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Chapter 25

Most of my Saturday was spent hanging out with my dad, Kim, and Rob playing cards and board games. The weather outside was horrible and I only hoped the rain would clear up before the concert started since we would be sitting outside in the park. Quil had to run a patrol around La Push so he wasn't able to hang around with us. He switched patrol shifts with Brady in order to go on our date to the concert. Spending time with Dad without Quil around was more relaxing than having to stress about how they acted around each other.

"I think we can call it quits on this game," My dad said. "It seems Rob owns just about every property on the board. And what he doesn't have, Katie owns."

"What can I say, Jack, I'm a good businessman." Rob laughed as he started to pick up the mess we made with the Monopoly game on the coffee table. I hated Monopoly because I've never won. It didn't matter who I played against.

"Claire, wanna run with me to the store to pick up some steaks for dinner?" Dad asked me. Without hearing my answer he continued, "How many do I need?" He said to himself. "You staying, Rob?"

"Sure! I am getting hungry."

"Dad, I'll go but I'm not eating dinner here. Quil and I have our…uh, thing."

"Oh, yeah. The concert." Dad seemed disappointed. I waited for a lecture, but he didn't start one. "How about I get some stuff for breakfast too then. I can show you how to make biscuits and homemade sausage gravy!" Dad seemed excited to show me something new. I was excited to learn because I knew Quil would love the end results.

"You are coming home tonight, right?" Dad asked with a clench in his jaw.

"Yes, of course," I smiled. Dad relaxed. "Ok, well let's go."

I fidgeted in my dad's car, checking out his music collection and fingering through the candy stash in his console while he drove down the road to the grocery store.

"Where did you learn to make sausage gravy?" I asked Dad to make conversation. Dad startled at my question as if his mind was elsewhere and he just realized I was next to him the car.

"Oh, um, your great grandma Cooper," he answered quickly. "So, are you still planning on culinary school?"

"Yeah, I would like to. Those types of schools don't care about your grades in math, you know?" I smiled. Along with Dad's cooking skills, I also inherited his lack of math skills.

"What school were you thinking about?" he asked.

"There are a couple in Seattle. I'd prefer to stay close to home." Close to Quil.

"What about Quil? Is he ok with this?" Dad glanced sideways towards me. I looked back at him trying to read his expression. He never likes to talk about Quil. I wondered what information he was trying to get out of me.

"I don't know. We haven't really talked about it. He knows that's what I want to do and there aren't any schools around here. Plus it's my decision. I don't need to ask him." I replied with a shrug. Many of my decisions did revolve around Quil, but I knew they didn't have to. As much as it would be hard to live away from Quil, it wouldn't be that long, not like a regular college. If it was too hard, Quil could come live closer to me. Many of the other wolves have followed their imprints around the country, Quil could do that too. That is, if he wanted to.

Dad smirked in reply. I think he liked my answer. It seemed he liked to know that just because Quil and I were imprinted didn't mean I had to give up on my dreams. I didn't think Quil would let me give up on my dream of being a chef because he knew it would make me happy. And, Quil would reap the benefits.

I watched the sun start to peek out from behind the clouds and hoped the weather would cooperate for the concert. I tapped my fingers on the car door to the classic rock station playing in the car. Dad and I were quiet for a few more minutes before Dad spoke up again.

"So, how's Quil doing with his change thing? Does he have it under control?" Dad asked nervously. He kept his eyes on the road but his hands were restless on the steering wheel. I wondered where he was going with this line of questioning.

"Yeah, he's been changing for so long it's not a problem anymore. I've rarely seen Quil lose his temper. The last time he did was the other day and before that," I paused, thinking, "I can't even remember, actually."

"The other day?" Dad asked. He looked worried and upset.

"At school. On my birthday." I clarified. I knew he heard what had happened. I even told him that Quil defended my honor. "You know, when Jason said that stuff about me."

"Did he almost change on you or something?"

"No, he had it under control," I defended Quil. "It was like his body was vibrating because he was so upset with Jason. He wouldn't have changed. He wouldn't have let that happen. All I had to do was touch him and he calmed down."

