A/N: What to share about this chapter? It took me a crazy long time to write, but I hope the results merit the wait. As I dive deeper into planning the outline of this story, I am now convinced it will be the longest in the series. So be patient with me as the story lines develop and unfold. PastOneonta, you asked, and I'm answering… :)
Chapter 5
The cotton t-shirt clung to his chest, soaking with perspiration. His mouth seared with thirst, his muscles aching with fatigue. But the gentle breeze caressing his cheek told him the worst had passed. Hawk's eyes squinted open against the ray of light kissing his face. His mind still groggy from the strenuous ordeal. His pack mates sat a few feet away, and the werewolves shared a look of relief at seeing him come to, filling him with instant shame. There were bits he could piece together. Moments of clearness, he'd soon rather forget. The retching…the quivering…vivid memories torturing his fragile state of mind. It should have been expected, and yet no one anticipated he'd go into withdrawal. Hawk had been self-medicating for so long, his supernatural gifts hadn't been enough to overcome his dependency.
"How bad was it?"
"It's over now…"
Tokola tried for a placating smile, a poor attempt at sparing him the embarrassment of the truth. But it only served to amplify his embarrassment. His memories were a web of images with no beginning or end. Yet the feelings they'd evoked were fresh and tangible on his tongue. His mind had clung to which was comfort and succor; childhood memories with his other half, stripping him naked of his resilience and leaving him pining for Lahote's companionship. Tokola was wrong…his long journey towards sobriety and balance had only just begun. And the prospect was unnerving.
"How long was I out?"
And it appeared Gideon held equal compassion, answering with his characteristic optimism.
"Two days, mate…but it could have been bloody worse. Teagan fixed up one of her witch brews for you. Had you sleepin like a bairn… "
Hawk nodded towards the she-were in gratitude. No trace of judgement in either of their features, moving him deeply.
"And Kosha?"
"He trailed ahead with Aurel. Tamàs will be wondering of our delay…Better he be in the know"
And Hawk was sharp enough to fill in the gaps. They had remained in the territory because of him. The situation still perilous, and Kosha and Aurel had advanced ahead to seek additional support, just in case. Bringing him to a forgotten memory. A set of piercing and clever eyes boring into his… But who was she? And how was it even possible? Learning of Jade's existence had been a piece of humble pie for the pack, and a direct contradiction to the credence of their legends. But this held more significance. He hadn't just encountered any shape-shifter, but a she-wolf. And one not from their lands. Or was she? She had the look of seasoned wolf… but how had she managed to survive rogue? Hawk's instincts told him she'd been trying to warn him off. But of whom? Were they wrong for keeping this from their allies? There were simply too many questions for his weary brain to process….
"Then we should be on our way too. Tokola's right. I'm fine…it's over"
He tried for a convincing smile. And though Gideon's eyes remained guarded, he knew they couldn't linger in unmarked territory for much longer. Prompting his nod of acceptance. They trekked through valleys of red mountain stone, clusters of peaks ahead as far as the eye could see. Hawk pushed past the sluggishness; remaining appreciative of the imposing land, seemingly unsullied by human presence. His body felt the remains of the abrupt purge and yet he couldn't recall when he'd last felt this mellow. The distance from his family hurt, but there was respite in the separation. No one to pretend for…no guilt over the disappointment in their gaze. There was no bullshitting anyone here, for they'd seen him at his worst. There was freedom in the raw truth…
A shrill call from the sky stole the meditative wolf's attention and Hawk paid homage to his namesake. The keen-eyed predator circled the heavens commandingly, plummeting for a closer look and reminding him of his own sharp-eyed nature as he took stock of his companions. Gideon's expression exposed the weight of his responsibility. What a long way he'd come from the carefree kid he'd met so long ago. His fingers played with the end of Maya's sealed letter, placing a small smile on Hawk's lips. His eyes shifted towards his older pack mate… amusement at seeing how things never change, even amid dicey circumstances. Tokola was shamelessly trying his hand in charming their female companion and the she-were didn't appear in the least impressed.
