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.

135. Chapter 135

Chapter 135

As it came closer and closer to October when the babies were anticipated to arrive, Anatoli's focus turned to Amber though he continued learning English in the process as fast as he could. He'd typically spend his days with Levi and Anna who would effectively thrust him into English only using German when absolutely necessary, then Anatoli would go to the elementary school to pick up Levi Jr. to bring him home for the day and he and Heather, once she'd returned from school they would take over the task of getting Anatoli integrated with the language while getting their homework done. Having obtained a worksheet for American States from one of the teachers at school, a few afternoons had been spent helping Anatoli learn and memorize the American states. Though they did their best not to, Heather and Levi simply couldn't help giggling when Anatoli's accent would cause him to mispronounce a State or when the spelling of a State would leave him tongue tied for minutes. When they got to Mississippi, it was five minutes of Levi admittedly laughing while Anatoli kept misreading/mispronouncing the state, but he kept trying until he got it right. Then at the end of the day when Amber and Kevin would return home, Anatoli would help wherever he could.

"Is okay, mama, I make dinner," Anatoli began insisting the further along Amber got. At the shop, she had retreated to staying in the back to work on candle orders since it allowed her to sit down most of the day but thankfully the woman she'd trained was doing well however they still had an arrangement worked out that Amber would fill orders using the candle room at her parents' house while she was on maternity leave and Anna would spend time at the shop ensuring that it was running to standard.

"What is that yeasty smell?" Kevin asked.

"Is bread starter," Anatoli said. "I make rugine duona."

"What?" Kevin asked.

"Um," Anatoli started and took a moment to think, "In Russian Чёрный Хлеб (Chornyy Khleb) so in English…..Black bread," he finally said.

"You're making Rye?" Amber asked with excitement. "Your grandma and I had made Rye bread once. We'd gotten the recipe from a woman at our synagogue. We haven't made it since, though. It takes such a long time."

"Black bread worth the wait," Anatoli answered.

"You're making enough so we can give a loaf to Anna and Levi?" Kevin asked.

"Recipe I know make five loaves. Is enough," Anatoli said.

"Yeah, that'll be plenty," Kevin said. "So what are you making?"

"Balandeliai," Anatoli answered, "They're cabbage rolls. I usually make with pork, but Oma tell me 'no, you use beef'." Kevin smiled a little and patted Anatoli on the back.

"You live in a Jewish household now. No pork in the house," Kevin said. "So beef aside, what's in these cabbage roll things?"

"Carrot, onion – lots onion – Baba always made lot of onion, was Boris favorite. Is rice in mixture too. And dill. Right now, tomato sauce done. I keep warm until cabbage done."

"Sounds like proper peasant food," Kevin joked. "Is that what's in the oven?"

"Yes. It cook 2 hours." Anatoli checked the timer. "Cabbage ready in twenty minutes. Oma and Opa be here soon. Oma say she make dessert."

"Did she say what she's making?" Kevin asked.

"She tell me she want surprise me," Anatoli said.

"She's not trying her hand at that Juka stuff is she?" Kevin asked, scrunching his nose.

"Of course not. Is not my birthday," Anatoli joked.

Right before the cabbage rolls were done cooking, Anna and Levi arrived at the house with a big poppy seed loaf for dessert. Upon reflection, Anna felt a little silly assuming Anatoli would like poppy seed rolls just because she'd found them in a cook book that proclaimed the dessert to be 'Eastern European', but she was so relieved when Anatoli smelled the rolls and said, "Oh, Aš myliu Pyragas Su Aguonomis!"

"I'm sorry?" Anna asked.

"Sorry…um…Is what this called."

"Poppy seed rolls?"

"Yes, poppy seed rolls. I like these," Anatoli said.

"Thank goodness," Anna said with a smile and nervous giggle. "You know, I felt so silly assuming you like these since they're an Eastern European dessert, but I'm so happy you like these. I hope I made them well."

"Smell good," Anatoli said, "Remember, not Eastern European. Baltic."

"Yes, my mistake," Anna smiled and gently pinched Anatoli's cheek. "Dinner smells wonderful."

"Dinner finished in five more minute," Anatoli said and put the rolls on the counter to sit until they had finished dinner.

"I've got to say," Kevin said once dinner was served, "I've never known half breeds to like food much less someone that's two thirds vampire. Do you prefer one over the other?"

"It depend," Anatoli answered. "Some day blood preferred. Other day I rather food."

"What about when you lived in Klaipeda? That's where you lived right?" Kevin asked.

"In Klaipeda, usually blood," Anatoli answered. "I live with vampire, I eat like vampire. In Vilnius, I love with human, I eat like human."

"So just going with the flow then?" Levi Sr. asked. "That is the saying, right Kevin?"

"Yes, it is," Kevin nodded.

"Do you miss Lithuania?" Levi Jr. asked.

"I miss some things," Anatoli shrugged. "I miss Boris sometime. He was good friend. I wish we could write each other." Anatoli seemed to have a thought that made him chuckle a little under his breath. "He say my spelling bad. English make me think he may be right."

"To be fair, spelling in English is complete nonsense," Amber said. "But then, German's not much easier I suppose. Lithuanian doesn't use the Russian alphabet does it?"

"Ne," Anatoli said and then corrected himself by saying, "I mean, 'no'. I think…in Lithuanian Romėniškoji abėcėlė."

"Roman alphabet?" Amber asked.

"Yes, Roman alphabet," Anatoli said. "In Russian, use…I don't know in English."

"It's the Cyrillic alphabet," Kevin said.

"Yes, that," Anatoli said. "Is not so hard to learn but formal teaching was not available for most of my life."

"Did you have any schooling when you were in Lithuania?" Anna asked.

"Not like Heather and Levi," Anatoli said. "I learn from Niele and Mykolas. Boris teach me how to read Russian. I could speak before then. Is required."

"So you basically learned Russian and Lithuanian at the same time?" Kevin asked.

"Lithuanian my first language. Russian close second," Anatoli said. "When I live in Vilnius, I speak Russian more than Lithuanian because of where I live."

"Well, your English is coming along very well. In fact, I'm planning to talk to Embry about getting you to work," Kevin said.

"Really?" Anatoli asked.

"Absolutely. In fact, I think Embry's planning to buy another property soon so it'll be a good time to bring you on. It'll be good for you to see how his projects start and end."

"Just tell me when I start," Anatoli answered eagerly. Then he looked right at Amber. "You be alright if I work?" he asked and glancing at her belly briefly.

"I'll be alright, Anatoli," Amber said, "but I appreciate the offer. If I need you, Embry will be very generous with your hours and you'll be a salary employee."

"Salary employee?" Anatoli asked.

"You get a set income that isn't hinged on the number of hours you work," Kevin clarified. "Basically, the consistent income is from reconstruction projects from customers and his bonus structure comes from house flipping. So when he flips houses, he splits the profit made from that house sale between him, Peta and the twins. So you'll get a share in those profits once you're onboard. I figure you'll be able to stand on your own two feet by this time next year."

"Not that I want you to hurry in moving out," Amber was quick to say. Anatoli smiled and patted Amber's shoulder.

"Even when I move I stay close," Anatoli said. Amber smiled back but winced a little a moment later and placed her hand on her side. "Little brother or sister is kicking?" Anatoli chuckled.

"Yes," Amber nodded. "They've been pretty active all day." Anatoli reached over and touched the spot that Amber was holding and rubbed his hand over the spot gently. The baby kept kicking, but it was much gentler. "I don't know how you do it but thank you," Amber said. Kevin reached over and put his hand on Amber's belly as well. He felt the one of the babies start to kick but it was definitely the other twin who was being a lot gentler anyway.

"I think we know who's the more energetic of the two," Kevin joked.

"This baby," Amber pointed where Anatoli's hand rested, "is the instigator. As soon as this baby starts kicking, so does this one," Amber pointed toward where Kevin's hand rested. Kevin glanced at Heather and Levi and then looked back at Amber's belly.

"How much you want to bet the aggressive one is a girl and this one's a boy?" Kevin asked jokingly.

"I think they're both boys honestly," Anna said. "You're carrying rather high and after the morning sickness finally passed, you've absolutely glowed this pregnancy. You glowed when you were pregnant with Levi too."

"Well, I knew what to expect when I was pregnant with Levi. This time round I'm practically an expert."

"All mothers expert by their second as they say," Anatoli smiled and patted the spot on Amber's belly before removing his hand so Kevin could feel around to try to feel the second baby kick.

That following Monday was when Embry had Anatoli start working with him. He'd not bought the house yet that was to be flipped but he was in the process of it so he'd be able to walk Anatoli through that process early on. Kevin had dropped Anatoli off at the office space that Embry and his brothers worked out of and as soon as he entered the office, Embry was already there.

"Good, you're here," Embry said as soon as Anatoli stepped into the office. He was getting some coffee ready so he waived Anatoli over and handed it to him. "Do you usually take cream in your coffee?"

"No, black fine," Anatoli said. "So where I start?"

"Eager to work. I like that attitude," Embry smiled. "I know electrician is your specialty but I want to work on getting you proficient with other fields. Don't worry, I make the same expectation of myself and my little brothers. This new property we're investing in will be a great start to that. It's a real fixer upper but it's a house that has a view of the lake so once we have it repaired and up to date, we'll be able to sell that for a good profit, but more importantly we'll make sure you get your hands in every aspect."

"Do I need to invest?" Anatoli asked. "I don't have much but.."

"Don't worry about it," Embry said. "I expect my little brothers to pay into the houses, but the first time we renovated a house together was on me and we shared the profits. I'll issue you the same opportunity. Only this once, though." Embry winked at Anatoli and made him smile.

"Thank you, sir," Anatoli answered.

"Just call me Embry," he answered and tapped his cup of coffee against Anatoli's. "Today, I'll be staying in the office with you and we're going to go over a few logistical aspects of how things work here. I figure I'll take two days to get you fully trained on that and after that I'll start taking you into the field. My little sister Gaeli acts as our secretary. She's the one that manages time slots and home projects so she'll be in charge of what you're working on most of the time."

"You have….five sister?"

"Good on you for remembering," Embry chuckled. "Yes. Aidie is the oldest, then Rae and Sharisa who are twins, Gaeli and Aiya is the youngest."

"You are oldest?"

"Yup," Embry said. "Me, then Aidie, Jae, Rae and Sharisa are the triplets, Peta, Gaeli, the twins Bayaq and Taraq, Aiya, Zephyr and Grae is the youngest. And trust me; I know how it feels to have a newborn baby brother when you're an adult. Expect that when those twins are born Amber and Kevin will expect you to help with them."

"I think I manage," Anatoli smiled.

"Alright, enough small talk. Time to get to work," Embry said and led Anatoli with him to Embry's office. Aside from the front desk where Gaeli worked, it was where he kept most information. He started with showing off a few projects they'd completed and going over how they'd start, how they determined what changes were needed, what style to use and how to create timelines in which to finish the property. It was always the goal to have a new property flipped in no more than a month to get it back on the market as soon as possible.

"What is longest time property take?" Anatoli asked.

"The longest one that I've worked on once I had my brothers helping me was four months, but that was due to foundation issues we'd not foreseen. And trust me, issues with foundation are updates you want to avoid." Embry started going into more depth of the issues surrounding foundation faults of a house (beside the obvious hazards of it) when Gaeli made it into the office. She got her things at the front desk and then came back to say hello to Anatoli.

"Good morning, Anatoli," Gaeli said with a smile.

"Good morning Gaeli," Anatoli answered with the same smile.

"I hope Embry hasn't been too hard on you."

"Ne, Embry very helpful," Anatoli said. "He say you work front desk yes?"

"That's the short description of what I do," Gaeli answered. "Don't worry, I'll make sure Embry isn't mean to you."

"That's hardly fair, Gaeli. Honestly, you raise someone and this is the thanks you get," Embry said.

"Yeah, he may try to pull that nonsense on you but just remember, he didn't raise you so you're immune from that half hearted guilt trip," Gaeli giggled and Anatoli smiled.

"This is what you can look forward to dealing with when you have much younger siblings, Anatoli: ungratefulness," Embry said with feigned heartache and a gentle shake of his head.

"Don't let him get to you, Anatoli. He's just grumpy 'cause he's old," Gaeli teased and the sour look on Embry's face made her laugh. "If it's worth anything, big brother, you don't look a day over 100," she joked. "Relax, Embry, I'm just kidding! You don't look the least bit like a 61 year old man."

"She's almost 50 by the way," Embry said to Anatoli in a loud whisper. That wiped the smile right off Gaeli's face and she gave Embry a mean glare.

"If is worth anything, you look easily 20," Anatoli hurried to say.

"Thank you, Anatoli," Gaeli said. "At least someone here knows how to treat a lady."

"If you're a lady, Gaeli, then I'm Ethel Mermen," Embry retorted.

"Then I suggest you get your ass on stage and start signing Miss Merman," Gaeli said, tilted her head up just a little in a quick motion and then left Embry's office to go back to her desk at the front. Anatoli started laughing under his breath and glanced at Embry, but his look was dead serious.

"You're fired," Embry said in a completely serious and mean tone.

"Wait, what?" Anatoli asked, shocked and losing the humor immediately, but Embry finally smiled and slapped Anatoli's back.

"I'm kidding, Anatoli; relax," Embry said and started laughing.

Most of the day's training kept them in the office, but when it neared the end of the day, Embry brought Anatoli to one of the homes they were doing a project on. Specifically a patio remodeling. While there, he got to say hello to Peta and the twins who were hard at work putting down a marble counter top the home owner had ordered for an outdoor bar. Once the day ended, Embry dropped Anatoli off at the house where he got to tell everyone about his first day. The following day was much of the same thing but at the end of the day, Embry let Anatoli know that he'd be helping Taraq and Bayaq with a construction project for a home further south that wanted hardwood installed in the family room. It would be a two day project, so Anatoli would be leaving early and coming home late. He barely saw anyone except Embry's brothers those two days, but it was a great learning experience.

"So how'd he do?" Embry asked Taraq when they came back to the office after finishing that project.

"Great, actually," Taraq said. "Trying to explain things to him is hard but I found just showing him once and then letting him do it is the best way to teach him."

"Okay, good. And the customer was happy?"

"Very," Taraq said. "She said those hardwood floors looked better than when she and her husband first bought them."

"Great to hear," Embry said. "He's got a long way to go in the 'speaking English' department, but I think we'll eventually be able to send him on projects alone. Gaeli, what's on the schedule for tomorrow?"

"Um," Gaeli hummed and opened the book she kept everything in, "There's a tub installation tomorrow for that house on Conner St. and, oh! A chandelier installation for a condo downtown. You said electrician is what he did back in Lithuania?"

