That Saturday, after I had taken the GED test, I had Old Quil arrange for an emergency council meeting. It was the first time I would go before the council. I was a little nervous. Paul had patrol so he couldn't attend. Sam was my chauffeur for the day, and I was worried about how he would take the news of Leah's impending phase.
I told my father there might be some prejudiced people who wouldn't accept a 'pale-face' and I was right. Sam and I entered the Council building which was actually the reservation's activity center. It was used for holding parties and festivals when the weather wasn't permitting. As soon as I walked into the meeting hall an elderly woman seated with the council sneered at me. I held my head high and walked to the podium set before the long table that held the five council members. Sam sat off to the side. I knew Billy, who was seated in the center, and Old Quil. Seated next to Quil was Harry Clearwater. Oh crap! I didn't know Harry was on the council. He probably isn't going to take the news all that well. I halted in my walk slightly, then shook myself before taking the final steps to the podium.
"Welcome Bella," Billy began. "Let us first get introductions out of the way. To my right is Quil Ateara III and Harry Clearwater. And to my left are Matthew Cameron and Abigail Uley." Once again Abigail sneered at me. I just smiled politely and said,
"Thank you all for seeing me on such short notice. I have some rather unusual and possibly distressing news." The last words were spoken directly to Harry and I saw him sit a little straighter.
"How can we believe anything this girl says? She's no more than a pale-face whore! Sleeping with a man you just met. You should be ashamed of yourself." The venom in Abigail's voice surprised me. I knew there would be condescension and veiled insults, but I was not expecting outright hostility.
"Abigail!" Billy's voice was deep and resonating as he chastised the old woman. "You will watch your tongue. I think of Bella as one of my own. You knowthis. I will not tolerate you speaking to her like that."
"Some Chief you are, allowing a pale-face into the tribe. Accepting her as the tribe's Shaman is a joke. When I petitioned the council to have the wolf break the imprint you all should have listened to me. She's nothing but a white witch. She will be the end of our tribe as we know it." By this point, I was starting to get upset, but I knew I had to remain calm for the baby's sake. I couldn't let what this woman was saying get to me. Sam was growling at the woman. So I cleared my throat to get their attention.
"You're right. The tribe you know will come to an end. You have allowed the land to go to waste. The fishing boats are in disrepair and there is little money coming into the tribe. I will help fix these failings. Together we will restore the tribe to its full potential, and repair the damage done by your generation's lack of pride and laziness." I spoke this all in Quileute and I could tell that Abigail had no idea what I was saying. So I asked Quil to translate for me. Which he did. Although he may have added a few insults aimed towards Abigail, I didn't correct him.
"Abigail, I am disappointed in you. Your actions today are not befitting of the position you hold here on the council. I suggest you think long and hard what it means to be a member of this tribe and this world. Treating a human being the way you have treated Bella is unacceptable. If you can't accept Bella as our Shaman then I'm afraid there is no place for you on this council." Billy's words were final and Abigail paled as she took in his meaning.
"My nephew is the Alpha and he won't stand for this!" She tried to sound certain, but Sam just laughed,
"Your nephew doesn't want anything to do with you. When Joshua left and Mom was left to care for me on her own, you offered her no help. I owe you nothing! Now, either sit down and shut up or leave. The choice is yours." Sam's face was a mask of anger. He was also shaking slightly. Abigail huffed and stalked towards the exit. When the door closed I let out a cleansing breath. Matthew came around the table and grabbed the podium and set it aside. Then he pulled a chair and motioned for me to sit down.
"Please sit, you really shouldn't be standing." I nodded and thanked him as he held my arm and helped me sit. "Abigail is just jealous. She's always wanted a place of power within the tribe. And as Shaman you outrank her. Her prejudice makes it worse. On behalf of the tribe, I apologize." I held my hand up.
"There is no need. One woman's actions do not dictate the sentiments of an entire tribe." I said as I smiled brightly at Matthew. "Are you Jared's dad?" I asked. He nodded and replied,
"Yes, Jared is my oldest. I have two others. Sarah and Beth are Jared's younger twin sisters." Again the voice in the back of my mind spoke 'wolves'. Oh lord really! I sighed.
"Matthew you may want to sit down now," I said gently. Matthew's face fell and he returned to his seat. "I asked Quil to call this meeting because the spirits have told me of some new wolves that will be joining the pack. I warn you this may be hard to hear." I took another cleansing breath before I continued, "Leah, Sarah, and Beth will phase." I waited for the shouting to start but I was met with silence. Billy and Quil looked shocked. Matthew looked liked he was about to throw up and Harry looked…well like he didn't believe me. I continued anyway. "I'm not sure when it will happen. I just know that it will. I'm telling you this in the hope that you will allow me to tell them beforehand."
"No, absolutely not! What if you're wrong?" Harry boomed at me. I closed my eyes and steeled myself for another confrontation but before I could speak Billy said,
"Harry, have you lost your mind? That's Charlie's daughter you are screaming at. His daughter who is pregnant and on bed rest." Sam's face was white. He knew all too well the implications of Leah phasing. She would have a front row seat to Sam's thoughts and memories, of not only her but also of Emily. I couldn't help but go to him. I sat next to him and grabbed his hand.
"Sam…" I said as gently as I could. "I know this is shocking and confusing. But I believe there is a purpose to this. I'm not quite sure what that is, but I don't think we'll have to wait long to find out. Something tells me she will phase soon." As I spoke the words I knew them to be true.
"When?" Sam's voice was barely a whisper.
"I don't know, within the week," I said. Sam began to cry.
"I don't want this for her." Seeing Sam, the Alpha of the pack in tears pulled at my heartstrings.
"I know, neither do I. But it is not for us to decide. You know that. Now call Emily to come to get you. You are not driving home like this."
"Emily knows, doesn't she? She's been acting strange and a little sad the past few days. Ever since she came home from your pace."
"Yes, she does," I said. He nodded then left the building to call Emily. I sighed and returned to my seat before the council. Harry finally looked like he at least believed me and Matthew was nursing a bottle of water. It was quiet for a moment before Billy asked,
"Do you know when the Cameron twins will phase?" I shook my head.
"Oh God Billy they're only twelve." Matthew said into his hands.
"I don't think it will be for a while. They are so young still. I will let you know if that changes. Just be on the lookout for the signs. When they start to show we should tell them. My hope is that in knowing what is happening, the change won't be as difficult for them." Billy nodded.
"I agree with Bella. Before the signs were our only way of telling if someone would phase and even then we could never be sure. But now with Bella knowing I say we tell them when the signs start."
"Leah is already showing the signs," Harry said he looked even paler.
"Harry are you alright?"
I asked as I got up to go to him he grabbed onto his left arm and said, "I don't feel well," before collapsing to the ground from his chair.
"Call 911!" I shouted at Billy who was already pulling out his cell phone. I kneeled beside Harry trying to find a pulse
"Matthew do you know CPR?" I asked and him as he came to my side.
"Yes." He replied.
"I can't find a pulse. You begin compressions while I give him mouth to mouth." Matthew began to do as I asked.
I wasn't sure how long we were there but I knew with each passing minute Harry's chances were dwindling. I said a silent prayer as the doors burst open and the gurney was wheeled in.