A/N: Life has allowed my writing these last couple of weeks and dare I say- my inspiration has rejuvenated once again. Though a bit of a dark chapter, this one. We begin to learn more on the workings of the Aleut pack and I have added quick notes on some of the characters at the end of this chapter for your reference. Hope you enjoy this chapter for my heart danced at writing it. It feels good to spin and weave and finally see the pieces coming together…

Chapter 8

Her bare feet sunk onto the marshy earth as the rain continued pelting down her back. The long sigh betrayed her irritation, her patience dwindling as she waited outside her brother's hut. The sage she-wolf was cognizant of what this was…a calculated move to gauge her interest. And Nauja wavered on the wisdom of revealing her desperation by continuing to wait. But Tayen's leer as she took in her drenched form ended the debate.

"He'll see you now…"

Nauja followed closely behind; her eyes glued to the back of Tayen's neck as she fantasized over the many ways she longed to physically hurt the conniving she-wolf. Her body slowing down, sluggish from the raw dominance exuding Chikuk as she came to stand before him. Nauja worked to keep her posture relaxed under his scrutiny. Seldom could she bring herself to meet his stony gaze. It was simply too difficult to stomach…Too gut-wrenching to search his soul-less eyes and find no semblance of the brother she'd once known and loved.

Yet focusing on his outer shell was equal torment. He was a carbon copy of the man he'd so callously disposed of. But she forced herself anyway, knowing he'd take it as a sign of ease. Chikuk had few weaknesses, but Nauja knew them intimately. Underneath all the cruelty, remnants of an insecure boy remained. She watched his eyes traitorously travel to her left forearm, where a deep scar marked the missing flap of skin carved out on his order. A hint of regret passing over his eyes before frosting over.

"So, what is so important you elected to await in the rain, dear sister?"

Nauja displayed no emotion and thought it best to get straight to the point.

"I want to take Leah's place in the scouting party"

The seasoned she-wolf ignored Tayen's sneer, continuing to hold her brother's gaze as a show of respect and sincerity.

"Leah needs to do her part…"

"Yes, but it's a long chase and she's too far along to be of any use. Let me take her place…"

"Quite the ménage trois you three have going on Nauja…"

Tayen's voice dripped with barefaced malice. A warning guttural growl, a sign of Nauja's diminishing patience for the interruption from the scheming girl. Her brother's allowance of her surprised the skilled she-wolf, a telling sign of Chikuk's growing trust in her. His eyes narrowed, but Nauja continued holding his gaze, praying he couldn't detect deceit in her words. There was truth in her argument, the hunt would be grueling, but Nauja had greater concerns. Leah could be tempted to go rogue once free from Chikuk's hawkish eye…a risk too costly to take. Yet Nauja understood her friend's edginess. Tikaani's words had opened wounds long- thought healed and she, like Leah, had been obsessing since.

Leah's pregnancy was progressing well and the protective she-wolf did worry over the strain the arduous scouting mission could cause. But Nauja couldn't deny the slither of hope growing inside of her chest. Tikaani had said the young wolf's likeness to her brother had been unmistakable and her heart had been agonizing over the possibilities since.

Was it Tuari's heir? Or could it possibly be …could fate be kindly shining upon her? Could this wolf be the child who'd been ripped from her life so long ago?

The morsel of hope was eating at her piece of mind and it was this emotion which Nauja prayed not to betray. It wasn't often she was required to venture out; her place among the she-wolves earned her the right to remain in camp. So Nauja recognized her request warranted suspicion, prompting her next words.

"Tikaani can remain behind if you worry over the protection of the camp"

It was her way of appeasing his distrust, for Nauja would never consider leaving her daughter behind if attempting to flee. And the real challenge was not acquiring Chikuk's approval, but forcing Leah behind if he somehow agreed. Then, managing to perform recon of her own without giving herself away to the remainder of the scouting party. Chikuk appeared appeased by her words, answering with a short nod. And Nauja unveiled her gratitude with a small nod of her own before exiting the large hut.

There was no time to waste, the scouting party would be leaving in a couple of hours, and she swiftly made her way towards her pack sister's hearth. Leah was busy at work preparing for the journey ahead. Aylen and Kayan's eyes betraying their growing concern over the stubborn she-wolf's delicate state.

