Chapter 10
A/N: My apologies for the delay but I had a terrible time editing this chapter. I feel the need to mention that in my world, Paul never imprinted on Rachel Black (And never will). I should also include this chapter contains mentions of underage drinking.
"Where's the girl Alexei?"
"We couldn't get to her; there wasn't enough time".
"This is what happens when I send a boy to do a man's job. You're failure only serves to remind me of what I lost when your brother perished. How did you even manage to survive with your incompetence?"
"I didn't leave empty handed father. I came across some knowledge which has even managed to elude Aro and I knew I needed to abandon the plan to inform you".
"Well, out with it then".
"The mutts have a true hybrid in their midst. She's half vampire but can also shapeshift. This could be the answer you've been looking for".
"Did you manage to go unseen?"
"Yes, of course".
"You do realize your failure will cost us? I shall have to come up with a way to pacify Aro until we are ready to move forward with our plans. Contact Felix, I have a job for him…"
Solace looked on as Seth prepared another bag of Jacob's blood; mounting it on the IV drip next to his wife's bed. Isis was a fighter and he wholeheartedly agreed with Seth's belief it was her sheer will to live which had ultimately saved her life. She had yet to regain consciousness but Seth was hopeful for a recovery. They'd almost lost her and the truth of that had shaken Solace to his core. His children had all taken turns alternating between checking in on Ezra and Jahir and snuggling on the bed with their momma. The pack, their family… everything was a fucking mess, but Solace just couldn't bring himself to leave her side. And apparently, neither could Jacob. He'd claimed a seat on the other side of her bed and hadn't moved since. Genevieve was handling it the only way she knew how; by staying busy and had volunteered to accompany her brother to the airport to pick up the rest of the crew flying in from Italy. Nessie was barely keeping it together but there was much to be done and her family needed her strength to get it accomplished.
Cheveyo was taking no chances and wanted them all in a centralized location. He'd even managed to get a hold of Paul and upon learning of what had transpired; the pack's original bad boy had booked the first flight available, making his way home. Alice was certain the Volturi's hand was not behind the attack but that fact did not bring the reprieve it once did, since she'd failed to see it in advance. War seemed inevitable at this point but Carlisle was steadfast in his belief they were missing a key piece to the puzzle and shouldn't act until all was revealed.
The Alpha had asked Ethan to return to La Push, but the young wolf had been adamant about seeing this through to the end, and had shocked the pack with news a feline shape shifter had joined the ranks of their covert operation. If the Volturi were not to blame, than Aleksander Yerzov was the primary suspect. But it was a bold move for one lone coven to make, so Cheveyo shifted Ethan's focus to tracking the Yerzov Coven's movements instead of the werewolves.
Jacob had been fairly quiet, but knew it mattered not if the Volturi was behind the attack. The third leech managed to get away and once word of Isis's unique nature reached the Volturi, it would only be a matter of time before they came for her. His family and the pack had guarded Genevieve and Isis's true nature fiercely. But asking his youngest to choose her safety over the people she loved was like asking her to stop breathing. Jacob noticed Rumor standing awkwardly by the door and beckoned her to sit at his side, knowing she was heavy with worry and guilt. He hadn't had the opportunity to spend as much time with the youngest Clearwater as he would've liked, but seeing that hopeless look in her eyes, reminded him of the same expression which marred Leah's features the night Harry died.
"Has my Isis ever talked to you about her childhood?"
Rumor shook her head dolefully, as she directed her gaze towards the sleeping woman who had become like a second mother to her in a short amount of time.
"Isis was home schooled because of her accelerated growth and didn't have friends outside of the family or pack. Anyways, she got it in her head one day that getting a puppy would be like having her own special friend. Ness was tired of having wolves in and out of the house and told her absolutely no more dogs; but Solace couldn't deny her anything and bought her one anyways".
Rumor looked across the bed to find a sheepish looking Solace, who was obviously remembering the memory as well.
"Man, she loved that damn dog; she bathed it, fed it, and trained it really well…More so because it had been a gift from Sol. One day Carlisle volunteered to watch her and Cheveyo but got called in to the hospital, so he ended up taking them along. He was treating this little girl with Leukemia who'd lost all of her hair and had been admitted for complications. It made Isis really, really sad. She made one of us take her every single day for two weeks to the hospital so Casey would have someone to talk and play with. And do you know what she did right before she got discharged? She gave her the dog and told her she knew what it was like to be lonely sometimes".
