A/N: I know, I know…It's taken forever to update but I did warn y'all I would be focusing my attention on Seasons of Change. Anyways, I hope it's worth the wait. For any of my fellow authors and readers with UK ethnicity, would love to hear feedback on the dialect below. Hope I didn't botch it up too much. Fair warning…It's about to go down y'all!
M rating for mature language.
Chapter 2
"Where is this place again, man?"
Hawk looked towards his pack brothers in apology for the hundredth time since boarding their first flight. Caleb and Tokola had drawn the short end of the stick, and even though they hadn't shown an inch of resentment, Hawk saw it for what it was…babysitting duty.
"Kazakhstan…I'm sorry you guys got stuck with me, Caleb"
"What? Nah man…it's not like that. I mean, I get you weren't given much choice but I was. Cheveyo and Ethan were gonna send someone regardless, so why not? I've been itching for a change"
Caleb stared out the plane's window, hoping not to give anything away. It was true, he'd been restless for months now, but he held a more pressing reason for volunteering to come along. The image of soft, pliable lips infiltrated his thoughts and Caleb pushed the memory away. It had been wrong of him…wrong on so many levels and his traitorous thoughts reaffirmed his decision to place some much needed distance between himself and the object of his growing desire. But he wasn't about to discuss this with any of his pack brothers, especially Hawk.
Tokola was a different story altogether. He was one of the few remaining unprinted wolves left. Had seen much of his biological family come and go and was suffocating under the apathetic routine which had become his life. It had been a no brainer for him and he was actually looking forward to this time away from the reservation. Solace's youngest twin nodded in polite acceptance, sinking deeper into his seat. They still had about five hours before landing and he decided on trying for some sleep. Hawk would be lying if he denied the reassurance from his pack brothers' presence, and tried to draw comfort from their company as he willed his mind to rest.
The plane's turbulence brought him back from his slumber and all three wolves complied with the pretty flight attendant's request they fasten their seat belts. They shared and amused smile when the rest of the passengers clapped in excitement upon landing safely and Hawk stood to pull their carrier bags from the overhead compartments.
"You think we would have made it? If we'd crashed, I mean?"
Hawk allowed a half grin as they made their way down the terminal.
"I don't know…probably…not really pressed to find out though"
A flash of relief passed through Caleb's features, filling Hawk with shame and causing him slight falter in his step. Babysitting might've been a generous term. It seemed Caleb and Tokola weren't here to keep him company after all…they were on suicide watch. His nostrils flared as he caught the scent of their awaiting party and he took point, leading them through the maze of humans, scurrying busily about. Gideon and a dread-locked female he didn't recognize stood anxiously by the main gate, while Aurel came to flank the wolves as they walked towards the pair.
The young wolves scanned their surroundings; their lupine senses on full alert as they picked up on their allies' unease. One more werewolf waited in a large van and the lycans ushered them inside, taking off as soon as the sliding doors locked in place. Hawk watched Gideon's shoulders uncoil in relief as he turned towards the wolves with a wicked grin.
"All right mates?"
"Brilliant. You?"
Tokola turned towards Hawk with a wolfie grin. "I've always wanted to say that"
The youngest Tso twin rolled his eyes before meeting Gideon's gaze.
"What the fuck was that about? Why do I get the feeling you were expecting some kind of ambush?"
"Expecting, no…but we always have to be prepared, yeah?"
The she-were turned back in her seat with a coy grin, her heavy Irish accent betraying her origins.
"Hey Dorothy…you aren't in Kansas anymore"
The werewolves laughed in tandem and Gideon used the opportunity for the introductions.
"Caleb, Hawk, and Tokola, meet Teagan, our newest clan member. The burly fellow at the wheel is Kosha and you already know Aurel"
The wolves nodded in sync, sending the blonde dread-locked stunner into a chuckle. Hawk pulled out a sealed envelope from his carrier bag, handing it to the young werewolf.
"Maya sends her regards"
Gideon's cheeks flushed as he received the envelope, carefully putting it away to be read at a more opportune time. They drove through the night and the jet lag was wearing on them but the wolves remained awake, an air of uncertainty, robbing them of sleep. Hawk hadn't even bothered to question his Alpha as to the nature of Tamàs' need and was embarrassed at how detached and uninformed of pack business, he'd become. When their journey changed to one on foot, he struggled to keep his curiosity at bay.
