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.

151. Chapter 151

Chapter 151

"I'll call Jacob and he'll notify the pack they need to convene," Travis said as he led Oscar and the other man with him to his house. "I've got some pants you can burrow while we talk."

"Let's just make it quick," Oscar said. "The more of your pack we can have, the better."

"What's going on that you need our help with vampires?"

"We're effectively surrounded," the other man said.

"Are you Oscar's brother? Oliver, right?"

"No," he said, "I'm the youngest. Father calls me Owen."

"Oh," Travis said, "I thought you only had one brother."

"At the time, I did," Oscar said. "How long do you think the pack will need to come to Phoenix?"

"I don't know for sure," Travis said. "Edward is kind of our logistics expert so to speak."

Travis got Oscar and Owen to his house and allowed them to put on some spare pants while Travis called Jacob's house telling him what was going on. Shortly thereafter, Travis heard Jacob's howl in the distance. The pack should be gathered within minutes and any pack members in the city would be over within the hour. Travis led Oscar and Owen back outside and approached Jacob's house where a good percentage of the pack, regardless of age, was already gathered including who'd been out with Travis. Those that had been supposed and had woken up just a few minutes ago were visibly groggy but at attention.

"We have most of the pack here," Jacob said. "What's going on?"

"You are the chief of this tribe?" Oscar asked.

"I am – what do you need with me and my pack?"

"My brother and I are here because an army of vampires that has set their sights on us," Oscar said. "As far as we've been able to tell, there were two group's worth previously, one came on top and since then, they've determined they want to take over our tribe. We tried fighting them off ourselves, but we were ill equipped and lost 20 of our birds. Right now, they seem content to pick us off a little at a time and just attack when they need blood. We've managed to keep our immediate tribe safe so far, but there's only so long before we run out of the slaves and those leeches come for the Tistilal."

"Oscar," Owen said irritably.

"Relax, Owen; I didn't mean your mother," Oscar said.

"How do I know father will honor that?" Owen asked.

"Ahiga please, not now," Oscar said but he put the statement to Owen. He didn't calm, but he did stand down. Natalie and her children and grandchildren (Jae Sun the exception since he was still on his way) finally joined the group. Oscar and Owen ignored them and kept their attention on Jacob but Nesia noticed Owen once they joined the group. "Point is we're in over our head. I told my father of your gifts and expertise and he agreed to extend a request for help." Owen looked like he wanted to say something, but he kept quiet.

"Do you know if they're newborns or older vampires?"

"The fuck does that matter?" Owen asked irritably, but Oscar held his hand up and he stepped down.

"Allow me to rephrase: we don't know the age of these vampires. We only know they out number our flock and even if they didn't, we don't know how to fight them and we need your help. Will you help us?"

"We'll help you," Jacob agreed.

"Thank you," Oscar said, "How long do you think you'll need to get to Phoenix? Our tribe is two hours south of the city."

"I'll talk to my father-in-law and he'll help make the arrangements. Give us two days and we'll be there," Jacob said.

"I appreciate it. Let me give you my home address. I live in the city, so you can come to my house and then I'll take you to the tribe," Oscar said and asked for paper and a pencil. Someone ran to Jacob's house to get said materials and once he had them, Oscar wrote down his address and handed it over to Jacob.

"We'll get there as soon as we possibly can. In the meantime, once Embry gets here, I'll send him ahead to scout the situation."

"Should he join Oscar and Owen?" Embry sr. asked.

"Do you mind waiting for Embry to get here and he'll follow you? He's coming from Seattle but he should be here in an hour," Jacob said.

"And do what exactly? Carry him on one of our backs?" Owen asked flippantly.

"My son was able to shift to a bird," Embry Sr. said, getting a little hostile.

"I know, Embry, I know," Oscar said and looked at Owen. "As it happens, one of our slaves was sold and she ended up with the Quileute. She was fathered by a member of the flock and the gene passed. The Quileute have a Falcon among them."

"Oh," Owen said. Travis was surprised he wasn't nearly as shocked as Oscar had been when he'd been given the news decades prior. "Do we have time to wait for him?"

