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.

86. Chapter 86

Chapter 86

The attack at Pearl Harbor lasted two hours, sending its citizens and Navy in a state of terror. Commander Logan C. Ramsey was the first to officially report the attack, having seen the plane approach and realizing it was dropping bombs and therefore hostile. He had a telegram sent to every ship that they were under attack and this was NOT a drill. It was chaos. 12 B-17 Flying Fortresses, unaware of the attack when they reached Oahu, are only able to dodge the Japanese planes as they were unarmed. One plane landed intact, but in a Golf Course. By 8:10 that morning, the Arizona was hit with a bomb, causing a massive explosion from the gunpowder on board. 1177 men lost their lives from that alone. The Arizona jumped several feet into the air due to the explosion, ripping in two before sinking to the bottom of the bay.

The brave men did everything they could to defend the island. The Helm attempted to shoot down a Japanese submarine but was unsuccessful and the two men aboard had to abandon ship. One soldier drowned while the other washed ashore. He would be the first American WW2 POW. Several of the submarines attempted to go out to sea including the Nevada, but she did not get going until 8:50 by which point the first wave of planes had passed. But mere minutes after that, a second wave of planes flew overhead releasing another onslaught. 29 Japanese planes were lost that day out of hundreds sent. The antiaircraft carriers shot down perhaps 15 of them while losing a number of their ships and a total death count of 2380 Americans.

The injured were tended to as best the nurses and doctors could handle, but the number of wounded exceeded the space available. Many men had to be put outside while they were treated and buildings like dining rooms and schools were converted to treat the injured, Marcus Carter being among them. When the attack was finally over and after there had been quiet for a few hours, Aidetzi and the others finally left the basement and immediately turned their attention to finding out what happened to their husbands, praying they weren't among the injured or, worse, dead. Aidetzi did the same thing and went to the hospital first. She was told Marcus was not brought there but it wasn't unlikely he'd been sent somewhere else. It took hours, but she finally found him with their children, her mother in law, Robby and Didi in tow. At the moment, no one knew where Lawrence was, but Aidetzi was more concerned about her husband. She cried when she found out he was alive, so relieved she almost couldn't breathe. But then she found out he'd been injured, having suffered terrible burns on his left side. It would heal eventually, but he would be in a lot of pain for a long time.

Aidetzi and the others finally located Marcus and when they found him, he was still unconscious. The nurse assured that would be for the best for the time being and reassured Aidetzi once again that Marcus would live. Aidetzi and Ruth went on either side of Marcus and Didi went to the task of locating Lawrence, leaving Robby with Ruth and Aidetzi in case the news was bad. Marcus didn't wake up for another two hours but when he did, Aidetzi was the first one he saw and the bright, relieved smile was enough to reassure him his prayer was answered.

"Marcus," Aidetzi cried and rested her head on Marcus's chest, making sure to be mindful of his injuries. Marcus Jr. and Naevia attempted to rest their heads on Marcus as well, but they rested again his partially burned left arm and he groaned from the pain. "Marcus, Naevia, come over here to his right side," Aidetzi lifted her head and motioned for the children to come to her side.

"Oh, Marcus, baby, I was so scared!" Ruth wept and rested her head against his on his left side, minding his injuries while trying to hold him. "I'm so relieved you're alive."

"So am I, mamma," Marcus said with a groan as he attempted to sit up.

"Now, baby, don't you move a muscle," Ruth scolded in a worried tone. "The doctor gave you some medicine so you won't get an infection but you need to stay down for now."

"Marcus," Aidetzi interrupted, "Do you remember anything?" She took Marcus's hand in hers when she asked and kept her eyes on him.

"I just remember seeing the planes and we ran from the hold to sound an alarm, but we were too late and the bomb landed. Me and David got hit with the blast." Marcus was suddenly still. "Where's David?"

"I don't know," Aidetzi said and licked her lips nervously. When they'd heard Marcus was injured and had rushed to the hospital, he'd been all they were thinking about. "The commanding officers are all saying those were Japanese planes."

"They were," Marcus nodded. "Part of the Japanese flag was on them." There was a moment of deafening silence before Aidetzi brought her head closer to Marcus again and tried her best to comfort him.

After the attack occurred and word was able to get out, radio stations all over the country announced the bombing of Pearl Harbor by the Japanese. Being three hours ahead of Hawaii, it was mid-afternoon by the time Washington received the news and Jae was getting the shop closed for the day. While he and Hailey got things closed up, a young man that now owned the inn came running to the General Store to tell them the news. When Jae heard what happened, he left the store suddenly in a panic and started running back to the tribe as fast as he could. Within moments, he'd reached the tribe and, not knowing what else to do, just yelled.

"The Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor!" Jae yelled and immediately had everyone's attention. Particularly, Embry's and Caevia's. Everyone in the tribe began to talk amongst themselves while Embry and Caevia went to Jae, Natalie and the children and her parents and Kyle following close behind. When he saw them, Jae stopped in his tracks but repeated himself. "The Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor," he said, catching his breath.

"When?" Natalie asked, unsure what else to ask.

"It happened this morning according to the guy that told us. He didn't get very specific. All I know is Pearl Harbor's been bombed."

"Wait," Caevia said, panicking. "Jae, that's where-" Now Caevia was shaking. "Renesmee! Your house has a phone right?"

"Yes," Renesmee nodded and led Caevia and Embry to her house with everyone following behind, Embry's and Caevia's kids included.

"Is Aidie okay?" Peta asked.

"Jae, do you know anything else?" Sharisa asked.

"All I know is Pearl Harbor's been bombed," Jae repeated to Sharisa. When they were inside to the phone, Caevia started by calling the phone at Aidetzi's apartment. No answer. She then tried calling another number they had for Didi's apartment, but no answer.

"Do we have any other numbers?" Caevia asked Embry.

"I think she gave us the number to the base if we needed it," Embry said and started looking through the book of numbers Renesmee had. When he found the Base's number, Caevia called that but she couldn't get through to anyone.

"Who else can we call?" Caevia cried.

"Let me go to my parents' house and see if they have a number to a hospital," Renesmee suggested and left, a fresh wave of tears falling from Caevia's eyes at the mere possibility that implied.

Having heard her thoughts as she approached, she was already met at the back door with a number to a hospital in Pearl City. Renesmee rushed back to her house, her whole family now following her, and gave the number to Caevia as soon as she got there. Caevia called the number and, finally, was able to get through to someone, a nurse.

"Hello!" Caevia said as her whole body shook. "I heard about the attack and I'm trying to find out if my daughter is okay!"

"What is her name, ma'am?" the nurse asked.

"Aidetzi Carter," Caevia said. "Her husband is Marcus Carter." The woman asked Caevia to hold and there was a silence in the background with only the sounds of passers or other staff and patients distant in the background. Eventually, the nurse returned. "I'm hearing the man you're referring to is an black man. Let me give you the number to the right hospital." Caevia took down the new number and called it right away, getting another nurse.

"Hello," Caevia said, "please tell me this is the right hospital. I'm trying to find out if my daughter is okay."

"What is your daughter's name, ma'am? Is she one of the nurses here?" the woman asked.

"No, she's married to one of the naval ship workers. Her husband is Marcus Carter and my daughter's name is Aidetzi Carter."

"Yes, ma'am," the nurse said. "Give me one moment while I check for you." There was another silence that passed, this time longer. Eventually, when a voice finally returned, it was Aidetzi's.

"Mom," Aidetzi said, tears apparent in her voice and when she heard her voice, Caevia finally breathed a sigh of relief. Everyone did.

"Aidetzi, are you okay?" Caevia asked.

"I'm alright," Aidetzi said. "Naevia and Marcus are alright too, but their father was hurt. He got hit with a blast from one of the bombs and he's suffering serious burns."

"Do they know if he'll be alright?" Caevia asked.

"They're saying he'll live," Aidetzi cried a little. "But he's hurting really bad. His whole left side is covered in burns up to the back of his head. They aren't sure how long he'll need to stay here."

"Let me talk to her," Embry said to Caevia, who told Aidetzi and handed over the phone. "Aidie, are you there?"

"I'm here, daddy," Aidetzi said, now crying just a little more. "Daddy, it was horrible. Ruth and I were outside with the kids and we heard the bombs go off. When the sirens went off, we all went to the apartment basements to hide. By the time we got out, the docks were on fire and several of the ships had been sunk."

"But you're all alive, right?" Embry asked.

"We still haven't found Lawrence," Aidetzi said. "Didi's still trying to find him."

"Was he on the docks today?"

"I'm not sure," Aidetzi said. "I just knew Marcus was on the docks today for some repairs, so I was scared he might have…" Aidetzi trailed off and started to cry.

"It's alright, Aidie, it's alright," Embry tried to calm her. "It's done now. As long as you're all safe."

"Ask her if she's coming home," Caevia said and Embry repeated the question to Aidetzi.

"Marcus said he'll be honorably discharged for his injuries," Aidetzi said. "He said we're coming back to Washington once he's been given leave by the doctors."

"Good," Embry said. "You'll be safe again once you're home. You can all stay with us if you need to."

"Thank you," Aidetzi said. Then there was a voice in the background. "Daddy, I'm being told I have to get off the phone. I'll call you as soon as I'm able to."

"Alright, Aidie," Embry said. "We'll wait to hear from you." They said their goodbyes and ended the call. Renesmee came to the phone and dialed Kevin's office number and was able to get a hold of him as it was nearly the last ring.