They sustained a brisk pace under the merciless sun, each lost to their thoughts. The fading scent of the two werewolves traveling ahead seemingly mollified their young leader. And all were grateful when Gideon proposed they rest up for the night. The heavens glowed with a brilliant reddish hue as the sun made its ritualistic descent. And Hawk admired the efficiency and speed of the werewolves, as they worked in tandem to hunt and prepare their night's meal. Every La Push wolf had struggled at some point with balancing life and the obligations of the pack. But as he took stock of how in tuned the werewolves were with the wildlife and their surroundings, Hawk became acutely aware of the luxuries they'd been granted.
They gathered around the crackling fire in silence, his eyes tracking the embers disappearing into the night. And the introspective mood served to surge his curiosity, though he realized his insensitive mistake after the question had been asked. Turning wolf was both a blessing and a curse. Though each understood the honor bestowed. It quickly dawned on Hawk, a lycan's transformation was neither birthed out of ancestry nor purpose. And asking them to recount how they'd been turned was like asking someone to relive a traumatic event, much like his own.
"Sorry, that was stupid of me…"
But Gideon's light shoulder shrug told him he hadn't taken offense.
"Don't get your knickers in a knot…I'm a curious bloke myself. Though I don't bloody remember much. I was out on the piss with a mate, plastered after leaving the pub. Heard strange noises coming from the woods near my home. And like a bleeding wanker, I took a gander. Same night Ethan first met our kind…Bad timing was all. Aurel took pity on me and brought me to Tamàs. Probably saved both of our lives, eh…"
The wolves exchanged knowing glances, understanding the gist. No werewolf had been spared that night. And Hawk was astounded by how interwoven their fates had all been. Gideon recognized the apologetic look in their eyes, quickly moving to absolve them from blame.
"It isn't all bad, mates. For me, the worse was learning I couldn't see my family again… I was gutted"
Gideon searched Hawk's eyes, and the intuitive wolf couldn't hold his gaze. Fully aware he was alluding to his current situation. Caleb had been uncharacteristically quiet since their unforeseen scuffle in the woods, but his interest got the better of him.
"Well what's stopping you now? I mean, you have the freedom to change at will"
"I've seen me mum from a distance. But she could never accept what I have become. It be best, I keep my distance…"
Hawk disagreed but thought better of sharing his thoughts aloud. Four sets of expectant eyes shifted towards their female companion, and the she-were snickered indignantly.
"Sod off…you won't get a whinge out of me. I'd soon run a patrol then listen to this rubbish…"
Teagan took off without another word and Tokola followed closely behind. Her disparaging words lost to the wind as he continued trailing after her.
"Feisty, that one…but don't take offense mates. Teagan doesn't trust easily. But when she does, she's loyal to the end"
"What happened to her?"
Caleb's tone betrayed his genuine interest, but Gideon was reluctant to share.
"It isn't my tale to tell. And I don't know about you chaps, but I'm knackered…time for some kip"
The jolly werewolf rested his back on the ground floor, hoping to sleep off the stress of the last few days. He felt honored by Tamàs's faith in him, knowing all he'd entrusted on his shoulders. Hawk's current misfortune was no light matter, but Gideon couldn't keep the excitement from brewing at the pit of his stomach at what his presence could mean for the clan. So, he forced his eyes closed, drifting off to thoughts of a new beginning.
Hawk contemplated his pack brother's sullen mood from across the fire. He hadn't said more than two words to him all day and was beginning to suspect he resented him for their current state. But what the insecure wolf didn't realize, was that Caleb couldn't look at him without finding traces of the face he'd hoped to escape. He was everywhere…in the taste of the now eaten ripe peach…in Hawk's high dimpled cheeks and beguiling smile…in Gideon's jovial and carefree persona. He was everywhere and yet nowhere Caleb could reach for.
