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.

98. Chapter 98

Chapter 98

Nathan and Ada María did, eventually, get to a moon ceremony. They went to Renesmee for the ceremony but had been brought to a screeching halt when Ada María ran out before its completion and threw up all over the back patio. Renesmee and Nathan shared a strange look in which Nathan realized what must have happened and finding it slightly funny while Renesmee wasn't exactly as amused. "Oh, what does it matter? We're getting married anyway," Nathan had said to Renesmee while they waited for Ada María to return. Once again, Renesmee wasn't amused but waited patiently until Ada María finally returned inside, apologized for the mess and the interruption, and they proceeded with the ceremony as normal. Luckily for them, the moon under which they needed to marry was in two nights. The announcement was made to the tribe and Nathan and Ada María were married two days later just in time to ensure Ada María wasn't showing yet. Not that it would have mattered to the tribe. It was more so to ensure Ada María's father wouldn't be any angrier than he already was and would inevitably be once he found out Nathan and Ada María had gotten married.

Tamara was still with the tribe with Ivory, so she was able to see her father's wedding. Scarlet held Jaedynn while sitting beside Ariel and even smiled while she watched the wedding. She never thought that she'd be happy about Nathan and Ada María marrying, but when she saw how happy they both were, Nathan especially, it made the wedding a wonderful event. Scarlet and the others would stay with their grandparents for the three days Nathan and Ada María were to be alone. After the party, the two of them walked up the hill hand in hand until they reached his house. He even picked her up and carried her over the threshold, gently putting her on her feet once they were inside.

"Did you enjoy the wedding?" Nathan asked.

"It was lovely," Ada María smiled. "The bride and groom are very lucky." Since it was just them in the house and because the dress was itchy, Ada María undid the ties for the dress and let it fall on the kitchen floor. She stepped out of it and moved forward a little. There was already a tiny bump showing on her belly and Nathan smiled.

"I'd say so," Nathan said. "How are you feeling? Not sick or anything?"

"I've been fine since this morning," Ada María said. "Wait until I write Marcelo about this. He may laugh when he finds out I've been so domesticated."

"I wouldn't say domesticated," Nathan said. "We're still wild I'd say."

"The more so, the better," Ada María said with a grin. "I may ask Marcelo for a little wedding present."

"What's that?"

"I miss my frogs," she said. "They're so relaxing and I'd like to have an aquarium for them here."

"I'm sure we can make that happen," Nathan said and went over to her to hug her bare body. He pressed her back against his chest and rested his hands over the tiny bump and tried to rub hoping to initiate a kick.

"The baby's not kicking quite yet," Ada María smiled. "Maybe a few more days."

"I'll have to add this baby to my tattoo," Nathan said and Ada María smiled at the thought.

When they'd all returned from Europe and were stuck on the east coast waiting for their trains, Nathan decided he'd join a few men in getting a tattoo. The whole group had gone and got the same tattoo on their right wrists. A memorial tattoo to Jae with his full name, his date of birth, and his date of death all under a tiny tattoo of the Arch of Triumph in Paris. Nathan was the one that decided he wanted one more tattoo. That one had taken all of four days while they'd been on the east coast.

"Can I look at it again?" Ada María asked.

Nathan nodded and let go of her so he could pull off his shirt. Ada María walked around so she could see the tattoo in the light of the kitchen and just admired it. She'd never been one to favor tattoos though she certainly didn't mind them. Nathan's tattoo, however, had appealed to her right away because there was meaning behind it. The backdrop was a willow tree with red leaves and ivory flowers within those leaves. At the tree's trunk were a tiny lion cub and a blue bird perched on the lion's head. All of it in a style that would become known as American Traditional with a limited color palette. The tree trunk was black, leaves red, white flowers, a yellow lion cub with a tuft of black for a mane and a blue bird with black outlines.

"You'd be able to add to this?" Ada María asked.

"Sure I could," Nathan said. "I'd actually prefer to have the same artist do it. He was really good."

"He did a good job," Ada María agreed. "Does this mean you'll add to it every time we have a child?"

"If I can help it," Nathan smiled and turned around so he was facing her again and took her in his arms. "Speaking of which, what's this kid's name?"

"What did you have in mind?" Ada María asked.

"Well, we need another flower if it's a girl," Nathan said.

"I'd said to Tamara if you and I had a daughter that I wanted to name her Angelica Orchid."

"Angelica's not a color," Nathan pointed out.

"Neither is Jaedynn," Ada María refuted.

"Well played," Nathan chuckled. "What about a boy?"

"Gabriel," Ada María said.

"Another angel?"

"The Arch Angels have good names," Ada María said. "Well, some of them. I don't intend to have enough children for us to have all the archangels, but a third boy and we may be forced to name him after his grandpa."

"Rafael?" Ada María nodded. "I'll agree to Gabriel and giving him Rafael as a middle name or something. I love Angelica, though."

"I do too," Ada María smiled. "We'll have to wait and see." Then she wrapped her arms around his neck and went on her toes so their noses touched. "While I realize this three day period is supposed to be for getting me pregnant, seeing as we've already ticked that box, why don't we just enjoy ourselves?"

"I don't see why not," Nathan said and lifted her in his arms and took her upstairs. They spent those three days together, never redressing, and just staying in the house together enjoying their honeymoon until the end of that time came and the kids returned home.

When the end of the week came and it was Friday, Kevin had gotten a desk and other office necessities into the firm for Amber's use once she started on Monday. Linda had a portfolio put together of Kevin's cases and their information for Amber to start working on. She was given permission to leave a little early that day so she could get ready for dinner that evening. They'd all be meeting at a restaurant a few blocks from the office and, as could be counted on from Alphonse, it was nothing short of luxurious. It was also a place where Anastasia was contemplating holding the reception for hers and Harold's wedding, so it was a venture to kill two birds with one stone. They all agreed they'd meet at the restaurant at seven, so Kevin had time to return to the house to pick up Amber.

Alice had been kind enough to give Amber an appropriate evening wear dress. Since Amber liked the color, she got Amber a lilac dress that went just below her knee and was a single color with black shoes. Amber had gotten her hair curled for the evening and by the time Kevin returned home, Amber was dressed and waiting for him. Kevin promised to Levi and Anna they'd return no later than 11 and they left for the restaurant. While they were in the car, Kevin would glance at Amber and see her pinching her fingers and altogether engaging in nervous behavior. When they'd reached a stop, Kevin a hold of her hands in a reassuring manner.

"You look beautiful."

"Do I?" Amber asked nervously.

"You do," Kevin smiled. "Try to relax and don't over think it. They'll love you."

"I haven't done anything like this in so long," Amber said.

"I know," Kevin said and squeezed her hand. "It'll be okay, I promise. I'll be there the whole time and if you decide you want to go home, you let me know and I'll make an excuse. Just try to relax and enjoy yourself."

"Okay," Amber smiled.

"And Alphonse and Anastasia both speak German, so if at any point you need them to repeat something in German, just let them know."

"Won't that leave out Linda and Anastasia's fiancé?"

"It'll be alright," Kevin reassured. He pulled up her hand to his lips to place a tender kiss there. "It'll be alright, I promise."

"Okay," Amber said with a gentle nod and they finally started driving again. When they arrived at the restaurant and Kevin parked the car, Amber was about to get out, but Kevin stopped her.

"One more thing before we go in," Kevin said and reached into his pocket. "I know it's not quite your birthday yet, but I saw this and had to get it for you." He pulled out the ring box and opened it for her so she could see a square diamond ring very similar to the first one he'd bought her years ago. It was a big square diamond in a gold band. Nothing overly complicated but rather very simple.

"You bought me another ring?"

"I'd said I would," Kevin smiled and pulled out the ring so he could put it on Amber's finger. "Do you like it?"

"It's beautiful," Amber smiled, a little teary eyed. "You didn't have to do this."

"I wanted to," Kevin answered. Amber looked at the ring a moment longer and then looked at Kevin with the same smile. Then she leaned forward and gave him a quick kiss on the lips before pulling away again.

"Thank you, Kevin. It's beautiful," she said. "We'd better get inside before they miss us."

"You're right," Kevin nodded and got out of the car, walked around to the passenger side and opened the door for her. He took her hand and led her with him into the restaurant where they were directed to a private table that Alphonse had reserved.

Alphonse, Harold, Anastasia, Ana and Linda were at the table when they'd arrived and Linda was the first to stand from her chair and embrace Amber in a friendly manner and ushered Amber to sit beside her. Kevin was a little surprised to see Ana, but he did greet her warmly as he always would and Ana welcomed him home just as cordially. Kevin sat on the other side of Amber and spoke to Anastasia about how she thought of the restaurant and if this would be where she'd hold her reception. She and Harold agreed they'd reserve the decision for after they'd all had dinner, dessert and some drinks. Anastasia asked Amber if she'd be willing to carve her and Harold a unity candle, stating there was a friend of hers that had bought one of Amber's candles during a fundraiser and Anastasia decided she simply had to have one for the wedding. Amber agreed she'd get one made for her as soon as Anastasia decided on what the wedding colors would be. She kept changing her mind from a more springy yellow and lilac or a more fall appropriate velvet purple and gold.

Kevin assisted Amber with the illusion that she was eating, but pretending she was drinking was harder. She insisted on sticking to one glass of wine and the single glass of champagne that Alphonse had ordered after they'd all finished their dinner and were waiting for a dessert and coffee. By the end of the evening, Harold and Anastasia agreed this was the location they wanted to have the reception. So Alphonse said his goodbyes to Amber and Kevin, telling Amber he looked forward to seeing her in the office, and walked them out before going to a waitress asking to speak to a manager. Kevin walked Amber back to his car and opened the door for her so she could get inside before going to the driver's side. Once inside, Kevin looked at Amber and smiled. She smiled back.