Rumor smiled, knowing full well it was something Isis would do.
"This isn't your fault Rumor. It could've been anyone in that car; Isis would've done the same thing. It's just who she is; she takes after Bella that way".
Rumor's tears fell on their own accord, grateful for Jacob's words but shook her head in disagreement. They didn't come for just anyone, they came for her.
"They wanted you, but it was only to hurt the pack. The same way, that sick leech bit Vida to hurt Cheveyo. It's the price we pay for the responsibility we bear. Our loved ones are always at risk. You're pack now and you've got to get used to the fact that every single wolf here would give their lives to protect any of you. It's just how it is honey, so please do me a favor and stop blaming yourself. Isis wouldn't want that and neither do any of us".
Jacob placed his arm around Rumor's shoulders and held her close to his side as Isis began to stir. Solace was up from his seat and at her side in an instant as she gasped; opening her eyes and looking around the room wildly.
"Solace, the kids?" she asked brokenly; her voice sounding ragged and strained.
Seth was trying to push his way in to evaluate her but Jacob's crowding was making it difficult. Solace was too overcome with relief to speak, so Jacob took her hand, answering for him.
"Everyone is ok baby; please just lay back and let Seth take a look at you".
Jacob pulled Rumor forward to emphasize his point and the youngest Clearwater wept in relief as she hugged Isis with unrestrained emotion. The she-wolf's panic abated slightly but looked at her husband for further confirmation.
"Z and Jahir phased but they're ok. Now why don't you let Seth do what he needs to do so you can see the kids?"
Solace left shortly after to inform his children and both Jacob and Rumor stepped out of the room, giving her the privacy for an examination. Seth took the opportunity to express his gratitude and the she-wolf just smiled but inquired about the vampires' fate. Isis knew her actions would bring further problems for the pack and could only look to her father in regret.
"I'm sorry daddy; I didn't think I stood a chance without phasing".
Jacob leaned over his daughter's bed, kissing her forehead lovingly.
"We're the ones who should be apologizing to you. I left you to fend for yourself; there should've been at least another wolf with you".
Isis didn't get a chance to respond as Genevieve ran inside the room, tears running down her face as she held her younger sister close.
"I always knew you were a softie Gen".
Her words were muffled by her sister's shoulder against her face and Genevieve laughed happily in response.
"Don't you ever fucking scare me like that again, you hear me?"
"Language, Genevieve…"
Renesmee walked into the room with her grandchildren in tow; all piling up on the bed, trying to be as close to their momma as the bed would allow. All but one; Ezra had yet to phase back human and Isis could hear his whimpering outside of her father's home. The injured she-wolf made to get out of bed and Renesmee turned momma wolf on her.
"Absolutely not Isis; you need to heal. Solace is with him as we speak".
The she-wolf knew better than to argue with her mother and settled for enjoying the company of her family and friends. Every single pack member and their respective family waited their turn patiently to see her; even a jet lagged Embry, Isla and an emotional Soonie. She owed Isis the most; knowing she had kept her vow and taken care of her baby like she was her own. Cheveyo looked exhausted and Isis knew her brother needed to be in the company of his wife and kids. Same as Seth, so she took her mother's hand in hers and discreetly asked her to intervene. Nessie ushered everyone out, with the excuse of letting Isis rest and assured Seth she would call him if needed.
Jahir had been desperate to reunite with his mother and had found the control to phase back human. But Solace and Brady were still in the woods trying to help Ezra do the same. Isis sent the rest of her children home and dozed off to sleep but was awoken in the early morning hours by a warm body and familiar scent. Ezra lay fast asleep next to her, and Isis took the opportunity to survey her youngest son's features, noticing the drastic changes to his thirteen year old face.
"He takes after you the most, you know"
The she-wolf had been so engrossed in scrutinizing her son; she'd completely missed the tall, muscular body leaning against the doorframe. Paul Lahote stood relaxed with his arms crossed over his chest as he smiled at the woman he considered a daughter in law. Solace and Oliver had grown up as wards of the state and when they both phased during a physical altercation, it was Paul who'd taken under his wing. They'd idolized him and as time passed, came to see him as a father. In many ways Paul had been, and the bond between them had healed many of his own internal wounds.
