Here is the second chapter as promised. I tried to lighten the mood in the end. I didn't want to leave you sad.
Language my gente! (Spanish for people).
Warning...heavy use of tissues will probably be required. Love ya!
SM owes it. I just use it for my sick and twisted pleasures!
Oh and I don't know anything about traditional native funerals. This is my version. Please don't kill me...
Chapter 12…
The air was heavy with mourning. The quiet reservation buzzing with anticipation as the people waited around for the funerals to begin. It was a rare bright sunny day outside. The sunlight broke through the clouds as a cool wind breezed through the trees making the branches sway to and fro in a sorrowful exotic dance. The birds were chirping their songs loudly along the treetops, seeming to invoke the spirits to come forth and claim the dead. Everything about today screamed celebration of life, however the mood over the small reservation was anything but celebratory, for today they would lay to rest three of their very own. Alex, Caleb, and Taylor would be laid side by side to forever rest in peace together in the afterlife. Brothers in death as brothers in life. They would protect each other in their journey to the spirit world as they protected each other here on earth.
The pack served as pallbearers, carrying their brothers to their final resting place. Jacob and Sam leading the way. There was not a single dry eye amongst the crowd. Families clung together for support as the bodies of their loved ones passed them by. It was too soon to say goodbye yet the time had come. It was unnatural for a parent to bury their child yet they stood there as their sons laid in a coffin. It was unfair to lose a pack brother yet their brothers had sacrificed their lives so that the pack would have theirs. This was the reality the pack, the families, and the community had to deal with today. Every business on the reservation was closed for the day. Every member of the Quileute community attended the funeral of the three warriors being laid to rest.
Billy had the honor of presiding over the burial of their lost ones. Being the chief of the tribe, Billy made sure Alex, Caleb, and Taylor were buried with honors. Few knew how the three lost their lives. Their death was publicly known as a car accident but the pack knew these three laid their lives on the line to save the people of their tribe. They were warriors who never demanded recognition for what they did every day. They were fighters protecting the lives of their family and friends. They were brothers who were part of the strong Quileute pack.
As the three caskets were lined up, Billy took his place and prepared to send off his sons to a be with their ancestors in the spirit world, where they would wait for their loves ones to join them.
Billy took off his hat in respect for the dead before he began.
"Today we lay to rest three of our sons. They were too young to be taken from us. They were too young to leave this world. The spirits deemed them ready to leave this earthly realm and join our ancestors. Today they are reunited with those who left before them.
Today we mourn our loss but today we also celebrate their lives. All be it a short life, Alex, Caleb, and Taylor lived it to the fullest. We will miss them and we will cherish their memories. They leave us behind to live this life we were given until we too be laid to rest with our brothers, our sons, our family.
Alex, Caleb, and Taylor. May the spirits lead you to long lost families. Though we know we must all one day part from this life, we also know that we will be reunited again. So we do not say good bye today. Today we say we will see you later. In the meantime, we ask that you watch over us from the spirit world and welcome us with open arms when our time has come. We will see you on the other side my sons. Rest in peace."
There was a long moment of silence before Billy recited a Quileute blessing over the three bodies. Various family members laid gifts to be buried with the bodies of their loved ones. Gifts that would help them in their journey to the spirit world. A bonfire would be held in their honor, later that evening. Traditional dancing and singing would be done at the bonfire to help guide and protect their loved one as they made their journey home.
The pack held their own ceremony, saying goodbye to their brothers and their wolves who had fought valiantly alongside them. Jacob presided over this ceremony with Nessie at his side. All wolves, retired and active came together and phased in. A mournful howl could be heard filling the evening air. A chorus of howls calling to their lost brothers home. The wolves guided their spirit wolves back home. After several minutes, the pack became silent, hanging their heads in respect of their fallen comrades.
Today we buried our brothers. Today we laid to rest our warriors. Today our pack became smaller. It is with a heavy heart that we come together. What was to be a celebration of victory became a celebration of life.
Alex, our young warrior, fought a brave fight against our enemies. Although he did not talk much, when he did, he always had words of wisdom. He will be missed.
