Everything Is Different Now
Chapter 26
July 3, 2013
JPOV
The next few days were busy and fulfilling. My father and I had a chance to have several long
overdue private conversations. He told me that he understood why I left and why I didn't come back
right away. He wanted to know why I stayed out of touch and under the radar for so many years. I
couldn't answer him. I didn't know. All I could give him was the excuse that part of the time I was
out of it and didn't know who or where I was. Some of the time, I told him, I was quite simply being
held prisoner and I wasn't allowed to leave my room, much less have any contact with anyone outside
the facility.
Laura had told me a day or two before our guests arrived, that if anyone asked me about those years
and why I'd been so completely out of touch, to send them to her for answers. She wouldn't tell me
what that was all about, but she just smiled at me seductively and promised to field those questions
for me. She said it was something the Wolf had asked her to take care of and that I should just accept
that as an order from the front office. By now, I had learned that if it was something that the Wolf
and Laura had discussed while I was out of it, I was banging my head against a wall if I thought I
would get details of their conversations. Apparently, that was part of the bargain of him talking to
her. She shouldn't share the info with me until a later date. She didn't know when and she couldn't
tell me anything else. Okay then. I'd be good. I'd be patient. Well, I'd try.
While Dad and I were talking one afternoon, he suddenly looked past me and a big grin broke out on
his face. I turned to look over my shoulder and saw Laura walking toward us carrying Jeb up high on
her waist. Damn, she sure did look sexy with a baby on her hip. Someday, that would be our child. I
knew it in my heart. Jeb had both his little arms stretched out toward me, a big nearly toothless grin
on his face and he was laughing and babbling in excitement. I stood and he nearly launched himself
out of Laura's arms into mine. I leaned down to snag a quick kiss from her and she told me it was
actually his dinner time but Leah wanted me to come help coax him to eat since I seemed to have
some serious influence over the little fella, especially at mealtime. I don't know what it was. Embry
tried the airplane and the choo-choo with very little luck; but when I picked up the spoon and
scooped some peas or carrots or applesauce toward the little guy, he leaned forward with his mouth
wide open.
"You see Mr. and Mrs. Call, this right here; this is why you have to stay with us. If you go back to
Washington, your son will starve."
Leah and Embry could only shake their heads and smile at their little one. It seemed as if he had
made the decision for them. Fine by me. Whatever it took.
While I was inside, Laura sat down on the wall surrounding the koi pond and was deep in
conversation with Billy when I finally returned to them. Laura reached for Billy's hand and gave it a
squeeze before rising to her feet. He grabbed her hand before she could back away and pulled her
down into a hug and kissed her cheek, whispering something into her ear before releasing her. She
nodded and smiled at him, then turned and tip-toed to kiss me before retreating into the house. I
cocked an eyebrow at my dad and gave him a questioning look.
"She was just sharing some background information with me. I'll not need to ask again where you
were all those years and why you were lost to us for so long. It's alright son."
I scrunched my eyebrows together and turned to see the cute little backside of my mate disappearing
into the back porch sunroom. I looked back to my dad and could only shake my head at the knowing
and smug smile on his face. I'd find out what was going on all in good time. I wasn't in such a hurry
anymore, about anything. This was good.
July 20, 2013
JPOV
I'd gotten all my wishes. Leah and Embry and little Jeb made a quick trip back to Washington to
gather personal belongings and flew back to Boulder within a week. We moved the three of them into
the west wing that had been my quarters when I first came from Portland. The suite was perfect for
them. The bedroom was large and had a sitting area big enough to convert half of it into a nursery.