"Does Solace know you're here?"
"Not yet, I came straight from the airport. I see your father still snores like a bear"
Isis giggled and smiled at the man she was so fond of.
"I'm so glad you're here… it's really good to see you".
Paul walked over to the bed, kissing her gently on the cheek.
"Man, I feel so damn old…just look at Z".
"Well, if you were around more, then it wouldn't come as such a shock, Paul"
"Touché, my beautiful little runt".
Isis agilely reached to punch him in the leg, which he indulgently allowed. He took Jacob's seat next to her and spent the next couple of hours catching up. They spoke about the pack and the current imprints causing such chaos in their lives. Paul was a fairly reserved man, but even he couldn't mask his pleasure at hearing about Seth and Embry's return. Isis nosily inquired if there'd been a woman in his life and the older wolf grinned like the Cheshire cat, forcing Isis to emend her query.
"Is there a special woman in your life?"
Paul chuckled mischievously, shaking his head in response. Nessie came running down the stairs, greeting their guest with a warm embrace. It had taken the surly wolf some time to warm up to the bronze haired hybrid, but Ness had managed to creep into his heart like the rest of his pack mates. Breakfast became a raucous affair as Solace, Oliver and Cheveyo arrived with their respective families. And Jacob and Paul could only share a look of contentment between them. Seth arrived sometime after lunch to check on his patient… Paul greeting him in the manner only he could.
"Damn kid, still can't grow a full beard I see?"
"You haven't seen my ass in like 20 years Paul and that's what you ask me?"
Paul hugged his pack mate and was introduced to the rest of his family. His relationship with Leah had been a complicated one; at one point they'd been lovers until the she-wolf cut ties, fearful of his imprinting. So when he set eyes on Rumor, it took him some effort to find his composure. The rest of the day was spent in greetings, reunions and helping the Clearwaters move back into their renovated childhood home.
Isis was given the ok to finish her recovery at home but Cheveyo was anxiety-filled and decided to call a pack meeting the following day. Having three seasoned wolves return home gave the pack an extra edge, but it was difficult to ascertain the danger without knowledge of their true enemy. Patrol routes were extended once again and Embry and Paul's arrival would assist with the coverage. It had been a difficult meeting for Sebastian who was still mourning the loss of Keyla. But a recent conversation with Paul had given him hope and he'd decided to heed the older wolf's advice. Bas's wolf was both dominant and ruthless and Cheveyo hoped to steer some of his focus into helping the younger wolves sharpen their fighting skills.
Isis was not happy at her brother's decision to have her tailed when outside of her home but accepted his decision grudgingly. She did however refuse to even discuss the possibility of canceling her son's date to prom. Shye's shoes had miraculously made it through their ordeal and they were going, she had declared…Even if she had to drive them there herself. It had been quite the sight as all sixty three inches of her had squared off with the Alpha and she wasn't backing down. Cheveyo had looked to his father for help but Jacob Black had been too relieved to see his youngest daughter on her feet to care.
Koli saw his opportunity to speak and awkwardly suggested the pack should try to learn ASL to support Rumor. Seth's eyes had narrowed in suspicion but all the females present had gushed over his thoughtfulness. Feeling like he was losing control of the pack meeting, Cheveyo readily agreed and called the meeting to an end. Nessie had wisely pulled her son to the side and reminded the Alpha life waited for no one and even in the midst of conflict; they should continue to live it as such.
And that is how she found herself in her daughter's living room with Michelle and Claire, drinking wine with cameras on hand as they awaited their children's decent down the staircase to prom. Alex's date had come down with the stomach flu leaving her a teary mess and Hawk had good-naturedly offered to step in his place. So, the girls decided to conveniently allow an overly eager Raven complete the beautification process at the Tso residence. The Range Rover had been totaled, and Jacob graciously volunteered his prized black 1970 Chevy Chevelle, with the promise of death if any harm came its way. Lahote knew this wasn't truly a date but as he waited at the bottom of the staircase, wondered why he was suffering from a case of sweaty palms.
Raven came squeaking down the stairs excitedly but Hote only had eyes for Shye. She wore an icy blue strapless floor length gown. The bodice had silver beading and her long black hair was parted to the side in waves. A push on his shoulder from his twin awoke him from his stupor and he stepped forward to place the corsage of lilies on her delicate wrist. Flashes of light sprung from all angles but Lahote barely took notice. He was struggling to pose for the cameras as his eyes wondered to his smiling imprint every couple of seconds.