"Yeah, but I doubt he ever installed chandeliers," Embry said. He glanced at Anatoli who'd been enjoying a cup of coffee while laying back on the couch. "Hey, Anatoli!" Embry said and got Anatoli's attention. "Have you ever installed a chandelier?"

"Chandelier?" he asked, looking confused. "Can you describe that?"

"It's a really fancy light fixture," Gaeli said. To help, she grabbed the picture the home owner had provided them with all the details of the chandelier and brought it to him to review.

"Oh!" he said, "You mean Šviestuvas. Chandelier, chandelier," he repeated a few times in an effort to remember the word for later. "Yes, I install but only one time before. Was for Soviet government building. Original one broke so we install brand new one."

"Okay, so you're familiar with installing new light fixtures in general?"

"Yes, I know," Anatoli nodded.

"Okay, good. Peta," Embry said, "you and Anatoli will handle that chandelier installation together. You do the talking and have Anatoli do the rest."

"Fine by me," Peta said.

"Anything else on the schedule for tomorrow?"

"Just day four for that patio remodeling job," Gaeli said.

"Alright. So Peta and Anatoli, you do that tub and chandelier installation tomorrow and the twins and I will take care of the patio remodeling. Let's get that done tomorrow. I think Mrs. McCauley is eager to host her first party on that patio and she's getting impatient," Embry said.

The following day as Embry said, Peta and Anatoli took care of the tub and chandelier installation. Anatoli had never seen such a fancy chandelier before in his life nor one so large, but he carried it by himself up a latter and got it installed single handedly in just over an hour. The home owner had been extremely concerned about letting Anatoli handle the chandelier by himself, but by the time he'd gotten to the top of a latter with her chandelier with little effort, she just watched him work.

"My goodness he's strong," she'd said. "Aren't you going to help him?"

"No need," Peta said. "He's actually new so I'm here more so to monitor how he does."

"How new?" she asked nervously.

"This is his first week," Peta said with a light chuckle. The homeowner said nothing but she still seemed less than sold on the matter at least until Anatoli really got to work. By the time it was installed, it was exactly where she'd wanted it and Anatoli flipped the switch to make sure it worked and lo and behold, it turned on no problem. "So how do you like it, ma'am?" Peta asked.

"Oh, it's beautiful!" she said, standing back and admiring her new light fixture. "You keep this one around," she said, pointing at Anatoli, "he did a very good job."

"I'll make sure to let our boss know," Peta nodded with a smile. They finally left and since their projects were done, they went to the house with the patio remodeling to help with anything else that needed to be done. Thankfully, they got the patio finished that day as Embry wanted and Mrs. McCauley was set to have her first party on her brand new party that very weekend.

Granted the pay was short one week since Anatoli started in the middle of the pay period, but at the end of his first week, Anatoli got his first paycheck. The way he stared at it, one might think Embry gave him a million dollars. Regardless of the actual sum, he was elated to be earning his own way at last. He got home in time to have dinner with everyone that night so he talked about it to everyone then. Amber listened with a big smile at how proud of himself he was and she was certainly proud of him too.

"Anatoli," Kevin asked after he'd finished relaying his story, "Do you know how to drive?"

"You mean…what is that thing called in English? Car?"

"Yes, a car," Kevin nodded.

"No, I never learn. I could never afford a car."

"Well, you will eventually and it's something you'll want to have when you can afford it," Kevin said. "You have a Driver's License but it doesn't really count for much if you don't actually know how to drive. I'll start teaching you tomorrow."

"Alright," Anatoli nodded eagerly.

After they'd had dinner together, they sat in the living room together and watched I Love Lucy. While they were watching, the babies started acting up so Anatoli rubbed the spot on Amber's belly where one of the babies was kicking up a storm. The gentle motion reduced the kicking enough for Amber to finally relax. During commercial breaks, Anatoli would hum a little and that did wonders too it seemed. As he'd promised, the following day Kevin got Anatoli behind the wheel of his car to teach him to drive. For the sake of good humor, Kevin put a cross and a Star of David on the mirror of the car.

"Nothing wrong with divine intervention," Kevin said and Anatoli chuckled.

"Let me get something," he said and ran back inside then came back out with his own cross of Orthodox origin that was considerably more ornate than Kevin's with Jesus portrayed on the cross and also a tilted line at Jesus' feet. "Was a cross Baba gave me," Anatoli said. "It was her first gift to me."

"You weren't kidding when you said she was devout," Kevin joked. "Alright, so let's start with what everything does." Kevin took that time to explain all the levers and buttons, what they did and how to use them and then had Anatoli carefully back out of the driveway. It was a little awkward at first but once Anatoli got the car in the street, he shifted gears as Kevin directed and then started driving. "Slow down," Kevin said when Anatoli immediately started going up to thirty. "It's a neighborhood, not a highway. You need to be mindful of the speedometer."

"Is this thing, yes?" he asked, pointing at the speed gage in front of him.

"Exactly. And you need to go the speed limit. So in neighborhoods, the speed limit generally doesn't exceed 10 miles an hour."

"What is that in kilometers?" Anatoli asked.

"Shit," Kevin muttered and rubbed his forehead trying to think. "I think…just over 16 kilometers? I'm afraid I'm not as familiar with the metric system. We use the Imperial system in the US. Point is you'll want to learn how to use this system."

"Ick," Anatoli scrunched his nose but said nothing else on the topic while Kevin chuckled.

"Alright, we're about to exit the neighborhood. Now, remember, red light means stop so you'll need to stop until it turns green. Once you can move again, go ahead and turn right."

Anatoli managed to stop just short of a car in front of them and when the light finally turned green, Anatoli moved faster than was advisable and Kevin had to remind him not to accelerate too fast. He managed to keep out of an accident but Anatoli also managed to give Kevin a few grey hairs given Anatoli was quickly developing a bit of a led foot. Regardless, they kept at it over the next few weeks until Anatoli was comfortable driving on his own, though it would only be to run quick errands.

When October first came, Levi returned home with a little flyer from school advertising that the school was throwing a Halloween party for the kids. When Kevin and Amber were home, he asked if they could all go as a family.

"Anatoli, you'll come with us right?" Levi asked after Kevin confirmed they'd all go together.

"What is it?" he asked and accepted the flyer when Levi handed it to him. It took him a bit to translate what was on the page. "What is Halloween?"

"It's a holiday where you dress up and eat candy," Levi said.

"It has Celtic origin and it's a celebration of the fall solstice and in most cultures it's something that commemorates the dead," Heather said with more specifics.

"Oh! You mean Vėlinės," Anatoli smiled.

"Vėlinės?" Kevin asked.

"It in…..shit… Lapkričio."

"Language Anatoli," Kevin said firmly. "You're definitely learning to swear in English just fine."

"Is like Russian. If you can swear, you basically fluent," he joked, thought a moment longer and then remembered, "November! Month is November. Is celebrated in November in Lithuania. Catholic Church suppress because is pagan but when Soviet oppression come, the holiday had resurgence as form of rebellion," Anatoli explained. "Is a little different celebration than here."

"Do you want to dress up with us?" Levi asked. "You can dress as anyone or anything you want!"

"You mean like monster?"

"Sure, if you want to," Heather said. "Daddy, let's invite Evalynn and Caleb."

"Jae Sun too," Levi said.

"I'll bring it up tonight and get things set up," Kevin said and, taking the flyer, reminded himself of the date. Halloween fell on a Saturday this year, so the party would be at 5 when kids were likely to have had a chance to trick-or-treat first. "Levi, do you plan to go trick-or-treating this year?"

"I get candy out of it don't I?" Levi joked.

"What trick-or-treating?" Anatoli asked.

"It's when you go house to house in the neighborhood and knock on people's doors for candy. It's a little tradition of Halloween."

"And I expect you not to eat all your candy in one night Levi," Amber said. Levi nodded at her begrudgingly and said 'yes, mom,'. Amber smiled and patted Levi's cheek affectionately. As she did, she felt a sharp pain that made her close her eyes and need to take a deep breath.

"Are you alright?" Anatoli asked.

"I'm fine, Anatoli," Amber said still taking deep breaths. "I've been having Braxton hicks. It's false labor," Amber explained. "It's not as bad as true labor but it still hurts."

"After dinner we'll take care of the dishes and you relax," Kevin said and rubbed Amber's belly briefly.

That coming weekend when they all went to Forks to visit, Levi invited all his cousins and they all talked about what costume they wanted to wear. While they talked, Anatoli noticed the monsters some of the boys were saying they wanted to go as and Anatoli got an idea. With the idea in mind, he asked Embry if he could burrow the shop after work and burrowed some of Jacob's more sophisticated wood carving tools. He'd made his own masks for other cultural celebrations before and was eager to be involved in the merriment. In the meantime, Amber continued having Braxton hicks until, eventually she began dilating. But this time, going into active labor took much longer than it ever had for her before. The twins, Amber joked, were in no rush to leave their little cocoon. All anyone could do was wait for any sign that things had changed. In the meantime, Anatoli started coming home a little late though made a point to keep near the phone Embry's shop had so he could be reached at a moment's notice as he worked on his mask. He was so proud of it when it was finally done and with two weeks to spare before the Halloween party no less. He just needed to add a few finishing touches that would require white cloth. When he'd finished it, he left it on the couch forgetting to put it away and the next morning what Peta came in, still a little dark out, with coffee in hand, he unlocked the shop and stepped in to a horrifying mask that made him yell, jump and spill his coffee all over himself until he realized it was just the mask Anatoli had been working on. Peta had a few choice words with Anatoli that day when he got in but once the dust settled, everyone admired the mask and how frightening it actually was.

"Your son scared the shit out of my little brother you know," Embry joked to Amber. The two of them bumped into each other while grocery shopping and were walking down the aisle together with their carts.

"Why? What happened?"

"That mask he's making is horrifying and he forgot to put it away before leaving the shop. He left that thing on the couch and when Peta got in, it was still dark and the image scared him. Spilled his coffee all over himself; poor little brat," Embry chuckled.

"I'm so sorry," Amber giggled.

"He apologized so we're not too mad," Embry smiled.

"So aside from ruffling a few feathers with your other employees, how is he doing?"

"Great," Embry said. "He's a fast hands on learner and once he knows what he's doing, he works fast. His accent still needs a lot of work but he's trying. It's just best that one of us does all the talking. I'm sure his accent is different than an actual Russian's accent, but I doubt the untrained ear would catch that. If someone asks, we just tell them he was born in Germany and his accent's a little hard to understand so just talk to us."

"It's not a lie," Amber said. "He doesn't mind does he?"

"I think that might be the only part of the job he doesn't like: not being able to talk to people besides us. That boy of yours if very friendly when given the opportunity. I think he sometimes feels a little left out when he can't talk to customers but that just means he works that much harder. He's got blind determination and I admire that. Like Kevin, actually. If I didn't know better, sometimes I'd say Kevin really was his father."

"Kevin's more Anatoli's father than his birth father ever would have been," Amber said and was a little sad suddenly and rubbed her eyes a little. "I wish I could have raised him," Amber finally said. "I wish so many things where it concerns Anatoli."

"I know, but you have him now and that boy adores you," Embry said. "He finally has a family of his own and I think that's what he's wanted his whole life." Amber smiled a little and just nodded. Then she was stopped in her tracks by another sharp pain that made her groan. "Amber, you alright?"

"I just had a contraction," Amber said calmly. "They've been increasing in intensity since this morning."

"Then what the hell are you doing coming to the grocery store?!" Embry asked.

"Oh, relax, Embry, the twins have been taking their time thus far," Amber said and then took a deep breath after the contraction finally passed. "Alright, I feel better."

"Why didn't you tell Anatoli to come get groceries?"

"He's working," Amber pointed out.

"Oh, yeah," Embry sighed. "Forgot I had him bricklaying today. What about Kevin? Or-"

"He had a conference call with Alphonse and some clients today," Amber said.

"Let me guess: he offered to postpone but you insisted otherwise," Embry said.

"I can't tell him to blow off a business call to get groceries just because I'm having Braxton Hicks Embry."

"Like shit you can't," Embry rebutted. "Honestly, Amber, the man would walk through a bed of coals just to get you a mars bar if you asked him to and you don't even take advantage of it."

"Don't you think you're being just a little over dramatic?" Amber asked and grabbed a few cereal boxes. "I've done this before; I know what I'm doing. I'm an expert by now."

"My mother's had twelve kids and even she's not an expert," Embry said.

"You do your poor mother a disservice," Amber teased. "And you call your little brothers and sisters ungrateful."

"They are ungrateful," Embry said. "I raised the little squirts and all I get as thanks is smart ass comments."

"Oh get over it, Embry," Amber said and grabbed another cereal box and then handed that to Embry with a smile. Grumpily, he accepted the box and put it in his cart. They moved on together to the next section of the grocery store just before Amber started having another contraction that stopped her in her tracks.

"You alright?"

"It's another contraction," Amber groaned. "Figures they increase in intensity when I'm out."

"It's almost like you should have figured this might happen," Embry said, half joking and half serious. "Give me the grocery list and I'll get everything. You go outside and get some fresh air. If your water has to break, better outside than in the bread aisle of the grocery store."

"What about when you check out?"

"Don't worry about it. I'll buy it." Amber opened her mouth to argue but Embry interrupted, "I'll make Kevin pay me back or you can write me a check later. Can we agree on that?"

"Fine," Amber finally answered with a sigh. Her contraction passed and she took another deep breath. She took the list out of her purse and handed to it Embry.

"Thank you," Embry said. "Go get some fresh air and I'll get this done as quick as I can. You didn't drive her yourself did you?" Amber was silent. "God damn it, Amber," Embry said.

"I really do think you're overreacting," Amber muttered and grabbed her purse from the cart. "If it will make you-" she stopped suddenly when she suffered another contraction hit her.

"Wait here," Embry said and walked off, leaving Amber in the bread aisle with the carts. Eventually her contraction passed but it took longer. It was ten minutes before Embry returned. "Okay, I managed to get a hold of Anatoli. I told him you're having contractions and to come pick you up now."

"Embry-" Amber said but stopped again when she had another contraction. It was another five minutes before Anatoli made it and he was running up and down the aisles until he finally found them and by then her latest contraction had passed.

"Mama, are you alright?" Anatoli asked.

"Yes, Anatoli, I'm fine," Amber said.

"Mama, you just ask, I get groceries for you," he said.

"Already gave her that lecture, kid," Embry said. "I'll take care of the groceries. You just get her home."

Anatoli nodded and guided Amber with him outside and she showed him where she'd parked. Amber was about to get in the driver's side but Anatoli insisted she get in the passenger's side and he'd driver. He rushed them home and got Amber inside and upstairs so she could relax. Once they were upstairs and Anatoli was taking off Amber's shoes despite her protests Kevin came upstairs.