"We have to," Oscar said. "If nothing else, the tribe should be able to hold out until we get back and the Quileutes can get there to help. Yvonne has managed to keep them at bay if only a little."

"Yvonne?" Jacob asked.

"She's our high priestess," Oscar said. "She was supposed to be sacrificed to the spirits of the oasis, but rather than take her, they use her. It's had its blessings and curses."

"Blessing being father's scared shitless of her," Owen said with a hint of satisfaction.

"He's scared shitless of her because the spirits became unpredictable," Oscar said. "She's extremely powerful but we need to tread lightly. Yvonne isn't the scary one in all this – her possessors are."

"By chance, do you know how many there are?" Everyone looked in the direction of the Cullens as they approached the group. Jasper was the one in the lead and had been the one to ask the question.

"If I had to guess, no less than 150," Oscar answered.

"Sounds like a newborn army to me," Jasper said. "How long have they been there?"

"It started beginning of May. There were two of these armies and now that there's only one, they've started attacking us," Owen answered.

"They may be older," Edward said. "Newborns wouldn't be so controlled as this. It seems like they've decided they're better off killing off the Tistilal a little at a time and take the compound once everyone's gone."

"That's not patience newborns would have," Jasper agreed. "We need to figure out how to get to the tribe without that army knowing we're there. The moment they realize reinforcements have arrived, we won't have much time to plan."

"Having Embry scout out the enemy beforehand will help," Jacob said.

"True," Jasper said.

"We can't send the boys with you, though," Renesmee said to Jacob.

"Don't worry, the youngest members of the pack will stay here and protect the tribe."

"How many would that be?" Oscar asked.

"From our pack?" Jacob started and glanced at Embry Sr. thoughtfully before answering, "19. Jasper, among you who can we take? I think we need to bring Eun Mi, Bella and Emma Leigh. Their gifts will be invaluable."

"Agreed," Edward said. "A few of us should stay behind to look after everything."

"I will go," Boris spoke up. "Anatoli needs to come too. We could use a necromancer, no?"

"A what?" Oscar asked as he gawked.

"What's a necromancer?" Owen asked.

"It's someone that can raise the dead," Oscar said.

"You have someone that can raise the dead?!" Owen yelled.

"Yes, and my wife Bella is a shield against mental gifts that any of those vampires might have while Eun Mi and Emma Leigh's gifts are offensive."

"This just got a whole lot easier," Owen said and crossed his arms.

"From our coven, I'm confident at least 10 or 11 of us can go," Jasper said.

"I know 30 doesn't sound like a lot, but for what we may lack in numbers we'll surprise in knowledge and gifts to combat this army," Edward said after hearing Oscar's and Owen's thoughts that 30 wasn't enough. "We can train the flock what to do and with a ground and air assault, they won't stand a chance so long as none of them have gifts that would be particularly problematic."

"Do you think you could get close enough to them to find out?" Jacob asked Edward.

"I'll know for sure once we are there," Edward said.

While they were all talking, Nesia's attention was on Owen. She felt a pull from him and waited for him to look her way. At one point while Jacob and Edward were talking about how many could be sent, Owen finally looked in her direction and their eyes met. That tug she felt finally changed to that feeling of gravity shifting as she'd heard of and seen from her pack so many times before. He barely looked like Oscar. In fact if they had not said they were, she'd have never guessed that they were brothers. But after really looking at them, she could tell they had the same eyes and nose. But Oscar's cheekbones were a little more pronounced that Owen's and Owen also had slightly thinner lips than Oscar. They were about the same height and build but Owen was just a little taller and slightly more narrow. Like his brother, though, Owen had very short hair. When their eyes met, he didn't smile. He just seemed like he was taken off guard and didn't know what he was feeling or why. Nesia tried to smile at him once he was looking in her direction again. He didn't smile back. Instead he averted his eyes again and stared forward at Jacob as he was talking to Edward.

"Is there anywhere within the tribe or near the tribe where you can set up a pyre?" Carlisle asked. "You can only kill a vampire with fire."

