A/N: This chapter gave me a bit of trouble, so I hope the effort yields positive response. Please accept this as a belated Christmas and New Year's gift for all that continue to read…Cheers!

Chapter 24

Seth stepped into the vast living room; nostalgia and concern ailing him equally. His two young children appeared enthralled with their guest, and in all honesty, so was the rest of the family. Isis was an equal mix of the Alpha pair. Bella's selflessness, Jacob's tenacity, Nessie's gentle demeanor…sheathed in Sara Black's beauty. Her departure was bittersweet, though they all understood. Seth knew her initial arrival hadn't come in the best of circumstances, but he couldn't deny the happiness her presence had birthed. He never imagined he'd have the privilege of meeting any more of Jacob's children, let alone witness how full circle she'd come. He was sad to see her go. But sadder yet, at not being able to accompany her.

Learning of the imprint had brought him sheer joy on his old pack brother's behalf. The ex- Beta had dedicated much contemplation to the coupling, and could only imagine the despair her absence caused. Solace had a tendency for self- deprecation, and Seth mused the Alpha was working overtime in balancing the melancholy wolf. And now with Billy's declining health, Seth's heart grew heavier over Jacob's burden. He battled to rein in his thoughts. How Jacob handled the pack was no longer his concern, but old habits died hard. And distance had done nothing to lessen the love he held for those he left behind.

Speaking of those he loved…

Seth appraised his sister warily. The she-wolf's erratic behavior also weighed heavily on him, though Isis's arrival had done wonders for Leah's spirits. The she-wolf had once thought herself an anomaly; a freak among the supernatural, and had basked in the companionship of her female counterpart. But she was still off kilter, and Seth knew she guarded something protectively. Her moods had been turbulent at best, swinging from surliness to sheer melancholia. And Seth felt helpless in his ability to help. Mostly, out of her refusal to acknowledge that something was amiss.

He watched his sister wrap the younger she-wolf in a fierce embrace; providing sage words of advice before exiting the villa. She wasn't much for goodbyes, and had simply winked her adios. Isis's impromptu arrival couldn't have come at a better time; providing her a much-needed distraction from her own personal drama. Leah would miss her terribly. Taking the younger she-wolf under her wing, had felt like the most natural thing in the world, and she imagined it was pack bonds at play. Leah had walked away from La Push as well, but her allegiance would never waiver.

She liked the younger she-wolf immensely, and was half-amused, half dismayed over Solace's current situation. Isis was a walking contradiction; kind and loving by nature, but passionate and recklessly impulsive. And it was that fire inside her, which appealed to Leah most. From what she'd gathered, her older sister's temperament was even more labile, and the veteran she-wolf could only imagine the headaches they would've caused the pack, had Leah remained in La Push. The she-wolf prayed for Isis's safe return to the reservation, prayed for Billy's wellbeing, and knew that if Solace managed to jump this hurdle without causing more damage, his long-deserved happiness awaited around the corner.

Leah continued with her inner monologue; anything that would steal her focus from the one face plaguing her thoughts. She'd once cursed the imprint bond; resented the blind devotion it produced. And though she wasn't sold on the idea, her bitterness against Emily and Sam had dwindled to almost nothing. Leah was an independent spirit, but even she, hadn't been able to fight against the innate need to protect what she didn't understand. How else could she explain her silence on all she'd uncovered?

Leah owed Aylen her life, but suspected he wasn't being completely forthcoming. The she-wolf questioned his absolute innocence, and yet she couldn't bring herself to betray his identity; not that she knew much to begin with. He was a wolf, and from the look of his poise, she surmised he was no pup. He also lacked the physical traits of Quileute decent, and he was her…he was her…Leah couldn't bring herself to finish the thought. Though there were still a million more questions flooding her mind...

Was he a lone wolf? And if not…where was his pack? And how could that possibly be? The Quileute legends never spoke of other shape-shifters. But then again, they hadn't spoken of werewolves, either. What was his purpose in tracking her for so long? His hesitancy in meeting the rest of her family triggered all kinds of red flags, but it didn't diminish her desire to see him again, or to know more about him. He hadn't fled…the warm feeling on the back of her neck when he was near, told her so.

