Claire POV
Devon spent the next two days stuck with me. Poor kid. He was a good sport though and introduced all his friends to me. Then they took me with them to hang out at the marina and in front of one of their uncle's stores. It was a little awkward to be following my little brother around, but I don't exactly have anyone else to hang out with here since Beth and I lost touch. Mom encouraged me to get out with him while she and dad went to work. Oh well.
While we were at the store a familiar car drove up. I barely glanced at it until I heard someone say my name. I looked up to see Tammy and Beth staring at me. Kevin was paused awkwardly behind them, halfway out of the driver's seat. Matt got out of the back seat and stopped when he saw everyone staring and he turned to look at me as well.
I didn't know what to do. It's been over a year since I've seen or spoken to most of them, and three of them were pretty much run off my uncle's property almost two years ago. I really didn't want to think about what Kevin did that time.
Devon's friends noticed the glances and fell quiet. My little brother looked at me curiously when Beth finally spoke up.
"Hi Claire." Beth gave me a cautious smile which I returned.
"What are you doing here?" Tammy asked. She never was as nice to me as Beth.
"I'm visiting my family for a few weeks." I said.
Kevin scoffed. "Did they kick you out of La Push? Or did your boyfriend finally end up in jail where he belongs?"
"I've never had a boyfriend." I responded quietly.
"Sorry, I meant your 'lover'." Kevin sneered.
"I guess some things never change." I shook my head and turned back to Devon and his friends.
"Did he wear you out or get tired of you? Maybe he decided you were too old and it was time to go young again." Kevin persisted.
"Hey! You can't talk to her that way!" Devon shouted, starting to move around me.
I put up a hand to stop Devon who was fuming now. I glanced back at the others again to see that Tammy was beside Kevin and Matt had joined Beth on the far side of the car. She looked upset, but I couldn't tell if it was my fault or Kevin's.
"Sorry, I guess she prefers dirty talk." Kevin persisted.
"Kevin, that's enough." Matt spoke up.
"Thank you for proving once again that I made the right decision when I left behind my home and family to get away from you." I said.
"Did you bring your uncle to threaten us again?" Kevin challenged. He just wasn't going to stop.
"What do you want Kevin? Why can't you just walk away and leave me alone for once? What did I ever do to you?"
"I want you to admit what we've known since we were kids. Just tell us what that creep did to you and stop pretending you are so much better than the rest of us." Kevin stared straight at me, waiting.
"I don't expect you to understand, Kevin. Quil was everything you weren't. He was my best friend and was always nice to me. I knew he would do anything to make me happy. He would have rather died than see me hurt. Then you started spreading vicious lies about him and I sent him away so you couldn't ruin his life. For the last five years you made my life miserable. That is the truth." I stared straight back at him while I spoke until he cringed and could no longer meet my eyes. That just gave me more courage. "Since we were twelve you have made it clear that you only spent time around me because your mom forced you to or because you felt bad for me. You scared away guys by telling them lies about me and then you followed me to a different Res and forced yourself on me. I'm not the one who has a problem telling the truth."
I was so done with this. I turned away from the four people I once knew, caught my brother's eyes and then started walking back home. It only took a few seconds for Devon to catch up to me and his friends followed.
"Wow." One said.
"I've never seen anyone tell Kevin off like that. He is seriously the worst bully in Makah." Another one chimed in.
"Were you serious? Is he the reason you moved away?" Devon asked me anxiously.
"A part of it, yeah." I answered.
"Wow." The first kid repeated again.
I focused on their mild adoration while I tried to regain the feeling in my face. I was so freaked out it took all of my strength not to just collapse on the side of the road. I was angry and frustrated and just tired of it all. I love my family, but was coming back here really worth it if I had to see people like Kevin? At least now Devon would understand better if I didn't want to come.
. . .
That night when we were finishing dinner there was a knock at the back door. Dad opened it and then looked back at me.
"It's for you, Claire." He said.
I got up from the table and went to the door to find Todd waiting there in only his cut offs.
"Hey Claire. I just wanted to check on you. How are things?"
"Fine. Is everything okay? Has something happened to Quil?" I started to panic.
"No, no. nothing like that. Quil did call though, and said he had a feeling you needed some help. Do you know what he meant?" Todd asked.
Devon was suddenly behind me and answered the question. "Yeah, she had a run in with some jerks but she told them off. It was awesome."
"I'm fine." I said.
Todd returned Devon's grin. "Nice. Well, I'm glad you are okay."
"Are you patrolling out here?" I asked, nodding toward his appearance.
"Oh, yeah, well I was on patrol and its just faster to run here. We kind of run a bigger circuit when you are up here." He admitted.
"Oh. Sorry for the extra work." I said.
Todd just shrugged. "No problem. It's a nice change to the usual routine, so I'm not complaining."