"Hello?" Kevin came on through the voice.

"Kevin, it's your mother. Have you heard?"

"That Japan bombed Pearl Harbor?"

"Yes," Renesmee said. "We managed to get a hold of Aidetzi. They're all alright, but Marcus was injured. She said he'll be honorably discharged."

"Alright, good," Kevin said. "I don't think it's a stretch to say we're going to war with Japan."

"I would assume so," Renesmee mumbled. "Are you going to fight?"

"In Japan? No," Kevin said. "I have no use for going to Japan unless….but how would she even get there?"

"I'll wire Gretchen and tell her to check Japan," Carlisle said. "She sent me word that Japanese representatives are in Germany, so many someone helped Amber and her parents get to Japan."

"Thank you," Renesmee said to Carlisle. "Did you hear Carlisle?"

"I heard him," Kevin said. "But to return to your question, I'll not fight in Japan. But they're allied with Germany. Once the president declares war on Japan, I'll bet you anything Germany will declare war on us. And when they do, I'm signing up."

"Kevin," Renesmee said.

"I'm going, mom," Kevin said. "I don't care what I have to do, but I'm going and I'm going to find Amber."

"How does he know they won't send him to Japan?" Jacob asked.

"That'll be an operation handled by the Navy and Air Force," Kevin answered over the phone. "The Army will be of better use in Europe. It'll be alright, mom. If I can survive trench warfare at 15, I'm sure I'll survive this too. Has anyone told Nathan?"

"We'll try getting to him starting tonight," Jacob answered.

"Good luck getting him to come up for air," Kevin said bitterly and hung up the phone rather suddenly. Renesmee was stunned and Jacob just sighed.

"I'll go on patrol early," Jacob said. "I won't change back until I reach him." Renesmee only nodded awkwardly while Jacob got through the crowd of people in their house. Kyle was staring at the ground, contemplating.

As predicted, President Roosevelt declared war on Japan the very next day, American's cheering with a lust for revenge for the attack they'd suffered and the lives lost. And, just as Kevin said they would, Germany and Italy declared war on America just days after the United States had made their declaration. Kevin had already gotten himself re-enlisted as the army, giving all his previous information and even showing his medals hoping he'd be returned to his previous position of Sergeant. He needed all the command he could get for the best opportunity to move around. Thankfully, the man that assisted him not only believed Kevin but recognized him and told him not to worry about a thing, that he would receive his old position and, if he kept up his hard work during the Great War, far more. When Kevin returned home, it was with a well-hidden panic and a fire in his blood. He wanted to leave now. The sooner he got into Europe, the sooner he could look for Amber. He knew Embry would be there, but he wasn't expecting the crowd that gathered. His living room was packed. Embry Jr., Kyle, Jae, Peta and Travis all stood there.

"What's everyone doing here?" Kevin asked Embry.

"I re-enlisted today," Embry said. "The rest demanded to sign up too."

Kevin was silent a moment. "You're coming with me?"

"Of course I am," Embry said, smiling reassuringly and going to Kevin. "To hell and back, remember?"

"We'll help you find her, Kevin," Jae said. Peta and Travis nodded in agreement.

"The Army can never have too many medics," Kyle smiled. He stepped forward when he saw Kevin looked like he was forcing himself to keep it together and placed his hand on Kevin's shoulder. "We'll find her, Kevin. You mark my words we will. She's still alive. You know that more than any of us. We won't stop until we find her."

Kevin couldn't hold it together anymore, holding his head down and resting it against Kyle's and Embry's shoulders. The remainder of the group came over and made their equal reassurances. Thousands of miles away back in Brazil, Nathan was unaware of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. When the attack had occurred, Nathan was at the bar watching Ada María dance. Marcelo was in town and the two of them were talking together. Nathan was really fond of Marcelo.

"So tell me," Marcelo said in a small whisper. "What was it you needed the gold and jade for that I sent you?"

Nathan smiled. "You have to promised not to tell Ada."

"My lips are sealed," Marcelo grinned.

Nathan took a sip of the tequila for courage and took a deep breath before answering. "In my tribe, when we want to propose, we make a bracelet."

Marcelo rose a brow. "You're going to propose? When?"

"Soon," Nathan smiled. "I finished it and I must say I'm damned proud of it. I think it'll be perfect for her." Marcelo was thoughtful a moment.

"Have you two talked of marriage before?"

"A little," Nathan said. "She said she wouldn't mind it so long as we weren't too domestic." Nathan chuckled a little. "I figure so long as we don't have kids, she'll be happy to marry me."

"That would be best," Marcelo said. "Ada María isn't exactly good with kids."

"I've noticed," Nathan said, sighing a little. "It's a shame too. I'd love to have kids with her."

"Would you?"

"I would," Nathan nodded. "I miss when Scarlet was a baby sometimes, you know? When her mother died, I didn't want any kids, but it was because I couldn't imagine meeting anyone I'd want to be with like that again. Until I met Ada."

"She loves you," Marcelo affirmed. "I know that much."

"I love her too," Nathan said. "Now I just have to convince her to come with me to Washington."

"Good luck with that," Marcelo chuckled a little.

"I'll talk to her about it," Nathan said. "I'll convince her eventually. She's already starting to soften a bit to the idea. Of course, she has a number of conditions to that right now. All pertaining to us returning here so frequently that we still live here and only visit Washington occasionally."

"That sounds like something she'd demand," Marcelo smiled. "I won't say a thing."

The night continued on with Marcelo and Nathan talking. As soon as Ada María left the stage, she returned to their table and sat with everyone. When Nathan stepped away for a moment, Marcelo used that moment to lay down the law on Nathan's behalf.

"Ada María," Marcelo said. "Now, more than ever, you need to tie up loose ends with that cop."

"Pardon?" Ada María asked. "What are you talking about?"

"I'm talking about Nathan and you talking about leaving Brazil."

"Oh, we're not," Ada María grumbled. "Nathan's been talking about it constantly. I appease him, but I'm not going anywhere."

"Well then Ada María, you need to make that clear. Remember what I told you about dicking him around."

"Why are you being so brash about this?" Ada María asked.

"Remember when I told you that eventually he'll get tired of it?" Marcelo asked and Ada María nodded suspiciously. "Well, it's creeping up to that point. He hasn't said that of course, but he's getting to that point really quick. If you want things to continue with him, then you need to get your shit together."

"What do you mean he's getting tired of it? Tired of what? Nathan hasn't said anything about-"

"Just listen to me, Ada María," Marcelo sighed heavily. "All I'm saying is Nathan is prepared to devote his whole life to you. If you don't plan to do the same, then by all means continue as you two are. But if you want to devote yourself to him, then you owe it to him to, at minimum, get rid of the damn cop."

"Alright," Ada María sighed. "I'll get rid of the cop. You'll need to look after the bar for me while I lay low, but I expect my money."

"You'll get that and more, Ada María," Marcelo pleaded. "Just please listen to what I've said."

"I listened," Ada María said, "and I'll take care of it."

"Good," Marcelo said, breathing a little sigh of relief.

The topic was resolved by the time Nathan returned to the table and they went about the night as usual. Nathan stayed until Ada María closed up the bar for the night and she followed Nathan to his house, all the while holding his hand. She felt content. They went straight upstairs once they returned to his house. She noticed Nathan glanced towards Scarlet's room. He'd been doing that a lot as of late and it made Ada María frustrated. Yet she couldn't pretend she didn't understand. He missed her. When they reached his room, Ada María set about making Nathan feel better. She got to her knees and pushed Nathan to sit on the edge of the bed and started undoing his pants.

"Did you and Marcelo enjoy your date?" Ada María teased, reaching past his clothes to grab a hold of his quickly growing erection.

"I think I'm smitten," Nathan joked. "I hope he asks me out again."

"Oh I'm sure he will," Ada María teased before taking Nathan into her mouth. Nathan groaned and laid back onto the bed enjoying Ada María's tongue. His breathing increased little by little as his hand reached into her hair, tugging at the roots the way Ada María loved.

Ada María sucked and bobbed her head up and down on him erotically, curving her tongue over his sensually to bring him to his metaphorical knees. She pulled off her dress so she was naked and continued once she was. Ada María lifted herself up a little so her elbows were on either side of his hips and her breasts were pressed up against his thighs. She kept her hand firm around his erection, stroking and moving in accordance with her mouth. She lifted her head, sucking as she went along, and stroked him vigorously while she twirled her tongue around the head of his erection. Nathan's hand stayed in her hair and rubbed her scalp between tight tugs at her hair when he felt an especially sharp moment of pleasure.

Eventually, Ada María felt Nathan's balls and stomach start to tighten and he felt harder in her mouth then before. When she felt those signs he was reaching his climax, Ada María sucked just a little harder, stroking his erection with more speed and rubbed his balls until she felt Nathan clutch her hair painfully and release into her mouth. She sighed the way she knew Nathan liked and gentled her tongue to ease him through his orgasm all the while swallowing all her gave her. When he was done, she slowly lifted her head and released his erection with a pop and climbed up onto the bed hovering above Nathan on all fours. Nathan pushed her onto her back and climbed on top of her so he could kiss her. Then he kissed all over her neck and chest until he got to her breasts and sucked her nipples while she cradled his hips between her legs. His erection wasn't as strong, but was recovering while he loved her.