The she-wolf was giving herself a headache, and decided to head towards a source of comfort…food. The farmer's market held the most delicious of treats, and her stomach grumbled in anticipation. She perused the isles, feeling hollow and blue; the flavorful scents doing nothing for her temperament. Till a different type of aroma reached her lupine nose. Her eyes searched across the row of vendor tents, settling on a set of cinnamon colored eyes. He smiled coyly at her, matching her slow pace from across the tents as she flavored the various samples of food.

Aylen had battled through his own impasse; identifying all the numerous reasons for staying away. But in the end, his need to see her trampled all reason. So, there he was; placing himself at great risk for a few stolen moments with her, and unknowingly sealing their fate. He'd awaited the most opportune time; ceasing the first opportunity in her venturing out alone. He brazenly made his way to where she stood, eyeballing the various samples of food laid out. His thorough recon had provided him much intel on her habits and diet, so there was no hesitation in his selections.

"Quanto costa?"

He purchased a variation of pastries, conversing in fluent Italian with the lively merchant. Leah's gaze remained guarded, but she didn't refuse the cream- filled zeppole, he gestured towards her.

"So, you're Italian, then?"

Aylen allowed a small smile, pleased she hadn't turned down the minor peace offering. A similar gesture among his own, would've been deemed as an insult, but he knew their rules didn't apply to the outside world.

"What makes you think that?"

"You speak fluent Italian…"

"I'm fluent in many languages…"

His eyes sparkled with arrogance and mischief, while Leah's betrayed her annoyance. They ambled cautiously through the cobbled streets; a palpable, thick layer of tension between them, just beneath the surface of their meaningless small talk. Aylen's eyes scanned his peripheries vigilantly; years of methodical practice too ingrained in him to ignore. Nothing appeared out of the ordinary, but he couldn't shake the feeling of being observed. Maybe it was his guilty conscience eating away at him for taking such careless risk, but his paranoia didn't escape Leah's perceptive eyes.

"Are you always this jumpy, or should I be preparing myself for another ambush?"

The she-wolf's words were laced with sarcasm, but Aylen knew they were also shaded with distrust. It bothered him she felt this way, even knowing she had every right to do so.

"I meant what I said Leah…I don't mean you any harm. Force of habit I guess…"

"You don't have the look of a pup…how long have you been a wolf?"

Aylen held her gaze, wavering with hesitation, but in the end decided to share as much of himself as the situation allowed. It was too late to turn back now, anyways…what more harm could his answer possible cause?

"A long time…much longer than your existence"

"But you aren't Quileute…"

"Your point?"

"The tribal texts have only referenced the Quileute as having the ability to shapeshift"

Aylen's eyes seared with irritation; his voice taking a hostile tone.

"I'm not surprised…Your people aren't known for inclusion"

His antagonistic words caused Leah surprise, driving her into the defensive.

"What the hell is that supposed to mean? If Jacob had known about you…I know he would've…"

"Would've what? Jacob Black is an overgrown child…"

Leah's eyes burned with indignation; his disparaging words triggering her deep-rooted loyalty. She stood face to face with him in challenge; his lips stretching into a sly smile at seeing her feral reaction. Aylen was seething with jealousy, but was wise enough to understand her reaction stemmed from the innate loyalty to her pack. He couldn't deny the desire her ferocity inspired, even if prompted by her devotion to another man.

"My bad…I didn't mean to offend you. But let me ask you this, Leah. If Jacob Black was such a great Alpha, why did you abandon your pack for a coven of vampires?"

Leah could feel heat traveling down her spine; it was taking all her control to remain human.

How could anyone be so fucking condescendingly infuriating?