"What's wrong?"

"Mama is having contraction," Anatoli said. "She go to grocery store but Embry say she was in pain and ask me come bring her home."

"Are you having a contraction now or at rest?"

"Rest," Amber said.

"I'll call Kyle and ask him to come," Kevin said.

"I would think we should at least wait until my water breaks," Amber said.

"By the time Kyle gets here, it might already do that," Kevin said and went to the phone to call Kyle. While he was on the phone, Amber had another contraction and then rushed to leave the bed and go to the bathroom. Eventually she came out and laid down in bed while her contraction persisted.

"Kyle's on his way. He and Evie will be here in an hour," Kevin said and sat on the bed next to Amber holding her hand.

"Mom?" Levi said as he came upstairs.

"I'm fine, Levi," Amber said. "Just contractions."

"Do we need to do anything?" Levi asked with uncertainty.

"No, honey, I'll be alright," Amber said through the pain. "Actually, go get your grandparents."

"Okay," Levi said and left the house to run down the block and get Anna and Levi sr.

They came over right away and helped where they could while they waited for Kyle to arrive. By the time he had, Amber's contractions were that much closer together but she still had a ways to go based on how far she'd dilated. Anatoli went ahead and went downstairs with Heather, Levi Jr., Anna and Levi Sr. to wait. Embry finally arrived with the family's groceries and Anatoli helped put everything away as an effort to keep busy. In the meantime, Amber's contractions came and went with greater frequency and intensity but all they could do was wait for her to be dilated enough. Finally that evening at 8:15 on October the 24th, Amber finally delivered a baby girl, but she still wasn't done. After announcing to Amber she'd had a girl, Kyle cut the cord and handed her off to Evalina to clean up while he attended to the other baby. It was another five minutes but she eventually delivered a little boy.

"Congratulations you two. You've had a boy and a girl," Kyle said before attending to the cord and handing him off to Evalina. By then, Amber was holding their baby girl.

"So Lilianna and Tristan," Kevin said, "and all for the effort of one."

"Like hell," Amber said with a small laugh. Once Tristan was cleaned up, Evalina brought him over and put him in Amber's other arm. By then, Lilianna had stopped crying but Tristan was still whimpering from the bath. He calmed down more once Amber was holding him, though.

After Amber had a chance to cuddle the twins, she relinquished them to Kevin so he could bring them downstairs to introduce to the family that had made it to their house. The twins were gently passed around from family member to family member so everyone could get a chance to meet them. It was quickly determined that, of the two, Lilianna was the most active and most prone to wiggling and squirming.

"So you the one that cause so much trouble," Anatoli said to Lilianna once he was holding her. As if to prove his point, once Anatoli was holding her she seemed to calm instantly. He handed Lilianna off to Jacob so he'd get a chance to hold Tristan and Lilianna was fine for a little while before she started getting squirmy again.

As they'd done when Levi Jr. was born, Anna and Levi Sr. went to Rabi Kowalski the following day so they could set up the arrangements for Tristan's Bris and, as he'd done previously, Kyle promised to provide them with a numbing gel to make the experience as much easier as they possibly could. When Kyle had come back to the tribe, he relayed the news that Amber had given birth to a boy and a girl. JJ told Eun Mi the news and joked that, maybe, they'd be having a boy and a girl too, but Eun Mi shook her head and said, "No. They're both girls. Eun Mae and Mae Yon."

JJ smiled at her and gave her a kiss. "You know best, Eun Mi."

Before Tristan was to have his Bris, there was still the Halloween party Levi's school was throwing. The day before after school, Eun Mi and JJ brought the boys with them into Seattle so they could spend the night. Evalynn and Caleb joined them and all the kids had a big sleepover in the basement. Anatoli kept his attention on helping Amber and Kevin with the twins for which Amber was abundantly grateful especially where it concerned Lilianna who was shaping up to be quite a bit more demanding at times than Tristan. Lilianna would get fussy when either Amber, Kevin or Anatoli weren't holding her while Tristan would sleep just fine whether he was being held or was in his crib.

"You such little princess, Lilianna," Anatoli teased his baby sister when he tried to put her down and stepped away for a moment only for her to start whimpering.

"I may ask Embry to give you maternity leave so you can help out," Kevin joked.

"I take her with to work," Anatoli said with a smile and gently bounced Lilianna up and down. She opened her eyes briefly but quickly went right back to sleep. "I go to work tomorrow for my mask. I can't wait to show you. You like it."

"What is it of exactly that it scared Peta enough to spill his coffee?"

"Is mask of Baubas," Anatoli said. "He is white skinned skinny monster with bright red that hide under rug or in dark place in house and kidnaps naughty children."

"So a boogeyman figure," Kevin said. "That's basically what that kind of monster is called in the US."

"I did not have time to make outfit to go with but I think mask will be scary enough," Anatoli said.

"Given you made Peta spill coffee on himself, I'd say so," Kevin chuckled.

Early the next day, Anatoli went to the shop to grab his mask making sure it was wrapped so no one would see it until he put it on at the Halloween party. Since it was the spirit of the holiday and, also, because Jae Sun begged and pleaded and gave Eun Mi puppy dog eyes asking for it over the past few days, Eun Mi made the kids Ox Bone soup for an early dinner. She'd had to start first thing in the morning, but it was ready by three that afternoon and Jae Sun had to be reminded that he needed to share the soup with his little brothers and cousins. And since Kevin was the oldest of them all, he got to have the Suran egg to go with it. Right before the school party was scheduled, all the kids got in their Halloween costumes and Anatoli and Kevin followed the kids around the neighborhood for trick-or-treating.

"Did you do this when young?" Anatoli asked Kevin.

"No," Kevin said, "This wasn't a thing when I was their age. When I was a kid, Halloween wasn't so commercialized. Christmas was when we'd go all out with a big decorated tree, big dinner and Christmas music. You celebrated Christmas in Lithuania didn't you?"

"As big a dinner as Baba could manage and Church bright and early," Anatoli smiled, remembering the memories fondly. "Baba always make Cheburek and Halva for dessert."

"And what are those?"

"Cheburek like Periyukas but deep fried."

"Periyukas?"

"You might know as pierogi. Is what Polish call them," Anatoli said. "Halva is sugar and smashed….I don't know in English. Is flower seed. Flower that look like sun."

"You mean sunflower seeds?"

"Yes! You smash up sunflower seed until paste and mix with sugar cooked with water. It turn hard once cooled. Before dinner, Baba always make sure homemade pickles out to eat with vodka. One year, though, we able to get pork shoulder. Very expensive but worth effort to get. She marinate three day with special brine then cook for two hour in the oven."

"Sounds like Sauerbraten," Kevin smiled. "That's beef, though. How about this year for Christmas, we can ask Amber and Anna to make Sauerbraten?"

"I would love to try," Anatoli said.

"Do you still drink blood now and then?" Kevin asked. "I haven't seen you have blood since we made that blood soup for your birthday and your eyes are still purple."

"They always like this," Anatoli said. "Purple will get pale but still always purple. It never turn to blue."

"Hey, it's unique," Kevin said. "I was just curious. You're quite the anomaly compared to Ada María for instance. Her eyes get a little darker when she'd gone a while without blood. Then again, her eyes are dark anyway."

"Dad!" Levi ran over with a big smile, "Mrs. Claxton gave us all whole Payday bars!"

"Those must be for the Mom and Dad tax," Kevin said and Levi's face fell.

"The what?"

Seizing an opportunity, Kevin continued, "The Mom and Dad tax. A new candy tax effective as of October first this year. You're supposed to set aside all Payday bars for the Mom and Dad tax. It's the law."

"No it's not!" Levi said after a brief moment, realizing Kevin was joking.

"Uncle Kevin! Looks! A whole Payday bar!" Eun So cheered, showing off the candy.

"That's fantastic, Eun So. Seeing as your father doesn't eat things like that, I'll graciously accept it on his behalf."

"What?" Eun So asked as his face fell.

"Don't listen to him; he's pulling your leg," Levi said and Kevin laughed. "I'll let you have half," Levi offered.

"Young man, that's refusing to pay your taxes and there's a steep penalty for that," Kevin teased. As his answer, Levi peeled the wrapper and started eating the Payday bar while all the boys moved on to the next house. "Fucking smart ass," Kevin laughed.

"He learn from best," Anatoli said and made Kevin laugh harder.

"That's true; he did," Kevin said and they followed after.

After they finished trick-or-treating, Kevin and Anatoli brought the kids home and watched as they started trading candy among them. Then it was finally time to go to the school. Amber had the twins in their little shared stroller and while Lilianna would get fussy, Kevin would reach his hand into the stroller to give her his finger to clutch and that seemed to appease her. The party was dominantly in the gymnasium with all the food and a band, but the doors were wide open going onto the playground so the kids could play outside with several teachers supervising. When they arrived, Anatoli unwrapped his mask and put it on and they all stared at it for a while just admiring the work. It was grotesque and horrifying. He'd gone through the trouble of painting it white and ensuring the eyes were stark red with tints of grey on parts of the skin to make the face look more realistic and long braided strands of white fabric acted as the mask's hair.

"No wonder Peta dropped his coffee," Embry said.

"Thank you," Anatoli said behind the mask. "Last I make mask it was…..shit-"

"Language, Anatoli," Amber said gently.

"Sorry, mama. I can't think of word. Is…creature that…can be man or woman and make.." Anatoli sighed. "Never mind, I don't know in English. Point is I make mask before of different creature."

"Well, regardless of what you made before, that's pretty good," Kevin said. "You said this thing is called…Baubas right? Like a boogey man?"

"Yes, Baubas," Anatoli nodded, the fabric hair of the mask moving with his head.

"You made that yourself?" Jae Sun asked eagerly.

"Yes," Anatoli answered.

"Can I try it?" Jae Sun asked and held out his hands. His little brothers and Levi eagerly flocked to Anatoli hoping to also get a turn to try on the mask which Anatoli permitted with a smile. By the time Eun So got his turn to try on the mask, nearly every boy and girl in the school had seen the mask and had rushed over hoping to also get a turn to wear it and roaring at each other when they were wearing it.

"I hope you weren't planning to keep that," Embry chuckled.

"Is okay. I make another next time," Anatoli said as he watched his mask get passed from kid to kid. "So tomorrow is Bris, yes?"

"Yes, tomorrow is Tristan's Bris. Poor kid," Embry said and patted the sleeping baby's head.

"Once it's over, he'll be alright," Kevin said more so for his benefit than Tristan's. He reached over to hold Tristan's hand and the little boy absently started clutching and un-clutching his finger. The moment Lilianna began to whimper, Anatoli swooped in and picked her up.

"Not a moment's peace little princess," Anatoli teased and patted her back bouncing her up and down on his shoulder to calm her. Now that she was being held, her eyes were wide open staring around as best she could.

With the kids mostly distracted, several of the parents came over to see the new babies, a handful of women also holding babies joining them. Once the kids had their fill of Anatoli's mask, a little girl came forward and gave it back to him and then they all scattered into their own groups to trade candy from their trick-or-treating. The party ended at 9 so the kids could be sent back home for the evening and Amber made a point to get all the kids to bed as soon as they were home, even the older kids. The Bris was early and they would need to be ready and at the Synagogue no later than 10 that morning.

As they had done with Levi, Tristan was not fed that morning so as to avoid spitting up during the Bris and he was given the numbing gel well in advance to make the process easier. It was immediate family as was the standard and they were all dressed formally for the occasion. Levi Sr. held Tristan as he'd done before and Kevin held his son's hand through the whole procedure. Tristan had a pacifier in his mouth the whole time which helped to sooth him a little, but he was still crying through the whole thing. When the Mohel was finished, he worked quick to clean the area and then followed ceremony of presenting Tristan to everyone, saying the prayers, giving Tristan a clean cloth soaked in wine to suck on while he announced the boy's full name – Tristan Isaiah Black – to those in attendance. Then they all went to Levi Sr.'s and Anna's house for a big lunch for the family while Tristan slept off his morning. Lilianna, Anatoli having been the one holding her, slept through her brother's Bris.

"Levi," Jacob got Levi's attention when they were at the house and he was dipping into his candy collection, "Did you get permission from your mother to have that?" he asked in Quileute.

"Ye-, I mean, yes," Levi answered. Jacob rose a brow at him. "I promise. Mom said I could."

Jacob smiled with just a hint of caution, "So if I were to go to her and ask her to verify this, she would confirm?"

Levi hesitated a moment but said, "Yes." Jacob smiled fully and chuckled.

"I'm afraid I don't believe you, but since you answered in your native tongue, it will be our little secret. Sounds like your coming along."

"I'm doing my best, grandpa," Levi answered and Jacob patted Levi's head.

"That's all I ask," he said and then stole one of the pieces of gum from his treat bag.

Following Halloween and Tristan's Bris, things went back to normal more or less until it was time for Thanksgiving. That was hosted by the Cullens as it typically was and the whole tribe was free to come and go as they pleased to enjoy the celebration, though in recent years it was more common for families to celebrate their own thanksgiving among themselves. Since he wanted to contribute, Anatoli asked if he could make something and everyone was happy to oblige. He decided to make the Cheburek that he'd told Kevin about figuring it was a suitably hardy holiday appropriate meal and it was something people could eat by hand. It would be the first time he made them with beef instead of pork but he wanted to make sure everyone could have some. With Eun Mi's guidance and expertise on the matter, he even made potato Cheburek with no eggs that way JJ and Natalie could have some. But the offering he brought that he'd ensured was special was the Kwass. Earlier in the month, he'd made several loaves of black bread first and foremost. Once those were done, he set three loaves aside just for the family to enjoy. With the other two loaves, he set to work.

"What the hell are you doing?" Kevin asked Anatoli when he'd been working. At the time it was a week before Thanksgiving and on his day off, Anatoli was in the kitchen toasting sliced black bread in the oven, cleaning raisins and measuring out lots of yeast and sugar.

"Is a drink I want to bring for the family. Is called Kwass."

"What's Kwass?"

"Think of it as very, very light beer. It nee to ferment for three day but once done you like it. I promise," Anatoli said.

"How much are you making?" Kevin asked, seeing three enormous pots on the stove.

"I think, uh….7 ½ liter? In American is 2 gallon."

Kevin fought a laugh for a moment, "You mean in imperial measurement."

"Metric system much easier, dad, I swear," Anatoli said and took out the latest batch of toasted black bread only to put more on the pan and throw back in the oven.

"And you and Boris used to do this or something?"

"On very rare occasion," Anatoli said. "This is usually drink we would make at Christmas. Baba scolded us for drinking too much, but then she drink with us and is okay," he continued smiling fondly. Kevin looked at the cup of yeast.

