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.

143. Chapter 143

Chapter 143

Anatoli made it back to Washington within two and a half days and managed to get home at a time when Ivory would still be home and hadn't left for work. Anatoli let Argo stay at Leslie's house for the time being while he went straight home so he could call Ivory and let her know he'd made it home safely. They stayed on the phone together until she had to leave for work. Once he was off the phone with Ivory, Anatoli walked to Leslie's house to pick up Argo and wound up visiting for about an hour. When he returned to his house with Argo at his side, his phone was already ringing, so he ran to the phone to answer.

"Hello?"

"Good, you're home," Evalina's voice came from the other end. "So guess who arrived suddenly."

"Who?"

"Boris and his wife," Evalina said.

"Boris is…how?" Anatoli asked.

"Illyana became pregnant and when he realized it wasn't like her other pregnancies, he was trying to find anyone that could help him. Someone told him that we could help him and was able to get in contact with my grandpa for him. He managed to get Illyana here in time for us to intervene."

"How is Illyana?"

"She's better," Evalina said. "I made Boris clear of the risks and the need to be prepared for the worst case scenario."

"Evalina, you have to save Illyana," Anatoli said.

"I promised Boris she and the baby will make it. Even if it means she has to be changed to a vampire, we will take care of her. Although, I know Boris could use a friend right now."

"I will be right there," Anatoli said and ended the call. Not wanting to leave Argo, Anatoli got Argo safe in the car and started the drive to Forks going as fast as he could. As soon as he made it to the Cullen house, he got Argo out of the car and ran right to the house with the dog following after him. He was able to let himself in and he whistled at Argo to stop the dog from bolting into the house and instead staying at his side.

"Daddy! Argo's here!" Emma Leigh grinned with excitement and ran to the dog so she could play. Sergei and young Anatoli came out of the kitchen to see Anatoli. Sergei, remembering him instantly, smiled and started to run to him.

"Anatoli!" Sergei cheered and Anatoli kneeled down enough to take the boy into his arms for a big hug.

"Так приятно видеть тебя," (Tak priyatno videt' tebya / It's so good to see you) Anatoli said. "Это было слишком долго. Как твои дела? Вы так сильно выросли с тех пор, как я видел вас в последний раз." (Eto bylo slishkom dolgo. Kak tvoi dela? Vy tak sil'no vyrosli s tekh por, kak ya videl vas v posledniy raz / It has been too long. How are you? You've grown so much since last I saw you).

"Я боюсь за мама, но Эвалина обещала, что она будет в порядке," (YA boyus' za mama, no Evalina obeshchala, chto ona budet v poryadke / I am scared for mama but Evalina promised she will be alright) Sergei answered. "Папа тоже напуган. Он будет так рад тебя видеть." (Papa tozhe napugan. On budet tak rad tebya videt' / Papa is scared too. He will be so happy to see you).

"Anatoli?" Anatoli heard Boris's voice and recognized it immediately. He released Sergei to stand up so he could smile at Boris.

"Давно не виделись, старый друг," (Davno ne videlis', staryy drug / Long time no see, old friend) Anatoli said.

"Блыат, это действительно ты!" (Blyat, eto deystvitel'no ty! / Fuck, it really is you!) Boris bellowed and was at Anatoli's side in an instant taking him in a tight hug. "Я никогда не думал, что увижу тебя снова. Как твои дела?" (YA nikogda ne dumal, chto uvizhu tebya snova. Kak tvoi dela? / I never thought I would see you again. How are you?).

"Фантастика. Я работаю на стройке, я купил свой собственный дом, и в следующем году я женюсь," (Fantastika. YA rabotayu na stroyke, ya kupil svoy sobstvennyy dom, i v sleduyushchem godu ya zhenyus' / Fantastic. I am working in construction, I bought my own house and I'm getting married April next year) Anatoli said.

"Ты женишься?!" (Ty zhenish'sya?! / You're getting married?!) Boris asked with a bright smile. "Поздравляем! Как ее зовут?" (Pozdravlyayem! Kak yeye zovut? / Congratulations! What is her name?).

"Ivory," Anatoli said with a smile. "Я пришел, как только услышал от Эвалины. Как Ильяна?" (YA prishel, kak tol'ko uslyshal ot Evaliny. Kak Il'yana? / I came as soon as I heard from Evalina. How is Illyana?)

"Намного лучше," (Namnogo luchshe / Much better) Boris answered with relief. "Она наверху. Она будет рада тебя видеть." (Ona naverkhu. Ona budet rada tebya videt' / She's upstairs. She will be happy to see you). Anatoli followed Boris upstairs to Carlisle's office where Illyana was sitting as comfortably as they could arrange for her to be reading Evalina's original Russian copy of Anna Karenina. When she looked up and saw Anatoli, she smiled brightly at him.

"Anatoli," she said.

"Привет иллиана," (Privet illiana / Hello Illyana) Anatoli said and came over to her so he could give her a hug. "Как вы себя чувствуете?" (Kak vy sebya chuvstvuyete? / How do you feel?).

"Я чувствую себя намного лучше, чем когда мы впервые приехали," (YA chuvstvuyu sebya namnogo luchshe, chem kogda my vpervyye priyekhali / I feel much better than when we first arrived) she answered with a smile. "Я не могу поверить, что ты здесь. Ты нашел свою мама?" (YA ne mogu poverit', chto ty zdes'. Ty nashel svoyu mama? / I can't believe you're here. Did you find your mother?).

"да," (Da / Yes) Anatoli said. "Ее не было в Дахау. Она жила." (Yeye ne bylo v Dakhau. Ona zhila / She wasn't at Dachau. She'd lived).

Illyana and Boris were wide eyed and Illyana asked, "Как?" (Kak / How?)

"Я не знаю. Она смогла выжить каким-то чудом. Кевин нашел ее и спас из лагерей, когда американцы вторглись в Дахау Когда я не смог ее найти, я запаниковал. Я смог найти немецкого профессора, который говорил по-русски, и он сказал мне искать этого американца. Поэтому я поехал в Париж, чтобы сэкономить, чтобы поехать в Америку Моя мама вышла замуж за Кевина, и они были в Париже на день рождения моей сводной сестры. Я не мог в это поверить, но я нашел маму и ... она знала. Она знала, что я ее сын, и любила меня. Я был так напуган, что она не будет, но она сделала.," (YA ne znayu. Ona smogla vyzhit' kakim-to chudom. Kevin nashel yeye i spas iz lagerey, kogda amerikantsy vtorglis' v Dakhau Kogda ya ne smog yeye nayti, ya zapanikoval. YA smog nayti nemetskogo professora, kotoryy govoril po-russki, i on skazal mne iskat' etogo amerikantsa. Poetomu ya poyekhal v Parizh, chtoby sekonomit', chtoby poyekhat' v Ameriku Moya mama vyshla zamuzh za Kevina, i oni byli v Parizhe na den' rozhdeniya moyey svodnoy sestry. YA ne mog v eto poverit', no ya nashel mamu i ... ona znala. Ona znala, chto ya yeye syn, i lyubila menya. YA byl tak napugan, chto ona ne budet, no ona sdelala / I don't know. She was able to survive by some miracle. Kevin found her and saved her from the camps when the Americans invaded Dachau. When I couldn't find her, I panicked. I was able to find a German professor that spoke Russian and he told me to look for this American. So I went to Paris to save money to go to America. My mother married Kevin and they were in Paris for my half sister's birthday. I couldn't believe it, but I'd found mama and...she knew. She knew I was her son and loved me. I was so scared she would not but she did).

"Это прекрасно," (Eto prekrasno / That's wonderful) Illyana smiled.

"Поначалу я не любил Кевина. Я был напоминанием о многих вещах, которые нацисты отобрали у него и моей матери. Но сейчас? Он отец, которого у меня никогда не было," (Ponachalu ya ne lyubil Kevina. YA byl napominaniyem o mnogikh veshchakh, kotoryye natsisty otobrali u nego i moyey materi. No seychas? On otets, kotorogo u menya nikogda ne bylo / Kevin did not like me at first. I was a reminder of so many things that the Nazis took away from him and my mother. But now? He is the father I never had) Anatoli smiled.

"Я так рад это слышать, Анатолий. Вы заслуживаете счастья," (YA tak rad eto slyshat', Anatoliy. Vy zasluzhivayete schast'ya / I'm so happy to hear that, Anatoli. You deserve happiness) Illyana said.

"Это еще не все. Скажи ей, что происходит в апреле следующего года," (Eto yeshche ne vse. Skazhi yey, chto proiskhodit v aprele sleduyushchego goda / That is not all. Tell her what's happening in April next year) Boris said with a smile.

"Что происходит в апреле?" (Chto proiskhodit v aprele? / What is happening in April?)

"Я женюсь," (YA zhenyus' / I'm getting married) Anatoli answered with a silly smile.

Illyana gasped and said, "Анатолий, это замечательно! Поздравляем! Как ее зовут?" (Anatoliy, eto zamechatel'no! Pozdravlyayem! Kak yeye zovut? / Anatoli, that's wonderful! Congratulations! What's her name?)

"Ее имя Ivory," (Yeye imya Ivory / Her name is Ivory) Anatoli answered. He reached into his back pocket for his wallet so he could grab a picture of her. It was a picture they'd taken together when they were out in the desert together. That horrible, bulky thing turned out to be a great addition to their camping trip. The one he showed was a picture of the two of them lying down together in their tent after they'd just woken up. Illyana accepted the picture and looked at the young woman with a smile.

"Она красивая," (Ona krasivaya / She is beautiful) Illyana said. "Как вы познакомились?" (Kak vy poznakomilis'? / How did you two meet?)