"You won't be needing that…I'm taking your place in the scouting party"

"No…I can manage"

"It's already been decided. I made the request and Chikuk agreed"

"You had no right"

Her reply was more of growl but Nauja's voice was equally challenging.

"I had every right..."

Leah's anger was justified. She would have been equally outraged if the shoe had been on the other foot. But Nauja couldn't display weakness, there was simply too much at stake for them all, including the child growing inside her pack sister's womb. She could only hope Leah would forgive her perceived betrayal.

"You'd only slow them down and we both know you don't hold the discipline to remain neutral if it came down to a fight"

The two males present had enough sense to remain silent, but Aylen was bursting with gratitude at his best friend's assertive bearing. Leah was tenaciously headstrong on a good day and Aylen was intimately aware of her growing unrest, making her exceedingly impetuous. Her body trembled in fury, but the defeated she-wolf could only growl out her frustration as she stomped out of her family's hut.

Kayan turned towards his father with a smile of relief, obliging him in his request to trail after the disgruntled she-wolf. Aylen wasn't above emotional manipulation and knew Leah held a weakness for their happy-go lucky son. His muted thank you felt deficient of the immense appreciation he felt towards the mother of his first born, but sagely chose to make better use of their limited time. Aylen traveled back to that fateful day her father led him across their rightful lands towards La Push; hoping his memories would somehow provide his best friend, vital details to assist on the journey ahead…


"Well…I haven't ever really installed a car alarm, but I haven't come across one I couldn't dismantle…"

Solace couldn't keep a straight face. His raucous, throaty laughter resonated through the garage.

Was this kid serious?

And the satisfied look across his face told him yes, he truly was…Ryan had timidly approached the respected wolf on his friend's behalf. Gabriel had been granted his release, and the loyal pup was hoping Solace would provide him a part-time job at the garage. Hence, the impromptu job interview. Never mind he'd been incarcerated with a juvenile record longer than his resume or the fact he held no formal training or legal work experience around cars. Not to mention the risks of hiring someone oblivious to their supernatural world.

There were all kinds of red flags going off, and Solace couldn't believe he was actually considering giving this kid a chance. But he appreciated his honesty and cheeky nature and he did appear to know his way around cars, even if by shady skill. It was also clear he and Ryan shared a deep friendship, reminiscent of his own with Oliver.

"Why don't you stick around for a couple of hours and work with Lahote and we'll see how it goes?"

"Cool…"

Gabriel smiled at the memory, tinkering away as he took stock of his fellow coworkers. He was astute enough to know something was way off, but he'd learned not to ask. It burned at first…he wasn't accustomed to having Ryan keep things from him. The first time he'd laid eyes on Paul as he'd sauntered into the garage, he'd nearly dropped the glass window pane he'd held in his hands. The resemblance was eerie, but his ageless appearance, even more so.

They all were…ageless and looking straight out of those body building magazines. And not just the males…Gabriel had nearly choked on his mouthful of food at learning Isis was Akeimi's grandmother. Which brought him to another troubling puzzle…Akeimi. He could see why Ryan was so fond of her but was having difficulty understanding how she'd managed to become such an important presence in his life. They'd done over 3 years together…that takes its toll on a man. And why Ryan appeared bent on dedicating his spare time to babysitting rather than looking to make his interactions with the female population more than PG rated was beyond him?

Gabriel just didn't get it but he tried not to take it personal when Ryan gave him some half-assed excuse the first time he'd broached the topic. Because even though he was rubbing elbows with a more esteemed class on the Res, Ryan still treated Gabriel the same. And truth was, his new inner circle was nothing like Gabriel had once imagined they'd be. They were friendly, with an almost incestuous comradery between them.

Gabriel took a minute to survey the changes to his best friend's physique as he worked on his designated vehicle. He was a beast and couldn't for the life of him understand why Ryan was not running back into the ring. There was much Gabriel didn't understand but Ryan was the closest thing to a family he knew. They'd always had each other's back and as long as he needed him, Gabriel was not going anywhere.

He knew this thing with Paul was taking a toll on his emotions, but he was happy his friend was trying to move on and not make the same mistakes from the past. Ryan's shoulders visibly tensed, his head snapping towards the entrance of the garage and Gabriel followed his line of sight.

