Okay...on to Chap 23...~smooches~

23. Anguish

Skye

I rode until I ran out of gasoline. It was when the bike started to sputter that I seemed to come out of my daze and realize that I had ridden all the way to Texas in my pajamas, and without any shoes. It was when the cold hit me that I remembered it was the middle of January and that I should've taken the Hummer.

I pulled into the truck stop, grateful to have made it, and tried to focus. I needed shoes, clothes, gas and maybe something to eat. But I needed money for all of that. I parked the bike in front of the pump and started to search the saddle bags.

I found my riding jacket; the one Jazz had given me for my birthday years ago, and threw it on. I checked the pockets and found a little cash in the inside breast. I counted it quickly. One hundred and twenty five bucks was all I had, but it would have to do until I found a bank.

I put the money back in its place and went inside the restaurant. I opened my mind as I approached the counter. Everyone seemed to notice my entrance. And everyone came up with their own conclusions as to why I was here, barefoot and in pajamas.

The woman at the counter looked at me wearily and surprisingly without judgment.

"What can I do for you, honey?" She asked assessing my appearance.

She saw the wind beaten, pajama and no shoe wearing vagabond standing in front of her. But she also saw the clean nailed, expensive bike riding, custom made riding jacket and diamond adorned woman too.

I cleared my throat. "I…I need to fill up my bike and I need a pair of shoes. Anything you have in a size 7 ½ would be fine. I just need something to keep the wind off my toes."

"I don't have anything like that here. Only thing I got is socks and shower shoes over there." She gestured with her head.

I walked to the small display and grabbed an 'Everything is bigger in Texas' t-shirt and the smallest pair of socks and rubber flip-flops they had. I lay the items on the counter and she rung me up.

"Forty-five dollars, honey."

I gave her the money.

"Where's the closest city?" I asked.

"That'd be Beaumont about ten more miles south and west."

"Thanks," I said for the change and information.

"Sure." She watched me as I turned to leave. When I reached the door she called to me. "Hey, why don't you fill up your bike, park it out front and come back inside for a slice of pie and cup of coffee. Warm up a little."

I turned and smiled the best I could. Pie and coffee sounded great but I had to watch my money. "Thanks but…"

"It's on the house." She smiled.

I nodded. "Okay."

0~~~~~~~~~~~0

I was on my second cup of coffee and half way through the enormous slice of apple pie when someone sat across from me. I sighed and looked up. I really wasn't in the mood for this shit tonight.

"Hey there pretty lady."

The gentleman looked to be in his late forties and had stained brown teeth and a beer belly. He had dirty blonde hair sprinkled with gray and blue green eyes. He wore a custom made cowboy hat, two big sterling silver and turquoise rings on his fingers and a loud tasseled shirt that was being stretched beyond capacity.

When I just stared at him, wishing him away, instead of saying something he continued.

"What's a pretty little thing like you doing out this late, and in such a despaired state?"

"Please go away," I said looking down, running my hand through my hair.

He noticed my ring then.

"I get it. Fight with the ole man, huh?"

I looked at him and he smiled. I delved into his mind then. What I saw there made me want to vomit.

"I don't know what he did, but I know he's a fool. If you were my lady…"

"You'd what… Tie me to the bed when you left with no food or water. Beat be senseless when I didn't listen. Or maybe you'd fuck me against my will when I told your fat ass no." I hissed and he looked shocked. "Thanks but I think I'll pass. Besides, you couldn't handle a bitch like me, Earl. I don't take kindly to a man putting his hands on me. I hit back."

He looked at me like I was crazy.

"Now get your ass up and go back to where you came from."

He stood up staring at me. I made a shooing motion with my hand and he walked away.

"I don't know what you said to him but I've never seen anyone get rid of Earl as fast and as effectively as you just did." The woman from the counter laughed.

"I've dealt with his type before," I said. "Thanks again for the hospitality. I really appreciate it."

