A/N: I have kept to Stephanie Meyer's story line on how Marcus's wife Didyme met her end. I have also included a scene between Paul and Cheveyo which is important for the back story of why Paul chose to leave the reservation when he did. It also provides a glimpse of Cheveyo's current state of mind. I'm undecided if I will extend Paul's storyline beyond this but just in case…. I wanted to include some details.

Chapter 13

Time was a concept of relativity for immortals. But enough had passed since Aleksander Yerzov walked through the medieval halls of the Volturi Castle to notice the subtle changes of the decor. The visit was a large gamble on his part, but he continued down the narrow corridor with the presence and confidence which came with authority and age. Alexei had requested to come in his stead, but Aleksander knew better then to place the future of his endeavors in his wayward son's hands. It was also a calculated gesture of atonement for the attack on the La Push without the Volturi's consent. Alexei's failure to dispose of the Clearwater girl had changed the timeline of his plans, but Aleksander was nothing if not diligent and had begun to make the necessary adjustments.

The three rulers awaited in the large parlor, but it was Felix who greeted the ancient vampire at the entrance with a slight nod, appraising him the necessary arrangements had been successfully made. A cunning smile graced Aleksander's lips as he voluntarily offered the Volturi ruler his hand. Aro returned his smile and took a moment to search his memories, unaware the ruthless vampire had been collecting chess pieces of his own, and his two newest and most essential acquisitions lingered in the castle's vicinity. Sadika had the gift of visual projections, making her targets see any illusion she desired, or see nothing at all and Denne was a shield.

"Aleksander...It has been too long since you've graced us with your presence. But I do wish it could have been under different circumstances".

Yerzov allowed a small grin as he met Aro's intent gaze. He acknowledged the other two Volturi leaders with a slight nod, his eyes lingering on Marcus's.

"You must forgive the discourtesy; it isn't everyday one loses his first born".

He didn't offer any other explanation, allowing the weight of his chosen words to relay his meaning.

"For which you have our condolences, but I hoped your son's impudence would have served as a lesson for the rest of your family. Alas, it seems you are determined not to heed our counsel old friend".

A narrowing of his eyes betrayed his anger, but the coven leader regained his control almost instantly, nodding as a sign of acceptance and respect.

"It was an impulsive and heated decision on my youngest son's part. And I am here to speak on his behalf… hoping to make amends. Alexei is reckless, but he is my only heir and I come in good faith hoping the years my family has supported and served you will count in his favor".

"Felix tells me your son came across some interesting information during his travels".

"Yes, the mongrels have a true hybrid among them; daughter to one Jacob Black. She is both vampire and beast. My family is prepared to acquire her for your collection if you so please at no risk to you".

"She is also part Cullen which means their seer will be informed of any decision on our part".

"As you're probably already aware, there is a werewolf just outside of the castle; both as a precaution against the seer and as physical proof the inoculation was a success. I have not survived this long out of fortune Aro…The inoculation would allow the werewolves enough time to make the trip to La Push. My family would accompany them of course; a new chess piece for you, retribution for my family and the decimation of the shape shifters. Your army wouldn't even have to leave Volterra".

Caius hissed in response, stalking forward menacingly.

"Giving the werewolves the freedom to transform at will is dangerous. Send the werewolves…let them tear each other apart but once they have outgrown their use, we should eradicate them all".

Aro smiled indulgently at his longtime partner.

"Good hired help is hard to come by Caius. The inoculation will only grant them temporary immunity. Isn't that correct Aleksander? They can be controlled…."

Aleksander nodded in agreement, conveniently leaving out particulars regarding the live virus and the fact Tamás had already received it.

"The plan looks promising Aleksander, but we need some time to discuss it further. We will be in touch…..."

Aro turned but chose to leave the coven leader with a friendly warning.

"Give our regards to Alexei ...but do keep him on a short leash old friend".

Marcus lingered forward, greeting him with a friendly embrace; knowing Aleksander's loss all too well.

"It has been much too long old friend…Walk with me. Let us converse, you and I".