Caleb was a brave soul. A fighter at heart. He was never one to run away from danger. He protected me when I needed him the most. For that, I should never be able to thank him enough. He will be missed.
And Taylor. He was a friend to all. He took in young Alex and many others around our community. He fought with his heart and soul. He was one of our bravest who gladly gave his life to save others. He will be missed.
We come together my brothers and sister, and we remember our fallen. We come together my brothers and sister, and we remember our living. May the lost lives of Alex, Caleb, and Taylor serve as a reminder of why we fight, of why we are, and of why we live.
May the spirits welcome them with open arms. May their spirit wolves return to their pack. And may they never be forgotten for their bravery, their love, and their lives. Rest in peace my pack brothers. And may your wolves rest in peace with you.
One by one, the pack phased back to their human form after Jacob's final thoughts. They all came together in a group hug and held each other for a moment, needing to feel the warmth of the pack surrounding them.
"Come by brothers and sister. Let's go celebrate their lives." Jacob stated as he led his pack towards the bonfire. They arrived as a unit and joined in the celebration. Tears flowed and stories were shared. Alex, Caleb, and Taylor were celebrated that night.
Paul, Jared, and Sam sought out their families. Each needing their imprints by them. Jacob walked up to each one and thanked them for their service. Without them, they would have been burying more of their pack mates. The russet wolf within rumbled in appreciation of his retired pack mates.
"I never wanted to come out of retirement but I was glad to able to when you needed me brother. I hope that would be the last time but I'm here if you ever need me again." Sam stated as he shook Jacob's hand.
"Thank you Sam. You saved the pack."
"No need to thank me, brother. It's what we are here for." Sam replied. Jacob smiled at him before picking up their infant son then Sammy and scented them. The russet wolf within could smell his pack mate within Sam's son. The cub hugged Jacob close and kissed his cheek.
"Don't be sad, Uncle Jake. They live right here." He said as he pointed his chubby little finger to Jacob's heart. A fresh tear rolled down Jacob's cheek. Sammy reached up and wiped it away. "I love you alpha." He said as he hugged Jacob tightly to his little body.
Jacob stood there stunned. No one had ever called him alpha in front of the little boy. It was the cub in him acknowledging his wolf. Sam and Emily looked at each other wide eyed, stunned as well. They knew Sammy carried the wolf gene but hoped he never had to phase into this life. Jacob smiled at Sammy and kissed his chubby cheek.
"Thank you Sammy. I love you too." Sammy giggled then wiggled to get out of Jacob's arms running to join the other children after getting out of Jacob's arms. Jacob smiled in disbelief at Sam. Sam and Emily had tears in their eyes. Their son was a wolf in the making if the tribe ever needed the protection of the pack in the future. They stood there like proud parents.
Jacob moved onto the Jared and Kim. He picked up their newborn son and cooed at the infant. The infant babbled and gooed at Jacob, smiling up as he grabbed onto Jacob's finger. Again the russet wolf scented the infant. He could smell the little cub within their son. Jacob stood there in wonder and awe. He was amazed he could identify the wolf within such a small infant. The reality of passing on the wolf gene becoming real. Jacob smiled and handed the infant back to his parents.
Little Maddie was next. Paul stood before his alpha and handed him his daughter. She was a beauty. His first niece. He spoiled her rotten. Rachel always complaining whenever he showed up with a new toy or a new outfit.
"Hey there Maddie Waddie! How's my favorite niece?! Aren't you a cutie?! Yes you are!" Jacob cooed at his niece. She already had the big bad alpha wrapped around her tiny finger. She too cooed and gooed back at her uncle, blowing spit bubbles as he held her. "Whose my Maddie? You are! Mauh!" Jacob continued to coo at his niece. Seeing new souls soothed the ache of losing his brothers. Jacob held onto his niece and rocked her back and forth.
"You're a natural Jake. Shouldn't be too long before she gets a cousin?" Paul teased. The thought of having children with his Nessie made him break out in his million watt smile. He beamed as he thought of how his little girl or his son would look like.
"Enjoy your time without kids because they take up all your time once they are here!" Rachel supplied as she cooed at her daughter. She tried to take her away from Jake but he moved Maddie out of Rachel's reach.
