Everything Is Different Now
Chapter 24
June 29, 2013
Frederick Estate, Boulder, Colorado
The large black SUV pulled through the massive stone and timber gates and began the winding trek
up the long drive. The occupants were mesmerized with everything they could see out of the vehicle's
windows. This place was massive. The gate they drove through had been big enough for a tractor-
trailer or even a tank to pass under its arches. The landscape was stark and beautiful. This was the
Rocky Mountains at their finest. Thick forests amongst huge rock formations cloaked the mountains
in deep verdant majesty. Eventually, the serpentine road opened into a clearing that nestled back
into the side of the mountain they had climbed for the last 15 minutes. The castle that spread before
them was just that, a castle. It could be described no other way. It spread into the distance in either
direction and the visitors could see neither the right nor left ends of the structure. Then there was
the height. The collection of buildings and wings climbed to three stories in some places. There were
towers that appeared to contain spiral staircases, hinted at by the slanted line of windows that wound
around the circumference.
The sun was low and threatening to dip behind the distant peaks as they made their approach to the
entrance of this magnificent abode. The brilliant orange and pink rays illuminated the pale gray
stone of the façade. The lights were burning brightly in nearly every window, welcoming the guests to
the place that would be their home for the next several days. Some of them would soon receive
invitations to make this their home for much longer than that.
As the limo rounded the circular drive and stopped directly in front of the double doors that marked
the main entrance, one of the huge panels opened, spilling warm yellow light onto the drive and a
welcoming committee stepped through and moved to a position beside where the SUV had stopped.
One of the group was dressed in the livery of a staid English butler. One was a man in work trousers,
boots, a flannel shirt and a barn jacket and hat. Both men were tall and built like brick walls. There
would be no question of an attempt at bullying one's way past one of them. It would not happen.
One was a woman, touches of grey in her auburn hair that was gathered in a chignon on the back of
her head. She wore a flowered summer dress, covered by an apron that looked like a professional
relied on it constantly.
One member of the group was a beautiful and stunning young woman appearing to be in her late
20s. She had sandy blonde hair that reached beyond her waist and flowed loosely about her
shoulders and arms, lightly stirred by the early evening's breeze. She was tall, perhaps 5'9" or more,
voluptuous and curvy and without a doubt, the mistress of this grand estate. Behind her, looking a
tad edgy and green around the gills was an extremely tall young man with longish black hair, shot
through with streaks of silver. His deeply tanned complexion, high cheekbones and sharply defined
nose and jawline left no question to his Native American heritage and his physique would have led
one to believe that he was some sort of professional athlete.
The SUV braked to a stop and the driver and a front seat passenger, both dressed in dark blue suits,
leapt into action. The driver went immediately to the back of the vehicle and lifted the huge hatch
and began to retrieve various pieces of luggage, placing them on a trolley that was staged for the task.
The passenger moved directly to the side of the big, black limo-truck and opened two separate doors.
One toward the front was for the mid-seat passengers to exit. The other was a customized wheelchair
lift that began to whir and click as it moved out of the SUV and lowered its charge to the ground
smoothly and efficiently. As the ambulatory passengers disembarked from the mid-section and
shuffled forward hesitantly, the second chauffeur moved to the wheelchair-bound man and wheeled
him off of the platform and toward the waiting group of welcoming residents.
Suddenly, every living soul present stood stock still and nobody was certain what to do next and who
should make the next move.
The young, dark-haired man took the reins and broke the silent freeze when he stepped from behind
his lovely blonde mate and approached the man in the wheelchair. When he stood right in front of
him, the young man knelt and placed his hands on the forearms of the older man. They gazed into
each other's eyes for some time without speaking. Finally, with a look of request and a nod of
acquiescence, the younger reached his arms around the torso of the seated man. The older man lifted
his arms and embraced the young man around his neck, laying his head on the strong shoulder that
had been offered. The younger man stood, bringing his father with him into a standing position.
Jacob embraced and held his father in his arms pressing him close to his body. Billy's feet barely
grazed the pebbled surface of the driveway as his son held him to his heart, burying his face into
Billy's shoulder.
Billy spoke first, but after many minutes, his voice choked with emotion.
"Jacob, I love you son. Thank you for coming back to me. Thank you for living."
Jacob's shoulders shook with the force of Billy's words and the sorrow, bottled up for seven long
years, and he barely managed to speak.
"I've missed you, Dad. I'm so sorry."
"I don't need to hear 'sorry', son. I need to see you healthy, and hear that you're happy. That's all I
require."
With a sob that would buckle the knees of a weaker man, the massive Alpha clasped his father's body
to his own and held the senior Black nearly off the ground for several more minutes. The rest of the
group only stood and looked on. They were thankful that this moment had finally arrived and had
been joyous and not accusatory. Even though they were two halves unacquainted, they didn't seem to
care. The scene before them, of the father and son reunited, was so much more important than
introductions at that moment.