Marcus led his guest to his private chambers, standing outside of his balcony overlooking the ancient city.

"I am sorry for your loss Aleksander. I know how much you favored Galen but seeking retribution will not alleviate your pain".

"Coming from one who has yet to face his wife's assassin. I wonder if your sentiment would remain if you were to ever come across the knowledge you once sought so ardently".

Marcus turned, meeting his friend's gaze with renewed interest and Aleksander smiled cunningly.

"There is business in Florence which will keep me in the area for a couple of days. I am not a creature of sentimental attachments Marcus, but our friendship has withstood many alliances and wars. I have come to value it dearly. If you wish to learn more about the circumstances around your wife's demise, speak to Felix...he will know how to reach me".

The Yerzov 's leader swiftly exited the room, leaving Marcus rooted in place with the painful image of Didyme's beautiful face.

Autumn was his favorite time of the year. But as he walked down the trail into the cemetery, Paul found it difficult to admire the fallen colored leaves on the ground. They were baring their leaves and it dawned on him the sight fit his own feelings of loss. Paul had foolishly visited the Organic Market in Forks shortly after his return in hopes of seeing the same pair of sad almond shaped eyes which had sent him fleeing to different shores. The news of her death had carved a hole in his heart and at times felt submerged under a sea of sadness and guilt. Being around the pack helped and the women in the Black family were determined not to let him grieve alone.

The store keeper, Mrs. Ross had shared her grave was near a large fig tree, and Paul knew it must've been at her doing. Lily had no family to speak of, but the elderly couple were a close as family got. And the personal engraving and markings on her tombstone were nothing like the ones provided by the Tribal Council. Paul stood in front of the stone grave, reading her name several times over…willing himself to accept her remains lay beneath. He was no stranger to pain and loss; but Lily had been a gentle and kind soul, nowhere near deserving of the violence and brutality which plagued most of her life.

He took a seat on the dying grass, losing himself to the memories of their time shared and completely lost track of time. The sun's light was waning and upon realizing he was no longer alone, turned to acknowledge his Alpha. Cheveyo greeted him with a slight nod, taking a seat adjacent to his on the ground floor.

"This isn't your fault Paul. Lily was a casualty of the sickness which plagues our people".

Paul knew Cheveyo was partly right; Lily had chosen to remain with the abusive, alcoholic bastard she called husband and took one beating too many. But it still didn't negate his own guilt. He could've stayed; could've offered her an alternative life…but she wasn't his imprint and Paul had seen enough heartache courtesy of Leah to have taken the risk. He should've at least taken that piece of shit into the woods and given him some one on one time with his wolf before leaving. He could've done several things, but none of them were going to bring Lily back. And the reality of it enraged him.

"Oh yeah? Well what are you going to do about it Alpha? What is Jacob our holy chief going to do about all the faceless Quileute women and kids who take beatings at the hands of unemployed drunkens who chose to find comfort in the bottle instead of their families, huh? We're supposed to be protectors and we can't even protect our own".

It was a low blow and Cheveyo flinched at the remark, feeling the weight of his own guilt disseminate through him. The Alpha was also in a state of mourning; still struggling to come to grips with his wife's immortality. Cheveyo had made his decision in a moment of desperation and anguish; choosing for Vida without some much as weighing her own wishes. And had yet to ask the question burning a hole in his soul. Would she have chosen this fate for herself? Fear of the truth kept him from inquiring, but Cheveyo was wise enough to know it was a conversation he could no longer prolong. His daughter had adapted well to the changes in her mother's appearance and demeanor, but Jahir was also struggling with the end of her human life.

"I'm sorry man…Don't pay me any mind. I'm just feeling sorry for myself".

"No, you're right Paul. We can't protect everyone we love…but it doesn't mean we stop trying. It's times like these I miss Ethan the most. That kid was born to be a leader…It's what we were working on before all this shit happened. What good is protecting the tribe from vampires if we're determined to destroy ourselves from within? We need jobs…education opportunities for our kids to become more self-sufficient. Ethan had a vision, had ideas which might work. But right now I'm more worried about keeping us alive…"

Paul placed a hand on the Alpha's shoulder, hoping to show his solidarity.