"Did you have a good time?" Kevin said.

"Linda was lovely," Amber said. "You're right that Anastasia's a sweet girl, but in a few ways I've noticed she's a little too much like Ana."

"She can be," Kevin said. "Especially at her age. But Harold seems like a good kid. I've liked him well enough."

"He'll certainly be able to afford her," Amber said and Kevin chuckled.

"Indeed he will," Kevin said with a light smile. "Thank you for agreeing to carve a candle for her."

"It's no trouble," Amber said. "I've made candles for more brides than I can count. It feels nice to do it again actually." She smiled reminiscently and it tugged at Kevin's heartstrings.

"You know," Kevin started, "If you and Anna would like, I can see about-"

"No, Kevin," Amber said. "Mom will want to open a new shop, but she'll want to do it herself. I'd rather do it myself."

"You would be," Kevin said. "Just hear me out. It could be a loan, so you'd have to pay me back. I can put a payment down for a place and once you have the money to do so, I'd sign it over to you and Anna and you could just pay me back."

"And what about when we get married? Isn't there a law that would make my debt yours?"

"Marital property law," Kevin nodded. "It'll be the same for Anna and Levi. Once you two open the business, Levi will own half of what Anna owns of that business. Same goes for when we get married. Although, I should mention, that'll apply to my business too. It's a two way street. If we were to divorce, our assets would have to be divided equally in a settlement. Not that we'll have to worry about that." Amber smiled a little while Kevin boldly brushed her cheek gently with his fingers. "And truthfully, I can think of no one else that would be so kind a loaner as me."

"It would still mean more if mom and I did it ourselves," Amber said. "That's what we did back in Germany, so we can always do it again. That candle room in your house will be an excellent start, though."

Kevin smiled, "I'm glad I added it then." He took Amber's hand in his and placed a kiss there before releasing her and getting the car started. "Let's get back home. Anastasia's wedding talk has taken a lot out of me."

Amber giggled and nodded while Kevin started up the car and got them back to the house. As he promised he would, he had them back before 11. Anna and Levi were on the couch waiting for them. Levi was barely awake while Anna had long since fallen asleep but did wake up when they came in through the door. After a brief pleasant conversation, they all said good night and went to their rooms for the night.

Alice used that weekend to take Amber, Anna and Levi out shopping for more clothes. Levi was able to get a few work appropriate suits for his new job he would be starting on Monday. He'd work in the accounting department of a bank Kevin's law firm represented. They offered a good salary that would give Levi the ability to get them into a little apartment right away so he could save up for a house later. Kevin agreed he'd drive Levi to work until he could either walk to work himself once in an apartment in the city or he bought his own car. Whichever came first. Amber was given numerous two and one piece business dresses, blouses, blazers and hats that were work appropriate and white and black shoes. Anna was able to get some dresses as well. Come Monday, Anna had pancakes on the table to for breakfast encouraging Levi to have a good first day and wishing Amber luck on hers. She almost cried when they were leaving. She'd made Levi his lunch and gave him a kiss and it made things feel like old times. She even made Kevin a lunch to take with him to work.

They dropped off Levi at the bank first and promised to pick him up at 5 when he was off for the day. Then Kevin drove to the law firm and walked into the office building with Amber by his side all the while reminding her not to be nervous and that she'd do great. Once they entered the offices, her desk was already set up with all she'd need and was near the door to Kevin's office. Linda stood from her desk with a kind smile once they entered and went right to Amber.

"Good morning, Amber," Linda said. "Welcome to the Heidelberg and Black team. Are you excited for your first day?"

"I'm a little nervous," Amber admitted with a small blush.

"If you need anything, just let me know, okay?" Kevin said before looking at Linda. "She'll just be helping me with my cases for the time being."

"Yes sir, Mr. Black. We'll start her slow," Linda reassured.

"Thanks Linda," Kevin smiled and looked at Amber again. "Good luck Amber." He wanted to kiss her cheek, but he resisted the urge since they were at work. He stepped away and went into his office leaving the door open to get to work. Once they were effectively alone, Linda led Amber to her desk.

"Well, let's start by showing you to your desk," Linda teased and pulled out the chair for Amber so she could take a seat. Then she pulled over a few folders with names and case numbers on them. "So these are all of the cases Mr. Black is currently working on."

"Alright," Amber said.

"Now, largely, what you will be doing is acting as the time manager for these clients. Mr. Black's schedule is this calendar on your desk here." Linda pointed at a large calendar with plenty of room to write on the days with time slots that were already filled out. "Mr. Heidelberg and Mr. Foster all have their own calendars to avoid mix ups. So for example, say one of the clients call asking for an appointment with Mr. Black, you would need to refer to this before offering an appointment window. If there's a meeting, you'll have to make note of it, but Mr. Black will let you know if a section of the schedule is no longer available."

"Yes, ma'am," Amber said.

"You will also be responsible for sending thank you and courtesy cards to the clientele and any customer service assistance. One way to look at it we're responsible for calming down clients. At least you have to do that for Mr. Heidelberg. He won't tolerate a client yelling at him. Mr. Foster is a little more patient and Mr. Black seems to be the saint of the three, but we still need to make sure clients are calm by the time we get them to Mr. Black, Mr. Heidelberg or Mr. Foster. It just makes things easier. We handle the customer service end, they handle the legal matters."

"I've dealt with angry brides," Amber said. "I'm familiar with handling angry customers."

"Well, be prepared for angry customers facing financial penalties. That may be worse than brides."

"You underestimate the wrath of a bride that's getting closer to her wedding day and wanting everything to be perfect," Amber smiled a little.

"I'll take your word for it," Linda smiled. Then she looked at Amber's hand and saw the ring. "So when did Mr. Black get you that rock?" Amber glanced at the ring.

"After dinner," Amber said. "He'd given me a ring years ago, but he couldn't find it once he got to France. He got my bracelets back that he made me at least. These are the ones he'd made for me."

"He made those for you?" Linda asked, surprised. "My goodness, they're beautiful."

"They are," Amber said. "When they took these away from me, I screamed so much. I begged them not to take my bracelets, but they took them away."

"How did Mr. Black get those back to you?"

"He said he'd gotten them back from an SS soldier that had been sent them by his brother working at Auschwitz," Amber said.

"It sounded so romantic when Mr. Black explained what happened," Linda said. "He only claimed it would sound so for an outsider looking in."

"I'd agree with that," Amber said. "There was nothing romantic. He found me and get me out of the camp and as soon as I came to, he apologized for everything that happened and wasted no time sending me to America. I didn't see him for a year after he sent me here. He just wanted to get me out of Germany as soon as possible."

"I can understand that," Linda said. "Anyway, let's return to business. On top of keeping clients calm, sending notifications and thank you cards, and managing the calendar you will have to be knowledgeable about previous cases that Mr. Black has been involved with. We will sometimes get calls from potential clients and you'll need to butter them up a bit before getting them to Mr. Heidelberg, Mr. Foster or Mr. Black. That will also mean being familiar with their specialty and that'll come to you with time and practice."

"Alright," Amber nodded.

"You will also need to do compiling depending on the case," Linda said. "Let's actually start with this client since that is something we needed to do."

Linda took hold of one of the case files and started walking Amber through it. Linda was very helpful and patient, walking Amber through everything she'd be required to do all morning before sending Amber off for her lunch break and getting back to her own work. When she returned from lunch, Amber did her best to work without asking for any help. Linda was behind enough without Amber bugging her. Kevin was engrossed with his own work until Amber stepped into his office to let him know it was five and they needed to pick up her father. They got going and picked up Levi from the bank and returned home where Anna already had dinner on the table for Kevin and Levi to enjoy. After a week, Amber was getting well versed with her responsibilities and was happy to be able to work without bugging Linda for help. Amber focused on Kevin's cases so she could get used to the work and even looked forward to being more useful by helping with Harold's and Alphonse's cases.

"How'd you like your first week as a Legal Assistant?" Linda asked when she was getting ready to leave Friday afternoon.

"It was an educational experience to be sure," Amber said. "I knew some German business law thanks to university and to mother's candle shop, but I've never been so deep in legal matters. American and German law are certainly different so this took some adjusting to what I knew from before."

"Germany was a Republic at the time was it not?"

"Yes, before the Nazi party took over the parliament. I think it's a Republic again with the fall of the Nazi party. That would be West Germany, though. I would assume East Germany is a communist nation since the Soviet Union is in control of that area."

"Well, for the record, I think you've done an excellent job this week," Linda smiled. "You're certainly a fast learner."

"Thank you," Amber smiled. "Maybe soon I'll be able to help you with Mr. Heidelberg's and Mr. Foster's clients."

"Don't rush it," Linda smiled. "I'll tell you a little secret. Mr. Black is a much nicer boss."

Amber giggled, "I'll remember that."

"So are you leaving?"

"I'm waiting for Kevin," Amber said. "Until my father can afford to move us, we're living with Kevin."

"He's certainly a dutiful son-in-law to-be," Linda smiled. She glanced into Kevin's office and could see he was engrossed and not listening, so she walked over to Amber's desk and sat beside her so they could whisper more or less. "Speaking of which. When's the wedding?"

"We don't know yet," Amber said, suddenly uncomfortable. "After everything that's happened, I'm trying to rebuild my life. I'm not ready to marry just yet."

"How long have you two been engaged?"

"Too long," Amber said. "Far too long. Kevin and I have been engaged since I started at the university and things kept coming up that set back the wedding."

"Do you not want to marry him anymore?"