Dad grunted in reply with a scowl on his face. I wasn't sure if he was disturbed by my touching Quil or by the fact Quil came close to changing in anger for the first time in years.

As we pulled into the store parking lot Dad sat in the car for a moment before opening his door and glanced over towards me. I could tell he had something else to say so I paused too and waited.

"He's good to you?" Dad asked quietly.

I nodded and smiled. Was my dad getting closer to accepting Quil? I could feel the warmth from tears building behind my eyes from the thought of my dad finally coming around. I'm not sure what had changed his mind, but I sure wasn't going to ask. I would let Dad come around in his own time. I didn't want to push anything.

"Yeah, Dad. He is." I answered through the lump in my throat. With that, Dad got out of the car and I followed him into the store.

I sat on the couch watching the weather, displeased to see another patch of wetness ready to hit the Port Angeles area right about the time the concert would start. I knew the concert would go on as long as lightening didn't threaten to crash around us, but I didn't want to get drenched and I'm pretty sure umbrellas were not allowed during the show.

"Are you ready to go?" Quil burst through door and found me slumped on the couch in front of the TV. "What's wrong?" He asked once he saw the obvious disappointment on my face.

"It's gonna start raining again," I whined. Quil laughed and held out his hand to help me off the couch.

"Who cares?" Quil said excitedly. He had been keyed up for this concert since he found out we were going. "Just bring your rain poncho and you'll be all set. I've got the tarp and blanket for sitting on the lawn." He paused and looked me up and down. "But you can't wear that shirt."

"What wrong with this shirt?" I looked down at my loose-fitting peasant top. I thought it was cute. As a matter of fact, I think Quil bought it for me.

"It's white." Oh. "I don't need people checking out my Claire-Bear." He answered with a quirk of his eyebrow and kissed my forehead. Of course, that's when my dad decided to enter the room.

Dad cleared his throat to let us know he was there and Quil stepped away from me quickly. Dad nodded towards Quil as a greeting. Quil looked confused; my dad never greeted him, but replied with a nod of his own anyway.

"You taking off?" Dad asked me, looking down at the ground while he shuffled his feet a little. I smiled at his actions because it seemed like a natural "Dad" thing to do; to see his little girl off on a date.

"Yep," I answered.

"What time are you going to have her home?" Dad addressed Quil, but didn't look him in the eyes.

I saw the corner of Quil's mouth turn up a little at the question. Quil wasn't used to answering to anyone when he and I went out, but he decided to humor my dad anyway.

"Well, sir," Quil started. Sir? I tried to control my smile. The whole situation was so weird. "The concert starts at seven with a couple acts. It should last a few hours…so probably around midnight…one at the latest." Dad nodded. "But Claire was going to change her shirt first."

"Oh yeah."

"And maybe grab some extra clothes, just in case we get caught in the rain." Quil added. "It's a long ride back in cold, wet clothes."

I turned around towards my room to change my shirt, not sure if I wanted to leave Dad and Quil alone. I didn't want anything to ruin the night. I quickly grabbed extra clothes and my second choice of tops out of the closet, another peasant top but blue, and stopped by the hall closet to grab my rain coat. I thought about possibly being caught in the rain and knew if that happened my hair would be a crazy mess. I detoured to the bathroom and pulled my hair up into a ponytail. I usually looked much younger with my hair up, but I thought it made me look more feminine with my blousy shirt at the same time.

When I returned to the living room I wasn't sure what to make of the scene. Dad's head was still softly nodding and Quil's eyebrows knitted together. There was an expression on Quil's face I couldn't decipher. Was it confusion or annoyance? I couldn't tell. I looked back and forth between the two men and waited to see if anything was going to be said, but neither of them spoke up.

"Ok, I'm ready." I told Quil and reached towards Dad for a quick sideways hug. Dad patted my shoulder.

"Have a good time," Dad said and walked back to the kitchen as Quil and I walked out the front door.

I looked at Quil as he ushered me towards his car. "What was that all about?"