Then he kissed his way down her belly to her hips and, finally, between her legs, returning the favor for earlier until he brought her to her own climax. By the time she had her orgasm Nathan's erection had returned with full force and pulled himself up so he was above her again. When he was stable, he grabbed a hold of Ada María's hips and pulled her up so he could slip inside her. When he was inside her, Ada María lifted herself up so she could wrap her arms around his neck and kiss him. Nathan wrapped his arms around Ada María and laid her back down on the bed and began to thrust slow at first but sped up as the minutes passed and Ada María's moans became more aggressive. Soon, Ada María was holding onto him so tightly he could barely breath. With each tightening of her hold on him, he began to thrust faster than before. He did so until she nearly crushed him under her tight grip and she finally reached her second orgasm. Nathan wasn't far behind, pounding faster and harder until he reached his release with a near violent shiver. As he groaned, he bit down on Ada María's shoulder, going so far as to pierce her skin and make her whimper with pleasure. His bite didn't release until the waves of pleasure subsided and he was coming back to earth. Her skin healed near immediately after he released her and Ada María just giggled.

"You know, when I tried to do that, you slammed me against my couch," she teased and made Nathan smile.

"I didn't bite to kill," Nathan said and lifted his head to give Ada María a kiss that she returned with equal tenderness. When their lips parted, they looked into each other's eyes a moment, still hazy after their release. "I love you," Nathan said.

"I love you too," Ada María whispered back without hesitation and kissed him again. This time their kiss was longer as they laid in bed together. Eventually, their lips parted and Nathan held her close while he rested his head on his pillow. He smelled a little of Ada María's blood on it, but given how it got there, it didn't alarm him. Ada María's head rested on Nathan's chest and she gently brushed the tip of her finger over his pectoral muscle. She started thinking about what Marcelo had said to her that evening. She looked up at Nathan who appeared ready to fall asleep any moment. She asked if she wanted to give her life to Nathan. She realized she would. Any other man, absolutely not, but Nathan? Nathan she would. "I've been thinking," she finally said.

"About what?" Nathan mumbled as he started drifting into sleep.

"I thought that, perhaps, we might spend summers in Washington," she said. Nathan was suddenly wide away and looked at her.

"Summers?"

"Yes," she nodded. "I mean, how dreadful could any place possibly be when it's summer? We can spend summers there, make them nice, long, extended summers and then when it's winter, we'll return here."

"And you'd really come with me?" Nathan asked.

"Yes," Ada María nodded. "But I want to make sure we return to Brazil. This is still home for me, but I realize you miss Washington…and I know you've missed Scarlet."

There was a brief silence before Nathan sighed a little, "I do. I know she wasn't happy with me when I came back here. A lot of people aren't really happy with me right now."

"I'm sorry," Ada María said. "In fact, we'll go as soon as next summer. I know your summers are May through August or so. So when it's April, we'll leave for Washington and be there by May."

"You really mean it?" Nathan asked with a smile that made Ada María smile back as it warmed her heart.

"I really mean it," she said. Nathan pulled Ada María up to meet his lips so he could kiss her lovingly and hug her tightly.

"I love you, Ada María," Nathan said as he looked up into her eyes. Him using her full name made her blush a little and she smiled.

"I love you too, Nathan," she said and they kissed again.

Nathan turned her onto her back and they kissed lovingly. He did something else to her they'd not really done. He made love to her tenderly. There was no infliction of pain she usually preferred, no roughness, no pounding. Only gentleness and love with each kiss and touch. When they had reached their peaks together one last time, they finally fell asleep in each other's arms. By the time Ada María woke, Nathan had already left for the morning to get to the fishing docks and there was still some coffee downstairs for her. Ada María had an unexpected spring in her step that morning, smiling the whole time she went about her day. Late that afternoon while she prepared herself for her dance number, she smiled at herself in her vanity mirror still feeling light on her feet. She'd not expected the prospect of going to Washington as being anything but a dreary outing at best. But when she saw the look of joy her agreement had brought to his face, it made the endeavor seem worth it. She lost her smile, however, when a familiar smell began to approach her dressing room. The owner of it approached her dressing room and let himself in without so much as a knock.

"Evening, Miss Escada," Officer Acosta smiled. "You look ravishing as always."

"Is there a problem, officer?" Ada María asked according to her usual script. "No trouble I hope."

"Only a point of concern," Officer Acosta said. "A dead body was found a few miles from here. The man suffered familiar injuries. I only came to ensure you were well."

"That's very kind of you, officer," Ada María said. "I assure you that I'm alright."

"That's good to know, Miss Escada," Officer Acosta smiled and walked up behind her at her vanity and placed his hands on her shoulders.

He bent his head down and started kissing her neck as he usually did. She immediately thought of what Marcelo had said to her again. He was right: she needed to deal with this. She thought initially to just dispose of him now, but she realized it wasn't possible. Undoubtedly everyone that mattered knew he was here. If she killed him right at the bar and no one saw him leave, this would be the first place the police checked for him. She needed to think of a way to seclude him. Perhaps ensure he went somewhere without telling anyone so no one would know she'd been the last to see him. Then an idea hit her and she smiled wickedly.

"My dear Officer," Ada María smiled charmingly. "You must allow me to thank you properly for your kindness."

"I'm giving you opportunity now," Officer Acosta chuckled and reached his hand down her bodice to grab her breast.

"I mean besides now," Ada María giggled wickedly again. "Every time you come here, we can only ever enjoy each other's affections for so long. As I'm sure you can understand I have a lot to thank you for."

"Go on," he whispered against her ear before licking her skin there.

"I know after your late shifts you get very tired," Ada María continued. "And I know how you've complained of the baby crying at night."

"He runs into bed with us," Officer Acosta grumbled a little. "Boy doesn't like the dark so he snuggles up to his mother. The woman has far more patience than I do. One of the many things I love about her."

"Surely you just need one night to yourself," Ada María grinned. "A night in which you can just enjoy a good fuck and then go to sleep without interruption."

Officer Acosta moaned a little and bit Ada María's shoulder. "That does sound incredible."

"I imagine so," Ada María grinned. "How about tonight after your shift you come home with me and I'll give a good night fuck and a warm bed? Then you can leave in the morning. Claim to your wife something came up and it held you to work for the night."

"It's a tempting offer," Officer Acosta grinned, but then sighed. "As tempting as it is, I'm afraid I need to be home right after work today. We're seeing Elena's mother tomorrow to help her with some things around the house."

"How dutiful of you," Ada María said with an indistinguishable hint of sarcasm. "Another night then? Perhaps later this week?"

"Why are you so eager to get me over?" Officer Acosta asked in a teasing tone.

"Like I said," Ada María grinned. "I owe you a big thank you. One that doesn't require us both to be quick so we can get back to work. I'll need all the free time in the world."

Officer Acosta was thoughtful a moment and then smiled. "Friday evening," he finally said. "My shift ends at 2. That's about the time the bar closes, no?"

"About there," Ada María said. "When you're done, feel free to take a seat at the bar and wait for me. And don't worry. All your drinks will be on the house that night."

"Oh, really?" Officer Acosta chuckled and suddenly grabbed a hold of Ada María lifting her into his arms and tossing her onto the couch where he proceeded to take what he'd come there for.

When the officer had his way with her and was plenty satisfied, Ada María made him promise that he'd let her take him home with her Friday evening. She batted her eyelashes sweetly and smiled sweetly in order to convince him to come. He left with a rather cocky spring in his step while Ada María grinned maliciously, feeling rather proud of herself. Perhaps if she disposed of the Officer in the privacy of her home, she could easily brush off any cops that came snooping around. She removed her sponge, cleaned up a bit, reapplied her makeup and got herself on stage just in time for the show. As had become typical, Nathan came to the bar and watched her dance. After Ada María got off stage, she let herself get nervous. Nathan had become a creature of habit and frequently came to the bar and walked her back to his house after closing. She needed to think of a way to make sure he didn't come Friday evening. She went straight to her dressing room and immediately got herself in her shower and started cleaning up thoroughly. A few minutes after she got into her shower, she heard a knock and then someone come in. She knew it was Nathan which made her all the more nervous. She'd hoped she could get clean before she went to his table, but that wouldn't happen. He walked into her bathroom and stood outside the clear curtain and smiled.

"You wouldn't rather wait until the end of the night to shower?" Nathan said.

"I worked up a sweat that last dance," Ada María lied. "I just wanted to clean up now." She heard Nathan chuckle lightly and step just a little closer.

"Did you need any help?" he teased. As much as she wished she could tell him yes, she had to shake her head.

"No, it's alright," she said. "There's not a lot of room in here. You make yourself comfortable and I'll be out in a moment. In fact, go to the bartender and tell him to bring a bottle of wine."

"Sure," Nathan said and left to retrieve the wine she asked for. When he left, she hurried to clean up as thoroughly as possible, desperate to get any remnants of the officer off her. By the time she stepped out, Nathan was back with the wine and two glasses and she slipped into a light robe and met him. "I've got to complain, Ada. You charge too much for a whole bottle." He chuckled but she wasn't laughing.

"He charged you?"

"I just told him to put it on my tab," Nathan said. "Don't be mad at the guy. I told him I'd pay for it." Nathan opened the bottle and filled their glasses. "Are you alright? You seem on edge tonight."

"I'm alright," Ada María lied and smiled. "Just an issue with one of the dancers. Things in her life, so on and so forth."