Hawk volunteered to take the wheel and Alex gave him a look of understanding as she made her way to the passenger seat. Shye had gone through all the motions tonight, feeding off Alex's excitement, but as she'd walked down the Tso's staircase and seen her family and friends, had been hit with nostalgia. This was her senior prom; she was graduating high school in a couple of days and would be beginning a new chapter in her life. Ethan's face had flashed through her thoughts and Shye pushed him to the back of her mind. Tonight was about her and she was not going to allow anything to ruin the moment.
The attack and Isis's sacrifice had affected her deeply. She was still mourning the loss of her great love but Shye witnessed love in many forms that day. The love of a husband for his wife, the love of a son for his mother, the love a father for his daughter and the love of family and community that was the pack. Lahote had been a mess that night, helplessly watching on as his mother fought for her life and it had been Shye who'd lent him her strength and support to help him cope. For the last several months, it had been he who had held her hand, wiped away her silent tears and given her his unwavering support and acceptance. She had been glad to have been able to offer him the same and had realized there were things greater than a broken heart. She made a promise to herself that night; her life had been spared and she would not squander it away obsessing on a love that once was.
Shye looked over to the boy sitting next to her in Jacob Black's vintage vehicle. He answered with one of his sunny smiles and she had to admit he looked damn good in his suit. It was tailored to perfection and the messy spiky hairstyle made him look like a runaway Calvin Klein model.
"You look beautiful Shye".
"Yeah? I was kind of thinking the same thing about you".
He scrunched up his nose in distaste at hearing her words and Shye laughed aloud, remembering their moment in the forest.
"Handsome then…..You both look handsome in your suits," she giggled as she looked towards the front of the vehicle.
Alex turned to face the back with a mischievous sparkle in her eyes.
"I can't wait to see the look of hate on Jenny Weaver's face as we walk in with our eye candy. You know she asked Koli to be her date but he shut her down".
Hawk looked offended at hearing her words but Lahote just played along.
"So what's the charging rate for being eye candy these days? I mean, might as well make the most of our talents right?"
"Slow down Cassanova, I'm pretty sure you and Koli have already run through the female population at school. You might have to set your sights elsewhere".
Hote blushed in embarrassment, knowing Alex had just taken a jab at his promiscuity following the imprint. Shye laughed in amusement and he was relieved she wasn't bothered by the comment. Upon arriving, they posed for the customary couple and group pictures. Luca and Hazel were already seated and were waving them over to their table. They talked and mingled a bit but once the music started cranking, couples started rushing the dance floor.
Pitbull's Time of our Lives blasted through the speakers and Lahote jumped up from his seat and began dancing to the sound of the music, as he held out one of his hands asking Shye to join him on the dance floor. She shook her head vigorously, feeling way too self-conscious to join in. Alex was already dancing in the middle of the dance floor with Hawk and Lahote danced his way towards her seat.
"Come on Shye, I know you want to," he crooned as he pulled her up from her seat, dragging her to the dance floor. She was beet red but as she looked around, realized no one was even remotely paying attention to what she was doing and slowly began moving to the beat of the music. Lahote was two stepping like a pro as he sang out the lyrics to the song and Shye followed his lead.
He took his place behind her, grabbing her by the waist and pulling her body closer to his as they moved in sync. Shye could feel his warmth enclosing her and was surprised at how well her smaller frame molded on to his as they grooved together. They stayed out on the dance floor song after song, jumping excitedly with the upbeat tempos and taking small breaks during the slower songs. Mid way through, Hote's suit jacket had been removed and Shye's hair had found its way up into a messy bun but was enjoying herself far too much to care about how she looked.
Lahote excused himself for a quick bathroom break and Shye could only watch in amusement at the lustful looks which followed his retreating form. He truly was a good looking guy, but there was something about the way he looked in that suit tonight that made Shye and half of the senior girls present take a little more notice. She looked onto the dance floor and spotted Luca and Hazel; a look of pure love on Luca's face as he swayed her gracefully. The DJ announced the last song of the night and Hote appeared before her, taking her hand in his as he led her to the dance floor. Berlin's Take My Breath Away began to play and she instinctually placed her hands on his shoulders as he pulled her close.
