A/N: Special thanks to PR and Bran for being the BIGGEST support group for this story. I love every moment of working with you guys! To Maxsmomma, brankel1, Beauty Eclipsed, roganjalex, Loveforgreeneyes: Thank you for giving this story a shot. It means a lot!

Suggested listening: Five Finger Death Punch - Wrong Side of Heaven

Chapter 9

October 31, 2029

The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him. - G.K. Chesteron

Ryker woke the following morning as the sun barely lit the horizon. Honeysuckles filled his senses as his eyes fluttered open in no particular hurry to greet the day. Jaz snuggled closer to his chest as he came fully awake and aware of the uncomfortable humming inside of his body. His muscles tensed as he squeezed her tighter into his side. Home, that which he must protect - he drew her scent in deep and slow.

Jasmine's grip tightened as Ryker untangled himself from her web of security and placed a kiss on her forehead. "Love you, Jaz," he whispered.

She pulled his vacant pillow closer to her face taking a drag of his scent. Her body visibly relaxed under the hit of reassurance. Once today was said and done Jaz would become his in every way mates belonged to each other. Ryker watched her a moment more before ducking out of her window and into the woods. He had business to attend to.

He strolled into the backyard of the clubhouse. The lawn was already littered with anxious wolves pacing the sod into muddy ponds. His human aunts stood on the porch huddled into one another. Ryker tilted his head to the side and picked up faint movement in the basement area. Cousins and siblings were awake but he thanked the spirits for whoever felt it was best they remained indoors. They were too young to be tainted by the effects of war.

Ryker zeroed in on his twin and her mate. They sat together shoulder to shoulder. He dropped onto the log next to Rhilynn and bumped her shoulder. "Happy Birthday, little sister," he muttered.

Her soft smile lifted his heart. "You too, big brother," she said as her smile died.

What a hell of a way to turn eighteen. Ryker rolled his head towards the sky as the first rain drop hit his nose. Luck, fuck, even nature seemed to work against them. "I'll be damned," Ryker huffed.

Rhilynn and Dom snorted as Ryker chuckled at their unbelievable good luck. Time stood still mid-laugh. Rain halted in its descent to the ground. Every wolf in the yard tensed before bursting into fur in unison. Leah's howl was late as they ran towards her. Jared closed to the left, Paul tightened the right, and Seth brought up the rear as she led the procession of vampires into the jaws of the pack.

The younger pups followed Dom as the remaining senior wolves spread along the sides of the trench. Leah funneled them right into the heart of the rock canyon. Ryker ducked low to the ground readying himself for the signal. "Easy, not until the go ahead," Dom soothed them through the link.

Six's mind raced a mile a minute working the anxious wolf into a nut case frenzy. Dom's giant black head snapped to the smaller chocolate brown wolf. He bared his teeth and snarled. The younger wolf dropped belly down, but his body refused to remain still. Ryker focused on Leah's vision, counting the paces as she closed in on the trap. His body coiled, ready to spring into action.

Everyone centered themselves and focused as Leah came into view. They waited for the millisecond hours to tick down to zero. Seth closed the ambush as Leah and the vampires' proximity triggered their fluid motion. Every wolf jumped from cover to attack the marble ticks. Instincts and adrenaline drove the pack.

The field became a giant mud puddle as fur and shards of clothing littered the ground. Blood and marble bits mingled with the rain and mud as enemies tore into each other. Thunderous thuds vibrated the very ground they fought on as heavy bodies were smashed down. Whines and screams of pain drowned out the hard rainfall and rolling thunder.

The clash of flesh and granite rivaled deeper thunder claps. Vampire limbs were scattered about the ground as their numbers dwindled. Painful howls rippled through the chaos, but Ryker's head rang from the multiple blows he was taking. He couldn't focus, his body ached, and he didn't know how much longer he could carry on; but, he ripped and shredded leeches as they came into range.

The sounds quieted as the fight slowed to a stop. Ryker dodged a blow from the remaining vampire putting him at the right angle and dove in for the kill. He slung the vamp's head to the side as a pain shot through his chest bringing him to his belly. His massive head snapped to his twin as she fell to the ground with a leech's head tightly locked in her jaw.

She phased human as she bounced off the mud. He raced towards her fallen form mere moments before his alpha. Dom dropped to his knees at her side as Ryker phased human at her feet. Her throat worked to draw breath as Dom held pressure to the gash. A tear slid down Ryker's cheek as he watched his twin fight for her last breath. Screams and cries held no sound as her limp arms fell to the earth to reveal the full extent of the damage.