"Look, I know it's not my place, but you can't keep closing your thoughts off when we're all phased. I don't think the pups realize it so much, but the older wolves do and it's starting to cause doubt within the pack. This thing with your wife…I can't even imagine what you're going through, but you're supposed to be the strongest amongst us…we need your strength now Cheveyo".

The Alpha nodded in agreement, smirking at one of his most dominant wolves.

"When did you get to be so wise Paul? I guess it's like the saying goes right? To be old and wise, you must first have to be young and stupid".

The pack's original enforcer gave his Alpha a sideways glance.

"I'll let that one slide by Baby Alpha Jr. But you only get one".

Cheveyo smiled before allowing his features turn serious.

"I meant what I said Paul…this isn't on you. Lily didn't have to stay with him, but she was like Isis in that way… always wanting to see the good in people".

The Alpha left the older wolf to his thoughts and made his way back up the path. Paul noticed a small marble bag leaning on the side of her grave, moving closer to inspect it. A dried-up lily flower and a folded-up page of a children's book lay in its midst. Paul knew this book….

And Max, the king of all wild things, was lonely and wanted to be where someone loved him best of all. Where the Wild Things are…

Yes, he remembered it was one of her favorites. The items seemed personal and sentimental in nature. And Paul wondered who could've possibly left them. He heard a rustling to his left and spotted a kid walking up the dirt path road to exit the cemetery. The distraction made him realize how late it'd become and remembered he was expected for dinner at the Tso residence.

The melancholy wolf placed white lilies on her grave, trekking up the path to his pickup truck. He saw the same kid from the cemetery walking towards the reservation and Paul slowly drove up to his side.

"Hey kid, need a ride back to the Res?"

He donned a grey hoodie preventing him from catching his features. But noticed him picking up his pace, blatantly ignoring his words.

"It's really no trouble kid, you can hop on the truck bed if you prefer".

"Fuck off...I don't need your charity," he grumbled out before cutting through the trees, and disappearing from sight.

The tension and anger in his voice reminded Paul of his own childhood. And he surmised there were a lot of kids in the reservation with solid reasons to feel that way. Weirdly, he had an urge to trail after him. It was late, and one could never be too sure of what lurked between the trees but stopped himself after picking up Luca's lingering scent. He drove down the familiar road to the Tso residence and spotted Ezra and Raven on their home's driveway. The rumbling of his old truck no doubt alerting them of his arrival. Paul pushed his melancholy thoughts to the recesses of his mind, smiling in greeting… welcoming the familiar scents of the people he considered family.

Koli pulled on the distracting tendril of hair making its escape from the back of her ponytail and was rewarded with a smack on his hand. He loved watching her paint, but Rumor tended to zone out to a different plane when feeling inspired. And the moody wolf was growing restless.

"I'm hungry Mo…. take a break"

Rumor turned to face her companion, pursing her pouty lips. She had smudges of paint on her face and the sight brought out Koli's crooked grin.

Go eat, she signed. I'm not holding you prisoner…

"There's a strawberry milkshake with your name on it at the diner…my treat"

He hadn't seen much of her in the last month. Summer had come and gone and between patrols, training and putting in some hours at the garage, there just hadn't been enough time. La Push High was back in session but Cheveyo had made the difficult decision of having the twins, Koli and Keyla take a temporary leave of absence. Time felt like a ticking bomb and the tension in the pack made Koli crave Rumor's calm presence that much more.

If you keep feeding me this way, I'm going to pop out of my jeans. Besides, how am I ever going to create my great masterpiece if you keep distracting me?

The weight gain looked good on her and Koli loved the way she was filling the back of those skinny jeans.

"Even Picasso stopped to eat," he retorted as he dragged her by the hand. Rumor pulled back, signing rapidly with the hand not being restrained.

Hold on, I need to get cleaned up first.