Un-fucking-believable…

Gabriel released a disgusted breath as long ebony hair and a set of toned copper legs came into view.

"Hi, I'm looking for Ryan Lakoda. I was told he works here…"

She had some fucking nerve showing up here…

And Gabriel moved to stand in his best friend's way as he readied to walk to the front of the garage.

"No Ryan…don't. You got a good thing here…don't let her mess with your head"

"I'm not…I'm just sending her away"

His reply was but a mumble, and Gabriel didn't trust his friend's fortitude, following closely at his heels. Her eyes zeroed in on him, her blatant shock painted across her features.

"Ryan…"

Her voice was heavy with sadness and half of Gabriel was happy to see her looking so well. They'd been the closest of friends once upon a time. The three musketeers…But the other half, the half which remembered her lies and the utter devastation she'd caused his friend, hoped like hell he'd send her packing.

"What are you doing here, Ollie?"

She flinched at hearing the hostility in his voice, struggling to push past the hurt at his indifference. She'd fantasized over this moment countless of times, all the things she'd say and couldn't for the life of her formulate any words.

"You shouldn't be here …this is my work"

"Then where, Ryan? I had to see you…when then?"

And Gabriel couldn't hold his tongue.

"Never…"

"I wasn't talking to you…" Her eyes narrowed angrily, and Ryan was growing increasingly uncomfortable at the scene playing out in front of his pack.

"Ollie, please go. I'm not going to change my mind and I don't enjoy hurting you"

"No, Ryan…we need to make this right. You think you were the only one doing time? There wasn't a single day I didn't think about you. Nothing has changed for me, I was doing time with you…"

And Gabriel couldn't rein in his anger at hearing her empty words.

"Oh, we must've kept missing you in the yard then, Ollie"

"Shut up Gabriel. Stay out of it, this doesn't concern you"

"Doesn't concern me? Doesn't concern me? You got a lot of fucking nerve coming here without so much as an apology, girl"

"Both of you, shut up"

Ryan had heard enough, and so had Solace, who was making his way uncomfortably towards the quarreling trio.

"I'm sorry Miss, but I'm going to have to ask you to leave. You're causing a disruption in the garage"

And Gabriel couldn't help but take one last parting shot before returning to his vehicle.

"Bye Felicia…"

Ryan followed closely behind, taking deep breaths to gather his control. Ollie had a way of getting to him like no other, with the exception of maybe Paul. And it hurt to see her, but not as much as he'd imagined it would.

What did that mean?

Ryan had been dreading running into her, fearing his inability to turn her away. And he was angry at Gabriel for butting in, but couldn't deny he'd bolstered his resolve. It'd become a vicious cycle…she'd do something to piss him off, come crying in remorse, and Ryan would welcome her back into his life without a backward glance. But it was different this time…the damage had been too great. Prison had forced him to live without her and a small part of him was happy to have been free of the drama and constant back and forth.

Seeing her hadn't been as debilitating as it'd once been and Ryan wondered if Akeimi's presence in his life was the cause. He'd have to think on it some more, but there was one thing Ryan did know…this would only be round one. Ollie was fastidiously persistent and she'd be back for another round. The young wolf expressed his regret and Solace waved his apology away, sharing he'd only intervened for his behalf.

Ryan continued working in silence, giving Gabriel the side-eye from where he worked. But his anger subsided by the end of their shift, knowing he'd only held his best interest at heart. He bid his good-byes, agreeing to a boy's night out as a peace offering. But at the moment Ryan sought a different type of reprieve…and she awaited in her family's front porch with a new book on her lap and her four- legged companion by her side.

It'd become their routine…he helped her practice her reading and she in turn rode her bicycle next to his on the trail behind her family's home. Wednesdays had grown to two to three visits a week and on occasion, an invitation to dinner. And Ryan was grateful for Shye's indulgence. Nova's barks echoed her excitement. Her two new bottom teeth proudly on display as she smiled widely, and it never got old…it thrilled him to know she craved his company as much as he craved hers. It'd been a long time since Ryan felt this wanted.

He took a seat next to hers, his breath catching at seeing the cover of the book she held in her lap.

"What made you choose that book?"

His eyes glistened with held back tears.