"Let Quil know I'm okay, alright?" I said.
"Will do." Todd gave me a little salute and then turned to jog off into the forest.
"Those guys are so cool." Devon said as he kept staring into the darkness where Todd had vanished.
. . .
Quil POV
Two months. That's how long it's been since I last saw Claire. I keep reminding myself that what I'm doing is important and I would hate myself if I hadn't come. But I'm getting bored. Three weeks ago the entire Cullen clan and friends they've gathered moved from Costa Rica to Argentina on a midnight flight. Brady and I have spent all of our time with Jake and Nessie and have only had limited exposure to all the vampires. It's a little stressful to be around so many bloodsuckers and fight my natural instincts to kill them. I know they aren't that comfortable either but we all have a higher purpose here.
Edward the mind-reader and his little psychic sister Alice have determined that there is a small rogue group of the Volturi who are hunting Nessie. We've been able to stay a step ahead for the past six months or so but no matter what we decide to do it seems they are going to catch up soon. So now all the Cullens are finishing collecting their friends to be witnesses and fighters on our side while we do our best to prolong the delay and keep Nessie safe. Jake says everyone will be here within the next two days.
That's when the next phase of our strategy will go into effect. Jake has formed a plan that only we wolves and the two gifted Cullens know about. Nessie and her mom don't even know what we have planned as an extra layer of protection. Everyone is stressed but I'm excited. I'm ready for another change of scene and to get one step closer to an ending to all of this. It's just making me paranoid.
Sharing thoughts with Jake is hard right now because he's so worried about his wife. Not that I blame the guy, but it's draining for Brady and I. We are doing our best to be supportive and positive about the whole situation. Jake knows it and is grateful but there simply won't be any real rest for him, Nessie or the Cullen clan until this is all finished.
I took advantage of this last chance to get a call in to Claire. I wish I could tell her everything, but that would ruin the whole secrecy part. I figure, until it's history, the less she knows the better right now. I hate keeping secrets from her, but this is necessary for everyone's safety.
Brady and I took one the Cullen's awesome cars into the nearest village to use Jake's phone. There is better service there than out in the countryside where the house is, and it's a nice excuse to get out of the house a little. We also go to a different village each time to throw off any trackers just in case they are aware of Brady and I, which is still unknown. We are meant to be a surprise anyway, so we doubt they know about us.
I parked the car (I won the coin toss) in front of a small market. We want to get some more food while we are here and the wad of money Esme slipped me feels odd in my pocket. There is also a small bar down the street where we are hoping to get a little information while the other makes the call home. We go to the bar first.
Carlisle tipped us off that some of the Volturi guard often check places like this to get information about new people in town or odd happenings, so we are using their own tactics against them. Since I got to drive, Brady gets to make his call first so he heads to a secluded spot in the back of the bar while I order some beer and start chatting with the bartender. One other benefit to this whole expedition to help Jake is that I've learned Spanish with the help of the Cullens so I am now tri-lingual. And with my dark hair and skin, and a passable regional accent, I have an easier time gaining the trust of locals than a pale white English speaking American might.
Through simple conversation I'm able to quickly learn that there hasn't been anyone odd or suspicious in town. I pretend to enjoy my beer, but honestly it does nothing for me, and I keep things nice and light while I wait on Brady. He talks to his mom and little sister for about a half hour and then joins me at the bar. We chat for a moment and then I stand up and wander to the back for my turn.
Sam's son Alex answered on the third ring.
"Hello?"
"Hey Alex, it's Quil. Can I talk to Claire?" I asked.
"Quil! Yeah, she's here." He turns from the phone and calls to her and then I hear him clearly again. "How's it going?"
"It's alright. How about you? Do you have a girlfriend yet?"
"No. I asked Stacy out but she just started dating some guy who is only here for the summer. Totally stupid." Alex said in slight disappointment.
"Sorry about that." I said. Then I heard Claire's voice in the background and there was a small squabble for the phone.
"Quil. Hi." She sounded just a little breathless.
"Hi honey." I took a deep breath in relief. Just hearing her voice calmed me right down. "How are you?"
"I'm better now. I'm finally back home in La Push and I'm talking to you. Today is a good day." She said brightly. I love how she calls La Push home.
"That's good. Have you seen Andrea and all your friends?" I asked. Anything to keep her talking so I can hear her voice.
"I saw Andrea yesterday but she's not that happy. She and Cory are fighting again and it's all so stupid. It just makes me that much happier to have you. I mean, we won't have to worry about all the little fights or cheating or all the junk other couples go through. We already know we belong together."
She's so matter-of-fact about it and I could sing. I love that my girl is so sure about us. If only we were actually dating!
"Yeah. We'll be so good together, baby." I crooned to her. Whoa, where did that come from? I've never spoken to her like that before.