"Мы встретились, когда она была в гостях на Рождество. Она живет в Лас-Вегасе и приезжает в Вашингтон в декабре. После того, как мы поженимся, она будет жить здесь постоянно. С тех пор как мы начали встречаться, я весной еду в Лас-Вегас, чтобы увидеть ее," (My vstretilis', kogda ona byla v gostyakh na Rozhdestvo. Ona zhivet v Las-Vegase i priyezzhayet v Vashington v dekabre. Posle togo, kak my pozhenimsya, ona budet zhit' zdes' postoyanno. S tekh por kak my nachali vstrechat'sya, ya vesnoy yedu v Las-Vegas, chtoby uvidet' yeye / We met when she was visiting for Christmas. She lives in Las Vegas and comes to Washington in December. After we are married, she will be moving here permanently. Since we began dating, I go to Las Vegas in the spring to see her) Anatoli said. Вы и мальчики, конечно, приглашены на свадьбу." (Vy i mal'chiki, konechno, priglasheny na svad'bu / You and the boys are, of course, invited to the wedding).

"Я бы, конечно, на это надеялся," (YA by, konechno, na eto nadeyalsya / I would certainly hope so) Illyana giggled.

"Вы решили, как назвать ребенка?" (Vy reshili, kak nazvat' rebenka? / Have you decided what to name the baby?) Anatoli asked.

"Владимир, если он мальчик. Надешка, если она девушка," (Vladimir, yesli on mal'chik. Nadeshka, yesli ona devushka / Vladimir if it's a boy. Nadeshka if it's a girl) Boris said and rubbed Illyana's belly. Since she was doing better, he was finally happy about the baby. Having a plan made the whole thing easier.

"Хорошие имена," (Khoroshiye imena / Good names) Anatoli said. Then Sergei and young Anatoli ran into the room with Argo following them. Argo went straight to Anatoli. "Argo, sit," Anatoli commanded. Argo stopped where he was, which was right at Anatoli's side, and sat down.

"Кто это?" (Kto eto / who is this?) Boris asked.

"Это моя собака Арго," (Eto moya sobaka Argo / This is my dog Argo) Anatoli said, petting the Argo's large head. He'd grown like a weed and was already nearing his full grown size. Anatoli patted an open spot on the bed Illyana was on and said, "Argo, come up and say hello." Argo brought his front paws up where Anatoli had directed so Illyana could reach other and pet the dog's head.

"Его голова ощущается как камень," (Yego golova oshchushchayetsya kak kamen' / His head feels like a rock) Illyana giggled. Argo tried to lick her hand but she pulled her hand away not wanting drool on her hand.

"Питбуль - чрезвычайно сильные и мускулистые собаки. Его челюсти могут раздавить кость, если он захочет. К счастью, Арго не обидит муху," (Pitbul' - chrezvychayno sil'nyye i muskulistyye sobaki. Yego chelyusti mogut razdavit' kost', yesli on zakhochet. K schast'yu, Argo ne obidit mukhu / Pit bulls are extremely strong and muscular dogs. His jaws could crush bone if he wanted to. Luckily, Argo wouldn't hurt a fly) Anatoli said and reached over to scratch behind Argo's ear.

"Мама, посмотри, что Эмма Ли показала нам, что делать!" (Mama, posmotri, chto Emma Li pokazala nam, chto delat'! / Mama, look what Emma Leigh showed us what to do!) Sergei announced so Illyana was looking at him. "Argo. Sit!" Sergei said and Argo came down from his spot against the bed so he was sitting and facing Sergei. "Argo….." Sergei took a moment to remember the word in English. "Shake," he finally remembered and held out his hand. Argo gave Sergei his paw and they shook.

"Argo!" young Anatoli said but couldn't remember the other command Emma Leigh had taught them. "Как она сказала другую команду?" (Kak ona skazala druguyu komandu? / How did she say the other command?) he asked Sergei.

"Как насчет того, чтобы научить вас всем командам Арго?" (Kak naschet togo, chtoby nauchit' vas vsem komandam Argo? / How about I teach you all of Argo's commands?) Anatoli offered with a chuckle.

Staying in Carlisle's office so they were with Boris and Illyana, Anatoli walked the boys through Argo's commands, letting them know what the commands meant in Russian before teaching it in English as well as the hand gestures for the commands where they applied. Having called Kevin and Amber for him once Evalina had gotten off the phone with Anatoli, Amber took the twins with her to Forks while Kevin stayed home with Heather and Levi. She'd left not long after Anatoli so when she arrived at the Cullen house and had left the twins with Bella, he was already in Carlisle's office walking Sergei and young Anatoli through Argo's commands.

"Mama," Anatoli smiled when Amber came into the office and went to hug her. "Sorry to not come to see you when I got home. Evalina called me and I rushed straight here."

"I figured as much. Evalina called me as soon as she'd spoken with you."

"Она твоя мать?" (Ona tvoya mat'? / This is your mother?) Boris asked and approached.

"Да," (Da / yes) Anatoli answered and moved so Amber and Boris could be properly introduced. "Mama, this is Boris Aleyev. He is the man I shared a home with when I lived in Vilnius. Boris, Она моя мама, Амбер." (Ona moya mama, Amber / This is my mother, Amber). Boris reached out his hand to her with an inviting smile. She recognized him from Anatoli's picture but he clearly looked younger now than he had in the picture. His hair was black, his skin pale and his eyes a freshly bright red.

"Good to meet you, Amber," Boris managed in a very thick accent. "Мне жаль; Мой английский ограничен." (Mne zhal'; Moy angliyskiy ogranichen).

"He said his English is limited," Anatoli translated.

"How do you say it's a pleasure to meet you too?" Amber asked.

"Я рад встретиться с вами," (YA rad vstretit'sya s vami / I am happy to meet you) Anatoli translated for her. The phrase was hard to get her tongue around and it took a few tries before she finally pronounced it properly albeit very slowly and it made Boris chuckle.

"Я много лет не слышал, чтобы немец говорил по-русски," (YA mnogo let ne slyshal, chtoby nemets govoril po-russki / I have not heard a German speak Russian in many years) Boris teased.

"What did he say?" Amber asked.

"He said you pronounced that perfectly," Anatoli lied and gave Boris a mean stare that made him chuckle again.

"Пожалуйста, позвольте мне представить вас моей жене," (Pozhaluysta, pozvol'te mne predstavit' vas moyey zhene / Please allow me to introduce you to my wife) Boris said. Anatoli translated for him and the three of them went to the bed to Illyana. Amber could tell she was not her usual self, but she had a glow to her. She had dark hair and pale skin just like Boris, but her eyes were a pale blue. Illyana rubbed her belly absently and smiled at Amber.

"Вы мать Анатолия?" (Vy mat' Anatoliya? / You are Anatoli's mother?) Illyana smiled and Anatoli affirmed on Amber's behalf.

"Mama, this is Boris's wife Illyana."

"It's so good to meet you and your husband," Amber smiled and shook Illyana's hand while Anatoli translated for her. "I owe you and your husband a great deal of gratitude for everything you've done for my son."

"Я так счастлив, что он мог найти тебя," (YA tak schastliv, chto on mog nayti tebya / I am so happy he could find you) Illyana replied after Anatoli translated.

"Congratulations by the way," Amber smiled and briefly glanced at Illyana's belly. "This will be your third child right?"

"Да," (Da / yes) Illyana said after Anatoli translated for her. "Сколько у вас детей?" (Skol'ko u vas detey? / How many children do you have?).

"Anatoli is my eldest and I have four children with my husband Kevin," Amber answered. "The twins are going to be two October of this year."

With Anatoli's assistance, Amber was able to get to know Boris and, more so, Illyana. She asked how Illyana and Boris met. Evidently it had been a simple matter of both their fathers being patriots first of the army under the rule of Czar Nicolai and then later patriots of the Red Army. Their fathers had been close friends and comrades but had lost contact until later in life by which point Boris was about 26 and Illyana was 16; their fathers had reasoned since they were such good friends and had children of age that it only made sense that they introduce their children. With Anatoli translating for her, Illyana told the story of how her father had regaled her with tales of Boris without ever having met the man. Boris took over the story briefly to say that his father had also talked up Illyana without mentioning to him that Illyana had just turned 16.

"Борису и мне повезло, что когда мы встретились, между нами возникла мгновенная связь," (Borisu i mne povezlo, chto kogda my vstretilis', mezhdu nami voznikla mgnovennaya svyaz' / Boris and I were fortunate that when we met, there was an instant connection between us) Illyana said affectionately. "Наши родители были с нами, когда мы встретились, но, как Борис говорил со мной, я чувствовал, что мы здесь единственные." (Nashi roditeli byli s nami, kogda my vstretilis', no, kak Boris govoril so mnoy, ya chuvstvoval, chto my zdes' yedinstvennyye / Our parents were with us when we met but the way Boris talked to me, I felt like we were the only ones there). Boris and Illyana smiled at one another lovingly as she remembered their first date and ever date after that.

"When did you two get married?" Amber asked after Anatoli relayed the story.

"После того как я получил официальное благословение ее отца, мы с Иллианой поженились в октябре 1933 года," (Posle togo kak ya poluchil ofitsial'noye blagosloveniye yeye ottsa, my s Illianoy pozhenilis' v oktyabre devyat'nadtsat' t'ridtsat' tri goda / After I received her father's official blessing, Illyana and I married October of 1933) Boris answered and brought his hand to Illyana's cheek to brush it affectionately which she repaid with a loving smile.