"No problem. I hate to see a pretty young woman like you in this state. Unfortunately it happens a lot more than I'd like." She sighed and put a wad of cash on the table. "It's not much but…"

"Oh god, no, I couldn't." I pushed the money back toward her.

"You can and you will. It's just tonight's tips and right now you need it more than I do."

"Really, I'll be fine once I get to the bank tomorrow."

She didn't believe that. She'd seen women come through with the same thoughts only to find that their husbands cut them off or cleaned them out.

She smiled.

"Well, you know where I am if you want to pay me back."

I nodded and took the money.

"There's a cheap little hole in the wall motel about a mile outside of Beaumont. A friend of mine runs it. Not much to look at, but the beds are clean and the showers are hot. Tell them Charlie sent ya and she'll give ya a good deal."

"Thank you, Charlie, for everything."

"Sure, and I hope everything works out for you."

I didn't say anything because I didn't know how to respond. I just nodded and stood up. She stood too and we walked to the door.

"Do me a favor. Call me and let me know you're okay when you get some place safe."

"Alright."

She handed me a number scribbled on a napkin and I put it in my pocket. Then I reached out and grabbed her in a hug. There were very few people like Charlie left in the world.

0~~~~~~~~~~0

Edward

Two days. Two days since anyone had seen or heard from Skye and I was mess. I sat on the sofa listening to my siblings debate back and forth.

"I'm telling you she's fine. Angel can handle herself. When she's ready, she'll call," said Jazz calmly.

"This isn't like her though. She'd never just disappear with calling her children."

"They don't even know she gone, Rose. Their just having a long sleepover with their great grandparents as far as they know."

"Jazz is right; I mean how far can she really get anyway? She has no money and she's in pajamas." Em chimed in.

"She has money or she would've called by now. That bike only holds so much gas. She'd have to have stopped by now."

I stood up and everyone turned to me. I walked across the room and grabbed the cell off the table.

"Yes, this is Edward Masen."

"Oh, hello Mr. Masen. What can I do for you today?" The woman asked.

"I was wondering if you could tell me how much my wife withdrew the other day. She can't seem to recall and I like to keep my books straight. You understand."

"Yes sir, I understand." She chuckled and I heard her typing away. "Let's see…looks like she withdrew two thousand just yesterday."

"Can you give me the bank location?" I asked.

"Umm sure… It was at one of our sister banks in Beaumont, Texas." She rattled off the address and I memorized it.

"Thank you."

"Sure, you're very welcomed Thank you for being a valued customer." Her voice smiled.

"You're welcome, good afternoon."

I hung up and grabbed my keys.

"Where are you going?" Em asked.

"To get my wife." I headed for the door.

"Edward, I don't think that's a good idea. She will come back when she's ready. Give her some space." Jazz shook his head.

"Space? She's been gone for two days and she hasn't called. Anything could've happened to her."

"She's fine. She just took money from the bank yesterday."

"She's alive. That doesn't mean she's fine." I pointed out.

"Edward…" he grabbed me by the arm, "…don't do this. If she wanted to talk to you, she'd be here."

I pulled away.

"I have to. I have to try."

He was quiet for a moment, and then he nodded.

"Alright, but I'm going with you."

I shrugged and headed for the car.

0~~~~~~~~~~~0

"She would've started to run out of gas about now. If this was the route she took to Beaumont," said Jazz. "Start looking for gas stations."

I nodded.

We drove a couple more miles and saw a truck stop just off the highway that had gas and a diner. I looked at Jazz and he lifted a brow.

"Worth a try," he said.

I pulled off the highway and parked my Lamborghini in between two semis. It was dusk and the setting sun had colored the sky a beautiful array of oranges and blues. It reminded me of the long evenings that Skye and I sat on the porch cuddling under a blanket, reading her romance novels to each other. They were cheesy and unrealistic, but they made her happy…and horny.

"What are you grinning about?" Jazz stared at me.