"I hope she's alright," Nathan said and handed Ada María her glass. He took a sip of his wine and Ada María took a deep breath and the plunge.

"Nathan, I hope this is alright, but Friday evening I was planning to go home alone. I'm meeting Marcelo at my house and we're…going to discuss his involvement with the bar…and him taking over whenever we're in Washington."

"Alright," Nathan smiled, believing her lie easily. Somehow that made her feel worse, but she reminded herself that after this, Officer Acosta would not be her problem anymore and she would never have to lie to Nathan like this again. "I really do appreciate this, Ada. I know it's not really what you want to do, but I do want to return home."

"I don't mind a few months," Ada María said. "Besides, Marcelo's taken care of the bar for me before. I'm sure he can handle it so long as he gives me my owed share once we get back."

"I don't think you'll have to worry about that," Nathan smiled. Still feeling a little anxious, Ada María drank down her glass of wine and placed it on her vanity before approaching Nathan and wrapping her arms around him. "Are you sure you're alright?"

"I promise, I'm fine," she smiled and kissed him. "I just wanted a small buzz in my head before I had you attend to a buzz elsewhere."

Nathan chuckled a little and was silenced when Ada María kissed him again. He felt around for her vanity and put down his glass once he found it and wrapped his arms around her, lifting her up so her feet dangled above the ground. Ada María bent her knee so her foot pointed upward while Nathan kissed her. He held here there for several minutes just kissing her, still really happy that she was beginning to become more open to going home with him. She still hadn't agreed to stay there, but he figured agreeing to a summer every year was a good start. Certainly better than nothing at all. Soon he carried her to her couch and rested her down so he was on top of her. While he planted her down, he smelled a strange smell.

"Is that smoke?" he asked.

"What?" she asked.

"The couch smells like cigarettes," he said. Ada María's heart stopped and she became very still, pleading for an excuse to come to her mind.

"One of my dancers," Ada María lied. "Silly girl smokes like a chimney. I keep telling the girl she stinks, but she doesn't listen to me."

"You let your dancers come in here?" Nathan asked with a humorous smile.

"Virtually never," she said. "And that smell is the reason. At least for the men and women in my employment that smoke. I'm afraid that's most of them."

"Honestly, Ada, I think we might be the only people in Salvador that don't," Nathan chuckled. "Sorry, it just surprised me. I actually haven't been back here in a while."

There was a very good reason for that Ada María thought. "I wouldn't worry about it," she finally said. "Just one of the dancers. I needed to talk to her privately about something and the silly girl smoked on my couch. I fired her," she said, but retracted. "Well, I almost fired her."

"No sense in firing her because she smokes," Nathan chuckled and bent down so he could kiss Ada María again.

Desperate to ensure Nathan didn't smell anything else on her couch, she gently pushed him onto his back onto the floor and straddled him seductively, allowing her robe to fall away so she was naked atop him. She got Nathan out of his clothes and rode him once he was inside her, doing all in her power to have him thinking only of her. She forced herself to do the same, focusing on Nathan and how he felt inside her, not letting her mind wander to anything else. When they were spent, Ada María told Nathan to go back to the table with their bottle of wine and promised she'd meet him out there in a moment. When the night was over, they walked back to his house hand in hand and made love again when they were in his bed.

That was how the remainder of the week played out. Nathan would come to the bar but Ada María would ensure they met at the table and not in her dressing room, especially if the officer had visited. She always made a point to shower thoroughly when he did. She'd started burning her sponges when she was done with the officer, wanting no remnants at all. It cost more than just washing them, but she didn't care. Just until Friday she kept telling herself. After Friday, she would never have to deal with the officer again. Maybe one day she would admit all this to Nathan, but not now. Maybe not ever if she were being honest with herself. Thursday evening came and Ada María went home with Nathan and they got in bed right away so he could get some sleep before going to the docks in the morning. She woke up, surprisingly, to reaching the peak of an orgasm, feeling Nathan fill her, reaching his own peak and laying atop her after he finished. Ada María wrapped her arms around Nathan with a smile.

"Good morning to you too," she smiled. "What time is it?"

"4," Nathan answered. "I have to be at the docks in an hour. I just needed a little morning pick-me-up."

"Happy to have been of service," Ada María giggled and hugged Nathan. "I assume coffee is in order now?"

"I already have it brewing," Nathan said. "You're much better than coffee, though."

"You flatter me," she smiled and kissed his neck.

"So you're meeting Marcelo tonight, right?" Nathan asked and leaned on his elbow so he could look at her.

"What?" she asked.

"You said you were meeting Marcelo tonight about the bar," Nathan said.

"Oh, yes," Ada María forced an easy smile. "I'm sorry, I'm still half asleep. Thank you for reminding me, actually. Had you not, I might have left him alone at my house and just come home with you."

Nathan smiled, "I don't think he'd appreciate being forgotten." Nathan gave her a quick kiss and left her in the bed while he got himself dressed. "You'll come home with me Saturday night, though?"

"Naturally," Ada María smiled lazily in the bed, most of her naked body visible to Nathan's view. "Leave the coffee on for me?"

"I will," Nathan smiled and put on his last item of clothing, his shirt, and leaned over her on the bed and gave her a kiss. "I'll see you tomorrow."

"I'll see you tomorrow," she reciprocated and kissed him again. "I love you."

"I love you too," he smiled back and finally left the room and grabbing a cup of coffee before leaving for the day.

When Nathan left, she felt a little empty and already missed him. She stayed in bed for a while before finally getting in a sundress and going downstairs for her coffee. She stayed at Nathan's house for another hour before briefly returning to her own to look after her frogs and then finally going to the bar just before opening hours. She dressed and prepared to dance as she always did but was eager for the end of the night. Eager for tonight. After tonight it would finally be over and the thought made her smile wickedly at herself in the mirror. Suddenly, her door opened and the man of the hour was there, smiling at her.

"Afternoon, Miss Escada," Officer Acosta said.

"You silly boy," she grinned. "We aren't closed for the night just yet."

"Oh, I know," he chuckled. "I only thought I might get a little appetizer before dinner tonight." He winked at her and Ada María grinned.

"Now, Officer, I wouldn't want you to lose your appetite," she teased.

"With you, Miss Escada? Not possible," he said.

"Oh, you devil," she giggled as he closed the door. "I'll tell you what: I'll give you a true appetizer." She took a hold of his pants and started to undo them. "How about I suck your cock and tonight you can fuck me senseless? How does that sound?"

"Sounds like ruthless teasing to me," Officer Acosta smiled.

"Isn't that what an appetizer is? A teaser to an appetite?" she grinned and then went about pleasuring him. She made sure the door was locked just in case and continued until he released in her mouth. After he was done, Ada María grinned at him again. "Now you get yourself back to work, Officer. You'll get your dinner after you've finished your work."

"How very gracious of you, Miss Escada," Officer Acosta grinned and leaned down to give Ada María a kiss on her neck before leaving. Ada María washed out her mouth and went about the night. Now she was more eager than ever for the end of the night. The fact that she wanted this over aside, she was dreadfully thirsty.

The officer ended up finishing his shift early around midnight. He came to the bar around that time and sat at one of the tables watching Ada María dance. She'd intended to wait, but she decided she didn't want to anymore and ran out really quick to Marcelo's house and brought him back to the bar and had him look after the place while she 'took care of some well overdue business'. Marcelo patted her shoulder and wished her luck before she walked to the table where the officer sat.

"Who might that gentleman be? If I may ask?"

"Just my brother," Ada María smiled. "I thought that perhaps he could look after the bar for me the remainder of the night. I'm sure you're starving and I don't want to keep you waiting." Ada María winked at the officer and he grinned.

"Truly you're an angel, Miss Escada."

"I'm no angel, you silly boy," Ada María smirked knowingly as the officer stood. "I'm a harlot."

"Just the way I like it," he grinned.

They laughed and Ada María led the Officer out of the bar with her and led him with her to her home. Just to lull him into a sense of security, she offered him food and coffee to start. He denied the food but accepted the coffee. However, they never really got to it. While she was grinding the coffee beans, the officer walked up behind her and put his hands on her seductively, pressing against her and kissing her neck.

"We both know I didn't come here for coffee, Miss Escada," he said.

"I only meant to be a gracious host, Officer," Ada María grinned. Then she turned in his arms to fact him. "Of course, if I've veered off the intended course too much, then my apologies." She pushed him sharply against his counter and got to her knees before him.

"Not at all, Miss Escada," Officer Acosta said. "Forgive me for being so impatient."

"No need, Officer," she said and then continued with a knowing, wicked smile, "I admit I've been just as impatient."

"Get up here," he growled and grabbed her arm and lifted her so he could start touching and fondling her. Before they could get too far, Ada María grinned at him and led him upstairs to her room, practically counting down the minutes before he'd breath his last breath.

Earlier that day, Nathan left the docks having finished his shift early that afternoon and started walking along the beach. He ran home and got his guitar and returned to the beach to play while looking out onto the ocean with a content smile. He played a gentle tango and thought of Ada María. He even pictured her dancing to his playing. She would do that sometimes and would always end on her knees before him as a motion into another erotic activity. Since Ada María would be gone that night, Nathan planned to turn to a wolf and talk to everyone; give them the good news. There would be better news soon. He was hiding the bracelet in one of his drawers and was eager to finally give it to Ada María. He knew she'd love it and he was rather sure she'd say yes. He wanted to be married to her. The rest could take time. They had plenty of it. Nathan played the guitar well into the afternoon until the sun started to go down. Only then did he make his way back to his house. He ate some dinner and went upstairs to relax. He wound up taking a quick nap and by the time he woke, it was 12:30 at night. He knew the pack would be out by now, so he got out of bed, removed his clothes and quickly changed. What followed could only be described as a bombardment.