While they talked, Lilliana and Tristan managed to get themselves up the stairs with Bella following closely after them. Lilliana went right to Anatoli with teary eyes and tugged on his pant leg as soon as she reached him, so Anatoli leaned over to lift her into his arms. He tried to introduce Lilliana to Boris and Illyana, but Lilli could be counted on to be shy and cuddled her head against Anatoli's shoulder. She was smiling though so Illyana was able to coo the little girl into her arms for a hug.

"Каков план после рождения ребенка?" (Kakov plan posle rozhdeniya rebenka? / What is the plan after the baby is born?) Anatoli asked Boris.

"Наша жизненная ситуация не подошла," (Nasha zhiznennaya situatsiya ne podoshla / Our living situation has not come up) Boris answered with a hint of flippancy that only Anatoli would find funny.

"Вы все можете остаться со мной на некоторое время. У меня есть свой дом." (Vy vse mozhete ostat'sya so mnoy na nekotoroye vremya. U menya yest' svoy dom / You're all welcome to stay with me for a while. I have my own house.)

"Дом свой?" (Dom svoy? / A house all your own?) Boris asked and Anatoli nodded with an admitted smug pride. "Разве мы не живем светской жизнью?" (Razve my ne zhivem svetskoy zhizn'yu? / Aren't we living the high life?) Boris teased. "Где твой дом?" (Gde tvoy dom? / Where's your house?).

"Дом находится в Сиэтле около 2 часов отсюда." (Dom nakhoditsya v Sietle okolo dva chasov otsyuda / The house is in Seattle about 2 hours from here).

"Где Сергей будет ходить в школу?" (Gde Sergey budet khodit' v shkolu? / Where will Sergei go for school) Illyana asked and the mention made Anatoli realize his place might not be the best choice after all.

"Я не знаю, как он поступил бы, если бы ему пришлось пойти в городскую школу. Возможно, ему лучше пойти в школу здесь. Семья может убедиться, что он изучает английский и продолжить свое образование в безопасной обстановке," (YA ne znayu, kak on postupil by, yesli by yemu prishlos' poyti v gorodskuyu shkolu. Vozmozhno, yemu luchshe poyti v shkolu zdes'. Sem'ya mozhet ubedit'sya, chto on izuchayet angliyskiy i prodolzhit' svoye obrazovaniye v bezopasnoy obstanovke / I don't know how he'd do if he had to go to a school in the city. It might be best for him to go to school here. The family can make sure he learns English and continue his education in a safe environment) Anatoli said.

"согласен," (soglasen / I agree) Illyana said and then a thought occurred to her. "Борис, как мы будем работать?" (Boris, kak my budem rabotat'? / Boris, how will we work?).

"Вы позволите мне беспокоиться об этом," (Vy pozvolite mne bespokoit'sya ob etom / You let me worry about that) Boris said adamantly.

"Я могу помочь вам найти работу," (YA mogu pomoch' vam nayti rabotu / I can help you find work) Anatoli said.

"После рождения ребенка," (Posle rozhdeniya rebenka / After the baby's born) Boris said.

"Is everything alright?" Amber asked when she noticed Illyana had become distressed.

"I was asking what the plan is for a living situation, but that needs to wait until after the baby is born," Anatoli answered.

"When will Illyana have the baby?" Amber asked.

"Сказала ли Эвалина, когда родится ребенок?" (Skazala li Evalina, kogda roditsya rebenok? / Did Evalina say when the baby will be born?) Anatoli asked Illyana.

"Мне сказали ожидать ребенка в ближайшие полторы недели максимум.," (Mne skazali ozhidat' rebenka v blizhayshiye poltory nedeli maksimum / I was told to expect the baby in the next week and a half at most) Illyana said.

"She said a week and a half at most," Anatoli said to Amber. "Do you think Embry would give Boris work?"

"You'll want to ask him soon; he's leaving in April."

"Shit; I forgot," Anatoli grumbled. "I will talk to him about it tomorrow."

"Don't swear in front of your sister," Amber scolded and then was distracted by a loud thump and looked at Tristan trying to play with young Anatoli, Sergei and Argo on the floor. Tristan seemed to give little thought to his fall and returned his attention immediately to playing with Argo who eagerly played with the children being noticeably gentle compared to how he played with Anatoli. "I should bring the twins back. After all this excitement they'll be fussy for bed."

"I will join you," Anatoli said and looked at Boris. Я дам тебе мой номер телефона. Позвони мне, если что-нибудь случится, но я буду здесь снова завтра." (YA dam tebe moy nomer telefona. Pozvoni mne, yesli chto-nibud' sluchitsya, no ya budu zdes' snova zavtra / I will give you my phone number. Call me if anything happens, but I will be here again tomorrow).

"Спасибо," (Spasibo / Thank you) Boris answered and took down Anatoli's home phone number.

"Я поговорю с моим боссом завтра о любых возможностях трудоустройства, которые он может предложить," (YA pogovoryu s moim bossom zavtra o lyubykh vozmozhnostyakh trudoustroystva, kotoryye on mozhet predlozhit' / I will talk to my boss tomorrow about any employment options he can offer) Anatoli said.

"Я ценю его. Ничего не происходит, пока ребенок не родится," (YA tsenyu yego. Nichego ne proiskhodit, poka rebenok ne roditsya / I appreciate it. Nothing happens until after the baby is born) Boris said.

"Не волнуйся; Я сделаю это ясно," (Ne volnuysya; YA sdelayu eto yasno / Don't worry; I'll make that clear) Anatoli answered.

Anatoli said goodnight to Boris and Illyana promising again that he'd return after work the following day to check on them and continue visiting with them but more importantly to give Boris an update of what he could work out with Embry about giving him work. Tristan got fussy when his play time with young Anatoli, Sergei and Argo ended but he calmed down once he was in the car and in his car seat. Anatoli and Amber drove home and Anatoli made sure Amber and the twins were back in the house and settled before he went back to his house. By the time he returned home, it was past Ivory's breath at work so if he wanted to talk to her, it would need to be in the middle of the night. Normally he'd call the following day and apologize, but today he really wanted to talk to her. He called the house and was able to get a hold of Tamara. He asked her to let Ivory know to call him once he returned from work. After she confirmed she would, Anatoli said good night to her and then got himself and Argo ready for bed. He eventually was awoken by the sound of his phone ringing right beside his bed and when he did, he leaned over to pick up the receiver all while Argo remained very much asleep right between Anatoli's legs no less.

"Ivory?" Anatoli said.

"I found mom's note that you wanted me to call you when I got home from work," Ivory said in a quieted voice. "Is everything alright?"

"Everything is alright," Anatoli said. "When I returned home, I received a call from Evalina that I needed to come to the Cullen house immediately. Boris brought his wife and children here."

"Boris? You mean the man you lived with in Lithuania?"

"Yes, the very same," Anatoli answered. "His wife is pregnant."

There was a moment of silence before Ivory said, "Will she be okay?"

"I hope so. Boris says she is much better now than she was before they arrived but Evalina made clear he needs to be prepared for the worst."

"Will he change her?"

"If it comes to that," Anatoli said. "I do not know if he will do it regardless or if he will only change her if her life is in danger."

"They're staying in Washington after all this right? I mean…they can't go back to Russia can they?"

"I told Boris I would try to help him find work so I think they are staying. I offered to let them stay with me but Sergei needs to go to school in the tribe. It will be a safer environment for him under the circumstances. Now that I think about it, going to the Quileute school will allow for Caleb to help him learn English."

"That's true," Ivory said. "I take if you're going to be busy for a while?"

"I think so," Anatoli said guiltily. "I am really sorry."

"I understand," Ivory said. "I know Boris must need a friend right now. Keep me posted okay?"

"I will," Anatoli said. "I promise I will call you as often as I possibly can."

"I can't wait," Ivory answered. Anatoli heard the reassuring smile in her voice and it comforted him. "I'll get to meet them come Christmas?"

"Yes; I cannot wait for you to meet them," Anatoli said. "By then, maybe they will speak English."

"I hope so," Ivory giggled. Anatoli yawned unintentionally and it made Ivory giggle a little more. "Should I let you get back to sleep?"

"I am alright," Anatoli said but despite his best efforts, he yawned again. Then Argo moved a little in his sleep that hit Anatoli in an uncomfortable way and it made him grunt. "Sūnus šuo," (Damn dog) Anatoli grumbled.

"What was that?" Ivory asked.

"Nothing; just yelling at the dog," Anatoli said.

"Don't you yell at our son, Anatoli," Ivory said.

"I will yell at our son; someone has to," Anatoli grumbled and patted Argo's hip. He slept through the whole thing; content as a cucumber.

"I'll just have to protect him from you once we've moved in together," Ivory said.

"Give it a shot," Anatoli answered flippantly with a small smile. "How was work today?"

"It was alright. There was a man that was at my table for the majority of my shift. Poor guy lost about $2000. He kept drinking the more he lost and he had to be escorted out."

"He didn't hurt you did he?"

"No, no, he didn't," Ivory reassured. "He started crying and tried hugging me, but that's about it."

"Okay," Anatoli said. "I miss you."

"I miss you too," Ivory answered. "I'm trying to decide on a florist and all this shopping around makes me long for the wedding day."

"I wish I could be of more use."

"Oh, it's alright. The beauty of being the groom is all you have to do it get your suit and show up," Ivory joked.

"I would like to be more useful than that," Anatoli said.

"Have you thought about your vows?"

"We say what the priest tells us, yes?"

"Well, if it's a church wedding you do, but we're having a non-religious wedding. I think we should say our own vows. Don't you think?"

"Yes, I think you are right," Anatoli answered but ended up yawning again.

"I'll let you get some sleep. Are you working tomorrow?"

"Yes," Anatoli said.

"All the more reason," Ivory said. "Call me when you can?"