"Nothing…just thinking." I replied losing my smile and sighing.

We entered the establishment and all eyes seemed to be on us. I stared back at the faces trying to peek into everyone's head. I got nothing other than curiosity and animosity. Guys like us didn't frequent this place regularly and they were weary of anyone not like them.

Someone cleared their throat behind me.

"Can I help ya'll?"

I turned to find a small woman, perhaps in her early forties standing behind the counter. Her once white skin was overly tan and leathery which made her white, bleach blonde hair stand out. She had on tight blue jeans, riding boots and a black Harley Davidson t-shirt with the arms cut out. It made her look tough and unapproachable, but I saw though her façade.

It was her eyes that gave her away. To someone not use to reading people they were ordinary, brown colored eyes. But I could see the kindness and compassion behind them. If anyone here noticed a beautiful girl in pajamas wondering about it'd be her. Besides, she worked here.

I walked to the counter.

"Yes, I think that you can help us," I said. "My name is Edward, Edward Masen. This here is my brother Jasper and we're looking for someone."

When she said nothing, I continued talking.

"A woman. She's of mixed race. She about your height, has tan colored skin, long, curly, blonde hair and beautiful blue eyes." I watched her face light up in recognition but continued on. "She would have had on pajamas and possibly no shoes."

She began to shake her head, "Nope, no one like that been through here."

She was lying and both Jazz and I knew it. He felt it and I saw it in her head. Skye had been here and she'd spoke to and fed her.

"Please, she's my wife."

"I said ain't nobody been through here like that." She turned away.

I looked at Jazz, wondering what to do next.

"She's been here. You can see that in her head?"

I nodded.

"So we're on the right track. We can leave with that knowledge or you can do what you need to do. It may save us a lot of time."

I leaned over the counter and spoke low and soft to the woman's back.

"Please, I know she was here. And I know you helped her, fed her pie and coffee and…" I stopped and stood up straight, "…you gave her your tips because she didn't have enough money."

This woman was amazing.

She spun around. "How in the hell? Who are you?"

"I told you. I'm Edward Masen, Skye's my wife and I'm looking for her."

"Well maybe she don't want to be found," she said as her thoughts bombarded my head.

Women, battered, beaten and emotionally abused women and children had occasionally made their way through here and she'd helped them all. She was afraid for Skye, afraid that I was some rich, controlling son of bitch who beat his wife and wanted to keep her prisoner.

I stepped back a little and looked down at the woman.

"I would never hurt her. I love her. She's my life." I told her sincerely.

"Then why is she running from you?" She asked.

"Because…because I broke her heart." I sighed. "I made a mistake. A big mistake that I can never take back, but one that I'm trying to rectify."

"You put your hands on her?"

"No, I would never do that. Ever, I swear on my life."

She debated with herself then looked at me, really looked at me. I saw myself in her eyes. I looked like shit. I looked worn out, and battered. I looked like a man grieving because I was.

She took a deep breath and let it out. "She was here a couple of nights ago. She got some gas, bought a t-shirt, some socks and some shower shoes. I saw that she didn't have much money left and I figured she'd need it for more gas to get to wherever she was going."

"Did she say where she was going?"

She shook her head. "Naw, I don't even think she knew where she was headed. Anyways, I fed her and sent her to my friend's motel just outside of Beaumont to rest up for the night, and shower."

"Beaumont, that's where she withdrew the money." I told Jazz.

"Maybe she's still there." He commented.

"It's worth a try."

I looked back at the woman. "Will you give me the address to your friend's motel?"

She nodded and began to write on a piece of scrap paper. She handed it to me.

I took her hand in mine and gave it a slight squeeze.

"Thank you for taking such good care of my wife." I took out my wallet and grabbed all the cash I had. I placed it in her hand.

"For your tips and your compassion," I said.

"Oh…god no…I can't…" she stammered staring at the handful of hundred dollar bills.