"Thank you for letting me tag along tonight Shye"
"I should be the one thanking you," she whispered as she placed the side of her head against his chest and allowed him to lead her movements. He smelled minty and sweet; the scent reminding her of her favorite holiday treat. She raised her face to tell him so but was stunned silent by the intensity of his gaze. He did it when he thought she wasn't looking and Shye had learned to pretend not to have noticed but she found herself staring right back at him, unable to make herself look away. His hold on her waist tightened, her breathing deepening as his eyes shifted their focus to her lips. Her skin tingled in the best kind of way as his face lowered, just as the lights in the ballroom brightened. Shye stood awkwardly, realizing the music had ceased and heard him clear his throat as he removed his hands from her waist.
They walked back to their table in silence and were greeted by an amused Alex and Hawk. Luca and Hazel were too busy sucking face to notice, and Hawk threw Hote's jacket at him as he stood to bring the car around. They were skipping the after party and headed to a late night bonfire at Second Beach with the Clearwaters and the rest of the pack kids. Cheveyo had allowed the gathering, knowing that six in the party present would be wolves and had ordered the patrolling wolves to run a perimeter close to their gathering. The bonfire burned brightly and they could hear music playing as they approached. Koli was recounting embarrassing stories from their childhood as Hawk made his way to the cooler, pulling out a bottle of moonshine and taking a large swig. Koli wasted no time in gulping, looking directly at Shye while offering her the bottle.
"Does the princess want a drink? It's your graduation we're celebrating after all".
He had his crooked grin in place but Shye knew he wasn't trying to be derisive. It was a friendly challenge and she wasn't going to back down.
"You don't have to drink if you don't want to Shye," was Hote's response but Shye had already grabbed the bottle and was chugging away. She coughed violently; her throat up in flames but managed to keep the liquid down before passing the bottle down to Rumor.
"Oh shit. Rumor I'm sorry, I forgot".
Hawk was making his way to retrieve the bottle from her and she shook her head as she signed her response.
Alcohol was never my problem.
"Way to not make it awkward Doogie".
Hawk appeared embarrassed, signing the word for sorry as he took his seat next to Alex. Caleb had to concede that Koli's friendship was having a positive influence on his sister. He was unforgivingly honest but didn't allow her to take herself too seriously. Raven reached for the bottle and Lahote was quick to intercede.
"I don't think so Rave".
"You're only a year older than me and technically Caleb is the only one here who can legally drink".
Lahote indulgently handed her the bottle with a stern warning.
"Just one sip Raven".
The youngest Tso Black took a small sip and almost choked on her drink, quickly passing off the bottle to Alex. The moonshine made several turns around the fire as the conversation became livelier and the young wolves took stock of the swaying human girls; all but Raven who'd had enough with the first taste. Caleb decided to take Rumor, Raven and Keyla home. Lahote and Hawk looked at their two inebriated prom dates, wondering how they were going to manage getting them home in this state as Koli looked on in amusement.
"This is your fault Koli. Why'd you have to egg them into a chugging contest?"
They assisted both girls into the vehicle and sandwiched Koli between them in the backseat. The Ateara residence was the first stop. Quil had stopped phasing long ago and no longer benefited from enhanced hearing which would make "Operation Take your Prom Date Home without getting pummeled" much easier. They parked a block away and Lahote got out of the car, walking to the back of the Ateara home, where Alex's bedroom window faced. They were in luck…her window was half way open and Lahote scaled the siding with ease; climbing into her bedroom, and signaling his brother and cousin over.
"What is this girl eating? She's a lot heavier then she looks"
"Shut up; you're gonna wake up her parents, Koli"
"Why am I even the one carrying her, she's your fucking date? Hawk, look at the distance from the ground to her window; there's no fucking way you're going to be able to carry her up there in her condition".
"I'm not. You're going to phase and I'm gonna climb on your back. If you stand tall, I'm sure I can pass her off to Lahote"
"Do you hear yourself? Do you know how crazy that shit sounds?"
"Do you have a better idea?"