"I do," Amber said. "I've been waiting for years to marry him, but right now…..I just can't right now. I don't want to go into much detail about it. I want to wait to marry until I no longer fell the way I do."

"How do you feel?" Linda asked.

"Used," Amber said bluntly. "Sullied and used."

"By Mr. Black?" Linda asked, not believing it.

"No, certainly not," Amber shook her head. "It was from the camps. I'd rather not talk about it."

"You're right, I'm sorry," Linda said. "I'm sorry to be pushy. It's not my business. Mr. Black just seems like such a catch."

"He is," Amber smiled a little. "He's wonderful. I've loved him my whole life honestly. Even before it was romantic."

"How did you two meet?" Linda asked.

"It was during the Great War. My mother died giving birth to me and I was effectively abandoned and Kevin found me when he overheard me crying. He brought me to the Synagogue just outside town and the Dymeks adopted me. Kevin insisted he wanted to keep in contact. He'd planned to take me home and look after me himself, but he and the woman who'd been looking after me differed in that opinion. So when the Dymeks adopted me, Kevin asked to be able to keep in contact and we did."

"So….you're 30?"

"29," Amber said.

"Goodness," Linda said. "And how old is Mr. Black? He can't be terribly old. He's so young looking."

"He's 44," Amber said.

"Oh wow," Linda went wide eyed. "He looks so young. And so handsome."

"He is," Amber nodded. "Even now, I'm enchanted by him. I just miss feeling worthy of him. He'll insist he doesn't blame me for what happened at those camps. I know he doesn't and I'm relieved for it. But I still feel used."

"I won't ask you to clarify," Linda said. "But whatever happened, I say reward that man by marrying him."

"I want to," Amber said. "We used to talk about our wedding all the time. We've barely mentioned it since we reunited. I told him I wasn't ready and he said nothing would happen until I said so."

"He adores you," Linda smiled. "I can tell just by the way be looks at you. Truthfully, if a man loved me so much as Mr. Black loves you, I'd elope with him in an instant."

"We don't want to elope," Amber said. "I want a Jewish wedding and a Quileute wedding."

"Oh, yes, he's Indian," Linda said. "Or, Native American is the term? Anyway, that sounds exciting. Perhaps by the time of the wedding, we'll have become friendly enough that I can come."

"I'm sure we will be," Amber smiled. Linda smiled back and gave Amber a quick hug before standing from the chair.

"Well, I'm off to start my weekend. I'll see you on Monday."

"See you on Monday," Amber waved goodbye as Linda left. Amber checked the time and saw it was 5. So she went into Kevin's office walking over to his desk and finally getting his attention when she was standing before his desk.

"Is everything okay?" Kevin asked.

"It's five," Amber said. "We'd better get going so we can pick up daddy."

"Oh, right," Kevin groaned a little and packed up what he was working on. "Perhaps I should buy your dad a car myself so he doesn't have to wait for me to get my nose off my desk."

Amber smiled, "Daddy would be too proud to accept it. You know that."

"I know," Kevin said. "I take it you and Linda are getting along well?"

"She's very nice," Amber said. "Did you overhear us?"

"A little," Kevin said. "I started listening when she asked when the wedding was. I wish you didn't tell her I was old," Kevin teased.

"She said you looked young and handsome for the record," Amber said.

Kevin smiled, "So long as you agree."

"I do," Amber said. Kevin put away what he was working on and put it in his briefcase. "Let's go get your dad and go home. I'm sure Anna has dinner ready by now."

Amber and Kevin left together to go pick up Levi and returned home. Several weeks later, after Levi received a few paychecks, he began the process of looking for a place in the city for him, Anna and Amber to move to. Kevin promised there was no rush, but Levi was insistent they needed to be on their own. By then, Tamara returned to Las Vegas with Ivory. She was sad to leave, but Nathan promised her he'd come to visit her in Christmas and bring everyone with. Shortly after they'd left was when Ada María gave birth to hers and Nathan's second son, Gabriel Rafael. Nathan had been wonderful during the labor. Despite any pain Ada María inflicted on Nathan during the labor with her nails or even biting him, he held her the whole time and rubbed her belly hoping to sooth her. Scarlet was able to help out with Jaedynn since Ada María had to give more attention to Gabriel. Nathan was so happy to be able to be there for Gabriel's birth but the happiest moment came when Ada María was handed their son.

"He looks just like you," Ada María said when she looked at Gabriel. Nathan looked at his son and smiled, able to see a slight resemblance though the boy favored Ada María in several respects. Nathan kissed Ada María's head and hugged her before whispering to her that he loved her. She whispered them back and leaned against Nathan's chest just basking in the glow.

Renesmee had officially retired from being the tribe's healer and passed the title to Kyle officially just in time for Kyle to deliver Gabriel for Ada María and Nathan. Renesmee was still present for the sake of seeing the birth of another grandchild. Kyle was able to write to Evalina thanks to her bird, but he still missed her terribly. She confirmed they had put in a request to have the wedding at the Vatican but they were working on days that were open on the moon cycle they wanted and officially snagging that day. In the meantime, Kyle focused as much attention as possible to the hospital. He continued to save money from house calls in Forks, work at Hospitals in Port Angeles and the pension he now received courtesy of his time in the military. He and Carlisle were now working on the legal and logistical factors with the hope they would obtain the required permits soon so they could start building.

Natalie continued having nightmares, but she was at least not screaming when she woke anymore. They were the same type of dream. She'd see Jae only for him to disappear one way or another and that would be enough to make her cry and she'd wake up. She wasn't sleeping well at all and if those around her didn't force her to eat, she wouldn't eat at all. She avoided going on the patio now. Blu was always out there and Natalie preferred to avoid the bird. Nesia would frequently feed the bird seeds and bread. No matter the weather, that bird was always there. The nest was always there and Blu would fix it up and add to it to make sure it was strong. Regardless, Natalie avoided the bird and avoided leaving the house some days.

"How's your mother doing?" Hailey asked JJ when he came into work one morning.

"Same," JJ said.

"I hate to get on this train with everyone, but this isn't healthy," Hailey said.

"She lost her husband, Uncle Hailey," JJ said.

"You lost a father. I lost a man I considered a son. We all lost Jae, but we all have to move on. Honestly, your father wouldn't have wanted her moping around like this."

"Well, that's what she's doing," JJ said defensively. "She just needs to be left alone right now."

Hailey looked at JJ a moment and sighed. "Salem's right, you know. You're enabling her."

"So what if I am?" JJ said. "You think I like seeing mom like this? I don't know what to do except comfort her as best I can. If that means letting her mourn, then fine."

"I'm only saying she could use to get out every now and then," Hailey said. "She should find a hobby. Help your grandmother with opening a school. Maybe she can get a job. Be around people."

"My mother doesn't need a job," JJ said defensively.

"JJ, I'm not suggesting it because you can't provide for her and your siblings. I'm suggesting it so she'll get out of that fucking house. I can't be the only one making the suggestion."

"You're the first," JJ said.

"Then have her try it," Hailey said. "I can assure you that she'll find a job easily here in town. We've all told you if you or your family need anything to just ask. Well, ask someone in town to give your mother a job so she can have people around her that will actually help her out of this stump."

"Stump's a disgusting misrepresentation wouldn't you say?" JJ said.

"JJ," Hailey said firmly and made the boy look at him. "I miss your father too. Frankly, when you first started working for me, I'd have to get a hold of myself every morning because it was like seeing your father again. But I got a hold of myself and trudged along. That's what your mother needs to do too. She needs to start recovering."

"And you think being surrounded by people before she's ready will help her do that?"

"As a matter of fact, yes I do," Hailey said. "It's certainly better than her sitting around the house like a recluse and wasting away. Don't you think?" JJ didn't answer and stared down at the register when the door opened and they looked up at a young woman that entered. "Good morning, Mrs. Taylor. It's a pleasure to see you."

"A pleasure," Mrs. Taylor repeated. "I'm terribly sorry. I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but I overheard what you two were saying about getting Mrs. Dauer work."

"It's alright, Mrs. Taylor," JJ said, but Hailey pinched the boy's arm and nodded at Mrs. Taylor.

"That would actually be wonderful if you have work for her," Hailey said.

"I think I do," Mrs. Taylor said. "You see, my husband and I bought the inn as you know. We've made some changes to it so it can act as a bar and entertainment center. Our dancers and singers have brought a lot of joy to the men returning from war and men getting off a long day of work. I hear your mother has a lovely singing voice, so I can always arrange for her to sing."

"A burlesque dancer?" JJ said in a harsh tone. He'd gone to the inn once or twice. He wouldn't pretend he wasn't a fan of the dancers that would sing and tell jokes in tight corsets and flirty dresses, but he sure as shit wouldn't let his mother be so degraded.

"No, no, just a singer," Mrs. Taylor said. "I'm sure she could dance a little, but we tend to require our dancers go through a bit of a training process. If Mrs. Dauer is alright to sing every other night, I'm sure the patrons would greatly enjoy it."

"I don't think so," JJ said. "I appreciate the offer, Mrs. Taylor, but I'd prefer-"

"He'll tell his mother about it this evening and get back to you," Hailey interrupted. "I don't suppose waitressing is available for her?"

"Of course," Mrs. Taylor nodded. "She'd keep her tips along with her weekly pay."

"That sounds fair," Hailey said. "We'll tell Mrs. Dauer and have her get back to you. So as to other order of business, what was it you'd needed from the store?" Mrs. Taylor bought what she'd needed and eventually left reminding them that if Mrs. Dauer wanted a job, just to send her to the inn and they'd get her started right away. After she left, JJ blew up.