"Please take it and know that there will be more to follow. I take care of those who take care of me and mine. Besides, you deserve it. You're doing great things here," I glanced at her name tag, "Charlie."

She smiled and nodded looking at the cash in her hand. It was more than she made in a month. "Thank you."

"No thank you…for everything," I shook her hand.

As we were leaving she ran to the car. I rolled down the window.

"She's supposed to call me once she get's settled somewhere. I can call and let you know she's alright if you'd like."

I gave her my card. "I would like that very much."

"You seem like a good kid, Dr. Masen?"

"Please just Edward."

"Okay Edward, I'd like to give you a word of advice."

I nodded.

"When you find her, speak your peace and go. Don't force or guilt her into anything. It must be her decision alone to come back to you. If the love you two share is as strong as I think it is, she will. But it's going to take time, patience, understanding and love."

"I'll do whatever it takes."

"Good. And Kid, when she does take you back, cherish her like she was the last woman on earth, you hear me?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"And try not to fuck up again." She added.

I smiled. I liked Charlie. "I won't."

I waved out the window as we pulled off. She waved back.

I picked up my phone.

"JJ, there's a truck stop, gas station and diner on the Texas, Louisiana border called, The Scrub and Grub, find out who owes it and buy it from them."

"Edward, really, a freaking truck stop?" Jenks Jr. sighed.

"It's not for me. It's a gift for a good woman who has a heart of gold."

0~~~~~~~~~~0

Skye

I'd finally arrived. I'd been riding for days stopping only to eat and get gas. I was beyond exhausted and super hungry. I needed food, a shower and a bed and not necessarily in that order.

It was just past nightfall when I crossed the border onto the Reservation. I could feel their eyes on me, watching and waiting. I open my thoughts and heard active minds just beyond the tree line. They were in their alternate forms and even though they didn't know who I was, they knew I was no threat and let me pass.

I rode to where I remembered Jake's house to be. I had only been here a handful of times, and he lived way off the main road, but my memory was pretty damn good. He was standing in the doorway and someone had shifted and was coming out the woods before I even made it all the way up the driveway.

I stopped the bike, turned it off and dismounted quickly. I waved to him as he approached and took off my helmet. He smiled but didn't seem happy to see me.

"Skye, what are you doing here?" He asked looking me up and down.

He was admiring the tight, black leather riding gear that fit me like a glove.

"Honestly, I don't know," I said as I secured my helmet to the bike. "But I've been riding for days now and could use a hot shower, some hot food and a bed." I shook my helmet hair out.

Just then a young man came from behind Jake and sighed.

"My god, you are an angel." He smiled his eyes caressing my form as if I stood naked before him.

He was beautiful. He had dark, red skin, light brown eyes, and coal black hair that was a longer than most of his fellow pack members. It was cut short in the back but longer in the front and hung in his eyes a little. He was maybe an inch or two shorter than Jake, which meant he was still a good six feet five or six, and built like a god.

"Excuse me?" I blushed.

"Your jacket says that you're an angel." He smiled.

"I don't think that's what it says." I smiled back.

"Well whatever the meaning, I'd have to agree." He finished.

I chuckled then. "Angel is my name. Well my name is Angelique, but everyone calls me Angel or Skye."

He began walking toward me with a big smile on his face. He was so light on his feet that he seemed to be floating.

Jake grabbed him by the shoulder.

"Down boy!"

The guy looked at him. "Don't hate, Jake."

"I'm not hating, Jax. She is spoken for. This is my mother-in-law. She's Edward's wife."

He looked stunned for a second but quickly recovered.

"She's a vamp? But she doesn't smell like a one. She actually smells really good. Like flowers in the springtime."

Jake laughed at him and shook his head.

"I'm a human hybrid. My dad is like Nessie, my mom human."

He nodded still staring until Jake cleared his throat.

"Skye, this is Jaxon Stormcloud, my cousin on my mom's side and my beta until Leah has the baby and is ready to come back."

