CHAPTER NINETEEN:
A Fallen Hero
Jake had lifted the binding terms of the treaty for one afternoon so all the Cullen's and the Denali's could be present on the reservation for the funeral. It was only proper. Sam had laid down his life to protect Renesmee. He had fought Aro to save Esme. It was because of him that they were alive. The Cullen's and Jake owed Sam everything.
The service was outdoors. The woods and the reservation was so much a part of who Sam was that it only seemed fitting to have him surrounded by nature as people said goodbye. His coffin was made of a dark wood, polished until it was almost as black as his fur had been. Six of the pack members carried the coffin into the small meadow and lowered it onto a wooden platform.
Jake stood and spoke first. As the new pack leader it was only right that he should be the first to offer his condolences. He also wanted to thank Sam for everything he had ever done for him. Despite their differences, Sam had been like an older brother to Jake. Many other members of the tribe spoke as well and so did Carlisle. The vampire doctor had treated so many of the pack for injuries over the years, making house calls in order to avoid awkward hospital visits, that he was a welcomed face. People liked him and listened as he spoke endearingly about his relationship with Sam. However the tribe was not thrilled about the other dozen vampires that stood in the shadows of the tall pines at the back of the meadow. The only Vampire who didn't make it to the funeral was Rosalie because she was at home with a still recovering Evelyn.
Jake trusted the Cullen's so deeply that their presence on the reservation did not bother him at all but as the service started to thin out, the Cullen's moved themselves far away as to not make the Quileute's more uncomfortable. Jake jogged across the meadow to speak to them.
"That was real nice, doc. Thanks for saying those things," Jake said to Carlisle is a husky voice.
"Not at all," Carlisle said placing a hand on his shoulder.
"Uh, I have a couple things to take care of here. I want to walk Emily home before I go," Jake explained. Despite Sam being dead, Emily had not cried once in public. She was being strong because she said that Sam had taught her how to be brave. Each time he ran into battle with the pack he had left to defend their people; to protect human life. He devoted his life to preserving the innocents, as Sam had called them, and Emily couldn't have asked for a better man to spend her life with. But Jake new she was wrecked inside. Sam had been her whole world and now he was gone.
"Leah's going to stay with her for a while, but Seth and I are coming back up to the house. He needs to pick up the Rabbit. You can go on ahead; I don't want to keep you here longer than necessary. I know it feels weird, since were supposed to be sworn enemies and all," Jake joked, trying to lighten the mood. The more he tried to talk, the more his throat felt like it was closing up.
"Go on Jake. Take Emily home, we'll wait for you," Bella promised.
Jake didn't smile, but his eyes seemed to glaze over and he turned away quickly to escort Emily home.
Philip looked around eerily. It was a strange feeling to be around so many blood filled humans and not be allowed to drink from them. But he had promised Tanya, and of course he was going to keep his promise, there were just some minor details he wanted to iron out first. He wanted the rules to be as clear as day, so he didn't make any mistakes. He wanted to prove to Tanya that he could do this.
"But you realize that some of these people turn into wolves, which technically make them animals, and you said…" he started to whisper.
"Philip, you can't drink from the wolves," Tanya said frantically. Maybe it wasn't a good idea to surround a nomad with a bunch of sweet smelling Quileute's.
"Okay, so I can't drink these people when they are in their human form, that fine, but how about when they have phased?"
"No, you still can't drink from them. Carlisle and the packs have a treaty. You're in the bite free zone. Besides, they would kill you. That is what their sole purpose in life is, to kill vampires."
"So is that why they're all staring at me like I'm lunch then?"
"Well you are talking about killing some of them. And they don't want to eat you, they want to rip you limb from limb and burn your remains until all that is left is billowing purple smoke" Tanya stated evenly.
Philip shuddered. "So no more humans, no wolves, and I have to watch depleting animal populations. Are you in the business of preserving wildlife? Is this some sort of saving endangered animals scheme?" Philip chuckled.
Tanya smirked. "No, this is a, don't draw attention to ourselves, kind of scheme. If entire populations of white-tailed deer or Alaskan grizzles suddenly went extinct, people would start investigating. It's all about flying below the radar. You should understand that at least."
"I feel like I should be in one of those AA meetings you know, 'My name's Philip and this is my fifth day without a drink of human blood'," he said smirking.
"Well you could always leave," Tanya said. She tried to keep the smile from leaving her face but it was hopeless. "I know what we do is unorthodox and makes no sense. I know it's difficult to fight against the primal instincts of our kind, but my family has found our lives to be more worthwhile living this way. But I can't force that on you, Philip. I understand if it's asking too much."
"Tanya," Philip reached for her chin so she would look at him because she had turned away.
"I am going to learn how to do this, I promise. You are worth it. But you'll have to be patient with me. It is going to take a long time to break my old habits."