"So this is alcoholic?"

"Yes, this have alcohol. Not for children."

"Well, try to clean up before it's time for dinner. You've got the kitchen a bit cluttered."

"Sorry, I have clean once water boil," Anatoli said. "After boiling, it need to sit for three day."

"Everything you make needs to sit, I swear," Kevin sighed.

"Is called fermenting. Is good for you," Anatoli smiled. "You want I show you?"

Kevin shrugged, "Sure, why not? I've never had a chance to make bootleg alcohol before."

Kevin helped Anatoli with the remainder of the process that day and three days later after the Kwass had been sealed in the container Anatoli was using and had a chance to allow the yeast time to create alcohol, it was ready in time for Thanksgiving. The Cheburek Anatoli made day of alongside everyone else that was cooking, but the Kwass was served as soon as they'd arrived.

"Shit, 'light beer' is certainly right," Embry said when he had his first sip of the brew. He, along with his brothers, Kevin, Kyle and Nathan, were outside on the patio enjoying their glasses of Kwass. "This isn't half bad, though. You said he made this with bread and raisins?"

"And three giant pots," Kevin said. "I suggested that if this went over well, when it's Christmas we can make this again and use cranberries instead of raisins."

"Let us help too," Bayaq said. "I want to learn how to make this."

"It requires Black bread and that in itself takes three days to make. Warning you right now."

"Embry, we need to fire Anatoli," Bayaq said. "He needs to focus on making a ready supply of black bread."

"Not a chance, Bayaq," Embry said and took back his drink. "And you said he's making...what was it called?"

"Cheburek," Kevin said. "It's basically pierogi but deep fried as he explained it to me."

"Pierogi are those boiled dumpling things right?" Grae asked.

"Yeah."

"Can't wait," Grae answered and sipped his Kwass.

By the time dinner was ready, there was easily more food than even the entire tribe could feasibly eat, but that just meant plenty of leftovers to take home. Eun Mi made sure to take plenty home with them so that the next day she could make a sort of thanksgiving leftovers bibimbap. JJ's wouldn't have the turkey and gravy, but she made up for it with tofu while she and the boys had the turkey. Of course, if anyone could take thanksgiving leftovers and turn it into bibimbap that could pair well with Kimchi, it was Eun Mi. Even Popo got to have some special dinner that night in the form of leftover turkey and gravy with his customary fish.

"How are you feeling?" JJ asked Eun Mi while they all sat down for dinner. She was still very, very pregnant and still enjoyed food, so she was taking advantage of it while it lasted, but she was also very tired. She still had three more months before the twins were due and she already felt like she did when she was full term with one of the boys.

"Tired," Eun Mi said. "I try to keep hands on the ground to relieve the weight, but my feet are still killing me."

"I bet they are," JJ said. "Boys, make sure you clean and put away the dishes tonight. Before anyone is allowed to play or watch TV, I want that kitchen spotless."

"Yes dad," all the boys said as they enjoyed their dinner. Once they all finished dinner, JJ helped Eun Mi to the couch while the boys cleaned up. Once seated, JJ got on the other side of her so her feet were in his lap and started rubbing her feet. As he did, Eun Mi moaned and laid her head back with contentment.

"Helping?" JJ asked.

"Yes," Eun Mi sighed, her eyes closed. While she was laying down, Hae Li wandered over going right to Eun Mi.

"Hae Li, is the kitchen clean?" JJ asked.

"Almost," Hae Li said.

"Get that done and then you and the others can play," JJ reiterated.

"Oh, it's alright," Eun Mi said and leaned over to pick Hae Li up and lay him beside her belly. Hae Li smiled and snuggled up to Eun Mi feeling rather proud of himself for getting out of doing chores. While his head was on Eun Mi's belly, one of the babies kicked and he felt it move so he looked at the spot and started poking it. "That's one of your little sisters, Hae Li."

"What if it's a little brother?" Hae Li asked innocently.

"Then your mother and I will just have to try again," JJ said and winked at Eun Mi with a smile. She opened her eyes enough to give him a rather critical but still loving look before closing her eyes again.

In the meantime, working up to Christmas, Ivory was making arrangements with work so she and Tamara could go up to Washington together for Christmas. Ivory was still working at a Casino in the city but with December being a slow season getting the time off wasn't an issue. Tamara would come later since she had to wait until school let out for Christmas break, but Ivory got on a plane to Seattle the week of the 7th. When she arrived in Seattle, she placed a call to the house getting Gabriel on the phone to let everyone know she'd made it to Washington and another 2 ½ hours later, Gabriel drove up to the airport to pick her up.

"You're lucky I hadn't left for the bar yet," Gabriel said with a smile as he helped Ivory get her bags in his trunk.

"Oh, you don't start work until four; don't you lie," Ivory said. "Let me guess, you had to beg Ada to let you come into work late too, right?"

"Yup, and I'll be docked an hour's pay; all your fault, Ivory," Gabriel teased.

"Bring it up with Daddy, he'll set Ada straight," Ivory said and the two of them got into the car.

"As far as I know, he's been trying for twenty years and she's still out of control," Gabriel joked and the two of them laughed. "So how was your flight?"

"It was fine. How have things been going with you guys?"

"Great. The bar's doing great, mom's still dancing there, Uncle Marcelo is still running mom's bar in Salvador and that's doing fine as far as I know. He sent over all this really nice coffee so we've been having that every morning for the past two months. Great stuff; you'll like it."

"It's not the stuff you guys brought back this past summer?"

"No, it's a different brew."

"Okay, good, I need more coffee anyway. The stuff you guys gave me over the summer is long gone."

"The way you guzzle down coffee like it's water, I bet it is," Gabriel chuckled and Ivory pinched him.

"That's rich coming from you," she giggled. "So where's Ariel? He didn't want to come and get me?"

"He was asleep when you called," Gabriel said.

"Lazy bones."

"Hey don't judge. He went on patrol last night so he's tired," Gabriel said. "A humble bouncer like me can come into work late, but the bartender can't very well be late now can he?"

"Bar patrons might have to wait an hour for a drink; the tragedy of it all," Ivory smiled.

"When we're serving eggnog again and said patrons are coming in droves for it, yes, a tragedy indeed."

"That's true; Ariel's eggnog is amazing," Ivory said. "I tried making it myself, but it didn't taste as good."

"Did you use store bought eggnog or did you make your own?"

"Store bought."

"That's where you went wrong," Gabriel winked. "You can be lazy, but you pay for it in the end."

"Meh," Ivory answered petulantly and Gabriel laughed.

"So what's new with you? How's the new job working out?"

"It's alright," Ivory said. "It's the same job, just a different casino."

"Better pay too, right?"

"Yeah, but I think I may need to switch jobs again. The Pitt Boss seems to have a bit of a crush on me to put it mildly. He keeps flirting with me and he's asked me on a few dates. I'm trying to be as polite about it as I can be, but it's wearing on my nerves."

"You? Polite?"

"Watch it," Ivory said with a mean smile.

"You need me or Ariel to go beat him up?"

"Let's just say that's 'to be determined' and leave it at that," Ivory joked. "Besides, he's nice enough. He's just persistent is all. I'll give him points for trying."

"How gracious of you," Gabriel said. "Do you want to go straight home or stop by the bar first?"

"Whichever gets me eggnog faster," Ivory said.

"Bar it is," Gabriel chuckled.

It took two hours to finally get back to Forks, but once they'd arrived, Gabriel drove up to the bar and the two of them went in. It was still early, so the number of customers was still a little sparse; mostly just men and women that had just gotten off work and were having dinner before they went home. Ariel was already at the bar getting things set up when they walked in and when they did, Ariel waved them over. Ivory came around the bar so she could give Ariel a hug.

"There's my little sister," Ariel said and patted her back as they released one another.

"By a few months, Ariel," Ivory answered. "So what do I have to do to get some eggnog?"

"You could ask nicely," Ariel joked but was already preparing a glass for her. "Don't tell anyone you're getting this on the house. Can't have people knowing I can be generous sometimes."

"Oh, no, we wouldn't want that getting around," Ivory teased and then accepted the glass of eggnog once ready.

"So how was your flight?"

"It was alright," Ivory said. "Worlds better than taking the train I must say." She took a sip of her eggnog and glanced at a menu that was in one of the baskets and noticed a drink on the menu that she didn't recognize. "What's Kwass?"

"It's this really light beer that Anatoli made over thanksgiving. I really liked it so he showed me how to make it – super easy. Not the bread part. Making black bread's a fucking joke. Three days to make bread. Should be a crime. Thankfully, Anatoli was gracious enough to make more for me and I followed his recipe from there. JJ suggested we could sell it at the General Store if we can pasteurize it and if it sells well so I'm testing it out."

"Ah. Mind if I try some?"

".10 for a shot," Ariel said. Ivory kept her eyes on Ariel staring at him meanly while she reached into her purse and pulled out two quarters. She handed them over and Ariel showed a humored smile while she made her display. Once he had the quarters, he rang up an order for a shot of the Kwass and then poured some for Ivory to taste. She finally broke eye contact the sip the shot and then sloshed it in her mouth a moment before swallowing.

"Hm," she said.

"So what do you think?"

"Calling it a 'light beer' is certainly not an exaggeration," Ivory said. "It's alright. I wouldn't pay 10 cents again to have some but if it were free I'd have a glass."

"That hurts my feelings, Ivory," Ariel joked and took the shot glass to get it cleaned.

"I'll take your eggnog over that any day," Ivory answered and drank back the rest. "Might I have more?"

"$2 for a glass," Ariel said.

"Oh, come on Ariel!"

"Hey, hey, hey, you need to pay for your booze just like everyone else," Ariel chuckled and held out his hand for the expected payment.

While reaching into her purse, Ivory muttered, "This is bullshit. Charging your own sister for a drink." She pulled out two dollars and handed it to Ariel.

"If you rather, I can get you a beer for $1. The mix drinks are always extra Ivory. You work in a Casino; you should know this." Ariel made Ivory another glass of eggnog and handed it over. She accepted it and took a swig. "Make that last, Ivory. For every one you order, it's $2."

"Fine, I'll wait until Christmas when it's free," Ivory muttered and took another sip of nog.

Leaving Gabriel at the bar, Ivory took his car and drove the rest of the way back to the tribe and went straight to the house to get her things put away. By that time, Jaedynn was off work and was laying on the couch reading while the radio was on playing music. Ivory glanced at the title of the book she was reading and then waited a moment at the door for Jaedynn to come help her, but she stayed seated on the couch. Cindy ran over to greet her and jumped on her to get her attention. Ivory gave Cindy a few kisses on the head before telling her to get down.

"Calm down, old girl. It's just me," Ivory said to Cindy with a loving smile and then looked at Jaedynn. "Don't worry, Jaedynn, I've got it. I'll carry my three suitcases by myself."

"I knew you could handle it," Jaedynn answered, never looking up from her book.

"Brat," Ivory said but couldn't help to laugh a little. She took care of getting her bags up to the bedroom she would be sharing with Jaedynn. She opened one of her suitcases wanting to get into something else to relax in, but while she was doing that, she saw Jaedynn's nightshirt. It was a grey nightshirt with a palm tree on it. "Hm. Cute shirt," Ivory said and picked it up off the floor. She took off her shirt, put on Jaedynn's and then went downstairs to make herself some coffee. Jaedynn didn't seem to notice Ivory's attire while she was making her coffee. Once done, Ivory came over and sat on the couch. Only then did Jaedynn notice the shirt.

"Hey!"

"What? It was on the floor. You're not wearing it," Ivory smirked and sipped her coffee but immediately took it away from her lips when Cindy jumped on the couch into her lap. The spilled coffee landed on her knee. "Ow! Cindy! Fuck that's hot."

"Yeah, serves you right," Jaedynn said. "I want that back when we go to bed."

"That's fine; I'll just sleep naked."

"You do that," Jaedynn sighed heavily, calling her sister's bluff and then returning to her reading assignment. "Turn up the radio. I like this song."

Ivory reached over to the radio and turned it up so that Chapel of Love by The Dixie Cups filled the room with greater volume. Jaedynn started to hum along with the song while she read and Ivory hummed along with her while she enjoyed her coffee. After The Dixie Cups it was nearly an hour of almost nothing but Beatles music most of which Jaedynn was also humming along with. It was late by the time Nathan came home from the station and when he did, Cindy jumped off Ivory's lap and ran to Nathan.

"Cindy," Nathan said firmly, "Stay." Cindy stopped in her tracks as ordered. "Sit," Nathan said and Cindy sat down. Once seated, Nathan walked over and started scratching her head. "That's a good girl. Release," he said and with the final command, Cindy stood back up and jumped so her big paws were on his chest.

"Hey, daddy," Ivory said.

"Hey, honey. How was your flight?" Nathan asked. He walked over and leaned down to give her a hug before sitting next to Ivory on the couch.

"It was alright. Mom said her flight gets in on the 22nd."

"Alright. We'll pick her up then," Nathan said. "How's Tamara doing by the way? I haven't talked to her in a while."

"She's doing great. She still can't believe I'm graduated from school and working. I'm saving up to move out and I think that's got her suffering preemptive empty nest syndrome."

"I bet it does," Nathan said. "Just take pity on your poor mother and stay just a little longer."

"I'll try," Ivory said. "Daddy, Ariel made me pay for eggnog when I went to the bar to see him."

"What an asshole," Nathan said with a sarcastic smile. "Don't worry. Come Christmas, he'll make plenty of eggnog to go around and it'll be free. So Jaedynn, how was work today? Did you tell Ivory about your new job?"

"I just work at the Police Station as a dispatcher," Jaedynn said with a small blush. "It's really not that exciting."

"Well, you're doing a great job at it," Nathan said and patted her knee.

"Oh, yeah, you graduated this year right?" Ivory asked.

"Yeah," Jaedynn said. "I've only been working at the police station for a month, though. I was trying to work with grandpa before that, but I'm not very good at wood carving. Grandpa would never say it, but it was really bad."

"Oh, come on, Jaedynn, you didn't do that bad. You just didn't like it is all," Nathan said reassuringly.

"It's okay, kid. Not everyone can work at a casino," Ivory joked.

"Oh, and Ivory," Nathan said, "on Friday I'm going up to Seattle to go drinking with Kevin and Embry. Scarlet and Kai are coming with. Did you want to come?"

"I'd love to," Ivory said.

"Can I come, daddy?" Jaedynn asked.

"Make sure someone can cover for you okay?" Nathan said and Jaedynn nodded. "I think Kevin said Levi and Anatoli would be coming to."

"Anatoli's the Russian kid Uncle Kevin brought home right?"