Quil just shrugged and let out an amused, breathy laugh. "I'm not sure, but I don't think your dad hates me anymore."

"Oh my gosh, pasta is so filling," I lounged on the blanket next to Quil and rubbed my bloated tummy. "Seriously, check out this gut." I pushed out my stomach, trying to exaggerate my non-existent paunch.

"You do not have a gut." Quil laughed and pulled my ponytail. "And you barely ate anything."

"Compared to you I barely ate anything. Good thing that gift certificate was enough to cover four meals." I replied with a poke to Quil's stomach and cuddled into his side, wrapping my arm around his middle. "I can't believe you're eating an elephant ear."

"How can I not?" Quil asked after licking his fingers. "They're right there." Quil pointed towards the greasy food truck only feet away.

Quil and I weren't usually affectionate in public, but the air started to chill and my body was drawn towards his warmth. The rain hadn't started up again yet, but there was a definite dampness in the air indicating that it would soon enough. Quil's arm instinctively wrapped around me and he kissed my head, leaving a cinnamon and sugar imprint on my forehead.

The lawn filled up quickly and once the bands started to play we stood up with the rest of the crowd to get the best view. We danced and enjoyed the music, singing along with the band at the top of our lungs. Quil stood behind me and grabbed my arms from behind, making me do some odd windmill dance. I laughed as he got carried away with the music. When a slower song started Quil and I remained standing and he pulled me back into his chest. He pressed his lips into my cheek and sang the lyrics into my ear while we swayed to the music. Between all the dancing and Quil's overly warm body I stayed toasty even though the storm winds started to blow strongly.

The storm finally blew in the rain clouds and the drizzle started to fall heavier into a steady shower. Luckily the band was playing the final encore when the worst of the rain hit. We stayed until the very end. Quil asked me repeatedly if I was ready to go, but I told him I would stay as long as he wanted do. I didn't complain too much because I knew he was having a great time and the rain never bothered him. I didn't want to ruin his fun. When it was time to leave everyone in the audience who remained was drenched and several people darted to the nearest exit to run to the shelter of their cars or the nearest establishment that was still open.

"Hop on!" Quil instructed and pointed to his back. I hopped on and securely latched myself onto Quil's back, giggling once he took off running. I let his warmth seep into me, but I was still getting soaked from the storm. I was grateful Quil suggested a change of clothes so I didn't have to wear the wet clothes home.

We finally made it to the car and once I hopped off Quil's back my teeth started to chatter.

"Hurry, get inside the back and change before you catch pneumonia or something," Quil suggested as he unlocked the car door. I crawled in and rummaged through my duffle bag to pull out my dry clothes. I peeled off my wet shirt while Quil blocked the view in front of the opened door, tapping the beat of a song in his head on top of his car.

Before I pulled on my dry shirt Quil yelled from outside without peeking in at me. "Can you throw me my dry clothes?" I held my dry shirt up to my chest, grabbed Quil's dry shorts that sat next to me, and leaned towards the door to hand over the shorts. One of Quil's hands reached in, throwing his wet t-shirt on the floor of the car with a sloppy smack. Quil continued to reach, silently asking for the dry shorts as his other hand started to unzip his pants. It would soon be my turn to turn away while he changed.

A bright light made the inside of the car glow and I instinctively made sure my almost-bare chest was covered as I looked up in confusion, trying to figure out where the light was coming from. I looked out the back windshield and the brightness from the light was blinding.

"Shit." Quil said under his breath. "Good evening officer." Crap, the cops. I knew the situation didn't look good at that moment. Quil and I were both half naked. The way Quil had started to undo his pants, the way he leaned up against the care, and my position on my knees, could have given the impression I was pleasuring Quil.

I hastily threw my shirt over my head while ducking down as low as I could, knowing very well the bright light would show everything happening in the back seat of Quil's car.