Tanya grinned. "I can be patient. Do you want to get out of here, I'm sure this environment is making you uncomfortable."
"No, actually I'm quite enjoying it here. These wolf pets are quite amusing, as is your family. The way they interact is completely unheard of. I've never known vampires to be so family-oriented, even with mates. They are so impossibly human, it's no wonder Aro was jealous. How could he not despise the vampires who seem to have it all, both the pluses that come with being immortal and the family life that comes from being human? What more could a vampire possibly ask for? I suppose I have a lot to learn."
"And I'll help you with that," Tanya offered. "First lesson, be social."
Philip smirked. "I much prefer hiding in the shadows. I'm more of the observant type."
"I know, but the only way you are going to fit in is if you learn to be more human. And humans like to mingle."
"But I don't think your sister likes me very much. She keeps glaring at me."
"Oh, Kate always has that pissed off look on her face. Don't worry, she likes you."
Philip wasn't convinced, but he allowed himself to be steered towards the rest of the vampires who had been talking privately at the back of the tree lined lot. The service had finished and now everyone had separated into small groups to laugh and cry and reminisce about the great pack leader they had lost. Philip felt a twinge of sorrow rise inside him. If these shape-shifters had not come to the aid of the Cullen family, then Tanya might have been lost to the guard. He owed them a lot as he might never have found her without them. But as much as he wanted to pay his respects, the majority of his mind was telling him he wanted to spend every moment being with Tanya, learning about her, inhaling her intoxicating scent, listening to the sweet musical wind chimes he heard whenever she spoke. She was making him dizzy with desire and all she had done was take his hand.
"Well I know some ways we could practice being human, and they don't involve funerals or awkward conversations," Philip said suddenly, before he really even realized what he was saying. Sometimes he had a problem with filtering his thoughts. That's what had gotten him in trouble with Aro in the first place.
Philip turned to Tanya who had buried her face in her hands, trying to hide her embarrassment.
"Oh, Tanya, I'm so sorry. I've been too forward again. I lose control of my tongue when I'm near you. Though I've known you for less than a week I feel like we've already spent an eternity together. Please forgive me for being so foolish."
Tanya had been surprised by his suggestions but at the same time was even more surprised at how much she wanted to take him up on his offer. She forced herself to stand up straight again. She was a woman, not some naïve school girl.
She looked at his face and her heart felt like it might jolt awake. He was so beautiful.
Philip chuckled and pulled her close, kissing the top of her head.
"We should be married first anyway. I want to do this right," Philip stated.
Tanya nodded but then she stopped. Marriage? That was a big commitment, not that she couldn't see an eternity with Philip, because she really could see herself being with him forever. But marriage? She shuddered. It was too soon for that. For some reason the thought of labelling themselves as husband and wife scared her more than being mates. There was something so pure and human about marriage that made her feel like they should wait a while. Humans normally didn't rush into marriage, not if they were truly in love. The waited and let the relationship grow before they sealed it with the rings. Tanya wanted a marriage like that; a commitment built on years of learning about each other. But she couldn't wait that long to be with Philip. Now she was in a dilemma.
She shook her head. "Marriage can wait, Philip."
He looked at her confused. "But I thought…"
She put her finger on his lips. "I want you Philip. I want all of you, but I can't wait until were married," she whispered, and her got her drift.
"Oh," he said smiling. His eyes sparkled and she had to look away. He was amazing her again.
"Come on, let's go," Tanya said taking his arm. Philip pulled his hand out of hers and wrapped it around her waist instead, holding her close as they approached the group. The quiet conversations died as soon as they arrived and all eyes flew to Kate. She had just been voicing her opinion on Philip. She didn't think it was smart for Tanya to fall in love with a vampire she met hiding in the Volturi's lair, but she couldn't deny how happy her sister looked. That didn't mean she was going to go easy on Philip. She would have to test him to make sure he was a good fit; devoted and all.
Kate reached out her hand to Philip. "Well then, if my sister must have you then I guess you are welcome to join our family. I'm sure Carmen and Eleazar are excited to meet you. They have been calling every hour and Tanya's been going on and on about you."
Philip reached for her hand but Alice shot between them. "I wouldn't if I were you," she said.
Kate grinned but Tanya snarled. "Kate!"
Everyone looked at her. "What?" I was just going to give him a taste of what he can expect if he breaks Tanya's heart. I wasn't going to hurt him," she paused, "much."
Garret and Emmett laughed outwardly.
"Be reasonable Kate," Tanya pleaded with her.
She shrugged. "It was just a welcome to the family handshake, that's all."
"Liar," Alice beamed. "You were going to cripple him into an electrically induced coma"
"Kate!" Tanya yelled at her sister who backed up innocently but it was Philip who spoke next.
"Kate, I will never hurt your sister. I promise to love and protect Tanya for an eternity."
