A/N: Okay people, this is the last chapter. You readers are awesome for sticking with me this far, and I hope this chapter doesn't disappoint. I am writing and epilogue for this before it's complete. Also, reminder, if you haven't voted on my poll for your favorite pup in this fic, please do, I'm a little curious to who you looked forward to reading about… so before I continue to ramble… enjoy.
D: Don't Own It
10. Sweet Meant To Be
Daniel's POV
I was at peace, finally. My heart soared for my sister's happiness. She found it, and whatever guilt I had, faded. Sure it sounds selfish, but she begged me to let go and just be happy that things just happen for a reason. So I did, and it feels great. Which is why I'm perched on the edge of the cliffs in my wolf form, enjoying the calmness of the ocean as the waves crash against the cliffs below me. Seagulls cawing from a distance, the salty water faintly invading my nostrils as the wind blew my fur in a wavy pattern.
My head rested on my paws as I looked out at the beautiful scenery, without a care in the world. I began to reminisce on the past month, with the short time-span; I've been through a lot with my family. And tonight at seven, my parents along with the council will be making the decision who will be La Push's next pack alpha. I have to admit that I'm nervous. Not everyone will have the same responsibilities as me if I am appointed to the position. I've seen my papa deal with the goods and the bads of it, and I can't even think of myself to do as good of a job as he did.
The more I think of it, I seem to be the only plausible candidate for the role, no offense to my brother and sister, but they don't really qualify, unless Coby decides to step up and challenge me for it, which I wouldn't give it a thought if he wanted it. Lexi's imprint voids that decision, partially. Roman has alpha blood running through him, but the council would still be questionable about him, they need more than a year to get to know him, and they need an alpha now, so Lexi would most likely be out.
Then there was Sean. My dads figured even though he doesn't have the bloodline running through his system, they'd give him a chance, but he doesn't want it. Renesmee will be leaving again in a year, and he wants to go with her, so he's insistent on denying it if it comes to him.
Then there is the matter of Ty and Coby. The strange thing is, alone, I don't think either of them could handle it without the other. They are literally the yin to the yang when it comes down to it, separate one from the other, it wouldn't make sense. They work best together, but we only need one alpha. Even if Ty is in the same situation as Sean, papa Jake still gives them the option.
'There you are.' SJ plopped down next to me, moving closer to me and rubbed his snout against mine. 'I was looking for you.'
'Yeah, just needed to get away from everyone to think.' I leaned into him.
'I'm not bothering you?' He asked concerned.
'No.' I licked his muzzle. 'I'm glad you came, when you're around I can think a lot better.'
'Still worried about the announcement?' He asked, staring out at the scenery too. I nodded and rested my head on my paws again. 'You'll do fine love, I know you'll make a great alpha if they choose you.'
'I know, but that means I'll have to stay in La Push, and I'm hoping you'll stay with me if it comes to it.' I bowed my head under his, pushing up on his chin for comfort.
'Of course I will Danny, you don't even need to ask me.' He licked my lips. 'I can't imagine living without you. I want to be the reason for everything that makes you happy, I want to marry you and have a family if you want it.'
'I do, if we can.' I stretched my paws out and gave a yawn. 'I can see a little Sam running around.' I chuckled in thought.
'Or a little Danny.' He added.
'Yeah.' I leaned into him again.
'Well I better head back, dad's probably having a fit, I'm supposed to help him set up the picnic table down the beach.' He stretched out and stood up. 'You going to be fine?'
'Yeah.'
And just like that, I was left alone with my thoughts again. Thankfully no one else was in their wolf forms at the moment, I guess the toxic scents of wolves were enough to drive any nomads away for a couple days.
'I misjudged you.' I was beginning my wolf forgot about me again.
'Yeah you did.' I answered with my head still rested on my paws.
'I'm glad you proved me wrong. I can now see what Samuel means to you, I could feel the satisfaction of his wolf to be near both of us.' She continued. 'I've had my reason's to have doubts, and I shouldn't have burdened my failures on you.'