"Mine!" he teased her. She slapped his arms playfully.
"Oh leave him, Rach. Let's go find some food!" Paul growled in her ear. Phasing had increased his appetite and it would be this way until his wolf finally settled down again. Paul pulled Rachel behind him, leaving Jacob to care for their daughter.
Jacob gladly held his niece as he walked amongst the crowd. People oh'd and ah'd at his niece and the proud uncle showed her off to as many people as he could. It seemed Maddie's presence soothed the grief of many of the Quileute community. Jacob continued to make his rounds until he found the person he had been looking for.
"How are you doing?" He asked.
"Good. I'm actually doing good, Jake. Thank you." She stated as she rested against her imprint.
"I'm glad. If you ever need anything Leah please, come find me. Doesn't matter when. Okay?" He offered.
"I will. Thanks Jacob." Leah smiled up at him. Jacob nodded towards Richard as Richard nodded back in kind.
"Here, take her real quick. I need to get her bottle." Jacob stated as he handed Maddie to Leah. Leah took the infant in her arms and smiled at the angelic face looking up at her. Richard had his arms around Leah as he looked over at the young infant.
"Hey there cutie! Aren't you the little cutie pie!" Richard cooed at the child. Maddie smiled up at him as she grabbed onto his offered finger. "Awe! This makes me miss my babies being babies!" Richard sighed. Leah's heart broke a little as she wished she could give him another child.
"Don't you two look good with a child!" Abby teased as she plopped down next to the couple.
"Hey! When did we get a new sister?!" Ally cooed at Maddie, as she sat on the other side of the couple, all the while making silly facing at the infant.
"Hey! She's mine!" Jacob playfully teased as he returned with Maddie's bottle in hand.
"Oh! I didn't know you had a child?" Ally said confused.
"That's not his Ally! That's Maddie, Paul and Rachel's daughter! Jacob is her uncle!" Abby giggled as she informed her sister. Abby had babysat for the Lahote's before and knew exactly who Maddie was. Jacob beamed as he took Maddie back.
"No. She's mine! Don't believe what Rachel and Paul tell you! Right mama?! You're mine! You're my baby! Mine! Mine! All mine!" Jacob cooed and nuzzled his niece while he began to feed her.
"Hey! I heard that!" Rachel called from behind him. Jacob smiled wide.
"Uh oh!" Jacob smiled at his niece at being caught. "You didn't hear anything. Go away!" Jacob laughed, turning his back to his sister.
"Jacob Ephraim Black! You give me back my baby!" Rachel huffed as she tried to steal away her baby.
"Nope!" Jacob laughed, keeping Maddie out of her reach. "She's mine!" he said again as he hurriedly walked away with Rachel in tow. Paul laughed at the pair as he followed his wife.
"Hey baby! Who you got there?" Nessie asked as Jacob approached her. "Is that our baby?" she winked at him, knowing Rachel and Paul were in listening range. She was just as bad as Jacob when it came to Maddie.
"Yes it is. Right Maddie? This is mama." Jacob cooed at his niece. Paul growled behind him. "AAAhhh! Let's run mama! There's a big bad wolf behind us!" Jacob laughed as he quickly walked away from a growling Paul, with Nessie following close behind laughing as well. Rachel huffing in frustration but laughing at the same time. Her brother loved her daughter and that made her heart full. Jacob reached his father before Paul could get a hold of him.
"Hey! Is that my granddaughter? Give her here!" Billy said as he held out his arms. Jacob placed Maddie in his arms and Billy continued to feed his granddaughter.
"Dad! Jake won't give me back my daughter!" Rachel complained.
"You don't have a daughter. She's mine!" Jacob teased again. Rachel punched his arm.
"Kids! Behave! Besides, you are both wrong! She's mine!" Billy added as he cooed at his granddaughter.
"Dad! Not you too!" Rachel smiled as she sighed heavily.
"Aw babe! We'll just have to make another one! They refuse to share this one!" Paul laughed, wrapping his arms around her waist as he kissed her neck.
"No! They can make their own!" Rachel huffed, leaning back onto Paul.
