Wolves of the Pacific

by greenpeach20

In 1902, Renesmee Cullen grew tired of the tedious life of moving around with her family and decided to make the journey west as a mail order bride. Yet a chance encounter with a reddish brown wolf would change her life forever.

61. Chapter 61

Chapter 61

After Kevin stared at Amber from afar for a minute, he finally crossed the street and walked over to the café. But she seemed to be engrossed in a conversation with her friends and he didn't want to interrupt her. So he took a seat outside but further away and grabbed a newspaper off the table beside him and started reading about something that happened locally. A waitress came over and smiled kindly at him.

"Good afternoon, sir. My name is Eliza and I'll be your server. What can I get for you?"

"Some coffee with sugar, please. Also," Kevin pointed at the table where Amber and her friends sat. "I'll be paying their tab."

"Theirs?" Eliza repeated and pointed at the table to make sure she had the right one.

"Yes, theirs," Kevin smiled.

"Alright, sir, I will get you a coffee and their tab," the waitress smiled and walked away with Kevin's order. He got back to reading the paper only looking up to thank Eliza and to occasionally glance at Amber's table. Eventually the waitress walked to their table to collect their plates and one of the young ladies asked for the check. "Oh, no, you're alright, miss. That gentleman over there took care of it," she said, pointing in Kevin's direction, before walking away with the plates. Kevin kept his eyes on the paper while all three women looked over their shoulder towards Kevin. The other two didn't recognize him, but Amber did in an instant and couldn't believe she'd only just now noticed him.

"Who is that?" one of the girls asked and looked at the other. "Do you know him?"

"I haven't the vaguest idea," she responded and looked at Amber, who was still looking at Kevin. "Do you know who he is?" Upon being asked the question, Amber turned back around to look at her friends and nodded.

"That's Sgt. Kevin Black," she said, suddenly bringing her hand up to her star he'd given her and playing with it between her fingers.

"Wait!" the girl to Amber's left, Dahlia, said. "THE Sgt. Black?"

"You mean the Sgt. Black that rescued you at Chateau Thierry?" her other friend sitting across from her, Gertrude, asked.

"Yes, that Sgt. Black," Amber said meekly, still a little shocked. Her friends looked at Kevin again, still reading the paper and looked at Amber.

"He's a lot more handsome than I pictured," Gertrude said. "He looks so young!"

"He's 21," Amber said.

"Just 21?! Didn't you say he was a sergeant that won a Medal?" Gertrude asked.

"A Medal of Honor, yes," Amber nodded.

"Oh, wow," Dahlia said. "That would make him…..he would've only been 14 when America joined the war wasn't he?"

"He was 13," Amber corrected. Suddenly, Dahlia and Gertrude both swooned and placed their chins on their hands as if they were daydreaming.

"He's so handsome," Dahlia said.

"I wish I'd had a soldier rescue me," Gertrude continued. "Mother would certainly love him."

"Is he Jewish?" Dahlia asked.

"No, he's Catholic actually," Amber said. Dahlia and Gertrude both squirmed, but it was short lived.

"That's a shame," Dahlia said. "Otherwise I'd walk up to him and attempt to woo him." Amber stared at Dahlia, making sure not to stare at her meanly.

"What does he do for a living?" Gertrude asked.

"He's a Lawyer," Amber said and both girls were very pleased with the answer.

"Oh, a lawyer," Dahlia swooned again. "That's a good job to have."

"Amber, why in God's name are you still talking to us? Go say hello to him!" Gertrude said. Rather nervously, Amber nodded and stood from her chair. She wasn't sure why she was nervous. Excited, obviously, but she was nervous this time and it was a bizarre feeling. She straightened out her skirt, played with her hair a second until Dahlia and Gertrude told her she was acceptable and finally she walked over to the table Kevin sat at. When she was standing right before him, he finally put down the paper and looked at her and, suddenly, Amber realized why she was so nervous all of a sudden.

"Hello, Kevin," she finally managed. After the words left her lips, she immediately felt stupid. Two years since they last saw each other. Two years! And all she could manage was 'Hello'. Regardless, Kevin smiled at her and butterflies fluttered in her stomach.

"Hi, Amber," he said. "You're shorter than the last time I saw you. You're shrinking, Amber. What's the matter?" he teased and Amber finally giggled.

"Stop," she said and tucked her hair behind her ears. "I didn't know you were coming to visit."

"I know. I asked your parents not to say anything."

"They knew?" Amber asked wide eyed and, suddenly, rather mad at her parents for not telling her.

"Yeah. I wanted to surprise you, but I didn't want to be rude and invite myself over without telling them."

"So you're staying with us?" Amber asked hopefully.

"So long as I'm welcome," Kevin said.

"Of course you are," Amber said eagerly. "Did you get the picture of the shop?"

"Yes, I did. Congratulations to you. You both worked really hard for that."

"We did," Amber smiled and held her head down shyly a moment. Then she realized her friends were still alone at the table. "Did you want to come sit with us?"

"Absolutely," Kevin smiled and put the paper down on the table and took out some money and placed it on the check, took his suitcases and walked to the table.

"Dahlia, Gertrude," Amber said when they were standing before the table. "This is Sergeant Kevin William Black." Kevin smiled a little more at the formal introduction and was even flattered she remembered his middle name. "Kevin, these are my friends Dahlia Keitz and Gertrude Esselstyne."

"Hello," Dahlia and Gertrude responded with a wave. Amber invited Kevin to sit and they all sat down together and talked.

"So, Sergeant," Dahlia continued. "Amber has told us quite a bit about you."

"She's told me a bit about you as well assuming you're the friends from school she's referring to," Kevin smiled and they both looked impressed.

"I must say, you're German is excellent," Gertrude said. "Is your family German?"

"No, my mother is English and Scottish. My father is a Quileute Indian. I learned German from a good friend and business partner of mine that I met at University."

"You went to Yale did you not?" Dahlia asked.

"I did," Kevin nodded and both ladies smiled.

"I hear that's one of the finest schools in the country where you live."

"One of the finest schools in the world," Kevin corrected confidently. "You all attend senior school, correct?"

"We do, yes," Gertrude smiled. "Please, Sgt. Black, tell us about how you won the Medal of Honor. That's what it was, right? Amber explained it as the American version of the Iron Cross."

"Yes, it's a medal awarded to those that exhibited extraordinary bravery. Very few earn it. I earned mine because I saved my sergeant's and lieutenant's lives in the heat of battle and I treated a comrade's wound when he'd been shot in the leg. That's how I was able to attend Yale as well. The lieutenant who's life I saved, Lt. McCarthy, is son to the Dean of the university and he convinced his father to give me a spot."

"Oh wow," Dahlia said. "That is very lucky to be sure. Amber said you were 13 when you joined the war. Is that really true?"

"Yes, I was 13 when I started basic training and I turned 14 October of that year. My friend Embry and I lied about our age and claimed we were 19 and the officer enlisting didn't care to check. You can imagine our dads were livid, but it's paid off in the long run."

"It certainly has," Gertrude said with a breathy sigh. Instantly, Amber felt a twinge of jealousy, but she didn't say anything.

"You'll have to excuse Gertrude, Sergeant," Dahlia giggled. "She has a fondness for handsome gentlemen."

"Well," Kevin smiled, "I have a fondness for being called a Handsome Gentlemen."

They all giggled at Kevin's little joke and proceeded to tell Amber they adored him and asked him more questions about the war, about America, about his job, how he saved Amber, etc. etc. They held Kevin there for so long, they ordered more food that Kevin insisted he would pay for. Finally, when it was nearing nightfall, Dahlia and Gertrude realized they needed to get home. So Kevin walked them all home until it was just Kevin and Amber walking beside each other on the side walk.

"I'm so happy they like you," Amber said as they were walking away from Dahlia's house.

"They're nice girls," Kevin agreed. "How is the shop doing so far?"

"It's doing great," Amber smiled. "We started by giving out business cards to people at our new Synagogue. Then they told people they knew and then we handed out free carved soaps at a school function and we've been swamped with customers."

"That's good," Kevin smiled. "You're selling paintings too, right?"

"Yes, but those are usually made to order. We have a few paintings on the wall of the shop, but those aren't for sale. We'll recreate them of course, but all paintings are made to order."

"How many paintings have you sold through the store?"

"About four since we opened," Amber said. "So it's much more of a side thing. Mom and I usually just paint because we like it."

"That's the best reason to do anything, isn't it?" Kevin smiled.

"I would say so," Amber said. "So how long can you stay?"

"I'm staying two weeks," Kevin said. "I admit part of what made me decide I'd visit this year is what happened in November. I was worried sick when I didn't hear from you and when you and Levi sent me letters about what happened, I near had a heart attack. I wanted to visit but I wanted to make sure you're alright."

Kevin noticed Amber blush deeply. "We're alright," Amber said. "Everything worked out for the better anyway, I think. Mom and daddy love it here and so do I. I liked Munich, but there was so much chaos going on. Everything's nicer here in Berlin. It feels safer here."

"I'm relieved to hear it," Kevin said.

"So what does your office look like?" Amber asked. With a smile, Kevin pushed the thought of his building in her head than walked her into the door and through the halls to his office. She saw his desk and papers but she also saw the picture of her and her parents in front of the store.

"I'm surprised you used the name suggestion I'd given."

"I really liked it when I read it and mom loved it too. She agreed that it portrayed our candles as how we want them to be seen: art."

"Then I'm glad to be of help," Kevin said. "Sadly, names of law firms tend to be rather boring. It's usually the name of the owner and partners. Where I work it's Huntington and Associates in Law."

"Does associates mean his partners?"

"My boss doesn't have partners actually. Only employees. We're the associates," Kevin chuckled.

"Is he nice?" Amber asked.

"'Nice' isn't the right word," Kevin said. "He's business savvy and rewards his employees for their good work, but he's also a hard ass. Remember all the trouble I had getting him to agree to see me?"

"I remember you writing that you'd had to show up at the office unannounced."

"Yes, I did. He admitted he'd had no intention of seeing me."

"But you charmed him into hiring you and paying you the same as any other new employee," Amber smiled. "I remember."

"I'm just relieved it wasn't so hard once I was sitting across from him in his office. I've been working there over a year now. I'm putting money aside for when Alfonse and I can start our own practice. It's great experience on how the business is run too."

"Daddy was really impressed when I told him about that," Amber said.

"It was Alfonse's idea, but we'd be equal partners. He says he already has his half stored away." Kevin laughed. "Fucking rich kid." Amber giggled, but Kevin realized he spoke too harshly. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that."

"Don't worry, I know what you mean," Amber reassured. "Isn't your mother's side of the family rich as well?"

"They are, but I don't want to rely on them. I'd rather rely on my own money that I earned myself. That's called being a grown up," Kevin joked. "All kidding aside, Alfonse is a hard worker. I suspect anyone else in his position would just rely on his trust fund daddy gave him and waste his life partying, but he didn't do that. He came to America to further his education and got himself a job."

"I would love to meet him," Amber said. "He sounds like a nice man. Except, of course, for the way he treats Ana."

"They treat each other badly," Kevin defended. "Neither of them are innocent in their marriage. And if I'm being honest, their marriage was likely doomed from the beginning. They did try being cordial, but it didn't last. Honestly, if Ana had her way, she'd have them move back to Paris where her family is. She doesn't particularly care for America. She claims the people are 'beneath their status' and even those that are of wealth are 'new money' so they aren't worthy of the acquaintance. Alfonse calls Ana a spoiled brat and isn't willing to cater to her or let her live in the Hamptons with his parents."

"Why doesn't he let her live with his parents if she really wants to so bad?"

"Because the Hamptons are a five hour drive from where we live. If Ana were to live with his parents, he'd never get to see his daughter. The two of them can't stand one another at this point, but they put up with one another for Anastasia."

"That sounds so miserable," Amber said sadly.

"It's an unfortunate side effect of marrying for money," Kevin said. "They met during a Christmas party and were married the following spring. They didn't see each other for most of that time, either. Ana was in France most of the time."

"That's where I heard all the Russian monarchs went."

"They had nowhere else to go," Kevin shrugged. "They were overthrown by the angry mob they let starve. Frankly, I think they brought it on themselves, but I can only base the opinion on what I've read and heard."

"He sounds like he's good with his daughter at least."

"He's wonderful with Anastasia. He'd wanted a boy, but after Anastasia was born, he just fell in love with her. She's a lucky little girl to have a father like Alfonse."

"It certainly sounds that way," Amber smiled. She looked up at Kevin and he looked at her too with the same smile. Amber blushed, but kept her eyes on Kevin. "I'm so happy you came to visit. I really missed you."

"I missed you too," Kevin said and bent down to kiss Amber's forehead.