'What are you talking about?'I questioned, staring into thin air.
'Well just because we wolves are souls, doesn't mean we don't strive to find love, where do you think the term soul mates came from?' I let out a chuckle. 'When a shifter decides to stop phasing, their wolves depart. Each case I've been in, in search of the wolf that shares the mind with SJ, has been a total failure because the man or woman I helped either gave up or died. I've been longing to feel my mate's touch again, and I was sure this would be my last try, but I have a strong feeling that my last attempt will be my best. I want to thank you for opening your heart and mind.'
'Why couldn't you just tell me?'
'Some discoveries you needed to make yourself, along with testing the bond you both have.' She implied. 'You both proved that now, and you didn't even have to seal the bond yet.'
'I used to be afraid that SJ would resent me if we ever did have sex, but now, with him being so patient with me, and with his wolf so insistent on claiming me even though he was able to fight it for so long, I would give him everything, all of me if he asked.' I have thought about it a lot; I just never thought I never deserved it. 'I actually look forward to it now after this is all done. I want him to know just how much I love him too, he deserves it all.'
'Imprinting is nothing that needs to be earned, and I hope you understand that I chose the most suitable mate for you, there's a reason why SJ is our imprint.' She added.
'And that is?'
'Because he's always loved you! Don't be upset, but he was always confused why he'd rather be with you, even your sister practically forced herself on him to date her. He was a confused young man.'
'How do you know this?'
'There are things that an imprint reveals without even trying… you just having to learn to listen.'
'So… are you going to be with me from now on?'
'Are you kidding me? Now that we both have what we want, I'm not going anywhere unless you ask me to, which, I'm hoping you don.t' I could feel her smile contently, satisfied with her happily ever after as I am.
'Good, because I'm going to need you if I ever decide to have pups with SJ.'
'I look forward to it.'
Another weight lifted off my shoulders, that's how it felt. Not only could I inhale, I could exhale without the complications of life, the worries for who I had to please today, it's actually my turn to be me. It' funny how I could get that from just the appreciation and acceptance from my wolf, I hadn't thought I would ever see the day, but now I was content with every bit of it.
"Danny?" Dad shouted from a distance, "You need to get ready."
Like a little kid racing home for ice cream, I bolted up and ran home before phasing and pulling on my khaki's and racing downstairs, flying by my parents to beat my sister to the shower before she got back from grandma Sue's.
"You have half an hour!" Dad shouted.
Sean's POV
"Are you sure you about coming with us, you know your parents will be upset, especially your dad Paul."
Renesmee let out a beautiful giggle, molded into my arms as we sat at the spot where we first met. I always knew that I would spend the rest of my life with her, however long as that may be, even if an imprint was involved.
"My dad will get over it; he's got my brothers and sister to boss around still." I smiled and kissed her on her cold cheek.
"What if they appoint you to take over the pack?" She questioned, placing her hands over mine as they rested on her stomach.
"I doubt it, everyone believes it will be Lexi or Danny anyways, besides, they'd do a lot better than I could." She giggled as I kissed her again.
"You never give yourself enough credit Sean. You're so keen to failure that you're afraid what people would think if you succeed."
"Ouch!" I mocked. "That bruised my ego."
"I'm being serious Sean," she turned and shoved my arm playfully, "I believe in you, you're smart, as much as you say you're not, you are. You're also very protective and a quick thinker."
"You think so?" I smiled pulling her in for another kiss.
"I know so." She returned it. "You just need to show it more."
"I guess."
How is it that the sight of the ocean's waves is enough to calm you? Or the smell of it can bring you to your moment of bliss? Or maybe it's just me, probably is. I'm sitting here with my imprint, basking in her beauty, what else could I ask for. Dad used to tell me about fairytales, and I always thought he was nuts, but now I believe him. Even though our story involves a native werewolf and his half-vampire girlfriend, they both found love in each other.
"I could write a book." I thought out loud, then laughing as she cocked her eyebrow. "Nah, too much of a headache."