"What do you say Ness? Let's go make a baby!" Jacob breathed into Nessie's ear as lust filled his and her body.
"Nope! We have Maddie!" She laughed as she ran away with Jake on her tail. Paul, Rachel, and Billy boomed with laughter as Maddie blew spit bubbles, clearly entertained by the adults.
Meanwhile, as Jacob raced away with Maddie with Rachel and Paul in tow, little Sammy came barreling in and jumped into Abby's arms.
"Sammy!" Abby squealed as she caught the toddler who had launched himself at her. She fell back onto the sand giggling as Sammy wrapped his tiny chubby arms around her neck. "Hey buddy! What you up too?"
"Nuthin." Sammy replied in his small child voice. Abby sat up and Sammy turned towards Leah. Leah never had any interactions with Sammy. She didn't hate the child. He had no fault in the relationship between her and his mom and dad. It hurt Leah to look at Sammy because he was supposed to belong to her and Sam. He was just another reminder that Sam was lost to her forever. This was in the past. Abby cradled Sammy against her chest as Sammy looked at Leah. Leah felt uncomfortable having the toddler stare in her direction. Then he did something so unexpected, it made Leah freeze in her spot. Sammy climbed off of Abby and into Leah's arms.
He looked at her directly in her eyes and studied her for a moment. Leah stared into his doe like eyes, unable to look away. Sam. That is what she saw when she looked at the cherubic angelic face staring intently at her.
"You happy now Auntie Leah." It was a statement instead of a question. A tear slipped out and trailed down her cheek. She was happy. She was all speechless. A child, she had never acknowledged due to his parents, was now sitting on her laps calling her 'Auntie Leah' without so much as a hint of skepticism in his voice. All she could do was stare into Sammy's little eyes and nod.
"Out of the mouths of babes."
Leah finally broke the gaze she held with Sammy and watched as a smiling Sam approached them. By this time, little Sammy had his little arms wrapped tightly around Leah's neck as Leah held onto his sides. And for the first time in such a very long time, Leah smiled up at Sam. It was a genuine smile that came from deep within. She held onto Sammy as she rose up to meet Sam. Sam reached out and stroked Sammy's hair. He turned and smiled at his papa.
"My Auntie Leah happy now papa!" Sammy declared before he pressed his little lips on Leah's cheek and placed a toddler's wet kiss on her. Her stunned expression gave away her priceless reaction.
Sam let out a hardy laugh, one laced with a hint of emotions as his eyes welled up with tears he refused to let loose. Leah swallowed hard as she set Sammy down on his feet. Sammy hugged her legs tightly once more before he raced off. Both Sam and Leah stood there watching Sammy as he disappeared into the crowd towards his mother's waiting arms. Emily smiled at the pair as she nodded towards Leah. A small smile broke out on Leah's face as she waved at her cousin. Sam cleared his throat. He stood before Leah as he had done so many years ago, admiring the strong woman before him. She smiled once again at him and cleared her throat, trying to dislodge the stubborn lump in her throat.
"Well…I, uh…yeah." Was all she said as she shifted her weight uncomfortably from one foot to the other. Sam just stood there staring at his one-time lover. She still held a piece of his heart. She knew this. He still held a piece of her heart. She knew this as well.
"Leah…" now it was Sam's turn to try to swallow the equally stubborn lump in his throat. It was a heartbreaking scene unfolding before the crowd. Two lost lovers saying their goodbyes. Their hearts clearly breaking and mending at the same time. A silent tear slipped out of her eye as Sam reached over and wiped it away. Leah leaned into his touch and held his hand on her face. It was a touch she had known so long ago. A touch she had craved for years. It was the touch of her heart. Her first love. No one could touch her like he could. She closed her eyes and sighed deeply as more tears escaped her eyes.
When she finally let go of his hand and opened her eyes, there before her stood Sam with tears streaming down his face. Her breath hitched as she launched herself to him, closing the distance that was forever present in the last few years. He wrapped his arms around her and held her tight against him. She buried her face in his chest and inhaled deeply. Sam. This was her Sam. He will always belong to her but her soul no longer belong to him. He bowed down and kissed the top of her head. Reluctantly, the former lovers let each other go. They both cleared their throats and smiled when they realized they did that at the same time.
