Sorry It's taken so long for me to update. Life has been busy as of late. I have a few chapters finished for this story, just haven't had time to double check and post them. I hope you like this one. Please let me know what you think. It's hard to find motivation to continue writing when I get no feedback.
As always, I don't own...
Enjoy!
Kira POV
I had mixed feelings about the meeting as I shifted and joined Seth in the woods. There were a few intense moments, but for the most part, it had gone well. At the very least, Sam now knew more about the people he was born to call enemies, and I knew more about those mysterious Native Americans who made the treaty with Carlisle so many years ago. One thing I was very pleased with was the fact that I was able to gently make my point about my family being very important to me and that he did not want to be enemies with me. I kinda liked the idea of the pack/family mentality his wolves shared and I really didn't feel good about the possibility of fighting them in the future. I could only hope that my presence would give them pause if they ever decided to attack. Fighting vampires was one thing, but fighting a fellow shapeshifter was entirely different. They had issues with Vampires only, not shapeshifters who happened to by kin to vampires.
I was jolted out of my deep thoughts by Seth as he stopped in front of me so suddenly that I almost slammed into him. He seemed to be pointing to a path along the border that lead in the direction of the water. It was away from where he should have been taking me. Without warning, he started to sprint away down the path.
I chuckled in my tiger voice and sprinted after him. He wanted to run.
We ran, the wolf staying only inches ahead of me. We zigzagged around trees and jumped over bushes and and fallen logs. It was exhilarating. It had been a long time since I had ran for just the shear pleasure of running. We ran until we came to a cliff, which dropped sharply as it met the water. We stopped, both panting, and looked out over the evening sky. The red of the soon to be setting sun made the soft clouds take on a pinkish hue. It was breathtaking.
I sat next to Seth and nudged him with my nose. He seemed to understand my appreciation and replied with a wolfy laugh. I couldn't help but laugh back. We sat for around 30 minutes, just enjoying the view and breathing in the fresh air. All too soon, Seth got up, stretched, then turned to head back to our original destination. He seemed annoyed by something. I could only guess that another of his pack was now in wolf form and was wondering why Seth had yet to return. It had to be interesting to have the minds of all those other people constantly in your head when shifted. I was thankful Edward was the only person who could read my mind. I was also thankful that I had learned to shield my thoughts from my uncle to a point. It took concentration and practice, but it could be done, if you stayed focused enough. That was one benefit of being more/less eternal...you had alot of time to learn how to focus.
We reluctantly turned back the way we came and headed to our original destination. We kept a leisurely pace and didn't frolic the way we had on the trip to the cliffs. As we approach the line, I could feel someone waiting. Upon arrival, we found Carlisle leaning casually against a tree, reading a soft cover book. He was dressed in jeans and a T-shirt. It was very unCarlisle like, since he usually dressed more formal to pull off the older age he was suppose to be. How else do you make a man who hasn't aged since 23 look like he's over 30? He must have had the day off from work. At our arrival, he closed the book and approached us with a warm smile on his face.
We stopped at the line, both of us out of breath. I shoulder bumped Seth, then turned back to my human form. I beamed down at him, scratching his neck gently. "Thanks for the run, Seth, we should do it again sometime."
Seth barked in agreement, nodded in Carlisle's direction in acknowledgment and sprinted off back home. I sighed, and joined Carlisle on our side of the line.
"Having fun?" He asked, giving me a half hug.
"Seth and I took a little detour to the cliffs. I haven't ran like that in a long time. It was fun. The only reason we came back so soon was I think someone in his pack was screaming in Seth's head. They don't fully trust me, I think."
Carlisle had an understanding look on his face. "Yeah, Seth Clearwater is only 16 years old. They were probably checking to see why he didn't just run you back here, then come right home." We walked human speed towards home. I now knew why Carlisle had been the one to come and retrieve me. The peace between the pack and our family was very important to him. "Trust is earned and neither side has had the opportunity to do so. At least not yet."
I smiled up at my grandfather. "Today was a step in the right direction, though. I think we both walked away with a much better understanding of each other. I mean, you can't blame them for their anxiety, it's a good thing for them to be on their guard around vampires. Let's face it, a large share of your kind would be a threat to their people. They just need to tone down on the good vamps and keep their eyes open for the bad ones. But I guess when all your life you've been told stories about the evil 'Cold Ones', it will make you suspicious of all vampires."
"Which is why you are the perfect spokesperson for the family with the La Push pack. Let's get home. I'm guessing by the rumbling of your stomach that dinner is in order."
I nodded sharply in agreement, jumped to my customary vampire riding position on Carlisle's back, and we were off towards home.
Seth's POV
That was Fun!
I could never get any of the pack to run like that with me. They were such party poopers. It was always, vampire this, patrol that...they never stopped to enjoy the fact that they could turn into a wild animal! They just didn't take the time to do what now came naturally to us.
To be honest, I wasn't sure if she'd go for it at first, but I think my energy was contagious. I took her to one of my favorite spots. The open air was exhilarating and the view was incredible. The guys would have ragged on my for thinking the spot was beautiful, but since it was my father who said to appreciate all the beauty nature had to offer, the guys kept their mouths shut. Kira seemed to enjoy the view as much as I did. In fact, we'd probably have stayed longer if it wasn't for Paul. Jackass that he was, he phased, found out I was frolicking with 'the enemy' and told on me to Sam and Jacob. He just had to ruin my fun. Sam phased and told me to get Kira dropped off and return home. He didn't stay phased long enough for me to argue.
The Doc was there when we finally got to the border. I almost didn't recognize him from the night before. He looked so young dressed the way he was. He looked to be almost Sam's age! In the field I would have swore he was at least 30.
That train of thought was quickly derailed when Kira shifted, then started to scratch my neck. I just couldn't get over how good it felt to be scratched there. I could now see why dogs liked it so much.
As I turned to go home, I realized something. It didn't matter what Sam thought of Kira or her family. I knew I liked her. I liked her alot.
When I arrived back home, Sam and Jacob were waiting for me. I quickly phased, put some shorts on and joined them on Sam's porch. They didn't look too mad.
"So how goes the frolicking?" Jacob snickered.
"It was great!" I answered honestly. "Much more fun than running with you guys. Besides, I like Kira. I think she's nice."
"She is." Sam agreed. "She's also fiercely loyal to her family. I'm relieved she's fighting on our side for this one. A fight with her would be difficult to walk away from unscathed, I think."
Sam paused, still deep in thought. The prospect of fighting Kira bothered him. Did this mean that attacking the Cullen's had actually crossed his mind? The idea made me shiver. Sam tossed his head slightly, then looked back at me, his previous thoughts put aside.
"Go ahead and go home, Seth. Get some sleep. Jacob, Embry and Quil will attend the training tonight. You did good today."
I smiled, nodded, then trotted off home. I prayed Leah hadn't heard about my run yet. She could be a real bitch when it came to those around her being cheerful or having fun...
Hope you liked. Will try and post another chapter later this weekend. (Also hope to get a chance to see the new Eclipse movie this weekend too. Woo Hoo! Also gotta see the Last Airbender, since the actor who places Jasper is in it. Gotta love it.)