"Lithuanian, and yes, that's Amber's son," Nathan said with a gentle smile. "He's a really nice kid, so be nice to him alright? He's come a long way with his English for only being here six months."

"He's the one that made the bootleg alcohol Ariel's selling at the bar right?"

"Yeah, that's Anatoli," Nathan said. "I've got to say, I'm surprised he's such a good cook. He's 2/3rds vampire like Ada but he actually likes food."

"Weird," Ivory said. "How's Uncle Kevin handling having him around?"

"They're getting along really well. It was challenging at first, but Kevin's embraced Anatoli as part of the family. Anatoli even calls him dad."

"That's good to know," Ivory said and then shrugged. "I guess I'll meet him there."

Back in Seattle, Anatoli was looking forward to going out drinking with Kevin and the others. He'd only been out drinking once with Kevin and that had been when they had their heart to heart when Anatoli first came to America with them.

"Mama, should I make food to bring?" Anatoli asked Amber one evening while he was helping her with the twins.

"Not at all," Amber said. "You're going to a bar in the city and they'll have food."

"Should I dress in Synagogue clothes?" Anatoli asked.

"You'll be fine in jeans," Amber smiled and rubbed Anatoli's cheek. "Don't worry so much, Anatoli. It's just a night out drinking with the family. It's really nothing to be nervous about. Kevin might be in his work clothes, but that'll just be because he just got off work."

"Okay," he answered trying not to sound nervous.

"Don't worry, Anatoli. You'll have a great time, I promise." Amber went on her toes and kissed Anatoli's cheek reassuringly. "Poor Lilianna will be lost without you, though," she teased.

"I can take her with if you need," Anatoli said.

"No, no, no, you're not taking your baby sister to a bar," Amber laughed. "She'll just have to wait until you get home. Won't you, Lili?" Amber leaned down and rubbed her nose against Lilliana's. "Yes you will. You'll just have to wait for your big brother to get home." Anatoli chuckled and picked up Lilianna to cuddle with her.

"I make sure she have plenty of attention before I go," Anatoli said. An alarm in the kitchen went off then.

"That's dinner," Amber said and picked up Tristan. "Hold Tristan too for me?" Anatoli nodded and took Tristan in his other arm and then Amber went to the kitchen to get what she'd been baking out of the oven.

When it was finally Friday, Embry closed shop early so they could meet at Kevin's house. His little brothers opted to go home for the night having just gotten through with a renovation at an office building where they'd had to add new tile and marble to a bathroom, but Anatoli was all too eager. When they got back to the house, he went right to his room wanting to change into clean clothes. Embry reminded Anatoli again not to go too crazy. It's a night out with the guys, not church service Embry said. Kyle arrived with Evalynn and Caleb so they could visit with Heather and Levi and once they were ready, they all left to pick up Levi Sr. and went to the bar. Everyone else would meet them there, so Kevin gave the party number having warned ahead of time there would be a large group coming and the hostess took them to the section that had been reserved for them. The waitress came to take their drink orders and Kevin ordered some food they could all share.

"How do you like the bourbon?" Kevin asked Anatoli when he had a sip having ordered the same thing Kevin did.

"It has more taste then vodka," Anatoli said and then took another sip. "I see why you like."

"The first time I'd ever had bourbon, alcohol was still illegal," Kevin chuckled. "The Dean at Yale kept bourbon in his drawer and he told me alcohol wasn't illegal if you knew the password."

"The password?" Anatoli asked.

"He just means that if you know the right people that sell alcohol illegally then you can get it," Embry said. "I'm partial to beer myself, but Kevin was given a taste of the high life and can't go back." Kevin chuckled and tapped his glass against Embry's beer bottle.

Aiya was able to take the latter part of Jaedynn's shift, so as soon as she was off work, Nathan drove her, Ivory and Scarlet up to Seattle to meet Kevin and the others. After a long drive into the city, they finally arrived at the bar around twenty minutes after Kevin and the others had arrived.

"Why couldn't we just go to the bar in Forks?" Ivory asked.

"Kevin wanted to try this place. I guess it just opened a few months ago," Nathan said.

"Besides," Jaedynn said, "You already exhausted your free drinks."

"It had just been for that day," Ivory said. "Honestly, charging your sister $2 for eggnog. It's practically robbery."

"You could make it yourself," Jaedynn said. "Ariel gave you the recipe."

"It's not the same," Ivory said.

"You mean because you used store bought eggnog?" Scarlet teased and they all laughed a little. The four of them stepped into the bar and Nathan looked around until he found Kevin and the others.

"There they are," Nathan said, pointing in their direction and then going towards them.

They spotted where their dad was pointed and started to follow but Ivory caught sight of something. She looked right at the blonde. His hair was a little longer and it had the slightest natural wave to it. His eyes were purple – strange she thought, but striking and alluring – and despite its pale blonde color she could tell he had a five o'clock shadow. He chuckled at something that someone said and she could barely hear that rich laugh. He had such a handsome face and the sweetest, most comforting smile she'd ever seen and she felt her heart skip a beat. Then he looked up in their direction. Their eyes met and it was as though the world stood still and she felt her world shift.

"Ivory!" came Jaedynn's voice and Ivory looked at her. "I said come on; we need to go sit down."

"Sorry, I wasn't listening," Ivory said.

"Yes, I can see that," Jaedynn sighed.

"Who's the blonde?" Ivory asked as they approached slowly.

"That's Anatoli," Jaedynn said.

"That's Anatoli?" Ivory asked. "You never told me he was so handsome."

"I beg pardon?" Jaedynn asked back looking at Ivory like she had two heads.

"You never told me how cute he is," Ivory repeated.

"Forgive me, Ivory. His appearance didn't strike me as relevant," Jaedynn said sarcastically. "Besides, he's not your type. He's actually really nice."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Ivory asked.

"It means he's really nice and you're not all that nice," Jaedynn answered and Ivory pinched her shoulder. "Ow!"

"Jaedynn, Ivory, everything okay?" Nathan asked, noticing they'd fallen behind.

"Ivory pinched me!"

"She said I wasn't nice," Ivory said.

"Well, Jesus, Ivory, don't pinch her and she won't call you not nice," Nathan said.

"Yeah, Ivory," Jaedynn said.

"You called me mean before I pinched you," Ivory said.

"See, daddy, this is why Kai and I only have one child," Scarlet smiled. Nathan chuckled and patted Scarlet's back.

"I get it, honey," Nathan said. They continued towards the table and Ivory walked just a little fast to catch up until she was standing right next to Nathan.

"Evening, Nathan," Embry said. "Where're Ariel and Gabriel?"

"They're working," Nathan said. "Friday and Saturday evenings are always the busiest for them I'm afraid."

"Oh, yeah, I guess it would be," Kevin said and then stood up. "Ivory, welcome back home."

Ivory smiled and hugged Kevin when he approached, "It's good to be here, Uncle Kevin."

"Anatoli," Kevin said once he released Ivory, "This is Nathan's daughter Ivory. She lives in Las Vegas with her mother but she visits for Christmas every year."

Anatoli stood and reached out his hand to her, "Is a pleasure to meet you, Ivory." They shook hands and she smiled at him, feeling the spark all the more.

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Anatoli. I've heard wonderful things about you. So you're from Lithuania right?"

"Yes, I was born in Germany but raised in Lithuania," Anatoli answered, his accent still thick and distinct. "My English is still poor, so please be patient."

"I don't know; your English sounds just fine to me," Ivory said and came around the table so she could pull up a chair and sit right next to him. Jaedynn rolled her eyes a little and sat down next to Nathan and Scarlett. "So tell me. How do you like living in Washington?"

"I like very much," Anatoli answered with a shy smile. "Embry give me work at his company."

"So you're a contractor?"

"Is contractor the term?" Anatoli asked Embry who nodded. "Yes, I am Contractor."

"So you're a jack of all trades where it relates to housing am I right?"

"I'm sorry, I'm not sure I understand," Anatoli said.

"I mean that you know how to do a lot of things relating to houses," Ivory reworded.

"I'm still learning, but Embry have me do many things," Anatoli answered. "Electrician my specialty. Is what I did in Vilnius."

"You were an electrician? So…were you paid? I mean, how does that work in a communist nation?"

"Is more of a rationing system more than anything," Anatoli answered. "Um…how to explain…I get some Rubles – that is currency – and you use that for food and it depend of family size and contribution. I was single person, so only single ration. Only get what you need. Everybody equal in theory."

"I thought you lived with a man and his mother?"

"I did, but they not included with my ration. They not technically my family and so no rations as though they are. Boris would get ration for himself and Baba, though. For Vadim, was same thing. He work and so did wife. They get enough to feed children and themselves."

"Who's Vadim?"

"He was other resident in block where I live," Anatoli said.

"And these were all strangers?" Ivory asked.

"When we met I suppose we strangers but get to know them longer I was there," Anatoli said. "Is two families and me in two room living block."

"That sounds…cramped," Ivory said and Anatoli chuckled a little. She felt butterflies in her stomach from the way he laughed and his accent was perhaps the sexiest thing she'd ever heard.

"Yes, that is good way to put it," Anatoli said.

"So….if this is a stupid question, feel free to tell me, but what if Vadim – you said his name was Vadim?" Anatoli nodded. "Okay, so what if Vadim and his wife wanted to…you know, be intimate?"

"You mean sex?" he asked bluntly and Jaedynn choked on her water before starting to giggle. "What?" he asked.

"Nothing, sorry," Jaedynn said. "It's the way you said it so bluntly. And yes, Ivory, I'd say that's a stupid question."

"I didn't ask you now did I?" Ivory said, leering at her little sister willing her to not interrupt hers and Anatoli's conversation. "But," she returned her attention to Anatoli, "if you don't want to answer, just let me know."

"No, no, is fine, is just sex," he said, again very bluntly and Jaedynn was trying not to laugh again. "As to what they did," he started and then shrugged, "I don't know. I guess they wait until everyone asleep. Katia get pregnant enough so it definitely happen." This time it was Embry that was chuckling.

"Yeah, that's what mom and dad did too," he said. "Back when we lived in a tent before we all had houses I mean. You remember, Kevin."

"I remember from time to time, we wouldn't be allowed back in the tent," Kevin said and then thought back on the memory. "I can still hear dad's voice. I tapped on the door asking for mom and I heard dad say, 'Damn it, boy, give us a minute!'" Embry, Nathan and Kyle started laughing. "See, kids, that was before we all had houses."

"Yes, Uncle Kevin, we know; you all slept in the dirt," Scarlet said with a light giggle.

"Piled on top of each other like little hamsters," Kyle said, repeating Edward's words with a chuckle.

"And we sure as shit didn't have cars to take us to and from town," Nathan said. "We had to either walk or ride our bikes and let me tell you something: that wasn't an easy fucking walk, least of all in the winter."

"Yes, daddy, we know," Jaedynn said.

"Ungrateful," Embry said, shaking his head, "don't know how good you've got it. See, at least Anatoli knows what it's like not to have a car to go to and from work. This man had to walk to work rain or shine!"

"Or snow," Anatoli said. "Worst was snow. Every winter I need new boot. I walk in the snow and my feet cold. It was less money for food," he grumbled.

"See? He knows how good he has it now," Embry said.

"So I assume you prefer it here in Washington than you did in Lithuania?" Ivory asked, eager to continue speaking with Anatoli.

"Yes, I prefer it here," Anatoli answered. "I was so surprised to get my own room."

"Appreciates the little things in life," Embry praised.

"Is not so little to me," Anatoli said. "My whole life I share room with at least two people. In Vilnius I share room with at least twelve at all time."

"I know that feeling," Embry said. "Wait until you have a house of your own! You'll have more space to yourself than you'll know what to do with." Anatoli's contented smile for the possibilities to come made Ivory giggle a little.

"So I'm told you like food?" Ivory asked.

"Yes, I like some," Anatoli answered. "Juka my favorite, but I can't get often. I know lot of Russian food. Is what Baba teach me."

"Juka?"

"It's blood soup," Kevin answered. "For his birthday we made it with donated human blood. I think we've spoiled him now."

"Eh," Ivory said, scrunching her nose. "That's something they eat in Lithuania?"

"It usually made with chicken blood, but human blood better," Anatoli smiled.

"I guess it's no weirder than blood sausage," Ivory managed. "That uses pig blood though, doesn't it?"

"Bella make for me with cow blood," Anatoli said. "That really good."

"What other food do you like?" Ivory asked. "I admit I'm not partial to anything with blood in it."

"I like lot of pork dish, but can't have. Mama kosher."

"Sorry, Anatoli," Kevin said, "I haven't had pork in over twenty years if it makes you feel better."

"So you're not Jewish?" Ivory asked.

"No," Anatoli said. "Niele give me some teaching in the religion, but Mykolas teach more so Catholic and then Baba more or less raise me Orthodox."

"So a little of everything?" Ivory teased.

"I suppose so," Anatoli said. "I go to Synagogue with Mama and my siblings sometimes, but technically I not qualify to be Jewish."

"You mean because you never had a Bris or something?" Ivory asked. "That's what it's called, right?"

"No, I never have. I see Tristan have one and that was enough," Anatoli joked. "So you are from Las Vegas? Forgive me; where is that?"

"It's a city in Nevada," Ivory said. "I live in the desert, so it's quite a bit different than what you're used to up here or in Lithuania. Right? I'm assuming Lithuania isn't a desert?"

"Not by…how you say the term? Not by long shot?"

"That's exactly right," Ivory smiled. "I assume it was snowier?"

"Is snowy, yes, but is very humid because of swamps."

"So Washington must seem like business as usual to you? Weather speaking I should say?"

"I suppose is a little similar, yes," Anatoli said. "I never see desert, but I assume is very hot."

"It's 'hot' on the best of days," Ivory answered. "Most days it's scorching. It gets cold and night, but when the sun's out, the ground can get so hot that it burns your feet if you aren't wearing shoes. My mom and I need to ensure our dragons have fresh water and a cool hiding spot at all times."

"I'm sorry; what is Dragon?"

"I should say they're Bearded lizards, but they're called bearded dragons too. They're lizards that are native to where I live and mom and I have a little den of them that we keep as pets. It takes up most of our outdoor space"

"She calls it her 'Dragon's Den'," Jaedynn said. "They're actually really neat."

"Neat?" Anatoli asked. "You mean they clean?"

"No, no, I mean they're interesting," Jaedynn said. "He's still learning that one word can have several different meanings depending on application in a sentence."

"Hold on; I think I have a picture of them in my purse," Ivory said, rummaging through her purse until she found what she was looking for. "Here it is!" she said and showed it to Anatoli. It was, albeit, from when she was a little younger, but she was in the Dragon's Den holding some of the bearded dragons while a few others were in her lap. The picture was color, but it was really faded with a pinkish hue.