"Of course. I love you."

"I love you too," Ivory answered and the two of them finally ended their call.

The following day, it was the start of April and Embry was getting prepared to leave. Peta was prepared to take over while he was gone and his siblings and Anatoli knew to turn to Peta should anything be needed. Embry would be contacted for help only under the strictest of emergencies. The plan was to have a big family dinner at the tribe so everyone could say goodbye and wish him good luck for while he was away, but it would be before Heather's birthday, so Embry made sure to get her a gift that he would give her before he left. He got into the office earlier than usual to make sure everything was in order when Anatoli stepped into his office.

"Anatoli? What are you doing here so early?"

"I wanted to have a chance to talk to you about something," Anatoli said. "You know my friend Boris is here with his wife and children?"

"Yes, I know," Embry said. "I assume you're wondering if we can give him work?"

"That is what I wanted to find out," Anatoli nodded.

"Does he have the same experience you do?"

"No," Anatoli said hesitantly, "but he can learn."

"I'm afraid right now if we're to hire new people, we need people that have prior experience," Embry said. "What did Boris do when he was in Lithuania?"

"He belonged to the Red Army," Anatoli answered. "By the time I knew him, his work was largely administrative. At least as far as I knew. He did not tell me much about what work he did. I suppose he was not allowed to talk about it."

"Sounds to me like Nathan might be able to give him work as an officer," Embry said. "If the military is all the man knows, perhaps a policeman for the tribe would be more so his calling."

"I will ask Nathan about it," Anatoli said.

"So long as he knows Boris is trustworthy, I'm sure Nathan will be happy to give the man work," Embry said. "Of course, as you know, first thing's first: the man needs to learn English."

"I will make sure he does," Anatoli said. "Thank you, Embry."

"Any time," Embry said. Anatoli returned his smile and was about to walk out, but Embry stopped him. "Anatoli?"

"Yes, Embry?"

"I don't know if you'd even know for sure but….has Heather been feeling better? About my leaving I mean? The few times Kevin and I can be on patrol together, he keeps telling me she seems alright but…I don't know. I feel like she's still upset with me."

"She has not told me," Anatoli said. "Heather does not usually confide in me. If anyone would know, it would be Evalynn."

"I guess," Embry said and scratched the back of his head. "I just feel weird asking a 14 year old about this kind of thing. I just wish I could think of something that I could do to make this whole thing easier."

"I do not know what else you can do," Anatoli said. "Everything will work out in the end."

"I know," Embry groaned. "I hope it will."

"Trust me Embry: you need space. You both do."

"I know," Embry groaned again. No longer wanting to talk about this, Embry straightened out while looking at the calendar. "Peta and the twins are going to be working on a bathroom remodel in Renton so you can join them for that. Mr. and Mrs. Martin want that done today and are paying extra to have the project expedited, so they'll need the extra help."

"Absolutely," Anatoli said.

Meanwhile back at the Cullen's house, Illyana was continuing to progress. She was monitored round the clock either by Carlisle or by Evalina, though Evalina made a point to be there as often as she possibly could to ensure the language barrier was not an issue. Illyana was coming along well, but it was becoming clear that the baby was still more than he body could handle despite their best efforts.

"Boris," Evalina took the man aside so they could speak privately. "Я думаю, что вероятность того, что Иллиана переживет эту беременность как человека, практически не существует." (YA dumayu, chto veroyatnost' togo, chto Illiana perezhivet etu beremennost' kak cheloveka, prakticheski ne sushchestvuyet / I think the likelihood of Illyana living through this pregnancy as a human is virtually non-existent).

"Я думал, ты сказал, что у нее все хорошо," (YA dumal, ty skazal, chto u neye vse khorosho / I thought you said she was doing well) Boris said in a panic.

"Она делает намного лучше, чем большинство в ее положении. Но факт остается фактом, что она всего лишь человек. Этот ребенок намного сильнее, чем она, и если мы не будем осторожны, ребенок убьет ее во время родов. Ребенок будет здесь в любой день. Вы должны быть готовы изменить Иллиану, как только я скажу," (Ona delayet namnogo luchshe, chem bol'shinstvo v yeye polozhenii. No fakt ostayetsya faktom, chto ona vsego lish' chelovek. Etot rebenok namnogo sil'neye, chem ona, i yesli my ne budem ostorozhny, rebenok ub'yet yeye vo vremya rodov. Rebenok budet zdes' v lyuboy den'. Vy dolzhny byt' gotovy izmenit' Illianu, kak tol'ko ya skazhu / She is doing far better than most in her position. But the fact remains that she's only human. This baby is much stronger than she is and if we aren't careful, the baby will kill her during delivery. The baby will be here any day now. You need to be ready to change Illyana the moment I say) Evalina said calmly.

Although Boris was clearly ill at ease, he eventually nodded but asked that he and Illyana have a moment alone. When Carlisle and Evalina were no longer in the room, Boris took Illyana's hand in both his and told her what Evalina had relayed to him.

"Я не могу снова потерять тебя, Иллиана," (YA ne mogu snova poteryat' tebya, Illiana / I can't lose you again, Illyana) Boris said tearfully though the physical manifestation of those tears would not come. "Я не могу быть без тебя снова." (YA ne mogu byt' bez tebya snova / I can't be without you again).

"Делай, как сказала Эвалина, любовь моя. Измени меня. Я сказал вам: я приму любую боль, если это означает, что мы можем остаться вместе и быть семьей" (Delay, kak skazala Evalina, lyubov' moya. Izmeni menya. YA skazal vam: ya primu lyubuyu bol', yesli eto oznachayet, chto my mozhem ostat'sya vmeste i byt' sem'yey / Do as Evalina said, my love. Change me. I told you: I will take any pain if it means we can stay together and be a family) Illyana said and leaned over to give Boris a kiss. "Мы можем начать новую жизнь здесь." (My mozhem nachat' novuyu zhizn' zdes' / We can start a new life here).

Boris reciprocated her kiss lovingly and kept his forehead against hers. "После того, как вы изменились, ничто не разлучит нас снова. Ничего такого." (Posle togo, kak vy izmenilis', nichto ne razluchit nas snova. Nichego takogo / After you are changed nothing will tear us apart again. Nothing.)

"Ничего," (Nichego) Illyana agreed with a smile. "Ты помнишь первый раз, когда сказал, что любишь меня?" (Ty pomnish' pervyy raz, kogda skazal, chto lyubish' menya? / Do you remember the first time you told me you love me?).

"Как будто было вчера," (Kak budto bylo vchera / As though it were yesterday) Boris said longingly.

He remembered it well: they had been waiting for a chance to lay eyes upon Lenin's body to pay their respects to a Communist hero. It was the anniversary of his death and the line to see the patriot seemed to go on forever. The two of them had talked the whole three hours they'd waited for their opportunity to pay their respects. Boris held her hand, stole a kiss more than once and whispered sweet nothing in her ear all while also maintaining a conversation about their day to day lives since last they'd seen one another. When they'd finally had their turn to see Lenin's body – appearing immaculate just as had been said despite the years since his death – Boris leaned down to her ear and whispered, 'I love you'. Illyana had shivered with longing and the smile on her face was the highlight of his day. Then after they'd left the mausoleum together hand in hand only to sneak away until they were behind a bakery with a very private back ally where they'd made love for the first time. Not a week later, Boris went to Illyana's father to ask for her hand in marriage.

"Ты помнишь? Ты обещал мне, тогда ты передвинешь небо и землю для меня. Вы обещали, что мы будем вместе навсегда," (Ty pomnish'? Ty obeshchal mne, togda ty peredvinesh' nebo i zemlyu dlya menya. Vy obeshchali, chto my budem vmeste navsegda / Do you remember? You promised me then you would move heaven and earth for me. You promised we would be together forever) Illyana said. Boris looked forlorn when the memory flashed through his mind of when he'd been rendered liar. Even now, holding her in his arms as though it never happened, the image of Illyana and their son being flung from a building and hung before his eyes haunted him. "Мы сейчас вместе, Борис. Анатолий собрал нас вместе. Теперь время может быть навсегда." (My seychas vmeste, Boris. Anatoliy sobral nas vmeste. Teper' vremya mozhet byt' navsegda / We're together now, Boris. Anatoli brought us back together. Now that time can be forever).

"С уверенностью," (S uverennost'yu / with certainty) Boris promised and kissed her again. "Я люблю тебя, Иллиана. От всего сердца люблю тебя." (YA lyublyu tebya, Illiana. Ot vsego serdtsa lyublyu tebya / I love you, Illyana. With all my heart I love you).

"Я тоже тебя люблю, товарищ," (YA tozhe tebya lyublyu, tovarishch / I love you too, comrade) Illyana smiled and made Boris chuckle a little before they shared another kiss.

Since it was apparent that they would be staying permanently, Renesmee prepared a curriculum for Sergei so they could get him up so speed with his grade rang. While he'd gone to school in the Soviet Union, it was a completely different world for him and Caleb was tasked with acting as Sergei's tutor. Even though Sergei was a little older than Caleb, the first and foremost concern was to help Sergei learn English. The same applied to young Anatoli, but Dimitri took over that task. Anatoli visited every day with Argo at his side so Sergei and young Anatoli so the boys could play with the dog. To give Amber a break, Anatoli would bring Heather, Levi and the twins with him so they could visit family.

"Спасибо, что принесли своих братьев и сестер. Я думаю, что мальчики нуждались в общении. Я был так поглощен Иллианой, что мальчики должны думать, что мы их забыли," (Spasibo, chto prinesli svoikh brat'yev i sester. YA dumayu, chto mal'chiki nuzhdalis' v obshchenii. YA byl tak pogloshchen Illianoy, chto mal'chiki dolzhny dumat', chto my ikh zabyli / Thank you for bringing your siblings. I think the boys needed the companionship. I've been so absorbed with Illyana that the boys must think we've forgotten them) Boris said.