"I'll wait for you outside"

She looked fine…better than fine really but thought better of saying anything. Rumor had grown self-conscious about the scarring on her face, using her clothing as a form of compensation. Koli blamed it on the fact she rarely interacted with people outside of the pack. The youngest Clearwater had signed up for a couple of Art Collective Workshops recently and had dragged him along to the Fine Arts Center for a day of culture in the process. She'd been apprehensive at first but after her first class, had come home signing so enthusiastically, Koli had struggled to keep up. Her mood and focus had significantly improved, appearing to go about her day with more purpose then when she first arrived.

Seth had been initially distrustful of his daughter's friendship with the temperamental wolf. But even he couldn't deny the positive changes in Rumor's demeanor and was elated she'd consented to another consult with the laryngeal surgeon. Koli had become a necessary inconvenience and the young wolf relished in Seth's annoyance. Soonie on the other hand had grown fond of him and made a point to have him and his parents over for dinner at least once a week. Leaning back on his black Mustang, he contemplated his growing attachment to the young woman making her way towards his vehicle. It was a foreign feeling; the craving of someone's company. And even though the idea scared him, he wouldn't have it any other way.

Rumor brought out his most human side. The constant moodiness subsided to a miniscule fragment of what it usually tended to be when they were together. It wasn't equal to what Lahote did for Shye or what his father did for his own mother which only served to confuse him further and question the notion he'd imprinted. She was a kindred spirit of sorts. They both struggled with self-worth… both preferred brutal honesty on any given day and had a tendency for the extreme. Koli had spent countless hours pondering over this and knew there was no answer to be found. So, he chose to direct his attention to the present, opening the passenger door for the fragrant beauty.

She had changed into a long, flowy skirt, parting her bangs to the side and successfully covering part of her scar. The fact she felt the need to hide bothered him greatly, but understood she had to come to terms with her appearance in her own time. Still…. Koli wished she could see how absurd her insecurities were. He'd indulged in many frivolous sexual encounters in the last year and only in a very few cases, had they been driven by physical attraction. His volatile disposition left him in a constant amped up state and sex was a tamer form of physical release then violence.

But Rumor was like an embodiment of his most hidden sexual desires. Her beautiful face, pouty lips and soft curves left him in constant yearning. But it was a line he couldn't and wouldn't cross. Her friendship had become too important. If he hadn't imprinted, it meant he still could and would never risk hurting her. Either way, Koli was certain a romantic involvement would only end up in heartache for the both.

It was a short but loud drive to Forks as Rumor took control of his sound system. The noise coming from the diner spoke of Friday night dates and groups of friends making plans for the evening. Koli chanced a glance at his companion and noticed the clear apprehension across her features as she surveyed the crowded parking lot. The smell of anxiety was thick in the enclosed vehicle. But he was determined to push her out of her shell, ushering her towards the entrance of the diner. He held the door open as he searched around for an empty table, spotting one near the back.

Rumor couldn't help but notice the looks directed their way as the handsome wolf lead her to an empty booth; greeting various people along the way. She wasn't a stranger to being appraised. Once upon a time, Rumor had been able to walk into a room with the confidence of a runaway model. Galen had paraded her around like a damn trophy in Europe and she had willingly played the part. Displaying her curvy physique and striking features in provocative outfits. The sadistic vampire had often made a sport of it, engaging Rumor in private wagers of who could seduce the most by the end of the evening.

But Rumor understood the looks she was receiving tonight were not of the same. Lustful eyes followed her companion down the aisle of the diner and the looks spared her way were more questioning than anything else. She ducked her head, hiding half of her face under a curtain of inky black hair, taking her seat across from him. A waitress sauntered over to their table, leaning suggestively on Koli's side.

"Long time no see cutie…where have you been hiding?"

Koli cleared his throat, sitting up a little taller in his seat…awkwardly meeting Rumor's gaze before turning to answer the waitress.

"Hey Jenny, this is my friend Rumor. Rumor, this is Jenny Weaver…she's a senior at La Push high".