Nathan! Jacob's voice bellowed into his mind which was then flooded. The bombing at Pearl Harbor, Aidetzi's husband injured, the declaration of war to Japan and then a declaration of war from Germany and Italy, Kevin as well as several others joining the military to go to Europe and look for Amber: everything.

Holy shit,was all Nathan could manage at the moment. When do Kevin and the others leave?

I don't know yet, Jacob said. They'll go to basic training first. That much I know.

Oh God,Nathan said. His mind went wild again. He had to go back. There was no arguing it. He couldn't leave Kevin to dry. He'd already done that. Given the current circumstances, he now felt worse than before about it.

Nathan, Ada will just have to come with you or be left behind,Jacob interrupted Nathan's thoughts. We need you home now more than ever.

No, Kevin needs me more than ever,Nathan corrected, already making his decision of what he needed to do. I'm on my way home. Give me two weeks and I'll be home.

I'll tell everyone,Jacob said and Nathan changed back and got dressed. He started to prepare to pack his things but saw the bracelet when he was going through his drawers. Ada. He needed to talk to her. Tell her he was leaving and beg her to come with. Surely, this time, she'd agree without argument. Surely she'd understand.

Nathan stopped what he was doing, leaving his drawers open, and left the house and ran as fast as he could to the bar and let himself inside. When he didn't immediately see Ada María, he stopped a waiter and asked for her. The waiter informed Nathan that Ada María had already left a while ago with another man. Assuming it must have been Marcelo, Nathan left the bar and made his way to Ada María's house. In her room with the officer, Ada María straddled the officer, already naked atop him and working on his shirt.

"You're rather tender tonight," Officer Acosta said with a grin.

"I just want this to be a nice night for you, Officer," Ada María said as she took a hold of her breasts and rubbed them, pushing them together erotically. "Won't you let me treat you nicely?"

"I'd prefer a rougher treatment," Officer Acosta grinned.

"I can do that too," she said and finally leaned down. He grabbed a hold of her breasts and fondled them, taking a nipple into his mouth and grabbed her ass so he could rub her against his growing erection, parting them courtesy of his clothes. She permitted it and waited until she could get back in control. He attempted to push her onto her back, but she kept him down. "Now, now, Officer," she said, "you said you wanted some rougher treatment. Now you stay on your back and take in like a good boy."

"Yes ma'am," he grinned and relaxed while she continued. Back in control, Ada María leaned down and started to lick his chest, pushing aside his dress shirt and moving her tongue enticingly over the light chest hair and skin, nipped at his nipple before finally coming up to his ear. "You're a fucking tease, Ada María," he said, tightening his grip he still had on her ass. She suckled his ear and nipped it, making him shiver.

"You've no idea, Officer," she said seductively. She started to lick her way down to his neck until she reached a pulse point. When she found his pulse and it beat headily under her tongue, she salivated. She sucked there gently and rubbed against his erection, earning another groan from him. She smiled cruelly and lifted her head so she could look at him. "Are you enjoying yourself, Officer?"

He thrust upward with his hips, Ada María only staying down thanks to his hands on her. "You tell me."

"That's what I like to hear," she grinned and bent down, returning to his pulse. She sucked a little more before stopping. She tilted his head just enough so she was facing his ear. "It's been fun." She took a firm hold of his head, grabbing his hair and was ready to bite just as the Officer seemed about to panic. But they were interrupted by a loud knock on the door.

"Ada!" she heard Nathan call from downstairs behind her front door. She jerked up violently and looked towards the stairs and her heart pounded. The knocking continued and she looked at the officer.

"You don't move. You stay right here. Are we clear?" Her voice was venomous. Threatening. And it made Officer Acosta go still. More so than he'd already been given she'd nearly ripped out his hair. Not getting an answer, Ada María leaped off the officer and grabbed a robe, putting it on and tying tightly before running down the stairs to the front door. She opened it for Nathan and kept herself in the doorway. "Nathan?"

"Ada," Nathan said and took her in his arms. She hugged him back and petted his head.

"What's the matter?" she asked.

"We need to talk," Nathan said and pulled away so he could look at her. "The Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor."

"What? What are you talking about?"

"Pearl Harbor. It's a naval base in Hawaii. It's American territory and the Japanese bombed it. America's declared war on Japan and Germany and Italy have declared war on the United States."

"Okay," she said, unsure why that mattered. "What about it?"

"Ada, remember when I told you Kevin's fiancé was supposed to come to America via boat but was turned away? He hasn't heard from her since then and he's been desperately searching for her. Now that the war broke out, he's enlisted back into the Army and he's going. Kyle is joining him, Embry's going, Peta's going, and Travis is going. I have to go home, Ada. I need to join my brother."

"Wait, what?" she said. "No, no, no," she said and took his face in her hands gently. "Nathan, don't be ridiculous. You can't go. There are already so many going with him. You can stay here."

"No, Ada, I have to go back," Nathan insisted.

"So what? You go to war and leave me? What if you never come home?" she asked, the last thing barely making it out in a whisper. "Nathan, what if I never see you again?"

"I'll come home," Nathan promised, taking her face in his hands gently as she did to him. "I swear to you, I'll come home alive. And I want you to come back with me. Come to Washington with me."

"Nathan," she said but shook her head. "Nathan, I'm begging you don't go. You don't need to go. You need to be here with me."

"No, Ada María, I need to go home," Nathan said. "My brother needs me. I can't just abandon him. I already did that once. I can't do it again."

"Nathan, please," Ada María said, ready to sob. "I'm begging you don't go. I love you. I want you here."

"I love you too," Nathan said. "That's why I want you to come with me. Please, Ada. I swear to you, the moment the war is over and I come home, we'll come back here for as long as you want, but please. Come with me."

"Nathan," she said and held her head down a little ready to cry. Then she heard movement on the stairs behind her and felt Nathan's hands lose their hold on her. She turned her head and saw the officer standing on the stairs leaning against the wall.

"Você está voltando para cima ou não?" (are you coming back upstairs or not?) Officer Acosta asked, rather impatient and Ada María gawked, her nostrils flaring in rage as her heart pounded. She started to shake with it when she heard Nathan start to leave. Her head jerked in his direction catching him going down the stairs. Without another thought towards the officer, Ada María rushed after Nathan.

"Nathan, stop," she said. He didn't right away, so she ran to catch up and grabbed his hand to force him to look at her. "Nathan, stop!"

"Who the hell is he?!" Nathan yelled.

"No one! He's no one! He's nothing!" she said desperately. That wasn't a good enough answer and Nathan forced his hand from hers and started to walk away again. She'd already lied about Marcelo. He wouldn't tolerate her lying to him again. His mind went wild and he turned to look at her again.

"How long?" he asked.

"Nathan, please, he means nothing to me," she pleaded.

"That's not what I asked you, Ada!" Nathan yelled. "You fucking lied to me! How long have you been lying to me?"

"Nathan, please, I never meant to-" she stopped when Nathan turned to leave since she wasn't answering him. She went after him. "Nathan, please, stop!" She kept chasing after him and said, "Please, Nathan, let me explain," and grabbed his hand again. This time, Nathan swung around and slapped her nearly out of instinct from her grabbing him. He hit her hard enough that she stepped back and almost fell back, touching her cheek in shock. Nathan was shocked too. He stared wide eyed at her unable to believe he'd just hit her. But he was so hurt and angry. Rather than apologize or anything he maybe should have done, he stormed away so it wouldn't get worse. "Nathan!" Ada María screamed for him, desperate to make him stop, but he didn't. He started running at a vampire's pace and Ada María started to cry. She felt pain at him walking away. But that immediately turned to rage and she looked over her shoulder back at her house. She shook in anger and went back to her house. Officer Acosta was still in her house leaning against the wall near the stairs lighting a cigarette.

"Well, that was awkward," he said. Just as the tip of the cigarette glowed red, Ada María rushed him, grabbing a hold of his scalp firmly in her hand and another on his shoulder as she slammed him onto the stairs. "What the fuck are you doing?!" Officer Acosta yelled.

"Something I should have done years ago," she hissed and bent her head and bit viciously into his neck.

She pressed her hand against his mouth to stop his screams and drank his blood while he tried to fight her. He couldn't fight her for very long. Soon, he'd been drained of too much blood and he was losing consciousness. Finally, he stopped moving and shortly after, she heard his heart beat it's last and she drew the last drop of blood onto her tongue. She lifted her head with an audible sigh of contentment. Contentment she obtained for more reasons than one. She straddled the officer a moment and continued to sigh. She felt a huge weight lift off her shoulder, but just as soon as that lifted, another firmly returned. She left the officer on the stairs. She'd worry about his body later. She had more important things to do. She left the house, slamming her door behind her, and started running for Nathan's house going as fast as her legs would allow. She felt sick to her stomach as she ran to his house with nothing on but her robe. It slipped open slightly the more she ran but she didn't care. She kept running until she reached Nathan's house. When she did, she grabbed a hold of the door and was relieved when it wasn't locked, so she let herself in.

"Nathan!" she yelled as she came in.