Ryker's vision blurred as he stared at his disemboweled sister. Smoke rose into the rain as the thunder passed and the wind picked up. His body and senses were unaware of the commotion around him. He only saw a life without his twin. Her loss was felt through their connection since birth.

Dom cradled his sister as his father picked him up from the ground. He'd never seen his father cry before today. Two tears traced through the dried blood that covered Ryker's face as he held onto the rest. His eyes lifted to his mother's as Dom broke the trees first. Bella's hands flew to her mouth as she dropped to her knees.

His aunts tried to catch her but failed. He didn't hear her sobbing screams as Paul ran to comfort her. She clung to his body as the other wives looked to the pack in horror. Sadie ran from the porch as Kim fell to her knees in much of the same fashion as Bella. Jared moved into his field of vision carrying the mangled form of his best friend. Jackie Clearwater stood like a statue as tears trickled down her cheeks at the sight of her mate carrying their eldest son.

The women and older siblings rushed into action as hurt wolves filtered into the yard to drop like flies. Focus drove them to push everything aside to care for the wounded. Ryker scanned the crowd but he didn't see her. He turned to his best friend huddled on Rhilynn's chest. They only breathe for so long.

Paul helped his very pregnant mother to his sister. Bella barely touched her as if she were afraid to hurt her more. Ryker blinked as his mother covered her child with her warmth. Her tears mixed with Rhilynn's dried blood. He turned from the sight to scan those around him. It was a Pyrrhic victory at best.

Ryker glided on autopilot to the massive oak tree. Billy told them a creepy story about the tree's existence before around the campfire, but for the life of him he couldn't remember the tale. He circled the tree until he stood in the very spot Rhilynn had claimed. His finger traced over her mark of ownership:

Rhilynn's spot

Ryker traced the remnants of his smartass answer. The large 'x' crossed her name out with his name right above it. She was pissed but it made him laugh. A small smile touched the corner of his mouth as he remember her kicking his ass over the joke.

He turned to his mother who was sponging Rhi's broken body, preparing her for her last farewell. Kim and Jackie prepared his best friend Dillon and his youngest brother Gage in the same ritualistic fashion as his mother. Emily walked around collecting small tufts of hair for the grief-stricken mothers. The packs comforted each other with touches and soothing words. They pulled together to calm the hysterical younger children over the wide felt loss.

Sue placed her hand on Bella's shoulder. "Bella, let me," she whispered.

His very pregnant mother slapped Sue's hand away and growled through her tears, "No, it's a mother's job to take care of her children." She stroked Rhilynn's hair from her forehead. "It's my job," she muttered over and over.

His grandfather Charlie hugged his wife Sue into his side as they huddled over their fallen grandchildren. Billy stayed on the porch as he watched over them. Tiffany Call, Joy Atera, and the rest of the council were there, but Ryker didn't care. Jasmine Fuller was the only person he wanted to see, and he felt anger burn through his veins at her absence. Why couldn't she feel their connection?

"Ryker?" the shaky voice drew his attention. She stood to the side of the house, shifting her weight between her tiny bare feet. Her hair was plastered to her head from the constant drizzle overhead. The cotton of her t-shirt stretched with the weight of the rain and her continual twisting. He closed his eyes against the beautiful sight as he drew a deep breath to calm the shit storm inside.

Ryker opened his eyes as his arms closed around the smaller frame. He didn't question how she got there so fast as he buried his nose in her neck. Jaz felt right - she was home and he'd do whatever it took to show her. His life would never be whole again, but Jaz, she could begin the healing process. Whatever it took, he vowed.

Her legs tightened around his middle as he ran them from the pack. He didn't stop until he was in front of Rhilynn's bedroom door. Jaz slid from his grasp as he turned the knob to open the door. Rhilynn's scent slammed into him rocking him on his feet. A few wobbling steps brought Ryker to his knees at the edge of her bed. His silent scream contorted his features as he scooped her pillows and blankets into a pile to bury his face.

Jaz melted onto his back as she hugged his trembling form together. Her soft lips kissed along his spine while she smoothed comforting circles over his torso. Ryker cried into Rhilynn's sheets as he embraced the pain. He reached behind him and slumped to the floor pulling Jasmine into his lap. She hugged him as fiercely as he clung to her.