"What the hell is wrong with you?!" JJ asked. "A burlesque dancer?!"

"Or a waitress," Hailey said. "In fact, maybe your Aunt Ada María would enjoy such a job. Perhaps she and your mother could work there together. She'd have someone to look after her while she's there and I hear your aunt has a background in dancing and singing."

"I'm not making my mother work let alone as a dancer for a bar full of horny overworked men!"

"Oh stop being overdramatic," Hailey said. "Mrs. Taylor's right about your mother being able to sing. She can stand in front of a microphone and nothing else or serve drinks. The point is it'll get her out of that house and interacting with other human beings. Something she desperately needs."

"Oh, sure, just have my mother on a stage singing You Belong to Me while a bunch of drunks whistle at her."

"Maybe it'll give her a much needed boost in confidence," Hailey said. "No harm in singing, JJ." JJ's eye twitched and Hailey sighed. "Look, JJ, do you want your mother to get better or not? Whatever you've all been doing isn't helping her so it's about time we did something different. Now you tell your mother about Mrs. Taylor's offer or, God damn it, I will. Are we clear?"

"Fine," JJ grumbled after a moment of silence.

"Good," Hailey said. "Might do your mother some good. Be sure to tell your aunt about it too. I'm sure she'll jump at an opportunity like that."

"Fine," JJ grumbled again. Hailey made sure to remind JJ again of the offer before JJ left for the day. JJ walked home as he always did, enjoying the long walk to clear his head a little. When he returned home, he went straight to the house and let himself in. Natalie was nowhere to be found downstairs, but Salem and Nesia were in the living room together. "Is mom here?"

"She's upstairs," Salem said.

"Is Blu outside?" Nesia asked, standing from the floor and running to the kitchen to grab some bread.

"I didn't check," JJ said. Nesia went passed JJ and found Blu outside. The bird jumped from his nest and accepted Nesia's gift of breadcrumbs and let her put his head and belly. JJ went up the stairs and found Natalie sitting on the edge of the bed reading one of Jae's letters. "Mom," JJ said. Natalie looked up at JJ. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm alright," Natalie lied and put down Jae's letter. "I'm sorry I don't have dinner ready. I lost track of time."

"Its fine, mom. I'm not hungry anyway," JJ said. "Listen….a customer came in today. She's offering you a job."

"A job?" Natalie asked.

"Yeah," JJ said. "Mrs. Taylor. You remember her right? She was at dad's funeral."

"A lot of people were," Natalie said. "I'm afraid I don't remember her specifically."

"Well, anyway, she's offering you work at the inn. Uncle Hailey said we'd tell you. He thinks a job will help make you feel better. I'm skeptical frankly, but I guess it's worth a try."

"Work as what?"

"A singer or waitress. Uncle Hailey suggested maybe Aunt Ada can go work with you. This whole dancing thing is a little more to her taste, but you can sing or wait tables."

"When does she want me to start?" Natalie asked.

"She told us to just send you to the inn and she'll get you started right away," JJ said. Natalie seemed thoughtful a moment and looked at Jae's pictures. She didn't want to but staring at Jae's pictures stopped her from saying no outright.

"Give me a night to think it over," Natalie finally said.

"If you don't want to, mom, you don't have to."

"I said I'd think about it, JJ. That means I will. Just give me the night to think it over."

"Okay," JJ agreed. "I'll get dinner started."

"Thank you," Natalie said as JJ walked downstairs. Salem was at the bottom of the stairs when JJ got down.

"What?" JJ asked.

"I think this'll be good for her," Salem said.

"She said she'd think about it," JJ said. "Don't pester mom."

"I told Nesia to go get Aunt Ada. She'll convince her."

"Damn it, Salem, stop trying to force this. If she wants to, she'll do it. If she doesn't, then she doesn't have to."

"She should," Salem said and went to the kitchen to get left over soup out of the icebox to be heated up on the stove. "You might be willing to enable her, but I'm not. I want mom to get better and if this'll help then she should do it."

"She said she'd think about it," JJ repeated.

"Let's hope she takes the chance," Salem said. Once Salem had the soup on the stove and got it going, Nesia returned with Ada María behind her holding Gabriel and Jaedynn in her arms. "Hey Aunt Ada," Salem said.

"Hey, Salem," Ada María said. "So Nesia says there's a bar in town that's hiring singers and dancers?"

"Waitresses too," JJ said pointedly.

"Well, that's not as fun," Ada María said. She looked at Nesia and kneeled down to hand her Gabriel. "You hold Gabriel. And you," she said to Jaedynn. "I'm going upstairs to talk to your aunt. Can I trust you to stay out of trouble?" Jaedynn nodded her tiny head. "Do you promise?" Jaedynn nodded again and started smiling. "See, that little smile has me worried." Ada María gave Jaedynn a kiss on the cheek, making the toddler giggle, before putting her on her feet. "You behave," she said to Jaedynn before leaving her with Nesia and going upstairs. Natalie was still sitting on the edge of the bed and had started reading Jae's letter again. "Your son said something about a job in town?"

"Yeah," Natalie said.

"Are you planning to take that lady up on the offer?"

"I said I'd take the night to think about it," Natalie said. "As far as the clock can tell, it's only been twenty minutes."

"Well, I've pretty much already decided I'm taking a job there," Ada María said. "I've hated sitting around doing nothing but raising kids. I need a little extra activity in my life."

"Then I wish you luck," Natalie said.

"Oh no, missy," Ada María said and sat beside Natalie. "You'll come with me. I'll get you dancing like an expert in no time. Frankly, I agree something like this will do you some good. We barely see you anymore and it's because you keep yourself cooped up in this house."

"I'm not cooped up," Natalie said. "I go to mom's and dad's for dinner most nights don't I?"

"After we drag you there," Ada María said. "Even then, you barely touch your food and it's worrying us. Just go for it and take the job that woman's offering."

"Ada-"

"Don't argue, Natalie," Ada María said and patted Natalie on the back.

"What does Nathan have to say about this?" Natalie asked.

"He's fine with it," Ada María said confidently. "It'll be like when I sang and danced at my bar."

"Weren't you prostituting at the time?" Natalie asked flippantly.

"No," Ada María said. "I was loose, yes, but not for money, just for fun. Besides, your brother's all the man I need."

"Please don't speak about Nathan like that in front of me," Natalie groaned.

"Oh, stop it," Ada María giggled. "Don't be such a prude. How about tomorrow, you and I go to the inn and start our first day? Think of all the hearts we'll break."

"I'm not interested in being a heartbreaker," Natalie said.

"Doesn't mean you can't be," Ada María said. "We need to start putting weight on you, though. You've gotten too skinny."

"Ada-"

"No arguments," Ada María said. "Especially on that last thing. Salem's heating up that soup you made, so you have yourself two bowls."

"I can't eat two bowls," Natalie said.

"Try," Ada María said and stood up. "Let's get downstairs. Then I'll leave you be to get some sleep. We'll probably be working nights from now on, so you'll need it."

"I haven't agreed to this yet, Ada," Natalie said.

"You will," she answered. "Even if I have to drag you there myself, you will." Natalie was quiet while Ada María pulled her downstairs.

Jaedynn had managed to cause some mischief while Ada María was away by chewing on one of Nesia's toys, so Ada María got the toy from her and played with her and Gabriel. She helped Jaedynn eat her soup while Gabriel slept on Ada María's shoulder. Natalie tried pointing out that someone needed to look after Gabriel to which Ada María reminded Natalie that Scarlet was available as was Renesmee if she should decide it. JJ tried to encourage Natalie that she didn't have to agree to anything, but he was overruled by Salem and Nesia who encouraged Natalie to give a job a try reminding her they just wanted her to start feeling better. Regardless of what anyone said, she told them that she'd think about it over the night and would not be harassed to make any decision right this second.

Natalie stayed downstairs with Ada María to talk until she was finally able to escape claiming she was tired and sending their guests home and JJ got the children to bed for the night. Natalie cooped herself up in her room and stared at Jae's pictures as she always did. She took down one of those pictures and placed it on Jae's pillow so she might feel like he was there. It never worked. She resisted the urge to read one of Jae's letters. Her head hurt and she closed her eyes trying to breath and relax. She came to attention when she heard tiny wings flapping outside. She knew exactly what it was from. It was Blu. That horrible bird had come to her window every night and she did her best to ignore the bird. She'd tried several times to make the bird go away. She even tried relocating the bird's nest, but he just rebuilt a new one right where the first nest had been. She'd given up fighting the little bird and had resolved to ignore it as she was doing now. She turned her back to the window and did her best to fall asleep. It took a long time, though. No matter how tired she was, it always took forever for her to fall asleep, but it did eventually come.

A dream haunted her again like it always did. She felt cold and alone and she couldn't hear anything. She finally opened her eyes and looked around the teepee she always ended up in when she dreamed. She was alone which was strange, but she didn't want to go outside. She sat in the teepee and laid back down hoping to sleep through the dream like it didn't happen. That had worked a handful of times. She'd refuse to open her eyes and stay asleep until the dream ended and she woke up the next morning. Granted it was always the worst sleep, but at least nothing happened. She planned for this dream to be along those lines until she heard movement in the form of the leather door of the teepee being pulled open from the outside. She continued to ignore it even when she heard her name and her toes were getting cold. Soon she felt a hand on her ankle that warmed her as a voice spoke her name again. She finally opened her eyes again but there was no one there. The door, however, was open. Natalie finally crawled out of the teepee and looked forward to see Jae. His back was to her until she stepped outside and then he turned his head to look at her. He smiled lovingly at her and Natalie felt tears burning her eyes because she knew what was coming. Jae changed to a bird before her eyes and flew away.