When had his feelings gotten away from him?
He'd been a little brother of sorts…a close family friend…a pack brother, and a conjurer of unbridled emotion from a simple, inexperienced touch. Caleb knew he'd been treading the line of infatuation but was now painfully cognizant he'd gone past the cusp.
Ezra…with his flawless face and trusting eyes. Eyes which stripped him of coherent thought and incited a longing deep in his bones. He was so beautiful in his innocence…an innocence which he'd selfishly tainted and deflowered. Would he hate him for leaving so abruptly? Of course, he would. But it was better this way, for both.
Ezra would undoubtedly get over his misplaced crush and find someone his own age to be with. The thought depressed him greatly and filled him with downright jealousy.
"Caleb, you haven't said much all day. Is everything OK?"
The contrition in Hawk's voice startled him, and the forlorn wolf realized his pack brother was erroneously blaming himself over his withdrawn state.
"Yeah, I'm good man. Just trying to take it all in. A lot's gone down in the last couple of days"
He put forth his best smile, hoping to keep the guilt from his features. Caleb felt isolated in his inability to share but took small comfort in knowing he wasn't alone. Tokola and Hawk were equally seeking distance from La Push. Except Caleb was rethinking his choice with each passing minute. Not out of fear, or lack of support for his pack brother. But out of his own ignorance in how deep his feelings ran.
Hawk felt appeased by his pack brother's words, glancing towards the sleeping werewolf meaningfully before nodding in agreement. And Caleb understood, choosing to sign his next words.
Do you really think we're doing the right thing by keeping this from them? What makes you think they haven't encountered her previously?
I'm not sure of anything. But I want to see what Cheveyo has to say on the matter first.
It may be a while before we can communicate with the pack. We should reconsider if we come across her scent again.
Caleb's face reflected his concern as a worrisome realization came to mind.
Don't you think it's strange we can't mind link with the rest of the pack? Ethan was able to on his first trip to Europe.
The thought had crossed his mind, but the practical wolf had blamed it on the lengthier distance. Though now he wasn't so sure…
I do…and I feel bad for being so distrustful. But even more stupid for not taking the time to ask what our purpose here was.
You…? What about me? I jumped like a good little dog.
Why, Caleb? Why did you really volunteer to come on this trip?
And the remorseful wolf couldn't meet his gaze, focusing on the crackling fire.
I told you. I was seeking a change…
A troubling thought had been plaguing him since witnessing Hawk's memory. But he'd been cautious in bringing it up. Though now, he was desperate to veer the conversation elsewhere, prompting the observation.
I know you think she was trying to warn you. But the way she looked at you when she approached…it was almost like she knew you.
That's impossible…she was just as surprised to see me as I was to see her.
Maybe…but there was something weird about the way she looked at you.
Conversation ceased as their pack brother's scent neared, a sly smile hanging on his lips. And Caleb couldn't keep himself from goading the older wolf.
"Epic fail huh…"
"It's only a matter of time…"
Long black hair and a pair of shapely copper thighs came to Hawk's mind, surprising the introspective wolf. His nameless siren had sneaked into his thoughts on more than one occasion. A missed opportunity he'd never get back. He pushed the thought away, along with all the other things he'd walked away from. He smiled at his pack brothers' banter, feeling strangely optimistic. There was much they didn't understand…much to be wary of. But even amid the unknown, Hawk could feel the rising of something he believed lost. Something close to purpose…
Paul
Hasty or too late...
The words diminished all they'd shared, but they were true. They encapsulated the ill-fated relationship with the mother of his child. A forbidden fruit he'd selfishly pursued and foolishly walked away from.
If he'd only chosen to stay? Was that what drove her to keep him from the truth? Lily…with her sad disarming gaze, cutting straight into his soul…
It's not that simple, she'd said. And he'd battled with himself to not reach out and caress her warm lips…to negate her words…to make promises he knew he could not keep. To erase any trace of duty she thought she owed the piece of shit she called husband.