He purred under her lavish kisses along his jaw, neck, and shoulders. Ryker groaned before he pulled away from her. Big watery emerald gems gazed back at him as he cupped her neck and ran his thumb across her cheek. Her eyes searched his as silent tears coasted down her cheeks before she crashed her lips into his. His fist tightened in her hair to bring her closer.

Ryker winced into her mouth as pain shot down his side. He ignored it as he carried Jasmine into his room. Her damp hair fanned in clumps across his pillow as he laid her in the center of his bed. The soaked band t-shirt she wore made a wet plop as the garment fell to the floor. His jaw clenched at the offered comfort spread before him.

Her knees fell apart and Ryker accepted the invitation to settle between her thighs. He pressed himself hard against her heated juncture and bore his weight on his forearms. His eyes closed as her soft hands ran down his chest and stomach, around and up his back, over his shoulders and through his hair, and down his arms as she continued the soothing process over again. Ryker rocked himself into her pelvis as he dropped his forehead to hers. Their breath mingled as she locked her ankles around the small of his back.

Her breasts flattened against his chest as he settled his weight securely on top of her. His kiss was slow and gentle as they rocked their hips into each other. He needed to be inside of her welcoming, comforting heat, but he broke the kiss instead. "We don't have to Jasmine. I just wanna hold you," he panted into her ear before dropping kisses down her neck and over her shoulder.

She cupped his cheeks and forced him to meet her gaze. "Let me take away your pain the only way I know how, Ryker," she whispered and captured his lips.

Ryker groaned into her mouth as his tension melted. She shivered as he moved his warm hand over her stomach and ribs to cup and squeeze her soft breast. His callused thumb grazed her nipple making her arch into his touch. He swallowed her throaty moans as he roamed every bit of her exposed skin he could reach.

Their sweet kiss escalated into passionate greed. The swelling in his cut-offs was becoming unbearable. Ryker pulled from her tangled limbs and tore her shorts and panties into shreds. His shorts followed shortly behind hers. He fell to the bed above her as he sank between her drenched folds. Jasmine's head to fell to the side as she quaked beneath him.

Ryker sealed his lips around the pulse in her neck as he linked their hands together. He rocked in and out of her tight channel as he moaned into her shoulder. Her hips met his thrust for thrust. Their mutual release left them surprised and breathless, and the dam broke free. His arms tightened around Jasmine as he cried into her shoulder. She cradled his head against her bosom as he sobbed.

When the tears ran dry, Ryker rolled onto his back and cuddled her close to his side. She rested her head over his heart as he stared at the ceiling. Her soft snores reached his ears as she sagged against him. From birth his twin had never been far from his side. Now, she was millions of lightyears away. His entire being felt empty and raw.

Exhaustion flooded his nervous system, but the Sandman refused him any dreams. He lay awake listening to Jasmine's steady heart beats and even breaths. His fingers idly combed through her dried hair. Ryker's stomach growled in hunger, but he didn't want to leave her. Instead he watched the sun make its journey over the rainy sky.

As day faded to night, Ryker nudged his sleepy mate awake. She groaned in protest and rubbed her face against his chest. He chuckled for the first time in what seemed like forever. Her body sagged against him as she tried to go back to sleep. Ryker flipped her onto her back and tickled her as she bit her lips against her grin.

He peppered her face with kisses and she squeezed her eyes tight. "The prince's kisses are supposed to wake Sleeping Beauty," he growled with mock anger.

Her eyes jerked open as he bit her chin with a sharp nip. His grin spread across his eyes as her green eyes flashed at him. "There you are," he said and meshed his lips to hers.

"We have to get up," he said between pecking kisses. He pulled away from her with reluctance and climbed off the bed. Jaz rolled onto her stomach and snuggled into his pillow. She squealed as his hand landed a swat to her naked bottom. "Come on," he smirked at her glare.

She huffed and ran her fingers through the rat's nest on her head. "Umm, Ryker," he looked up from his drawer to see where she was pointing. "My clothes."

He slipped his boxers over his hips. "Hold on," he said as he disappeared from the room. Moments later he came back and tossed some clothes onto his bed. "Here," he said, unable to look at the outfit anymore.

Ryker pulled some jeans from his closet and tugged the closest shirt over his head. He turned as Rhilynn's old shirt of his fell over Jasmine's shoulders. Her sympathetic stare met his. His jaw clenched as he dropped his eyes, trying to hold back fresh tears. Sheetrock sprayed the floor as Ryker planted his fist in the wall.