"Pa gave it to me"

And Ryan swallowed through the knot in his throat.

Damn Paul and his sneaky ass self…

"Did he tell you this was my favorite book?"

She shook her head, her eyes displaying her confusion and Ryan tried to rein in his sadness, hoping to mask his melancholia.

"Why do you like it Ryan?"

He missed hearing her lisp, a telling tale of how quickly she was growing.

"Because my mother read it to me. It was one of her favorite books too"

It dawned on the grey-eyed girl she'd never heard him speak of her, suddenly curious to know more.

"What was her name?"

"Lily"

"Like the flower?"

"Yeah, like the flower"

"Pretty…"

Ryan replied with a genuine smile, nodding in agreement. She raced inside her home without a word, his lupine ears tracking her small footsteps as they ascended up the stairs and into her room. Ryan waited patiently, taking stock of the wrinkled children's book she carried in her hand.

"This was Uncle Hawk and my favorite book. I get sad too when I miss him…"

Cheveyo had once told him there were no accurate words to describe the bond between two imprinted souls. Each imprint spoke its own language, he'd said. A language that only the other understood, and Ryan had privately mocked his words. But as he contemplated Akeimi's simple statement and selfless act, knew he'd been right. There were no words…or at least none he could articulate to express what he was feeling. But Ryan was certain another fragment of his heart had just pieced off to her as he watched her take her uncle's book into her tiny grasp, pointing to the title page. The sound of her melodious voice as she stuttered out words she knew by memory, soothing his battered heart.


His skin rejoiced as the cool water quenched the heat. His lithe body moving against the current of water as he swam up to the surface. It was a perfect sunny day, and he laid out on the grassy moss, appreciative of the blue sky above. Yet his mood contradicted the beauty surrounding him. They'd been working long days, and a feel of uncertainty lingered in the air. So Hawk was grateful for the much-needed day off.

On this day, if he were home, he'd probably be ingesting as many drugs and alcohol his body could tolerate to numb himself away. To awake the next day and forget this date in time had even existed. And the outlook of coping without self-medicating terrified him, but knew it was something he needed to go through alone. It was dangerous to venture out this far from the encampment, and his pack brothers had worried. But Hawk had kindly requested to be on his own. His mind wanted to remember, but his heart faltered at the thought…

Traffic had been horrible that morning. But it was OK, because the bumper to bumper allowed him the opportunity to regard her from his rare view mirror. She was entrancing…the most perfect little human, and she was his. Hawk had witnessed first hand how fatherhood had utterly transformed Lahote, but seeing and living it were two different things entirely.

It wasn't as if she'd been planned, and they'd only been dating for about 4 months. But once Sheyla announced she'd be continuing with the pregnancy, Hawk felt obligated to try at a more serious relationship. He placed his reservations to the side and resigned himself to be the best father he could be; whether ready or not. He was a planner after all, and focused on preparing for her arrival. But no amount of planning had prepared him for how he'd feel the first time he laid eyes on her.

Hawk had never fallen in love, and for one brief moment considered whether he'd imprinted on his own child. It'd been love at first sight. He'd kissed every perfect russet finger and toe. And their mutual adoration for their daughter had served to strengthen their own relationship. Hawk had prided himself on being the dotting uncle to his brother's child and was well versed in how to care for an infant.

Sheyla depended greatly on him in that first month, and when she became adamant about returning to work, he'd happily requested a decrease in his hours to spend more time at home with her. She'd been surrounded by boundless love. His mother and sister taking turns caring for her when he left to work.

Traffic had been horrible that morning…but Hawk was in no rush as he drove towards his parent's home to drop off his baby girl. Her coos were music to his ears and he caught her gurgling smile before noting the speeding red vehicle racing up his left side, decelerating to a complete stop in caution.

Let 'em pass, he thought. Though not everyone was of the same mind; the scene seemingly playing out in slow motion before his very eyes. The red vehicle sped carelessly through the red light…an incoming trailer truck to its left, braking and swerving violently to avoid the collision…its tail end forcing the adjacent vehicle out of its lane and straight towards Hawk.