It should have been him…
But he also knew it was his fault for leaving. Not once…but twice. Her sorrowful eyes at his choosing to leave haunted his dreams, still. He'd failed her, and in turn he'd failed his own flesh and blood. The look of hate in his boy's eyes hurt more than he understood. It went beyond pack bonds. He hadn't realized how tightly he'd been clinging to hope after learning the truth. And, unquestionably unprepared for the devastation Ryan's memories unleashed.
He sat in stillness, allowing his tears to ebb the intensity of his hurt. Inclined, and yet unable to muster the strength to order Solace away. He stood against the side of his front door, stunned silent by his tears. It took Paul back to another heart wrenching day. Leah's lithe body at his front door, battling to come up with words which would somehow make her choice of leaving less ruthless. Except it hadn't… her silence and uncertainty had only served to wound him further. He didn't hold the bandwidth to think on that today, rousing him to address the wolf at his front door.
"Say what you came to say or leave…"
"I'm sorry Paul…"
Solace was close to tears himself, and Paul replied in his usual cutting demeanor. The younger wolf felt appeased by his hostility. It was to be expected after all. Solace could bear anything...anything but his indifference. He took an adjacent seat, readying to confess what he should have sooner. He'd make no excuses, but focus on the little he knew.
"Isis ran into him a couple of weeks back near the diner. She didn't get a chance to ask much…he took off before she could. But then she saw him again at Akeimi's school"
"Why didn't you tell me after the first time?"
"I tried to, the day I came unannounced. But…"
"You punked out…"
"Yeah..."
Paul leveled him with a frosty glare; the weight of his disapproval, difficult to withstand. He'd never known a father but imagined it's what his children experienced at his own show of displeasure.
"He's done some time, Paul…Isis says he's been staying at the halfway house"
The silence lingered, and Solace was surprised by the older wolf's next words.
"He hates me…"
And this was something Solace could help clarify, understanding Ryan all too well.
"No…he's determined to blame you for every bad choice he's made and for your not being around. He thinks you used Lily..."
"I did use Lily"
"You loved Lily…"
Solace's tone was angry, refusing to allow his friend down a path of self-blame.
"Yeah, but I still used her, didn't I? She'd moved on… but I couldn't see past my own pain after Leah. I should have stayed far away from her"
"That's not what she wanted...and you can't undo what's already been done, Paul. What matters is the now. You got a kid, man…Half you, half, Lily. But seeing how he reacted, I'd say he's more you than her"
Solace couldn't keep the emotion from his voice. Fatherhood had altered his perspective on life, while healing many of his juvenile wounds. He'd been certain no love could ever compare to the one he held for Isis…until his children were born. And he wanted that for Paul and was equally convinced Ryan could benefit from having him in his life, much like he and Oliver had.
"I'm not cut out for this shit. How can I even begin trying to be a father to this kid?"
"What are you talking about? You were more of a father to me and Oliver than anyone else I know"
"Maybe…but you didn't blame me for your mother's death"
"Then change his mind, Paul"
"How?"
"By not giving up. I hated your arrogant ass when we first joined the pack. I thought you were a phony, just like Ryan does. But you wore my ass down…you didn't turn your back on me when I was at my worst. So, don't let him push you away, no matter what he says or does. He needs you, even if he doesn't want to admit it"
Paul ingested his words.
He'd been in jail. He knew so little of him... How much suffering had this kid endured?
The thought infuriated him; his ignorance only fueling the helplessness taking hold, driving him to his feet.
Fuck this…He'd never been one to sit around and mope and wasn't about to start now.
"Where are you going?"
Paul didn't have the answers he needed. But it occurred to him, someone in proximity might.
"I need you to come with me, in case I lose my shit…"
"Well that sounds promising… where are we going?"