"These Bearded Dragons?" Anatoli asked, pointing at one of the lizards.

"Yup," Ivory said. "I've had these little guys my whole life."

"How big they get?" Anatoli asked, seeing that a few of them were at least 1-2 feet long.

"They can get pretty big. I think our biggest one is 3 ½ feet."

"What is that in meters?" Anatoli asked.

"Um…..1 meter? I think?" Ivory said. "Or just over. 1 meter is 3 feet right?"

"Yes, yes, I remember now," Anatoli nodded. "Sorry, I still getting used to imperial measuring."

"Believe me, I know the feeling," Levi said and lifted his glass slightly to Anatoli.

Ivory did everything she could to keep Anatoli's attention through the night. She asked him everything that came to mind: how did he like Paris when he was living there? How does he like living with Uncle Kevin? Asking him how he liked working for Embry, his date of birth, that question leading into topics of day to day life in Klaipeda and then in Vilnius and so on. The more they talked, the less shy Anatoli became with her, especially when she convinced him to go up to the bar to do shots with her.

"So she imprinted on him I take it?" Embry asked Nathan once the two had stepped away.

"Yeah, I think so," Jaedynn answered. "When she saw him, she asked me why I never told her he was so cute."

"She's certainly being forward," Nathan said.

"I wonder who she gets that from," Kevin joked and nudged Nathan's shoulder.

"Should we just leave them be, then?" Embry asked.

"Yeah," Kevin shrugged, "Just leave them be. If they get too rowdy, we can always bring them back over here. You alright with that, Nathan?"

"Yeah, that's fine," Nathan said and finished his beer and then waiting for their waitress to get another. At the bar where Ivory had led Anatoli, they took two free seats and waited for the bartender to be free.

"So did you and Boris ever do shots?" Ivory said.

"I suppose we did in a manner," Anatoli answered. "You take shot of vodka, 1 slice black bread and a pickle. What you do is blow out your mouth before you drink down whole shot. Then you breath in bread slice to get the spices and bite into pickle."

"I don't see any vodka behind that bar, but maybe we can try it with something else? How about Gin? Have you ever had Gin?"

"Can't say I have," Anatoli said. "What smell good with Gin and taste good?"

"Hm," Ivory hummed and thought for a moment. "Oh! I know." Once she had the idea, she leaned over to get the bartender's attention.

"What can I get you, miss?" he asked as soon as he came over.

"Can we get two shots of Gin, and in the separate glass can we get some olive brine and a stick of six olives please?"

"You sure you don't just want a dirty martini?"

"No, no, I have a specific thing in mind we're trying to recreate," Ivory said.

"Alright, coming right up," the bartender said and got to work on their order. Once he put together the shots of Gin and glass of olive brine with a stick of six olives, he gave them their drinks and then walked away to assist other patrons. The first thing Anatoli did was smell the Gin.

"Is spicier than vodka," Anatoli said. "It have…I'm not sure what this is."

"I admit I really like Gin. I can drink this stuff straight, but generally I go for dirty martinis. Extra olives," Ivory smiled. "Okay, so how do you normally do a shot when you can have the vodka, black bread and pickle?"

"Okay, so what you do," Anatoli started, "you tap glass together," he gently tapped his shot glass against hers, "you blow out," he turned his head and blew air out of his mouth, "then you drink and after you drink, you breath in the smell of the bread and then bite a pickle. It make drink go down smooth and mix with spices in black bread. It all go well with pickle."

"Okay, so we 'cheers'," she tapped her glass to his, "we blow out, take back the shot, breath in the smell of the olive brine and then eat all the olives. Got it. Ready?"

"Ready," he said.

"Cheers," they both said, tapping their shot glasses together. Then they both blew out, took their shots, breathed in the smell of the olive brine, and then took all six olives into their mouths. While Anatoli was chewing, he started coughing a little but Ivory just moaned while she ate the olives.

"Holy shit, that was fantastic," Ivory said and started giggling and patting Anatoli's back. "You alright?"

"Olives," he said and got a hold of himself before swallowing. "The olives. I don't like. Smell is too strong. Gin was good but olives I don't like."

"You don't like olives? Well, I'll have to fix that won't I?"

"Nothing to fix; those don't taste good," Anatoli said and waived the bartender over. "Bourbon, please," Anatoli requested and a moment later the bartender returned with a glass of Bourbon.

"I see Uncle Kevin's taste in high class alcohol is rubbing off on you," Ivory teased.

"He have good taste," Anatoli said and sipped his drink. "Much better."

"Well, since you're turning your nose up at it, that just means more for me," Ivory smiled and looked at the bartender, "Can I get that dirty martini? Extra olives?"

"Extra brine to make it dirtier?" Bartender asked with a chuckle, already getting the things he needed.

"Even better," Ivory said.

"Do want it shaken or stirred?"

"Stirred, please," Ivory said.

"What is difference?" Anatoli asked.

"When you stir it, the flavor of the gin isn't changed, but if you shake it, that bruises the gin and makes the taste a lot stronger and sharper." The bartender handed Ivory her martini. "It's not as smooth. I hear James Bond likes it shaken, but that's a hard man." She took her glass and sipped the martini and smiled. "That's a smooth martini."

"James Bond?"

"He's a spy in the movies and he's played by Sean Connery. Oh! Have you seen Goldfinger?"

"No."

"I'll have to fix that too," Ivory said. "What are you doing tomorrow? How about you and I go to the theatre and see Goldfinger together? It's really good. I saw it with my mom when it first came out and we both really liked it."

"I don't think Embry have me working tomorrow. I can double check and see."

"I'll go ask," Ivory said and hopped off the barstool. "You stay right here and I'll be right back." Ivory walked back to the table where everyone was sitting and went right to Embry.

"How's your date going, honey?" Nathan teased.

"He doesn't like olives, but I can fix that," Ivory joked. "Embry, you don't have him working tomorrow do you?"

"We need to finish that bathroom we're remodeling at Champan's Associate. Plan is to have that finished tomorrow."

"Can you give Anatoli the day off? I want to take him to see Goldfinger."

"Ivory, I'm not giving him a day off so you can take him on a date, least of all when you're asking for him. If he wants the day off, he can ask me otherwise we'll be off site by 4 tomorrow," Embry said.

"Please Embry?" Ivory pouted. "Daddy, please tell him to give Anatoli the day off."

"Give him the day off," Nathan said.

"No," Embry answered.

"Sorry, Ivory. I tried," Nathan said.

"Oh, come on, daddy, no you didn't," Ivory said.

"Ivory, relax, we'll run to the theatre before we go home and you can check the times that movie is showing and you two can go to a showing that's after four. Sound good?" Nathan said.

"Fine," Ivory sighed.

"Seems like you're losing your touch, Ivory," Jaedynn giggled and was about to sip her drink when Ivory pinched her. "Ow! Stop that!" she said and swatted at Ivory.

"Ivory, stop it," Nathan said. "Honestly, you two, you're in your twenties."

"What's your point?" Ivory asked and Jaedynn managed a laugh.

"She's got you there," Kevin laughed.

"Don't be sour, daddy, this is how we play," Ivory said and hugged Jaedynn who stuck out her tongue and licked Ivory's cheek, making sure it was sloppy. "Jaedynn! Gross!"

"I've had my revenge," Jaedynn said and sipped her mix drink. To get back at her, Ivory licked her finger and shoved it in Jaedynn's ear. "Ivory!"

"Who's laughing now?" Ivory teased and stepped away before Jaedynn could swing at her. She went back to the bar where Anatoli was waiting and sat back down next to him. "Embry said you're working tomorrow."

"I overheard," Anatoli said, "I appreciate kindness you meant, but don't ask to give day off for me. It don't…or doesn't look good."

"Sorry, I didn't mean to offend you," Ivory said sincerely. "Hey, let me make it up to you. When you get off work tomorrow, and only once you're off work, we'll go to that movie together and it'll be my treat."

"Okay, but just this time; is not right you pay," Anatoli said.

"Oh, don't be so old fashioned," Ivory smiled and patted Anatoli's shoulder. "We're both hard working well paid adults; no need to pay for everything."

"Is what I'm supposed to do."

"Well, I'm telling you that you don't have to," Ivory smiled. "I'll tell you what; I'll buy the movie tickets, you buy us dinner. Fair?" Ivory held out her hand to shake his. Anatoli chuckled and accepted it.

"Fair," he answered. "Can I taste? Maybe olive in Gin taste better."

"Go right ahead," Ivory said and offered it to him to taste. He took a sip but scrunched his nose and gently shook his head.

"No, no, is not good," Anatoli said and then sipped his bourbon.

"Oh well, more for me," Ivory smiled and took another sip of her drink. "So out of all the food Baba..Nadeshka you said?"

"Yes, Baba Nadeshka," Anatoli nodded.

"Okay, good. So out of all the food Baba Nadeshka taught you to make, what's your favorite?"

"Cabbage rolls," Anatoli said without hesitation. "Her recipe amazing. It was only Easter that we have, but she fill with pork, rice that she season with lots of salt, onion and dill and bake for 2 hour."

"That does sound good, actually," Ivory said. "Maybe one of these days you could teach me how to make it. And you know what? We'll use pork. It'll be our little secret."

"Yes, don't tell mama," Anatoli joked and sipped his bourbon again. "I assume you not Jewish, yes?"

"No, I'm not," Ivory said. "I'm not really anything honestly. Daddy's baptized Catholic but I don't think he's been in a church since then and my mom was raised with our tribe's religion. I guess you could say I'm a little bit of both."

"Same way I'm Orthodox with a bit of Catholic and Jewish?" Anatoli asked jokingly. "Or a 'heathen' I suppose is word?"

Ivory laughed out loud and held her glass to his, "Exactly." The two of them drank from their glasses, finishing what they had and then Ivory ate all six of her olives to finish off. "How about another round?"

Ivory and Anatoli wound up staying seated at the bar together for another two hours while the rest of the group stayed at their table keeping an eye on them. When Ivory was clearly becoming inebriated, Anatoli ordered her coffee and water so they could talk longer, a gesture that Nathan was most appreciative of. The group left Ivory and Anatoli alone for another hour after that until Embry decided, seeing as he and Anatoli were working the next day, they really should get going. Before they all went to their own cars, Ivory reminded Anatoli that they were seeing each other for a movie the next day and he reassured he remembered.

"You two seemed to hit it off," Scarlet said to Ivory once they were all in the car together.

"He was wonderful," Ivory smiled, still slightly intoxicated but coming down gently from the buzz albeit with a headache, but she didn't care. "Daddy, can I burrow the car tomorrow?"

"Sure," Nathan chuckled. "Just be careful on these roads. It's been a while since you've had to deal with snow."

"Oh, I'll be fine," Ivory said, started to get really sleepy. While she closed her eyes, she started humming Can't Help Falling in Love with You by Elvis Presley under her breath as she nodded off.

"She certainly fell hard," Jaedynn said, a hint of irritation in her voice despite being happy for Ivory. She couldn't help feeling rather jealous.

"That's what it's like," Scarlet said. "When you imprint, it's like the world stands still. I remember when I first met Kai," Scarlet sighed and smiled. "He woke me up by splashing me with water and when I looked into those dark eyes, I couldn't even be mad."

"I thought he just poked you with water," Jaedynn said.

"Eh, same thing," Scarlet said. "Either way, when you imprint, you fall pretty hard."

"And every day, you just love them more," Nathan smiled thoughtfully, his thoughts turning to Ada María. Even after 19 years he still loved her as passionately as he'd loved her when they first met; more so in fact.

"Do you think I'll imprint one day?" Jaedynn asked.

"I'm sure you will, honey," Nathan said, looking at her through his rearview mirror. "Sometimes it takes traveling and some patience, but I'm sure you'll find him soon. Not too soon, though."

Kevin dropped off Embry at his house and then Levi at his own, Kevin drove them back to his own. Since Caleb and Evalynn were already asleep with Heather and Levi, Kyle promised to come get them the next day before leaving to return home.

"So you and Ivory seemed to hit it off," Kevin said after Kyle left.

"Hit off?"

"I mean you two seemed to like each other a lot," Kevin said.

"Oh. Yes, Ivory very nice. Ivory, is other word for white?"

"Yes, Ivory is another word for white," Kevin said. "Her name's Ivory Dahlia. Dahlia's a flower."

"I see. Pretty name," Anatoli said. "So….I am not wrong? She was flirt with me?"

"Yes, Anatoli, I think it's safe to say she was flirting with you," Kevin chuckled. "When you get a chance, make sure you tell your mother you'll be going out after work. I'll get a hold of Nathan to get that time for you so you know when you need to be at the theatre. You know where it is, right?" Kevin asked.

"I think so," Anatoli said. "Is the movie theatre down road from bar we went to?"

"Yeah, that one," Kevin said. "Just relax and have a good time. I've only seen Dr. No with Embry and the kids when that came out, but that was a good movie. I'm sure Goldfinger will be good too."

"I'm sure," Anatoli said. "Alright, I go to bed. Still need to set another layer of marble tomorrow. That is heavy shit."

"Yes, so I've heard," Kevin chuckled. "Have a good night, Romeo."

"I'm sorry?" Anatoli asked.

"Never mind," Kevin said, patting Anatoli on the back before going upstairs.

The next morning, Anatoli was up bright and early to leave for the construction site for that day. Thankfully, they got what was left of that project done closer to two, so they were able to leave the site early. With the extra time, Anatoli ran home to get a shower and dressed in clean clothes. He told Amber he was going to a movie with Ivory and she just told him to have fun, admittedly not really thinking much of it. That same morning, Ivory had woken up with a slight hangover, but she slept it off until it was time to leave. She rummaged through her suitcase (and Jaedynn's closet) trying to find something she wanted to wear. She finally found a little empire cut dress that reached just above her knee. It was pink (not a color she would generally pick, but it was still cute) and had three little buttons right at the neck. Granted it was a little too cold for a dress like this, it being sleeveless, but she had a jacket to wear over it and jeans she could wear under it, so she'd be fine.

She spent at least an hour fluffing and styling her hair. She kept it long as was standard among the women she'd grown up with both in Vegas and in Forks. She wasn't a fan of short hair and she definitely didn't like the bangs and shoulder length hair curled at the bottom. She preferred to keep her hair straight and long. A bit bohemian perhaps, but it suited her. Right now, however, she was fretting over whether to leave it straight like she always did, put it up somehow or really anything. She decided to try curling it and spent another hour or so heating up the curlers that Ada María used and nearly burning herself a few times, cursing each time she felt the sting on her scalp or fingers. While she was cursing over the curlers burning her, it occurred to her she'd never given so much effort for a date before. Then again, no other man had ever been her imprint and worth impressing. Once she had the curlers in and had tissues to protect her scalp, she opened a drawer right below where the curlers were kept and located a pair of gloves with the same logo as the curlers mount indicating she should have used those when putting the curlers in.