"I love that you do that." She turned and wrapped her arms around my chest, under my arms.
"Do what?"
"Blurt out random thoughts, you're just so random." She giggled.
"Oh, well… answer this for me…." I smiled and lifted her up to stand, she gave me the awkward look until she realized that I leaned on my knee and dug in my pocket for the velvet box that I was surprised she hadn't discovered. "I don't know how to do this, but I saw it in some sappy romantic comedy, so I'm hoping I'm doing this right." I blushed, realizing she looked at me with love and affection, becoming teary-eyed. "I never believed in love at first sight until I saw you. And I never thought I would ever see a love, a bond as strong as my parents until I met you. So many things have been running through my head, on how we work so well together, and I just… I… " I couldn't calm my nerves, and my stuttering was picking up, "what I'm trying to say is that… I can't imagine living my life without you, even if it's a couple centuries or more, as long as they're spent with you, I'm willing to spend an eternity with you." So I opened the box to reveal a pure silver ring with a diamond encased in the center, "So will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
I wasn't prepared for her next move, but she tackled me and kissed me before shouting yes several times. I haven't seen her this happy before, so this was a privilege, and my wolf was filled with satisfaction, wanting more. Which I wasn't going to deny, I lusted for the woman who was practically insisting I take her here.
I slid my hands from her hips and under her shirt as she moaned into my kiss. My dick became more at attention with her every touch. Her icy cold skin –well almost- caressed mine, sending a jolt through the both of us.
"No, no, babe," She gasped for a breath. "Not here, not now."
"Why not?" I caught my breath.
"I promise tonight." She smiled, still kissing my lips.
"Tease."
"But you still love me." She smirked, releasing herself from hold and off my lap to stand up, reaching her hand out to pull me up. "When and how did you get this beautiful ring?"
I stood silent for a moment. To be honest, I haven't told anyone on my proposal, and I probably should've asked her parents for their approval, but I didn't want to waste a moment. So I used the money I saved up for a decent vehicle to buy her the expensive gift.
"Don't worry about it."
"I love you," She wrapped her arms around my neck and tiptoed to kiss me, "forever if you let me."
"I'll take that."
Lexi's POV
"Roman! No, no…" I begged as he chased me across the beach. "Not in my hair…"
"Whoops." He smirked acting like he accidently tossed the sand in my hair.
"You're gonna pay for that wolf boy." I began to chase my imprint as he dodged my every move.
The first time since over a year ago I had a smile on my face. Not one where my dad's easily placed upon my face, but this time it was because of the man behind me, running frantically to tease me. It really was true bliss, and the first person to hear about my moment of triumph was my brother Daniel. Not to brag, but for closure, for him. I love my brother with all my heart and I could see that no matter what, he was still crushed for giving into SJ when he knew it still bothered me. But now, whatever I felt has disintegrated the moment I met eyes with Roman Whiterock. My imprint and my soul mate.
FLASHBACK
"It's like nothing I ever felt before." I exasperated. "It may sound like I'm awestruck, and I have to admit that I am, I know how it feels to be love."
"I'm happy that you found some Lexi, I really am." Daniel's grin matched mine. "Just like our dad's."
"And yours and SJ's." I pulled him in for a hug.
"Yeah." He seemed reluctant to agree.
"Is something wrong?" I asked curiously. "Are you and SJ fighting?"
"No, it's not that." He shook his head.
"Listen Danny," I held his face in my palms to look in his eyes, "No matter how much I tell you I forgive you, I stand by those words when I say they're the one hundred percent true. I need my brothers, but I need you like I need Roman. You're the one that helped me to believe that I could find what you and SJ have, I'm not mad at either of you, I can see you are both madly in love, don't let our past stand in the way of that."
I hadn't felt so emotional till now. My brother was crying in my arms, telling me how happy he was to hear that, that it inflicted his feelings towards SJ, and the guilt just lifted the moment I spoke those words. I hadn't known until now that it bothered him this much, and I cried with him. Happy tears of course. I had my brother back, the one I had more than a year ago. The one I could tell anything to without being judged, the one I could cry to whenever I felt like it and he would do nothing but console me each time. The brother that I loved so dearly that I was willing to let him have happiness before me.