"Why did you guys move so far east? And why didn't Tamàs meet us?"
"The territory became too dodgy. Altai can be a bit of a bore but not a lot of people about…fewer vamps, more freedom for us. Tamàs doesn't leave the territory much anymore, unless the need arises"
"I don't understand. You have the freedom to change at will now and with the Volturi gone, what is there left to fear?"
Teagan snorted loudly. The tension in their jaws was hard to miss and the young wolves exchanged a suspicious look.
"You've got it all wrong mates. With the Volturi and the Russians gone, there's no order. It's a real cock up. What is it you Americans call it? Like the wild, wild, west, yeah? Some of our clan went back into the cities to try to lead normal lives. But the majority of us are too used to this way of life, so we headed for the Altai Mountains. Your family has been very helpful to us but it's time we stand on our own"
Tokola chimed in, just as curious and concerned.
"I still don't understand. Ethan said you needed our help but he didn't specify how. Why are we here, exactly?"
The werewolves shared a look of amusement and Gideon's answering smile was one of genuine affection.
"To work, mates"
The wolves appeared confused and Gideon continued smiling.
"Don't worry about it, yeah? Tamàs will explain…I'm just bloody glad you're here. Don't get me wrong, we do need the help…but its fuckin ace to be in the company of young chaps again"
They continued at a brisk pace, following a worn trail along a clear blue lake; green hills upon green hills as far as the eye could see. A set of majestic snowcapped mountains ahead and the La Push wolves appeared lost for words by the beauty surrounding them. Hawk inhaled the crisp fresh air, welcoming the feeling of life. It would be an additional day's journey before they reached their settlement and the werewolves decided to make camp for the night. Teagan wasted no time in unlayering, and headed straight for the water with an impulsive Caleb in tow.
The werewolves appeared one with the land, effortlessly starting a fire for their night's meal. The campfire burned brightly, causing Hawk a moment of sad nostalgia. His father and Uncle Oliver had often taken them deep into the woods for their 'being one with nature' camping trips and Hawk couldn't deny they'd been some of his most memorable childhood memories. He staked a seat between the roots of an old tree, quietly observing his pack brothers and hosts. Hawk hadn't volunteered for this expedition and hadn't given much thought on what it would involve, but as he took in his pack brother's curious gaze, concluded that neither had Tokola. The realization left him feeling a bit lighter; taking small pleasure in the fact he wouldn't be going through this alone.
"How long are you planning to punish us for this?"
Isis searched her eldest gaze sadly and Lahote ignored his mother's inquiry, continuing to work on his vehicle without so much as sparing her a glance. Angry wasn't the right word to describe his state of being, after learning of Hawk's departure. He'd only just begun speaking to his wife out of sheer need. Lahote felt barren…helpless in his inability to comfort his brother and enraged at his family's betrayal. Frustrated, he couldn't just leave his pregnant wife and daughter in his effort to bring his twin home.
"He is as much a part of me as he is a part of you and I couldn't just continue watching him drift away"
"And exiling someone is how you keep them from drifting away further?"
The anger in his eyes felt like a knife to her chest and Isis's voice cracked with emotion.
"Try to see it from our point of view Lahote. You have a child of your own now. The only thing worse than seeing your child in pain, is not being able to do anything about it. I know it's hard for you to accept this, but nothing we were doing was helping him. My hope is that he finds his way again away from here. Please don't pull away from us...it's hard enough as it is"
The frustrated wolf sighed heavily; continuing tinkering with his car, and feeling like a royal asshole after the salty scent of his mother's tears reached his lupine nose. The sound of her retreating steps tore him up inside and he threw the wrench on his garage floor in anger as his wife walked out of their home to wrap her in an embrace.
"Give him some time. He'll come around"
Isis nodded silently, looking back towards her son's home.
"I don't want Keimi seeing me like this"
"She can ride in to school with me. But you can pick her up after school if you still want to spend time with her"
"I'd like that" she answered; tightening her grip on her daughter in law's hand as she climbed on to her SUV. Shye paced her steps, stopping near her garage's entrance.
"I'm curious to know Lahote, when is this going to end?"
His eyes burned with repressed anger and he abandoned his task, seeking distance from the conversation but Shye was not ready to let it go.