"Я рад помочь. Я попросил Эмбри дать вам работу в его фирме," (YA rad pomoch'. YA poprosil Embri dat' vam rabotu v yego firme / I'm happy to help. I asked Embry about giving you a job with his contracting firm) Anatoli said.

"Я не подрядчик, Анатолий. Я солдат," (YA ne podryadchik, Anatoliy. YA soldat / I'm not a contractor, Anatoli. I'm a soldier) Boris answered.

"Да, Эмбри согласился с вашим мнением. Вместо этого он предложил тебе поработать на Натана. Он является главой полиции с племени. Позицией может быть не солдат, но по крайней мере вы будете работать," (Da, Embri soglasilsya s vashim mneniyem. Vmesto etogo on predlozhil tebe porabotat' na Natana. On yavlyayetsya glavoy politsii s plemeni. Pozitsiyey mozhet byt' ne soldat, no po krayney mere vy budete rabotat' / Yes, Embry agreed with your sentiment. He suggested instead that you could work for Nathan. He is head of the Police Force with the tribe. The position might not be a soldier, but at least you would be working) Anatoli said.

"Я буду беспокоиться о работе, когда Ильяна станет лучше Но спасибо, что присматривал за мной," (YA budu bespokoit'sya o rabote, kogda Il'yana stanet luchshe No spasibo, chto prismatrival za mnoy / I will worry about work once Illyana is better. But thank you for looking out for me) Boris said.

"Абсолютно," (Absolyutno / Absolutely) Anatoli answered.

The remainder of that week, Boris was on edge. Illyana was remarkably calm though likely for the benefit of Boris and their sons. Carlisle and Evalina were doing everything they could for her but even with all the blood she was drinking to support the baby, she was still growing weaker while the baby was growing stronger. Then one day when Anatoli came to the Cullen house after work, it was apparent to him that Illyana would have the baby that night if not by tomorrow. Illyana had been in pain all day, but it had not been contractions. Then in an instant, that all changed and what had taken hours with both her other pregnancies seemed to happen in minutes.

"Эта боль никогда не была такой сильной," (Eta bol' nikogda ne byla takoy sil'noy / This pain has never been so bad) Illyana cried as a powerful contraction took over her body.

"How far has she dilated?" Evalina asked Carlisle as he was checking.

"She's only 7 centimeters now, but at this rate, she'll reach 10 centimeters within the next five minutes at most," Carlisle said.

"Boris," Evalina said to get the man's attention. "Она будет готова начать толкать в ближайшее время. Как только она родит ребенка, вам нужно будет действовать." (Ona budet gotova nachat' tolkat' v blizhaysheye vremya. Kak tol'ko ona rodit rebenka, vam nuzhno budet deystvovat' / She will be ready to begin pushing soon. Once she's had the baby is when you will need to act).

"Boris," Illyana cried and clutched onto his hand. The pain from her contractions continued without rest and it took everything in her not to scream, but she simply couldn't fight back tears.

"Я здесь," (YA zdes' / I'm here) Boris promised her in a tender voice and kept his head near hers to help keep her cooled down.

Illyana cried as she clutched Boris's hand and, as he'd done before, Anatoli was with them the whole time ready to restrain Boris if it was needed. Thankfully despite the smell of blood already being in the air, Illyana's water having broken, Boris was unconcerned with it and focused entirely on comforting Illyana. As Carlisle predicted, mere minutes later she had dilated to the full 10 centimeters and when she had, she began feeling even more pain as if the baby were fighting to get out of her. Evalina coached Illyana through pushing which she did despite the great pain from her contractions combined with the tearing and blunt force. Anatoli heard Boris hiss from the smell of all the blood but the man kept his composure, crushing the back of the gurney to make sure he wasn't focused on the smell of blood. Despite her efforts, Illyana was growing weaker the harder she pushed and by the time a baby's cry filled the room, she was barely coherent.

"Ребенок девушка," (Rebenok devushka / It's a girl) Evalina said to Boris and Illyana. Illyana managed to smile weakly and reached out to take the baby. Boris saw Illyana and was instantly panicky, looking right at Evalina. "Дайте ей минуту, чтобы сначала держать ребенка," (Dayte yey minutu, chtoby snachala derzhat' rebenka / Give her a moment to hold the baby first) Evalina said to Boris. Meanwhile, Illyana was focused on the little girl in her arms.

"Наконец-то у нас появилась дочь Борис," (Nakonets-to u nas poyavilas' doch' Boris / We finally have a daughter, Boris) Illyana said in a hushed, weak voice. "Nadeshka."

Forcing himself to be in the moment with Illyana, Boris said, "Она прекрасна; она выглядит так же, как ты." (Ona prekrasna; ona vyglyadit tak zhe, kak ty / She's beautiful; she looks just like you).

"У нее твои глаза," (U neye tvoi glaza / She has your eyes) Illyana smiled and rubbed the baby's cheek. Nadeshka brought her nose to Illyana's finger and bit her. Illyana gasped at the pain but did not lose her grip on the baby. "Не кусай меня, Надешка," (Ne kusay menya, Nadeshka / Do not bite me, Nadeshka) Illyana scolded, but there was no power behind her voice.

"Анатолий, возьми Надешку," (Anatoliy, voz'mi Nadeshku / Anatoli, take Nadeshka) Boris ordered and Anatoli came to the gurney to take the baby. Illyana didn't have the strength to argue and she was beginning to fade, her heart beat slowing down. When Boris realized it, he took her wrist and bit, causing her to cry. "Мне жаль," (Mne zhal' / I'm sorry) Boris said and kissed the spot he'd bitten. "Клянусь, боль скоро пройдет. Три дня и боль уйдет. Я обещаю." (Klyanus', bol' skoro proydet. Tri dnya i bol' uydet. YA obeshchayu / I swear the pain will be over soon. Three days and the pain will go away. I promise).

For a moment, her heart beat continued to slow and she looked as though she were moments from losing consciousness, but the moment the venom began to move through her veins and she could feel its ruthless and relentless burn, Illyana's heart rate spiked and her eyes widened. Then she shut her eyes violently while slamming her teeth together to force herself not to scream as the burn continued to spread. Not being able to do anything else, Boris held Illyana close and continued to apologize for the pain he was causing her.

"Boris," Illyana cried when his head rested against her chest, "пожалуйста, спой мне." (pozhaluysta, spoy mne / Please sing to me). The request took Boris by surprise and for a moment he was speechless. Though he quickly recovered and sang to her one of her favorite folk songs: Dark Eyed Cossack Girl. When Boris sang quietly to her, his deep voice bringing her comfort, she showed him the barest smile despite the pain she was in.

While Boris was attending to Illyana, Anatoli took Nadeshka downstairs. The boys had been kept downstairs so as to avoid any possible incident, but now that the baby was born, Sergei and young Anatoli could finally meet their little sister Nadeshka. Evalina remained upstairs in case she was needed while Carlisle came downstairs so Nadeshka could be fed some blood. She'd already nipped Anatoli twice and had told the little girl not to do so. Once her blood was prepared, Carlisle took Nadeshka in his arms so he could feed her. Once she had her bottle, she finally calmed down and enjoyed.

"Где мама?" (Gde mama? / Where is mama?) young Anatoli asked his elder.

"Ей становится лучше, но ей нужно еще несколько дней, чтобы восстановиться," (Yey stanovitsya luchshe, no yey nuzhno yeshche neskol'ko dney, chtoby vosstanovit'sya / She is getting better, but she will need a few more days to recover) Anatoli answered the boy carefully. Sergei watched the baby girl nervously a moment.

"Что она?" (Chto Ona? / What is she?) Sergei finally asked.

"Она твоя маленькая сестра. Это все, что важно," (Ona tvoya malen'kaya sestra. Eto vse, chto vazhno / She is your little sister. That is all that is important) Anatoli said. While he didn't understand what they'd said, Carlisle saw that Sergei was apprehensive about the little girl. Once she'd finished the contents of her bottle, Carlisle smiled at the boy.

"Would you like to hold her?" Carlisle asked. When Sergei realized Carlisle was talking to him, he looked at Anatoli.

"Что он сказал?" (Chto on skazal? / What did he say?) Sergei asked.

"Он спросил, не хотите ли вы подержать Надешку," (On sprosil, ne khotite li vy poderzhat' Nadeshku / He asked if you would like to hold Nadeshka) Anatoli translated. Sergei shook his head and took a step back.

"Могу ли я держать ее?" (Mogu li ya derzhat' yeye / Can I hold her?) young Anatoli asked holding his arms out.

"Heidi, help him," Dimitri said and Heidi came up behind Anatoli so she could help him and once Heidi was by his side, Carlisle passed Nadeshka to young Anatoli so he could see his sister. Heidi kept her arms under Anatoli's to act as support in case his arms got tired.

"Mom, can I see the baby?" Emma Leigh asked Rosalie.

"Of course you can," Rosalie smiled and Emma Leigh went to young Anatoli to see the baby. Nadeshka truly looked like her parents: black hair, fair skin and her eyes were already starting to darken to their permanent brown color.

"Продолжай, Сергей. Держи свою младшую сестру," (Prodolzhay, Sergey. Derzhi svoyu mladshuyu sestru / Go on, Sergei. Hold your little sister) Anatoli tried to encourage. Sergei stared at his sister remaining extremely apprehensive, but his little brother turned to face Sergei with a big smile with Nadeshka in his arms. That softened Sergei a little and he finally extended his arms to accept his little sister.