"We…good?" Sam asked after a nerve wrecking minute. Leah looked at him before she nodded. He nodded back at her and smiled over at Richard. "Take care of her. She's the best thing that will ever happen to you." Richard smiled and nodded back at Sam.
"She's in good hands my friend." Sam smiled at Richard once more before turning and walking painfully away from his love.
"Sam!" Leah called out and race up to him, one more time. "I can't forgive you…because there is nothing to forgive. I understand that now. And…I'm sorry…for not understanding." Leah apologized for her actions against something Sam had no control over. Sam took her head between his hands and placed a soft kiss upon her lips.
"There is nothing to be sorry about. We were both blindsided. You know if I could have done this differently I would have. But…" Sam looked in Emily's direction as Leah looked in Richard's direction. "We both belong to someone else now. …I love you Leah. I always will. You were my first and my only. Maybe in another life but not this one. The spirits have granted us our hearts even if we didn't agree in the first place. This…" Sam pointed between himself and her.
"Would not have worked out in the end." She finished his sentence and he smiled.
"Friends?" he held out his hand to her.
"Friends!" she agreed as she took his hand and shook it firmly. They hugged tightly and then said their final goodbyes. What was once a fairy tale turned nightmare came full circle to become a friendship they would both cherish for the rest of their lives.
They both turned their backs to each other and walked away without looking back. Both smiling big as they returned to their imprints, both set free to love as they were meant to love. Both learning a lesson about trust, love, friendship, and loyalty.
The pack stood still as they witness their former alpha and their pack sister make amends. Amends none of the pack ever thought would ever happen. When Sam and Leah made it back into the arms of their imprints, the pack yipped in celebration. The pack, although mourning the loss of their brothers, became once more a solid unit without any animosity between them now. A stronger pack then they had been in the past.
Jacob and Nessie came to attention when they heard their pack yipping in celebration. They had wandered off in search of a quiet place to reunite as lovers, as imprints, as alphas. Jacob smiled wide at his imprint as he pressed her closer to his body.
"Finally." Was all he whispered before he continued to make love to Nessie. Nessie smiled then moaned as Jacob glided in and out of her. Her pack was whole again even with their missing members. Her Jacob was here again. She was finally in a place where she could give herself fully to her imprint and that night she did.
Seth smiled as he witness his sister and Sam make up. He had always prayed this day would come. His heart was breaking from them having to say their goodbyes but it was full from the love they both showed each other. He wanted that. He wanted his imprint. Seth felt ready for whoever he was to imprint on. He sighed heavily as he stood there with the pack.
"Hey man. You okay?" Brady asked him as he noticed the far off look in Seth's eyes.
"Yeah. I'm good." Seth replied with his dimpled smile. "How are you doing?"
"Good as new! Never better. Damn leeches couldn't keep me down!" Brady smiled widely.
"Shame we can't say that about all of us." Quil stated, bringing about a somber mood again.
"Yeah." Seth quietly agreed. The pack came to a circle and raised their drinks.
"To our brothers! Alex, Caleb, and Taylor! May they look after us from the spirit world and may their legends live on forever! Cheers!" Quil toasted.
"CHEERS!" the pack resonated as the sound of clinking glasses filled the air. The entire community at the bonfire joining in the toast to their fallen.
"Let us celebrate their lives!" Billy bellowed into the crowd. A cheer erupted and dancing began as others chanted long into the night. A celebration of life and tears for their loss. It would be a great while before they would heal from the loss of their boys but today they begin by celebrating the life they had shared with them the short time they blessed the community with their presence.
It had been a couple of weeks since the burial of their brothers. Jacob suspended all patrols to give the pack an adequate amount of time to mourn. The Cullen's agreed to patrol the area outside of the treaty line for the pack giving them the time needed to mourn. It was ironic to Jacob to have leeches patrol the area protecting his people but he accepted their help nonetheless.