The bathroom was huge and there were two walk-in closets. Leah was beside herself and when Laura
and Marie stepped up with baby things that had been Laura's and Marie's granddaughter's, little Jeb
was properly outfitted, as any first pup should be, although Embry and I both cringed at the
overabundance of pink in the new wardrobe. Leah and Laura both growled at both of us informing
us that Jeb would outgrow the entire complement of clothing long before the pink could have any
'adverse effect' on his little macho psyche. We tried to tell them that wasn't the point but they waved
their hands and dismissed the both of us unceremoniously. My mate and her chef also volunteered
babysitting and tutoring duties and poor little Jeb was destined to be home schooled to within an
inch of his life. He couldn't have done any better. Between the two of them and Embry and me, and
for that matter everyone else on the estate, our godson would be educated in the classics, history,
mathematics, engineering, animal husbandry, gardening, farming, small engine repair, large engine
repair, aquaculture, a handful of languages, the list went on and on. He'd be pretty badly spoiled too,
so we'd have to be careful when it came to teaching him how to treat others and what respect, loyalty
and honor was all about. I was certain he'd turn out just fine. As would any other children that lived
with us. I hoped someday that would include Laura's and mine.
Dad went home with Paul and Rachel and immediately scheduled a conference with the Council of
Elders. It wasn't a quiet meeting, but the end result was what we had hoped. The little known entry
in the original Tribal Charter was added when the Reservation had been established and concerned
the alternative to a single Chief, a male, leading the Tribe. A female of the Chief's blood, and her
mate of one of the original bloodlines, was laid out as a perfectly acceptable alternative. The male
would be called a Chieftain and the woman, the First Female. It was an obscure law, written without
a thought that it would ever be invoked, that provided for a leader if a Chief had no male children.
The Council argued that Billy did have a male child and that he was required to return to La Push and
take up the mantle of Chief. It took a while, but Billy and Rachel and the rest of the Pack finally
convinced them that there was absolutely nothing under the sun or moon that would persuade me to
return to Washington to live permanently. I'd be happy to come for a visit and I'd always be available
to consult on any topic if Paul or Rachel wanted to bounce an idea off of me. But that was as far as I
was willing to take it and that was final.
July 29, 3013
Sue Clearwater Swan was a different story entirely. I was right about her wanting to skin me alive. In
a demonstration of foolhardiness and possessing a death wish of epic proportions, I invited Sue to
visit Colorado with Seth when he came back to join us permanently. While I waited for them to
arrive from the airport, I reflected on the irony of the situation. I had ended up in Colorado partially
because of the actions of Charlie Swan's daughter. Now, Charlie's stepson was coming to live in
Colorado with me and that was indirectly tied to the actions of Charlie's daughter. It was Seth's and
my connection to Bella that was the catalyst for our current status. Not that we phased because of
Bella, that was on the Cullens entirely, but because of Bella's decisions, Seth became my first Pack
member and I eventually fled from the snake pit of Bella's world and ended up here. Now it felt like I
was simply calling Seth back into the fold to fight beside me once more.
The SUV pulled up and parked and I took a deep, steadying breath and stepped forward to open the
rear passenger door. Seth's huge muscular form shot out of the back seat like he was on fire and
rushed past me toward the back of the vehicle to begin retrieving their luggage. I muttered under my
breath in his direction 'traitor' and 'chicken' and extended my hand into the vehicle. A strong yet
feminine copper-colored hand, bare of ornamentation save a gold wedding band, placed itself into my
palm. I plastered my biggest grin on my face as Sue stepped from the SUV and straightened up to
meet my gaze. I edged back a half step, and nearly swallowed my tongue. I didn't have to bend down
or lean over at all to see her face. Was she always this tall? She was taller than Laura and maybe
even taller than Leah. And who knew that dark brown eyes could actually be 'icy'? Don't you need
blue or gray eyes to do the 'icy' thing?
"Sue, welcome to Boulder. I hope you guys had a comfortable flight."
"It was alright I guess. If delivering my son hundreds of miles from home so he can abandon his
family can be called comfortable."
"Aw jeez, Sue. It's not like that. Seth's important to my family here too. He can come back to
Washington anytime, you know that. You can come here anytime you like. Think of it like Seth's
going off to school or taking an out of town job. It's kinda like he's joined the military and this is boot
camp. He's training for an important mission. How does that sound?"
"It sounds like you hired a spin doctor to help you put a glossy spit shine on that load of crap."
"Mom!"