"Я полагаю, она не так плоха," (YA polagayu, ona ne tak plokha / I suppose she isn't so bad) Sergei finally said. Although he was quick to pass Nadeshka to Carlisle. When Anatoli had a chance, he went to the kitchen where the phone was so he could call Ivory. He claimed it was an emergency which perhaps he shouldn't have done, but he really wanted to talk to Ivory. He waited a few minutes before Ivory finally picked up the receiver.

"Anatoli?"

"Hey Ivory," Anatoli said. "I am sorry to say it was an emergency, but I wanted to talk to you. Illyana had the baby. A little girl: Nadeshka."

"That's wonderful," Ivory said with a smile in her voice. "Tell Boris and Illyana I said congratulations."

"I will when I can," Anatoli said. "She is changing now."

"She is?" Ivory asked and a brief silence passed until she spoke again. "Was the labor bad?"

"I am told it could have been far worse, but by the time Nadeshka was born, she had lost a lot of blood and she was fading. Boris bit her when Nadeshka was out and that was about an hour ago."

"So she won't be back in commission for another few days?"

"Yes," Anatoli said. "She asked Boris to sing to her just as I was leaving the room."

"Did she?" Ivory asked. "Is Boris a good singer?"

"He's no Leonid Kharitonov, but he's not bad," Anatoli said.

"Who?"

"Never mind," Anatoli chuckled a little to himself. "Illyana made him sing to her when she was in labor with their youngest and it was really sweet."

"That does sound sweet," Ivory smiled. "Speaking of babies, how's mine?"

"Argo is doing fine," Anatoli said. "He has enjoyed the attention Sergei and Anatoli are giving him. Right now he is sleeping on the couch in the living room."

"I'm glad to hear it," Ivory said.

"So Ivory, has everything been alright at work? You have not had to deal with any issues?"

"I promise everything's fine," Ivory reassured. "I haven't seen Ben in days."

"Okay," Anatoli answered, "but if that changes-"

"If it changes you're the first I will tell," Ivory promised. "Oh, while I'm thinking about it: has Aunt Amber had a chance to work on our Unity Candle?"

"I do not think she has started yet. When she makes Unity Candles that is typically finished about four months in advance I think she said."

"Okay, that should be fine. Have you decided who will be your groomsmen? You need a Best Man and a regular groomsman."

"I have not had a chance to think about it really."

"Okay. Think about who you want standing up with us," Ivory said. Anatoli overheard Joe in the background and shortly thereafter Ivory said, "I had better get back to the floor. I'll talk to you later okay?"

"Alright. I love you, Ivory."

"I love you too," Ivory answered and the two of them disconnected.

Anatoli had to return home eventually, but before he left he went up to Carlisle's office to check on Boris and Illyana. When he approached, Boris was still singing to Illyana; he now sang The Artilleryman's Song to her in a quiet voice so it could be just for her. Anatoli couldn't believe Illyana was so quiet. Boris had certainly not been so silent during his transition. Far from it. After Boris finished singing his latest song, Anatoli finally came to him to wish him goodnight and promised he'd return after work the following day to check on him. In the time during Illyana's transition, Boris kept the boys out of Carlisle's office and the Cullens took care of them and Nadeshka while they waited. While they waited, all they could do was try to go about as usual. Sergei continued his schooling as it had been arranged: going to the tribal school each day with Caleb at his side to act as a tutor, translator and English teacher while Heidi and Dimitri did the same for young Anatoli on an elementary level. When Saturday finally came, Anatoli brought Kevin, Amber and his siblings to the Cullen house. The twins played with young Anatoli with supervision and Levi stayed with Caleb and Sergei, though largely left out given Sergei's still limited English. Kyle and Evalina, the two of them having a rare day to themselves, were also at the Cullen house with Evalynn.

"How's studying going?" Heather asked Evalynn while the two of them were outside on swings together.

"Exhausting," Evalynn said. "The way Grandma has me studying, I'm beginning to think college will be a breeze by comparison."

"She's just fostering your potential," Heather said. "I wish I could say I was jealous, but there's something to be said about being a normal high school student."

"Must be nice," Evalynn teased.

"Hey, you're the one that said you want to go to medical school," Heather giggled.

Evalynn sighed heavily, "It'll be worth it. It'll be worth it," repeating it over and over again like a little motivational chant. "Grandma thinks I might be able to graduate high school in the next two years and if I keep up all my hard work I could even get into Yale by the time I'm 17."

"Sounds like one hell of an accomplishment," Heather said. "Try not to be too much like Uncle Kyle though."

"Why shouldn't I be? Daddy built a hospital for the tribe for all his hard work."

"Yeah, but he also didn't get married until he was over forty."

"So? I'm never getting married anyway."

"What makes you say that?" Heather asked.

"You know exactly why," Evalynn replied and kicked her legs a little harder so the swing would take her high from side to side. After a moment, she stopped kicking and the swing began to slow it's sway. All the while, Heather stayed quiet since Evalynn was clearly contemplating something. "I don't know how to tell them."

"Uncle Kyle would understand," Heather said.

"It's not daddy I'm scared of," Evalynn said. "I know daddy would understand…..no one else would though. I don't know what would be worse: pretending I'm something I'm not or dealing with the harassment of coming out."

Heather was silent a moment but then said, "Are you sure? I mean…how do you know you aren't just…..going through a phase I guess?"

"I don't know, Heather. How do you know your crush on Embry isn't just a 'phase'? How do you know you're actually attracted to men?" Evalynn asked flippantly.

"Okay, fine, I get it; stupid question," Heather said. "Still, just because you're….not into men doesn't mean you can't meet someone. You might meet the girl of your dreams."

"Will she have the courage to be with me, though?"

"If she doesn't, then she doesn't deserve you," Heather smiled. Evalynn looked at Heather and finally smiled back.

"I guess," Evalynn said. "I wish I were attracted to men. It would make my life so much easier but…I'm just not. I can't even meet people the way most people can. If we have other girls at my school like me, I wouldn't know it since they don't advertise it."

"I guess you just need to be bold," Heather said. "You're certainly like that in most other aspects of your life."

"I guess so," Evalynn said. "Do you think I should tell daddy and start from there?"

"That's where I'd start," Heather said encouragingly.

Since he was at the tribe, Anatoli made a point to visit Nathan so as to present the possibility of working for the tribe's police station. While he was receptive, he did give the answer Anatoli was anticipating: teach the man English and he'll have a job. Anatoli promised he'd do just that once Illyana was better and they could devote their time to the endeavor. Nothing changed until well into the evening. Boris had not stopped singing gently to Illyana since Nadeshka was born and had held her hand the whole time. Her heartbeat had been consistent over the past few days but he could tell she was changing. Her black hair had become shinier, her pale skin became paler and was flawless like a porcelain doll. Her body became cooler to the touch with each passing moment and any injury she'd suffered healed before his eyes. Her smell changed from the mouthwatering smell of blood to something sweet and sensual and it bolstered Boris through the whole transition. Then, finally, her heart stopped. Boris stopped singing that instant and looked at Illyana. She breathed out as if sleeping peacefully and when Boris said her name, she opened her bright red eyes and looked right at him.

"Боль прошла?" (Bol' proshla? / Is it over?) Illyana asked. Her voice was like a song to his ears and it made him smile.

"Да, моя любовь. Боль прошла," (Yes, my love. It's over) Boris said and earned a loving smile before she sat up. Then she looked around taking in her new senses.

"Nadeshka," she said, "Sergei. Anatoli. Где они?" (Gde oni? / Where are they?).

"Внизу. Доктор и его семья позаботились о них," (Vnizu. Doktor i yego sem'ya pozabotilis' o nikh / Downstairs. The doctor and his family have looked after them) Boris said. He took Illyana's face in his hands and pressed a kiss to her lips. Finally he could present the same passion as he used to when they were both human. He didn't have to treat her as he would precious glass that could break with the slightest wrong move. Illyana reciprocated with the same passion and when their lips parted, she smiled at him.

"Сколько времени прошло с тех пор, как ты поцеловал меня с такой силой?" (Skol'ko vremeni proshlo s tekh por, kak ty potseloval menya s takoy siloy? / How long has it been since you've kissed me with so much force?) she asked.

"Слишком долго," (Slishkom dolgo / Too long) Boris said and kissed her again. When they parted again, Boris said, "Мне нужно взять тебя на охоту." (Mne nuzhno vzyat' tebya na okhotu / I need to take you hunting).

"Сначала я хочу увидеть детей," (Snachala ya khochu uvidet' detey / I want to see the children first) Illyana said. Boris nodded at her with a smile and took her hand to lead her downstairs. When they came downstairs, Sergei, Anatoli and Nadeshka were all asleep either on the couch or in Esme's arms. She went to her sons first and kissed them both but she kept it quick. When she came close to them, she felt a horrible burn in her throat like she was parched. Then she looked at Nadeshka and approached Esme so she could see her daughter. "Она уже так выросла." (Ona uzhe tak vyrosla / She has already grown so much).

"Половина быстро растет," (Polovina bystro rastet / Half breeds age quickly) Anatoli answered.

"Пожалуйста, дайте мне обнять ее," (Pozhaluysta, dayte mne obnyat' yeye / Please let me hold her) Illyana said to Esme and Anatoli translated for her. Esme handed Nadeshka over to Illyana and she began to sway back and forth gently and smiled at Nadeshka. She went to the couch sitting on the floor so she was beside Sergei and Anatoli before singing a little nursery rhyme to the children. Anatoli knew the song in an instant and began to hum along with Illyana.