"We'll make a spot for it," Oscar said. "So tearing them apart isn't enough?"

"It's the first thing you want to do, but the next step is to throw the body into the fire otherwise you've only temporarily incapacitated them," Jacob answered.

"Well….now we know," Owen said.

"Is Embry Call the only one among you that can become a bird?" Oscar asked.

"My eldest is the only one of my sons that tried to awake to his bird and succeeded," Embry Sr. said.

"How much longer before he gets here?" Owen asked.

"Birdie, can you find out?" Jacob asked.

"Sure; give me a few minutes," Blu Jae answered and moments later fell to the ground as his spirit left his body. Oscar and Owen stepped back in surprise.

"He do that often?" Owen asked.

"Only when we need him to," Nesia answered hoping that Owen would look her way again. He did, but he said nothing. A few minutes passed before Blu Jae seemed to regain consciousness and got back to his feet.

"Embry almost here?" Jacob asked.

"He's shifted to a bird and he'll be here in another few minutes," Blu Jae answered. "Everyone else from the city is still on their way and should be here in another half hour."

"Edward, would you be able to get arrangements started for the lot of us to go to Phoenix?" Jacob asked.

"As soon as I know who's going, I'll run to the airport and buy the first available tickets. The rest of you can stay here to pack and I'll come back to get you," Edward answered.

"Thank you for this," Oscar said. "I know this is a lot to ask especially since we're not allies-"

"It's no trouble," Jacob said. "It's my understanding that your tribe settled in the desert after Utlapa's family was exiled."

"Correct," Oscar said.

"Maybe this will be a chance for us to come back together," Jacob said.

"Father just wants the vampires gone," Owen said. His tone was irritable and disdainful, but it wasn't directed at Jacob. "As soon as that's resolved, he'll want nothing more to do with the Quileutes. Unless he needs something."

"Ahiga," Oscar said firmly and Owen stood down again.

"Is Ahiga a nickname?" Nesia asked and Owen looked at her.

After a brief silence, he finally said, "Ahiga is my birth name. Owen is what father calls me." Finally, they heard wings flapping and Embry landed on the ground swiftly, got into some pants and then sprinted for the group. Once among them, he looked at Oscar and then at Jacob.

"What's going on?"

"The Tistilal have an army of vampires that's trying to take their land. Oscar and his younger brother have come requesting our help. I want you to fly back with them and scout the area; see what we're up against. Edward will get the tickets for the rest of you to join. We'll be there within 2 days minimum."

"Alright; let's get going then," Embry Jr. said.

"Good, thank you," Oscar said. "We'll see the rest of you in two days?"

"We'll get there as soon as possible," Jacob agreed and like that, Edward and the others were bolting back to make arrangements from their end. Jacob ordered all the other pack members to get some things together and affirmed they'd bring some things for Embry once they got there. Travis followed Oscar and the others back to the bluff to see them off.

"Owen, lead the way. I'll rejoin you and Embry in a second," Oscar said.

"Okay; hurry up," Owen said and removed the jeans he'd burrowed and ran off the bluff to shift to a bird and Embry soon followed. Once they were alone, Oscar looked at Travis but neither of them said anything at first.

"How long has it been?" Oscar finally asked. It took Travis a moment to realize what he meant.

"At least 26 years," Travis finally answered.

Oscar nodded a little and said, "Feels longer." Travis looked at Oscar with pleading eyes though he didn't realize it was how he looked. If anything, he was trying to be firm.

"How've you been?" Travis asked and this time, Oscar smirked a little in humor.

"Better since I retired," Oscar said. "That was about 14 years ago. Dodged Vietnam at least." Travis's only answer was a small nod. He wasn't really sure what to say. "Now's not the time," Oscar finally broke the silence, "but when things calm down, we'll talk." That got Travis's attention.