I extended my hand but instead of shaking it, he kissed the back of it.

"Nice to meet you, Jaxon."

"The pleasure is all mine, I assure you." He smiled.

He had great teeth.

"Ugh, don't you have something to do?" Jake asked.

He nodded and looked at me.

"It was nice meeting you. I hope to see you around."

"You just might," I said and looked at Jake's confused face.

Jaxon took off toward the woods and I knew right when he shifted. His mind opened up to at least a dozen more instantly.

"Your pack has grown again."

He nodded in agreement.

"But I thought there had to be vamps around for you guys to go through the initial change."

"There does, this really isn't a good time for you to be here."

"Is that why you left Nessie in N'walins? And why Jazz and Alice came to Washington?"

He nodded again.

"I needed to come home and assess the situation."

"And?"

"And…right now it seems as if they're just Nomads staying a little too long in this area. They haven't crossed onto the Res but I have twenty four hour patrols going until leave just in case."

"So I can't stay?"

"Of course you can stay. You're family. It's just not a good time. I'm really busy so I won't be much of a host and…"

"I don't mind. And I only need a few days. You won't even know I'm here, I promise."

"Wait. Why are you here?" He asked.

I shook my head. "Edward…he and Ashley… Let's just say we had a fight. A big one and I left on my bike a few days ago and somehow ended up here."

He shut his eyes.

"Then he doesn't know you're here, does he?"

I shook my head. "No and I don't want him to know either."

"Skye, you cannot stay here and Edward not know. He's probably insane with worry. And if he finds out that I've been hiding you…"

"Just give me tonight then. I'll leave in the morning."

"You can't do that either now. If he finds out that you were here and I let you go out on your own with Nomads in the area he'll kill me."

"You don't want me to stay, but I can't go. So what are you suggesting? Because you and I both know that I could leave here if I wanted to."

He considered what I'd said then spoke.

"I'll tell him you're here, that you're safe, and that when you're ready to see him you'll call."

"That's not going to stop him from coming here, Jake."

"It may not but the treaty will. He's bound to honor it."

"Treaty? What treaty?"

"The one my grandfather made with him and the doc. He can't come on the Res unless invited." He smiled.

"But he has before…"

I didn't have a reason to enforce it before. I mean it's pretty much null and void at this point because we consider you all family, but it hasn't been changed and I can enforce it when I want." He shrugged.

I could've kissed him. This was the perfect place to come to get away. Maybe subconsciously I knew that.

"Okay, you can call him."

He took his phone out.

"You can go in and take a shower. Nessie's got some PJ's in the bedroom. You can sleep in the guestroom next to Dad's," he said, "and there's dinner in the fridge. It may still be warm."

I hugged him quickly. "Thanks, I owe you one."

I watched as he dialed Edward's number. "Yes, you certainly do."

0~~~~~~~~~~~0

Edward

"Jake, how's everything going?" I answered on the second ring.

"Everything's fine so far. The vamps seem to be nomads just passing through the area. They're staying off our land and out of our way but the haven't left yet. I think I'm going to have Ness come on home."

"Are you sure it's safe?"

"Yeah, she'll be fine here on the Res. I don't think we'll go back to the house in Forks until they clear out though."

"I'll give her the message. I just pulled in the driveway and she's here watching the kids for me." I sighed.

Skye's trail had run cold and I needed to get back home. The kids had school in the morning so Pierre had brought them home earlier today. My only hope now was to wait. Wait until she decided to call.

"Oh, well if you need her help with the kids while Skye's gone you may want to have her stay there a little while longer." He said.

"No I'll be fine... Wait how did you know about Skye?"

"She's here, Edward. At La Push."

I perked up.

"What! What is she doing there?"

"Don't know, she just showed up about fifteen minutes ago on her bike and in this tight, black, cat woman get up."

"I've been looking for her in two states! I would've never thought she'd go North." I shook my head. "Let me talk to her."

"She's in the shower."