He hadn't realized how bad he'd lost it until he was taking deep breaths of honeysuckles. Jasmine wrapped her arms around his middle and held him tight. Ryker held her until the trembling in his muscles creased. She wiped the tears from his cheeks and kissed him. A flash of hurtful confusion creased her beautiful face, but he could only offer a weak smile.

Ryker turned back to his dresser and grabbed the small Metallica tee shirt from his drawer and tucked it into his back pocket. He pulled a twenty dollar bill from the jar on the shelf above his chest of drawers. His fingertips grazed over the beaded bracelet Rhilynn made him. "You're not just my twin brother Ryker, you're my best friend."

He fisted a tear from his cheek as he put the too small stretch bracelet over his wrist. Ryker snorted, they were much younger when she made it. His nostrils flared with the burn of threatening tears as he walked into her room to grab her matching bracelet. The piece of plastic jewelry was shoved into his front pocket as he turned to see Jasmine leaning in the door frame. She offered a small smile, but remained silent.

Ryker walked to her outstretched hand and threaded his fingers with hers. He fixated on their joined hands, and marveled at the awe of her smaller hand fitting inside of his larger one. A perfect match, the imprint be damned. His chest swelled with love for the tiny creature at his side. Love is an invincible feeling when it's shared.

They made to leave the house. Ryker grabbed Rhilynn's car keys from the hook on the wall. Ryker held the door for Jasmine to slip into the passenger seat. He hopped into the driver seat and the engine purred to life. His eyes closed as he breathed in Rhi's earthy berry scent. Tears stained his cheeks further as he drove them towards the clubhouse. Jasmine's fingers slipped between his as they rode in silence.

He found an empty spot in front of the house and whipped the SS into the vacant lot. Ryker revved the engine a last time before shutting her down. Grabbing Jasmine's hand, they made their way into the house. His mother cried in the kitchen as she and the rest of the pack moms cooked. She looked up as he entered and ran into his open arms.

Ryker hugged her close as she drenched his shirt in salty grief. Her fists balled into the fabric as she sobbed. He laid his cheek on top of her head and sobbed like a five year old. He closed his eyes and breathed her in. She always smelled of strawberries, cookies, and home.

Ryker crumbled to his knees as he hugged her waist. His cheek rested on his twin siblings tucked safely inside her womb. "I'm so sorry mama," he sobbed.

Bella combed her fingers through his hair like she did when he was a child. She shushed him and rocked him with her body. "Hush that Ryker. It wasn't your fault."

She dropped to her knees and grabbed his bent head between her small palms. "Look at me," she said with a stern tone. Ryker picked his sorrowful gaze from the floor. "I don't blame you or your father or the pack, do you understand Ryker?" she said as she searched his eyes.

Ryker nodded his head. "Yes ma'am."

Bella pinched his cheeks tighter and gave him a firm shake. "I love you, Ryker. You are my son and no matter what, I will always love you," she said, tears traversed down her cheeks and her voice cracked.

Ryker clung to her slight frame and buried his nose in her shoulder. They hugged for a long time before Bella pulled away from him. She looked into his eyes and wiped the tears from his cheeks. "Go help your father and brothers prepare for tonight," she said with a sniff.

Ryker helped her to her feet. She patted his arm and turned from him. Jasmine grabbed Bella in an embrace. "I'm sorry for your loss, Mrs. Lahote," she said.

Bella hugged her back and a pat on her back. "Thank you, sweetie. Come," she gestured with her a jerk of her head. "Help us cook. The boys can pack away some food," Bella joked and Jasmine offered a meek laugh.

Ryker watched his mother pull his mate into the kitchen with the rest of the mates. He saw Sadie and pulled her into a hug. "I'm so sorry Sadie. Dillon was my brother from another mother. I'll take care of you and your pup. Don't worry," Ryker vowed and pressed a kiss to her forehead.

After hugging Kim and Jackie and offering his condolences, Ryker made his way out back. Three canoes lined the beach's shore. Several bonfires blazed high as the flames licked the night air. Paul looked to him as he approached the edge of the beach. In two strides, father and son melded together in a man embrace.

For the umpteenth time, tears rushed forth from Ryker as he buried his face in his father's massive. secure chest. Paul held him tight as he emptied his manly status onto his dad. "I'm so sorry, Pop, I shoulda-"

Paul cut him off and grasped his shoulders in a firm hold. "No," he roared with anger. "No, Ryker, it's not your fault. You fuckin' understand, son. It's not your fault," Paul growled, yanking Ryker into his chest.