The waitress spared her a quick nod, turning her attention back to the moody wolf.

"Why haven't you been at school?"

"Got some family stuff going on…Are you here to take our order? I'm starving…"

The waitress was clearly annoyed with his reply, turning towards Rumor with a pen in her hand.

"What are you having?"

Rumor scanned the menu, pointing to the strawberry shake. The young waitress nodded. promptly removing the menus from the table before walking towards the order counter.

She didn't take your order?

Koli appeared abashed while signing his reply.

I come here a lot…She knows what I like.

I bet she does…

Rumor had never seen Koli blush, bringing forth a string of muted giggles. It was a foreign sensation… feeling like the ugly duckling in the room. But it was a reality she was slowly coming to terms with. Her father had tactfully approached the subject of plastic surgery, but Rumor refused to entertain the idea. Though looking at the devastatingly alluring man across from her, made her resolve waver. It was pointless to consider they could be more than friends, but it didn't stop the butterflies from swarming in her belly whenever he was near. Koli was beautiful and she was deformed; he was a wolf and would most likely imprint. But most importantly, Rumor would never risk damaging their friendship.

She often wondered what it was he found so appealing about her. After all, she'd been a total bitch after their initial greeting. And yet he'd continued to try for a friendship. In the end, she decided the why shouldn't matter and was content he'd taken an interest at all. The waitress returned with her strawberry milkshake and a massive plate of burgers, fries and a personalized pizza. Koli pushed the plate towards her and Rumor rolled her eyes, knowing he would harass her until she indulged him by eating a portion of the food. She didn't miss the handwritten note placed strategically beneath his plate and pretended not to notice when he crumpled it in his hand.

She focused on picking the cheese off her slice of pizza, directing a warning glare his way. It was a nasty habit which drove him crazy…The first time he'd seen her do it, he'd eaten the cheese off her plate, not willing to let food go to waste. It had sent her into such an uproar… According to her, the cheese was the best part. And so, she typically ate the slice, then the crust and saved the cheese for last. It made no damn sense at all and only served to tempt him into stealing it before she got around to eating it. But now, he was all too happy to divert the attention off Jenny's advances.

The situation made him feel apologetic even when fully aware there was no justification for it. They weren't dating, and he held serious doubts he'd even imprinted. And yet it still felt...wrong. The ambivalence of it all disturbed him greatly. And as much as he welcomed her companionship, the ardent flame burning for her scorched on.

Koli demolished his food, growing increasingly uncomfortable at Jenny's flirting and was relieved when Rumor signaled she was ready to leave. He dropped some bills on the table, following behind. The youngest Clearwater failed to see the young man stopping in his tracks to follow her retreating form with his gaze. Unfortunately for him, Koli had not, and the young wolf moved towards him menacingly.

"What the hell are you looking at?"

His steely gaze spoke of imminent violence and the thin man adjusted his glasses nervously, looking up in surprise. Rumor turned at hearing the outburst, moving to stand between them. A look of recognition crossed her features and she rushed to explain. But Koli realized everyone in the diner was staring and tried to usher her out, feeling the familiar tremors running up his spine. He was a student in one of her art workshops and the temperamental wolf was surprised when she gestured for the petrified looking man to follow. Apprehension was clear on his face but the regret on her features were enough to placate his fear.

Why'd you ask him to come out here? Can't you see I'm a second away from phasing?

He's in my art class…you need to apologize.

Fuck no…I didn't like the way he was looking at you.

He's one of my partners for an assigned project, Koli…If you're not going to apologize, at least interpret for me so I can.

The young man followed the silent angry exchange; a look of disgust crossing the massive native man's features. He turned angry eyes his way and after a loud sigh expressed a less then sincere apology. Koli leaned on the hood of his car interpreting Rumor's sincere regret. His name was Matthew and he'd been very impressed with Rumor's work. Like her, he favored oil paintings and asked if she was planning to visit the Van Gogh exhibit for extra credit.