After a few more minutes, Jacob gently lowered his father back into his wheelchair. Still clasping his
father's hand he looked over his shoulder to the blonde that stood with the welcoming group and held
out his other hand to beckon her to him. She slowly stepped toward the pair and reached out to take
Jacob's hand with her own. He pulled her close to his father's chair and she kneeled beside him in
front of his Chief.
"Dad, I want you to meet my mate, the love of my life, my savior, my imprint and my one and only,
and my fiancé. This is Dr. Laura Frederick. Laura, this is my father, Chief William Black of the
Quileute Tribe, please call him Billy."
The doctor reached out and clasped both of the older man's hands in her own and spoke in a soft and
soothing voice.
"Billy, I am so honored to meet you. Jacob has told me many things about you and his family and I
couldn't be more thrilled that you are here with us in our home now."
Billy looked into the deep ocean turquoise eyes in front of him. They were lovely. She was lovely.
And she obviously loved his son very much. That was all he needed to know.
"My child, you are the most beautiful daughter I could have wished for. Thank you for healing and
saving my son's heart. Because of your love, he lives, and because of that, I live. Thank you."
"Oh Billy, because of Jacob, I live. You are welcome and I thank you for allowing me to barge into
your world as I have. I hope I can be of some use to you and your Tribe."
"Child, you have no idea. Jacob, she is a wonder. How did you come to find her and deserve her?"
"Well, Dad, she found me and as far as deserving...I don't know, but I'm not gonna look a gift horse
in the mouth."
Laughing heartily, Billy released Laura's hands and motioned to the rest of the group who had
accompanied him on this momentous trip.
"This is my daughter, Jacob's sister, Rachel and her husband Paul Lahote."
Laura stepped forward to clasp hands with each of them.
"Welcome to our home. I'm so happy to meet you."
After embracing his sister and clasping forearms and shoulders with Paul, Jacob took over the
introductions.
"This is my closest childhood friend, Embry Call, and his wife, Leah Clearwater Call, and their son,
and my godson, Jacob Ephraim Black Call."
Jacob squatted down low as Embry set his tiny son's feet on the pebbled surface. Jacob held out his
arms and the little boy who bore his name ran into his embrace. Jacob wrapped him up and lifted
him to his shoulder, holding his namesake closely, committing his scent to memory. This was the
first pup of the next Pack in La Push and Jacob certainly wasn't going to pass up the chance to scent
and bond with him.
Leah leaned into Embry and placed her lips close to her husband's ear.
"Look at Jake's eyes. The Alpha gold is there all the time and Jeb knew him and had no fear
whatsoever. That's amazing."
"Yeah, Lee, it is. I think our Jake has changed just a bit from the boy we knew 7 years ago."
Laura whispered from the side of her mouth toward Embry and Leah.
"That color's been there off and on for a little while, but it became constant a little over a week ago.
About the time he discovered he could communicate with any other shifter while he was still human."
The Calls both looked at their hostess open-mouthed. She just smiled and nodded.
Jake then directed Laura's attention to the last member of the entourage.
"Laura, last but not least, this is Seth Clearwater, Leah's brother. Before I left Washington, Seth was
the first member of my small Pack. He is my brother in every sense. Seth, this is my mate, Laura."
Seth stepped forward finally from behind the rest of the arrival group. He reached for the doctor's
hand and gripped it in his own. She returned the squeeze and placed her hand gently on his
shoulder.
"Seth, I've heard much about you too. You stood beside Jacob during some of his most difficult
times. I think you are a hero and thank you for your loyalty and love for Jacob."
Seth blushed and was speechless at first. Finally, he shook off his initial embarrassment and looked
into Laura's eyes.
"I don't need thanks, but you're welcome anyway. I only stood by my brother to do what I thought
was the right thing to do. I haven't heard near enough about you, but I want to thank you for saving
my brother and for healing his heart and taking care of him like you have. You are one of our family
now. I'm happy to call you sister."
Jacob reached out and gripped Seth's shoulder and squeezed his proud acceptance to the young wolf.
Laura then stepped to the side to complete the introductions.
"Everyone, this is Marie. She is our chef and can provide anything your heart desires in terms of food
or drink. She has been part of my family for many years, as have all of these folks here and she is
more or less the grandmother I never had. The tallest gentleman you see is Willikins. He is our
butler and can take care of any needs you may have. On the end down there, is Barney. He is the
brains and heart of the estate. He takes care of the day to day running of everything, the stables
especially. We have horses and some other livestock that might interest you. But for now, please,
everyone, come inside and let's get comfortable for a while before dinner."