Daniel doesn't ask for much, and I always wondered why. But now I knew that he didn't want any privileges if I didn't have them. He always felt guilty if was favored, and wouldn't give it a second thought to give what he could. He's selfless and kindhearted, something I envied about him. Who couldn't love him the way I did?
"Thanks Lexi." He kissed me on the forehead. "For always being there for me, even when it hurt."
"Hey what are sisters for?"
END OF FLASHBACK
"Lexi! Roman! We're about to start." Aunt Leah shouted from the other side where everyone gathered.
"Well we better go meet our future." Roman chuckled pulling me into his side with his arm.
"You ready?" I smiled as he kissed my cheek.
"Always."
"As you may know, seeing how the new pack is starting, tonight, the new alpha will be appointed, as well as six months from now, Jacob, Seth, Paul, Sam, Embry, Quil, Jared, and Leah will retire from phasing, leaving our next generation to take on the role as protectors of our tribe." Grandpa Billy announced. "Today is a good day, as for the past few days, the pack along with the council has discussed who would be the most suitable candidate for the next alpha, and I tell all of you that this was a very difficult decision."
I was seated in the center along with my two brothers and their imprints. Daniel to my left and Sean to my right as my younger brothers were spectators who seated next to our parents across from us. Grandpa Billy, Grandma Sue, Grandpa Harold and Grandma Lisa smiled in content, watching us as we sat anxiously to hear their decision.
The rest of the pack, the next generation sat behind us. Chris, JJ, and now Tiffany, Neena and Nathan joined us.
"Our successors have shown a great amount of bravery, and today we choose between my three oldest grandchildren." Grandpa Billy still hasn't stopped smiling. "Lexi, if you'll stand please?" He requested with a gesture. "Alexis Sarah Lahote-Black. You have shown great strength and courage. You've made the pack and the tribe very proud with your return, your leadership to find your way home, and granted to find your imprint. You're dedication to the pack has been a great virtue."
"Sean?" He gestured for him to stand beside me. "Sean Ephraim Lahote-Black. You've surprised us all. Not only is your mate thought to be the enemy, you've both proven to us that you make a great team. You've shown that bravery is embedded in your genes, without fear of your fate. Most alphas react on impulse, and you haven't failed to do so."
"Daniel?" Danny stood up to my other side. "Daniel Avery Lahote-Black. Son, your leadership has fixated a great path for you. You were also able to think on instincts, and have never thought twice about making the right decisions; you already had knowledge to the consequences of your orders. You've also shown a great amount of respect for your pack mates, and your siblings."
The anxiety was killing me, and I my patience was testing me. Grandpa Billy was taking forever to get to the point, and that's when he asked my Papa Jake to step forward to finally speak and hand over his title.
"Look at you guys." He gave one of his signature smiles, before racing over to us to hug us. "I'm proud of all three of you." We returned the gesture as he returned to his place.
"Like your grandfather said, you would all be perfect to be the alpha, but unfortunately, there can only be one." He seemed more nervous than we are. "As we discussed, the decision became more difficult than we could handle, and once in my life, I hated being the one put in the position to give my final word. So I couldn't."
"Huh?" We all asked in unison, looking at our father dumbfoundly.
"None of us could come to the decision of who we thought would fit the role perfectly." He explained, "that is why we are leaving it to you three to make the decision for us. We trust that you'll make the right choice."
"Seriously?" Sean asked.
"Yeah," dad Seth nodded.
"But…" Sean muttered.
"Can we have a moment alone?" Daniel asked before pulling us away and a distant from the rest of the crowd, dragging both of us by a hand.
"I'm not so sure of this Danny." The truth was, I wasn't so sure to make the decision. I knew I would want Danny to take it, but I didn't want him to feel pressured to do so.