Koli didn't like this artsy looking punk, particularly the way he was looking at Rumor. And was greatly dismayed when she agreed to accompany him and a couple of his friends to the exhibit the next afternoon. The ride back was a tense one and the brooding wolf tried to keep his annoyance in check, but his anger got the better of him.

"I thought you said you didn't want to hang out with people outside of the pack?"

Aren't you the one always telling me I need to get out more?

"I meant with us…you don't know him. And I don't like the way he was gawking at you. He could be dangerous"

Rumor turned incredulous eyes his way.

He's an art major and we're just going to a museum.

"Don't be naïve… he could be luring you into a trap, Mo".

What do you think he's going to do? Attack me with his paint brush? You're being ridiculous... If you're so worried, then maybe you should come along?

"Of course, I'm coming along. Someone has to look out for your gullible ass".

Rumor was surprised by his anger. But either way, she was pleased Koli would be tagging along. They'd barely hung out in the last month and she'd missed his company greatly. The young wolf did a lot of groveling to find a replacement for his assigned patrols and even managed to convince Hawk to accompany their outing. Hawk was an avid admirer of the arts and would buffer Koli's rash tendencies, making his company that much more appealing.

As they began the long drive to the Seattle Art Museum, the youngest Tso twin sprawled out in the Mustang's backseat, taking note of the bickering pair. Koli addressed her with a playfulness and tenderness reserved for those he held dear. And Hawk wondered if his cousin registered the drastic changes in his persona. The unsolved puzzle of the imprint vexed him to no end, but as he observed the lightness in Koli's eyes, Hawk realized it didn't matter whether he'd imprinted or not. He was a much happier version of himself with Rumor at his side.

Matthew and his friend awaited at the museum's entrance. He rudimentary signed the introductions, looking apologetic at his beginner's attempt at signing. But Rumor was pleased at his thoughtfulness. Unlike Koli who appeared less than thrilled when she shoved him forward for a more formal greeting. They wondered around the museum, admiring the different exhibits. But Koli was having a hard time focusing on anything than the pretty boy monopolizing her attention. At one point, he turned towards the moody wolf, explaining the difference between oil paintings and the fresco technique.

Hawk watched in amusement as Koli's eyes narrowed to slits. Few members of the pack were aware of Koli's true intellect. But Hawk had the privilege of taking several advanced classes with him, knowing he was well versed in the different art techniques. He was lazy and hardly ever took the time to complete homework but still managed to maintain a 3.5 GPA. Hawk stifled his laughter as his lupine ears caught Koli's grumbled response and ushered him towards a Georgia O'Keeffe painting as a precaution.

"What's got you so riled up, man?"

"I don't trust him, and I don't like the way he keeps looking at her".

Hawk turned to evaluate the young man in question. He looked harmless enough but as he scrutinized the pair a little longer, had a moment of enlightenment. Koli was jealous…and would not be keen on recognizing it.

"Well, that's why we're here right? To make sure nothing happens to her..."

Matthew's friend bowed out early, but Rumor invited the art major to join them for a meal. They settled on Japanese and Koli was growing abrupt in his replies with each passing minute. Rumor was confused…Koli was acting like a possessive, jealous boyfriend, prompting her concern over her friend's surly attitude. At one point, Matthew excused himself to the restroom and Rumor took the opportunity to question him.

What's wrong with you? Why are you acting so rude?

This is how I normally act around people I don't know. I guess you and I are not alike in that way. I'm surprised you haven't sat on his lap with all the flirting you've been doing…

Hawk tried to intervene…kicking Koli on his leg and whispering a faint 'don't go there, man' but Rumor's facial expression told him it was far too late.

What are you talking about? We've been discussing art. Since when does that pass for flirting?

Don't be stupid…this sudden interest of his? He's only trying to get into your pants Rumor.

And the look on her face told Hawk, Koli was about to regret his words.

You're right…I look like Frankenstein's wife. Why would he possibly want to talk to me if not for an easy lay? But I still don't see how it's any of your damn business and why you feel you have a right to have an opinion on whom I fuck.