After a month's time, Jacob deemed the time for patrol was upon them again. He and Nessie went to thank the Cullen's for their time. Nessie said her goodbyes to her parents once again and promised to stay in touch as always. Her Uncle Emmy hugged her tight and kissed the top of her head, telling her to 'stay out of trouble kiddo!' She smiled at him and then growled. He boomed with laughter saying he would never get used to his niece being a wolf now.
It was time for a pack meeting. The alpha pair left her family and made their way into the forest. Jacob stood behind and waited for his Nessie to phase. She stood before with a smirk on her face as the white mist enveloped her human form and leaving behind her white furred wolf, standing in front of her imprint. Jacob smiled wide.
"I can never tire of looking at how you phase baby!" Jacob stated as he begun to strip down. A soft growl could be heard coming from Nessie. Jacob stood back and let the familiar heat rise up his spine as his russet wolf exploded forward.
There you are baby! Nessie cooed at Jacob as she nuzzled her snout on the side of his face. The russet wolf rumbled in delight. This was the first time they had phased in together since the whole incident with the Romanians. It wasn't out of fear. Their human sides were just reconnecting and enjoying each other's company.
Damn I miss your wolf. Jacob confessed as he proceeded to scent her. She stood still for her alpha all the while purring from the contact.
Damnit! Would you two get a room already!
Jacob growled. Nessie giggled. Quil. She acknowledged him.
Ness. Please tell me his dick is not hanging out! I'm coming into view! Quil teased but was serious at the same time. He had enough of looking at Jacob's manhood to last him a lifetime.
QUIL! Jacob reprimanded. Nessie laughed so hard she snorted in her wolf form. When he came into view, Nessie was rolling around on the ground still laughing as Jacob growled at him menacingly.
He's right Black! Every time Nessie is around, your dick is out! Leah confirmed as she trotted into view.
Shit. She doesn't even have to be in her wolf form, he's at attention pointing at every one with that thing! Seth added in disgust making Nessie laugh even harder. Quil joining her.
We talking about Black and his inability to keep his shit sheath? Brady asked as he came into view. Jacob continued to growl. Nessie continued to laugh.
I would say that is a yes! Collin added as he followed Brady out of the tree line.
Oh god! Should I close my eyes? (Nate)
I think we should! (Jonathon)
Damnit! I knew I should have called in sick! Jason teased as he and Nix trotted up to the pack.
Alright enough everyone! Jacob tried to kill to the joke.
I see it! Sebastian came bursting out of the tree line making everyone laugh out loud. Most already transforming into their human forms from being unable to stop laughing.
"Awe baby! They're just jealous they can't compete!" Nessie slung her arm around his shoulders as she winked at him. He blushed but smiled back at her, tongue in cheek.
"Hey! I resent that!" Quil chimed in.
"Yeah and so does my wolf!" Nate added with most of the pack agreeing in mock anger.
"I've seen all your junk. I still say…can't compete!" Nessie countered as Leah high fived her, the pair laughing at the pack.
"Why are you high fiving her? You're man probably isn't half as big as us!" Quil dangerously challenged.
"Oh my man is plenty big, Ateara. Big enough to put you to shame!" Leah countered with a smirk as she eyed his manhood. Nessie high fived Leah back as Quil quickly covered up, finally realizing he was standing there naked as the day he was born! The pack roared with laughter.
"Alright. Enough!" Jacob stated bringing the pack back to the meeting. He smiled and laughed at his imprint and Leah. These two girls had come a long way. The last few week of Leah imprinting had helped settle her attitude and made her more understanding in many ways. "Okay, so as you all know, the Cullen's gave us a much needed break to mourn and celebrate our brothers." Jacob began. The pack settled in, taking a seat where they could. The mention of their lost ones bringing a hush silence to the pack. "I know it is still with us. We all miss them. I half expect them to come through the tree line." Jacob pointed towards the forest and the pack nodded, some turning to face the forest. "But the reality of it all is that they are not coming back. And so now we have to move forward. Ness and I will be working out new patrol schedules but with the older leeches gone, I don't foresee needing to take up twenty four hour patrolling."
"Yeah!" the pack cheered, some clapping.