"I never stopped loving you," Travis said. "I've tried, but no one is you. It's been a lonely quarter decade." Oscar didn't say anything. Instead, he walked over, grabbed a hold of Travis by the neck and pressed a kiss to his lips. It took everything in him not to deepen the kiss, but it was so hard. 26 years of missing him and wishing things had been different all culminated in one kiss and he couldn't act on it. Travis wasn't sure if he should. Oscar finally pulled away and started unbuttoning the pants Travis lent him.

It seemed like Oscar was going to fly away without a word, but then he said, "Likewise, kid," and then ran off the bluff and shifted to a bird to rejoin Owen and Embry.

Edward went to the nearest airport but could only buy half the tickets they needed, so he rushed to another airport and bought the last tickets they needed. Thankfully, they went to the same airport in Phoenix but it would be different times. Regardless, it would ensure they were in Arizona by the time Jacob had promised. It was agreed the younger members of the pack and some older members (namely Scarlet, Ivory, Natalie, and Embry's sisters) would remain in Washington to look after the tribe. Carlisle agreed to stay behind as would Illyana and Esme in order to look after the kids. Anatoli and Embry's little brothers would all go, leaving the shop in Gaeli's hands to keep things going. Renesmee would stay behind as well to look after things while Nesia insisted that she would be going.

In the middle of the night, Edward finally returned with all the tickets, everyone was packed and they all drove to their respective airports in as few cars as possible. Once she'd been woken and told what was going on, Emma Leigh left a message with her school that a family emergency occurred and she needed to leave suddenly and then took the number so she could call them back once they were open. Once everyone was gathered and at the airport, they waited several hours before they could finally board their planes late in the afternoon and by the time they made it to Phoenix, it was the middle of the night. Their planes arrived within two hours of each other and Embry Jr. was at the airport to meet them. Jacob was on the plane that landed last so all conversation was held for when he arrived.

"So what were you able to see?" Jacob asked Embry Jr. once he was outside and getting some things in the back of one of the cars they'd rented.

"I'd say 150 is a fair guess of how many we're dealing with," Embry said. "I couldn't find anything to indicate any one of them had a special gift, but that would be best left for Edward to determine. They seem like they're just sitting back and waiting. The flock has kept them away from their immediate tribe, but their…I guess their slave class for lack of a better word isn't so lucky. Any protection they're using has been solely with the Tistilal. They also have…I don't even know what to call it. It's three giants."

"Excuse me?" Jacob asked, looking at Embry strangely. "What do you mean, 'giants'?"

"I didn't get a good look at them," Embry said. "Oscar told me to keep a distance because these things are extremely hostile. Apparently their priestess is controlling them. He said they're desert giants that were man eaters."

"You mean like the giants from Paiute legend?"

"I don't know; Oscar wasn't sure," Embry said. "He just said those things have managed to keep the vampires a safe distant but a handful have definitely tried their luck and the flock has helped make things difficult. So far, the vampires are sticking to the slaves since they're easier to pick off."

"Where is Oscar?"

"He's at his place. He said he'd meet us all there and then take us to the tribe," Embry said.

"Let's move out, then," Jacob said and everyone got into a car to make the drive to Oscar's place.

Once they arrived, Oscar was there and got into his car to show the way. He took them off a beaten path where there were large hills and plateaus so they could make it to the tribe without the vampires noticing. Thankfully, they'd managed to avert the group's attention and they all parked within the confines of the grounds. Embry Sr. was baffled by it. The distinction between the Tistilal and everyone else was like night and day. Their homes were nothing spectacular per se, but they at least had enclosures of verifying sizes that kept them safe from the elements. Most of the homes looked like they were made from a light brick that allowed for good air circulation and some degree of coziness in the blistering sun. All that were not, however, were in these tiny mud-like huts made from only God knows what that served the sole purpose of keep the sun off them, but it seemed as though any quantity of people could be shoved in those little huts at a time. But what really grabbed everyone's immediate attention was this…..they didn't even know what to call it. It was a giant most certainly. It was strangely pale with reddish hair and looked like a human if that human were 10 feet tall, however there was a vacancy in the creature's eyes and it was mostly still.

"Are those the 'giants' you were telling me about?" Jacob asked Embry Jr.