There was now a man with long, braided hair in her view with his back to her. He only wore deerskin pants and shoes with a bare chest. It was summer in the dream and it felt hot. The man turned and looked in her direction and she saw a face she'd seen before. Last she'd seen that face, it was in the dream teepee and he'd been bitten and his eyes had gone red. In this vision, his eyes were black as night, his skin that russet tan and he appeared young. Mid-twenties at his oldest. When their eyes met, Natalie didn't feel anything. He smiled at her though. He was a handsome man with a gentle smile, but she soon realized he wasn't smiling at her. A young woman walked over to him and the two hugged as the young woman addressed him as 'big brother'. The young woman was very beautiful. Black hair, russet skin and feminine features with a bright smile that matched the man's that she hugged. She couldn't hear what they were talking about, but she could tell they were discussing something and then the young woman walked away. She was approaching a man in the distance many years her senior but still young looking. He was a big man that struck her as one of the wolves. She glanced at the man she'd seen originally and saw the vicious leer that formed in his eyes upon seeing the man.

Then, Natalie felt herself getting dizzy and the world was going fuzzy. She kneeled down until her head was no longer spinning, but then she realized she was back in the teepee she always awoke in, but she wasn't alone. The two men from her vision were in the teepee together and they completely ignored her. It seemed they didn't even know she was there. The man she saw first appeared dead serious and even mean while the other man appeared annoyed but trying to be patient and even kind.

"Have the fish I brought been satisfactory, Suerro?"

"Nothing I haven't been able to catch myself,"the first man, Suerro, said. She swore she remembered that name. It was the name of a chief the tribe had after Taha Aki had disappeared.

"So you did give them away?" the other man asked.

"Of course. We didn't need it then so I gave them to someone that did,"Suerro answered.

"You're intentionally refusing any gifts I offer,"the other man said.

"You seem so surprised,"Suerro said flippantly. "Have I in any way made my feelings of you unclear?"

"It's not your feelings I'm concerned with. It's Zurra's. You're trying to force a wedge between us and it's not going to work. She loves me and I her."

"I'm sure you offered the same words to your two previous fathers by marriage,"Suerro spat back. The other man's eyes flared with rage, yet he somehow managed to stay calm.

"Just because I love Zurra doesn't mean I didn't love Talueka or Sajiyette. I loved both of them and that's why I'd married them. It's no different for Zurra. Except for the fact that I love her more."

"As I recall, you made it known to my father of your intentions to marry Zurra before Sajiyette's ashes had even flown away." The other man shook a little and the site actually frightened Natalie. He had the Alpha's stare that Jacob had. It was the stare given to wolves when they needed a 'gentle' reminder that they were out of line. None ever dared test their luck after such a stare. This man on the other hand, Suerro, took the wolf by the ears as it were without fear. "My father made his answer clear when I was a boy and I have made my answer clear in his stead: you will never marry my little sister."

"She has begged you to allow the marriage,"the other man said. "I know she has."

"You've taken advantage of a young girl that's too young to understand that an old man just wants a third wife."

"Her youth has nothing to do with it. And how dare you imply her stupid for something so minor as youth?"

"How dare you?"Suerro spat back. The other man cracked his knuckles as if to keep himself still, that Alpha's stare still looking Suerro in the eye as if to intimidate him. "Your sons may back down like scared puppies with just a glare, Taha Aki, but I'm not so scared of you. I fully expect you to drop the matter of marrying Zurra. My answer will not change. You're wasting my time, Zurra's time and your time. I suggest you turn your sights on another young girl."

"This isn't over, Suerro,"Taha Aki said. "Either you give us your approval to marry or I'll marry her without it."

"Do so, Taha Aki, and I will ensure the marriage is known to be shamed,"Suerro said. "I've made my answer clear and the tribe is well aware of the answer I've given you and my father before me. If you marry Zurra without my approval, you will shame her. Is that what you want?"

"Is it what you want?" Taha Aki asked pointedly. Challengingly even.

"It's not what I want,"Suerro said. "But if it's what's required, then so be it. You marry my little sister and I will shame the marriage."

"You will do no such thing,"Taha Aki said. No. Growled.

"Then you will not marry Zurra."

"You can't deny our intentions forever, Suerro. I will marry Zurra whether you like it or not."

"Then I will shame the marriage whether you like it or not. Now get out. We have nothing more to discuss." Taha Aki glared at Suerro with equal intensity. Natalie swore she could see Taha Aki's eyes go red. Taha Aki stood to leave the tent and opened the door, but before leaving, he looked at Suerro again.

"You're only making Zurra miserable. She wants to marry me as I do her. My only reasoning is because I love her."

"You'll find someone else. You always do,"Suerro answered. Taha Aki snarled but otherwise didn't speak and finally left the tent. As he left, the fire in the middle of the tent set aflame and it was suddenly dark. Suerro was still in the tent, but now the beautiful young woman from before was in the tent with him and she appeared to be crying.

"Suerro, why do you keep denying him? I want to marry him."

"We'll find you a more suitable husband to marry,"Suerro said firmly as though a father to his daughter rather than a brother to his sister. "He's not suitable for you and I'd prefer to find you a good man to marry that won't throw you away once he finds your replacement."

"He'd never do that to me!" the young woman, Zurra Natalie assumed she must be, cried. "He loves me. More than his first wives. You just don't understand."

"No, Zurra, you don't understand,"Suerro said firmly. "One day you'll understand, but just trust me. You deserve better than him."

"I don't want anyone else,"Zurra whimpered.

"You're young, Zurra. I'll find you a husband that deserves you. Just don't let Taha Aki take advantage of you."

"He's not taking advantage of me! He loves me!"

"I'm sure he's said as much to his first two wives too. And look where they are now: outlived by the husband who saw fit to seek a replacement before his 2ndwife's body had gone cold."

"He loved both his wives,"Zurra protested. "But he loves me more. It's always been different with me. You just don't understand it."

"Zurra, he's trying to swindle you. I'd not doubt it if he were only so persistent because I keep saying no. He'll get bored of you the moment you start to age just like he did before. You deserve a man that'll live his life with you, not treat you as a place holder."

"He would never do that to me,"Zurra insisted. "He promised when we marry, he'll step down from the pack and grow old with me. His sons have proven he can do such a thing. He just needs to stop changing to a wolf and he'll age. He will grow old with me and live a life with me."

"He promised did he? Need I remind you most all his sons at minimum are old enough to be your father?"

"How is that relevant?"

"My point, Zurra, is you're not the first he's done this to and frankly you won't be the last. I'm looking out for you and if that makes me the bad guy then fine. I'm only doing what's best for you. You might not understand that now, but you'll thank me later when you're older and married to a man that deserves you and won't treat you as another notch on his hilt."

"That's not how he sees me at all,"Zurra protested. "I want to marry him, Suerro."

"It'll pass, Zurra,"Suerro said. "One day you'll thank me."

"If I can't marry Taha Aki then I won't marry at all,"Zurra threatened, but that did nothing to shift the conversation to her favor.

"That's certainly your choice,"Suerro said. "I'll continue to look after you."

Zurra looked stunned. Suerro appeared to think he'd successfully called Zurra's bluff while Zurra just appeared dejected. She didn't say anything more and crawled to the other side of the tent and laid down on her blanket with her back to Suerro. He sighed irritably and tossed his bowl to the side in a huff and put out the fire before going to bed himself. It was so dark suddenly but it didn't last. She saw some light coming from the leather door, but it was dim. Natalie gingerly crawled forward until she came out of the tent. People were walking around like any normal day going about their chores but she couldn't see any familiar faces in the dream. She stood and looked around when she heard a bird singing and then fly by her. It was a blue bird and it flew towards to the coastline where men were fishing. Natalie followed where the bird wanted her to go where she finally saw Suerro. The man from before. He appeared to be talking to two other men one of whom looked similar to Taha Aki, but he wasn't. His features were slightly different. She started to approach them when there was suddenly commotion from behind her. She turned to see what was going on and saw three people exiting a tent together. One of whom was Zurra, the other was Taha Aki. The third, Natalie assumed, must have been the Medicine Man. Taha Aki and Zurra were smiling at one another and Natalie assumed what must have happened. She turned to see Suerro, but the vision she saw was of confusion and rage bubbling to the surface.

"Everyone, please give me your attention," the Medicine Man called. "Today has proven to be a happy one. Our chief is to marry young Zurra. We shall hold the ceremony tomorrow night."

Natalie noticed first and foremost the Medicine Man had made no mention of what moon would need to show for the marriage to be happy and prosperous. She remembered the tales of how, desperate to be together, Chief Taha Aki and his third wife had married despite a blank moon ceremony reading. Natalie returned her attention to Suerro and saw how furious he was. He'd not given his blessing for the marriage and it showed. The others that were with Suerro appeared as though they were trying to make him calm but it wasn't working. In a fit of anger, Suerro took the spear he'd been using to fish and prepared to aim. One of the men, the one that looked most like the chief, grabbed onto Suerro just as he'd tossed it. It managed to reach Taha Aki's feet but caused no damage. The attempt, however, was enough to set off Taha Aki. What would have resulted in a fight was ended when Zurra stepped in front of Taha Aki begging him to stop.