"Son of a bitch," Ivory muttered to herself and slammed the drawer shut perhaps a little too hard.

Despite her frustration with the curlers, though, she was pleased with how her hair turned out. She put on some light makeup, just some powder and gloss, and was ready by the time she needed to leave to ensure she could meet Anatoli at the theatre. She took one last look at herself, looking up and down to make sure she looked as she wanted, and then smiled before running out of her room to go downstairs. Jaedynn, off from work that day, noticed Ivory leaving and noticed something off immediately.

"Ivory, that's my dress!" Jaedynn said.

"Yeah, I wouldn't have picked pink myself normally, but I'll bet this looks cute on you," Ivory said.

"I didn't say you could wear my dress, Ivory," Jaedynn said.

"Don't worry, I'm just burrowing it."

"If you get so much as a mustard stain on that dress, you owe me a new one," Jaedynn said.

"Come on, Jaedynn, if I get a mustard stain on it, then just clean it."

"You clean it!"

"Fine, fine, if I get a stain on this I'll clean it. Now relax, I'll give you back this dress once I get back and I'll even make sure it stays clean. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a two hour drive ahead of me and my date's ate 6:30. It's not lady like to keep your date waiting." Jaedynn stared at ivory critically before Ivory ran out the door to Nathan's car so she could make the trip to the city.

Thankfully, the snow wasn't that bad so she was able to drive alright. It was still rough compared to the desert, but at least the roads were paved. She managed to make it to the movie theatre by the skin of her teeth, 6:30 on the dot, and practically ran to the entrance where she and Anatoli were supposed to meet. When she stepped inside the theatre where the ticket booth was, there was Anatoli standing near the door going into the reception area with two tickets in his right hand and a bouquet of white dahlias in the other with a little white ribbon tied around the bouquet. He smiled at her when she arrived and approached her.

"There you are," Anatoli said, "Drive here wasn't so bad I hope."

"It was nothing," Ivory said and glanced at the tickets. "I thought I said I'd buy our tickets."

"Shit," Anatoli said, realizing his mistake, "I'm sorry, I forget. You say we see Goldfinger and I want make sure we go in once arrive." Then he glanced at the flowers, remembering he had those, and lifted them to hand to her. "I am told Ivory mean white. Dad say your name mean white flower."

"Indeed it does," Ivory blushed and accepted the flowers. She wasn't usually one for romantic gestures. She found them quite archaic and silly quite frankly, but when Anatoli gave her flowers, it was rather sweet. He wasn't doing it because he expected anything; he was doing it because he wanted to do something special for her and a bouquet of white dahlias made her feel a hell of a lot more special than a dozen roses ever did. "Thank you, Anatoli; they're beautiful. I suppose I can forgive you for buying the movie tickets, but at least let me buy us dinner."

"Alright," Anatoli said. "Let us get inside. I think movie start soon."

The two of them walked into the theatre together and Anatoli handed over the tickets for their showing and followed the signs until they got to the right number where the movie was showing at 6:45. Ivory made sure they got seats at the center back of the theatre. Since it was an older movie, there weren't many people there and they were able to get that desired section. Once they were seating, Ivory realized they didn't get popcorn and ran off to get some, returning just in time for the trailers for other movies to start.

"Have you ever had popcorn?" Ivory asked.

"No, can't say I have. Can I try?" Ivory nodded and leaned the bag of buttered popcorn towards him so he could take a few kernels and eat them. "Is very salty," he said. "I like it."

"I like these and cracker jacks," Ivory said, holding up the box of cracker jacks she'd gotten. "Every box has a little prize in it."

"Yes, I know, Levi have too many of those," Anatoli chuckled. "He keep in little box in his room that he never plays with. He just collect them."

"Sounds like something he'd do," Ivory smiled, opened the box and put a few in her mouth. "Did you want some?"

With a smile, Anatoli nodded and took a few. Ivory was so tempted to lean against his shoulder, but she resisted the urge and kept her eyes forward on the screen. She already knew what happened, so she had no problem missing whole chunks of the movie from just looking up at him. He more or less stayed focused on the movie, so she didn't interrupt his viewing pleasure with questions or small talk. They'd have time for that at dinner. She'd never been so eager for a movie to be over.

"So what did you think?" Ivory asked once the movie ended and the ending credits were rolling.

"I like it," Anatoli said and looked at her. "You like it the same 2nd time?"

"Yeah, absolutely," Ivory said, though she'd paid hardly any attention to the movie the whole time. "So what are you in the mood for? There's a burger joint near here."

"That sound fine," Anatoli said and the two stood from their seats to leave the theatre. While they walked to the restaurant a few blocks away, Ivory came across some ice and didn't react quickly enough to avoid it, so she slipped and dropped her flowers. Anatoli caught her, and her flowers no less, and made sure to keep her upright. "Are you alright?" he asked.

"Yeah," Ivory answered, a little breathless and feeling embarrassed, and did her best to get back her footing. She took another step but she slipped on the ice again and Anatoli caught her again. This time he was smiling at her.

"I take it no snow in desert?" he joked.

"No, we don't get snow," she answered with a blush. She couldn't help to giggle just a little bit. "We hardly get rain much less snow." Anatoli got her standing upright and kept his arm around her.

"Ice not so bad if you have right footing. I help you," he said and walked with her, handing her back her flowers that she eagerly accepted. She wrapped her right arm around his waist and smiled the whole time. Rather than be embarrassed by her stumble, she was pleased with the final result of it. He'd not let go of her until they made it to the restaurant and they were seated at a booth near the window.

"So, Anatoli," Ivory started with small talk, "how many languages do you speak?"

"Let me see," he said thoughtfully. "I speak very little French or German. My German is better. I still learn English, but I know Russian and Lithuanian…what is word? Fluent right?"

"Yes, fluent," Ivory smiled. "How similar are Russian and Lithuanian?"

"Not at all," Anatoli said.

"No? Aren't they from the same region or something?"

"Russian is Slavic language. Lithuanian is Baltic. Is also very old. I mean very, very old. Is older than Greek in fact."

"Is that so?" Ivory giggled, "Well that's pretty impressive. So I assume that means Russian and Lithuanian aren't mutually intelligible?"

"I'm sorry?" Anatoli asked.

"Oh, sorry. Mutually intelligible. It means that two different languages can be understood by the other speaker." Ivory took a moment to think how best to explain it. "So Spanish and Italian for example are mutually intelligible. They're different languages, but if someone that spoke Spanish and someone that spoke Italian were to sit down together and only speak their language to one another, they'd understand each other alright so long as they spoke very slowly."

"Oh," Anatoli said and then shook his head, "No, Russian and Lithuanian not like that. Not at all. Very, very different language. Latvian more mutu….mutual.."

"Mutually intelligible?"

"Yes, thank you," he said and gave her an embarrassed smile. "Sorry, hard word."

"No, I get you," Ivory smiled. "So if you sat down with someone that only spoke Latvian, you'd be able to understand them?"

"A little," Anatoli shrugged. "They would have speak very, very slow. I don't know if understand very well even then. Lithuanian older language than Latvian."

"Is it?"

"It have…what is it? Sanskrit? Yes, some Sanskrit in Lithuanian."

"Wait, Sanskrit?" Ivory gawked.

"Yes," Anatoli smiled, "Like I tell you: Lithuanian very old language."

"Clearly if it has roots in fucking Sanskrit," Ivory said. The waitress came by then and took their drink orders and left so the two could review the menu. "So does Lithuanian use a…it's the Cyrillic alphabet right?"

"No, no, Lithuanian use Roman," Anatoli said.

"So learning to read in English hasn't been so bad?"

"No, I can read fine," Anatoli said, "is just learning how pronounce. Sounds not specified by marks in English, so is hard sometime to know how to say something."

"Not specified by marks? I'm not sure I know what you mean," Ivory said. Anatoli pulled out a pen and grabbed a napkin so he could write a few things starting with 'ė'.

"This not in English for example," he said. "This mean long sound in Lithuanian. Then there are these." He wrote down š and ž. "When S look like this, you make 'shh' sound. When Z look like this, you make 'zhe' sound. Then this letter," Anatoli wrote a J, "In English is Juh, but in Lithuanian is yuh."

"So learning to pronounce things has been quite the adventure I take it?" Ivory asked with a smile.

"Yes, you could say," Anatoli smiled back. "You speak Native Language yes? As I understand, every tribe have own language."

"Yes, that's very true," Ivory smiled. "I'm half Paiute on my mother's side, but I can't speak the language for shit. I know enough to get by but if Grandpa and his friends ever started having full conversations, I would always get lost in the mix. I speak more Quileute than I do Paiute and that's to do more with the fact that it became required once I joined the pack."

"You are wolf too?" Anatoli asked.

"Yes, indeed I am," Ivory said. "I'm a little infrequent, but I'm part of the pack. I shift enough to make sure the wolf stays with me and once I'm here visiting, I help on patrol here and there. Have you ever seen any of us shift before?"

"I only hear of it," Anatoli said.

"Don't worry; we'll all show you some time soon," Ivory smiled.

"I assume Quileute and Paiute not…mutually in..telligible? I say correctly?"

"Yes, you did," Ivory said, "and no, not even remotely."

"I didn't think so," Anatoli chuckled. The waitress returned with their drinks and asked if they were ready to order. Once those orders were placed and the waitress walked away, Ivory rose a brow at Anatoli with a sinful smile.

"A bacon burger?"

"Don't tell mama," Anatoli joked.

"Someone's definitely not kosher," she teased. "Next you'll tell me you eat shellfish." Anatoli just gave her a guilty smile and Ivory giggled. "Don't worry. I won't tell Aunt Amber."

"Is appreciated," Anatoli said. "I never did follow Kashrut."

"Is that the law regarding food?"

"Yes, is Kashrut Law. It refer to no pork, no shellfish or….I don't know word for them in English. They long legged, live in the ocean, have eight leg I think. Very big heads."

"You mean octopus and squids," Ivory answered knowingly. "What they have are called tentacles."

"Yes, thank you," Anatoli said. "So anyway, no shellfish or octopus, and there are laws for how properly slaughter animal."

"Oh really? I didn't know that part."

"I admit I do not know full requirement, but slaughter requirement do apply," Anatoli said.

"So the issue isn't that you don't know the law, you just don't follow it?" Ivory teased.

"I follow sometimes," Anatoli chuckled. "Especially now I live with Mama. Is respectful, but when out, I not worry."

"So you've been living with Uncle Kevin and Aunt Amber since you arrived right?" Anatoli nodded. "Do you plan to stay there or are you working to move out?"

"Right now, I get car first," Anatoli said. "Is less expensive to get car. I don't move out for long time though. Tristan and Lilliana very demanding and mama needs all help she can get. Lilliana especially is very demanding."

"Yes, I've heard tale of how needy she is," Ivory giggled. "Sounds to me like you've been a bit of a favorite of hers." Anatoli huffed a laugh under his breath and took a big gulp of his beer.

"You have no idea," Anatoli said. "Some nights, she won't sleep unless I hold her."

"She won't sleep if Amber holds her?"

"Most nights she will but sometimes, needs me to hold her. Mama think it because she like sound of my voice and how my chest vibrate when I hum to her."

"That might put me in a pleasant mood for sleeping too to be fair," Ivory smiled. "So are you always good with kids or just your baby brother and sister?"

"I suppose I am good with kids," Anatoli said. "I help Boris with Sergei and Anatoli while I live with them. Their youngest son they name after me."

"That's really sweet," Ivory smiled. "So you lived with Boris and his wife in Russia?"

"Until Illyana have the baby," Anatoli said. "I stay for a few month after but then I leave for East Germany."

"Do you ever miss Boris?"

"Yes, I do," Anatoli said. "He was best friend I ever have. I wish I knew how he is doing. He help me so much."

"From what I've heard, you've helped him quite a bit too," Ivory said.

"He deserve," Anatoli said with a gentle nod. "Illyana good woman; his sons are good. They did not deserve what happen to them. I am just happy I could give another chance. So, Ivory, you have me talk so much of me, but I do not get much from you."

"I suppose I have been the one asking all the questions. It's just so interesting. I mean, you've lived behind the Iron Curtain. It's like a completely different world."

"This completely different world to me," Anatoli said, referring to America and Western Europe in general. "For first time in my life, I have no fear. Is a strange feeling to be truthful. I live so long in fear of Soviets and communist propaganda – is so different to not fear what I do. I think I use this term correct, but here, walls do not have ears. Is so freeing."

"Was America always the end goal?"

"No, just find mama was my goal," Anatoli said. "When I learn my power, I wanted bring mama back. I never knew more than her face and only mother I knew, Niele, was not a mother to me. She only guardian that never love me. I do not think she could."

"Why not?"

"She tell me I look like my father," Anatoli said. "She say she try, but all she see is my father. He murder her husband and sons right before her eyes. Then he throw her into furnace, but Mykolas save her. She never forget what happen. She tell me is not my fault, but the man who is fault always stare back at her."

"For the record, you're nothing like him," Ivory was quick to say. "You've proven that in spades."

"It never enough, though," Anatoli lamented. "She try not to I know, but she always hate me. Mykolas did what he could but his heart always belong to Niele."

"Were they mates?" Ivory asked.

"Mates? You mean marry?"

"Romantically involved with one another I guess is the term. 'Mate' is usually what, you know, vampires," Ivory whispered, "refer to their significant other as. They don't generally get married all things considered. The only ones I know of that bothered are the Cullens truthfully."

"Oh," Anatoli said, "No, they never mates. Mykolas hopelessly love Niele, but she never love back. He tell me when human, he knew her and loved her but she pick Nikolai and marry him. He was ashamed, but he tell me how he was so jealous he sympathetic to Nazi party. He say he never intend what happen. Is how he was changed. When Niele taken to the camps, he felt so guilty. He say he drink himself near to death, but vampire get him. When he changed, he determine to save Niele from fate he seal her to."

"Does she know that's what happened?" Ivory asked.

"Yes," Anatoli nodded. "She never forgive him."

"I see," Ivory said.

"He always say he hope one day she love him," Anatoli said. "He beg for forgiveness. Niele say she forgive him, but she does not."

"Truth be told, under the circumstances, I can't say I blame her," Ivory said and sipped her beer. Their food arrived then and once they confirmed they didn't need anything else, the waitress walked away to attend to other tables. "What about Baba Nadeshka? She was like a mother to you wasn't she?"