Amber continued to blush as they approached the shop. The light's in the shop were off and Amber led Kevin around the side to a door between the alley that led directly into the house. She took out her keys and let herself and Kevin inside. When they walked in, the smell of dinner wafted through the air. The entrance to the home was very different from the house in Munich. When he walked in, to his right was a door that led to the shop, but there were no windows so as to ensure people couldn't look into the house through the shop. Directly in front of the door that went out to the alley was the large glass cabinet Kevin remembered with all of Mrs. Dymek's little figures as well as the Faberge egg he'd given her last he'd visited.

To the left was the living room with a fireplace that was surrounded by a couch and two single chairs from the old house and a new record player he'd not seen in the last house. There were stairs beside the cabinet leading upstairs and between the living room and set of stairs was an archway into the kitchen which held the dining table. There was also a door right behind the stairs that led to where all the candle making supplies were as well as their easels, canvases, paints and so on. Levi was sitting on one of the chairs beside the fireplace reading when Kevin and Amber walked in and looked up at them with a smile.

"Anna," Levi called towards the kitchen. "The Sergeant's arrived for his visit."

"Has he?" Anna replied and stepped out through the archway and smiled. "Oh, Kevin, it's a pleasure to see you," she continued as she walked over and gave Kevin a hug.

"It's a pleasure to see you too, Anna. Thank you for letting me stay."

"It's no trouble at all. So how do you like the shop?"

"From what I've seen, it looks great. Congratulations to you both for this."

"Oh, thank you, Kevin," Anna said. "We'll give you a proper tour in the morning before we open for the day. I do hope you're hungry. I've made a good stew for us all."

"I'm famished," Kevin smiled and followed Anna back to the kitchen as did Amber and Levi to have dinner. Amber sat beside Kevin while everyone else ate. "This is delicious, Anna," Kevin said after taking his first bite.

"Oh, thank you, Kevin," Anna smiled. "So how was your trip?"

"Not so long as last time thanks to one less train ride," Kevin answered. "Amber says you've all enjoyed living in Berlin thus far."

"A vast improvement," Levi nodded. "Though to be fair, I'm sure things will finally calm down now that the National Socialists have disbanded, or so I've heard."

"I hope it stays that way," Kevin agreed. "Is anyone else planning to come up to Berlin?"

"I know Arnold said he was planning to," Levi said. "You remember Arnold right?"

"Yes, he was the one we had beer with last I visited. How is he by the way? He had a baby right?"

"Two now," Levi smiled. "His wife just gave birth to a little girl. Sadly, I haven't met her, but he tells me she's cute as a button and looks like her mother."

"Well, if she looks like her mother, naturally she'd be adorable," Kevin smiled.

"You're such a charmer," Anna giggled and patted Kevin's shoulder.

"So how fairs work?" Levi asked. "You've begun working at a Law Firm and are looking into starting a business correct?"

"Yes," Kevin nodded. "Work is fairing," Kevin smiled. "Alfonse already put aside his half of the money for the business as I told Amber. I'm trying to save up my half. We're planning to open up in Washington where my family is. That'll be after my little brother Kyle graduates from university in a few years. It gives Alfonse and myself time to learn how to properly run a law firm on our own."

"I always admire a man with ambition," Levi praised. "You said Alfonse was from Austria?"

"Yes, that's where he was born and raised."

"Did he not marry recently? That's what Amber was saying from the letters."

"Yes, he's married with a daughter. His wife is a former princess of Russia."

"Who isn't a former princess of Russia?" Levi asked flippantly. "From what I hear, the Royal family in that God forsaken country reached into the thousands."

"It certainly seems that way," Kevin chuckled. "He picked Princess Kastorov because she was the wealthiest of all the ladies his mother invited to her Christmas party. Had he picked any poorer his mother would have likely thrown a fit I imagine."

"Royals will be royals, I suppose," Levi sighed. "I'm growing quite fond of the democracy we've created in Germany. Good riddance to the Kaiser as far as I'm concerned."

"That seems to be the general consensus," Kevin chuckled.

"Alfonse is related to the Kaiser is he not?"

"It would be distantly," Kevin said. "Cousins to some degree I'm sure, but I know for a fact he's related to the Archduke Ferdinand that was assassinated. Though whether that's on his mother's side or father's side I'm not sure. I only know for sure his mother was daughter to a Duke and his father is a Baronet but was richer than all the other members of the aristocracy."

"Do they still call themselves Baronet and Lady or have they forfeited their titles?" Levi asked and Kevin couldn't help but laugh.

"You'd sooner see a pig fly," Kevin finally said and Levi chuckled too.

"At least they have their priorities straight," Levi said sarcastically as he laughed. "I suppose when your title is all you have left, you'd better hold onto it as tight as you can."

"To their credit, the Baronet Heidelberg has taken to making money with a few business partners, though it seems to be strictly through investing as far as I'm aware. Alfonse is the one that obtained his education and got a real job."

"To be fair," Levi started to joke, "stepping on underlings is rather tiring work." Kevin and Levi laughed and Anna and Amber joined a little. It was as though Kevin hadn't been gone long at all and he rather liked it. "Although," Levi said once he was no longer laughing, "If we're being truthful, you're no one to talk, Sergeant. You are a prince yourself are you not?" he teased.

"Prince is a strong title," Kevin smiled. "Until my father passes away and the Chiefdom falls onto me, I'm no better or worse than anyone else in the tribe. At best, I'm a tempting match for other tribes for their daughters, but that aside, I'm just another member of the tribe. I don't imagine I'll be chief for a very, very long time. Also, I don't get an inheritance or a trust fund either."

"Just a tribe of people and a load of responsibilities," Levi smiled. "Not quite so glamorous I assume."

"Not in the least," Kevin smiled back.

"Actually, speaking of being a tempting match," Anna spoke up. "How fairs life outside of work? Surely now, you can't beat the girls away with sticks much longer Sergeant." Suddenly, the smile on Amber's face dampened just a bit but Kevin noticed it.

"That's kind of you to ask, Anna," Kevin said. "I'm afraid you exaggerate the line you're describing," he continued with a chuckle.

"Honestly, Kevin, I'm sure you're just being unobservant. A handsome young man like yourself with a fruitful career and money in the bank never wants for ladies to marry."

"Perhaps, but I've simply not found someone to marry," Kevin smiled.

"Oh, I do wish you lived here," Anna lamented. "I know you're not Jewish, but I can think of a number of young ladies from our current Synagogue and our last that would bend over backwards to get to marry you."

"You flatter me, Anna," Kevin smiled. "Based on your comment, I assume nothing less than a nice, well to do Jewish boy will do for Amber?"

"Well," Levi spoke up, "Naturally, that would be ideal, but under the circumstances, save for the obvious requirement of him being good to her and being able to give her the living I see worthy, we aren't in much of a position to be picky with regards to who she can marry."

"Don't worry about it, Levi," Anna smiled. "Amber's far too young for that anyway."

"You're right," Levi smiled at Anna. "Now's not the time to worry about that. Though I would recommend not trying to match poor Kevin with every lady in the city, Anna. I would reserve that right for his own mother."

Kevin smiled awkwardly, "Honestly, if anyone 'matched' me it would be my dad or grandpa. Granted, my father is essentially the chief in most things, but Grandpa William's the crowned chief at the moment. I imagine anything regarding my getting married for a truce or something would be his final decision."

"Well, I hope if it happens you have far greater luck with it than your friend," Levi chuckled. Once again, Kevin's smile was rather awkward and when he glanced at Amber, he noticed she looked less than pleased even if she was doing her best not to appear upset.

"So are you on vacation from school?" Kevin asked Amber, suddenly grabbing her attention.

"Oh, yeah, I am right now," Amber answered.

"Levi," Kevin suddenly looked at Levi. "Since Amber's on vacation, perhaps I could take her and a few of her friends to one of those Jazz clubs. She's been wanting to go, but she's saying since she has no one to go with her that it's seen as unsafe."

"Well," Levi appeared thoughtful a moment. "I suppose if you're with her, she can go. I guess if anyone can keep her out of trouble that would be you."

"Really?" Amber asked Levi and Kevin simultaneously.

"Yeah, sure," Levi shrugged. "As long as Kevin's with you, I don't mind. But I want her back by 9," Levi said looking directly at Kevin.

"Not a second later," Kevin smiled. "You have my word."

"Well then," Levi said, "Amber, just let Kevin know when you and your friends wanted to go and he'll chaperone."

"Thank you, Daddy. And thank you Kevin."

"Think nothing of it," Kevin reassured.

Following dinner, they all sat down together in the living room and started devising plans for Kevin's stay. Levi offered for the two of them to go to the Beer hall like they had last time. Kevin agreed on the condition that Levi learn the American National Anthem seeing as he'd taught Kevin the German anthem last time. With a laugh, Levi agreed and they decided they would go the following day on a Friday night. Kevin asked Amber about her schooling and what they talked about and asked her a little more about what plans she'd arranged with her friends. Amber admitted that most of her summer was going to be spent working at the shop, though Anna said briefly that, should Amber wish to spend time with her friends, she would not fault her. By the time Levi started getting tired, it was eleven in the evening and he insisted that he needed to get to bed. Anna agreed and told Amber to get herself to bed too after she helped Kevin find his room. They all said goodnight to one another and Kevin followed Amber up the stairs with his luggage. Amber's parents walked forwarded to their bedroom. There was another door to the far left of the hallway and between them were three more doors.

"This is the bathroom," Amber said pointing to the middle door closest to the far right. "This is the linen closet if you need anything," she continued pointing to the door in the middle, then looked at the last middle door closest to her parents' room. "And that's where my room is. Your room will be that one on the far right." Amber started walking and Kevin followed to the room to the far right. Amber opened the door for him and they walked inside, Amber stepping to the side so Kevin could walk in further.

The room was rather similar to the one from Munich. However this bed was a twin bed rather than a single which was nice. The single bed had been awkward to lay on even on the best of nights. The color pallet was a very pale blue and the bed sheets were a deeper navy blue with white sheets and pillows. There was a nightstand with a lamp and a large alarm clock that sported a horse on the face of the clock. There was a dresser to the left and a small mirror beside it as well as a little rocking chair in the corner. Above the bed were the paintings from the previous house. There was a window right above the small dresser with the curtains wide open, looking out onto the walkway beside the house.

"It reminds me of the room in Munich," Kevin said.

"With the exception of the bed, everything else in pretty much the same," Amber smiled. She waited while Kevin walked toward the rocking chair and placed his luggage on it.

"What time does the shop open in the morning?" Kevin asked after looking back at Amber.

"We open at 7," Amber answered shyly.

"Is everything okay?" Kevin asked suddenly. Amber looked up at him a little flustered and eventually nodded.

"Yeah, I'm alright," Amber said. "You really haven't changed a bit since the last time I saw you."

"Well," Kevin smiled, "I confess I was teasing you when I said you'd gotten shorter. You've grown up quite a bit. It feels as though it happened over night."

"I did if you ask my mother," Amber sighed but was blushing. "Mom said that you said I look like my mom."

"You do," Kevin nodded. "At least from what I remember. I'm sure I've told you as much."

"It must have slipped my memory," Amber smiled nervously, unsure what to do with herself. She'd never been this nervous around Kevin before, but then, she'd never seen him the way she was seeing him now. "Well," she finally continued, "I know you must be exhausted from your trip. I'm sorry we kept you up all night."

"No need," Kevin smiled. "I'm the one that kept the three of you up so late, so if anyone should apologize, it's me."

"No, no, you're our guest. You don't have to apologize for anything," Amber finally looked up and smiled directly at Kevin. He noticed the blush and felt himself react, but he just returned the smile.

"You get some sleep. I'll see you in the morning."

"Okay," Amber said reluctantly and left the room, closing the door behind her while leaving the door slightly ajar.

When she was gone, Kevin began rummaging through one of his suitcases for his toiletries and took them to the bathroom to hang them for later use. He returned to his bedroom and undressed until he was just in undergarments and went to bed. It wasn't until his head hit the pillow that he realized exactly how tired he really was. So he fell asleep the instant his head hit the pillow. He woke up to the sunlight shining in his face the next morning. He grumbled and brought his hand up to cover his eyes and rolled onto his back. He was on his back for a moment until he smelled cinnamon and coffee wafting from downstairs. Following the smell, there was the sound of footsteps coming up the stairs and then a gentle knock at his door.

"Kevin, are you awake?" he heard Amber's voice from the other side.

"Yeah, I'm awake," he mostly mumbled as he sat up from the bed.

"Is it okay if I come in?"

"I don't mind," Kevin answered. Amber opened the door and let herself in. She saw Kevin's chest and started blushing, but she fought to not let it distract her.