"Don't assume you know anything about me just because you've been following me around like some fucking stalker. Wolfie magic or not, this little chitchat is over, asshole. Stay the hell away from me…"

Well that hadn't gone as planned…

Aylen sighed deeply, watching her stomp away; knowing his temperament had gotten the best of him. But so had hers…And even if the conversation hadn't gone as he'd hoped, it pleased him to know he stirred such emotion in her. The besotted wolf was already planning their next encounter, clueless and unaware that a different set of supernatural eyes observed their exchange with great interest; strategizing and plotting away…

She exited the busy terminal, welcoming the droplets of rain on her face. She hadn't realized how much she'd missed the smell of wet earth and pine. It was home…. or was it? Isis wasn't sure anymore. She hadn't planned to return so soon…or maybe even, at all. But how could she remain away after receiving the news? This was Billy after all. Leaving her family behind had been the hardest thing she'd ever done.

Lie…

It was becoming easier and easier to catch those moments of self-deception; Dr. Norberto would be proud. Leaving her family behind had been extremely difficult, but leaving HIM behind had felt near impossible, though necessary. The rejection she experienced at his hand, had altered her character into someone she barely recognized. Someone, she didn't quite like.

The bitterness and resentment had trickled down to all aspects of her life. Damaging her relationship with him, and in turn, straining her own bond with family and friends. Isis had felt trapped, forcing her to place some much-needed distance between herself, and all she loved. For as eager as she'd been to hurt him back, she'd only caused herself more pain in return. She loved and hated him all the same. Loathed the lack of control and desire he stirred in her, but couldn't deny nor discount the unyielding acceptance, he'd gifted her growing up. Hurting him was the worst form of self-mutilation.

It had nearly broken her parents and siblings' hearts to see her go, but they hoped she'd find the self-awareness she desperately needed. Isis had undertaken her own journey, and what a journey it had been. Once she mastered control over her supernatural traits, she leapt on the road to self-discovery; landing on her grandparent's doorstep. Her time in therapy helped her come to grips with many things. It'd been a serious culture clash at first, but she was grateful for the opportunity to bond with the other members of her family, and extended pack.

During her initial stay, Isis grew rather close to Jasper, and had learned to heed Leah's blunt, but sage advice. Her unapologetic nature contrasted greatly from her own, but Leah's encouragement aided Isis in finding her own voice. Accompanying her to the women's shelter, had also served a greater purpose. It was as meaningful as it was rewarding, and after further emotional growth, she ventured towards new horizons and challenges. Her family had been skeptical of her plans, but Isis wasn't asking anymore. She'd reached physical maturity, and with it, a firmer sense of self.

Her new interest in volunteer work led her south of the border. And it was there, away from family and friends, where Isis endured much introspection. The work centered around orphaned children; the experience as heartbreaking as it was spiritually uplifting. She made new human friends, learned the value of hard-earned work, and had her first sensual experience, all on foreign land. But Solace still occupied the crevices of her heart. Isis saw his face in every one of those abandoned kids…often thinking about how difficult his and Oliver's upbringing must've been.

The realization was like a slap to the face; forcing her to accept how little she'd known of him. She'd broken free from the crippling need for him, but her heart still mourned his loss. She missed his warmth and silent understanding; the feeling of her hand curving in between his, when he tried to offer wordless support. It was his friendship which she missed best, but was simply not ready to face him. Isis had been a raging bitch; had purposely wounded him, and had no desire to hurt him further. Neither was she interested in suffering through the feeling of wanting what she couldn't have. She was fearful of seeing him again, which had ultimately delayed her return home.

Instead, she'd returned to her family's Italian villa for a visit, when she'd gotten her brother's call. Returning to La Push, felt like the reopening of old wounds. But this wasn't about her…Her grandfather had been admitted to the hospital, and she could only imagine her father's anguish. So, she'd hopped on the next plane towards La Push. Her arrival was neither anticipated nor announced; all by choice. She steadied herself, pushing fear to the side and allowing the familiar scents to ease her nerves. She'd worked hard to put the pieces back together, and as she steered her rental down the 101 towards the hospital, fought hard to ignore the mounting pull tugging at the center of her chest…

Paul felt Oliver's eyes burning a hole on the back of his head, but he was simply enjoying himself too much to stop. It was a line he should not cross; a line that both pups had forbidden him to cross. But she was making it damn difficult for him. He'd limited it to playful flirting, but knew it could easily turn into so much more. Lily was different than most girls her age. She was painfully shy and held understated beauty, but it was her absolute genuineness and caring nature that drew Paul's attention most.