"Settle down. I know it good news. Something we have been needing. We will be giving you another week and then on the following Monday it will be back to patrolling. Now Ness and I talked about it and we will be trying six on, two off."
"What does that mean?" Jason inquired.
"It means we patrol for six hours and have a two hour window of no patrol but with that we need to stay vigilante about our surroundings so that what happened this last time will not happen again…ever!" Nessie answered.
"That's right. I will be going around ever third day or so and marking my…our territory," Jacob continued to explain.
"So you're gonna piss everywhere?" Nix asked a little disgusted at the idea and with a little hint of a challenge towards his alpha.
"Yes. Exactly. I'm going to piss everywhere." Jacob answered with an annoyed tone.
"Alright! Sorry. Just checking." Nix apologized. Jacob glared at him. His wolf bristled at Nix's wolf. Nix leaned back onto his hands and turned his head to the side, essentially baring his neck to his alpha. Jacob rumbled deep within and turned his attention back to the rest of the pack.
"This will leave an unmistakable warning to any leeches passing through. If and this is a big 'if' we do not have activity within the next several month, we may be able to cut patrol to four hours instead of six."
"Yeah!" the pack cheered.
"Alright. Alright. Listen. Our brothers didn't get to live a life and this life we lead my not be the one you had wanted but we are here. It is our responsibility to protect this tribe but at the same time, I don't think this should hold us back. We already have Embry out there becoming a doctor. I say we should be able to go to college and have an opportunity to live." Jacob started. "The loss we had is making me see things in a whole different light. Our smart little Alex had the potential to become whatever he wanted. Caleb often talked about going to college as did Taylor. The time has come for us to let our pack grow into something more." There was a quiet rumble amongst the pack. "Times have changed and it's about time this pack changed with it."
"Yeah! Fuck yeah!" the pack cheered. They had been held back for so long. The last pack in this area was back when the world was still young. If this pack did not adapt to the changing time, they would be left far behind.
"So would it be safe to say we could introduce technology into our patrol?" Sebastian ask tentatively.
"Exactly! That's the kind of forward think we need. If you know of anything we can use, bring it up. Talk to me. Guys, I'm your alpha. I may rule the pack but I can't have all the ideas. I know all of you have ideas too. We need to start working as a team. Maybe then we can avoid lost lives like this last time and avoid having to bring our retired brothers out of retirement. Their imprints are aging and Paul, Jared, and Sam would like to age with them. Every time they phase, that's just another year, another month, another week of not aging. We can't depend on them all the time. So we need to do some forward thinking."
"Like adding look-out post up there." Seth pointed up the trees.
"Yes because we can't always have Ness be the eye in the sky for us. What if we wanted to start a family? You're crazy if you think I'm going to let a very pregnant Ness up there. Shit no!" Jacob gave an example.
"I won't be going up there if I was pregnant either. So where would that leave this pack? We are vulnerable right now. We can only count on our wolves but we are more than that. We don't live in the wild like regular wolves. We are NOT regular wolves so we need to start thinking like our human counterparts as well." Nessie added.
"Well if that's the case we should look into motion sensor hunting cameras or even perimeter sensors and set up a home base. We can monitor from home base and send out someone only on a as needed bases." Jonathon, the resident tech, informed Jacob.
"That's good! But we have to remember we are dealing with supernatural beings here. Regular technology is good but we need to amp it up. I doubt regular sensors can detect a leech." Jacob encouraged. "We don't want to become complacent with all this new technology. Besides the best weapon we have is this," he stated as he pointed to his nose. "So we will continue to do regular perimeter runs. Let our wolves out but all these ideas are definitely something to look into. Jonathon, find out what you can and get back to me. The rest of you, if you have ideas, call me, call Ness, call Quil. Share amongst yourselves and bounce ideas off each other. Take the week off. We will come back together this coming Monday and we will revisit this. We will move this pack forward. Alright? Any other issues we need to discuss?" Jacob asked. No one had any more to add. "Okay, you're dismissed. Seth hold up a minute. Nix you too." The pack yipped in excitement as they got up and went off their marry ways. When they were alone, Jacob first addressed Seth. "Seth, where are you as far as your imprint?"