"I went out and got some muffins and bagels from the bakery down the street. Mom's making coffee now."

"Okay," Kevin nodded. "I'll take a shower first if it's alright."

"Sure, go right ahead," Amber nodded. "I'll let mom know and we'll wait for you downstairs."

"I'll be quick," Kevin smiled back at Amber. He couldn't help but notice her blush deepen and she walked out of the bedroom and went back downstairs.

Kevin gathered a fresh pair of clothes and sneaked to the bathroom, closed the door behind him and started playing around with the shower knob until the water was hot. As promised, he finished his shower in about five minutes and made sure to dry off as fast as possible. When he was finally dry, he got dressed, returned the remainder of his dirty clothes in his suitcase and finally went downstairs. The door leading into the shop was open and he saw Amber arranging a few candles and putting together some pre-packed boxes. Kevin glanced towards the kitchen and saw that Levi was reading the paper with his coffee while Anna was toasting some bagels. Kevin went through the door to the shop and Amber looked over her should after placing a box on the counter beside the register.

"Good morning," Kevin smiled.

"Good morning," Amber smiled back. "You can grab some breakfast. I'm just getting a few things ready before we open. We've only got another 10 minutes."

"I'll get some food then," Kevin smiled. "Might I have a tour?"

"After you've eaten," Amber smiled and returned to her work.

"When was the last you'd fed?" Kevin asked.

"A few weeks ago," Amber answered absentmindedly. "Daddy promised he'd get some blood for me on his way home today."

"How about I take you hunting today?" Kevin asked. Amber stopped what she was doing and looked at Kevin. "The last time I took you hunting, you were still just a few months old. It'll be fun and save your dad the trip."

"Um," she began. She wanted to say yes, but she knew she'd have to run it through her father first. "I would love to," she finally said. "Let's ask daddy if it's okay first."

"I'll ask him," Kevin smiled and finally left the doorway to the shop and walked to the kitchen, taking a seat at the table.

"Oh, good, there you are," Anna said, putting coffee, a muffin and a bagel in front of Kevin. "I hope you're hungry. Amber bought a whole smorgasbord of food."

"I'm always hungry, Anna. You know that," Kevin joked and Anna laughed.

"Indeed you are," Anna said. "You and your brothers must have eaten your poor mother out of house and home."

"For the record, my dad helped," Kevin said and they both laughed again. "I'll help pay for food while I'm here if it'll help."

"Oh, don't be ridiculous," Anna insisted as she sat at the table. "It's no trouble at all."

"I'm taking you out to the Beer hall tonight, right Kevin?" Levi asked.

"Yes, we're scheduled to do that," Kevin smiled. "I also wanted to ask if it would be alright if I took Amber out hunting so you don't have to run to the butcher for blood. That's usually where you get it right?"

"Yes," Levi said, a little surprised. "When you say hunting, you mean out in the woods hunting?"

"I can always just go with her to the butcher if you would prefer," Kevin suggested. "But on the other hand, I haven't taken her hunting since she was a little girl. I just thought it would be something fun for us to do. Get caught up and what not."

"Well," Levi said, looking at Anna. "Do you have any objections?"

"So long as no one sees you," Anna said nervously. "Everyone just assumes we use the blood for sausage. No one knows about…well…you know."

"Yeah, I assumed as much," Kevin said. "Don't worry, I'll make sure no one sees us. We'll be back before you know it."

"So long as you promise," Anna said and finally smiled again. "Just have her back as soon as possible."

"We'll be gone no longer than two hours at most," Kevin reassured. "I'll have her give me a tour of the shop first."

"Oh, yes, naturally," Anna nodded. "Oh, Kevin I do hope you like it. You noticed the name of shop right?"

"Yes, I did, and I'm flattered," Kevin smiled. "I'm glad I was able to be useful."

"You really have been. I was racking my brain to think of a name and then Amber told me what you suggested and I knew it was the perfect name for the store."

"Well, you're welcome, Mrs. Dymek," Kevin smiled formally.

A few short minutes later, Levi finished his breakfast and coffee. He said goodbye to Kevin and reaffirmed they would go out drinking tonight and Anna followed him to the door to the side of the house, handed him his lunch with a kiss goodbye and he walked out to go to work. Anna went right to the front of the store, leaving Kevin to finish his own breakfast and coffee. While he was finishing, Amber walked back to the kitchen and in the chair beside him at the table.

"So when did you want to take me hunting?" Amber asked once she was seated.

"Whenever you want," Kevin answered prior to another sip of coffee. "After breakfast preferably."

Amber smiled, "I'll wait for you to finish."

"Don't worry, I'm almost done."

"No hurry; take your time," Amber said. She leaned back on the chair and crossed her legs with her hands on her lap. Kevin glanced at her over his coffee cup. She wasn't paying attention to him when he started looking. She was staring at her thumps and lacing her fingers in an effort to play. The sun was shining in through the kitchen window falling on her hair. The light made her hair shine just as brightly. Even in its slightly messy state, her hair was a beautiful site.

"Do you know you have very pretty hair?" Kevin asked and Amber looked at him suddenly and began taking deep breaths.

"I really like my hair," Amber finally smiled and started petting her hair. "I've considered growing it longer, but I don't know."

"I like it just the way it is," Kevin smiled. "It suits you."

Amber smiled and blushed some more, averting her eyes a moment. "I like your hair," Amber finally said. "It's dark but when the light hits it, there's hints of red and black in it."

"Most people tell me it's brown," Kevin joked and Amber smiled.

"Well, they're not looking closely enough," Amber said innocently. "You have a lot of red and black in your hair. It's just harder to see if you're not paying attention."

"I don't think many people stare very intently at my hair," Kevin joked. "You're welcome to if you want to though."

Amber blushed again and looked back at her fingers moving her thumbs back and forth while Kevin ate. Once he finished, Amber took him to the candle room first and showed him the new well they'd made, the easels, all the wave and some candle bases that had not been turned into candles yet as well as a small handful of completed candles that appeared to be differentiated by color and pattern, or so Amber explained. Then she led him back to the front where the shop was. There were already a few customers, one of whom came to pick up an order for a unity candle Amber had carved as well as some tapers for the Bride and Groom table. The front was a single room, so everything was in easy view. He needed only look around once and he'd seen everything. One side held the candles and another side held all the soaps and displayed some paintings. After showing the shop, Amber led Kevin out of the shop through the front door and they walked for a while in the direction of some wooded areas. They went in the direction of the Westlicher Düppeler Forest since it was a dense wooded area with few homes in the area and a wider collection of wildlife. Kevin was surprised to find out that, apparently, the woods were home to some bobcats although the deer didn't surprise him.

Even though it had to be at a more natural human pace, they eventually started running towards the woods until they finally made it to the country roads that led to the forest. The moment they found the trees, they delved in and Kevin watched Amber hunt. Most of the time she was listening for any sounds to come up. Eventually, she heard the growl of a bobcat and she started following the sound. Kevin followed behind, but when they found the cat, she had a litter of cubs by her side and Amber instantly rejected the prey and started looking through the woods for another. The first thing she found after that was a deer, but she saw another bobcat and it's blood smelled much sweeter. She was so used to what she got at the butcher, but this was much more satisfying. When the cat leaped, she grabbed the cat from the air and brought her teeth to its neck and drank. Nothing would ever be human blood. To this day, she remembered that taste and it was still the best, but the carnivorous cat was an acceptable runner up. She killed the cat in seconds from blood loss and placed the body on the ground after she was done.

"How're you feeling?" Kevin asked.

"Better," Amber answered. "I think I could go for another, though."

"Let's find another then," Kevin said and they searched the woods for another animal.

Amber and Kevin ran through the forest for another bobcat and attacked another that was hunting. After that bobcat, Amber agreed she'd had enough and they started leaving the woods and went to the dirt trail nearby. Kevin checked his watch and saw they'd been gone for an hour, giving them one more hour before they were expected. So rather than immediately begin running, Kevin and Amber walked together down the dirt road side by side but still a respectable distance from one another and talked.

"How was hunting?" Kevin asked when they were on the trail.

"Refreshing," Amber smiled. "It's been so long. I remember last time you had taken me, you turned into a wolf. Why didn't you do that now?"

"Because I didn't want to risk anyone taking my clothes," Kevin smiled. "If they had, I'd be walking you home stark naked and then where would we be?" Kevin was joking, but Amber immediately looked away and started blushing.

"I suppose that makes sense," Amber said. Eventually, she looked at Kevin who was just staring ahead as he walked. "Maybe while we're out, we can go to Dahlia's and Gertrude's and ask them when they want to go dancing. I know their boyfriends will want to go too."

"How old are they?" Kevin asked.

"16," Amber answered.

"Okay," Kevin shrugged. "What are their boyfriends' names?"

"Dahlia is dating Charles and Gertrude has been courting Luther for a few months. I admit I don't know them very well. They're both older and aren't going to our school anymore. Charles is studying to be a doctor if I recall and Luther is working at the shoe company in town."

"I see," Kevin said. "Do they go to your synagogue?"

"Charles does," Amber nodded. "Luther attends the Synagogue outside of the city where his family lives. He just happens to work in the city."

"How did he and Dahlia meet?"

"Gertrude," Amber corrected with a giggle. "I admit I don't know. I think they met during a charity or some sort of social event in town and they've been joined at the hip ever since, or so it seems. Dahlia and Charles met in school. He used to go to school with her until he graduated and now he's attending University."

"I believe in America, that's called 'High School Sweethearts'," Kevin said and Amber smiled.

"I would say so," Amber nodded. "He's about two years her senior if I remember correctly."

"That's nothing strange," Kevin said. "I assume since you've not brought it up in letters that you don't have a suitor," Kevin attempted to tease, but if he were being frank the topic was not to his liking. Her answer was all that ensured he didn't regret bringing it up.

"No," Amber said. "I suppose I could if I really wanted to, but I haven't had a desire to. What about you? I know mother teases you and you've explained you're not seeing anyone, but is it just because you haven't met anyone?"

For a brief moment, Kevin contemplated how to answer her question. If he were being honest with himself, upon seeing her again, his feelings for her had delved into the realm of romantic, but he wasn't sure now was the time to bring it up. Yet he didn't want to lie to her either. Somehow, deep down, he was confident that her feelings had changed too, but he didn't want to assume. He looked at her and it dawned on him: she was turning 6 this year. Had it really been so long? Yet, it seemed like it happened yesterday. All the same, he'd not force her into anything. So he gave as honest an answer as he could.

"I'm waiting for someone special," Kevin finally said. Yet she seemed to misunderstand him and her face fell a little. "What's the matter?" Kevin asked, even though he knew what was probably wrong.

"Oh, nothing," Amber said. There was a moment of silence in which Kevin was rummaging through his brain for anything to say that would correct her misconception when Amber broke the silence. "Is this special someone a woman you already know?"

"As a matter of fact, yes, she is," Kevin answered as he smiled at Amber. "I've known her all her life actually."

Amber looked up at Kevin surprised but he continued to stare ahead. "Is she?" Amber finally said.

"Yes," Kevin said. "I barely get to see her, though. Either way, she's still young. She has things to do and a life to live." Momentarily, Amber felt elated, yet the realization hit her that he could easily be referring to a young woman from back in Washington, so she calmed her hopefulness.

"Does she know you love her?" Amber asked.

"I haven't told her," Kevin said. "But I think she knows. I hope she knows."

"Do you think she loves you?"

"Maybe," Kevin said. "I don't know for sure if she loves me back yet. At least not romantically. But I'll gladly wait for her."

"Maybe you should tell her how you feel," Amber offered halfheartedly. "I'm sure she would like to know." Kevin finally looked at Amber and didn't answer. Eventually Amber realized he was being quiet and looked at him. Their eyes met and what she saw there seemed to almost reassure her hopes. When their eyes met, he smiled at her. It was a very loving smile. No…longing. He'd smiled at her lovingly many times in her life when they could be with one another. Not longingly. She felt her heart race and her breath catch in her throat, but she remained composed even when Kevin finally spoke.

"I'd better get you back home," Kevin finally said. "I promised your mother we'd be back in two hours."

It wasn't quite the answer Amber was looking for after the way he'd looked at her. However, he did take her hand and led her in a human paced run back to the city until they reached the shop again. When they returned, Anna seemed to be up to her neck in customers and Amber went right to helping her. Not wanting to sit around and do nothing while they worked, Kevin assisted with little tasks here and there and helped take down a few special orders. There were a number of people getting married in the coming months and candles for the ceremonies or carved soaps for the table settings were in high demand. One bride to be came in and ordered 15 soaps she requested be carved into a list of flowers. Apparently, her wedding would be seating people based on what flower was at what table and so on. She also ordered a unity candle and couple's candles for the table she and her husband-to-be would be sitting at. It was a tall order that was requested be completed by end of next week. When she was gone, Amber momentarily complained about brides that wait until the last minute while she brought the order to the room where they made the candles.

