Chapter 2

I was starting to wake up as we were approaching Uma's home. I could see her little white cottage on a small hill in the distance. There was an open field next to another larger white house to my right. As were passing the field, I noticed a group of boys, all shirtless and bronzed skin standing at the edge of the woods. A couple of them raised their hands in greeting to Sam and one started jogging towards us. Sam put up his hand and glared at the kid. I mean really glared. The guy stopped his approach and returned to his friends. I found this whole scenario to be odd. Did Sam not want those guys anywhere near me? Also, what is up with their lack of clothing? Washington is so rainy and gloomy compared to Vegas. It's mid September and I'm already freezing.

SPOV

Stealing another glance at Tia, I can see the exhaustion on her face. Combined with the sadness that I saw earlier, I just know that something is wrong. Maybe Uma can help. If anyone can fix a broken soul, it's our Uma. I'm so thankful that she was here for me when I phased. She also helped me keep it together when I imprinted on Emily. Surely, she can help her.

Before I left for the airport, I met with the pack explaining that Aunt Jem was sending Tia to the Res. She had asked me to pick her up and make sure that she made it safely to Uma. I found her last request to be odd but I just chalked it up to a worrisome mom. I told the pack to give us some space. Tia needed to adjust to life here. Even though she was born just down the street on this Reservation, Tia was unused to our way of life. Aunt Jem's decision to leave the Reservation after Uncle Eli's death meant that Tia had no idea what she was walking into. She knew nothing of about life on the Res, our customs and legends or just how small town this is. Everyone knows everything about everyone. Well, almost everyone knew… I want Tia to have a day or two to get her feet underneath her. She could start meeting the boys at school on Monday just like normal teenagers do.

As we rounded the last bend in the road on our way to Uma's, I catch a glimpse of my boys standing on the forest line on the far side of the field next to my house. Seeing my Jeep approaching, they raise their hands in greeting. Quil, being the latest one to phase, starts coming towards us disregarding my order for distance. He had yet to experience a direct Alpha order. I held up my hand to tell him to stop while looking him straight in the eye. I watched as his smile faded a bit and his shoulders dropped. He now understood. He turned and went back to the rest of the boys.

"Hey there sleepy head!" I said as I nudged T's shoulder. "We're here. Welcome home!" as we pulled up to Uma's house.

TPOV

We came to a stop in front of the cottage. It seems to have changed little since my childhood, a cute little one story house surrounded by every flower imaginable. Uma still loves her flowers. Sam grabs my bags as I get out of the Jeep. I hear the front door open as Uma steps towards us.

To be in her mid 80s, Uma is in excellent health. You can see a spark in her eye and a smile on her lips. She holds out her arms to me in welcome. I walk into her embrace. As I feel her arms enfold me, I realize that as I inhaled, I felt as though I was finally truly breathing at last. How long had I been holding my breath?

Uma ushers me into the house as Sam brings in my bags depositing them in the spare bedroom. I take a second to look around. Once again, I see that little had changed. The walls were light and cheerful, covered in family photos. Wonderful smells were coming from the kitchen and as always, there was a fire going in the fireplace. Uma was constantly cold so she kept the fire going year round.

Uma gently takes my face into her hands looking into my eyes. A small frown crosses her face. "Tia, you must be tired. Emily is expecting us at 6:30 so you could take a quick nap before we head to her house if you want." I nodded my head in agreement and took the offered chance to escape. I did feel tired but I needed to unwind even more.

SPOV

After watching Tia shut the door to her bedroom, I turn to Uma. "Grandmother, something is not with Tia. I can see it in her eyes."

"I see it as well grandson. Hopefully being here with us will bring her joy back." says Uma.

TPOV

I must have fallen asleep the second my head hit the pillow. Unfortunately, rest was not going to come easily. Instead the dreams came.

I was walking through the misty forest. I could hear the night time creatures stirring. My feet did not make a sound as I walked on. Then, I hear a rustling to my left. As I turn my head, I see a flash of red and hear a woman's laugh. Almost immediately, I hear the same laugh on my right. Suddenly, the laughter is circling me. "You are mine." I hear the laughing voice say. I start to run trying to get away from the voice. The mist that was once covering the ground changed into smoke, suffocating me, and then into fire. I can't escape the flames. I look around for a way out when I come face to face with a set of glowing gold eyes. I scream "NO!" as hands grab me.

"Tia, Tia, wake up granddaughter!" I see Uma's face above me as she smoothes my hair. "This move has been hard for you. I could call Emily and we could eat with them tomorrow evening if you would prefer."

"No Uma, I'm fine really. It was just a dream." Looking at the clock, I see that it's 6 pm. We're supposed to be at their house by 6:30. I hop up from the bed grabbing my toiletry bag and head for the bathroom. "I just need a moment and I'll be ready to go." I say as I close the door behind me.

Uma goes into the living room to wait taking a seat in her favorite chair by the fire. She stares into the flame with a look of concern. Tia definitely needs to be here.