He stepped from his father's arms and turned to Jared. "Uncle Jare, he was my brother," he said as his voice cracked.

He sniffled and took a deep breath to calm himself. "I'll be there, for Sadie, and his pup. For anything," he vowed.

Jared nodded and replied, "Thank you Ryker. Dillon would appreciate that."

Ryker nodded and walked to Seth. "I'm so sorry Uncle Seth."

Seth hugged him close and patted his back. "Thank you," he said with a soft smile.

Ryker scanned the crowd and notice his absentee best friend. "Where's Dom?"

Sam looked up from poking the fire. "He went that way," he said, pointing to the top of the cliff's lip.

"Thanks," Ryker said and took off in the direction he knew he'd find Dom

His friend stood on the edge watching the gentle swell of the waves. Dom had his hands stuffed into his pockets. He never turned to greet Ryker. Instead, he stood like a statue as the slight breeze blew his hair and clothing to the side. "Did you know she carried my pup?" Dom asked, not bothering to turn to see who had approached him

Ryker shook his head and wet his lips. "No," he said as his voice hitched. The tears burned his eyes again. He would've been an uncle.

Dom's dark chuckle chilled the air. "I knew something was off about today. I wanted to tell Rhilynn to stay out of this one," he snorted and hung his head.

Ryker cleared his throat. "We both know she wouldn't have listened," he whispered, unable to trust his shaky voice.

Dom let out a hushed laugh and shook his head. "No, she would've fought and cursed."

Ryker smirked with pride for his sister. "She would've kicked your ass for trying to tell her to do something."

"That's the Lahote way."

"Damn straight," Ryker growled.

Dom's shoulders hitched to his ears. "I'm sorry I didn't protect her," he whispered.

Ryker's Adam's apple bobbed as he licked his lips. He repeated the words he's heard all night. "It's not your fault Dom. We were in the middle of battle. We were spread too thin. There were too many," he shrugged. "Shit happens and we have to learn from it."

Rhilynn wouldn't want this. She wouldn't want them to feel guilt over what happened to her. They were protectors, it was their job to protect humans and their lands from threats. If anything she was happy to be a part of the pack like they pretended as kids. Dom's devastated voice cracked under his own guilt. "It was my job to protect my mate, my babe-" he sucked a harsh breath through his clenched teeth.

Ryker closed the distance between them and grabbed his friend in a tight bear hug. Dom pushed at Ryker but he held tight, refusing to let his friend go. He settled against Ryker's hold, crying on his shoulder as he pounded his fists against Ryker's ribs. His teeth clenched with every blow, but Ryker refused to leave him broken. The hits to Ryker's sides ebbed as Dom lost his momentum.

They pulled from each other and turned their backs to wipe their eyes. "Everything's ready. We should get back," Ryker said into the forest before he looked back to Dom.

Their shoulders brushed against each other with the comforting touch of reassurance. Everyone was gathered along the beachfront where mates huddled with mates and children hugged their parents' legs. Ryker pulled Jasmine close to his side. Dom hugged Sadie and muttered his condolences against her forehead. Sadie clung to his shirt and sobbed into his broad chest for loss of her mate and pack sister. Sorrowful eyes never lost contact with the three young lives that will never be forgotten.

Emily gave dolls made from their children's hair to the mothers of the young warriors. Each held the doll close throughout it all. Billy performed a beautiful ceremony filled with prayers, stories, and new legends about their lives. They gave thanks to the Spirits for gracing their lives with the booming personalities of their fallen. Their lives were forever changed.

Ryker stepped forward to say his last goodbyes. He laid the Metallica tee shirt over Gage's blanketed chest. The twenty dollars Ryker owed Dillon was stuffed into a fold over his covered body, "You'll never be broke as long as I owe," he whispered into his brother's ear before kissing his hidden forehead.

Ryker stood next to his twin's boat, rubbing the wooden sides. He felt anger at being left behind, at not being able to be there fast enough, not watching out for his sister. Tears coursed down his cheeks as he dug the bracelet from his pocket. His thumbs ran over the beaded message 'Half of'. The matching stretched bracelet around his wrist read 'My Soul'.

Ryker placed the bracelet beside the baby blanket he remembered from his mother's hope chest. The pack gathered around the three boats where as a unit they sent them off to sea. Aurora and Samara along with Dillon's twin sisters Kadence and Harper, and Gage's sister Kenzie shot flamed arrows onto the vessels ferrying their siblings into the afterlife. They chaperoned from a distance until the three vanished beyond the horizon.

The End