Hours later, the shop finally closed for the day and Anna began making dinner while Amber got to work on the list of flowers. Some of them were flowers she wasn't quite familiar with, so she saved those for last and started with the ones she knew. Kevin promised he would join her to a library tomorrow so she could look up any flowers that she wasn't familiar with. Levi came home just as dinner was put on the table and they all met in the kitchen to eat, but since he and Kevin were going out drinking, they kept their meal light. After dinner, Kevin and Levi left to walk to the local beer hall together while Amber and Anna went to the candle room to begin the bride's order. Amber was working on a carved gardenia while Anna worked on the unity candle. As Amber was carving, she started thinking about her morning with Kevin and what they'd spoken about. After finishing the gardenia, she got the soap into a box lined with velvet and glued it in so it would stay. She grabbed another bar of soap that would be carved into a Nile flower, but she stared at it a moment.

"Amber, is everything alright?" Anna asked while she dipped the unity candle in the bath of varnish.

"I'm alright," Amber said. She looked up at her mother while she grabbed two thin tappers and was bringing them to the vat of vat of wax. "Mom?"

"Yes, Amber?"

"How did you know you loved daddy?"

Anna appeared a little surprised by the question, but answered as she dipped the first taper into white wax. "Well," she started, "I guess it was a few things. I suppose one clue for me was the fact that I could stand to listen to the man drone on about numbers." Anna giggled a little. "He near put your poor grandpa to sleep on our first date."

"So you've said," Amber smiled. "Have you always known?"

"Oh, no, I haven't always. I thought your father was handsome of course, but I barely knew him when he asked me on a date. Of course, it wasn't long before you father won me over. Do you remember how your father proposed to me?"

"Yes, I remember," Amber said. "He asked for a candle that said will you marry me."

"Well, he didn't order it. A young man came to my parent's house and told my mother he wanted a romantic way to ask a young woman to marry him. So I carved the candle and sent a letter when it was ready. That young man came and got it and later that same day, your father came to the house and asked if I would be willing to go out to dinner with him that night. So your father and I went to dinner and my parents joined us, but they sat at a different table. We had dinner together and Levi insisted we order dessert. So when the waiter came by with a slice of cake, he served it with the candle I'd carved." Anna sighed and smiled at the memory. "Then your father got on one knee and asked me to marry him. I'd not realized until then how romantic your father can be. It's not his strength by any stretch, but he can be a romantic when he puts his mind to it." After the story, Anna finished the first taper and put it in the varnish. "Why do you ask? About how you know you're in love I mean?"

"No reason in particular," Amber hurried to explain. "Kevin and I stopped by Dahlia's house and her mother said she was out with Charles. It just got me to thinking I guess."

"Oh, yes, I imagine Charles will propose soon," Anna smiled. "That boy is head over heels for her so his mother says."

"She loves him too," Amber said. "I'm curious if you think there's such a thing as love at first sight?"

"Oh, of course there is, dear," Anna answered as she turned her attention to the second taper. "Not everyone gets such a privilege, but I do think there's such a thing as love at first sight. It just depends on whether or not you meet the person that has such a strong connection to you. I can't promise such a thing will happen to you, but I hope you'll find love eventually. Preferably within my lifetime," Anna teased and Amber smiled.

"I think I will," Amber said and finally began work on the Nile flower.

After Kevin and Levi left the house, they walked to the closest Beer hall that Levi had located since moving to Berlin. It was just the two of them initially but they did encounter a handful of people that Levi knew. They all spent hours talking, drinking together and, once they were joined by a few of Levi's unexpected friends, they played games such as darts and two friends who had become unreasonably drunk began dancing and singing on a table until the owner of the bar came over and told the men to get down. One of Levi's friends challenged Kevin to an arm wrestling match; a match that Kevin won with almost comically flying colors. Before long, every man in the bar was challenging Kevin. He bet that if anyone could beat him, he would buy drinks for everyone in the bar. Yet one after the other, they all kept losing to him. After beating every man in the bar at arm wrestling, he played the piano so everyone could dance. He wasn't playing anything in particular. Really he was just putting notes together that sounded good to him in his current drunken stupor. For all he knew, he could just be banging keys together producing nothing less than a cacophony of dying cats for music. Yet the bar danced all the same.

When Kevin and Levi did finally leave, it was the middle of the night and, as promised, Kevin attempted to teach Levi the Star Spangled Banner, but the man was barely sober enough to stand let alone sing. Kevin and Levi finally returned at 1 in the morning and they let themselves in through the side door. Kevin practically carried Levi up the stairs and opened up his bedroom door to help Levi get into bed. The movement managed to wake Anna, who groaned and looked at Levi, then at Kevin. Then she looked at the clock and groaned a little.

"I assume you two had fun?" Anna asked tiredly.

"We had so much fun we'll be sick for days," Kevin answered in the most broken German he could manage. Despite herself, Anna giggled and helped get Levi's shoes off and got him under the covers.

"It had better not be days," she smiled. "You get to bed. You're too drunk to even speak German."

"I'm managing," Kevin defended and took a moment to stand up straight. When he had, he said goodnight to Anna and closed the door behind him.

As he stumbled through the short hallway, Kevin glanced in Amber's room to check on her, especially when he realized there was still light coming from her room. The door was cracked open, so Kevin opened it slightly wider to look in. Her lamp was still on and she was asleep in bed. He noticed something in her hand. It was a book that was wide open, so he wasn't sure what it was. He walked into her room as quietly as he possibly could and went to her lamp to turn it off for her. He glanced at the book and noticed it was in French. Then he realized it was Wuthering Heights. He chuckled a little, remembering it was a book his mother rather liked and his grandpa rather despised. Kevin found himself being one that appreciated the narrative but found Catherine to be one of the most detestable heroines an author could ever conjure out of the coldest depths of hell. Heathcliff he could sympathize with at least. To some absurd degree. He'd try to remember to bring it up when he was sober and the world wasn't spinning anymore.

Kevin found the little sliver of paper she'd been using as a book mark and took the book and closed it with the paper inside to save her place. Then he pulled the covers high over her until they were at her shoulders. As he did so, he looked at her sleeping face and just couldn't help himself but stare. She'd grown up so much since he'd last seen her and she'd grown to be so beautiful. More so than her mother was, though part of that could be due to an inherent bias stemmed from Amber being his imprint. She looked so peaceful and her skin appeared to glow in the moonlight. Her lashes seemed to caress her cheeks for being so long and her eyebrows were such a pale blonde, but he suited her.

Good night, Amber, Kevin thought, pushing it into her head and causing her to stir just the slightest bit, but not wake her.

He smiled and finally left her room, shutting the door back to how it had been previously. Then he returned to his own room, stumbling over himself once he arrived trying to get his shoes and dirty clothes off. He was rather positive someone had vomited on him, but he vaguely remembered the incident if it did in fact occur. Once he was in just his underwear, he forced back the covers and fell asleep. In the morning, much to his intense disdain, he realized once again that he'd forgotten to close the blinds in the bedroom before going to bed, because he was woken up by the bright, hateful light of the sun directly in his eyes. He turned over in the bed and went back to sleep when the sun was no longer shining in his eyes, but his slumber didn't last.

His head was pounding. Eventually, he realized that 'pounding' was just Amber gently knocking on the door. Kevin couldn't really muster a verbal response. Thankfully, he didn't need to and Amber let herself in with a tray of food and coffee. He overheard her place that tray on the dresser and move a few things around. He heard her scoff a barely audible sound of disgust, then the sound of clothes being picked up. She left the room and returned a few minutes later. She brought the rocking chair in the room to his bedside and brought the tray of food over and rested it on her lap. She placed her hand on Kevin's shoulder and Kevin groaned, rolling onto his back but not opening his eyes.

"I think I'm beginning to understand why alcohol was outlawed in America," Amber teased.

"For your information, missy, I don't get this drunk unless I'm with your dad. So this is his fault," Kevin answered, playing along despite his throbbing head.

"Shame on you," Amber said through her smile. "I'll have you know daddy never gets this drunk unless he's with you. So you two are both at fault."

"Fine," Kevin said, his head not permitting him to think of anything more clever.

"I brought you breakfast," Amber said.

"I don't think I can eat right now," Kevin said.

"At least try to drink some coffee," Amber offered.

"Not right now," Kevin continued, still not opening his eyes.

"I see you two had fun," Amber giggled.

"Don't laugh at me," Kevin complained.

"I'm sorry. I'm trying to be sympathetic but you and daddy kind of brought this on yourselves," Amber smiled, trying to hold in any further giggling.

"And here I thought you cared," Kevin joked and Amber slapped Kevin's shoulder. He managed to laugh, but when it caused him to nearly vomit, it immediately ceased his laughter.

"Are you okay?" Amber asked, legitimately worried now.

"I'm fine," Kevin managed.

"Do you want me to bring you anything?" Amber asked.

"No, I'm fine," Kevin managed and laid back down. Suddenly, he felt something warm on his forehead. He smiled, but dared not chuckle. "Don't worry, Amber, I'm not running a fever. I'm just hung over."

"You weren't this bad last time," Amber pointed out.

"I didn't drink nearly as much last time," Kevin said. "I can't remember much of anything. I remember meeting a few friends of Levi's and the rest is just a big blur."

"From what mother and I have heard," Amber said, finally smiling again. "You and daddy had quite the adventure. According to a gentleman mom and I spoke with at the bakery, you challenged every man in the bar to an arm wrestling contest."

"Okay, they challenged me," Kevin said. "I remember that much."

Amber smiled and continued. "Then from there, you got on the piano and, according to the man we spoke to, you sounded like a cat being tortured to death. I told the man he must be mistaken since I've heard you play before and you're quite a gifted player. You know what he told me?"

"You're full of shit?" Kevin asked jokingly with no capacity for respectfulness at the moment.

"No," Amber giggled. "He said that you must have, 'Drank your muse to death'."

"That sounds vaguely sexual," Kevin said with a groan.

"I'll trust your judgment on that," Amber said.

"He's not wrong, though," Kevin said and brought his hands up to rub his face.

"I take it we're not going to the library today?" Amber said.

"No, we're going," Kevin reassured. "I just need a little time to feel better."

"I'd settle for you being able to open your eyes," Amber answered. It was forced given his current condition, but he tilted his head toward where he heard her voice and forced himself to open his unreasonably heavy eyes. Even in his sickened state, she was a site to see. An angle come to nurse him back to health. "You look awful," she said.

"That hurts my feelings, Amber," Kevin joked, even though he knew he must look terrible. Amber smiled and put the tray of food on his nightstand. He closed his eyes as she stood from the chair knowing the sun would be there. He heard her walk over to the window and heard the curtains move. Suddenly, it was noticeably darker in the room. Then he heard Amber return, standing above him.

"I'll leave alone to sleep this off," Amber said. "And sorry I hurt your feelings."

"You're forgiven," Kevin answered. Amber giggled lightly and walked out of the room, leaving him to recover.

It was only several hours later that Kevin was even able to sit up in the bed without an instant bout of nausea. However, when he could, his next goal was to get to the shower and get cleaned up. He felt better after the shower, but he still felt queasy and didn't touch the food Amber had brought up, despite it looking delicious. When Kevin returned to his room, he got dressed in a fresh pair of underwear and a pair of pants before he heard a knock at his door.

"Kevin, how are you feeling?" he heard Amber ask from the other side of the door.

"Better," Kevin said, grabbing a shirt.

"Is it alright if I come in?"

"Sure," Kevin said, getting his shirt on just as Amber opened the door and walked in. His eyes were still bloodshot, but he was standing upright at least.

"We really don't have to go to the library today if you're not up for it," Amber offered.

"No, I'm up for it," Kevin smiled.

"Kevin, you're a dead man walking," Amber answered, though unable to help but smile.

"I'm fine, Amber, I promise," Kevin kept smiling. "Just try not to walk too fast, okay?" Eventually, Amber sighed and nodded. Then she looked at the food.

"Are you feeling up to eating something?"

"Not yet," Kevin said. "I'm still feeling sick to my stomach."

"Maybe you should sleep a little longer," Amber offered.

"No. No more sleep," Kevin said. "I've wasted enough of the day being in bed." Kevin reached for one more shirt and put it on before walking closer to Amber. "Thank you for looking after me. I know it's not exactly anyone's idea of a good time."

"It's fine," Amber reassured with a kind smile, but then she started blushing again and looked away. Even with bloodshot eyes and dark circles, he was handsome. "I noticed your clothes were dirty, so I brought them downstairs to be cleaned."