Koli had to admit he did not, and reminded himself that his cousin had protected his secret. And Hawk was just …..Hawk; it was hard to deny him much. Koli stripped off his clothes and phased; trying to keep his focus on the floor and away from their asinine plan. It was Tokola, Brady and Remy on patrol after all. Phase I of their plan had gone without a hitch and they moved on to Phase II. As they drove over to the Littlesea residence, the three young wolves learned that Shye talked in her sleep. Lahote almost lost control of the vehicle upon hearing his name whispered out of his imprint's lips, as Koli cackled in the back seat, startling the young woman awake. He parked haphazardly down the street and carried Shye bridal style towards her home.
Collin had sliding doors on his deck, and Lahote almost broke out into the Snoopy dance upon realizing they were unlocked. He stealthily walked through their living room and up the stairs, passing Collin and Michelle's bedroom. But Shye chose that exact moment to let the young wolf know how much fun she'd had, and he all but ran into her room, dropping her onto the bed. The giggling inebriated imprint pulled him onto the bed, stripping off her dress drunkenly. Lahote tried to restrain her, begging her to lower her voice and to please go to sleep.
"You look hot in that suit," she slurred out, before passing out.
The young wolf knew she wouldn't remember much of this, but he still couldn't help smiling like a fool at hearing her words. His lupine ears told him Collin was beginning to awake and he wasted no time in jumping out her bedroom window, running down the street to the safety of their vehicle.
Hawk was already at the wheel, ready to take off at a moment's notice and as he saw Lahote running towards the vehicle, he revved the engine and high tailed it out of there. They laughed all the way home and it was at four in the morning that Lahote finally found the comfort of his bed as he stared at the ceiling contemplating the night's events. He'd almost lost control tonight; he hadn't planned on kissing her but had gotten so lost in the feel of her in his arms, he had almost foolishly done so. And there was a tiny part of him which wasn't entirely sure she would've stopped him. The implications of that left him reeling, and the young wolf drifted off to sleep with a new source of happiness called hope.
Sebastian tightened the bolts on the bike's rotor as he listened for Kris's departure. He'd been waiting patiently for this opportunity and as he heard Kris's engine come to life, had abandoned his work to make his way over to the automobile shop. The wolf whose company he'd been seeking was underneath a Volkswagen Jetta. And Bas ambled closer, hoping to make his presence known. Solace had scented the younger wolf's approach, but assumed he'd been searching for a tool of some sort. As his scent mixed with the sour one of anxiety, he poked his head from underneath the car curiously. Sebastian's eyes were locked on his and after a minute of awkward silence, Solace decided to probe.
"What can I do for you Sebastian?"
"I was hoping to pick your brain a little, Sol".
"The bike giving you trouble?"
Sebastian shook his head, clearing his throat before continuing.
"This is personal".
Solace pulled himself out from underneath the car, wiping his grease stained hands on his pants before coming to stand in front of him.
"Alright….what's up man?"
Normally, Sebastian would only consider having this type of conversation with Ethan. But Paul had pulled the downcast wolf to the side after the pack meeting, encouraging him to seek Solace out for advice. After all, Solace was the only wolf around whose situation even remotely resembled Sebastian's. The young wolf felt uncomfortable with the pending conversation, but desperate times called for desperate measures and Solace was the epitome of a loving husband and father. Bas needed all the help he could get. After a moment of pause, he decided to just spit it out.
"I've completely fucked things up with Keyla. I don't know….I guess I was hoping to see if you had any advice on how I can make things right?"
Solace looked taken aback, readying to question why Sebastian was seeking his particular advice, but understanding dawned on him cruelly. It wasn't often he discussed or even liked to recall his time apart from Isis. Solace had imprinted on her right after her birth and had tried to keep it from the pack; feeling unworthy of the Alpha's daughter. His childhood had been non-existent, and once he stopped fighting the imprint, realized Isis could be the family he'd never had; dedicated most of his free time to the youngest Black. He became an expert babysitter to Ness's delight, and as her small body morphed, he accommodated to her emotional needs.
Solace's good looks had paved the road for his promiscuity. And once he imprinted, he'd significantly cut down on the frequency, but had never felt the need to stop dating. Isis's physical growth far surpassed her emotional one and once she hit puberty, it all went to shit. Her feelings for him changed overnight and he'd been incapable of keeping up. She was like the little sister he'd never had and came to realize too late her feelings had matured into romantic ones. Up until she'd walked in on him in the act. ..Isis had been devastated and he'd hurt along with her in his hopelessness to see her in the light she desired. She was far too young to date in his eyes, but Solace stopped seeing women all together, in hopes of appeasing her; a constant reason for argument in the Black household.