Natalie watched the scene unfold before her eyes as Suerro, his black eyes flaring with rage and what she could only assume was heartache, went back to the tent from where Natalie came. Zurra followed after him as though she might try to reason with him, but by the time Natalie caught up, it was clear he'd not be reasoned with. He had retreated into the tent and was tossing out what few things belonged to Zurra. Zurra was crying and begging Suerro to understand but Suerro wasn't having it. He tossed her things out of the tent and said to her, "Make him take care of you," and retreated into the tent not to be spoken to. Natalie overheard the people talking. Based on the look on Zurra's face, she could tell she did too. Of course, the moment anyone saw Taha Aki near, they shut their mouths really quick. It did little to change the overwhelming choke hold that filled the air. Natalie looked at the ground as though to avoid the uncomfortable feeling only for the lighting of her feet to change from day to night with a fire going. Natalie looked up at the bonfire that was going with the people surrounding it. Then Natalie heard a bird singing to get her attention. The blue bird landed on her shoulder and then flew away. Natalie followed after the bird towards the shore. Then the bird led her up a hill she remembered all too well. It was the hill that led to the cliff they'd all used when they were kids.

Eventually she caught up to the man from before. Suerro. She walked beside him and he looked so defeated and even heartbroken. Natalie tried to speak to him, forgetting she was in a dream. He didn't answer her. He kept walking in the direction of the cliffs until there was suddenly a loud crack. They both looked up and saw a blonde woman in a full skirted dress drinking someone's blood. Natalie remembered her face once she looked in Suerro's direction. She'd been the one that bit him in Natalie's first dream. What unfolded after happened so fast. Suerro attempted to run but was caught by the blonde and was bitten. Natalie was helpless to do anything as she watched the attack. It only ended when two wolves came out of the woods and bit into the blonde, dragging her away from Suerro. Natalie saw the wolves dismember the vampire and when Natalie looked in Suerro's direction again, he was crawling away towards the cliffs. The blue bird flew by in the direction Suerro crawled and Natalie followed after until they'd reached the cliffs. Natalie screamed at him to stop but he still didn't hear anything of what she said. Moments later, three men came up behind her two of whom she recognized, the other she did not.

"Suerro!" the man she'd seen with Suerro at the shore said. The man saw all the blood and yelled at the other man to get the medicine man.

"What happened to him?" Taha Aki asked.

"There was this woman that bit into his neck. We think she killed the other woman you saw dead on the trail."

"What happened to the woman that bit him? I thought you tore her apart,"Taha Aki said.

"We did,"the other man said. While they were talking, Suerro was clearly in pain and was clutching onto a rock to deal with the pain. "We're getting the Medicine Man, Suerro. You'll be alright."

"I'm burning,"Suerro forced through the blood collecting in his throat. He coughed and blood splattered everywhere including his chin and chest. All Natalie could do was watch. She wanted to say they needed to suck out the venom if they wanted the transformation to stop, but she seemed to be just a shadow. "I'm on fire!"

"You're not on fire, Suerro,"Taha Aki said. "You have an injury to your neck."

"I said I'm burning!"Suerro barely managed. Taha Aki appeared thoughtful a moment.

"That woman you said you and your brother killed. There was no blood to show you did anything."

"She had skin like stone and she was cold to the touch,"the other man answered.

"I'm not familiar with a creature of those features. Are you sure it was a woman?"

"It was no snow demon,"the man answered. "No smell of death, normal height, appeared completely human. But she was fast and hard to the touch. And its eyes were red. It sent a chill down my spine." Taha Aki looked at Suerro then. He seemed to think over what just happened and then closed his eyes a moment.

"This might be something our Healer can't fix,"Taha Aki said. "Perhaps this thing was venomous." Then Taha Aki returned his attention to Suerro and seemed to reach for something. "If the Healer can't help you, I'll make it quick."

"Get away from me,"Suerro said through the cough of blood. The way the blood had flowed before, this should have killed him by now. The venom was doing what it was supposed to. It was already healing the immediate injury. Natalie couldn't believe none of them noticed.

"We'll wait for the healer to come and if he can't help you-"

"There is no 'if',"Suerro hissed back. "You want me dead. So just be done with it. But you mark my words: I will haunt you. For everything you've done, I will haunt you."

"Suerro, stop! Think of Zurra,"Taha Aki said.

"I did,"Suerro growled. "Get it over with you serpent."

"Don't tempt me,"Taha Aki said in frustration.

They heard footsteps start to approach and Taha Aki looked in the direction of the footsteps. When he did, Suerro used the remainder of his strength to slam the rock against Taha Aki's head. Taha Aki let go and Suerro pushed himself off the side of the cliff. Natalie felt something grab her ankle and pull her down with. She screamed until she landed into the water. She kicked and swam towards the surface until she was finally above water. But when she was above water, she was near a little island off the coastline. It was a tiny island that she vaguely recognized but it was just a big rock for the most part with some flat surfaces available. She saw Suerro laid on that rock with the blonde woman from before. She spoke French, but it was an odd French that Natalie didn't quite recognize and she had a hard time understanding the woman. She was able to tell she'd asked for Suerro's name but didn't get an answer. As she watched, a wave came and pushed her away, making her go under the water again until she felt a hard surface beneath her feet.

She was no longer wet and when she looked down at herself, she was in a pair of nylon stockings, black Mary Janes, an A-line skirt and jacket that reminded her of Jae's uniform. She looked up wondering where she was and realized she was on a stage. Lights came on and she saw people sitting before her at tables. The lights in her eyes made it hard for her to see. There was a microphone in front of her and she heard music start to play. It was a song she recognized from the radio but she didn't remember the words. She looked around the room and, suddenly, she saw the man from before. Suerro. His eyes were bright red and he sat at the bar looking at her. Something about the way he looked at her when their eyes locked surprised her. She looked behind her wondering if there was another person behind her, but she was alone on that stage. Right by his arm, a blue bird perched on the bar and sang a song, trying to get her attention. She shook her head and stepped away from the mike trying to go back stage. She tripped and was falling, only then finally waking from her dream in a cold sweat. She breathed in sharply as she shot upright in bed. She was shaking and she felt tears forming. Then she overheard the song from her dream. Scared she might still be asleep, she got out of bed and went downstairs, but JJ was there listening to the radio.

"Mom?" JJ said and turned on the couch so he was looking at her. "I'm sorry; I didn't think I had the radio on so loud."

"You didn't," Natalie mumbled and shook her head. "I…it was a dream. I woke up and heard the music."

"Are you alright? Do you want some coffee?"

"Coffee would be nice," Natalie nodded. "Thank you honey." JJ stood from the couch and went to get some coffee ready while Natalie sat on the couch. Of all things, a Disney song began to play on the radio after the other song finished. Someday My Prince will Come. Adriana Caselotti's high voice bellowed through the speakers. Normally, she'd want to turn this song off. She still remembered seeing the movie with Jae and the song made her sad.

"I remember seeing this movie when it came out," JJ said when he came over with a cup of coffee and handed it to Natalie. "I put plenty of sugar in there for you."

"Thank you," Natalie said. "I used to sing this to Nesia."

"I know," JJ smiled at the memory. "She used to put on your dresses and pretend she was a princess. Dad dance with her when she sang." Natalie nodded and her eyes stung again from the tears. "I'm sorry, mom. I shouldn't have said anything."

"It's alright," Natalie managed. "Don't ever forget happy memories with your father. Even if it hurts sometimes."

"I miss him," JJ said. "Every day I miss him. I hate it whenever people say I look just like dad."

"Why?" Natalie asked.

"Because I'm just a shell of what he was," JJ mumbled. "I'll never be the man dad was. Sometimes I feel so inadequate."

"You've been wonderful, JJ," Natalie said and took JJ's hand in hers. "Your father would have been so proud of you. Between you and me, you were always special to him. Jae loved all of you, but you were his pride and joy."

"I know," JJ said and started getting teary eyed himself. "I miss him so much."

"I miss him too," Natalie sand. "You really have been wonderful, JJ. I don't know what I would have done without you."

"It's the least I can do," JJ said. "If you don't want to work, you don't have to. I don't mean to be an ogre about this. I just don't want you to feel like you have to. I'm supporting us."

"It isn't about that from what I can tell," Natalie said. "It's about me getting out and being human again."

"Does that mean you plan to keep working?" JJ asked nervously. Natalie didn't answer right away. She thought of the dream. She thought of the man in that dream. She remembered his name. She had a feeling she knew what the dream was trying to tell her. She just wasn't ready. But then…..if she stayed cooped up, she would stay that way. She'd never be happy.

"Perhaps I should give it a chance," Natalie finally answered. "I can always leave or refuse later."

"Are you sure?" JJ asked.

"Yeah," Natalie said. "I'm not doing anyone any favors the way I've been acting."

"If that's what you want," JJ answered hesitantly. "I just don't want you to force yourself to do anything you don't want to."

Natalie looked at JJ and smiled. Somehow, looking at him now, it didn't hurt to look at him. Not at the moment. "Thank you JJ. You really have been a life saver."

JJ smiled a little and actually leaned over so he was resting his head on Natalie's shoulder. "I love you mom."

"I love you too, JJ," Natalie said. "I know I haven't really been showing it the past two years, but I do."

Eventually JJ left for work for the morning and for the first time in a while, Natalie went outside and finished a second cup of coffee on the patio sitting on the swing chair. As expected, Blu was on the patio in his little nest in one corner of the patio. When she took her seat, Natalie noticed Blu hop out of his nest. She stared at the bird a moment before he flew over to the chair landing on one of the arms so he was near her. She stared at the bird looking into its little black eyes. Now that she actually allowed herself to give the bird any real attention, she realized there was something in this bird's eyes that comforted her. Hesitantly, Natalie lowered her hand so her fingers were near the bird. Not seconds after she offered her hand, the bird hopped onto her forefinger as a perch and chirped.

"Who's your little friend?" Ada María's voice startled Natalie and she jumped, accidently tossing the bird from her finger who flew away and returned to his nest. "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you."