"I vaguely remember someone throwing up on me," Kevin said.

"Well, they'll be cleaned. I'll bring them up as soon as they're done."

"Thanks for that. You didn't have to."

"No, I did. I could smell it from the hallway," Amber said and giggled a bit.

Kevin smiled back, "Alright then."

Amber laughed just a little more and Kevin joined her and walked to the library in town. She looked up all the flowers she'd been missing and drew them on a pad of paper for reference. She wrote down the colors as well using arrows to indicate where certain colors were. After she finished, they left the library and went to a café together, Amber insisting she wanted Kevin to try and eat something. He settled for a cup of coffee though upon Amber's insistence, he ordered a large pretzel too.

"So how are you enjoying Wuthering Heights?" Kevin asked as they waited for his coffee and food.

"Tiring," Amber said. "Thank you for turning off my lamp and tucking me in by the way."

"You're welcome. So why do you say tiring?"

"You've read the book, right?" Amber answered back, raising an eyebrow and huffing a small laugh.

"Yes, I have. Long time ago," Kevin replied. "My mother's rather fond of it. She much prefers it over Jane Eyre."

"Ick," Amber said, scrunching her nose. "I detested Jane Eyre."

"Really?" Kevin chuckled. The waiter returned briefly to give Kevin his pretzel and coffee before walking away. "Why's that?"

"I didn't like anyone," Amber said. "Jane was fine I suppose, but from what I've read so far of stories by the Bronte sisters, they have such a cynical view of people in general."

Kevin laughed almost condescendingly, though not at Amber, "You want a cynical view of humanity, read the works of Victor Hugo. That's cynical.

"I think I'll pass," Amber said. "I started reading Wuthering Heights because a girl at my school expressed a liking for it. As of now, I can't find anything to be liked about it."

"How far are you?"

"Catherine and Edgar just got engaged. Oh, but only after she slapped Nelly in front of him and threatened to kill herself when he was leaving the house."

"Yeah, Catherine's not the most likable character in the world," Kevin agreed. "But then, she lives in the middle of nowhere. Edgar's really her only chance at a husband."

"She doesn't love him, though. She loves Heathcliff. The spoiled brat doesn't show it by any means, but she loves him. And he loves her."

"Yes, but you're forgetting one very important thing," Kevin smiled.

"Yeah, yeah, he's a bastard with no money, I get it," Amber sighed. "It's just rather sad. Yet, I can't seem to bring myself to root for the two of them to be together. Elinor and Edward? I rooted for them. Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy? I wanted them to end up together, especially when all the misunderstanding were resolved. Anne and Captain Wentworth? You remember how I gushed over the love note he'd left for her. Catherine and Heathcliff? They're both such terrible people."

"Well, exactly. They belong together."

"I don't know if they do, though," Amber said. "Catherine's such a spoiled brat and Heathcliff is…well, I don't know what to call Heathcliff. I would try to argue that he's been abused, but he was terrible even before Mr. Earnshaw's death and before Catherine's brother saw him bushed to the wayside as a servant. It's like Cinderella, but I'm finding it near impossible to sympathize with Cinderella."

"Well, not everyone can have a happy team of birds helping them pick lentils out of a fireplace," Kevin joked.

"Or throw a hot pot of porridge on poor Edgar's face," Amber sighed. "You know what, no. Not poor Edgar. The man's agreed to marry Catherine after she slapped her servant and threatened to kill herself when he tried putting his foot down. He's an idiot and I hope Catherine makes him miserable."

"Well that's mean," Kevin chuckled.

"I don't even want to keep reading it," Amber sighed. "Just tell me what happens."

"Oh, no, Amber. If you want to know what happens, you'll just have to keep reading," Kevin chuckled a little more.

"Fine. You read it then. Pick up where I left off and you can read it to me tonight."

"Aren't you a little old for a bedtime story?" Kevin teased. Amber glared at Kevin a moment, but his smile was infectious and she couldn't fight it.

"Just eat your stupid pretzel," she finally forced through her smile in an effort not to start laughing. Kevin on the other hand, starting to feel much better, did start laughing and eventually Amber was laughing too.

While they were out, they walked to Dahlia's house, then to Gertrude's and they all agreed they would go out to the Jazz club next Friday night. That would give them all time to plan with Charles and Luther. Afterwards, they returned home and with her sketches in hand, Amber carved out the rest of the bride's flowers while Kevin read Wuthering Heights to her. Kevin had to fight away any laughter as Amber seemed to get more and more annoyed with the story the more he read. He read about Heathcliff running away and somehow, magically so it seemed, obtaining a grand fortune that, for some reason, made Isabella fall madly in love with him even though she absolutely hated him before. Then they got married, all the while Catherine and Heathcliff were apparently having a secret affair. Finally, Kevin reached the end of a chapter in which Heathcliff and Catherine were having a moment together. She was pregnant and begging Heathcliff not to leave her, but Edgar had returned home and he ran away. Kevin remembered this part was a tear jerker for his mother, but when he looked up, Amber just looked annoyed.

"That part always gets my mom," Kevin said. Amber didn't say anything as she continued to carve the daffodil. "Not a tear for them?" Kevin chuckled a little.

"Nope," Amber answered bluntly.

Kevin laughed a little harder. "Shall I continue?"

"If you must," Amber sighed, earning another laugh from Kevin before he continued reading.

Back at home in Washington, Kyle returned home to Jacob, Embry Sr. and William being gone. Evidently, there was a rather sudden development with the Makka tribe of some nature and they were dealing with some damage control. Embry Jr. only knew that the Makka had attempted to invade in the night and they'd had to deal with it. After they'd fled and Jacob explained to William what happened, he told Jacob to reach out to the Cullens for a means of transportation because they were going to the Makka tribe to settle a few things. Embry and Jacob were there mostly for the sake of ensuring nothing went wrong, but Embry Jr. Natalie, Nathan, Travis and Jae had been instructed to stay with the tribe. The Makka were, unfortunately, too far south for the whole pack to be gone. Yet Jacob, Embry Sr. and William finally returned a week after Kyle's return home. Evidently, there was some semblance of an agreement made, but it was barely worth mentioning. In short, the chief of the Makka had suggested marriage but, obviously, Jacob and both his sisters were married and, therefore, out of the question. They left on the simple agreement of, 'if you leave us alone, we'll leave you alone'.

Since he was home for the summer, Kyle returned to night patrol with the rest of the pack. Natalie and Jae were still close as ever. They'd designated a night every week where the two of them would go into the city together and just have a date. Otherwise, he was at work and, when he was home, they either had dozens of people breathing down their necks at a time or they were on patrol together. It seemed as though every time they tried to get away, save for the nights when they went out together to the city, they would inevitably be interrupted by someone for something or another. Any and all intimacies, that being kisses, were almost exclusively when they were in the city together. One night after Jae finished work, Natalie met him at the shop as he closed up for the evening and they went to the city together. This time, Jae took her to a moving picture and made a point that they sat in the back together. There were virtually no people present at this particular showing.

"How do you like the movie?" Jae asked quietly, bringing his lips close to Natalie's ear.

"It's decent," Natalie said. "How do you like it?"

"I admit, I'm more interested in you," Jae said, smiling at her and Natalie smiled back. They'd gotten so comfortable with each other since their first date. It seemed like so long ago, yet it also felt like just yesterday. Soon, they would be dating a whole year.

"You're far more interesting too," Natalie admitted and turned her head so their noses touched and they kissed.

Their kisses were so different now. She remembered the first kiss they'd ever had. It was on their second date in the city. They'd gone dancing again and after they danced, the two of them were out of breath and laughing together from the exuberance. After the song had ended, the two of them had looked at one another for a few stray moments until Jae leaned down and kissed her. At the time, it had been a brief kiss, but it had burned a fire in her and in him. Yet kisses was all they'd shared thus far. Sometimes long and passionate, but usually brief and sweet. Right now, in the darkness of the theatre with no one there watching and no one to interrupt them, their kiss was passionate.

The arm rest was all that kept them apart and, sadly, it would not willingly go up no matter how Jae initially tried to force it. But they did move as close to one another as they could. Natalie wrapped her arms around his neck while Jae's right arm snaked around her back and his left hand fell to her knee. The noise of the moving picture fell flat as they concentrated only on one another. Their heads tilted so they could breath and Natalie was the first to open her lips to press her tongue against his. His own mouth opened so their tongues could meet and taste. As they did so, Jae's hand began to crawl further and further up Natalie's thigh very slowly. Almost infuriatingly slowly. Then his hand began to move from atop her thigh down the side until it rested on her hip and the sensation made her shiver. She sighed into his mouth and it made Jae hold onto Natalie tighter.

She tried to move closer, but the armrest between them made it difficult. Yet before, our of pure frustration, Natalie could bother to rip the accursed thing out of her way, the music stopped and the lights in the theatre turned on. They pulled their lips away from one another and looked around in a haze. They did eventually realize the moving picture was over, so they separated to stand from their seats, but Jae immediately took Natalie's hand in his and they walked out of the theatre together. As they walked out, Natalie asked Jae if he liked the movie. He reiterated that he didn't have the vaguest memory of it anymore and they shared a laugh about it. They walked hand in hand through the park together enjoying the trees and flowers.

"Do you think we'll have to worry about the Makka again?" Natalie asked while they walked through the park.

"I hope not," Jae answered. "I trust your dad's judgment that their chief won't do anything."

"I hope so," Natalie said. Jae squeezed Natalie's hand and she squeezed back in response with a smile.

They continued through the park together hand in hand, but eventually moved to the two of them wrapping their arms around one another's waists as they walked, Natalie resting her head on Jae's shoulder while he rested his on top of Natalie's head. They went to their usual jazz club and danced for hours until the club closed for the night and they were forced to return home. They stayed at the shop for the night as had become their habit. Sometimes they would stay up and play cards together and other times they would go straight to bed. That night, they went straight to bed. They went up to the master bedroom and fell asleep in one another's arms after saying their good nights and sharing a quick kiss. Jae held her close but resisted the urge to stroke her and touch her too intimately. They'd not initiated sex and while part of that was due to some degree of lacking the privacy save for one night a week, the other part of it was Natalie simply wasn't ready yet. She wanted to and she was getting closer to it, but she always got nervous if they went too far. Jae was willing to wait for her, though.

The following morning after Jae and Natalie had breakfast together, they made the trip back to the tribe. They only walked back, not caring that it took hours. They talked more as they walked hand in hand, enjoying the remainder of their peace and quiet together before returning home. When they did return, they were both immediately given tasks they needed to get completed. Jae was told to help Nathan with some fishing while Natalie was told to go help Caevia with cleaning clothes and looking after all the children. Renesmee and Kyle were both at the house with the door to the medical room wide open should anyone need to come in, though it was blissfully slow thus far. One mother came in complaining that her son had a cough and Renesmee gave the boy some medicine to sooth his throat and help clear it. When Jae joined Nathan at the banks to help him look for clams, Nathan acknowledged his presence with a smile.

"So did you and Natalie have fun last night?"

"Yes," Jae nodded. "We went to a moving picture and walked through the park to the jazz club."

"And how was the picture?" Nathan asked.

"I don't really remember," Jae answered and Nathan chuckled and patted Jae's back.

"Good for you," he said.

"Nothing crazy happened," Jae said. "I don't get why you're so concerned about it."

"I'm not concerned about it. I just know how much you love her. She loves you too."

"I know," Jae smiled distantly, beginning to remember last night. Even if it wasn't anything out of the ordinary for them, he never tired of it.

"Aw," Nathan teased and Jae shoved him to the side and returned to foraging for clams while Nathan laughed.

A few short hours later, there were horses heard approaching the tribe. Leah, who'd been helping Caevia with the laundry, assumed it was Hailey and looked in the direction of the sound, but realized it was the sound of three horses approaching. Eventually, when she could see the images more clearly, she didn't recognize who it was that was approaching. Jacob, on the other hand, recognized them immediately went to find William. When he did find him, it seemed that William had already noticed them and looked at Jacob.

"Well, let's see what they want," Jacob said to his father's scowl of annoyance and the two began to approach. The tribe looked on but kept with their previous tasks.

"I thought they weren't going to be any trouble," Jae said to Nathan when he saw who was approaching.

"That's what I thought," Nathan said.

"Should we go over there?" Jae asked.

"Not yet," Nathan shook his head. "If dad calls us over, then we'll help. Besides, it's only three people. I doubt they're be able to do much." Though just to be sure, Nathan glanced at Kyle who, he could tell, had his mind open to listen. If anything serious was afoot, he would have said something right then and there.

"What is it, Tokoruchei?"William asked the eldest of the three men that approached once they were before them and had dismounted. Two women sat behind the two younger men on the horses and they were helped off as William and Tokoruchei spoke.