It wasn't like he was purposely seeking her out. They'd all been doing their part to cheer their downhearted friend. Even Paul, though he wasn't sure he was helping much…Solace spent as much time in his secluded cabin as he did at his own home, so Paul surmised relief came from not being alone. Misery did love company, after all. Lily wasn't one for prying, and felt Solace would share details if he so chose. But that hadn't stopped her from showing up with ingredients for baked goods. She remembered how much Solace enjoyed baking, and the lonely wolf couldn't deny how much comfort her effort and company birthed.

The pack was a tight-knit group, and it wasn't often an outsider was welcomed into their hearth. But Lily didn't carry the feel of an outsider, and further yet; her lack of knowledge on their supernatural world provided Paul a clean slate. Their conversations were of the mundane, just two people getting to know one another. And because he'd been forbidden from engaging in any sort of romantic relationship with her, it was easier for him to let down his guard; allowing Lily access to his unfiltered personality.

She was barely of legal age, and so Paul wasn't taking the pups' decree personally. He'd bedded many warm bodies in the last couple of years, and understood they worried over their friend's young and impressionable heart. Paul couldn't begrudge them that…at least not until he was ready to fully let go of Leah. The outlook was indeed looking brighter and brighter these days. His chest still clutched at the memory of her, but not with the same debilitating agony it once did. So, he continued to ignore Oliver's look of disapproval, as he flicked droplets of water onto the giggling young woman standing by his kitchen sink.

Solace sighed heavily, knowing he should take part in his friend's blatant show of disapproval; but couldn't muster the energy to do so. Who was he to deny Paul comfort, when he was struggling to manage his own despair? The sharp-eyed wolf knew his friend held the best of intentions, but he could see Paul's growing attachment. And if he managed to cut ties with the ghosts from his past, Solace suspected the friendship could lead to something more. Lily's quiet and understated nature pacified Paul's restlessness, and it was hard to ignore the pink hue flushing her copper skin at his slightest compliment.

Hope was a fleeting thing, so why should his friend not be entitled to grasp an opportunity for happiness? Would he not do the same, if the occasion presented itself? No, he wouldn't…because unlike Paul, he was underserving. Paul wasn't a self-sabotaging masochist, who managed to obliterate the one good thing in his life. Leah hadn't crossed the seas, fleeing from Paul…she'd simply fled. Could Solace claim the same? No, he could not…He'd mutilated their most sacred bond, inflicting scars on the one person he'd cherished most. There were days when he was whole-heartedly convinced, he was destined for a life of loneliness.

Solace closed his eyes, leaning his head against the wall. The black hole in his chest, thrumming in time to the beat of his shredded heart. No amount of time or distance seemed to tame the hollowness. An ever-present reminder of her absence. The emptiness was constant, and Solace frequently battled against the compulsion to leave everything behind and trail after her. To throw himself at her mercy, and beg on his knees for forgiveness. But Solace loved her enough to keep away. He was a curse, and she was better off without him.

Jacob had been wrong…the spirits had been wrong, and he cursed them for tying her soul to his; subjecting her to his damaged one. Their connection was strong; the tempest of emotions that conjured inside her, was equally shared. No amount of distance changed that. It was moments like these, when his despair threatened to overtake him. He felt her distress, and was helpless in his ability to assist. He'd destroyed their beautiful bond, and she'd sought refuge thousands of miles away. The least he could do was respect the separation, she'd sought.

Tokola's low chuckle brought him back from his gloomy thoughts, and the desolate wolf peeled an eye open.