Just then, Marie stepped forward and addressed the group though she directed her comments to
Laura.
"S'cusi Mistress...I have something I'd like to offer Chief Black if he is amenable."
"What is that Marie?"
"Well, it's this..."
At that moment, Barney, who had slipped into a side alcove of the front porch, rolled forward in a
motorized wheelchair and came to a stop in front of a dumbfounded Billy.
"This was my husband's chair Chief Black. It's state of the art, and quite useful I think for getting
around on the estate. I would be honored if you would use it while you're here with us. I think it
might make your stay more comfortable and enjoyable."
The Chief stared at the chair and then at Marie, his mouth open in awe. Jacob stepped to him again
and reached down and around his torso, one arm slipping under his father's legs lifting him up and
sliding him into the special chair. Billy simply gazed mesmerized by the elaborate controls on the
arms and then again up to the little European lady.
"Madam, this is the most wondrous gift I've ever received. I don't know how to thank you."
"There's no need Sir. My husband has been with the angels for some time now and I know he would
be pleased that someone will be getting some use out of this contraption. That is what he called it at
first. He soon came to think of it as his Rolls Royce limo and would take no flak toward it. Just move
that joystick forward, left/right, or backward and you can take your time to learn the rest of what this
thing will do later. Now if everyone is ready, dinner will be served in about 45 minutes."
Laura spread her arms wide, encompassing the group and the surrounding estate.
"Mi casa es su casa! Come in everyone. Willikins, we're heading to the parlor for cocktails and then
we'll move to the dining room. Please, everyone, follow Willikins. Your luggage will be placed in
your rooms if anyone wants to freshen up before dinner, he can lead you to your spot."
She moved close to Jacob, pulling on his arm so he would lean down to her and placed her lips close
to his ear.
"I've done a very bad thing."
He looked closely at her, cocking an eyebrow and pulling up the corner of his mouth.
"What have you done my little one?"
"I've had a duplicate of that chair delivered to Billy's house in La Push."
Jacob stopped dead in his tracks and stared at his mate, shock etched on his face.
"I don't know what to say. What do I do with you? You are outta control!"
"I may be out of control and there's probably no hope or help for that, but I have some suggestions of
what you can do with me."
Jacob snorted and reached down to wrap a long arm around Laura's waist, hoisting her off the
ground and holding her to his side.
"I really don't need any encouragement or suggestions to help me think of what to do with you in that
department baby. But you will have to learn that surprises like expensive gifts are not always gonna
be received easily."
"I know. But I can't help it. This is a first and one-time thing, I promise. I think your Dad is going to
love that chair and this way, he won't hesitate to come and visit in the future. You see, I have ulterior
motives, always. You can see your Dad more often."
"C'mere Honey. I want to ravish your neck."
"Ahhh! Not now Jacob! We have guests waiting in the parlor. Later, later."
"That's a promise."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~EIDN~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Later, as the group was back in the parlor and moving out to the patio with after-dinner drinks, wine
and coffee, Paul finally broached the subject that had been danced around all evening.
"So, Jake, tell us. You're the Big Shot Alpha now huh?"
Jacob froze for a moment. Laura reached over and slipped her arm around his waist where they
stood in front of a huge fire pit. She squeezed him offering him what reassurance she could. He
smiled down at her gratefully, acknowledging her strength that was helping him to maintain his cool.
"Yeah, Paul, we're gonna need to talk about that. It's not something I ever expected, but it's
something that has happened and there's no getting around it. There's some sort of prophecy about
an Alpha, a leader that arises and leads the shifter world in some epic battle. I don't understand all of
it, but it appears that it's me. I know, I know, don't ask me. It just fell in my lap. So here we are. I'm
getting mental connections and communications from all over the freakin' world, doesn't matter what
country, I can understand 'em, and they're all lookin' to me for guidance. It's one reason I'm not
comin' back to La Push."
"WHAT?!"
"What do you mean you're not comin' back? You have to come home now Jake!"
"No Rachel, I'm sorry. I have to stay here. And it doesn't matter where I am as far as leading the
shifter community."
"Jacob, the Tribe has been waiting for you to come home and take up the mantle of Chief."
"I know that Dad. But I'm afraid this is bigger than the Tribe. I am the Alpha, no alternatives there
and I have decided to stay with my mate at her home. I'm not leaving Colorado. To be honest, I hope
I can persuade some of you to stay here with us permanently."
"Stay here?"
"Yep. Stay here. The Pack back home is big enough to spare some of its members and I want some
backup and reinforcements here on the estate. Whaddaya say Embry, Leah? Would you guys be
interested in raising young Jeb in the Rocky Mountains?"
Embry and Leah were speechless. Leah clutched a sleeping Jeb to her chest as Embry wrapped his
arm around her shoulders. They both regarded Jacob somberly.