"You are not the only one torn up about this. I don't agree with how it went down but something needed to be done. And your love for him was blinding you to the truth…Isis is right, he was going down a dangerous path"
"You had no right keeping the truth from me. I didn't even get a chance to say goodbye"
"Because you wouldn't have allowed him to leave"
"YOU'RE DAMN RIGHT, I WOULDN'T HAVE"
Lahote was losing control…he felt the familiar ripples traveling up his spine and his wife was standing far too close for his liking. His panic grew as he struggled to rein in his anger and it was the frightened voice of his young daughter which stopped him cold.
"Daddy? Why you yelling at mommy?"
"Akeimi honey, everything is OK. Please stay upstairs. Daddy and I are just talking. I'll be up in a minute to help you get ready for school"
He'd scared her…and it pushed him past the edge. He tore out of his home like a man possessed, barely crossing through his back door before landing on two silver paws. He released an anguished howl as his limbs stretched out in urgency; greens and browns blurring past him in his haste for relief. Thoughts of concern and guilt infiltrated his thoughts and Lahote gave a mental smirk as he changed his trajectory.
Good…just the wolf he wanted to see.
Come on man…I'm not gonna do this with you. We didn't have a choice…
You always have a choice, Koli.
And then he lunged…It was the first time Koli hadn't fought back and he was glad to bleed for him, if it helped alleviate his pain. It took Luca, Ethan and Jahir's help to cease his attack and the Beta realized they'd underestimated Lahote's fury. Ethan and Cheveyo's primary concern had been Hawk, but they hadn't considered the unbalance it would cause his twin.
Bring him back Ethan
The Beta released a long sigh
You know we can't do that, brother. I'm sorry it had to come to this, but Hawk needed a drastic change in his life.
What he needs, is to have the people who are supposed to love him near for support.
I know it's hard for you to accept this, but we tried that and it wasn't doing him any good. We were only enabling him. What would you say if I told you he'd been thinking about taking his own life?
You're lying…
Images of Sebastian's memories entered the mind link as well as Ethan's the day he'd driven him to the airport.
I don't do this to hurt you, but you need to open your eyes, Lahote. Tamàs has specific needs; ones I hope will give your brother purpose. To remind him of all the amazing things he's capable of. And it's not like he's alone…Caleb and Tokola will watch out for him.
It's not the same thing…he needs his family
We are his family… Be fucking mad if you want, but I'm asking for your trust. We don't share the same bond you two do, but we all love Hawk. If this doesn't work, then we'll bring him home. We can try it your way, but I have a feeling this will be good for him.
Lahote didn't comment either way, choosing to continue his run in human form. He didn't want anyone in his head, especially after getting a front row seat to the extent of his brother's downward spiral. Hawk had always praised him for his tenacity and fearless nature but Lahote had always found the courage to walk ahead because he'd known his brother was there to catch him when he fell. And for once, the shoe was on the other foot…and Lahote had failed him. Had watched him fall off the precipice and stood by, looking on helplessly.
He broke through the trees into a small clearing, surveying the familiar place. It had been their secret location; a spot Koli and they frequented often in their childhood to get away from everyone else. The urge to get on the next plane to follow after him was tempting but things were different now. He had people who depended on him; a family of his own. He couldn't hold back the silent tears traveling down his cheeks and didn't possess the strength to threaten Koli away when he cautiously took a seat by his side.
"I failed him"
"We all did Hote, but he's a grown man…Hawk's always been the one with all the answers, you know? Dealing with something like that is hard enough. I think he fixated on trying to make it better. Shit is, you can't…you just have to live through it and allow the people you trust to help you along. But he wouldn't do that…"
"And how's he supposed to that now?"
"Look, I know you're pissed, but I think Cheveyo and Ethan have a point. Maybe that's not what he needs. We've been forcing ourselves on him but maybe all he needs is to feel useful gain. Something to bring him perspective"
Lahote sighed, coming to his feet as he chewed over his cousin's words.
"When did you become so fucking insightful?"
Koli followed after him, answering with one of his crooked grins as they headed back towards the res.
"That hurts my feelings asshole. I got plenty of shit to say, people just don't seem to listen. You know what else hurts?"
"What?"