"Please step towards the front of the car with your hands out and place them on the hood." The police officer asked. My heart started to hammer in my chest. This was not going to be good at all. Quil knew his size was intimidating so I knew he would do whatever the officer asked. He didn't say a word as he moved slowly towards the front of the cars. I heard the policeman approach the car and he carefully leaned his head in to look in at me with his flashlight, not entirely taking his eyes off Quil.

"I'm Officer Torres. Are you ok, Miss?"

"Yes," I squeaked nervously. "It's not what it looks like…"

The officer interrupted me by holding up his hand. "Just sit tight, ok? I'll be right back to talk to you." I nodded and settled back in the seat. Apparently I didn't look threatening because he turned his back on me and slowly approached Quil.

Oh crap, oh crap, oh crap. Please let this be over quickly. My heart continued to pound in my chest as I strained to hear the conversation between Quil and the officer.

"Have you been drinking tonight?" I heard Torres ask and I could hear the clear sound of Quil being patted down.

"No, I haven't, sir. I don't drink."

"Any drugs or anything in your pockets that I should be aware of?"

"No, just my wallet sir." Quil sounded calm and cool. A lot more composed than I was at the moment.

There was a pause and I peeked out to see what was going on. The officer pulled out Quil's driver's license and read it thoroughly.

"Well, Mr. Ateara, it says here that you are thirty years old. Is that correct?"

I heard Quil pull in a deep breath and sigh. His arms were still on the hood of the car and his face looked forward. We both seemed to realize where this line of questioning was headed.

"Yes, sir, that's correct."

"And the young lady in the car, how old is she?" Shit.

"She's seventeen, sir."

"How do you two know each other?"

"She's practically family, sir."

"What were you two doing this evening?"

"We were at the concert in the park and were just changing out of our wet clothes since we have to drive back to La Push." I could hear the tension in Quil's voice. He could figure out the reason behind the questions and, as usual, he started to get upset. Please stay calm Quil.

"Just sit tight. If you could just sit on the ground while I talk to the young lady."

"Yes, sir." Quil answered Officer Torres through clenched teeth. I'm sure it annoyed Quil that the cop made him sit on the soggy ground.

As Officer Torres walked towards the back of the car I heard him talk into the walkie on his shoulder spewing out police jargon I didn't understand. It sounded like he may have called for another officer.

"Please step out of the car, miss." Torres asked.

"But it's raining." I answered, my teeth chattering.

"Out of the car, now." His voice sounded more forceful with me than it had been with Quil. I quickly stepped out and tried to shield the rain drops from my face. My dry shirt slowly started to become as wet as the old one. I chanced a look at Quil and I could see his searing gaze towards the officer.

Once I was out of the car Torres started to interrogate me with the same questions. The police officer's tone was more unpleasant with me, maybe because I was the less threatening between Quil and me. I could tell Quil watched the officer carefully, making sure he didn't upset me or do anything disrespectful. I hoped, for all of our sakes, he didn't make Quil too upset.

"How did you say you knew Mr. Ateara?" He asked as he read my license. I already answered this question, but I sighed and answered again.

"We're close friends."

"Close friend?" The officer repeated. I realized my mistake. I had only called him a "friend" the first time.

"Um, yes. Friends."

"You said close. How close?" He gave me a smug smile as to say "now we're getting somewhere." It was like he was trying to find something to get both Quil and I in trouble.

"Um, I've known him since I was two. He…he…he and I are close friends. That's all." I knew my stuttering and quick, nervous glances towards Quil didn't help my story, but I couldn't seem to calm down. I didn't want to get anyone in trouble. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Quil rub his face uneasily.

I could tell the Officer Torres knew he thought he had me.

"What would your parents think if I told them what I saw happening in the back seat of this car?" Torres asked with a smirk.

"Nothing was happening!" I shrieked. "We were just changing our wet clothes. That's all!"

"That's not what it looked like to me," he continued. "It looked like Mr. Ateara here was taking advantage of a young lady just under age."

I heard Quil groan from the front of the car.

"No! No, he wouldn't do that. We haven't done anything like that." I started to panic. I didn't want to ruin this perfect date, but my instinct to protect Quil kicked in. I started to raise my voice.