"To town. I just got the urge for some organic fruit…"
Patience had never been his greatest virtue. Though oddly enough, the meticulous task of lining his father's dominos for the purpose of witnessing them topple over, had once felt worth the effort. His youthful eyes had tracked them across his family's living room in awe…each piece falling with purpose onto the next. A single act triggering a long chain of events. The concept had once fascinated him.
And wasn't this the same?
One choice made so long ago, serving as a catalyst for so much. But as he took in the hopelessness marking their newest wolf's face, Jacob Black could only allow himself remorse for the startling chain reaction. So much chaos unleashed from his decision in granting Leah choice. And as regretful as he was over the unfortunate events taking place since, deep in his bones, the old Alpha knew it'd been the right choice. But right for whom?
Jacob's eyes charted Ryan's features affectionately. He was all Paul, enhanced by Lily's kind and captivating eyes. And outside of pack bonds, Jacob felt like he'd encountered a new member of his family. Because it was undoubtedly what he was. He and Paul had a complicated relationship. But they'd endured much together…their bond evolving with the test of time. It wasn't just loyalty binding them now, though both would be swift to dismiss the claim…
The original wolves were few now. They'd lost Sam a few seasons back, and Jacob's heart grew weary in witnessing Quil's aging; triggering even more appreciation for those he cared so deeply about. The old Alpha always did have a hard time letting go. But he knew the season for him, Seth, Embry and Paul to take their leave from La Push, was nearing. Their youthful appearance was a liability they could not afford and were growing confined in their inability to wander freely through the Reservation. Soon, he told himself, but not just yet.
Jacob was growing restless…Billy had visited his dreams with increasing frequency and he was convinced something ominous headed their way. But there was something else keeping the old Alpha rooted in place. A surge of dominance lurked among the pack and Jacob suspected Cheveyo's reign could very well be challenged. It had the potential for a catastrophic end, solidifying his resolve to remain close until proven otherwise. And in the meantime, Jacob would do what he did best; stick his nose in the pack's affairs. A liberty and well-earned right he'd no intention of relinquishing.
"Here…eat this. I promise you'll feel better…"
He gave his brightest, toothy smile and Ryan found it hard to resist the charismatic man now seated at his side. His stomach complained with a queasy growl, but this was the Jacob Black. A well-respected man, if not the most respected man, in La Push. It'd been hard for Ryan to refuse him at 10 years of age, when he'd been angry at his mother and the world; let alone now when he understood his true purpose and place among their people. He wondered if he remembered him from so long ago and was immediately embarrassed, he'd considered the thought.
Of course, he didn't…he'd been one of countless orphaned faces staring up at him in admiration.
But Ryan would never forget. It'd been the first Christmas after his mother's death and Maddie and Lou had been unsuccessful in trying to acquire custody of him before the holidays. Jacob Black had visited the group home with gifts to spare. The excitement had been palpable, but Ryan had stood listlessly to the side, fully surprised when he'd sought him out near the end of his visit.
What's the matter? Don't you want anything for Christmas?
Ryan had felt a startling anger at the question.
My mother, alive…can you give me that? It's what he truly had wanted to ask but refrained out of sheer fear and respect. So, he'd spouted off the first thing which had come to mind.
Boxing gloves…
Boxing gloves? Well that's a first…why do you want them?
And Ryan had answered honestly; surprised by how willingly he'd confided his plans of training with Lou once the custody papers came through. Jacob Black had answered with a strange smile. But Ryan would never forget the hope he'd felt at waking up and finding the red boxing gloves near his pillow the next day. It had felt symbolic, like his luck was finally turning. But what Ryan hadn't realized was that Jacob had put the pieces together the minute he'd mentioned Lou's name. He'd known Lily had mothered a child and had used all his composure to not display his horror at the realization. Jacob had gone to the counsel the next day, guilt-ridden, over Lily's fate. He'd been determined to advocate on Ryan's behalf in granting the elder couple custody and continued following his boxing achievements from a distance.