She looked around but he wasn't there, so she ran upstairs. She went right to his room and what she saw made her nearly faint. All his draws were open and his things were gone. Everything was gone. She ran to Scarlet's room as if he'd be there, but he wasn't. Scarlet's things she'd left were still there, but Nathan wasn't. She went back to his room and looked around as though she'd find him, but she didn't. What she did find, however, made her heart stop.

In one open drawer, she saw a bracelet that was beautifully crafted. It used braided thick ropes of gold that kept together carved jade. The sides had simple pebbles of jade in descending order from one huge center piece of jade going from three to two to one before the bracelet clasped. She picked up the bracelet and saw the centerpiece. It took her breath away. The bottom of it was rounded and perfectly smooth for comfort against the skin. The top of the jade centerpiece was carved in the style of the Inca sun god. It was perfect. There were swirls and jagged edges that would make any Inca royal woman of the paste in tears. There were small pieces of gold in parts of the jade that made it brighter, just like the rays of the sun. She fell to her knees and felt hot tears stream down her face. She should have known. How could she not have figured it out? He must have been planning this for months at minimum. And it was perfect. She remembered the brief talk they had about these things. He'd said a bracelet was how a Quileute man proposed to a woman and the recent trend among the tribe had become, starting with his father, to make a bracelet that represented the woman being asked. She pressed it to her chest and fell to the ground, starting to cry.

It wasn't so much the bracelet. Yes, it was perfect. True perfection. It was the thought behind it that left her in tears. He'd been prepared to propose to her. Marcelo must have known. Why else would he tell her to tie up loose ends? She'd been about to. But it wasn't enough and now Nathan was gone. Probably forever. The more it went through her mind, the harder she cried and held the bracelet to her. At this point, this little house and bracelet was all she had left of him. While she was on the floor crying, she heard the front door open and she shot upright, but when she heard the voice, she slouched again.

"Ada María?" Marcelo called from downstairs and came up the stairs. By the time he came up, she was back on the ground cradling herself and crying. "Ada María, what happened?" Marcelo kneeled down so he was right above her.

"He's gone," she whimpered.

"Ada María, tell me what happened. I went to your apartment and the cop was dead, but I didn't see you."

"Nathan saw him," Ada María whimpered. That told Marcelo all he needed.

"He found out about the officer?" Ada María nodded. "Did you explain?"

"He wouldn't let me," Ada María cried. "He ran away. I tried to stop him, but he kept asking why I lied and how long this was going on."

"Why didn't you answer?"

"I tried to, but I was so shaken," she said. "I couldn't form a proper answer and he ran away." She refrained from mentioning the slap. She knew it wasn't intended. She could see the terror in his eyes that he'd done such a thing to her before he ran away. Although, in truth, she couldn't recall a single time in her life when she deserved it more.

"Fuck," Marcelo mumbled and fell onto his butt on the floor. "What will you do?"

"There's nothing I can do," Ada María said. "He came to tell me he was going to war. America joined the war in Europe so he's going to fight with his brothers. I tried to make him stay, but when he saw Heraldo, he ran."

"I see," Marcelo mumbled. Then he placed a gentle hand on Ada María's shoulder to offer some semblance of comfort.

"I was about to kill him," she whimpered. "My teeth were at his throat, but Nathan came looking for me."

"Just breath, Ada María," Marcelo told her and kept rubbing her shoulder. She cried on the floor with Marcelo at her side comforting her. He could have said 'I told you so' but he never did. He just rubbed her back and shoulder and let her cry until she couldn't anymore and the sun was coming up. "Is that the bracelet he made you?" he asked when the light peaked in and he saw the shine of the gold.

"Yes," she said. "He was going to propose."

"I know," Marcelo said. "He told me. He'd asked me to send him the materials." He looked at it closer and was instantly impressed with it. "Is that the sun god?"

"The sun god's design," she said and finally sat up and looked at it. "It's perfect."

"It's definitely you," Marcelo smiled weakly. "That would have made grandpa proud I'm sure."

"Do you think so? Did soldiers even have jade and gold?"

"I don't think so," Marcelo said. "Doesn't mean he wouldn't have known quality Incan jewelry when he saw it." Ada María nodded gently as she looked at it. Never in a million years did she ever think she'd want to marry anyone, but now here she was: staring at her proposal and wishing she could go back in time and fix everything. She started to cry more.

"I'll never see him again will I?" Ada María cried.

"Don't say never," Marcelo said. "He's mad now. No denying it. But I'll be you anything by the time the war's over, he'll have forgiven you."

"I don't know," Ada María shook her head. "It wasn't as much the affair. I don't think so anyway. I think he was upset because I lied to him. That hurt him more than anything. He's stood up for me, defended me, even against his own daughter and I lied to him. All this time." Ada María started to cry with greater force. "I love him so much, but I'm scared he'll never love me again."

"He'll never stop loving you, Ada María," Marcelo said reassuringly. "I'd bet my life on it."

Ada María longed with all her heart for that to be true, but the look of despair, of betrayal, she'd seen in Nathan's eyes; she wasn't sure he could ever forgive her for it. And that scared her beyond words. As if to comfort herself, Ada María planted the bracelet on her wrist and clasped it. He'd not asked, but he'd been about to. And her answer was yes. She'd marry him. Even if he never came back, she'd at least have this little house and this bracelet to remember him by until she eventually crumbled.

After running away, Nathan had grabbed his things and left the house, making a mad dash out of the city. By the next morning, running in a vampiric form as fast as was that form's capability, he was out of Brazil. He'd gone through the rainforest straight to Colombia and was in Panama by that nightfall. He stayed a vampire and kept running, not stopping. By the next night, he'd made it into Mexico through Guatemala. It was another two days and nights of constant running until he finally reached the United States going through Arizona. It was when he reached Nevada that he finally stopped. He'd not intended to, but when he reached the limits of Las Vegas, something made him stop. He changed to his normal self and entered the limits of the city early that morning. His feet seemed to move independently of him, going straight to Tamara's house. At his human pace, he made it to her house be midafternoon. As he walked up the road, Tamara was unlocking the front door ready to enter. She glanced up and smiled when she saw Nathan, but that smile faded when she saw the look on his face.

"Nathan?" she asked.

"Hey, Tamara," he answered when he was close. "Do you mind if I spend the night? I'm on my way home to enlist."

"Sure," she said quietly and opened the door, stepping aside so he could enter. "Can I get you anything?" she asked once he was inside and had closed the door.

"Water's fine," he said and dropped his travel bag on the floor and went to the couch before the radio. He turned it on and listened to the news of the day. It was entrenched with news of the war and encouragement for men to enlist, making the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

"Would you mind turning that off?" Tamara asked gently. Nathan did as she asked and turned it off just as she approached with a glass of water. She sat on the chair beside him and watched him while he gulped down his water. When he was done, he put the glass on a coaster on her table. She smiled a little that he remembered but it didn't last. "Are you alright?"

"No," Nathan answered bluntly and laid his head back.

"I guess going to war is a frightening prospect," Tamara said weakly, feeling a little unnerved now.

"It's not the war," Nathan said. He took a deep breath, wondering if he should tell her. Eventually he decided he would. "I caught Ada with another man." Tamara didn't say anything. There really wasn't anything she could say. "I was going to ask her to marry me."

"You were?"

"Yeah," Nathan answered. "I'd made a bracelet for her. Made it out of gold and jade no less. Those were popular materials for the Inca tribe. Then I find her with another man."

"Did she say anything for herself? I mean….I'm assuming you didn't consent to additional partners?"

"She never even broached the subject," Nathan said. "She lied to me. She'd said I was the only one. Then she tried to say he meant nothing to her but when I asked her how long this had been going on, she wouldn't answer me. So I left." Nathan rubbed his face, feeling guilt leak into his mind. "Oh, God. I hit her."

"You what?"

"I hit her," Nathan said. "She grabbed my hand to make me stop and I hit her. I was so shocked I did it that I just ran away." Tamara stayed quiet while Nathan laid his head back playing the situation through his mind. Then he leaned forward, his elbows rested on his knees and his face in his hands. "Why wouldn't she just tell me?" he asked, tears beginning to form. "Why couldn't she just be honest with me? Why aren't I enough?"

Tamara didn't say anything. Instead, she pulled the chair closer and placed a hand on Nathan's back and rested her head on his shoulder. She let him cry even if he was adamantly trying to silence himself. She even started to rock him back and forth while she rubbed his back and kissed the top of his head to reassure him. After an hour passed of this, she asked Nathan if he was hungry. He shook his head, having no appetite, but Tamara made enough food to ensure there would be something for him if he changed his mind and made him some coffee.

"Thanks for letting me stay," Nathan said when he accepted the coffee and Tamara sat in the chair next to him.

"I'm always happy to have you," Tamara said. "Are you sure you don't want to stay at least two days? You must be exhausted if you're here all the way from Brazil."

"Thank you, but I need to get home. I can't delay any more than staying the night. My brother needs me. He needs all of us. After what happened with the St. Louis…."

"He still hasn't found her?" Tamara asked. "That poor girl. He doesn't have any idea where she could be?"

"We've had family friends searching high and low for her," Nathan said. "So far, all we could discern is the Nazi regime has a chock hold on Europe it seems." Tamara nodded a little, getting all the more nervous.

"Can I ask you something?"

"Sure," Nathan said.