"No Seth, it's okay. I deserve her wrath. You're her baby boy, you always will be, and I'm stealing you
away and I'm sure it feels permanent. But Sue, I promise you, it's not. I need Seth's help now. But
I'm not chaining him to a tree in the back yard. He's free to be wherever he wants to be, once our
mission is completed."
"And do you have a timeline for that accomplishment, Mister?"
"Not exactly."
"Uh huh, thought so."
"It's only because we aren't certain what the mission is, how it's to be done and when we're supposed
to begin."
"You sound pretty clueless there Jacob Black. Some Alpha you're turning out to be."
"Okay Mom, that's enough. Ease up. Jake's been blindsided by this responsibility and he's dealing
with a pretty damn steep learning curve."
"Watch your mouth son. I'm giving Jacob a hard time now to get it out of my system. I'll come to
grips with this situation eventually. It's what mothers are good at. But I still don't like it."
"Fair enough Sue. I'll keep Seth for a while and send him back in one piece, promise. Deal?"
She looked at me hard. She stared a hole right through me. I've never felt so naked in my whole life.
"Deal. Now, come here and give me a hug little boy. I haven't seen you in 7 years either."
I zipped my lip on the 'little boy' comment. Sue Clearwater had been the closest thing to a mother I'd
had for many years. I loved her like family and I wrapped my arms around her and squeezed her
tight. She squeezed tightly right back and then reached up and tugged on a strand of my nearly
shoulder-length hair.
"You've gotten pretty shaggy in 7 years' time. Just because you've gotten bigger and buffer and oh so
important shouldn't make you immune to a pair of scissors."
"Yes Ma'am. But, ya know..."
I placed my mouth right to her ear and whispered.
"My girlfriend really likes it this way."
That got the first smile out of her. I breathed a slow sigh. Maybe I'd come out of this visit with all my
parts intact and still contained within my skin after all.
"When do I get to meet this mystery miracle-worker?"
"Right now. Welcome Mrs. Swan. I'm Laura Frederick."
"Well, hello. Jacob, Seth said she was really pretty. I think he undersold the package. Honey, you
are stunning!"
"Oh golly! I knew I was gonna love Leah and Seth's mom. Come with me. We're gonna commune
over a cup of tea. Boys, you have a meeting in the barn with Phillip and Barney. Leah and Embry are
already there. Jeb is with Marie. Mrs. Swan, it's just you and me now. I hope you like chamomile or
English Breakfast."
"Love 'em both, and it's Sue my dear. Bye Jacob, bye son. Lead the way my lady."
As the two women turned toward the door, Laura reached up to give me a sweet kiss and a wink. She
linked her arm into Sue's and they retreated into the house. Seth and I both stood there for several
moments, our mouths hanging open.
"Damn!"
"Couldn't have said it better myself, Seth. Come on, let's head to the barn."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~EIDN~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Seth and I could only grin at each other and shake our heads as we made our way out to the stables. I
think he was as impressed with my mate as I was. She never failed to amaze me with her ways. She
could charm the wings off a dragonfly I swear.
When we reached the barn, Embry, Leah, Phillip and Barney were laughing it up and having a big
time, like they were long lost best friends. Hmm, must be a shifter thing. They all sobered up a bit
when Seth and I came in and Phillip appeared to steel himself for a speech. I looked at him in
anticipation, encouragement on my face.
"Tell me what's going on Phillip."
"Yes Alpha. Um, I mean Jacob. Sorry. I'll become accustomed to that soon I'm certain."
"Don't worry about it. Call me whatever comes into your mind first. I trust you to call me when you
need me and not before. I know you can handle things Phillip."
"Thank you Jacob. Your confidence in me is certainly gratifying. Well, we've had some
communications from our ranks in Eastern Europe. Many of the legends originated there, for the
shape shifters as well as the vampires. Of course, we've all heard the stories of Vlad the Impaler."
I screwed up my face and then ducked my head and smiled. Phillip's expression sobered me up
instantly.
"He's not still around is he?"