How had he missed the resemblances in appearance? How could he have confused the affinity felt towards the kid and not see him for whom he really was? A rightful member of the pack…
These were questions eating at his piece of mind. But Jacob had long learned to face his mistakes head on and not obsess on the "what ifs". Leah had chosen to leave, and Seth and Embry followed…Paul chose to lean on Lily for support and Ryan was conceived out of that genuine bond. All consequential and irreversible…All triggered out of his one choice. Jacob had also learned the power of making amends; no matter how daunting the task, and chose to leave Ryan with some choice words.
"I thought about apologizing to you for not recognizing the resemblance that day at the group home. But then I remembered your fight at the Junior Championships and how proud you and Lou looked. I wonder if that moment would've taken place had I realized you were Paul's son. How different both your lives might've been? But then I also remembered how nothing good comes from living in the past. You have every right to be pissed…but you also have a choice to make, son. I don't pretend to understand why your mother remained silent, but the love Paul felt for Lily was as real as the love she held for him. Don't ask me why, he's a total pain in the ass…"
Jacob tried for a small smile before continuing…
"But Ryan…don't you owe it to yourself to find out why?"
He parted without another word, leaving the newly phased wolf obsessing over his words. Ryan was a conflicted man…there was so much he didn't trust and yet he couldn't deny how effected he felt by his words. And the fact he'd remembered him from so long ago and had taken the time to see him fight, left him feeling all kinds of raw. Ryan had been dead set on rejecting their seductive words of brotherhood and allegiance…Ethan's mumbo jumbo about belonging and family. But he wasn't so sure anymore.
Open access into their thoughts made it harder to refute their words and they'd all seemed sincere enough. Cheveyo had assured him his primary interest as Alpha was in helping him acclimate to life as a wolf, with no other ulterior motive.
A WOLF…
It was hard for him to still wrap his mind around the concept. The life he'd known was over. Or at least the life he'd hoped to build for himself. After acquiring an early release, Ryan had made a vow to keep his head down, his nose clean and to cut all ties with his past, with the exception of Gabriel, Maddie and Lou. He'd had a mind to complete his parole, save money and get the hell out of town. Well that plan was now a wash…Ethan had said they were tied to the land with no expiration date in sight. And it was one more thing to thank his sperm donor for.
In fact, if it wasn't for all the cool superhero powers, Ryan would be inclined to say he'd traded one cage for another. He would be forced to interact with him without choice, though Cheveyo hadn't denied his request to keep their interactions at a minimum. But then again, Ethan had mentioned something about patrols when he was deemed ready.
How would this all work exactly? Work…patrols and parole…
The memory of icy green eyes froze him in place and Ryan felt his heart falter.
Moletti…
He'd missed curfew and now Moletti would have the ammunition needed to ship him back to prison. Ryan jumped to his feet, eager to contact his PO, but Cheveyo's steady hand stopped him mid-stride.
"Ryan, you don't have the control to be around humans yet. Until then, I can't let you out of my sight"
"You don't understand. I can't stay here…I have to see my parole officer"
"Alex Ateara serves as legal counsel for the pack. My dad has already contacted her and she is in the process of notifying the proper channels of your new appointment"
"They know about the pack?"
"No, of course not"
"Then what new appointment?"
"We have covers for situations like these. The Tribe Council will sign off on paperwork stating you've been hired for security duty and that you'll be offered quarters near the Tribal Center. But it isn't just for show…each eligible wolf is given a small stipend to balance out the time spent on patrols. You won't be able to work for some time, Ryan…at least not until you have full control of your phasing. And that is usually influenced by each wolf's temperament"
Cheveyo finished with a knowing smile, his voice lowering to a whisper.
"Regardless, you also have some admirers, desperately waiting to check in on you. I'll be standing right over there if you need me. But just in case…keep your distance"
Ryan's nostrils flared as a whiff of rich vanilla and cinnamon reached his nose.