"Neither do I." He replied with a sigh.
"I know I can't do it." Sean said in panic-mode.
"Let's be rational for a moment here Sean." Danny sat us both down on the rotted log. "I know you're afraid, so am I, but I believe every word grandpa Billy said about us. Our parents believe in us fully, otherwise they wouldn't have put you in this position."
"Yeah, you're right." Sean said with a deep sigh.
"You realize what you just did, right Danny?" I smiled from ear to ear.
"What?" He looked at me dumbfound.
"Not only did you take matters in to your hands, but you did what an alpha always does, and that's the compromise." I appraised him. "I'm not afraid to admit it, but I think Sean agrees with me when I say that you should be our alpha."
Sean nodded as he looked at us both. "You think?"
"I know so." Sean added. "If the role was handed to me, I was going to run, I admit, and I was planning to follow Renesmee, and I still plan to. But if the situation was different, my decision would still remain. You're my little brother Danny, and I know that not only have you been supportive to me and Lexi along with Ty, Coby and our parents. You hold the pack close to your heart, you're the only one that sees them as family more than us, and I know family means everything to you." For the first time, I actually saw a tear trickle down my brother's cheek. "I would be honored knowing that my kid brother is taking care of the family. I love you bro, and I never say this enough…" He giggled and wiped the tear from his cheek. "Or at all… but I look up to you, and just like our parents are my heroes, so are you."
"I-I… t-thanks Sean." He stuttered with a sob.
"But he's right Danny." I was beginning to cry now. "Everything he said, is just the half of what we feel. Words cannot express our gratitude for having the privilege of having you as a brother. I will always be thankful for everything you've done for us, and I will continue to tell you every day, whenever I can."
"What do you mean?" Daniel asked, wiping the tears from his cheeks with his palm.
"Please don't be mad, but I've discussed with Roman what we would do if I couldn't be the alpha, and he wants to get his Veterinary Degree." He seemed shocked by the news. "We want to move to Seattle to do that, and return home after he's done so we could be closer and hopefully one day get married and start a family."
"So you both plan to leave me here?" I wouldn't blame him for being disappointed in us, shit I'd be mad if my brothers did this to me. But we both nodded hesitantly.
"We promise to come home and visit as much as we can." Sean added.
"But you're both asking me to be alpha so you can both explore the world while I'm succumbed to live here for the rest of my life." He stated bluntly.
"I'm sorry." I did feel guilty. "Look. It was just a thought; we won't go if you need us here."
"Fuck." He cursed, and Danny never curses. "I hate when you guys give me the options, it makes me feel guilty for holding you back."
"We're sorry for putting you under the microscope Danny," Sean added. "But believe when we say that we will be here if you ask us. Just say the word, and I'll do everything in my power to convince Nessie to stay with me here."
"And I'm sure Roman will understand. He does care a lot about you too." It was the truth, Roman has become attached to my brothers and my parents, he cares for them just as much as me, and he knows how important they are to me.
"No." He shook his head. "You guys need to go. As much as I hate to admit, but you both need this." We both remained silent. "But you both need to make me a promise or I'll change my mind here and now."
"Anything." We both agreed.
"That you come home on these three conditions, no matter the circumstances." We both nodded. "The first condition, you both promise to visit at least once a month, unless something drastic comes up where you are required. Two, if and when you both decide to get married to your imprints, or when I do, we promise to be there for each other, helping one another with preparations and whatever else. And three, children, if either of us are going to become a parent, we need to be there for each other at any of our children's birth, or if me and SJ have to adopt."
"You have our word." Sean hugged him.
"I promise." I followed with a hug. "And I get the feeling that you and SJ will have pups of your own."
"I hope." We shared a laugh. "Okay, so I'm going to be the alpha?"
"Wouldn't have it any other way." Sean exasperated.
"It's settled then." He wrapped his arms around both our shoulders. "Let's go break the news."
We returned to the bonfire with every eye one us, staring anxiously, and sweating from the intensity.