She grabbed the cloth napkin near her place setting, throwing it at his face before stomping out of the restaurant. Koli rushed out after her, leaving Hawk with the difficult task of coming up with a plausible excuse for their premature departure. Rumor chose the back seat for the ride back, refusing to acknowledge the apologetic wolf. Koli made several attempts to refute her interpretation, but halfway back, reverted to his old ways; lashing out angrily at her indifference. He made one last effort, but she slammed the door shut with the strength of a wolf, swiftly entering her home without so much as a glance back.

Koli exited his Mustang as a concerned Hawk ushered his vibrating form towards the woods. He didn't want anyone inside of his head and allowed Hawk to lead them down a familiar trail. These woods had been their personal playground as children, growing to know every inch of them like the back of their hand. They approached a small clearing and Koli took a seat on a fallen log as he struggled to steady his breathing. Hawk tried to provide him the space and time needed to regain control but knew this was a conversation he couldn't avoid.

"She needs time to cool off Koli. She'll come around"

"Fuck her…I don't even know why I'm stressing so hard. Maybe I went about it the wrong way, but I was only trying to make her see the truth"

"Koli, I don't think Matthew was trying to take advantage of her. I think he enjoys talking about art and from what I could see, he's really impressed with her work. Rumor's really talented."

"I know she is…Why am I the only one who sees through him?"

Hawk took a minute to consider his next words.

"Because I don't think you're seeing things objectively man".

"What the fuck is that supposed to mean?"

"I don't think you're being honest with yourself as to why you're so angry. Look, I know you're worried for her. We all are… but I think your feelings for Rumor run deeper than just friendship".

"You don't know what you're talking about. We're friends… I want to protect her, the same way you do Keyla".

"Sebastian hurt Keyla. He used her and couldn't man up about his real feelings for her. I'm worried he'll hurt her again… I'm not upset about them being together or jealous about how she feels".

"Jealous?" You think I'm jealous of that little punk?"

"I didn't say that…but look at how angry you're getting. The fact remains you could have imprinted on Rumor and you like to pretend the possibility doesn't even exist. I've never seen you act so possessively over anyone. You can lie to my face all you want Koli, but don't lie to yourself".

"You want to know what my real problem is? I should've listened to my own gut instead of listening to you. I should've stayed away from that girl. But no... Get to know her, Koli…You can help each other out, Koli. I was fine before she got here, and I'll be fine after she leaves. I don't fucking need her," he shouted over his shoulder, taking off deeper into the woods.

"Fine asshole, follow in Bas's footsteps for all I care. Because we all know how well that worked out for him…"

Hawk had the fortune of inheriting Solace's freaky control, but Koli had a way of obliterating it to pieces like no one else. His stubbornness was infuriating. But Hawk knew his words had hit a nerve and could only hope he'd take the time to reflect on them. He picked up the Mustang's keys from the forest floor, making his way back to the Clearwater's driveway, and driving the vehicle back to Koli's home.

Koli walked through the forest aimlessly, pondering over his cousin's words. He made his way back to the Clearwater's home in the early dawn hours, a half smile gracing his lips at seeing the missing vehicle. The smell of Jasmine permeated the air and the steady sound of her heartbeat filled him with the sudden urge to catch a glimpse of her sleeping form. Koli hated feeling this weak… hated there was truth in his cousin's words. But most of all, he hated it still didn't change anything…

Rumor was everything he could ever want in woman, but he was nowhere near ready to offer her anything more than a friendship. His control was shaky at best. The mere sight of seeing her so close with another male had sent him off into a rage. He'd hurt her in a matter of seconds with his careless words. No... she needed someone who was thoughtful and loving. Someone who would help her heal in all the ways she needed. He released a resigned breath before trekking back to his own home, debating on the only question which remained. How would he mange to stay away from the only woman he'd ever truly cared for?

Playlist

Maniac- Kid Cudi, Cage & St. Vincent

Place to Be- Nick Drake

Lucha De Gigantes- Nacha pop