"Do you know anything about the statutory rape laws in the state of Washington?"

"Rape! He didn't rape me? Whatever happens between us is consensual!" That last part blurted out before I realized the consequences behind it. I heard Quil scold me under his breath.

"So that's how close you are." Torres stated. It wasn't a question.

"No, that's not what I meant." I rushed out trying to save the situation.

"Please get back in the car Miss Cooper," he told me as he called another officer in. I didn't get back in the car right away.

"What are you going to do? We didn't do anything."

"Miss Cooper, get back in the car now!" Torres said. His eyes were hard. "We're going to take your boyfriend in and call your parents."

"Are you arresting him? We didn't do anything!" I repeated. I started to walk towards Quil wanting to shield him from this jerk of a police officer.

"Claire, just stop. It will be ok." Quil said softly.

Officer Torres gently placed his hand on the back of my arm. It didn't hurt but I flinched from the contact anyway. Quil noticed immediately and stood up quickly with a low growl, startling Torres. Torres eyes widened and he immediately drew his gun. I could feel my face fall in shock and my body started to tremble. I knew Quil could heal from a lot of different injuries, but a bullet to the head or chest was not one of them.

"Sit back down now!" Torres yelled to Quil. Quil's hands slowly spread before him as he gracefully sat back down on the ground. He dark eyes glared back and forth between the gun and my eyes. I was pretty sure Quil worried more about the gun being so close to me rather than getting shot himself.

"Miss Cooper," Torres addressed me sternly, but kept his eye on Quil, "back in the car. Now."

"Ok," I choked out and slumped into the back seat. Just then another police squad car pulled up with his red and blue lights flashing. Another burly officer jumped out and immediately went to Quil and placed handcuffs around his wrists, behind his back. Quil knew if either of the officers treated me badly he could easily snap the cuffs off his wrists and come to my rescue. But, Quil easily surrendered to both officers and I watched from the back of Quil's car as they shoved him into the backseat of the squad car. My eyes started to well up with tears.

Officer Torres returned to me and asked me to grab Quil's car keys and anything else I needed from the car before placing me in the back of his car for the ride to the police station. I sat quietly in the back and wondered what would become of Quil. My body still trembled slightly. Were they going to arrest him for just being with a minor, even though they didn't have proof of anything going on? We weren't even kissing or holding hands or anything! I understood how the scene might have looked, but Quil was only shielding me from view of others while I changed my wet clothes. I didn't know what I needed to say to make them see the whole scenario was innocent. Maybe if I didn't freak out on the officer when he mentioned rape we wouldn't be in this situation right now.

A sob escaped my lips and I immediately covered my mouth to prevent anymore to slip out. I didn't want Officer Torres to know how upset I was. He didn't talk to me for the entire ride to the station.

Once we arrived to the station I followed Torres' orders and walked into the building. I watched as two officers pushed Quil into the building. I tried to contain my temper to make sure I didn't cause any more damage. Once inside, Torres asked me for my parent's phone number.

"Why? What's going on?"

"You were with a man twice your age that you are not related to. As much as I would like to throw him in jail, I didn't technically catch you doing anything. But if your parents want to press charges after hearing what I saw, then I certainly will." He finished with a disturbing grin.

I breathed out a sigh of relief. My mom would definitely not press charges against Quil. Oh shit. Mom wasn't home. Mom was out for a girl's weekend.

"So what parent am I calling?" Torres asked impatiently.

With a sigh I said, "My dad," and gave him my home number where I knew my dad sat and waited for me to come home.

A/N: dun dun duuuuunnn... hee hee What do you think? My friend thought Officer Torres over reacted a bit. But they were both half-dressed and Quil scared Torres with his growl and enormous size! My sister thought it was perfect because she's experienced policemen who have been a-holes like that.

So what do y'all think Daddy Jack with do? Will this screw up any progress he has made with Quil and give him the chance to get rid of Quil? Or will Jack totally defend his daughter and not press charges against Quil?

I love hearing from you. Let me know what you think! I'll try not to leave you hanging too long.

Shelby