"That lame ass beating I just took because of your fucking little tantrum"
"Well, I didn't have to try very hard. Domestic life is taming you, man"
"Bitch please, you couldn't handle me if I'd actually fought back"
Lahote shook his head in amusement, feeling slightly pacified by the light banter.
"Thanks man, I needed that"
"Anytime…you for me and me for you right?"
"Yeah…that's right" he whispered, speeding up his pace in hopes of catching his wife to apologize before she took off for work.
Ryan spread the blanket across the closet floor, eyeing the pup in doubt. This was a bad idea, one of the worst ideas he'd had in a long time, but what was the alternative? He couldn't risk leaving him at the half-way house and Maddie certainly couldn't watch him in a store full of customers. Ryan had tried…he really had. He'd walked into the animal shelter determined to hand over the pup, but after taking one look at the greedy eyed look of one of the care takers and the less then hospitable conditions in which they cared for the animals, turned about without another word. So there he was, hiding the small pup in his assigned janitorial closet of La Push's Elementary School with a small container of water and food.
"What you doing?"
A soft voice startled him and Ryan jumped, turning to face the source of his surprise. A set of grey eyes peered up at him until she caught sight of the small pup.
"A puppy…you have a puppy. He's so cute…." she gushed, kneeling on the floor to welcome the jovial pup into her small arms.
"You can't be in here. Please, I can't let anyone see him" he pleaded sheepishly, realizing he was bargaining with a child.
"I won't tell…I pwomise. I'm good at keeping secwets"
The determination and seriousness in her features made him smile and Ryan nodded in amusement.
"It's like 7 in the morning. Shouldn't you still be in bed?"
"My mom teaches second gwade and my nana couldn't bwing me to school today"
Her voice tinged with sadness and Ryan was surprised with his sudden urge to comfort her, leading him to his next question.
"Well you shouldn't be talking to strangers. Where's your mother anyways?"
"She's in her classwoom. I had to pee but I met you before…wemember?"
Her gap-toothed smiled made him chuckle. How could he forget those soulful grey eyes?
"Yeah, I remember. I almost ran you over. Akeimi, right?"
She smiled prettily in answer and Ryan could hear the clicking sound of heels down the hallway; rushing them both out of the closet.
"Remember, you can't tell anyone he's here. They'll take him away before I can find him a home, OK?"
"I won't tell. Pinky pwomise" she whispered conspiratorially as she raised her small finger to entwine it with his. Akeimi ran towards her mother's footsteps, hoping to cut off her approach and lure her away in the opposite direction.
"Akeimi, where have you been? Who were you talking to?"
Shye caught Ryan's retreating form as he turned the corner, narrowing her eyes in suspicion.
"He wowks here mom. He was asking me if I was OK and I told him you was a teacher here"
"That was nice of him honey, but he's right. It isn't safe for you to be wandering alone and I don't move too fast these days" she offered, running her hand down her swollen belly. The spirited little girl nodded in agreement, leading her mother back towards her classroom, with a bright smile in place.
Ryan was fortunate enough to get through the remainder of his shift without a hitch. He was a nervous wreck but the students' loud voices helped cover the pup's whining. He needed this job… it was the first step in reclaiming his life. He could almost hear Gabriel's scolding voice in his head.
That's your problem Ryan. You never know when to walk away.
And he'd proven him right time and time again, but he had learned the importance of paying it forward. He'd been this puppy once upon a time, and if it hadn't been for Maddie and Lou's belief in him, Ryan was pretty sure he'd still be doing serious time or dead.
It was too late to take anything back anyways; his main concern was getting him out of sight before the change in shift arrived. He stuffed the little fur ball into his backpack and hauled the last trash bag out towards the dumpster with every intention of getting the hell out of dodge. But Isis had just stepped out of her SUV, hoping to swing by the main office before picking up both girls from their classroom and stopped dead in her tracks at seeing the tall muscular body exiting the side of the school. She wasn't in the right frame of mind to do this, but the opportunity may never come again and turned about after him.
What was his name again?
She'd been in such a stupor after their meeting, she couldn't recall.
"Hey…you with the bag… I think your friend's trying to make his grand escape..."
Ryan had no choice but to slow his pace and caught a glimpse of the pups' muzzle sticking out of his bag. It was the same woman from the diner and Ryan briefly wondered if his grey- eyed accomplice ratted him out.