"Kayechiwetchwe,"the eldest man bowed his head briefly before rising and continuing. "I realize when we parted ways last time, you and your son had left on less than favorable terms."

"As I recall, our agreement was we would leave you alone so long as you did,"Jacob stepped in. "If that's not the case, then I'm afraid we have a serious problem."

"A serious problem is not my intention,"Tokoruchei answered. "I merely came here with the intention that we can avoid any serious problems in the future."

"As I recall, we weren't having any issues to speak of until you tried to invade and attack us,"Jacob said pointedly.

"Yes, and as I explained, my son acted on that without my knowledge or approval. I have since dealt with him accordingly as I've already explained."

"So what has changed in our previous agreement that brings you to my lands?" William asked.

"To be fair, Kayechiwetchwe, our tribes have suffered animosity for quite some time. As far back as either you or I can remember. I want to put an end to it once and for all."

"Yes, and you had suggested marriage. We've already discussed my son and daughters are not available for such an arrangement."

"Indeed not, but your son has children does he not? You have three sons and a daughter by your son is that correct?" Tokoruchei asked. He looked back and waved his hand for the two young men and women to step forward. "I fear my oldest children are already married, but I have two younger sons that are unwed and two daughters that are unwed. Perhaps we might be able to come to an agreement that way?"

Jacob and William looked at the group. The eldest of the two sons looked to be closer to Kevin's age, but he was still a little older. Late twenties most likely. The young son appeared younger at least. The two daughters appeared Natalie's age. After a moment, Jacob looked at William.

"Give my father and I a moment to talk,"Jacob said as he pulled William aside out of their range of hearing. When he was confident they were alone, Jacob started. "I'll tell you right now, the answer is no."

"Jacob, you know as well as I do we can't just turn them away. If we do, we risk them organizing an attack again."

"So what? You really think even if they tried to mobilize against us that the pack and I can't handle it? The night they'd tried that, we dispatched half their men before they retreated. I guarantee you it'll be the same result."

"And what happens if they actually attack with their chief's approval? Last time, they fought with just their men at the command of the chief's son. If Tokoruchei decides to involve his allies, I doubt we'll be quite so lucky."

"Need I remind you that we have the Hou tribe, the pack, the Cullens and the Q'wayi't'sox at our disposal? Even if they involve their allies, our allies are stronger by a long shot. This isn't like when it was just me, Embry and Quil on the pack either. It's me, Embry, two of his sons, all three of my sons-"

"Two of whom are consistently on the other side of the lands,"William pointed out. "Not to mention the Cullens are usually very far away too."

"Dad, three days to run to and from Alaska and they're here ready to fight by our side. The Makka don't have a chance of getting mobilized that quickly."

"You seem too eager to pick a fight with them, Jacob,"William sighed. "I didn't make peace with the Hou tribe by eagerly picking a fight with them."

"No, you married off your two daughters to complete strangers,"Jacob said.

"Something that worked out greatly to our advantage in the end and both your sisters are happy now."

"That's not the point,"Jacob argued.

"Perhaps not, but if we'd not worked out an agreement with the Hou tribe, we'd still be feuding with them. We've been in a stale mate with the Makka for years and I think it's time we ended it if we can."

"We've tried marriage before and they spat in our faces because they didn't get our powers from the union. That's exactly what's happening now."

"What do you suggest then?"William asked.

"I suggest we tell them we've already arranged marriages with them in the past and yet they've continued this bitter rivalry with us. Fool us once, shame on them. Fool us twice, shame on us." William appeared thoughtful a moment. Jacob did make a valid point, at least with regards to previous arrangements. William was willing to bond by marriage, but not if it meant the Makka would go back on their word if they didn't get what they wanted. Eventually, William returned his attention to Jacob.

"We will sit down with them and discuss this,"William said. Jacob was about to argue, but William held up his hand. "I realize this isn't what you want and I agree that previous failed arrangements are an issue, but it's an issue we should at least allow them to defend themselves against. That was years ago with a different chief. Perhaps Tokoruchei will be more sensible than his predecessors."

"And if he's not?"Jacob asked.

"Then I give you my full permission to look me dead in the eye and say 'I told you so.'"

"I would prefer the option not be made available at all. They're MY children we're talking about."

"And they're MY grandchildren who belong to the Chief's family. You know as well as I do that there are times when obligations need to be met, regardless of feelings on the matter. It's called being a leader, Jacob. Something that you've been preparing for your whole life. Someday, I won't be here and you need to be able to handle things as I have. Above all us, our people's safety and happiness is most important. Now, are we agreed on this?"

Every bone in his body shook a little with disdain at the prospect and when he looked at the chief and the menagerie he'd brought with him, he got even more irritated. Yet whether he liked it or not, his father was right. So finally, he took a deep breath and nodded his head.

"Good,"William said. "And you know full well I would not allow anything unless Tokoruchei proved his sons or daughters were worthy of marriage anyway. The decision will be mine, but you rest assured that decision will not be made unless my grandchildren will be well taken care of. You should know me better than that."

"Understood,"was all Jacob said and they returned to Tokoruchei to request he come to William's tent so they could discuss the matter further, encouraging Tokoruchei's children to converse among the tribe. After that, Kyle went to Nathan.

"So what's going on?" Nathan asked.

"One or more of us will probably be engaged by the end of the day," Kyle said, crossing his arms. "The chief brought two daughters and two sons."

Jae stood up suddenly. "Jacob's not going to let one of them marry Natalie is he?"

"Don't worry, he'll make it clear Natalie's not qualified. At this point, it looks like Nathan and I will be the only ones worth 'negotiating' over."

"Well, dad didn't make that clear apparently," Nathan said and pointed in Natalie's direction.

Moments prior after Jacob encouraged the four kids to walk among the tribe and get to know some people, he walked away with the remainder of the group, leaving the sons and daughters standing where they were for a moment.

"So which one's the daughter?" the eldest among them, Torou, asked.

"I don't know any more than you do,"the other son, Toroeh, answered.

"We'll only find out if we ask,"one of the daughters, Jjigae, suggested and looked at her sister, Tomoeh, as they all began to walk forward. "Do you think the sons will be handsome?"

"If they look anything like their father, I'm sure they are,"Tomoeh answered meekly. "I'm more inclined to worry if they're pleasant."

"If they aren't, we'll take care of it,"Torou answered defensively. "You'll have nothing to worry about."

"Were it that daddy cared as much as you,"Jjigae replied solemnly.

"Don't speak that way,"Toroeh said in their father's defense. "He doesn't want to do this anymore than we do. If it weren't for Toraz, we wouldn't be doing this at all."

"I think he assumed one of his kids might end up married to the chief's grandkids,"Torou suggested.

"So much for that,"Toroeh mumbled as they looked among the people. They asked a woman they happened upon to point out the Chief's grandchildren. She pointed at Natalie and the two sons that were present, Nathan and Kyle. "That's her? She looks like she hasn't eaten a morsel in her life!"

"Well, you're not in a position to be picky, Toroeh,"Torou said. Toroeh looked over the people and happened upon Rae, who was sitting with Sharisa cleaning some pots at the shoreline.

"Who is that?" Toroeh asked, pointing at Rae. The woman glanced and then answered.

"She is Rae. She's not our Chief's granddaughter, but her father is a moment of the pack."

Toroeh smiled, but then whether her father was a wolf or not hadn't crossed his mind. He just thought Rae was especially pretty. "Fine. You speak with her and I'll speak with the Chief's granddaughter. Jjigae, Tomoeh, you two go talk to the grandsons."

They all nodded in agreement of the plan and dispersed to their assigned tasks. Toroeh went right to where Rae was sitting and wasted no time introducing himself.

"Hello,"he said to Rae, making her look at him. She batted her eyelashes and smiled at him. "My name is Toroeh. I'm here with my father and siblings."

"Yes, you were causing a small ruckus when you arrived,"Rae answered kindly. "Your Quileute is rather good. I didn't realize the Makka spoke it."

"Our languages aren't so different that's it hard to learn,"Toroeh said and sat down beside her. "What's your name?"

"I'm Rae,"she answered and then glanced at her sister. "This is my sister Sharisa. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"It's a pleasure to meet you too, Rae,"Toroeh answered and Rae smiled a little more. In the meantime, while Rae spoke with Toroeh, Torou went right to Natalie and sat beside her while she was folding a dress. Nathan, Kyle and Jae noticed, but were interrupted by Jjigae and Tomoeh.

"Hello,"Jjigae took initiative in speaking. "My name is Jjigae and this is my sister Tomoeh. We're here with our father."

"We noticed,"Kyle spoke up. "He's here to arrange marriages one way or another am I right?"

"That is what we've been informed of,"Jjigae answered formally. Tomoeh was relieved both brothers were rather handsome, but they looked less than enthused to see them. In truth, she wasn't all that surprised. Just then, there was a loud bark that startled Jjigae and Tomoeh and they looked to see a wolf running towards them and go right to Nathan, who smiled and started petting her.

"There you are," Nathan mumbled to Roxanne. Immediately, Tomoeh's expression brightened and she kneeled down to come slightly closer.

"A wolf trusts you so much to let you pet him?" she asked in awe.

"We found her abandoned when she was a cub. Her mother and littermates were killed by a bear from what we could tell. She seemed to take a liking to me, so we took her in and she's been my buddy ever since. Her name's Roxanne."

"That's a pretty name,"Tomoeh answered. "Is it okay if I pet her?"

"She's not usually very good about letting people pet her. Me and my siblings aside, she doesn't really like being petted. Even with me, she'll only tolerate it for so long."

"Oh,"Tomoeh said, a little sad. Feeling a little bad, Nathan looked at Roxanne. She seemed rather relaxed, so he looked back at Tomoeh.

"Give me your hand really quick,"Nathan said, holding out his own. Tomoeh did as she was told and handed Nathan her hand and let him bring it close to Roxanne's nose. She leaned her head down to sniff her hand, made a quick lick, albeit on Nathan's hand, and kept her head where it was. Usually her indicator that if he petted her, she wouldn't mind very much. So Nathan brought Tomoeh's hand to Roxanne's neck and let her pet. "So long as you stay on her should, she should be alright,"Nathan said, letting go of Tomoeh's hand so she could pet. She continued to smile as Roxanne large ignored her.

"She's so soft,"Tomoeh said, coming just a little closer. But when she did, Roxanne suddenly walked away. Her way of saying you've petted enough now. Tomoeh looked a little sad. "Did I do something wrong?"

"No, you're fine. Roxanne's just letting you know she's had enough pets for the time being."

"Okay,"Tomoeh said.

"I'm sorry, but we never got your names,"Jjigae pointed out, trying to return to business.

"My name is Kyle and this is my brother Nathan,"Kyle answered.

All the while, Jae was more focused on watching Torou with Natalie. From the moment he'd sat down beside her, he realized Natalie seemed extremely uncomfortable. She seemed to become more so when he scooted a little closer to her as he was talking. When he noticed that, he stood up from his foraging spot and excused himself from the group to approach them. Earlier while the sisters were talking to Nathan and Kyle and while Rae had Toroeh preoccupied, Torou sat down beside Natalie as she was folding the dress.

"Hello. You're the chief's granddaughter right?"

"Yes,"Natalie answered. "Who might you be?"

"My name's Torou. My father is Chief of the Makka tribe. To get straight to the point, father is hoping a marriage agreement can be arranged."

"I'd been under the impression we'd agreed to leave one another alone after the attempted attack,"Natalie answered.

"Yes, my brother's impromptu decision was unfortunate. Sadly our father is being left with the awkward position of dealing with the damage control."

"My condolences to your father,"Natalie answered a little more softly than before.

"Indeed. So really, we're all paying for my brother's error in judgment. I suppose I'm hoping this can be as easy a transaction as possible."

"Just for your future reference, that's not the most romantic way to propose to a woman,"Natalie said, attempted to joke in an effort to make the situation less uncomfortable. Torou smiled a little, though the joke fell flat for both of them.

"I see you're not very receptive to the idea,"Torou sighed.

"And you are?"

"No,"Torou answered bluntly. "But someone has to take responsibility for Toraz's stupidity, even if it will end up falling on us."

"By the looks of it, you came with a few options, so with any luck the responsibility won't fall on you marrying me,"Natalie answered. Torou sighed and sat still a moment, but eventually moved just a little closer.

"I rather doubt it'll be that simple,"Torou answered. "You see, my sisters marrying your brothers is well and good, but they stay here if that happens. If you marry me or my brother then you come live with us. It would have to be a fair exchange."

"All the more reason from my perspective that we shouldn't marry at all. I prefer to live here."