His panic was instantaneous, and none of his supernatural gifts were swift enough to intercede on his daughter's behalf. His own body had been badly injured, but he pushed through the pain in his struggle to get to the back seat. Distant sirens rung out…the seconds in between were agonizing and Hawk had known… was choking on his incoherent sobs. But he still went through the motions of removing her tiny body from the dented car seat to provide mouth to mouth respirations…

He shot up from his place on the ground, struggling to catch his breath; unable to endure reliving more. His tears flowed carelessly down his cheeks. It'd been so long since he allowed himself to feel…to grieve her loss… and the pain threatened to crush his chest. Hawk's wails were lost to the wind, or so he mistakenly thought…


They'd been roving for weeks, sometimes on foot, at times in their other form. It was dry season and the heat had everyone in a snappy mood. But Nauja couldn't help the optimism creeping into her bones. It felt good to be away from Chikuk's suffocating hold and with Kalia at her side, she could almost pretend it was like ancient times. A time when their friendship was intact and their gifts valued within the pack.

A time when Tuari fostered respect and autonomy among the wolves and she-wolves equally. Her brother had been a great leader, but a better human being. And even though she resented his choice, his selfless sacrifice only embodied the qualities he tried to instill in them. She found herself thinking of him more and more these days…allowing herself to mourn his loss and the credence they'd lived by. To mourn the love, she'd shared with Maska and remember the harmony they'd once known. To question the reasons behind Chikuk's descent into malevolence, and in spite of herself, also mourn his once loving and carefree nature. How she longed for the opportunity to see her father once again... and maybe, just maybe also the chance of reuniting with her son.

And it was this yearning, which birthed the grain of hope cultivating inside her… pushing her legs faster and sharpening her senses to find traces of something or someone, who'd turn her wishful thoughts into tangible reasons to hope. Okano's arrogant voice pulled her out of her thoughts and she exchanged a look of disgust with the seasoned she-wolf at her side. It was sacrilegious to everything they'd once stood for. The pile of carcasses spoke of gluttony and disregard for the creatures they'd selfishly slaughtered. But Nauja and Kalia still remembered the old ways…the pride ensued from a good kill and the homage and gratitude owed to one's prey. And the pleased look on Okano's face as he recounted details of their feast only provoked Nauja further revulsion.

"Why is he even here?"

"You know why…"

Okano and two other wolves had stumbled upon the trace of werewolf in their glutenous pursuit. They'd followed the scent but chose to observe caution instead of continuing the pursuit. Never mind, they'd fed their bellies to the full without so much as thinking of anyone else in camp. They went running straight to Chikuk and their self-interest had been overlooked as a reward. Okano had been charged with helping the she-wolves scout the location he'd last scented their trace. But Nauja knew better…

Chikuk was devious and even though he'd allowed Nauja to partake in the hunt, Okano's presence betrayed his distrust. The wolves had gotten complacent and lazy at their own doing. Even the most inexperienced she-wolf could hold her own amongst most wolves in battle and in a hunting acumen. So, Okano's presence was just for show. He hadn't lifted a finger since leaving camp and Kalia or herself for that matter, could have tracked the scent unaided.

But Chikuk mandated he come along. So Nauja and Kalia had no other choice but to ignore his foolish boasting. If anything, he slowed them down and Nauja feared he'd get in the way of her plans. Ditching Okano would be difficult, especially when it was obvious his sole purpose in coming was to spy. And the clever she-wolf hadn't decided on Kalia just yet. They'd been as close as sisters once, but Chikuk was nothing if shrewd, and creating discord among the she-wolves was one way to prevent mutiny. And Kalia had conformed to survive, erasing traces of her once rebellious inclinations.

The two she-wolves exchanged a look amusement at hearing Okano's declaration they'd camp there for the night. He clearly thought he was in charge and the irony was hard to ignore. Leah was right…the she-wolves in a way, had fractured into a sub-pack with their own set of rules and hierarchy. So, hearing his unnecessary declaration when it was clear they were at the advantage holding higher ground, was insulting. If only they could find a unified reason to rebel, with the hope of standing a chance against Chikuk's airtight hold.