"That's not known Sir. Assumptions are always risky. There is no record of his death that I would
call definitive. It was recorded that he was assassinated in 1476 or 1477. That long ago, anything can
be called into question. There is no record of his actual destruction, the elimination of his physical
body. If he's not gone, then the legends are true and he's ancient and in charge. That much we have
heard from our contacts that have lived in that area for many years. There are multiple legends that
we need to discuss with you, and of course your friends."
"I hope you can all work together Phillip. Leah, Embry and Seth are all family to me. That makes
them yours and Barney's family as well. We need to all phase together to set the connection I think."
"That would be an excellent idea, Laddie. I'd be willin' to say we're all in need of a good run through
the trees, wouldn't you Missus?"
"That sounds like a great idea, Barney is it? My brother and my husband are always looking for
excuses to go for a wilderness tour. I suppose you and your 'brother' are the same way."
"That's just right, Lass. We'll take the three o' ye on a tour of our lands and ye'll fall in love with it
just like we did years ago. Colorado'll get under yer skin, I kin promise ye."
"Okay, okay, tour group schedules aside, Phillip, tell me what you've learned from Eastern Europe."
"We will band together with all shifters around the world, and we will wipe out all vampires once and
for all."
"WHAT?"
"That's the legend Sir. An Alpha will arise. His heritage is from the New World and young in
comparison to Europe, Asia and the other continents. He will resist and fight his destiny in the
beginning. He will be broken by one he believes to be his love, his true mate. He will be shackled to
one for whom he was not meant and for whom he has no love and he will escape. He will endure
painful trials, tribulations and imprisonment. He will be rescued by a human woman who will
become his mate. He will lead his legions from HER HOME and the vampires will be annihilated.
They will be erased from the Earth."
Leah, Embry, Seth and I just stared at him and then at each other. Those were the legends from the
other side of the world? They described my life. It made my blood run cold in my veins. This was all
predestined?
"Sir? Are you alright?"
"Yeah, yeah Phillip. I'm okay. This is identical..."
"To your life, yes Alpha, I realize that. This is confirmed every day when we hear from more shifters
in all corners of the world. Your story has been foretold for centuries. There are similar tales from
Asia and Africa. Even Australia and New Zealand have a legend that perfectly parallels your history,
it comes from the Aborigines. Your time is now Jacob. Our time is now. We are all, ALL, here with
you to see this battle to its natural conclusion. All we have to do is follow the legends. And follow
you."
Seth, Leah and Embry looked at me with wide eyes. I imagine they never dreamed their little bro
Jacob would be in this position. God knows I never imagined it.
"What are we supposed to do Phillip?"
"That part, Alpha, is what's confusing Barney and me along with all the shifters in Boulder County
and all your followers around the globe. It sounds too easy and we are afraid we don't completely
understand what's to be done."
"That's certainly comforting. Come on guys, tell me what they're saying."
"Well ye see Lad, the legends aren't exactly letter perfect with each other, but they tend to agree on
how the battle is to be fought and what the outcome will be. It almost seems as if it's a 'foregone
conclusion' as Philly would like ta call it."
"Phillip, you need to spell this out before my head explodes."
"Yes Sir. You see,...it's simply a question of...this will sound preposterous I'm sure..."
"WILLIKINS!"
"YES, ALPHA! A lead shifter in each region of the world will identify the lead vampire in that region.
While they are in contact with you, THE ALPHA, they destroy that vampire. All the others in the
region will turn to dust. They will cease to exist."
"Okay, that's a cartoon version of what needs to happen, right? It can't be that simple!"
"Sir, I swear to you, we have been talking to your shifters around the world for days. We believe this
is the final solution. The 'battle' need only last as long as it takes to destroy one vampire in each
region and that vampire can be attacked by all the shifters in the area. The one caution is..."
"Okay, I knew it, this is the real information we need..."
"...that Lead Vampire will be guarded and defended by his minions. The other vampires in his
region will defend their leader, just as we would defend you."
And that was the problem wasn't it? That was what we were really up against. All the vamps in a
particular region would defend the head vamp. We'd have to plan and develop a strategy to attack in
such a way that the leader would be unprotected, defenseless; other than his own personal defenses.
This would take some planning. This would take all of us.