"I'm sure my sisters much prefer to live at home too, but sometimes you have to grow up and act like an adult,"Torou answered rather sternly, coming off as mean though he really hadn't meant to. Jae appeared and sat down beside Natalie on the other side from where Torou was sitting.

"You alright?" Jae asked Natalie.

"Yeah, I'm alright. I was just talking to Torou. Apparently his father brought him and a few others with to marry one of us."

"That's what I hear from his sisters," Jae said, glancing momentarily at Torou before looking at Natalie again. "From what I can tell his brother is rather interested in Rae." Natalie looked over her shoulder at the shore and saw Rae talking rather animatedly with Toroeh.

"She seems to like him," Natalie smiled.

"Yes," Torou said, rather unexpectedly, in English. "There is a reason father brought four of us."

"I didn't realize you spoke English," Natalie said.

"You didn't ask," Torou answered. "In any case, I just want to request that when our fathers come so an agreement that we keep this cordial."

"You don't have to worry about that. There won't be any agreement reached with regards to Natalie," Jae said, admittedly getting just a little possessive despite his best efforts.

"And what makes you so certain of that?" Torou asked and Jae didn't care for his tone.

"Because she's spoken for," Jae said just as pointedly.

"Oh really?" Torou couldn't help but laugh just a little at what he perceived as naiveté and a severe lack of understanding of what being of the chief's family entailed should it be called for. "By who? You? And who are you exactly that you think her father wouldn't pick a promise of peace over you?"

"I'm the one who's been seeing the chief's daughter for a year, that's who I am," Jae said back. Natalie placed her hand on Jae's shoulder to try and calm him down, but given Torou's next answer, it did little to help.

"I admire your determination, kid, but I'm afraid reality doesn't exactly work that way."

"Perhaps not yours," Jae retorted rather harshly. "But I don't live in your reality."

"Well," Torou smiled a little, finding Jae just the slightest bit amusing. "Like I said, I admire your determination. I'll give you credit where credit is due; you certainly love her. But the fact is if we're going to avoid any further conflict, we'll need an equal trade. A daughter for a daughter and a son for a son. Seeing as the Chief's son only had one daughter, you don't really have much in the way of wiggle room as far as I'm concerned."

"It doesn't matter," Jae said. "You're acting like our chief has no choice but to go along with this. Our chief doesn't have to do anything. You attacked us! If anyone should be begging for a deal, it's you."

"What do you think we're doing? We're begging for a deal. But just because we're begging doesn't mean this can't be fair. And I'll not leave one of my sisters here in your people's care without some sort of collateral."

"Collateral?" Natalie repeated, offended.

"Okay, fine 'exchange'. Is that better?"

"Frankly, the way you're talking, I could easily go to our chief's tent right now and we could see this shut down right now. You're in no position to get snippy or demanding of us," Jae said.

"And the way I see it, you have no business getting involved in my business. You're no brother or father or legitimate relation to her, so unless you have anything else to say, why don't you run back to your chores and let the nobility talk business."

Suddenly, Jae punched Torou square in the nose causing him to fall back and Natalie to jump back to avoid any other blows. But Torou recovered, blood gushing from his nose now, and went to attack Jae right back. Natalie got between them but was immediately assisted by Embry Jr. who grabbed a hold of Jae and Nathan who grabbed a hold of Torou. Overhearing the fight and a few brief screams, Renesmee came out of the house and started running towards the group. Jacob and company also overheard the commotion and stepped outside. What they saw were Jae and Torou being respectively forced back surrounded by most of the tribe as well as their other guests and Renesmee attending to Torou once she realized his nose was broken. Just moments ago, Jacob was explaining that Natalie would not be considered for any impending discussion regarding using marriage as a peace treaty. Tokoruchei had, as expected, begun arguing adamantly against that.

"You see that boy being held back from your son?" Jacob asked.

"What of him?" Tokoruchei asked, more concerned about his son than the other boy.

"He's why Natalie's not up for negotiation. Now are we finally clear on that?" Although reluctantly, the Chief nodded his head. "Good. Now Renesmee seems to have everything under control, so let's get back inside."

"Your sons are still alright to discuss?"

"Two of them, yes,"Kevin said reluctantly as they stepped back inside. William had promised nothing would be finalized until they spoke with Nathan and Kyle first seeing as they were the only two that were able to be considered. Of course, Jacob was more worried about talking to Renesmee about this. She'd almost certainly not put up with it. Back among the group, Renesmee told Nathan to bring Torou back to the house so she could treat Torou's nose. His sisters, brother, and Kyle all followed as well as Rae, who was tagging along with Toroeh. The two of them had been having a rather nice time until the fight broke out.

"Jae broke your nose pretty bad, but it's nothing you won't be able to recover from," Renesmee assured. "Kyle bring me the gaze and medicine."

"We'll need to make a splint for that too," Kyle said and brought those supplies as well.

"I've never heard of a woman being the healer," Torou said more to himself really, but Renesmee answered.

"My husband's uncle felt I was a worthy protégée to take under his guidance. I was a nurse before I came here."

"Surprising that you ended up with a tribe," Torou said. "I realize he's not yours, but you may want to teach that brat some manners." Rather gently so as not to do more than inflict pain, Renesmee pushed her finger against Torou's nose until he grunted.

"Likewise, young man," Renesmee said. "Now what was this all about?"

"Father is trying to work out an agreement with your chief regarding a marriage treaty." Renesmee stopped what she was doing.

"Excuse me?"

"A marriage treaty," Torou said. "A way to try and fix any animosity. Though that seems to be working in flying colors," Torou answered sarcastically.

"Well, I'm sorry to disappoint, but my husband will never agree to such a thing. Perhaps another agreement can be arranged?"

Torou was about to say something, but he chose otherwise and went with a safer answer. "That'll be up to the chiefs to work out." Renesmee and Kyle continued to attend to Torou's nose. Meanwhile, in William's tent, the group continued their discussion.

"Seeing as your sons are the only people available for marriage,"Tokoruchei said after a brief awkward silence, "perhaps there's another option so a Quileute might come to reside with us so as to ensure a fair trade."

"I don't think 'trade' is the word you're looking for,"William, much to Jacob's relief, argued. "I'm sorry to have to say this to you, but you're the one in the wrong here. You don't really have much room for real negotiation. At best, you can hope one of my grandsons is comfortable with marrying one of your daughters."

"Yes, I realize that, but to leave without a bride for at least one of my sons is simply not appropriate."

"Attacking a village unjustly and out of nowhere is rather inappropriate too, wouldn't you say?" Jacob argued.

"An attack that I did not condone or authorize."

"And yet it happened,"Jacob said, but then William held up his hand instructing Jacob to be quiet.

"While my son's tone is harsh, his point remains valid. You attacked us. So if you want any agreement reached, it will be on our terms."

"I understand, but we need to at least come to some sort of common ground. You accuse me of an ancestor 'going back on his word' but as I recall, it was a daughter given to a son of our tribe with nothing accepted by the Quileutes."

"That doesn't matter. A family bond was there and it was not honored. What makes you think that family needs to be on both sides of the pond to ensure peace?" William asked.

"Because I want to ensure there are no problems just as much as you do,"Tokoruchei answered. "I think a bond of marriage will be our best option, but it's an option that should be met equally." Jacob thought a moment, remembering that he saw one of the chief's sons start talking to Rae. Granted, she wasn't his daughter, but she was a Quileute.

"If you are willing to have a son marry one of our own regardless of her relation to me, then perhaps we can reach an agreement,"Jacob suggested.

"You mean a son marry a member of the tribe?"

"Yes. I can't absolutely speak for my pack brother as to his approval in the matter, but I can at least promise to bring it up with him. His daughter Rae seemed to be having a good time with your younger son. If she's willing then I'm sure I can get Embry to hear you out."

"But one of my daughters will marry one of your sons?"

"So long as my sons agree,"Jacob said. "You see, Tokoruchei, our wolves have been known to imprint. Simply put, the imprint is our true mate. Sadly, I've yet to know of a situation in which an imprint was the result of an arranged marriage. Quite the opposite in fact. That is why my eldest son is also not up for any negotiation. He's already imprinted on a young woman and I'll not force him to marry another. I'd prefer not to force any of my children into marriage if I'm being blunt."

"Nor would I, yet we have little other choice,"Tokoruchei said.

"We do,"Jacob corrected. "I'll go get Embry and my sons so we can talk more about this."

Jacob left and found Embry Sr. talking to Jae. He seemed to be 'scolding' Jae, yet if he were being honest, he was a little proud of him. Jae was more interested in talking to Natalie, trying to apologize for what happened and how he didn't know what had come over him. While she gave him reassurance, Jacob went right to Embry.

"We have a small problem," Jacob said.

"Yeah, my son punched one of our guests," Embry said, but he was chuckling. Jacob smiled and shook his head.

"I wish that's what I meant, but it's not. I'm talking about the actual issue of Natalie being my only daughter yet being firmly spoken for. Not that I'm complaining, but the chief is. I noticed that Rae seems to have taken a liking to one of the chief's sons."

"No," Embry said without a second thought. Jacob chuckled.

"Thanks for the swift answer," Jacob said.

"If Rae really wants to, then fine, but it won't be for any other reason than that. If I wanted to be a pawn in your royal game of chess, I'd have attempted to take over by now."

"I guess time will only tell in that case. I suppose that leaves Nathan and Kyle as the only options. Though I'm not holding my breath either of them will agree."

"And why should they?" Embry asked. "Kyle doesn't even live here and Nathan. Well…..Nathan's Nathan," Embry said knowingly and Jacob gave him a stern look.

"Not another word," Jacob said. "Bad enough we all know he's 'active' for lack of a better word. Last thing I want is Renesmee finding out. She'd be furious."

"Well, you can always just say he got it from you," Embry poked fun and Jacob glared at him momentarily. "Before you met Renesmee, you were no saint yourself."

"Not another word on that either," Jacob mumbled and went to look for his sons. He saw Nathan and Kyle at the house attending to Torou and his broken nose. He didn't get a chance to ask for them before Renesmee noticed him.

"Jacob, can I speak to you for a moment?" Renesmee asked, not giving him the chance to answer before she started walking out of their medical room and up the stairs to their bedroom. With a heavy sigh, Jacob followed but was sure to tell Nathan and Kyle he would need to speak with them momentarily. When he got to the bedroom, Renesmee walked over and closed the door. "I'm hearing that evidently that chief is asking to marry off our kids?"

"That's the long and short of it," Jacob answered.

"And what did you tell him?"

"So far, we've stated that out of our kids, Nathan and Kyle are the only viable options but we won't agree to anything unless our sons agree."

"And there's no other agreement that can be reached?"

"I'll gladly argue for one, but dad has the final say. I'm not chief yet, remember? It's his word over mine."

"I know," Renesmee sighed. "I guess just argue for something else. I don't want to do that to them. Can you imagine? They marry one of the chief's daughters and suddenly they imprint on someone else. That's not fair to anyone."

"I know. I made that point," Jacob answered. He walked over to Renesmee and hugged her. She kept looking up at Jacob as he smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry, Renesmee. I'll do the best I can. I promise. I might not have the final say, but I can influence dad at the very least. Dad's putting up a bit of a front, but I know he won't agree to anything unless I do and unless our sons do. We're lucky in that it worked out for the better, but he remembers when my sisters got married. The two of them cried the whole ceremony. He won't do that again, I know for a fact."

"You're sure?" Renesmee asked.

"Positive," Jacob said and kissed Renesmee on the lips. "I'll take care of it, Renesmee. I promise." Finally, Renesmee relaxed and smiled back.

"Okay, I trust you." She reached up and gave Jacob a kiss. "And I love you."

"I love you too," Jacob answered and kissed her back. They kissed for a long time until Jacob's hands started to wander and Renesmee warned him that he probably had his father and the chief waiting long enough. He agreed and went downstairs to retrieve his sons and they all walked back to William's tent.

"What took you so long?" William asked when Jacob returned with the boys.

"I was looking for them,"Jacob said. "So Nathan, Kyle, as I explained on our way here, Chief Tokoruchei brought two of his daughters hoping to have at least one of them married off. You've had a chance to meet them right?"

"We did,"Kyle answered. "I'm afraid I doubt I'll be of much worth. Like my older brother, I'm usually in Connecticut. And dad, I know Embry said no, but Rae is smitten with Toroeh. Unlike Torou, he seems to have a grasp of romanticism."

"I doubt that will win Embry over," Jacob answered.

"Not at all. If Toroeh wants to marry Rae, it'll be on our terms, but it's the only way you can hope to secure one of us going to be with your tribe."

"Nathan?" William asked.

"I've spoken more with Tomoeh than Jjigae. She's a nice girl, but I can't really say I'd want to marry her."

