wasn't super thrilled about going out there. Is it that bad?"

Putting his large, warm hands on my waist, he replied in that husky voice that I love, "This dress is amazing. You should get it, even if you only ever wear around the house."

I laughed and jumped into his arms, "Well, I'm glad you like it, although I'm still unsure. Okay, if I go out there, will I send the guys into cardiac arrest?"

"No, they only have eyes for their women. Just like I only have eyes for you."

I gave him a kiss and let him walk out in front of me. Making sure no one else was in the vicinity, I stepped out from behind him. I kept my eyes shut and asked, "Okay, everyone see the dress? Good, now can I go take it off?"

"Why won't you open your eyes?" Alice asked.

"Where are you?" I muttered. When I felt Paul's arm, I added, "Despite his assurances, this isn't something I can see myself wearing. This is something you and Rosalie can pull off."

The feel of cool hands on either side of my body made me open my eyes. I saw both Alice and Rose smiling back at me. Looking to my side again, I noticed Paul was gone. "Where did the guys go?"

Rosalie answered, "Em and Jazz left to give us some privacy and to help Paul cool off. If he didn't already tell you, he loves that dress. Don't argue, but I'm buying you that dress. Go on, there are many more for you to try on. The guys will be back soon and we still don't have a dress the wedding."

I nodded and gave them each a hug. As I was walking back to my dressing room, Nessie came out of hers in the most adorable dress I had seen yet. The pale rose color complimented her skin and the gold beading brought out the gold highlights of her eyes. I gave her a hug and told her how beautiful she looked. She smiled and went to show her aunts.

Three more dresses and we found the perfect one. A two-piece, the bodice came to just below my bust line, leaving a clear view of my midriff. The soft brown fabric had embroidery on the right shoulder strap and lower hem, reminiscent of Native American designs. The skirt started just below my naval and ended at the floor. The same shade of brown as the bodice, the flowing material danced around my legs with every step I took and was weighted down with beadwork at the hem. Taking one look in the mirror, I stepped out and held my breath. Having only eyes for Paul, I studied him, waiting for his reaction. His reaction was much the same as with the blue dress only, this time, he knelt down in front of me studying the odd shaped mark on my left side.

"Where did you get this?" He asked softly, tracing the lines with his fingertips.

Steadying my erratic breathing, I replied, "I was born with it. My grandparents said it was a gift from the spirits. Why?"

Without answering, he placed a feather light kiss on the birthmark and said, "I was right. You do carry the spirit of the wolf."

Confused, I asked, "How did you know?"

Again without answering, he stood, slid his arms around my back and held me to him. He placed a kiss on my forehead and just held me, breathing deeply. Finally letting me go, he looked into my eyes for the longest time. Finally he said, "I have to go tell the Elders. I will most definitely be taking you there tomorrow. I'd love to take you there now, but I don't want to ruin your fun."

I nodded, still dazed by the feel of his lips on my stomach. Before saying his goodbyes, he whispered, "Buy this dress. Even if you don't wear it to the wedding, I would love to see you in it."

I nodded again and watched him walk away. Turning to the others I asked, "Do you think we have enough clothes for today? I would really like a chance to lay down and think about what just happened."

"Sure," Rosalie said. Picking up the six dresses we decided to get, I went back to the dressing room to change. At the register, I started leaning against the counter until I felt someone's arms wrap around me. Looking up, I saw Jasper on one side and Alice on the other.

Alice smiled and said, "This sure was an adventure. 'Cai, what was that mark on your stomach? It looked like a paw print."

I looked at her and suggested, "Why don't we wait until we get back. This is something your whole family needs to hear." Thinking aloud, I said to myself, "I never thought the old stories could be true."

Alice nodded and smiled. We made our way back to the entrance we had come, but halfway I started tripping on my feet. Handing his bag to Alice, Jasper swung me up in his arms. The gentle rocking motion of being carried lulled me to sleep. The last thing I remember is being buckled into the backseat, all the while hoping the Cullens would understand what I was about to tell them… And what I was about to ask.

Aww, the boys went shopping... Tee hee. Just be grateful I didn't have Emmett trying on any dresses. That could have gotten messy.