"Didn't mean to spook you, but I couldn't remember your name and your dog looks about ready to bail"
"Oh no, it's cool…I appreciate it"
"Do you remember me? You bumped into my granddaughter outside of the diner. My name is Isis"
Bumped was a generous word and Ryan gave her his best smile, wondering how this stunning woman could be anybody's grandmother.
"Yeah, I remember. It's Ryan…"
"Ryan…I haven't seen your face around here before…do you live nearby?"
The scent of anxiety reached her nose and the she-wolf knew she'd been a little too abrupt. Ryan looked torn but didn't get the opportunity to respond because a familiar vehicle pulled up to their side.
"Is everything OK mam? Is this man giving you any trouble?"
Isis took in Ryan's change in demeanor. His face was a mask of cool indifference but his posture spoke of restrained animosity as he turned to face the vehicle.
"Everything's OK officer, why do you ask?"
"Well, one can never be too sure these days. There are all kinds of animals and crazies out here"
His words dripped with hidden innuendo and Ryan's jaw tightened.
"Say Lakoda, did you know it's illegal to have a dog on school property?"
Ryan's eyes betrayed his panic and Isis felt unnerved by the malice in the officer's voice. It was clear, there was some deep rooted history between them and she had no concrete reason to act on his behalf, but something deep inside of her pushed her to speak up.
"I'm sorry officer; I didn't mean for him to get out of the vehicle. He ran out so fast and this young man was nice enough to catch him for me. I was actually offering him a ride home for his trouble when you pulled up"
Maybe it had been the desperation on his young face or her displaced guilt over being powerless to help her own son. Or perhaps, it was his familiar features or the mask of detachment she recognized from the many years shared with Solace...Isis didn't know, but his relief was palpable and she gifted him a small smile. Moletti's eye narrowed in suspicion, knowing he had no choice but to accept her words.
"Yeah…a real peach he is. Glad it all worked out for you Ms…I'm sorry I didn't catch your name?"
"I didn't give it officer. Ryan, why don't you take…uh… Fluffy back to my vehicle while I run inside and pick up the girls? It's the black Cherokee up ahead. I can drop you off on my way home"
Isis was taking a large gamble. She had no idea who Ryan was but if her intuition was correct, then he was already pack and it would provide her with the perfect opportunity to pry.
"I'll be seeing you around Lakoda"
Ryan headed straight for the SUV, without sparing Moletti another glance. Isis could see the flexing of his muscles as he reined in his anger. He was close, maybe a few weeks from phasing at the most and knew she was running out of time. She took out her cell phone, sending her husband a text.
You wouldn't believe who I ran into today. Might bring a guest over for dinner.
OK. Need me to pick up anything?
No. Just hurry home.
?
You'll see...
Iz?
Love u, just hurry home please. No time to explain now.
She rushed into the school, forgoing the main office and walking straight into the aftercare class.
"Sooo? Who cares about your stupid sleepover…she didn't want to go anyways, right Keimi?"
"Jesse Jaymes Littlesea, what have I told you about using that kind of language in this classroom? Do I need to call your mother?"
Isis smiled in amusement, imagining how that conversation would go. JJ was a combination of Sebastian's bad temper and Keyla's stubborn nature and she was pretty sure either of them could be blamed for her sometimes potty mouth. But she and her granddaughter were as thick as thieves and their parents and grandparents wouldn't have it any other way. Potty mouth and all…
"Girls, get your backpacks and jackets please. I'm kind of in a hurry today. Sorry Ms. Glass, I'll have a talk with her on the way home" she smiled in apology.
"Thank you Isis"
JJ smirked at the fuming group of girls as they made their way out the classroom, waving goodbye.
"JJ, why were you being so rude to those girls?"
"She wasn't nana. Nancy was making fun of my boy clothes and said I not invited to her birthday pawty"
"Did she, now?"
Isis raised her perfectly arched brow, looking back towards the classroom in disdain.
"Well, there's nothing wrong with your clothing, Akeimi. Don't ever allow anyone to make you feel bad over how you dress...that goes for the both of you. What do you girls say we have a sleepover of our own this weekend?"
The two girls cheered as they made their way across the lot and JJ voiced her surprise when the ruggedly handsome man opened the passenger door to the SUV.
"Who are you?"
"JJ…" Isis's clipped voice was reproaching.