Claire caught her breath and there was silence for a moment. I hoped I didn't just cross a line I shouldn't.
"Claire? Are you still on the line?" I asked.
"Yeah, sorry." She kind of squeaked. "Um, yeah, so how are you?"
"Things are all right here. The psychic thinks everything should be wrapped up soon. Man, I hope so. I'm dying to see you again." You have no idea, sweetheart.
"I hope she's right. The twins keep teasing me about how often I stare at photos of you. It's just not the same. I need a Quil hug." She said.
"A 'Quil hug', huh?" I teased.
"Yeah, well, no one else's are good enough." She admitted quietly.
"You just remember that next time Danny or some other twerp asks you out."
"Not a problem." She reassured me. Then she asked about Brady, Jake and Nessie.
We kept talking about the people we know and lots of unimportant things for another half hour or so. I didn't care what we talked about so long as we were talking. I love calling her because it reminds me how wonderful she is and how lucky I am to have her. It's the hanging up that rips my heart out. That's when the countdown begins. Four more days until I can call again. Four more days until I can feel whole for a little while.
. . .
Claire POV
I am not going to forget August 2nd for a long time.
Todd met a really nice girl named Holly who he has been dating for three weeks. She's not his imprint so she can't know his secrets, but she's really nice. I've met her twice. She helps with the kids summer activities at the Tribal Center and asked if I wanted to come check it out one day and maybe work there too. There are only a few weeks left of classes, but it could be fun. Todd worked it out to come with me. He said it was to make sure I would be comfortable, but I think he was looking for an excuse to see Holly.
None of us had any idea what would happen though. It was a Friday and there were only a few kids there for the day camp while their parents worked. Holly showed us all how to weave a simple basket and I was going around helping the kids like she was when I noticed Todd. He had been hovering around Holly for the past hour and she finally talked him into helping out too. He had just moved over to help a ten year old girl when he kind of froze and stared at her. Mostly I noticed that he stopped moving and joking around – he was pretty loud after all.
I quickly finished helping the seven year old boy I was with and went straight to him.
"What is your name?" I heard him ask reverently.
"Brittney. What's yours?" the little girl asked.
"I'm Todd."
That's about when I elbowed him in the side.
Todd reluctantly tore his gaze from Brittney. "What?" he sounded confused.
"What just happened?" I whispered to him. "Did you just do what I think you did?"
Todd looked at Brittney and then back at me, realization slowly dawning on his face. "I think so." He whispered. Like metal drawn to a magnet his gaze returned to the dark haired girl.
"Do you need help?" he asked gently.
I just watched as he patiently worked with her, helping her weave and finish her basket while the others still struggled. I didn't know what to do, or even if I should do anything. I mean, he wasn't a danger to her or anything, but wasn't there something someone should do? What was protocol in the pack when someone imprinted? The pack! I excused myself and went to the phone at the front desk and called Embry. There was no answer at his house and I didn't know how to reach him at work.
I went back into the room where the kids were making their baskets and saw that Todd was quietly talking with Brittney who was smiling at him. Holly was helping two kids sitting at a table together and since all was well I went around checking on the rest of the kids to see if they had questions or needed help. When everyone was finished we had Todd play duck, duck goose with the kids while Holly and I got out cheese and fruit slices for their snack. Next we played some games with the kids until their parents came to pick them up.
When Todd realized what was happening he started to panic and he pulled me aside.
"What am I supposed to do? I don't want her to go!" he whispered urgently.
"Calm down. We just need to find out her last name and who her parents are. She wouldn't be here if she didn't live on the Res, right?" I said.
"Oh, yeah. okay." He calmed down slightly but jumped every time the door opened for the next half hour.
Soon Brittney and another little girl were all that were left. The door opened and a woman in her late twenties bustled in with two more kids in tow. As she looked around the room her eyes fell on Brittney and she smiled, reaching out her hand.
"Time to go Brittney." She said. I could see the family resemblance. The woman had Brittney's same round cheeks and her eyes squinted a little when she smiled.
I looked over at Todd who looked completely shocked.
"Donna?" he asked quietly.
The woman turned to look at him and surprise lit her features as well. "Todd? Wow. I didn't expect to see you here. You haven't changed at all, have you?" she laughed and turned conspiratorially to Holly. "Some people get all the good genes I guess."
Todd rubbed the back of his neck with one hand, looking embarrassed. "So, uh, you know Brittney?" he asked lamely.
"She's my daughter. And this is Cal and Sadie." She pointed to the little boy hiding behind her and the toddler perched on her hip. "You remember Gary, right? I left school because of Brittney and when Gary graduated we got married and then these two came along." She smiled warmly.