"Yeah," Embry said.

"Stay away from those things. Yvonne does what she can to control them, but they're extremely dangerous. They're cannibals by nature so if you get to close, they will kill and eat you."

"How…where did these things come from?" Jacob asked.

"They're ancient creatures of the desert that the spirits of the oasis revived for our use," Oscar said.

"How is your priestess controlling them?" Salem asked.

"I don't really know," Oscar said. "Come; I told father to expect you and I need to make sure he knows you're here. I apologize for him in advance. He's been…irritable as of late to say the least."

"So long as he knows we're here to help," Jacob said.

Oscar led them all through the tribe trying to avoid the slums but they were still well in view and a horrendous site. In the distance was a tall pedestal and there was a large group atop that pedestal. They realized it was a group of women that were taking turns jumping off and spinning down with the use of long ribbons.

"You have circus performers?" Travis asked.

"What?" Oscar asked.

"Those woman that are plummeting from the pedestal," Travis said and pointed at them.

"Oh," Oscar said, "No, it's a thing the woman like doing to entertain themselves. That group of girls are actually quite gifted gymnasts believe it or not. I can't believe they're able to keep themselves amused like that under the circumstances, but what can you do?"

"Can all of you do that?" Bayaq asked as he watched one girl start her graceful plummet down only to stop herself halfway down and start doing little tricks to the cheers of the woman above.

"Only the women really do it," Oscar said, "but one or two men in the flock are able to but it's not really seen as worthwhile. This is the first time I've seen them doing this at night, but with those vampires stalking us, we can only sleep during the day."

Taraq, Bayaq and Blu Jae kept staring at the pedestal enjoying the show. The woman currently on the ribbon was doing all manner of contortions, spins and manipulations of the ribbon to achieve any number of tricks including hanging herself upside down with the ribbon supporting her by her hips. When her turn was done, she climbed back up managing to make even the act of climbing up a rope like one would in gym class look graceful. Oscar continued leading them through the tribe until they were met halfway by a man that Travis knew immediately had to be Barka. Oscar looked just like his father even down to the same intimidating scowl. Owen and another man that resembled Oscar was following behind as were a large number of other men that they were left to assume was the flock. It was a group of men easily 40 or 50 strong.

"Father," Oscar began in their language, "The Quileute have arrived. They will be able to help us."

"How many?" Barka asked.

"We brought 30," Jacob answered. Barka looked in his direction critically.

"You are the chief?"

"Yes," Jacob answered standing up straight and not allowing Barka to intimidate him. He suspected that's exactly what Barka was trying to do.

"I had thought we were receiving reinforcement," Barka said.

"And that's what you are receiving," Jacob answered. "You have wolves and cold ones on your side now. With our help, that army outside your tribe will be gone in no time."

"I already told you, father; they have experience and powers that we don't," Oscar said. "Among their ranks is a necromancer."

"What the fuck is a necromancer?" Barka asked, suddenly choosing to speak English.

"It's someone that can raise the dead," Oscar answered.

"You have someone that can raise the dead?" Barka asked, but his tone was condescending. "Who?"

"Me," Anatoli answered and stepped forward. Barka looked at him critically and stepped away.

"Is there a problem?" Jacob asked as Barka was stepping away.

"That depends," Barka said as he approached a member of the flock and, without warning, took out a knife he had at his hip and slammed it right into the throat of one of the men in the group. Everyone backed away suddenly in shock and Barka removed the knife, causing the man to fall to the ground choking on his own blood. It took several seconds for him to finally lose consciousness then die but once he had, Barka looked right at Anatoli, "Prove it."

He was so shocked by what he'd just seen that Anatoli didn't respond right away. He heard the hiss from Boris and a few others when the smell of blood reached their noses but they managed to stay still. Anatoli finally stepped forward never taking his eyes off Barka until he reached the dead man at his feet. Placing his hand on the man's chest, Anatoli brought the man's image to mind and a thumping sound came where Anatoli was touching and just like that, the man went bug eyed as he took in a sharp breath and his airway closed back up in a matter of seconds. Once he was alive, he stood up and took several steps away from Barka desperate to no longer be in the man's line of sight. After the man stood back up, Barka looked at Anatoli stunned at first, but then a cruel smile played across his face before he started to chuckle.