"Well of course not, you barely know her,"Tokoruchei said with heavy irritation. Not necessarily at Nathan's rejection so much as the brat thought himself good enough for one of his daughters to begin with. "I assure you, both of my daughters are exceptional prospects for wives. Any man would be lucky to be graced with their presence let alone marry them."

"I'm not doubting it,"William said, realizing they'd offended Tokoruchei. "My grandson meant no disrespect. He's young, so such matters as marriage are simply beyond his realm of consideration, but I assure you we are considering it." Immediately, Nathan looked right at Jacob. He was under the understanding that nothing would happen unless he agreed and he'd not agreed to anything.

"Perhaps your children might remain with us for a time,"Kyle suggested. "Surely, making a decision of any kind now would be rash. It might be helpful to give us all a chance to get to know one another. After all, a great deal of our conflict seems to come from the simple lack of understanding one another. We may have married before, but we were never really friends. Perhaps now we can try that. I'm sure marriage will follow naturally."

"An excellent suggestion,"William agreed.

"Are you honestly suggesting I leave my children here alone? Seeing as one of my sons is now sitting with the healer, nose bloodied, I can't say with any confidence that my children will be safe."

"I assure you, they will be safe,"Jacob said. "I think my son's right to say that we've never truly been friends and that's the root of the problem. This can give us a chance to become friends." Tokoruchei stared at them, weighing his options. Perhaps it wasn't so absurd a suggestion, but he still hated the idea of leaving them.

"Perhaps we can send a few of our own,"Kyle suggested as the chief thought. "Maybe Nathan and Travis can go. Or even Rae and Embry Sr. That way we can grow accustomed to one another and Rae can get to know Toroeh a little better with Embry there to keep an eye on things."

"I think I can agree to that,"Tokoruchei said with more confidence.

"Then it's settled,"William smiled. "We will hold off any discussion of marriage and in the meantime get to know one another. Perhaps we shall reconvene come fall. Is that acceptable."

Although with slight hesitance, Tokoruchei eventually nodded. "Agreed,"he finally said.

With that agreed upon, they all left William's tent to formally announce the current development. Renesmee wasn't thrilled, but she was happier than she might have been otherwise. Giving them a chance to rest, the whole party was invited to stay the night with them. When dinner was over and everything calmed down, Jae asked Natalie to go with him to the shop in town so they could be alone. They ran back to the shop and snuck in through the back so no one would know they were there. Jae unlocked the back door so they could go in and locked the door behind him while Natalie carefully walked further into the kitchen through the dark. She searched for a lamp and turned it on once she found it. Once she had, she went right back to Jae, who was still facing the door, and hugged him from behind. He'd been in a sour mood since that afternoon and when Jacob announced their guests would be staying, he soured more. When it was announced that Rae would be among the people going to the Makka tribe, he was downright unsociable. He didn't say a word for the remainder of the night except to ask Natalie to come with him to the shop.

"Thank you for standing up for me," Natalie finally said against Jae's back, wanting to find some way to cheer him up. Jae put his hands on Natalie's around his waist and took a deep breath.

"I just wish they weren't staying. Seeing Torou every day until fall's going to be rather awkward."

"It doesn't have to be. You made your point," Natalie smiled and kissed Jae's back.

"I don't see what makes him think being a chief's son makes him any better than me," Jae mumbled and Natalie shook her head.

"It doesn't," Natalie reassured as she hugged Jae a little tighter. "Don't let him bother you, Jae," Natalie continued. "He's already backed off. He hasn't said a word to me since you argued. And even if he did, he couldn't hold a candle to you."

"Really?" Jae asked, looking over his shoulder at Natalie, seeing her resting her head against his back with a smile and her eyes closed as if she would fall asleep against him.

"Really," she answered honestly. Jae felt really touched and turned around in her arms so he could wrap his arms around her. Now that he was facing her, she brought her head up so they could look at one another.

"I really am sorry about today," Jae said. "I overreacted."

Natalie smiled sweetly and went up to her toes to give him a kiss. Afterwards, she kept her nose against his as she looked into his eyes. "It's okay," she finally said. "I still appreciate you standing up for me."

Jae returned her smile and Natalie brought her lips to his again for another kiss. The kiss started simple, just brushing of their lips and a lingering touch. Yet something caused a fire to light in them both and their tender kiss became passionate with Jae pressing his tongue to her lips and asking her to open for him. She did and the two tasted one another in the dim light of the lamp in the kitchen. As they kissed, they rocked back and forth in each other's arms, swaying from side to side. Natalie reached her arms up around his neck so they could hold one another closer as they kissed. Natalie took her arms from around his neck when he held her closer so she could place her hands on his neck, rubbing her thumbs on both edges of his chin. It had been meant to be more comforting than anything else, but the touch elicited a rather strong reaction from Jae and without any over thinking of it, he lifted Natalie up so her feet dangled above the floor until he reached the kitchen table and plopped her onto it. When she was sitting on the table, she smiled through the kiss and began to giggle a little. With that giggle, Jae looked at her nervously.

"What's funny?" he asked.

"You just took me by surprise," Natalie smiled. "You've never been so forceful before."

"Did you want me to stop?" Jae asked. Natalie shook her head and came just a little closer until their noses touched again.

"No," Natalie answered bluntly but in her sweet voice. Jae and Natalie looked at one another a moment longer, just staring into each other's eyes. Jae battled inwardly over the question he wanted to ask her, but eventually, he worked up the courage. He licked his lips, took a deep breath, and closed his eyes for just a moment before opening them again to look at Natalie.

"Did you want to go upstairs?" Jae asked awkwardly, terrified she might not know what he meant or, worse, say no. But Natalie realized what he meant and she took a moment to contemplate. Not whether or not she wanted to, but rather whether or not it was safe to at the moment. She thought back to when her last period was and when they would need to be concerned. She remembered it had been two weeks prior. She remembered because it happened while they were out dancing and she had to beg they leave because she realized she'd started bleeding and had nothing to keep clean with. Then she remembered when her mother had sat her down to discuss more in depth what she was going through so long ago and she remembered her mother saying that fertility was really only possibly around six days leading up to her next period. She wound up thinking for so long that Jae became disheartened and his hands fell. When Natalie realized it, she looked right at him.

"Jae, what's the matter?" she asked.

"I…nothing, I just didn't want to push you into something. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."

"You didn't," Natalie reassured and tightened her hold on his again hoping to encourage him. "I was just trying to remember when my last period was and if it was safe."

"Oh," Jae said, suddenly feeling intensely relieved, yet simultaneously rather stupid for not even considering that. "I didn't even think about that."

"It's okay," Natalie smiled. "I did, and we should be fine. My last period was two weeks ago."

"Yeah, I remember," Jae smiled a little and managed a small laugh.

Natalie smiled back at him and they shared another look. Natalie felt knots begin to form in her stomach, but they weren't bad. Just nervousness and anticipation. She knew he was just as nervous as she was. Rather than say anything, she slid off the table and took Jae's hand in hers so they could walk up the stairs. Jae stepped away to turn off the lamp first before returning to Natalie's side to follow her. They walked up the stairs and went straight to the master bedroom where they'd slept several times before. This time, however, when they approached, both their mouths went dry and hey both started licking their lips to try and relax away the nerves. Once they were inside, Natalie turned around to face Jae. She realized she wasn't sure where to start. She and Jae both certainly knew how to have sex and had heard more about everyone's love lives than they would ever want to hear, but they didn't want to reference that. They just wanted to be with one another.

Eventually, unsure what else to do, Jae bent down his head and took her lips in another searing kiss. This was easy. This they already knew. Yet Jae realized this was the same as their first kiss, the first time their kisses intensified, the first time they'd started touching one another; really touching one another. Every time, he realized, it was always scarier to think about it than it was to actually do it. So with that in mind, Jae pressed on and just did. He wouldn't let himself think about it. He just acted. Jae's hands started wrapped around Natalie's waist, but then he released her just enough so his palms were on her hips. Then they moved down to start touching her butt. They remained that way for a while, just kissing and touching. Until Natalie became bold and brought her hands to Jae's chest and started tugging at his plain shirt. They pulled away from one another so Natalie could finish pulling his shirt over his head and Jae reciprocated by grabbing a hold of Natalie's dress and tugging at it until it lifted above her head and she was just in her knickers.

In truth, they'd seen one another naked before. It wasn't all that strange. It was the context of their current situation that was strange. Jae found himself admiring Natalie which he'd never really done before since they were always around the pack. Now that it was just them, he touched her bare skin and reveled in how warm to the touch she was. Natalie brought her hands up to Jae's bare shoulders and enjoyed the feel of his muscles move beneath his skin as his hands moved over her body. Soon, they began to kiss one another again, holding each other close and awkwardly bobbing back to the bed and falling into it in a mess of limbs, never taking their lips away. Jae brought one of his hands to her breast; yet another part of her that he'd seen several times but had never been able to really appreciate until now. He took his lips from hers only to start kissing her neck, the hollow of her neck where her clavicle bones rose. Then he went to her breast and kissed it tenderly before taking her nipple in his mouth.

Natalie released a breathy sigh and brought her hands up to thread through his short hair. As he tasted her skin, Jae's now free hand began to wander lower to the top of her panty line. Then he gently started to pull it down while he kissed along her skin to give attention to her other breast. Natalie helped kick off her panties all the while using her toes to pull at Jae's pants by putting them in his pockets. Jae used his free hand to undo his pants and removed the remainder of his clothes just as his fingers finally went between Natalie's legs. She sighed a small whimper when he came close and she moaned when he started touching her. He slipped his finger inside and groaned against Natalie's breast at the feel of her warmth. From just that first touch and the sound of Natalie's moan when his finger slipped in, Jae felt as though he would come undone. He felt a sudden and desperate need that he felt at his core that took everything in him not to act immediately on. Rather, he removed his lips from Natalie's breasts and kissed his way up until he reached her ear.

"How does that feel?" Jae whispered in her ear. "My fingers I mean."

"Good," Natalie answered breathlessly. "It feels good," she continued to sigh.

"Is it okay if I…if I…enter you?" Jae finally got the question out.

Natalie nodded and sighed, "Yes," into Jae's ear and then bit the lobes of his ear sensually.

Jae breathed in a sharp breath at the scrap of her teeth on his skin and the feeling made him shiver with need. With her reassurance, Jae adjusted himself so that he was on top of her and positioned himself against her entrance. Desperate to be gentle, Jae slipped in as slowly as he could, no matter how agonizing the pace turned out to be. He just wanted desperately to slip all the way in, but he resisted and retained a slow and steady pace until he was finally fully inside her. She whimpered a little, but it was from the feel of him, not any pain. Jae felt such relief that he didn't hurt her, but he still kept a slow pace initially. Moments passed of that until Jae brought his lips to her ear again.

"Does that feel good, Natalie?" Jae asked and Natalie only nodded. "Say it," he requested, though with how gruff his voice was at the moment, it surely came out sounding more like a command. All the same, Natalie gladly gave Jae the verbal answer he wanted.

"Yes," she whimpered and rubbed his shoulders. "Go faster," she finally said and Jae gladly did as she told him to.

Jae picked up the pace and thrust faster than he'd been doing before. Once he'd started, he felt like he couldn't stop. It was a whirlwind of pleasure that he'd never felt before yet had known merely from the minds of the pack. Yet knowing paled tragically in comparison to experiencing. Jae hovered above her with his elbows keeping him upright while Natalie moved her hands over Jae's body. The more the two of them simultaneously touched and kissed and with each thrust Jae forced, they both came closer and closer to the precipice. When he felt himself tighten and getting closer, Jae rested his thumb against Natalie's tender clitoris and just started rubbing with her own natural lubricant helping him along. She sighed and moaned, begging Jae not to stop as she started to move her head back and forth as if trying to escape, yet not wanting to. Finally, Natalie reached her highest point and moaned when her orgasm hit her and Jae immediately followed. Yet, for caution's sake, Jae pulled out of her suddenly and released on her hip. Once he had, Jae came down to the bed and started breathing heavily. He felt Natalie get off the bed and watched her.

"Are you okay?" Jae asked, a little scared, but Natalie smiled at him over her shoulder as she revealed she was just grabbing tissues.

"I'm just cleaning up," Natalie said. After she wiped all of Jae off her hip and tossed it in the bin, she brought the box with her to the bed and allowed Jae to clean up too. Once they were clean, Jae pulled them both under the covers, naked and basking in their afterglow. Jae wrapped his arms around Natalie as they started to go to sleep, but before he did, he kissed Natalie's neck and squeezed her.

"I love you," he whispered in her ear. Natalie smiled, sighed, and pressed herself closer to him.

"I love you too," she whispered back and the two finally fell asleep in each other's arms as though the less pleasant parts of the day hadn't happened at all.