"Yeah, I remember when you dropped out. Not that my attendance was much better." Todd grimaced. In the early days the pack wasn't known for their attendance record at school. It was even harder on the really young set like Todd who first phased because of the Volturi the last time Nessie needed protection. They all grew in odd spurts and found it hard to fit in with the regular kids at school. One had even opted for home schooling because it was so hard for him.
"Well, it's nice to see you again. I've got to go make dinner. See you around." Donna smiled and grabbed Brittney's hand when she just stared at Todd. I heard Brittney start to whine as they left the building.
Holly came over to where Todd and I were standing. "So, is she an old friend of yours?" Holly asked.
"We went to school together. She dropped out junior year when she got pregnant. I had the biggest crush on her when I was fifteen." Todd answered in a kind of daze.
Wow. That's got to be weird. He imprinted on the daughter of an old crush. This is going to be interesting to watch.
. . .
Two days later Todd broke up with Holly and came over to the house to get Emily and my help in coming up with ways to see his imprint again. Shortly after he arrived Tyler came into the house crying because he fell off his bike. Emily went off to patch him up and I had a moment with Todd. I was glad because I had so many questions for him.
"Tell me about it." I said.
"Tell you what?" Todd asked.
"Everything. What do you think of Brittney? What's it like for you?" I asked.
"Oh, I get it. You're curious because Quil imprinted on you when you were little. I can assure you, the way I feel about Brittney is way different than how I felt about Holly. My connection to her is bone deep. If I tried to separate myself from my feelings for her there would be nothing left. She is everything."
"Isn't that kind of strange though? I mean you were a happy guy before you met her."
"I can't really explain it. I was happy enough before, but now it's like I know what real happiness is and I never even came close to how good it feels to know Brittney. Gah! I've got to see her again. Will you help me?" he asked.
"Anything you need." I said.
Emily came back to the kitchen with Tyler who now had a bandage on his knee. He grabbed a cookie and ran out the door again. Emily laughed and shook her head.
"So what have you figured out?" she asked.
"I need to find out where Donna and Gary Hobson live." Todd said.
"Oh, I know them. They live two houses down from Kim and Jared." Emily said.
Todd punched the air in triumph. "Yes! I knew I loved you Emily."
Emily just laughed while Todd jumped up out of his seat.
"Okay. When can we go? What do you say Claire? I want you to come with me. You can help me explain to them that I'm a good guy and this is real."
"Whoa, just like that?" I asked.
"Embry said I have to tell Brittney and her parents everything up front. No secrets, no waiting: they should know everything now. And I figure it would be good for them to meet you since you grew up with an imprint and you know me." Todd explained.
"What do you think, Emily? Can we just walk up and knock on their door and drop the bomb?" I asked.
"That's tough. There's no right way to tell an imprint what's happened. You just have to go with what you feel is right." Emily said.
"Emily! Just tell me what to do." Todd begged.
"I can't."
Todd looked to me and bit his lip while he thought. "Will you go on a walk with me, Claire?"
I had no idea what he was thinking, but I nodded. I knew that when it came to the connection between a pack member and his imprint, his instincts were a good guide.
Todd and I walked down the streets of La Push. He was too nervous to talk but we walked side by side and I was there for him. He sped up a little as we got closer to Kim's house. Looking ahead I could see some people outside and I turned to Todd when I realized that was the house we were headed for. He didn't notice me though because Brittney had turned from her little brother and was watching us. I struggled to keep up with Todd until he stopped on their front lawn in front of her. Brittney looked thrilled. The man on the porch looked confused.
"Hi Todd." Brittney said.
The man came down from the porch and approached us curiously. "Todd Akala?"
"Hi Gary. Remember me?" Todd asked nervously.
"Yeah, I do. I'm just surprised." He looked down at his daughter who was staring at Todd and wrinkled his brow. "Donna said you at the tribal center and Brittney hasn't stopped talking about you."
Todd was beaming and staring straight back at the little girl.
"Hi, I'm Claire." I said. "I'm a friend of Todd's."
"Just friends?" Gary asked.
"She's dating my best friend." Todd said although he still didn't look up.
"Oh." Gary said, now starting to look concerned at the exchange going on between Todd and Brittney. They both had huge smiles and didn't seem to be aware of anything but each other.
"So, Gary, is Donna home?" I asked.
"She's inside with our youngest."
"Can we go inside and talk a little?" I asked.
Now Gary looked at me and his eyes narrowed in suspicion. "I guess. What's going on?" he asked.
"We can explain everything. But Donna should hear this too." I said. I tugged on Todd's arm and got him to look at me. He shook his head to clear it a little and then looked at Gary.
"I have something cool to tell you about." He told his old class mate.
"Did you find God or something?" Gary asked skeptically.
"No. This isn't about religion. It's actually about tradition and our tribe's history." Todd held his hand out to Brittney and she grabbed it eagerly. They started walking toward the front door and Gary had no choice but to call to his son and follow. I brought up the rear of the group.