"Well I'll be God damned," Barka said.

"Let me make something clear," Jacob said and stepped forward, "My pack is not here to amuse you. We are not here to prove our power and we're not here to be put on the spot at the expense of your flock. We're here to help you. If you wish for that to continue, I suggest you treat us with some fucking respect."

"Since we are being clear, allow me to make something clear to you," Barka said and Anatoli rushed to get away from the man while he came closer to Jacob, "You are not chief here. These are not your people and your word is not law; they my people. My word is law."

"Father, this solves nothing," Oscar spoke up and approached. "You're doing the lot of us no favors by trying to pick a fight with the Quileutes. Like Jacob said: they're here to help us. We need to accept their help."

"This was all your idea, boy," Barka said to Oscar. "You are not my heir any more than Oliver or the bastard. Do not think yourselves of authority until you've earned it." Owen became visibly enraged and started to shift from foot to foot trying to calm down while the man standing beside him, Oliver, placed a hand on Owen's shoulder and gently said, "Ahiga." While Owen still looked irate, he did finally stop fidgeting. The tension was palpable and were it not for the fact that Jacob could see among the flock they were terrified of this man, he'd have told his pack to leave and allow the vampires to do as they please. Barka returned his attention to Jacob. "So how do we kill these things?"

"You need to set fire to them," Jacob answered. "It's easiest to tear them apart then throw them in the fire to burn that way they don't come back."

"That simple?" Barka said and looked at Oscar. "It's that simple."

"Now we know," Oscar said. "I suggest we apply that information."

"Do you suppose Yvonne can summon fire?"

"We would need to ask," Oscar said. Barka nodded and looked at Jacob.

"Care to meet our priestess?" Barka did not wait for an answer and walked through the crowd who stepped aside for him like Moses parting the Red Sea. Travis came closer approaching Oscar. When he realized Travis was there, Oscar seemed to calm down.

"Never believed me when I told you about him did you?" Oscar asked.

"I believed you," Travis said, "but he's worse in person than by word of mouth."

"You have no idea," Owen said and started following after Barka. Oliver stood behind a moment and looked at Jacob.

"I know it might not seem like it, but we are grateful you're here," Oliver said. "I'm Oliver. I'm his second eldest."

"We're happy to help," Jacob said, "But Barka need to cooperate with us."

"You let us worry about father," Oscar said. "You worry about helping us be prepared."

The group finally started following after Barka to meet this priestess while, from the Pedestal, the women saw the small group that had driven into the tribe seeing the headlights of the cars in the distance. A few remained on the Pedestal to continue playing with the ribbons while others got back to the ground, dressed in the bohemian light cotton dresses they wore and approached the oasis where the men were going so as to get a better look. At the front was a young woman that was eager to see the visitors.

"Are they the Quileutes?" the woman asked while she stood beside the largest of the brick homes on the tribe's grounds.

"They must be," the other woman, her twin, answered. "Hawk said that Oscar and Owen went north to ask their help."

"Oh, Uilette, this is so exciting! We never see new people!" the young woman, Cidelle, said and looked at her twin sister. "I wonder if they're handsome."

"I'm sure at least some of them are," Uilette smiled.

"How long do you suppose they'll be here?" another young woman, Desarae, asked as she came around the twins to get a better look. Barka made it to the oasis before the others but they were following behind.

"As long as they're needed I suppose," Uilette said.

Finally, Jacob and the others came upon the oasis and saw a woman at the other end with her back to them while another man sat beside her. The woman's hair was the first thing they all noticed: it was ornately done even from behind. She had more hair than even Natalie from what they could tell and it was braided intricately with what looked like snake skin throughout her hair. Her hair was raven black and was extremely thick and shiny. They all walked around the oasis and the three woman that were keeping out of the way near the house got a better look at the men among the Quileutes. Cidelle noticed twins in the crowd but one in particular caught her attention.