"It's okay," Natalie said after she finally relaxed. "What brings you here so early?"

"Just checking to see if you're getting that job willingly or if I need to drag you to the inn," Ada María said.

"You don't need to drag me," Natalie sighed. "I'll go."

"I'm glad to hear it," Ada María smiled. "I really do think this will do you some good. And I'll make sure I get a job there too so I'll be there for you."

"You really don't have to," Natalie said.

"Sure, but I want to. I need a little more spice in my life than just being a house wife. I already talked to Scarlet and Ariel and they're aware to help keep an eye on Jaedynn and Gabriel whenever I'm at the inn and Nathan's on patrol. If you want the truth, I miss the entertainment life."

"I suppose that makes sense," Natalie said. "So when are we going?"

"As soon as you've eaten something," Ada María said.

"I had my coffee so I'm alright," Natalie said.

"That's not a sufficient breakfast, Natalie. What did the kids have?"

"I haven't made anything. They're still asleep. It's early."

"Well then, we'll make something," she said and pushed Natalie into the house prepared to make pancakes only to find no eggs, no butter or milk or anything she'd usually use to make pancakes. Natalie told her to sit back and just let her do it and Natalie made the fruit oat pancakes Esme used to make for her. As a special treat for the kids, Natalie warmed up some rice milk with brown sugar and cinnamon. By the time Salem and Nesia came downstairs, Natalie had breakfast on the table.

"Are you feeling alright today, mom?" Salem asked, a little surprised to see her making such a big breakfast.

"I'm alright," Natalie said. "I'm going to give that job at the inn a try."

"Good for you mommy," Nesia smiled and ran over to Natalie to hug her. Natalie hugged her back and petted Nesia's head of black hair.

"Thanks, Nesia," Natalie said. "I love you both. You know that right?"

"I love you too mommy," Nesia said sweetly while Natalie rocked her back and forth.

"I love you too mom," Salem said, feeling hopeful that Natalie was already starting to feel a little bit better. "Breakfast is great by the way."

Natalie smiled and joined them all at the table again. She even ate a pancake and a glass of the cinnamon rice milk she'd made. The kids were all sent to their schooling for the day before Natalie and Ada María went into town together. It took some time to reach the inn as several people stopped them to talk to Natalie, happy to see her and wishing her well. Word seemed to have spread that Natalie was offered work at the inn and people were wishing her well. Some who claimed to be patrons said they looked forward to seeing her there. The more they were stopped, the more uncomfortable Natalie became, but she remained social and pleasant. Eventually they made it to the inn and were welcomed by Mrs. Taylor.

"Oh, good, I was hoping to see you," she said to Natalie and glanced at Ada María. "I'm sorry, I don't think I've ever caught your name."

"Ada María Black," she answered. "I'm married to her twin brother. I heard you have dancers and I thought I might try out to work for you. I ran my own bar and danced when I lived in Brazil, so I'm sure I'd offer you quite a bit."

"Why did you leave Brazil?"

"Nathan," Ada María answered bluntly. "I decided I wanted to live spend my life with him, so I came to Washington. My brother runs my bar for me, but I miss the life of dancing and singing."

"And your husband is alright with you working?" Mrs. Taylor asked skeptically.

"He's alright with it," Ada María answered. "Nathan's very supportive."

"Well, in that case, might I see you dance? The dancers don't usually start performing until seven, but the singers start performing by 5. We've got plenty of time."

"I'd love to," Ada María said confidently and went right to the stage.

She started by stretching out, splitting on the floor and bending backwards, making sure to limber up. It had been a while and she needed to get into the groove before she started. Though her flexibility alone had Mrs. Taylor's attention right away. When she felt sufficiently stretched out, Ada María started showing off her balance by performing ballet poses from way back when she'd trained with the circus. Then, tossing all modesty out the window, she pulled up the skirt of her dress, her undergarments in place at least, and tied it so it was at her side. Mrs. Taylor kept her mouth shut about it, especially when Ada María started doing back flips and twirls and splits. To prove she had good equilibrium, Ada María began to spin across the stage, keeping her eyes focused so she wouldn't get dizzy. It felt strange for her to dance without music, so she tried thinking of a song while she danced, going through a routine she'd performed a hundred times at her own bar back home. She'd brought Mrs. Taylor at the edge of her seat with a bright smile and Natalie was impressed too. She'd seen her dance through Nathan's eyes but seeing it in person was somehow a more enchanting experience. Eventually, Ada María finished her routine and ended it with a bow as she used to and Mrs. Taylor gave her a standing ovation.

"That was wonderful!" Mrs. Taylor exclaimed. "Mrs. Black, that was amazing!"

"Enough to dance for you I hope," Ada María grinned.

"Oh, of course! You'll need some time to become familiar with the dance routines, but from what you've shown me, you'll catch on in no time. Now, Mrs. Dauer, I'm told you sing?"

"I've been told I can," Natalie asked, feeling small and slightly inadequate.

"Well, might I hear you? Normally we have a band, but you can just sing whatever comes to mind."

Natalie was shaking now as Mrs. Taylor encouraged her to stand and go onto the stage. The stage was rather bare given the hour save for the band equipment that remained. When she was on the stage, she stared out on them and felt herself shaking. She felt her cheeks burn and she started to get light headed. She glanced at Ada María her told her she could do it and to take a deep breath. Eventually, she did just that and sang the last song she'd heard that morning. She couldn't go quite so high, so she adjusted the song so she could sing Snow White's Someday my Prince Will Come. It was also a quick song so she could potentially get off the stage as soon as possible. Mrs. Taylor certainly wasn't nearly so impressed with Natalie as she'd been with Ada María but she waited while Natalie finished. When she did, Mrs. Taylor still clapped.

"That was lovely, Mrs. Dauer. Though I can tell you're very uncomfortable being on stage."

"A little," Natalie admitted.

"I'd love to have you sing for us but we need to get you accustomed to being on stage and in front of people. I think we can have you as a waitress until you're more comfortable."

"Really?" Natalie asked.

"Of course," Mrs. Taylor smiled. "Now, Mrs. Black, if you're able, I'd love for you to stay and meet our other dancers. They practice their routines on Saturdays and Mondays in the morning and the remaining days of the week you have the mornings off. You can pick what nights you want to work, but Fridays and Saturdays are mandatory hours as those are our busiest nights."

"This is exciting," Ada María grinned. "It's been too long since I've danced."

"And your husband is alright with you working? I'm sorry to pester, but I've lost a few employees to husbands that prefer their wives to not work."

"Nathan's fine," Ada María said adamantly. "I was a working girl when he fell in love with me, so he'll love me if I stay a working girl."

"I will trust your judgment then," Mrs. Taylor said.

Ada María was eventually introduced to the other dancers while Mrs. Taylor got Natalie started with her waitressing training, allowing another waitress to take over the task upon coming into work. By the time the afternoon officially started, Natalie was following the head waitress around learning from her. She felt awkward hovering over the woman all night but she paid attention and filled orders as practice. The woman training her often pulled her aside to remind her she needed to smile, telling her when customers came to the inn, it was to feel special after a long day of work, not to be treated the way they likely would at home. By the end of the night, Natalie felt drained and overwhelmed and wondered if she could really go through with doing this. Ada María said her goodbyes promising she'd return tomorrow to officially start and left with Natalie arm in arm.

"I saw the head waitress training you. That is who that woman is, right?" Ada María said.

"Yes, she's the head waitress. She said I need to smile more," Natalie answered.

"Well, I could have told you that."

"I don't know if I can do this," Natalie said.

"Sure you can," Ada María said. "It's only your first night. That's all. That's all the more reason why it's so scary. Once you've done this a few nights and have learned your way around, it'll be easy for you."

"It's just a lot to take in," Natalie said.

"When you've been cooped up alone for months, anything would seem like a lot. Don't let cold feet set in. You need to get back into the real world and a job seems like the best way to do that. I've made sure we'll work the same nights, so you'll always have me with you at least. Okay?"

"But you'll be dancing and on stage most of the night."

"Natalie, the way they dance, it won't matter. I'll see if you need me. I wonder if I could convince Mrs. Taylor to let me spice things up a little. I'm sure I could make Jazz work with my usual style."

"You make this all seem so effortless," Natalie said.

"It's confidence, Natalie. Confidence can hide just about anything and that's what we need to get instilled back into you. It'll take time, but it'll come." Natalie sighed and rubbed her eyes. "None of that, Natalie. This just feels scarier than it is. Everything will be alright."

"Thank you for the encouragement," Natalie said. "I guess I need all that I can get."

"That's what I'm here for," Ada María said.

The two of them returned home together and Ada María dropped Natalie off at her house. All the kids had stayed up waiting for her and were eager to find out how her first day was. JJ seemed to remain unconvinced with the arrangements, especially when Natalie admitted it was a little nerve wracking for her. JJ offered to talk to Mrs. Taylor and tell her to cancel the arrangement but Natalie assured she'd give it a chance, something Salem and Nesia were rather adamant that she should do. When Ada María returned home, it seemed like most of the house was already asleep. Scarlet and Nathan were both on patrol for the night and Ariel had looked after Jaedynn and Gabriel, putting them to bed and then going to bed himself hours before. Since everyone was already in bed, Ada María did the same and crawled under the sheets to sleep. She woke up when she heard Gabriel whimpering. His whimpering woke Jaedynn who began to follow suit by the time Ada María made it to the baby room. Ariel slept through the whole thing. Ada María went downstairs with the babies and got Jaedynn in a little chair so she could start eating some sweet rice porridge she'd made the morning before and an apple cut into tiny pieces. With Jaedynn eating her breakfast, Ada María was able to sit down and start breast feeding Gabriel.