"Very much so," Anatoli said, smiling fondly when thinking of her. "She was first woman I ever love. Not romantic, but as mother figure."

"You said she passed away, right?" Ivory asked and Anatoli nodded sorrowfully. "She must have been wonderful."

"She was," Anatoli said. "Too good. She love me as if I were her own. I owe so much for it."

"You make it very easy to love you I will say," Ivory said and Anatoli stared at her a moment. Eventually he smiled just a little.

"You take conversation back to me again. I want ask about you."

"You're right, I did. I'm so sorry," Ivory said. "Ask me anything."

"I hope is okay to ask this, but your mother and father. They never marry?"

"No," Ivory said. "I'm a bonafide love child. You know Ada María of course." Anatoli nodded. "Well, he and Ada María had quarreled. Basically, he decided to join the army to help Uncle Kevin and when he went to tell her, he discovered she was sleeping with an officer. She swore the officer meant nothing to him, but long story short, daddy was heartbroken and left Brazil much sooner than anticipated. Daddy and mom are good friends and always have been, so when he stopped in Las Vegas to rest, my mom was a shoulder to cry on and 9 months later, there I was. Daddy and my mom never married because Daddy and Ada María reconciled and got married. Ada María was also pregnant with Ariel when he left."

"So Nathan was busy it seem," Anatoli joked, but quickly lost his smile. "I am sorry, that disrespectful."

"No, you're fine," ivory giggled, "you're not wrong. Daddy was married before. That was Scarlet's mom. She passed away from Ovarian cancer and her last wish was for daddy and Scarlet to travel. That's how daddy met my mom and then met Ada María. Daddy loves my mom, but he loves Ada María more. Simple as that. Don't cry for me, though. I've had it pretty good compared to other Love Children. I've known a few in my life. Most of them don't even know their dads much less have a father that's gone out of his way for them. Mom told daddy she was pregnant and daddy did everything he could for me and my mom. I might not have had him around all the time like Ariel, Gabriel, Scarlet or Jaedynn got to have, but I never felt like he didn't love me. Quite the contrary. If I ever needed anything or ever got in trouble, he was always there for me. He was a better father than some men I've met who are in their children's lives every day but don't make nearly the effort."

"That is good," Anatoli smiled. "So you visit Washington often?"

"Every Christmas," Ivory said. "Over the summer, daddy and Ada María take the kids to Brazil where she's from and they always stop in Vegas to see me. That's how it's been all my life. I spend Christmas in Washington, daddy comes to see me in Vegas in the summer. I even spent a school year here when I was having a lot of trouble. I had shifted to a wolf for the first time and leading up to it, my moods were horrible. Looking back on it, daddy was patient as a saint with me. Everyone was. Once I shifted, it was like a switch was flicked and I felt instantly better. I finished that school year after that and then returned to Las Vegas for my senior year of high school."

"And do you prefer Las Vegas or Forks?"

"I prefer Vegas," Ivory smiled. "The City of Sin has a lot to offer."

"City of Sin?"

"That's the nickname Las Vegas has earned over the years. There are more casinos in Vegas than you could shake a stick at. They're illegal in most counties now, particularly Las Vegas, but prostitution's even legal to some extent in Nevada. When my mom was a kid, it was completely legal and then sometime in the forties, ordinances were put it to suppress prostitution. Especially near military bases."

"You mean men that want it most?" Anatoli joked.

"Exactly! Not exactly thinking of our troops," Ivory giggled. "Anyway, not long after, Reno and Las Vegas had to shut down all their Red Light districts – that's where Brothels would be located – and now if you want to legally hire a hooker, you need to go out to the boonies. Of course, between you and me, if you're super nice to the cop when you get caught, they're not above turning a blind eye to it. Unless they're a really good, by the book cop in which case you're fucked. So was prostitution legal in Lithuania?"

"No," Anatoli said but then shrugged, "Of course, it don't matter if not caught." A brief silence passed between them and Ivory gave him a humored smile.

"Am I to understand you know from experience?"

Anatoli blushed, "Depend on definition of 'experience'."

"I mean you have personally hired a prostitute before and given her money to sleep with you," Ivory clarified, smiling at him knowing he knew full well what she meant.

"I not give her money, I invite her to eat dinner," Anatoli defended. "I not waste money on sex – is silly. There was girl I knew. I work with her brother and they live in same block. Her brother often waste earnings on cigarettes. She used them too, so she make up for it by eating with other families. Try to imagine, she come to unit as guest of mine and Baba ask her question as though we see each other."

"Oh my God," Ivory said, laughing. "You mean to tell me that poor woman had to politely interact with a woman she was feeding so she'd sleep with you? That's awful, Anatoli. How dare you make that woman feed a stranger just so she'd sleep with you?"

"She is one who offer!" Anatoli said, chuckling with her. "Besides, was first experience and I was eager."

"Yes, I can see that," Ivory said. "Have you ever had such an arrangement since then? Or has it only been with women you dated going forward?"

"That is personal question and I do not wish answer," Anatoli said, still chuckling.

"I'll tell you if you tell me," Ivory offered. "I'll even go first. My first time was sophomore year of high school. His name was Ricky and he was on the baseball team at school. It was in his parents' basement. I'd snuck out of the house and gone to his, he let me in through the window and I left as soon as we were done. And I'll tell you what: mom found out about it and was furious! I was grounded and then she pulled Ricky aside one day after class and told him if he ever touched me again, she'd call my daddy and make sure daddy got his two cents in. 'And trust me,' she told him, 'you DO NOT want her daddy to find out.' Ricky and I never really spoke again after that."

"I cannot imagine why," Anatoli teased.

"So that girl you forced poor Nadeshka to cook for so you could get a little action," Ivory said and made Anatoli laugh, "What was her name?"

"Ka-," Anatoli started but then stopped, "Wait, ne. Ne, ne, Tai nėra teisinga."

"I'm sorry?"

"I was to say Katia, but that not right. That name of Vadim's wife. It start with K though. Oh! Katarina. That her name."

"Oh my God, you almost forgot her name on top of that?!" Ivory said. "For shame, Anatoli. What about after that? Did you ever date anyone? Casually or seriously?"

"There one girl I see for a while," Anatoli said, "but she want marriage and I did not want. She was nice, but I not love her. Baba ask me if I ask to marry her and when I tell her no, she slap me and tell me be man and marry her or stop encourage her wrongly."

"Wow," Ivory said, "She certainly didn't take any nonsense did she?"

"Not from anyone," Anatoli smiled. "Least of all me or Boris. She always say she expect us to be best men because she love us and raise us to be that way."

"Did…did she know? About you I mean?"

"Yes," Anatoli answered bluntly. "Baba tell me my purple eyes very strange and ask how I get them. I not tell her truth at first, but she notice little things about me and realize I was different. When I comfortable to say, I tell her the truth."

"But you didn't tell Boris? Until later I mean?"

"No, not until later," Anatoli nodded. "Baba…confront I think is word. She confront me for strange things about me. By then, I love her and not have heart to lie."

"Based on how you speak of her, I assume she was very understanding?"

"Very much," Anatoli said. "She tell me is okay. She tell me, 'Грех Отца, а не сына' (Grekh Ottsa, a ne syn). I think in English, sin of father not sin of the son. She did ensure I baptized, though. She tell me when I baptized, because water not hurt me, it mean God forgive and love me."

"She had you baptized as Orthodox?"

"Yes," Anatoli nodded. "Normally baptism when a baby, but she say to church my guardian not look after my faith and ask they baptize me. Baba was very faithful woman."

"She sounds like it," Ivory said. "How did she die?"

"Old age," Anatoli said. "She live long life. I ask Boris if he want bring Baba back when I tell him I can. He tell me no that Baba live full life."

"Did you ever know Boris's dad?"

"No, he die before 2nd war," Anatoli said. "Boris admired his father very much. Was a patriot that serve in army then side with Bolsheviks to overthrow the Romanov family. Baba tell me her husband was model man; that all men half what he was."

Ivory smiled, "Sounds like she loved him."

"Yes, very much," Anatoli said. "She insist she must be buried beside him when she die or she not have peace. Boris made sure she buried with her husband."

"That's wonderful to hear," Ivory said.

"So what work do you do?" Anatoli asked after a brief silence where they smiled at one another.

"I work at a casino," Ivory said. "I run the Craps table."

"I am sorry; the 'Craps' table?"

"Yeah, that's the name of the game. What you do is you get dice and you bet on the outcome of the roll. So in other words, you're betting what number the dice will land on. Some nights I run the Roulette too."

"What is Roulette?"

"It's a spinning table with black and red numbers and you have to bet what number the ball will land on and what color that number will be. There's also a green zero."

"And is gambling game, yes?"

"Yes, it's gambling," Ivory nodded. "All the game tables have at least one bouncer or Pitt boss present at all times so that if people get too rowdy or worse they get violent, the Pitt boss can either call security or remove the patron."

"This thing; does it happen often?"

"About as often as you might expect," Ivory said. "When you're gambling away your money and are also drinking, it tends to bring out the worst in people I'm afraid. Especially when you've got a guy who's been on a winning streak and bets everything he's won on one game and suddenly it's gone. Can't tell you how many times that's happened."

"You like work for casino?"

"I do," Ivory said, "it's never boring. That's certain. And my uniform is adorable."

"You have uniform?"

"Yeah. The casino I work for has a few different themed sections and people can pick what atmosphere they want to play in. I work in the Wild West section of the casino and I wear fishnet stockings, a really short poufy yellow and black skirt and a corset top. There's even a stage where girls can sing and dance. Sometimes we'll get customers that want to get involved with the theme so they'll come in dressed as cowboys. The Pitt bosses are the only ones that never get involved with the themes. They're to wear black suits, a white shirt and an acceptable colored tie. Their tie can have a pattern, but nothing too crazy."

"What other theme they have?"

"There's one section that's Monte Carlo themed, another is Arabian Nights and one is a Wild Card as it's called. That room's theme changes constantly and it's usually where parties are hosted since it can be modeled to whatever you want. When I first started working at that Casino, the boss wanted me to work in the Arabian Nights themed section, but I preferred the uniform for Wild West and asked to work there. A lot of girls from my tribe work at that casino actually and most work in Arabian Nights. Obviously Native American and Arabic are two completely different cultures, but as my boss reasons, drunks gambling away their money aren't too concerned with the technicalities."

"I do not imagine so," Anatoli chuckled. Admittedly a little eager to show Anatoli her costume, Ivory reached into her purse for another picture she had with her of her and a coworker that they'd taken at the request of a patron that had been especially lucky that night having won himself $9000. It was brown hued and the color wasn't great, but it showed what she wanted and she handed it over to Anatoli. "I'm on the left. That's my uniform."

"Is very revealing," Anatoli said absently, staring at the picture. The corset she wore had her breasts heaved up and her hair was in bouncy curls and a hat with feathers. Her skirt barely went to her thigh and she wore fishnet stockings and shoes to fit the theme. "You look very pretty."

"Thank you," Ivory smiled.

"Can I keep?" Anatoli asked.

"Absolutely," Ivory nodded and Anatoli tucked the picture into his coat's breast pocket.

"So do you ever gamble?"

"I played the Roulette once and that was enough for me," Ivory said. "I'm lucky that I only bet $20 but it's $20 that I lost I'm afraid. Although some of my regulars claim I'm lucky. There's one man that insists I blow on his dice before every roll. He doesn't always win, but when he does he tells me it's because I blessed his dice."

"I would be willing try the game," Anatoli said.

"Craps is easy to recreate," Ivory said. "I'll show you how to play and we can bet with change." She watched Anatoli bite into his burger and smiled while she grabbed a fry off his plate.

"Did you take my potato?"

"Just one," Ivory smiled and dipped it in ketchup before biting into it. Anatoli watched her a moment before finally reaching over to take her burger and bite into it. "Hey!"

"You taste my food, I taste yours, yes?" Anatoli said with a mean smirk while he swallowed his bite.

"All I did was take a fry," Ivory pouted, fighting a giggle.

"You have potato on your plate, you eat your potato." Rather than say anything, Ivory reached over and grabbed Anatoli's burger to bite into it. Sadly, it did not go so smoothly. When she bit into the burger, ketchup and two pickles fell out and landed right in her lap on the dress. Anatoli started laughing.

"Shut up, it's not funny," Ivory said with food in her mouth, putting Anatoli's burger down on her plate and grabbing at napkins to, in vain, clean off the dress. "Son of a bitch. Figures ketchup of all things lands on my lap." Anatoli, though trying to stop, was still laughing. "Stop it!" Ivory pouted.

"Sorry, sorry, is funny," Anatoli said. He stood up so he could look at the stain and realized why it was so problematic. "I tell you what: I give you my shirt and you wear instead of dress. You have something under and my shirt is long enough, so will be alright. I just wear my jacket."

"Are you sure?" Ivory asked.

"Positive. This weather does not bother me. I have my jacket." Anatoli was already unbuttoning his shirt and Ivory blushed a little, though more so at his thoughtfulness. He was wearing a white short-sleeve shirt under his dress shirt anyway. Once unbuttoned and removed, he handed it to her.

"Thank you," Ivory accepted. "Jaedynn's going to kill me."

"Why?"

"This is her dress." Anatoli smirked at her before he started laughing again. Ivory blushed again but began laughing too. "I have to clean it now." Making sure she was holding Anatoli's shirt in front of the stain so no one would see it, Ivory excused herself so she could go change. Since she was wearing pants on the dress, the change to Anatoli's shirt didn't look too weird. She folded the dress and came back out to Anatoli finishing his burger.

"Better?" he asked.

"Yes, much better," Ivory said as she took back her seat. "Thank you for letting me wear your shirt."

"You are welcome," Anatoli smiled.

When the two of them left the restaurant together, it was really late and the streets were much quieter. They walked back to the theatre where Ivory's car was parked and drove back to Kevin's house. Because it was so late and the roads had gotten rather bad, Anatoli insisted Ivory stay the night with them. It didn't take much convincing though.

"My room is here," Anatoli said, pointing at the door to the former candle room. "You have bed. I sleep out here."

"You don't have to let me use your bed," Ivory said.

"Is pleasure, do not worry," Anatoli smiled. He went into his room to grab a spare blanket and pillow and brought them to the couch.

"Well, thank you," Ivory said. "I had a very good time today."

"I did too," Anatoli said. "You want I make coffee?"

"No, I'm alright," Ivory said and approached Anatoli. Once in front of him, she reached her head up to give him a quick kiss. "Thank you for letting me stay the night. I'll see you in the morning."

"Yes, in the morning," Anatoli nodded slowly while Ivory smiled at him and walked to his room to turn in for the night. Once she was in his room, Anatoli smiled a little to himself and went to bed in a very good mood.