Leah was certain La Push would come to their aid but Nauja wasn't so sure. Aylen had sought out their Alpha, Ephraim Black after Tuari's slaying and had been coldly turned away. It had stung and, in a way, confirmed Chikuk's feelings against working to unify the packs so long ago. Tuari had been a visionary and Chikuk had been obstinate in holding on to their most misogynistic tendencies, even when the she-wolves began outnumbering the wolves. Their opposing views had been the seed to end their once close bond. It was also why Chikuk was so fearful of what the prophecy foretold…a child of mixed blood ending his authoritarian reign.

Leah was right to worry…Chikuk surveyed Kayan with ill intent and when he phased, would be in mortal danger. And so was the child growing inside her. There was so much at stake and Nauja knew this opportunity could not be misspent. She volunteered for the first patrol but Okano shut her down, insisting they patrol in pairs, assigning them both the next shift. Nauja agreed without protest, a coy smile fast in place. And the tactical she-wolf didn't miss Kalia's narrowed stare, knowing she was on to her, yet made no comment on the matter.

After all, betraying her, would mean betraying them all. It took much focus and effort, but the she-wolves had learned the ability to mind link while blocking the wolves out of their thoughts. But not when Chikuk was phased and Nauja could only pray he remained human during her patrol. She took a seat to rest, awaiting their shift; her eyes scanning their surroundings curiously. These were not the lands of their ancestors and though they'd become the closest thing to home they could claim, her wolf spirit yearned to return home.

Nauja met Kalia's intent gaze, hoping not to give anything away, before changing into her other form. She focused on the foreign terrain, disregarding Okano's thoughts and closing off her own as they cautiously ran their patrols. Tikaani had been certain the wolf traveled with lycans and the intelligent she-wolf knew their lair had to be near a water source. She had the best nose among them and put her muzzle to the ground, continuing to keep her true intentions secret.

Okano was cautioning her to round back but she pushed her legs faster, displaying her stealth and tracking skills as the sound of running water reached her sharp ears. And then it hit her, like a kick to the gut…a mild gardenia scent. A scent which brought so much nostalgia, it physically hurt. She heard his cries before she saw him and Nauja struggled to rein in her wild thoughts.

Was he hurt?

Okano ordered her to await his arrival but Nauja ignored his order, conveying her concern over the distraught human, right before phasing back and pulling on her dirt-stained clothes. She slowed her pace, approaching slowly. Her sensitive nose assured her he was alone and her hand shook nervously as she reached to brush the foliage away to make herself known.

He shot up from the moss-covered ground, a stream of silent tears running down his cheeks as he battled for composure. Nauja drank him in…her heart threatening to drum out of her chest at the look of him. It was a face she knew…a face she loved and loathed equally.

Was he really here?

And her hand stretched out to cup his face to confirm…

He leaned away, his eyes expressing his confusion and shock. They were running out of time…her ears picking up the sound of Okano's paws thumping against the earth. He moved to speak and Nauja silenced him with a finger to her lips.

Go now. 2 Days come back, she scribbled hastily on the soil of the earth before motioning him to leave.

He hesitated, watching her wipe the trace of warning from the earth as a set of bounding strides made their fast approach. He took in her wide eyes, filled with dread; choosing to take heed of a warning for the second time since he'd arrived to this foreign land. Nauja's eyes regarded him sadly one last time before taking off…her mind focused on the new task at hand…her chest burning with a fire she thought long gone as her mind twisted and turned, determined to protect the familiar stranger at all cost…

Aleut Pack

Aguta-Former Chief of the Aleut/Seer/Father to Tuari, Chikuk and Nauja

Tuari-Former Alpha of the Aleut Pack, usurped by his twin.

Chikuk-Current Alpha of the Aleut Pack/ Brother to Tuari and Nauja

Nauja-Seasoned she-wolf of Aleut pack/Mother to Tikaani

Maska- Former second in command of Aleut Pack/Nauja's mate and father to her lost son

Aylen-Former Beta of the Aleut Pack/Father to Tikaani, Kayan and Leah's unborn

Tikaani-Daughter to Aylen and Nauja

Kayan- Son to Aylen and Leah

Tayen- Chikuk's trusted companion/ambitious in nature

Kalia- Respected she-wolf in Aleut Pack/Notable tracking skills

Okano-One of Chikuk's loyal followers

Playlist

Waiting-Shlohmo

Manchester Snow-Benjamin Francis Leftwich

Sorrow Theme-Shlohmo

Rosalee Theme- Max Richter