Once Isis realized Solace had stopped dating in order to mollify her and not because he truly wanted their relationship to change, her pain became resentment, and it was she who then turned and rejected him altogether. He watched her continue to grow and mature from a distance, and once her body reached full maturity, Solace was left with the same desire she had felt for him once upon a time. She dated and he suffered. When Ness tried to call her on her bitterness, she rebelled and sought refuge with her grandparents in Europe, leaving Solace a shell of the man he once was.
When she returned from her travels, it was Paul who gave him a good kick in the ass to set him in the right direction. And Solace never wavered in his pursuit. It took him another year before she spoke to him again, and as he meticulously worked to rebuild their friendship, Isis's heart began to thaw. They became friends before they became lovers. They were lovers before she became his wife. She was his wife before she became the mother of his children; all events occurring in their due course and time.
Solace knew Sebastian had a long and hard road ahead of him, and decided to start the conversation in the same manner the man he loved as a father did so many years ago.
"What are you willing to do Bas?"
"Anything"
"People say that shit all the time but they don't really mean it".
"I do. I love her Solace… just tell me what to do".
"Keyla isn't Isis and God only knows what she has in store for you. But I can guarantee it won't be pretty. It might take years before Keyla glances your way again. Are you prepared to wait?"
"I'll wait as long as it takes"
"Ok then, it seems we have things to discuss after all…..How do you feel about kids Sebastian?"
Keyla dragged the mesh bag of basketballs to the court, ordering the girls to begin their warm up drills. This had been one of Hawk's better ideas and she needed to thank him for it later. Basketball had always been an outlet for her and the fact these eight girls had shown up for practice this early on a Saturday morning filled her with pride. She had agreed to coach the girls' basketball recreation team upon hearing of the lack of support from the rec staff. She'd had to do a lot of negotiating with Brady to get the Saturday mornings off for practice and games, but seeing the excitement in the girl's faces when they'd presented her as their new coach had made it all worthwhile. They weren't half bad and with discipline and practice, she might make ball players out of these girls yet.
They had all summer to get in shape for the season and Keyla would make every minute count. The team was scheduled to share half the court with the boys' basketball team for practice. But Keyla had asked the girls to come extra early to get the court to themselves. Apparently the new boys' basketball coach had held the same idea. She picked up the familiar scent but knew it couldn't possibly be, and continued running the two player passing drill when a deep, husky voice rung out; placing the unruly boys on notice.
"Did I tell you to get on the court? Ten laps around. Let's go…let's go…let's go".
Sebastian began to set up cones around his half of the field for what Keyla assumed were dribbling drills and she wasted no time walking over to him in anger.
"What are you doing here Sebastian?"
He gave her a friendly smile and continued to set up his cones.
"My sister asked me to step in and help out. I love basketball…I had the time so it made sense"
It was true that Shye had mentioned the needed for a coach during a family dinner, but it had been Sebastian who'd almost gotten on his knees to request she use her influence with the recreation staff to allow him the position. Solace had been very specific in his instructions. He needed to become her friend before anything else; and right now basketball seemed like a safe place to start.
"You have never taken interest in volunteering before. Why start now?"
Sebastian considered how to answer and decided honesty was the best way to go.
"I'm not going to lie to you Keyla. Being home alone is not something I look forward to. If you think about it, we can help each other out. We can run each other's practices if the other has to fill in for a patrol. I like to win and I know you do as well. We have a chance to make these teams strong, so why not? We don't have to work together if you don't want to, but the option is there".
"Just stay on your half of the court" is all she responded before turning to continue her drills. Sebastian couldn't put a notch on the win column just yet, but she at least hadn't walked out, or demanded he quit. They ran their respective practices individually, and when it was over, she left without as much as a glance back. Her indifference hurt but Solace had prepared him for this and told him it would probably get worse before it got better. Bas had always navigated through life carelessly and had usually been happy to just follow Ethan along. He knew this was a battle he would have to fight alone. Those were terms Sebastian understood well. His wolf lived for the hunt and experience had taught him, he couldn't fail if he didn't give up.
Playlist
How can you Swallow So Much Sleep- Bombay Bicycle Club
Roses- The Chainsmokers
Sleep Alone- Two Door Cinema Club