"Morning, Ada," Scarlet said with a light yawn before running upstairs to go straight to bed.

"Morning to you too," she said mostly to herself after Scarlet had already returned upstairs. Nathan wasn't far behind, wearing a loose pair of jeans and nothing else when he walked in. The sight of him made her smile longingly and he returned the smile. "Morning," she said.

"Morning, Ada," Nathan smiled and then looked at Jaedynn whose face was covered with her rice porridge and shoving a piece of apple in her mouth. "Enjoying breakfast, Jaedynn?" Jaedynn nodded eagerly and made Nathan chuckle as he sat down beside her and started cleaning up her face. "So how'd things go yesterday?"

"Mrs. Taylor gave Natalie and I a job. I'll be a dancer and Natalie will be waiting tables. Mrs. Taylor said once Natalie's feeling more confident and isn't so nervous on stage, she'll have her singing."

"How'd Natalie do with the waitressing? I assume that's what she was doing?"

"She did fine," Ada María said. "She's nervous and trying to adjust, but she's doing better than she gives herself credit for. She just needs to learn to smile at the customers from what I'm told."

"You don't think we're pushing her too hard do you?" Nathan asked.

"I don't think so," Ada María said. "Don't let yourself fall into JJ's bad habit. She needs to get out there again and sometimes that means doing things you think are scary. If you or JJ let her stay cooped up in that house, she'll never start feeling better or like herself again."

"I guess you're right," Nathan said while he helped Jaedynn eat. "It's just hard to see her this way and I feel like I haven't done a thing to help her. When Tomoeh died, Natalie was right there to help me. I haven't returned the favor in the slightest."

"How about you go over there today and take her hiking?" Ada María suggested. "I could chew her ear off trying to make her feel better, but I think it would be better appreciated coming from you."

"Maybe," Nathan said. "Is Ariel still in bed?"

"Last I checked," Ada María nodded.

"Alright," Nathan said. "I'll see if I can't get him out of bed and we'll all go hiking together. Maybe we can take Salem and Nesia too." Nathan looked at Jaedynn. "Did you want to go with us, Jaedynn? You can ride on daddy's back."

"Yay!" Jaedynn cheered and accidently tossed some of her porridge into Nathan's face and Ada María started laughing. Jaedynn realized what she did and started giggling while Nathan stared at her and smiled.

"Thanks for sharing, Jaedynn," Nathan said and kissed her cheek and cleaned off his face. Ada María was still giggling when his face was cleaned. "Something funny?"

"You know exactly why I'm laughing," Ada María said as she finished laughing when Gabriel started getting fussy having finished his breakfast. She adjusted her dress so her breast was no longer exposed and lifted Gabriel to her shoulder to rub Gabriel's back and help him get to sleep. Nathan walked over to Ada María and took a hold of the arms of the chair and leaned over so he was looking at her and their noses nearly touched.

"Do you want to come with? I'll carry Jaedynn and you can carry Gabriel. We'll all go as a family."

"I think Gabriel and I will relax for the day," Ada María smiled and gave Nathan a kiss. "But try not to be too long. I wouldn't mind spending some time with you before I have to go to the inn tonight."

"Alright," Nathan smiled and kissed her again. Nathan went upstairs to Ariel's room and saw the boy still snuggled into bed. Nathan sat on the edge of the bed and gently nudged Ariel's shoulder. "I was going to go hiking. You want to come with me?"

"Hm?" Ariel mumbled, barely awake.

"I said I'm going hiking. How about you get up and eat some breakfast while I get your aunt so she can join us?"

"We're going hiking now?" Ariel asked.

"Once you finish breakfast," Nathan said. "Unless you'd rather stay in bed."

"No, I'm up," Ariel and said sat up while yawning.

"I'll get your aunt and cousins and we'll leave after everyone's eaten, okay?" Ariel rubbed his eyes with a nod while Nathan left the room and made his way to Natalie's house.

When Nathan got to Natalie's house, the kids were awake and already eating some fruit and oatmeal Salem had made but Natalie was still asleep. He walked up the stairs and saw Natalie in bed, but she wasn't asleep. She was reading one of Jae's letters and appeared teary eyed. When Nathan came into the room and she saw him, Natalie rubbed her eyes of any stray tears and put down the letter in her lap.

"Morning," Nathan said. "How did yesterday go?"

"Alright," Natalie said. "I'm still learning."

"That's alright," Nathan said. "No one expects you to wait tables on the first day like you've been doing it your whole life." Nathan walked over to the bed and sat on the edge so her feet were at his hips. "I came over because I was planning to take the kids hiking. I thought maybe you, Salem and Nesia would like to come with us."

"I'm alright," Natalie said. "I'm sure Salem and Nesia would love to go though."

"Actually, I would much prefer if you did come with us," Nathan said. "You and I have barely seen each other since I got back. I wanted to correct that."

"When you put it that way," Natalie managed a small smile and put the letter back in her drawer. Nathan saw the big pile of letters Jae had sent her and felt a tug at his heart.

"Do you read those every day?"

"Yes," Natalie answered bluntly. "Everyone keeps saying I shouldn't but I can't help it. Whatever happened to the letters I wrote Jae?"

"I don't know," Nathan admitted. "After Jae died, we lost most of his things. Anything he had on his person was burned with him."

"Okay," Natalie said solemnly. "Did…did he say anything? About me or the children?"

"He couldn't," Nathan said. "He'd been shot through the throat and he couldn't speak but he was thinking of all of you the whole time. I know he was. You and the kids were all he talked about most days. He even said once when he returned, you two might have another baby."

"He's written as much," Natalie said, tears starting to fall again as she whimpered. "He used to joke he wanted 12 kids. I'd told him no. I'd said we'd start with 2 and maybe go so far as four. Now…..even then, I would have gladly had another baby. As many as he wanted if it meant he would come home."

"He'd have come home no matter what," Nathan said and rubbed Natalie's foot. "I'm sorry this happened, Natalie. I really am." There was a silence while Natalie recovered and rubbed her eyes.

"Nothing we can do now," Natalie whimpered. "I know I need to move on, but I don't want to. I just don't want to. No one will ever be Jae."

"No, they won't," Nathan agreed.

"I keep having dreams," Natalie eventually admitted. "They started when that bird made his home on my front porch."

"The blue bird?" Nathan asked and Natalie nodded.

"Nesia named him Blu. I keep having these nightmares. Jae's in them and he'll speak Quileute and nothing else. He's dressed traditionally and I always wake up in a tent. When I try to follow him, he turns into a bird. I keep seeing this man I don't know."

"You do?" Nathan asked, the wheels having already turned in his head. "You mean….you mean like when I'd been traveling?"

"Yeah," Natalie nodded. "I keep seeing this man. Not last night, but the night before, I had a dream that I saw the events that led up to the Third Wife's death."

"You mean Chief Taha Aki's third wife? Why would you dream of that?"

"I was following that man I told you about…..his name is Suerro from what I can gather."

"Suerro, as in Chief Suerro?"

"No," Natalie gently shook her head. "This man….I think he was the Third Wife's brother. I dreamed that the Third Wife wanted to marry Taha Aki and he kept refusing to permit the marriage until Chief Taha Aki took charge and married her without the brother's permission. After that, I saw him attacked by a vampire."

"So this man you keep seeing in your dream is a vampire?"

"I think so," Natalie said.

"Natalie….maybe this man is-"

"I don't care," Natalie said sternly.

"I didn't either at first," Nathan said and kept rubbing Natalie's foot comfortingly. "I remember when Tomoeh died. I was heartbroken. To this day, I miss her. It might not have been so serious for me at first, but after so many years, I grew to really love her. When she died, it hurt. I thought I'd never love anyone again. I didn't really want to love anyone again, especially with Scarlet. That trip was for us and so we could heal."

"And I suppose sleeping with strangers was part of that?" Natalie said and Nathan looked up at her a little stunned. She regretted what she said the moment it came out of her mouth, especially once Nathan looked hurt by what she said, removed his hand from her foot and was about to stand up. Natalie reached over and grabbed his hand to stop him. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that. That was below the belt."

"Yes, it was," Nathan said sternly but sat back down and even put his hand back on Natalie's foot. "I won't act like any fooling around was justified, but it was a balm. For me it was anyway. Tamara was a little different, but anyone else was just an opiate to me. Honestly, if I never met Ada, I assume Tamara and I would have ended up together eventually. The point I was trying to make was that when we reached South America, I started getting dreams too. Actually, I was having dreams even before that. I'd see Ada in my dreams all the time. It was on the coast and there was a willow tree on the beach. When I reached Salvador, I dreamed that I was walking down the streets until I reached the bar and Ada was dancing on stage. That's how we met and when our eyes met, the dreams finally made sense. The first time I started having those dreams, I would see Tomoeh and then I'd end up at the beach."

"You think Tomoeh was leading you to Ada?" Natalie asked with an admitted skepticism.

"I know she must have," Nathan said. "And I'm grateful for it. I wouldn't trade what Ada and I have for anything. I think that's what Jae's doing for you. I think he wants more than anything for you to be happy and he's trying to make it possible." Natalie averted her eyes, staring at her knees. "That's exactly what's happening isn't it?" Natalie didn't answer and Nathan sighed a little and patted Natalie's knee. "All I'll say is don't disqualify the dreams as nothing." Nathan stood and held out his hand. "Come on and get dressed and we'll all go hiking together."

Natalie looked up at Nathan and finally smiled just a little, "Alright." Then she accepted his hand to help her out of bed and then Nathan went downstairs to wait for her to come down so they could all go hiking together.