"Then call me when she gets out."

"Look, she's really tired and hungry. She's been driving for days and…"

"Jake, I want to speak to my wife." I demanded.

"But she doesn't want to speak to you, Edward. And I can't make her."

"Fine, Ness and I will be there tomorrow evening and…"

"No Edward, don't come up here. She doesn't want to see you. Give her a little time and some space and she'll call when…"

"Are you crazy? I've been worried sick, and looking for her for three damn days! I'm coming up there to get my wife, Jacob!"

"She wants to stay for a spell, clear her head. Let her. She'll come home when she's ready."

"I said that I'm coming and there's nothing you can do to..."

"Fine, come to Washington, but you can't step foot in La Push," he said.

I laughed sarcastically. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"I'm enforcing the treaty."

"What the fuck are you talking about! The treaty hasn't been enforced in over ten years!"

"And I don't want to enforce it now, but I will to save you from yourself."

"What the fuck are you talking about?" I growled.

"She. Doesn't. Want. To. See. You! Why is that so hard for you to grasp? She didn't even want me to call and let you know she was here." He sighed and my eyes closed in despair. I had really fucked up this time. "Listen, stay in New Orleans and I'll see if I can get her to at least talk to you on the phone. I don't think I could get her do anything more than that right now and if you come here, you'll just make it worse for yourself."

I opened my eyes and conceded. "Okay, alright, I'll stay, but please have her call me."

"I'll do my best."

"Thanks."

"Sure."

I hung up and headed up the stairs.

I stuck my head in the twin's room first. They still looked like chubby faced angels when they slept. I shut the door softly and headed to Lisette's.

Her eyes were closed but she wasn't asleep so I stepped into the room and sat on the edge of the bed. The snow white, overstuffed, lace duvet seemed to glow in the moonlight, making it look as if she were lying on a cloud.

I looked down on her and gently swept her strawberry colored hair from her face. It curled around my fingers and her temple. She looked like her mother when she slept.

Her eyes opened at my touch and she smiled.

"Hi, Daddy."

"Hi, baby. Are you playing possum?" I asked.

"I can't sleep."

"How come?"

"I want Momma."

I sighed. I knew this was coming.

"I know baby, I want mommy too, but we have to be patient."

"Why?"

"Because Mommy needs a little break."

"Why does she need a break? Is she tired?"

"Yes, I suppose she is a little tired."

"Well, I can help her clean up and take care of Stevie."

I smiled sadly.

"No, honey, not that kind of tired, emotionally tired."

"Oh…she's sad?"

"Yes."

"Why's she sad?"

"Because we had a big fight, honey."

"Because of Ashley?"

I looked at her and nodded slowly. She looked down.

"Are you going to get a divorce?"

I lifted her face and I could see the tears pooling in her pretty blue eyes.

"No, princess, not if I can help it." I scooped her into my arms and began to rock her.

She snuggled into my chest and closed her eyes.

"Daddy?" she murmured as her little fingers played with the button on my shirt.

"Yes, baby."

"I love you," she said and my spirit soared.

I exhaled and pulled her closer.

"Daddy loves you too, Elisabeth, so very much."

0~~~~~~~~~~~~0

I lay in bed with Etienne next to me and stared at him. He was and still is a beautiful baby. His blonde curls seemed to frame his sleeping face, which was noble, aquiline, yet somehow masculine. He had a lot of my features but looked more like Skye and her family.

He tossed and turned his face from mine so I turned to face the ceiling. At that very moment I made a vow to myself. If…no…when Skye came back to me, I'd spend the rest of my eternity loving her the way she deserved to be loved.

The buzzing of my cell on the nightstand brought me out of my reverie. I picked it up and looked at the caller ID.

"Listen Jake, I've had a bad night with the kids and I'm…"

"What's wrong with my babies?" Her voice asked.

I sat up. "Skye."

0~~~~~~~~~~~~0

AN: What are ya thinking...? Let me know.