Kate smiled. "Fine, but don't say I haven't warned you." She wiggled her fingers dangerously and Philip took note.
Edward cleared his throat looking at Carlisle. He didn't want to seem rude and change the subject but he had a sudden concern.
"Carlisle, with the Volturi destroyed, who is going to be in charge?"
Carlisle looked at Edward, deep in thought. Everyone else had stopped their conversations to listen. None of them had contemplated this since coming back from Italy.
"I spoke briefly with Stefan and Vladimir before leaving," Carlisle began. "Though they once ruled the vampire world they no longer want to have the sole responsibility over our kind."
Carlisle chuckled to himself. "It seems we are moving to some sort of vampire democracy. The details still need to be ironed out, but I have a feeling Stefan and Vladimir will seek delegates from all the major vampire covens to act as representatives in their regions."
Edward nodded. "I don't think Stefan and Vladimir want to end up like the Volturi, now that they know how strong we are."
Carlisle nodded his head in agreement. "They've seen how our kind turned on the Volturi. They don't want that happening to them. So our main rules still remain, don't reveal what we are to humans, and we'll have to figure out a way to enforce that, but I don't think we'll have a problem with people checking up on us anymore." Carlisle couldn't actually believe he was saying that.
"Alice?" Edward asked.
"I see no immediate danger or turmoil, Edward. You can relax," Alice assured him. "We are safe." There was a collective sigh of relief among the group.
"Well with that said, we should probably be off," Kate said finally, taking Garret's hand.
"Are you sure you won't come back to the house?" Esme asked, looking disappointed.
Kate hugged her and then took her spot next to Garret again. "Sorry, Esme, we should be getting home. Carmen and Eleazar have been worried like crazy and my phone has been ringing off the hook. They want details about Tanya and Philip. Plus Eleazar is still upset that you didn't call him Alice. I need to go assure him that going to Volterra was totally boring and not worth the trip."
Alice rolled her eyes, "There was no time."
"I know," Kate smiled. "He's just depressed that he missed the destruction of the Volturi. He said you always get to have all the fun, Carlisle."
Carlisle laughed pulling both Kate and Tanya into a hug.
Alice snuck up beside Kate. "Call me and let me know if Tanya starts changing her mind about the whole wedding thing. I know she says no now but her mind will change. You were exactly the same way and look how well it turned out," Alice said smiling.
Kate looked longingly at Garret. "I'll give you that one Alice. It was the happiest day of my life."
"I know, because I'm always right. And it will be Tanya's happiest day too, when she stops fighting it. But she'll try to hide it from me so I don't see. So you better call me."
"And I suppose you'll be fighting me for maid of honour?"
"Of course," Alice joked. "Now have a good trip home. Be safe." Alice hugged Kate around the waist. She put her hand up in a salute and looked at Garret. He chuckled.
"Until next time," Alice said. Garret nodded. Then the Denali's and Philip disappeared into the trees, leaving nothing but their scent behind as the raced the wind back to Alaska.
Shortly after that Jake and Seth caught up with them and they started to walk back to the Cullen's house. They could have run. It would have shortened the trip by a lot, but for some reason they felt the need to linger in the woods, almost as if Sam's spirit was calling to them. They couldn't help but feel his presence strongly in the woods he once defended.
"How are you doing Seth?" Edward asked as they approached the house. It had been an awkwardly silent walk, since Seth had been unusually quiet, not that it didn't seem appropriate for the circumstance, it was just weird not having Seth all chatty and smiling. Of all the wolves, Seth had been the vampire lover from day one. He adored the Cullen's.
Seth just shrugged. He was feeling guilty. He knew it wasn't his fault. Jake had told him that a million times. But Seth couldn't help but feel that if he had just listened to Jake and went to help Sam when Jake had told him and Leah to, maybe he could have prevented this. Maybe Sam wouldn't be dead right now.
"Empty I guess," he said finally.
"He made the sacrifice, Seth," Edward said. He had been reading his mind. "Sam knew what he was doing and it wouldn't have mattered whether you were there or not. Sam would have made the same choice. Don't blame yourself, Seth."
Seth looked away from him. He could feel his eyes filling with tears and he didn't want Edward to see him cry.
Edward grimaced. Comforting a wolf was new territory, but Seth had always been so sweet to their family that he felt as if he should give him a hug or something. As Edward was debating, Esme rushed over and wrapped her arms around then him. He was much taller than her, so all she could manage was to hug his waist, but it still did the trick. Seth sniffed a few times, getting a handle on his emotions.
"It will be alright," Esme whispered to him. "I know it's hard to believe it, but things will get better."
Seth smiled at her. "Thanks, Mrs. C."
"Come inside," she said. "I'll make you and Ness and Jake a snack."
The Quileute's never refused food, especially when Esme was cooking, so Seth followed her up the porch steps and into the house.