"Boris's mother used to sing this song to you?" Amber asked Anatoli. Anatoli's only answer was a nod while he continued humming. While Illyana sang, young Anatoli started squirming but Illyana stopped him with a gentle touch to his back and a kiss to his cheek between verses. After she finished the song, Illyana went back to Esme and handed Nadeshka to her.

"Мы с твоим отцом скоро вернемся, Надешка," (My s tvoim ottsom skoro vernemsya, Nadeshka / Your father and I will return soon, Nadeshka) Illyana cooed, kissed her daughter's cheek and went to Boris.

"I assume you will insist on that 'hunting animals' nonsense?" Dimitri asked Carlisle.

"Yes, we must insist," Carlisle nodded.

"I'll take them somewhere out of state," Dimitri said and then informed Boris and Illyana they would have to be far away so as not to disrupt the agreement between the tribe and the Cullens. Boris and Illyana complied but were clearly very confused by the notion. "Я объясню, пока мы путешествуем," (YA ob"yasnyu, poka my puteshestvuyem / I'll explain while we're traveling) Dimitri said to them and the three of them left together in a full run.

"And so your coven expands," Heidi said to Carlisle with a smile.

"That's assuming they stay."

"They're staying," Anatoli answered Carlisle. "When I had changed Boris, it was in enough time that he could return to life as usual without causing a problem. This time he's been gone too long. If he tried to return to Russia now, they wouldn't have the life they had. You're under a microscope as a normal citizen. If you work for the government, that's tenfold. Nathan said once I have him speaking English, he can give Boris work."

"Why bother?" Heidi asked.

"Boris is not one to sit around idly doing nothing," Anatoli said. "Neither is Illyana for that matter, but she might be able to tolerate being a house wife. They're used to sharing a house with a large number of people, so I am sure staying here will not bother them."

"They're welcome to stay with us," Esme said. "We can always prepare rooms for Sergei and little Anatoli."

Anatoli smirked humorously and looked at the sleeping boys, "You hear that boys? You will be getting your own rooms."

"Nadeshka will need a room as well," Esme said.

"She can have ours," Alice spoke up. "Jasper and I don't use it anyway. We can start redecorating the rooms right away."

"I say let Illyana take control of decorating Nadeshka's room," Esme said.

"If you leave it to Illyana she will not do much," Anatoli said.

"We should still keep her involved. She deserves her nesting period even if she isn't used to how we would do it," Rosalie said.

"Just try not to go overboard," Anatoli said.

It was several hours before Dimitri returned with Illyana and Boris and when they did, Sergei and young Anatoli were awake and eating pancakes that Esme had made for them while Carlisle was feeding Nadeshka a bottle of blood. When Illyana stepped into the house and the boys noticed her, Sergei was taken aback by her eyes for a moment, but young Anatoli was not concerned with it.

"Mama!" Anatoli cheered and left the table to go right to her. Illyana smiled and kneeled to take Anatoli into her arms in a hug. Once the shock had worn off, Sergei left the table to greet Illyana just as warmly as Anatoli had.

"Я чувствую запах блинов?" (YA chuvstvuyu zapakh blinov? / Do I smell pancakes?) Illyana asked.

"Да! Эсме сделала их для нас!" (Da! Esme sdelala ikh dlya nas! / Yes! Esme made them for us!) Anatoli cheered.

"Она сделала? Ты лучше скажи спасибо Эсме за ее щедрость," (Ona sdelala? Ty luchshe skazhi spasibo Esme za yeye shchedrost' / She did? You had better say thank you to Esme for her generosity) Illyana smiled back.

"Хотелось бы бабушкин клубничный джем с блинами," (Khotelos' by babushkin klubnichnyy dzhem s blinami / I wish we could have grandma's strawberry jam with the pancakes) Sergei lamented.

"Я сделаю варенье для тебя," (YA sdelayu varen'ye dlya tebya / I will make jam for you) Illyana said and petted Sergei's head affectionately. "Вернитесь к столу и закончите завтрак." (Vernites' k stolu i zakonchite zavtrak / Return to the table and finish your breakfast). The boys did as she said and returned to the kitchen to eat their pancakes. Illyana and Boris followed after then and Illyana took Nadeshka in her arms and finished feeding her the bottle of blood she was enjoying. Nadeshka smiled at her through the nipple of the bottle and Illyana smiled back at her. "Моя прекрасная Надешка," (Moya prekrasnaya Nadeshka / My beautiful Nadeshka) Illyana said to her daughter. Boris came up behind Illyana taking her into his arms and staring down at Nadeshka as well.

"Dimitri," Boris said after a moment. "У меня есть важные дела, с которыми мне нужно разобраться в Советском Союзе, прежде чем мы сможем начать нашу жизнь здесь." (U menya yest' vazhnyye dela, s kotorymi mne nuzhno razobrat'sya v Sovetskom Soyuze, prezhde chem my smozhem nachat' nashu zhizn' zdes' / I have important matters that I need to sort out back in the Soviet Union before we can start our life here). Illyana glanced at Boris while he continued. "Могу ли я попросить вас пойти со мной?" (Mogu li ya poprosit' vas poyti so mnoy? / Could I request that you come with me?).

"Конечно. Какие вопросы вам нужно учитывать?" (Konechno. Kakiye voprosy vam nuzhno uchityvat'? / Of course. What matters do you need to attend to?) Dimitri asked.

"Некоторые практические, а некоторые личные," (Nekotoryye prakticheskiye, a nekotoryye lichnyye / Some practical and some persona) Boris answered before returning his attention to Illyana. "Я позабочусь о том, чтобы моя поездка была короткой." (YA pozabochus' o tom, chtoby moya poyezdka byla korotkoy / I will ensure my trip is brief).

"Могу я пойти с тобой?" (Mogu ya poyti s toboy? / Can I come with you?) Sergei asked.

"Нет," (Net / No) Boris said. "Вы остаетесь здесь со своей матерью и братьями и сестрами." (Vy ostayetes' zdes' so svoyey mater'yu i brat'yami i sestrami / You stay here with your mother and siblings). Boris kissed Illyana, then Nadeshka and then went to Sergei and Anatoli giving them the same treatment. Then he gently took a hold of Sergei's chin. "Вы присматриваете за матерью, братом и сестрой, пока меня нет." (Vy prismatrivayete za mater'yu, bratom i sestroy, poka menya net / You look after your mother, brother and sister while I'm away).

"Я буду, отец," (YA budu, otets / I will, father) Sergei answered and Boris smiled at him.

"Как долго вы будете отсутствовать?" (Kak dolgo vy budete otsutstvovat'? / How long will you be away?) Illyana asked.

"Только до тех пор, пока я не разберусь с некоторыми важными вопросами," (Tol'ko do tekh por, poka ya ne razberus' s nekotorymi vazhnymi voprosami / Only until I have sorted out some important matters) Boris promised and pressed a kiss to Illyana's lips before walking out with Dimitri.

While Boris was away, Illyana encouraged the boys to continue along the routine they'd thus far developed. With Heidi's help, Illyana dove right into learning English going so far as to take lessons alongside her sons. Anatoli did what he could for Illyana and the boys as well, remaining a frequent visitor bringing his siblings with so they could all visit. Tristan and young Anatoli were becoming fast friends but Tristan would not call Anatoli by his full name. He reasoned, at least according to Edward given Tristan still had trouble expressing himself in words at his age, that Anatoli was his big brother so instead of calling young Anatoli his full name Tristan called him Lee. Once it had been explained to Anatoli in Russian what Tristan was doing, he quite liked the nickname and insisted he wanted everyone to call him that. Illyana giggled at his request and pressed a kiss to his cheek agreeing she would call him Lee from now on.

Then it was finally Heather's birthday. Embry would be leaving the following day, but everyone was at Amber's and Kevin's house for Heather's birthday party. When Embry arrived at Kevin's house, his gift for Heather was in his hand wrapped up in newspaper. There was a collection of gifts for Heather on the kitchen table, but Embry didn't put his gift there and kept holding it.

"There you are," Kevin said as soon as he noticed Embry and was already bringing him a beer. "You have everything ready to leave tomorrow?"

"Yeah, I do," Embry nodded. "I'm meeting Alphonse at the office tomorrow afternoon so I don't really have very long to relax once I get to New York."

"Do you want me to call him and ask to give you until Monday?"

"No, it's fine. The man's eager and I can't blame him. I just hope he has a plan."

"Don't worry; he does," Kevin said and patted Embry's shoulder. "Do you want to put that on the table?" Kevin pointed at the present in Embry's hand.

"No, I'd rather just give it to her now," Embry said. He looked towards the exit to the backyard and saw Heather standing with several of her friends, Evalynn among them, talking and having a good time. "Never mind. It can wait."

"It's not a bracelet is it? If it is, I'm not comfortable with you doing that."

"No, it's not a bracelet," Embry said. "It's my old dog tags."

"Ah," Kevin said. "I see. Well, I know she'll appreciate it. In the meantime, just relax and enjoy yourself. Alphonse can be a slave driver so you should enjoy the freedom while it lasts."

"I thought my contract stated no slave driving?" Embry joked.

"I'm afraid that exact wording isn't in your contract," Kevin chuckled. "In all seriousness though, you'll do great. Alphonse is excited for his retirement house and I promise he'll brag to anyone that'll listen and that'll mean jealous friends that want the same treatment which means more business."

"I'm looking forward to it," Embry smiled. While Kevin and Embry talked, Heather finally noticed them from the backyard.

"Heather?" one of her friends said, getting her attention back.

"Sorry, Lucy, what were you saying?" Heather asked.

"I asked if you finished your biology project," Lucy repeated.