"We've come to our decision." I announced, scanning the crowd.
"Dad, Pops, Daddy P, we want to thank you for teaching us everything you have, and we're forever grateful for every lesson you taught us." I don't know when we joined hands, but it felt so natural. "Which is why we chose Danny to be the alpha."
Everyone cheered and congratulated our brother as well as our parents explaining to him that they knew about us wanting to leave, and knowing that he would proudly take the duties.
"Can I say something." Danny shouted, holding his imprints hand with a huge grin. "I want to acknowledge my sister and brother for going out into the world and starting their lives as well, but I failed to acknowledge the ones that helped us get home safely, our little brothers Coby and Ty."
The two looked shocked to say the least, they in fact deserved the recognition.
"If it wasn't for their spirit to test their abilities, we would've probably gotten home later." Everyone chuckled. "Ty? Coby? Can you both come here for a moment?" They followed his request and stood by him. "As you guys may know, SJ and I will be the alphas, but we need someone dependent to be our second in command. But I couldn't choose." I didn't know what he was getting at, but I was sure that he was going to appoint one of them as his betas. "We all work best together as a team, but you two even work better with each other. What I'm saying is, what I'm asking, will you both be my betas?"
"But… I thought there could be only one beta?" Coby asked.
"Well there usually is, but I can't separate you both knowing that is the stupidest decision I would ever make. Besides, being alpha gives me that authority." He chuckled. "I'm sure everyone agrees with me when I say that I can't do this without the both of you."
"I couldn't see any other better choice." Papa Jake said with high approval. "Or choices."
"Then we accept." The both agreed at the same time.
The celebration began, various amounts of food being served all around, coordinated and catered by Grandma Sue and Emily once again. The Cullens made their appearance with Danny's permission and congratulated the new alpha. Everything seemed contempt, like our lives played out like the way they were supposed to. As the night moved along, I rested against Roman when Ty and Coby called for us and Danny, SJ, Sean, and Nessie.
On the beach, under the moonlit night, our parents basked in each other's company. Dad Seth rested on his back between Daddy P's legs, with Papa Jake rested between his. They were lying in the sand on the beach, looking peaceful as they stared out to the dark ocean. They were so perfect together, and after all these years of being together, they still looked as if they were on their first date. I was sure that Roman and I would be like that in twenty years, at least I hoped.
"Awe." Nessie blushed. "They look so adorable."
"I have to agree with you there." Sean giggled.
"Us too." Ty and Coby stared at our parents.
"I hope that's us in another twenty years." I looked up at my imprint, placing a kiss on his lips.
"Me too." He smiled.
"That's going to be all of us." SJ added, holding Danny around the waist.
"It's funny you know…" Danny muttered, "that after all these years of our parents have been together, and me and Lexi wanting what they have, pushing for it. But never realizing that just like us with our imprints, they were always meant to be together."
"Just like…" He paused for a moment in thought, "like they were Sweet Meant To Be."
They really are… Sweet Meant To Be.
A/N: I hope that ending wasn't too corny for you. I liked it. But as I continue, I will give my thanks once again. To the ones who have stuck by me since the beginning of 'A Weird Kind Of Love' and joining me on the sequel, I do this for you ladies and gents. To the ones who joined along the way, I am always thankful for you taking interest in my stories. Also thanks to the ones who reviewed, alerted, and favorited, you made this one worthwhile. And if you haven't reviewed yet, I hope you do, I would love to hear from all of you.
So a little request, can you guys help me get the reviews to pass the one hundred mark before the epilogue. Yes, I do plan on writing a short epilogue to finalize this. Also, if you haven't voted on the poll I posted, feel free to, I was just curious to see who your favorite pup was.
So before I go, I want to thank the reviewers of the last chapter WolfPacFaan, makonaz, twilightreaderaddict, rAbiDmutt03, Demon2Angel, dark-magician100, SoundShield11, Edward Changed Me and Cuddle Heart, much love to you ladies and gents.
Look out for the epilogue.
Much Love,
TurnItUp03