"I keep missing them Jake. I went to the clinic because I felt the pull and when I arrive, whoever it is was gone. I went to the diner and again, missed them. I felt it coming from Charlie's place and I went over there but again I just missed them."
"Did you ask your mom who was there?"
"Didn't get a chance. No one was home by the time I got there." Seth informed Jacob. "I'm not even sure if I'm looking for a girl or some guy?" his frustration was showing through.
"Hey. It's okay Seth. You'll find them. Leah already imprinted and you are still feeling the tug. That's good. Just keep at it and in the meantime, wherever you go, ask who was there. It should give us a clue as to who you should be looking for, be it male or female." Jacob stated trying to soothe the anxious wolf. He could hear the sandy wolf whining within Seth.
"Alright man. Thanks Jake. I'll call you." Seth stated as Jacob dismissed him and turned his attention to Nix. Nix was sweating a little, the color fading fast from his face.
"Phase in." Jacob ordered, his eyes dark with anger. Nix swallowed hard but did as he was told. A dark grey wolf stood before him. Jacob took off his shorts and phased in as well. His russet wolf needing to address his pack member.
Nix, you need to watch your tone when addressing me pup. I know you didn't mean anything by it but my wolf is not so understanding. Jacob address the shivering pup. Jacob let the russet wolf's feeling flow through him. His wolf wanting to show his dominance over the pup. Nix whined and coward below the russet wolf. He rolled over and exposed his belly. His tail wagging to and fro in fright. The russet wolf stood over the pup, growling baring his razor sharp teeth. Upon seeing his teeth, Nix bared his neck. The alpha lowered his head and captured the dark grey wolf's neck and clamped on causing a whimper to escape the dark grey wolf. The russet wolf growled and bit down harder, drawing blood. The dark grey wolf stopped his whining and accepted his due punishment. The russet wolf stood there growling for what seemed like a lifetime before he gently nipped Nix and then let go.
This should have been done in front of the pack but I'm a little against mounting my pack mate which is what would of happened pup. Animal instinct is a bitch! You remember that next time you run your mouth because next time I'll let him do what he needs to do. Jacob warned Nix about letting his russet wolf mount the pup in front of the pack next time.
Yes sir. Was all Nix said as he laid there still exposing his belly to his alpha, not daring to move. The alpha leaned in and licked the pup's snout. A soft excited whine escaping the pup as he licked his alpha back.
Phase out. Jacob ordered. Nix phased back to his human form, blood trickling down his neck slowly, the wound already healing. Nessie handed him his shorts. He quickly dressed as Jacob phased back.
"Don't let this happen again pup. Know your place." Jacob said as he grabbed the back of Nix's neck and gently head-butted the pup. Nix nodded still a bit shaken up by the experience but happy to be back in Jacob's good graces. Jacob pulled him in for a hug and place Nix's face in the crook of his neck, letting his scent calm Nix before he let him go.
"Thank Jacob." Nix replied as he looked down in shame.
"It's all good pup. They've all been there. Don't let them tell you otherwise. It took a while for me to figure out why I had that feeling so you're lucky I figured it out and got control of my wolf. There's a couple of them in our pack not so lucky. We'll just leave it at that." Jacob informed the stunned Nix. Nessie smiled at him and pulled him in for a hug.
"Go on. You'll be okay." Nessie cooed at him. He smiled at her before taking off. She turned her attention to Jacob.
"Life of an alpha!" He shrugged. She nodded in understanding. "Come on. Let's go home and make some babies!" he beamed with a sexy growl. The growl filling Nessie with lust as her stomach quivered with anticipation. Their eyes glazed over black as Nessie began to back away slowly ready to make Jacob chase her.
"They're right Black. You're dick is always out!" Nessie teased as she raced away leaving a speechless Jacob in her wake.
"Get back here! You're gonna pay for that comment Reneesme!" Jacob gave chase as he playfully warned after his imprint. Nessie could be heard giggling in the distance before she shifted and made her way home with the russet wolf hot on her tail.
Please R&R. Grammar and spelling mistakes are mine. Next chapter will see Seth finally imprinting! Yay!