"Yeah; finished it Thursday. It's due Monday isn't it?" Heather answered but quickly looked back at Kevin and Embry, but they were already leaving the front entrance and going further into the house.

"I haven't finished it yet," Lucy lamented. "Karen, is yours done?"

"Almost," Karen answered, "but I'm trying to make sure I've got my reference page correct. I tell you what: I hate APA citation! Give me MLA any day."

"I prefer APA," Evalynn said. "You don't have to go to the back for all the evidence."

"No way. MLA you can fill it out on the back page and put it to the side while you finish your paper," another friend said. "I've had to add 'd' to all my pages. The D button on the type writer doesn't work; stupid thing."

"Do you want to burrow mine?" Karen asked. Heather wasn't really paying attention to the conversation anymore. She kept looking into the house hoping she'd see Embry again but he wasn't appearing. "So Heather, are you excited to start driving school next year?"

"Sure," Heather answered after making sure she'd heard the question right. "It'll be nice not to have to rely on my parents or brother for a ride."

"No kidding," Karen said.

"Is your dad buying you a car?" Lucy asked. "What kind?"

"I haven't really thought about it yet," Heather said. "Honestly, I may just buy it myself."

"Don't let it get around you're doing that," Lucy said. "It's bad enough daddy's telling me I need to get a job this summer pronto."

"Ditto," Karen said and the other girls nodded their head.

"Maybe we can all get work at the mall!" Lucy suggested. "That way when we're on our breaks, we can hang out."

"I love it," Karen agreed and Heather just nodded with a smile.

Anatoli eventually made it to the house with Argo at his side and when he gave the dog the order to relax, Argo burst forward to the backyard and was met with several children that wanted to play with him. He was happy to receive the attention. Sergei and young Anatoli, or Lee, came along with Anatoli while Illyana stayed at the Cullen House with Nadeshka. They occupied themselves with the dog with Caleb, Levi and the twins acting as familiar faces though Sergei and Lee spoke exclusively to Caleb since he was the only one that spoke Russian. Kevin and Embry were inside with the other family members either relaxing or working on lunch for everyone. Anna and Amber were governing that project with other female family members while Kevin kept the fathers and other male family members busy.

"I can't believe she's fifteen," Kevin said.

"Neither can I," Embry Jr. said. "It seems like just yesterday I was trying to protect her from Amber threatening to make Heather eat peas."

"Now you have to beat her away with a stick," Taraq joked only to get a firm punch to the arm from Embry Jr. "Jesus! Calm down!"

"Thanks Embry," Kevin said and sipped his beer. "Fuck me; she's started driving school next school year."

"We'll start lining the roads with mattresses and tires," Nathan said.

"Hell, I'll do it," Gabriel said, "save me all the trouble of carrying drunks back home."

"I assure you they appreciate it when you do," Ariel chuckled. "Dad, we told you about Garret getting too drunk to walk much less drive home?"

"Yes, and it still makes me laugh," Nathan chuckled. Garret, though an active man that worked for a factory outside town, was a rather hefty man.

"Remember when he came back the next damn night to thank you for getting him home?" Ariel asked.

"I believe he commended me for summoning my inner God of War as he put it and carrying him home," Gabriel chuckled.

"Carried him like a freshly caught deer," Ariel laughed.

"Deer my ass! More like a damned brown bear," Gabriel said and they all laughed. "Snored like one too. Thank God Garret's got a good sense of humor at least. So dad, you said you're giving the Russian work?"

"Once he learns English," Nathan said. "Speaking of; when's he getting back?"

"Soon I hope," Anatoli answered. "The boys are adjusting well at least."

"They're doing just fine," Jacob said. "Sergei's still getting used to everyone but he's starting to warm up to us. Caleb's doing wonders with him."

"That is good to know," Anatoli said. "And Anatoli – excuse me. Lee," Anatoli smiled a little having been firmly corrected by the little boy earlier that day, "Lee is doing well?"

"He's a very smart little boy," Edward praised. "His English is already improving. Starting young works to his favor too, but he'll be fluent by the time we have him in first grade."

"Good," Anatoli said. "So Embry, are you excited for tomorrow?"

"Nervous, but it's a good thing," Embry said. "I think if this goes well, I'll hire more people for the business. Or put more of you free loaders to work," he directed the statement to his other little brothers and Travis.

"I have a job, Embry; cool your heels," Travis sighed. "I pay you for the rent don't I?"

"Yes, and that tax break for owning rental property is one hell of a bonus," Embry chuckled. "I'm considering having more. Maybe we can make ourselves an apartment building."

"Start with the tribe," Jacob said. "A bunch of the tribe is starting to live in Forks but the prices aren't great. We should have less expensive housing options for them."

"Got it," Embry said. "We'll even give members of the tribe priority."

"Be careful with that; it could be labeled discrimination. That's the last thing you want to deal with," Kevin said.

"If anyone cries 'discrimination', I'll laugh in their damn face," Jacob grumbled. "Aren't we considered a sovereign nation?"

"To an extent yes," Kevin said, "but not so much so that laws in the United States are exempt on Quileute Tribal grounds."

"Oh well," Jacob shrugged, "At least I've got a lawyer."

"And a doctor and a cop," Embry Sr. chuckled.

"Yes sir," Jacob smiled proudly.

"Probably the most ironic job you could have, dad," Gabriel smiled.

"I would argue my criminal record makes me a better cop," Nathan said and ruffled Gabriel's hair. "You've got hair like your mother, boy."

"Don't be jealous, dad," Gabriel said.

Since they needed to get to the bar, Ariel and Gabriel weren't able to stay very long. Gabriel said goodbye to Emma Leigh before leaving and told her to have a good time. Heather eventually opened her presents, but none of them were from Embry which she was sad to see. Regardless, she didn't say anything. When it was nearing dinner time, parents started coming to pick up their kids or her friends walked home and family were filtering out. Embry Jr. stayed behind, though. He still had his present for Heather and he'd not gotten to speak to her all day. She was helping Amber clean up outside when he found her.

"Heather? Can I talk to you a moment?" Embry said to get Heather's attention. She glanced at Amber who nodded giving her permission to drop what she was doing for now and Heather went up to Embry.

"Hey, Embry," Heather said.

"I'm sorry we're only talking now," Embry said and then extended the little present to her. "Happy birthday, Heather Bear."

"Honestly, Embry, don't call me Heather Bear. It makes me sound like a child," Heather muttered as she tore the newspaper encasing the box. Once she could, she lifted the lid of the box and stared wide eyed at its contents. "Embry, are these your dog tags?"

"Yeah," Embry smiled a little. "My old ones too. Those are from my time in the trenches."

"Wow," Heather said and then looked at him then looked back at the tags. She took them out of the box and put the chain over her head. Once she had the tags on, she lifted the tags so she could stare at them. They certainly showed their age, but Embry's name and station was clearly visible with the division he'd belonged to in the center of the metal circle. "Thank you, Embry. I love them."

"I'm glad to hear it," Embry smiled, but it faded slightly when Heather seemed to be contemplating something.

"Embry, did you imprint on me?" she blurted out after the silence. When he didn't answer right away, she continued, "I don't need you to do anything except be honest with me. I just want to know." Embry still didn't answer right away, weighing if it was right to tell her. Of course, after a moment of thinking it over, it seemed stupid to him not to just tell her.

"Yeah," Embry finally said. Heather's initial response was an awkward nod.

"Are you leaving because of me?"

"No," Embry answered this time without hesitation. "Heather, I'll miss you. I know I've been distant but….look, Heather-"

"It's alright, Embry. I get it," Heather said and even looked reassuringly at him.

"You do?" Embry asked.

"Yeah. I do," Heather said. "I'll just have to keep growing up won't I?" Embry smiled a little but didn't answer that. "Good luck, okay Embry? I know you'll build Uncle Alphonse a house fit for a king."

"Man's head is the size of a planet as it is. Don't make it worse," Embry joked and Heather giggled. Then she approached and hugged him which Embry reciprocated.

"I love you, Embry," Heather said. At first, Embry wasn't sure how to answer. His instinct was to reciprocate, but he hesitated. But it was only a moment.

"I love you too, Heather. Just remember that okay?"

"I will," Heather smiled. "Lean down?" Again, he hesitated just a moment but eventually complied and when he did, Heather kissed his cheek. "That's all." Embry smiled and kissed her cheek as well.

"Try not to cause too much carnage while I'm away. Remember that red light means stop on the road."

"I know Embry!" Heather pushed him on the chest and laughed. "I'll miss you, Embry."

"I'll miss you too, Heather," Embry repeated. "I'll only be gone for a few years and I'll be back. I promise."

"Okay," Heather said.

After they were able to talk, Embry stayed behind to help clean up and had dinner with everyone before returning home to finish any last minute packing he still needed to do. Caleb, Sergei, Lee and Evalynn stayed over and enjoyed the rest of the evening together until Amber said the kids needed to go to bed. Lee slept in the twins' room on a little down blanket acting as his mattress, a pillow and a lighter blanket and was out in no time. Caleb, Sergei and Levi slept downstairs in Anatoli's old room and, as usual, Evalynn stayed in Heather's room. After they'd gotten ready for bed, Heather finally let herself feel giddy.

"Embry admitted he imprinted on me," Heather said with a happy sing song voice and then sighed as she stared at the dog tags she was still wearing.

"That's good news," Evalynn said. "Once you're no longer jail bait, you two can actually start dating." Heather kicked Evalynn's foot but was still smiling.

"I just need to be patient; that's all," Heather swooned. "When he returns home for good that's when we can be together."

"Sounds like a plan to me," Evalynn said. "Happy birthday, Heather."

"Thanks Evalynn," Heather answered and gave her cousin a tight hug.