"I want you to promise you'll come home," she said. "Or at least…..if anything happens to you….make sure there's a way for me to be notified." She started to choke up when the possibility crossed her mind and a tear fell. Nathan put down his mug and now placed a hand on her knee in comfort. "I don't want you to go. I know it's to help your brother and I know it's the right thing to do, but I don't want you to go. I'm scared you'll not come home."

"I'll come home," Nathan promised, finally smiling just a little. "Don't worry, Tamara, I'll come home. Even if only because I'm promising you I will."

Tamara looked at him, tears still forming. "I can't make you promise that as much as I wish I could. I'll only ask that if anything happens to you, please make sure I'm told. Even if only so I can mourn."

"You won't have to," Nathan promised. Then, needing the comfort himself, he took a hold of Tamara and brought her to his lap, holding her close. She wrapped her arms around him and rested her head on his shoulder. "I promise I'll come home, Tamara. That means I will."

"You'd better," she finally said and started to cry a little more. Now Nathan was the one rocking her back and forth in a comforting motion. As he held her, he wondered why it couldn't have just been Tamara. Why couldn't he have just imprinted on her? Everything was easy with Tamara. But even as he thought those things, Ada María kept coming to his mind. No matter how he really liked Tamara, maybe even loved her, she wasn't Ada María. Somehow, that made this hurt worse.

"Why?" he mumbled. "Why couldn't it have just been you?"

"What?" Tamara asked, lifting her head to look at Nathan while his head was tucked against her shoulder.

"Why couldn't it have been you? Why couldn't I have imprinted on you?"

"Nathan, what are you talking about?" Tamara asked gently as she looked down on him. Nathan rubbed his face against her shoulder and held her tighter as if trying to hide. "Nathan," she repeated his name tenderly and cradled his head. Nathan was quiet a moment still in a haze. Tamara started to pet his hair comfortingly and each breath she took pushed her breasts against him.

Nathan wasn't sure what it was. He knew he ached and was even blinded by it. He wasn't sure if it was affirmation that he needed or if perhaps he'd had deeper feelings for Tamara than he thought, but he just needed her. He needed her touch and her warmth to reassure him that he was loved by someone. Without really thinking of it, Nathan lifted his head just enough to move to her neck where he breathed in the clean smell of her skin. He felt her tremble under his hands and she shifted in his lap to come closer. It was all the permission he needed and he planted his lips against her neck, delicately kissing her there.

"I have a request," Nathan said against her neck.

"Anything," she whispered her voice husky with longing.

"When I come home, will you welcome me?" he whispered the question against her ear. "Will you be there at the train station when I'm brought home?"

"Of course I will," she promised in a delicate voice that drove him mad.

In the farthest part of his mind, Nathan felt guilt. Perhaps he was using Tamara to feel better, but he desperately needed it. It wasn't that he didn't care for her or even love her, but she just wasn't Ada María. He started kissing her neck again when the thought came to his mind. He wanted this, needed it, and continued to kiss her neck until he reached the top the collar of her dress and began to tug at it. In his lap, Tamara reached behind her and pulled down the zipper of her dress to loosen it. When she did, Nathan pulled down her dress and undid the bra she wore while she brought her face down to his and kissed him. She pulled her arms from the sleeves of her dress and of her bra, tossing it to the floor once Nathan had undone it and wrapped her arms around his neck while his hands went to her breasts.

She felt Nathan's erection growing against her hip and moved in his lap against it to arouse him further. When she did, Nathan tucked one arm under her knees, the other at her back, and lifted her into his arms, standing from the chair and carrying her to her room, kissing her the whole way; already knowing where to go. Once in her room, Nathan gently placed her down on her feet and pulled the zipper of her dress the remainder of the way down and pulled down her dress and panties so she was naked before him. She smiled tenderly at him and saw a sparkle in her eyes as she approached him, going on her toes to kiss him. She pulled at his shirt, helping him get it over his head before returning to kissing him. He bent down so she could reach him more easily. He took a hold her head in his hands and rubbed her cheeks while his thumbs while she took off his belt and undid the button and zipper of his pants. After she'd forced the last of his clothes down, her hands went to his smooth, muscular chest while his hands trailed down to her hips. He bent down, brushing his hands under her thighs, and lifted her up to wrap her legs around his waist.

Once she was up there, her ankles locked and she held him close while they kissed. Nathan bent them down to place her on the bed and climbed up until her head was on her pillow. When she was comfortable, Nathan started kissing along her cheek to her neck and down to her breasts. He kissed each one tenderly before taking her left nipple into his mouth, sucking it gently and nipping her until she moaned his name. He went on to her right breast and treated it with the same affection warranting the same reaction from her. Then he kissed his way down her belly to her hips and sucked at her skin. She trembled under his touch as he parted her legs and dipped his head down to her core. He pressed his tongue against her sensitive clitoris and maneuvered his tongue over the bundle, nipping at it on occasion, until he brought her to her release. She shook under him as she climaxed, whimpering his name and brushing her fingers through his hair as if to ensure he wouldn't leave her.

Upon coming down from her high, Nathan kissed his way back up her body, sucking her nipples again and then kissing her neck up to her ear. Finally he slipped inside her and groaned from her wet flesh around him. She sighed as he entered and her head fell back in a moan as he made the first thrust. Tamara wrapped her arms around his shoulders and held on tight as he moved, her thoughts fading to nothing but the pleasure he gave her. Her head was spinning with need while Nathan kept moving with the simple goal of forgetting everything and just feeling. He wanted to just feel. He forced himself not to think of Ada María and, instead, about Tamara. He thought only of how she felt on him, under him. How kind her plea was from earlier. She'd not tried to demand he stay and disregard everyone but her. She'd made him promise to come back. That was a request he'd happily keep if only she kept hers.

"When I come back," Nathan said against Tamara's ear as he continued to thrust, "promise me you'll be there to welcome me home."

"I will," she moaned and through her head back again and moaned. "Nathan," she whimpered his name and Nathan moved faster.

She grabbed a hold of her face and brought his lips to hers to kiss him passionately. He continued, thrusting harder and harder and faster until she started to cry. Finally, Tamara called his name again as she felt a wave of pleasure come over her in another orgasm. Nathan wasn't far behind; reaching his own while he clutched the sheets of her bed in a vice grip that would have crushed her had he been holding her. Tamara kissed Nathan again and wrapped her arms around his neck while he trembled away what remained of his release. When the last had passed, he relaxed and held Tamara close as they kissed. When their lips finally parted, Nathan started to kiss her ear.

"If only it were you," he whispered again. "Why couldn't it have been you?"

"Do you not love me? Not even a little?" Tamara asked. "Or have you gone and fallen in love with me." She was attempting to tease, but sadly it was falling flat on him. After the better part of an hour of forcing himself not to think of Ada María, now she was all he could think about.

"I imprinted on her," Nathan said. "No matter what, I'll always love her more than anyone." He was silent again. "Why couldn't it have been you?"

"I don't know what you mean, Nathan," Tamara said gently. "What do you mean you imprinted on her? You're talking about Ada?"

"Yeah," Nathan nodded and lifted his head to look at Tamara. He debated whether or not to just tell her. He'd receive one hell of an earful if he did. No one outside the tribe was allowed to know with some very strict exceptions. Although, as far as Nathan was concerned, Tamara fell under that exception. He did love her, even if he'd not imprinted on her. "I don't know when it happened, but I do love you," Nathan finally continued. "But then I met Ada."

Tamara was silent a moment before she spoke. "I love you too," she finally said. "I just wish I could be enough." Nathan didn't know what to say to that. He wanted to deny the statement, but he couldn't muster the words. "What do you mean by you imprinted on her?" she finally asked again.

"It's something intense," Nathan said. "My people…we have a special power that goes as far back as Chief Taha Aki. He was the first to do it. He was betrayed by a member of the tribe and he took over the body of a wolf to save his people. He was overcome with so much rage when the man that had killed his body, Utlapa, had murdered an elderly man that tried to warn the tribe. So when he returned to the wolf's body, it could not handle his rage and it burst to the body of a man. Ever since, descendants of Taha Aki can turn into wolves."

"What?" she said, a little befuddled.

"We can become wolves," Nathan repeated himself. "And the wolf imprints. It doesn't always happen. Some wolves of our tribe never meet their imprints. But when they do, it's an instant love that can never be matched or undone. It's a two sided coin, though. The imprint loves the wolf with the same intensity. When the imprint dies, the wolf dies with her. There are stories of wolves that have aged with their imprints, long past having released their wolf so they would age with their imprint, and when she dies, the wolf loses the will to live and dies with her. It's the catch to imprinting."

"And that's how you feel about Ada?" Tamara asked, though she wasn't sure she believed Nathan.

"Yes," Nathan nodded.

"So you can turn into a wolf?" she asked. Nathan nodded and, without prompting, left her on the bed and stood beside it.

"I need you to promise you won't scream," Nathan said. Hesitantly, Tamara nodded and watched Nathan closely. When she'd nodded, Nathan surveyed the room to be sure there was enough space and when he was confident, he took a deep breath and shifted to the dark wolf. Tamara didn't scream, but she did jump and yelp in surprise. She gawked at him, unable to believe her eyes. She was convinced she must be seeing things, but there Nathan was: the largest wolf she'd ever set eyes on.