"Pssst…Wyan. Wyan, it's us…"
The newly phased wolf couldn't keep the smile from his lips as he spotted the two young girls rounding the edge of the house stealthily from his periphery. A small fur ball sticking out of J.J.'s purple hoodie.
"Don't come any closer, it's not safe," he whispered back. Both girls stiffening in surprise.
"We're not scared of you. My daddy's a bigger wolf and he's meaner…"
J.J.'s sassy tone added to his amusement, but not enough to forgo Cheveyo's warning.
"Maybe, but I don't have the control the other wolves do yet. So please stay where you are"
"You won't hurt us, Wyan…I know you won't"
The faith in Akeimi's voice was heartening, reminiscent of another trusting girl from his distant past. And Ryan turned to smile at the girl with the entrancing eyes. But the pup sprung from J.J.'s grasp, making a run towards the woods. His grand escape halted by a lean, muscular figure, emerging from the nearby tree line. Lahote had come in search of his precious peanut, choosing to travel through the woods, seeking refuge from the unease engulfing him the last few days. They'd received confirmation of the plane's arrival, but no other word since.
Yet, the silence and distance had no bearing on their bond. Hawk's distress was his own, pushing him to battle for enough balance for them both. Lahote worried incessantly but was coming to understand it was a journey his brother needed to walk on his own. Though he was set to hop on the first plane to Kazakhstan at his brother's request. But he prayed for a different type of outcome, one in which he was present to witness the birth of his second child and his family was whole once again.
"Gwab him daddy…he's twying to get away…"
Lahote scooped the tiny pup with one hand, smiling dotingly at his daughter's anxious command. Shye liked to claim Akeimi held his rebellious impertinence, but that girl was as stubborn and bossy as his wife. Though he was wise enough to keep the thought to himself.
"And who might this be?"
"We haven't found a name for him yet, but Ryan said we could name him…"
"Wyan said I could keep him daddy…Can I? Can I, pwease?"
Lahote chuckled good-naturedly, eyeing his newest pack brother questioningly.
"He needs a home. I found him on the street and I didn't think I could look after him. Maybe now…"
Ryan was stopped short by J.J.'s glare of betrayal, feeling obliged to backtrack his words.
"He would be better cared for by a family…Isis said you might be inclined to take him"
Akeimi's eyes sparkled in mischief. Her father's narrowing at the scent of his newest pack brother's white lie, but knew his daughter had an uncanny talent for charming even the mightiest of foes. Having been subjected to the power of her spell, on the daily.
"How about this peanut…why don't you give the puppy back to Ryan for safe keeping until you and I have an opportunity to convince your mom?"
"But I want to take him home today, daddy…"
The pleading tone in her voice made Ryan want to intercede on her behalf but had enough sense to remain quiet.
"I can't do that baby. Please take him over to Ryan and say goodbye for the night. You guys can come play with him tomorrow"
Akeimi's bottom lip jutted out in disappointment as she cradled the wolf- like puppy in her small arms. Ryan quickened to stand, wavering; wanting to meet her half way to ease her disappointment. His eyes searched Lahote's for any signs of disapproval before kneeling on the ground floor before her to await patiently.
"Thank you for taking such good care of him when I couldn't, Akeimi. Don't be sad...your dad isn't saying no. Just not right now…"
Her smoky- grey eyes glistened with unshed tears before rising to meet his. And Ryan became lost in the swirls of onyx- black swimming in a sea of grey. Nothing made sense anymore …nothing except her. There was a burning deep in his soul, a strange calmness infiltrating his every nerve. Akeimi smiled widely but Ryan couldn't bring himself to formulate a coherent thought. His hands trembled, and her tiny hand was ripped from his grasp. Anger replaced the tranquility experienced moments prior. Argument ensued around him and then chaos…
Playlist
Night In the Draw- Balmorhea
Gunshot-Lykkie Li
Place to Be- Drake
Bandito-Twenty-one pilots
My Blood- Twenty- one pilots
Geometría del Universo- Colleen