Oh…

Solace had forgotten he'd agreed to accompany him to the hospital. They were the last wolves who hadn't made their presence yet. And though he hated the sickly odor that inhabited hospitals, this was one visit he was compelled to make; for, Billy was larger than life. He didn't look forward to seeing him lying on his back, nor held words of comfort for his Alpha and wife, but Solace hoped his presence and good intentions would suffice. They were all praying for his full recovery.

Solace snatched up his keys; eager to drive, and have his mind focused elsewhere. Tokola didn't bother with small talk, accustomed to his pack brother's withdrawal. He focused on manning the music; a familiar routine they'd grown used to at the garage. And Solace was grateful for the silent form of understanding. The hospital was bustling with people, and both wolves zigzagged through the rushing crowd in search of the nearest elevator.

Solace met the flustered gaze of the nurse who stood against the opposing wall. She was cute, and if he was half the man he once was, would've gifted her one of his crooked grins. But he wasn't; the hunger and desire for human flesh had vanished, along with everything else that had disappeared with her departure. The elevator doors opened, and he tried for a polite smile as he followed his pack brother out. Tokola's muscular frame obstructed his line of sight, and the curious wolf stepped to his right in ardent interest, when a delicious and familiar scent hit like a punch to the gut.

Solace inhaled like a starving man, convinced he was losing his mind. The rich mixture of cream and coconut was unmistakable and as they neared the corner, the scent grew in intensity. A pair of faded grey chucks stepped out of Billy's room. Solace's eyes traveled up a pair of shapely legs dressed in skinny black jeans. A toned set of abs were teased underneath a cropped grey sweatshirt. He'd never seen such appetizing, pouty lips. He dipped his head low, hoping to catch her gaze as she walked past, but her eyes focused on the ground beneath her feet. Her ebony tendrils sat in a messy bun on top of her perfect head, and the young wolf stopped dead in his tracks; catching sight of it…a heart shaped mole behind her lower right ear.

Solace felt the air rush out of his lungs, and staggered forward with new found urgency, debating on following after her.

"Iz…"

His raspy voice strained with poorly contained emotion. Her step faltered before picking up its pace, dashing towards the elevator. Solace sprinted down the hall, reaching her as the doors began to close, but it was enough. A beautiful set of brown eyes stared back at him sadly. And Solace wavered…wanting nothing more than to follow after her, but allowed his good sense to rule on his behalf. She'd returned, and if she had wanted to see him, would have already sought him out.

She'd grown so much…and he'd missed it all.

A sharp pain pierced his heart as a new wave of guilt washed over him. She was breathtakingly beautiful, and moments ago, he'd been ready to debauch her.

"You alright man?"

Tokola's face was a mask of concern.

"Did you know?"

Solace's tone was laced with anger.

"No… But, I wouldn't be surprised if she hopped on a plane without telling anyone…"

Solace released a humorless laugh. No one knew that better than him. There was only one certainty with Isis, and that was her ability to surprise.

"I'm gonna take off… I can't do this right now. Tell Jake and Ness that I'm sorry"

"I don't think you should…"

"I'm not... I just need to get my shit together, before I do something to make things worse"

Tokola nodded his understanding, and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder before saying his goodbyes. Solace felt his hands tremble, heat traveling up his spine. He'd never struggled for control with phasing, even as a pup. But there he was...fighting to remain human. He made it past the tree line nearest the hospital, and ran…. Ran North until his paws could carry him no longer. Solace blocked them all out, unwilling to lay witness his anguish and shame.

And it was in the remote wilderness where he released a strangled howl; his dominant wolf spirit joining him in unburdening their soul of all which weighed them down. Solace didn't register when he returned to his human form. His body feeling weak and heavy, collapsing onto the unblemished snow. The unmistakable sound of footsteps, neared; his eyes blinked lazily…a blurry human image, the last thing they registered before closing off into the unconsciousness…

Playlist

Always in My Head- Coldplay

Suciedad- Carla Morrison

A 1,000 Times- Hamilton Leithauser & Rostam