"Oh my God," she mumbled as she gawked at Nathan. Nathan leaned down so his head was on her lap submissively, showing he wouldn't hurt her. When he did, Tamara tentatively placed a hand on his head and started to pet him. "Is it really you?" she asked, but it was a stupid question. She could tell it was him. His eyes, black and penetrating, still looked up at her with the same humanity. Regardless, he nodded for her and licked her hand. It made her giggle a little. "You're a very handsome wolf." She saw the small smile on his mouth and a small exposure of teeth. Then, suddenly, Nathan changed back to his normal self but stayed kneeling before her on the floor, his hands on her thigh and her hip.

"I'm really not supposed to have told you that," Nathan said, "but I trust you not to tell anyone."

"I won't say a word," Tamara promised as she leaned down and gave him another kiss. "Do you really have to leave tomorrow?"

"I'm sorry, but I need to get home. Honestly, I just wanted to see you."

Tamara smiled and kissed him again. "Thank you. If you're enlisting, I'm glad I could see you before you left."

"Me too," he said and kissed her back.

For the briefest of moments, he entertained the thought of maybe being with Tamara instead. The thought was pushed away nearly as quickly as it had formed. He couldn't do that. Not to her, not to himself or even to Ada María. Even if he could claim to himself he shouldn't feel guilty about sleeping with Tamara since Ada María had lied to him and done the same thing behind his back, there would be no way he could make the same claim if he made a life with Tamara. He'd be lying to her in effect. Promising Tamara something he couldn't give her. Another catch of imprinting he figured. Once the wolf had found its mate, there would be, could be no other. No matter how the man that hosted the wolf tried.

Nathan spent the night and agreed to have breakfast with Dan, Meg and Tamara that morning so they could see him off and wish him good luck. Tamara had undoubtedly told Dan and Meg about what happened with Ada María, but neither of them brought it up. He was exceedingly grateful for that. Instead, they all talked about anything but. He finally made his leave by the afternoon, hugging all three of them goodbye as they wished him luck. Nathan dared to give Tamara a kissed and hugged her tight, bringing his lips to her ear.

"Remember," he said. "When I come back, welcome me home."

"I will," she promised and kissed his cheek.

Nathan left Las Vegas and changed to a vampire again once he'd left the city limits and was out of Nevada by that evening. It was another two days and night before he finally reached Washington. He changed back just before the town limits of Forks and walked into town. He caught the looks of townspeople that were surprised to see him but he didn't speak to them. He just went straight to the tribe. When he entered and everyone saw him, everyone ran to him to embrace him, Renesmee and Scarlet at the forefront. They expressed their relief that he was finally home even when he said he had every intention of enlisting to help Kevin. While Renesmee didn't like seeing all three of her sons off, this time she couldn't fight it. When Kevin and Embry had joined the Great War, it was for a need to see and become more. Now, it was a matter of saving Amber's life. Kevin had to go and wouldn't be dissuaded. He would need all the help he could get under those circumstances. Then Renesmee asked where Ada María was. He said she hadn't come and refused to speak of it again.

"Kyle," Renesmee asked when she was alone with him, Jacob the only other. "Do you know what happened?"

"With Ada María?" Kyle asked. Renesmee nodded, so Kyle opened his mind and had the answer. "He caught her with another man. He ran away after that."

"What?" Renesmee asked, a little stunned. "Surely there's an explanation for this. I mean…she's his imprint."

"If there is one, he doesn't know it," Kyle said. "When he caught her, he left. He wouldn't really let her explain. Or more appropriately, she wasn't answering him quickly enough. He doesn't want to talk about it."

"I knew it," Scarlet said behind Kyle, having grown quite a bit. She was now as tall as Renesmee and quickly blossoming into a woman. "I knew there was something wrong. I just couldn't prove it."

"Don't bring it up, Scarlet," Kyle warned. "He's already upset about it. He doesn't want to be reminded."

"Alright," Scarlet nodded and walked away.

By that time, they had finally received word of Lawrence. He'd been fine. He'd on the main island when the attack happened and had taken shelter at the soda shop he'd gone to. He would not be released from active duty given he'd suffered no injuries, but Marcus was officially and formally honorably discharged from his service to the Navy due to his injuries. He made clear to Ruth that, since he was being discharged, he and Aidetzi were returning to Washing. Period. When Ruth said she would go with them, Didi proclaimed she was joining them and taking Robby with her. Lawrence would stay in Hawaii.

As promised, Nathan enlisted the very next day and it was just in time for them to get prepared to leave for basic training. He'd be starting at the lowest rank unlike Kevin who would be returning to his rank of sergeant. He'd been offered to train the men, but he'd declined the offer. He wanted to be able to leave as quickly as possible and he wasn't sure if that would delay him. When Nathan returned home, he went straight to his house and stayed in his room, staring out to the ocean looking out his balcony window. It was freezing in his room with the door open, but he didn't care. He just stared out. His quiet was eventually interrupted when Kevin let himself in and closed the door behind him.

"Jesus fuck it's cold in here," Kevin complained and went to close the balcony door.

"I was enjoying the view," Nathan said.

"Well, now you're not," Kevin said as he closed the doors. "You're no good to me if you catch a cold."

"I won't," Nathan said. Kevin looked at Nathan and saw the look in his eyes. They'd gone sorrowful. He'd heard everything from Kyle not long before. What little time he'd had with Tamara had been little more than a quick fix. From what Kevin could tell, it had been anti-productive. Nathan had done little more than rub salt in his wounds. Whether he realized that or not, Kyle wasn't sure.

"Nathan," Kevin said, "I heard about what happened. With Ada."

"What about it?" Nathan said.

"Nathan, I know you're upset. I would be too. But I need you to promise me that this won't get in the way. Mom made me promise all of you would come home alive. I won't let what happened with Ada render me a liar or a failure."

"I'll be fine," Nathan answered sharply.

"Nathan, you've been in my head. You've seen my memories and Embry's from our time in France. I can guarantee you this will be worse. I need to know that you'll be by my side but also alert."

"You can rely on me," Nathan said sharply again. "I'm upset with Ada. That doesn't mean I'll stand idly by and not do my part. Frankly, the fact that you would even imply that offends me."

"Frankly, Nathan, I'd rather offend you and be on the same page instead of spare your feelings and risk something happening to you," Kevin said. "This isn't about glory or obtaining better. This is about finding Amber, Anna and Levi. I need all the help I can get and I won't tolerate any bullshit. I need to know you'll be by my side."

"I will be, Kevin," Nathan insisted. "I won't let you down." Nathan's voice suddenly lessoned as another wave of guilt washed over him. "I've done that enough. I don't intend to let it happen anymore." Kevin walked over to Nathan and held out his hand. Nathan accepted it. "To hell and back. Isn't that what Embry always tells you?"

"Yeah," Kevin said and the two smiled a little at one another. "Thank you, Nathan. This means a lot to me having all of you with me. I don't think I could do this alone."

"You won't be alone," Nathan reassured. "No matter what's happened, Kevin, you can rely on me. That's a promise."

"Thank you," Kevin said and the two hugged one another in a reassurance that everything would be alright.

Not long after, Kevin, Embry, Nathan, Kyle, Peta and Travis all got ready to leave for basic training before they would be shipped off. Where they were going, however, they didn't know. Nathan had a tearful goodbye with Scarlet. He apologized to her for not being the father he should have been in the past few years, but Scarlet wouldn't let him voice it. She told him she'd always love him and he'd always be her father. She told him she wanted him to promise he'd come home. Everyone in the group was given the same request. Rachael and Paul were there to see Travis off. They were both tearful but knew he was doing the right thing and wished him the best. Jae had a similar goodbye with Natalie. They hugged each other tightly and he said goodbye to all their children. JJ, rather than scared, was beside himself with pride. He was excited that his father was going on an adventure and would come back a hero. Jae promised he'd come back a hero and that he'd make them all proud. Of this, none of them had a single doubt. Peta and Embry, as well as Jae, had their long goodbyes with all their siblings and Caevia and Embry sr. Jacob and Renesmee told their sons to be careful and for them all to look after one another to which they promised they would. Finally, the conductor informed all the men being shipped to basic training that it was time to board the train. Their said their final goodbyes, a hug and a kiss to every one of their family members, and boarded the train together. When the train went into motion, they waved goodbye to everyone, poking their heads out to continue until they were no longer in sight.

"Thank you again," Kevin said to everyone. "This really does mean the world to me."

"To hell and back," Embry said and smiled at Kevin. "We'll find her, Kevin. You mark my words." Kevin smiled, but it was brief.

"They're getting worse," Kevin said.

"What are?" Jae asked.

"His dreams," Kyle said. "They're becoming clearer in his mind."

"Sounds like we don't have time to waste," Embry said. "We'll find her before you know it."

Kevin smiled weakly again and then looked out the window. Was it really been 25 years since the last war? Had it really been so long ago that he and Embry had been on this very train together going off to war? Back then, he'd gone for a better life and opportunity. Now he was going because his imprint was in danger and he didn't know where she was. He only knew he needed to find her and fast. As the train ride continued, he wouldn't let himself fall asleep. To sleep was to dream. When he dreamed, he saw grey skies, Nazi uniforms, swastika banners and barbed wire fences. But it was all he saw. Those images could mean anything. What he felt irrefutably was fear. Her fear. Her terror and sorrow. She was crying out his name pleadingly in those dreams. She was begging him to find her and every time he had that dream, he woke in a cold sweat. Yet eventually he couldn't fight sleep any longer and the same dream haunted him again.