"Jake, it's not something either of us considered. Though I know Leah thought about leaving
Washington years ago, before we got together. We'd have to discuss it and hash out all the pros and
cons."
"I understand bud. I just wanted to extend the invitation. And Paul, if you and Rachel are amenable,
you are also invited to stay here, but I actually have another possibility that might suit you two
better."
"What's that Jake?"
"Dad, you remember when you told me years ago that before I was born; you and Mom were
concerned that you might not have any sons?"
"Yes, I remember."
"You said that there was an amendment recorded in the Tribal Council charter that allowed a
bloodline female to lead the Tribe along with a bloodline male as her mate."
"That's right Jacob. Oh, I see."
"Rachel, you're a Black. That's one of the central bloodlines. Paul, you're from the Uley bloodline.
Dad, Paul and Rachel could lead the Tribe as Chieftain and First Female."
"Have you lost your mind?"
"No Paul, I haven't. I think you and Rachel would make a terrific leading couple for the Tribe. You
both have the blood, the will, the knowledge, and Dad to advise you in a pinch. There's also Old Quil
and Sue Clearwater along with the other Council members."
"Daddy, did you know about this?"
"Rachel, Honey, I knew about the charter document. I didn't know Jacob was going to step aside and
nominate you and Paul to take my place when I retire. But, I'll tell you this baby girl. I can't think of
anyone better to lead our people after I step down and I think you and Paul should give it serious
consideration. What do you say Paul?"
"I don't know what to say Billy, Sir. But if you think we can handle it, then I guess we can. Rachel
and I will need coaching so you'll have your work cut out for you when we get home."
"No problem son. No problem."
"Okay then! That settles one issue. Embry and Leah, you guys talk it over and let me know before
the end of your visit and that will only leave two more for me to invite."
"Who else Jake?"
"Seth and Quil."
"Me?"
"Yep Seth. I'd be honored if you'd stay in Boulder and be part of my Pack. You were the first to
follow me back then when I had to split off and I owe you buddy."
"You don't owe me anything Jake. Like I told you back then, it was the right thing to do."
"Well okay then, but will you stay?"
"If you want me, you got me. Sorry Leah, you don't get to get rid of your pesky little brother after all."
"What makes you think we're gonna be together?"
"Cause I know you and I know Embry. You don't have to discuss it. I know you'll both decide to
stay."
"Oh shut up! Jake, Seth and I may make you sorry about these invitations."
"I don't think so Leah. To be honest with you, the only person I'm worried about is your mother. Sue
will want to skin me alive for seducing both of her children to another state."
"Yeah, you're right. Mom will need some convincing. Billy can help us there."
"I can. I'll use my powers of persuasion on her. And if that doesn't work, I'll get her drunk and order
her as Chief to stand down."
"Now, about Quil."
"Yeah, Jake, Quil's a whole other situation."
"I know. What's his status with Claire? How old is she now?"
"She's 10 Jake. And she's adorable and out of control. She told Quil to get lost last week. He's so
bummed out he can hardly come to work.""
"Hmm, I see. So if I want Quil here, I will need to have Claire too. Assuming she hasn't pushed him
away entirely by the time she's 18."
"I don't know dude. Some time away from him might be just what she needs to snap her out of it. He
could come for an extended visit and you two could talk, reconnect and see if he thinks it would work
out to bring her out here someday."
"Okay, sounds like a plan. Embry, Quil has told me there are three in training to run the garage. Will
they be able to handle it like you guys want them to?"
"I think they will. Honestly, if Quil and I both move to Colorado, we'll just hand the garage over to
the pups and let them be the main owners. They can make their own way with it. And Jake, I think if
need be, Quil can travel back and forth to see Claire. Some distance between them might really be a
good thing."
"Okay then. I'll get him on a plane in the next few weeks and we'll see what happens."
"Okay everybody. That's gotta be enough shop talk for tonight. I know you all must be tired from
your travel. Let Willikins show you to your rooms and we'll all get some rest. Sleep as late as you
want. There's no schedule, no plans. Just relax and visit and we'll have plenty of time for tours and
sight-seeing later. Oh Jacob! Don't step back babe! You've got a shadow!"
"What? Oh! Hey little bit! Everyone, this little princess is Jasmine. She's my new puppy and she
loves her big, bad Alpha. Don't you Little Jas-Minnie?"
"I don't believe it! Jake Black? With a puppy?! A dachshund puppy! A girl dachshund puppy!
Named Jasmine?!"
"What can I say? I've been through some changes. That's an understatement really. My life has
taken a different and new direction and I have embraced it whole-heartedly. Come up here little girl.
You have some new family members to meet."
"Hey, who are all these people? Do they wanna pet me too?"