Akeimi's eyes brightened as she hopped onto her booster seat, scanning for the small pup and Ryan greeted her with a sly wink.
"Girls, this is Ryan. We're giving him a ride home today. Akeimi do you remember Ryan from the diner?"
"Yes nana"
"Auntie Isis, can we hold the puppy, please?"
"You should ask Ryan, JJ. It's his dog"
"Can we Mr. Ryan, sir?"
"Just Ryan" he grinned, passing the little fur ball back onto her awaiting hands.
"And he isn't really mine. I found him under a porch. His momma died, I'm just taking care of him until I can find him a home"
"That's so sad…Nana, can we keep him pleeeeease"
"Akeimi, I don't know if your mom is ready for that right now"
"But he can live with you until daddy says I can bwing him home"
Isis's throaty chuckle betrayed her amusement. The girl was a master manipulator, and was well aware she had her oldest son wrapped around her little finger.
"I'll think about it OK?"
And Akeimi smiled at her cousin in excitement, knowing 'I'll think about it' was usually code for yes.
"Ryan, is he a boy or girl puppy?"
"Uh, he's a male"
"He looks like Uncle Koli"
Ryan looked back towards JJ in confusion. Isis's loud cough brought his attention back to the front.
"Are you alright mam?"
"Please, call me Isis. Where are we headed?"
Ryan wavered, deciding to just rip the band aid off. She should know who was in her vehicle before taking off and wanted to give her the choice of backing out.
"I'm staying at the half way house by Uwohali Lane. But you really don't need to drop me off. I can walk. You've done enough for me already"
The reek of shame was potent and Isis answered with a kind smile.
"Don't be ridiculous, it's on my way home. Besides, it'll give you a chance to talk me into taking this puppy home"
Ryan struggled to keep the surprise from his features. It wasn't often he encountered such kindness, especially from someone with the financial means to purchase a brand new sports vehicle. Ryan had learned early on in his life, that classicism was real among them. But it was with those individuals, his people considered reservation trash, with whom he'd found the most acceptance and support. With the exception of Maddie and Lou that was, but it had been their love for his mother which had opened that door…
Ryan met Isis's gentle gaze and returned her smile. The ride towards the half-way house was lively, as both girls bombarded him with questions and Ryan tried his best to engage. Social interactions weren't his strong suit but there was something about Akeimi's curious and brazen nature which appealed to him; reminiscent of a girl who'd held a prominent place in his life. Ryan pushed the thought away, silently chastising himself for the traitorous thought. Gabriel was right… as much as he'd loved her, she was a liability he couldn't afford and focused his attention to the conversation at hand.
"What's his name Wyan?"
Her small lisp made him smile and he turned to face those stunning grey eyes.
"I haven't named him yet"
"He doesn't have a name? But everyone needs a name..."
"Well, why don't you two help me come up with one? I'm not very good at that kind of thing"
Their eyes widened in excitement, a look of genuine honor clear in their gaze. They went off into their own little world and Ryan laughed when Isis recalled her brain fart from that afternoon.
"What, Fluffy, isn't good enough for you? I don't even know what possessed me to say that"
"Hey…I was just glad you were saving my a…uh…behind"
"Ooohh, I know what you were going to say Ryan…" JJ's mischievous tone earned her a glare from Isis's rear view mirror.
"I bet you do… It isn't polite to listen to other people's conversations JJ"
Her toothy smile was blinding and she returned her attention to the name game.
"Ryan, do you have plans for this evening?"
"Uh, not really, I was planning to work out for a bit"
"Well, I'd like to run the puppy idea by my husband. I was thinking you could join us for dinner, so he could decide for himself. I'd drive you home afterwards of course"
"Wyan, please say yes. Pleeease. My papa Solace is the best"
JJ nodded her head in solidarity. She loved both of her gramps fiercely. Grampa Remy and Collin were great but Solace was as cool as grownups got. The idea of a home cooked meal appealed to Ryan greatly and even though he'd be pushing himself out of his comfort zone, felt obliged to comply. Isis had been nothing but kind and the idea of finding a loving home for the pup was a motivating factor, so he willingly agreed.
Their home was a bit remote; nestled between the woods. But it was breathtakingly beautiful. It had a rustic feel with a modern touch, open wide spaces with large clear glass windows. The kitchen's ceiling was comprised of a large skylight and Ryan admired the finer details of the architecture, impressed with the warmth of the décor. Black and white pictures graced their many walls, and Ryan was taken back with how large her family appeared to be. He recognized the massive charismatic man featured on many of her photographs, realizing she was related to one Jacob Black.
"Is he your family?"
Isis abandoned her pots and pans to take a closer look, smiling at the picture in question.
"That's my daddy"
"How does he manage to look so young?"
And Isis answered with a placating smile.
"Good genes, I guess. What about your family, Ryan? Are they Quileute?"
"My mom was Makah"
"And what about your father?"
Ryan hesitated, meeting her curious gaze. He was saved by the sound of wheels against gravel, pulling up to the driveway and Isis's head snapped towards the door.
"Ryan, would you mind checking on the girls for me? I need to step outside for just a minute"
Her voice sounded strained, but he obediently complied and headed up the stairs, following the pup's playful barks. Isis felt her stomach drop… she'd been so focused on prying, she'd completely missed the two familiar scents and forwent caution as she flashed out the door as fast as her supernatural gifts allowed.
"Why didn't you tell me you invited Paul over?" she whispered.
Solace cocked his head in confusion, clearly taken back with his wife's words.
"Since when does he need an invitation Iz?"
The observant wolf went on full alert, his wife's panic stricken face causing him much alarm. His nostrils flared as he caught two foreign scents coming from their home. A voice he didn't recognize and playful growls with those of his favorite little spitfire and precious peanut. Paul sauntered up the driveway with his usual shit eating grin, confusion marring his handsome features as he caught sight of the distraught she-wolf.
"Wait... Don't go inside just yet. Just let me explain..."
Her voice was pleading and Paul cocked his head to the side, looking towards Solace for guidance.
"Iz, you're fucking scaring me…who's inside our home?"
Both wolves raised their gaze as the sound of heavy footsteps descended down Solace's staircase. It was a moment Paul would revisit and question for the rest of his days. His jaw slackened in shock and he pushed past the tiny hybrid trying to stand in his way. A much younger version of himself stood in the middle of Solace's kitchen. But those eyes, they weren't his eyes…they were the same sad, almond shaped eyes who had once stolen his heart.
Ryan looked towards Isis in betrayal; sheer loathing, evident on his handsome face.
"Who are you?"
The words tasted foolishly on his tongue, but Paul couldn't muster any other words.
Ryan snatched his jacket off the kitchen stool, moving towards the front door. A heavy hand on his shoulder froze him in place and he shook the hand violently off.
"DON'T FUCKING TOUCH ME"
Ryan was a burning man, his body trembling with an all-consuming rage. Memories of his mother's beautiful and kind face tormenting him, pushing him past the point of no return. He hated the man standing in front of him; blamed him for everything which had gone wrong in his life. His head felt like a ticking time bomb, ready to diffuse with the slightest movement. Ryan was losing himself, felt his body blurring violently and wondered if anyone could implode from rage.
Isis rushed to her phone, ushering the two statue still girls at the top of the stairs into her sons' room. Solace shoved Paul back and made a grab for Ryan, muscling him towards the woods as his bones began to realign between his restraining arms. He was dying… Ryan was sure of it, as the obscene sound of his bones snapping mirrored his pain. He released a horrified howl, forced to his knees by the sheer agony. He couldn't see, couldn't hear…there was only pain.
The patrolling wolves neared, encircling the young wolf to be in their human form. Cheveyo had rushed to his sister's home after hearing the first howl and was trying his best to restrain and console a devastated Paul. Ethan and Solace phased in preparation of what would follow. An ear rupturing ringing tormented the young fighter, right before his violent change. Soft whispers filled his mind.
Brother… pack…family.
But Ryan had no brothers, the closest thing to it was finishing his time at the Olympic Correction Center and he had no family to speak of. She was dead; dead because of the sperm donor before him.
You're wrong Ryan. We are your brothers… we are your family now.
Ethan's kind voice captured the young wolf's attention and Ryan was sure he'd lost his mind. Fractured after coming face to face with the fraud he'd been cursed with as a father. Two gigantic wolves stood in front of him and Ryan looked down towards his feet. No feet…two dark silver paws in their place. The world spun and then it all went black…
Playlist
The Beach-The Neighborhood
Your Hand In Mine-Explosions In the Sky