"Look; twins," Cidelle said pointing out Bayaq and Taraq in the crowd.

"Who do you suppose is the sensible one of the two?" Uilette teased and Cidelle shoved her sister. Uilette laughed and regained her balance after Cidelle shoved her. The group looked their way but wound up returning their attention forward with the exception of Bayaq, Taraq and Blu Jae. Bayaq's eyes fell on Cidelle, Taraq's on Uilette and Blu Jae's on Desarae. Time seemed to stand still when that happened and Uilette was taken off guard while Desarae blushed with a smile and Cidelle became giddy.

"They're staring our way!" Cidelle smiled and waved. Bayaq raised his hand and waved back almost stupidly but his smile that he gave her was genuine and caused Cidelle to blush. "Whatever his name is, he's mine."

"All yours," Desarae said as she continued staring at Blu Jae. "I prefer the one that is not a twin."

Uilette was quiet and someone in the group got Taraq, Bayaq and Blu Jae back to attention and told them to follow. They did, but not without looking back. Taraq smiled and waved, directing it at Uilette. How she'd known it was directed at her she had no idea, but she knew and suddenly she felt butterflies in her stomach. She'd not felt this way in a very long time and a wave of guilt and sorrow fell over her.

"I think the other twin likes you," Cidelle smiled.

"Perhaps," Uilette mumbled. "It doesn't matter. You and Desarae have fun, though."

Cidelle shrugged, "Who knows? Maybe you should give him a chance. Hawk certainly hasn't given you a child. Maybe he will."

"Hold your tongue, Cidelle," Desarae said firmly. "You should know not to tell a woman she should be unfaithful to her husband."

"A husband should be able to give me nieces and nephews, yet here we are," Cidelle snapped back. "And I dare you to look me in the eye and tell me he doesn't go to the slums and force himself on those poor slaves. The lot of them do it."

"Enough; both of you," Uilette said and walked away to return to the pedestal while Cidelle and Desarae stayed behind.

"Hawk is faithful to her," Desarae defended when they were alone.

"Yes, and my hair is gold," Cidelle said sarcastically as she pointed at her long black hair. "You're allowed to love your big brother, Desarae, but don't delude yourself into thinking he's faithful."

Desarae said nothing but was no less upset with Cidelle and left the return to the pedestal while Cidelle stayed behind and continued to watch as the Quileutes met with the priestess. Salem was toward the front of the group and he felt the same pull that seemed to be effecting a bunch of them so far. He saw her face from the side and he could tell she had a beautiful face, but what was strange was the color of her eyes. He could swear they were blue, but that couldn't be right.

"Owota," Barka said gaining the attention of the man. "The Quileute arrived."

"It is good to meet you," Owota answered. "I am Medicine Man for this tribe. This is my daughter Yvonne." The priestess, Yvonne, kept her eyes forward but had tilted her head to lift her right ear a little higher apparently to listen to her father. "I apologize she is so quiet; she's focused on the giants at the moment."

"Can she spare herself enough to answer if she can summon fire? The Quileutes claim that those creatures can be destroyed by fire," Barka said.

"Yvonne," Owota said, turning his head to look at his daughter. "Would such a thing be possible?"

"The spirits do not control fire, only water," Yvonne answered, never taking her eyes from looking forward.

"We can build a bonfire before we attack; that's not a problem," Jacob said. He looked at the giant that Yvonne was staring at. It was the same pale creature with reddish hair and it seemed as though it were sleeping. "How is she controlling those things?"

"The spirits keep them calm," Yvonne answered.

"How do they know when to attack?" Salem asked.

"They attack when someone gets too close," Yvonne answered. "Truthfully, it's impossible control them fully."

"What happens when she needs to sleep?" Jacob asked.

"The giants sleep when Yvonne does but they come to attention with a disturbance," Owota said.

"We will take over patrolling the tribe for tonight," Jasper said, stepping forward. "She's exhausted and needs to rest as do the pack. In the morning once all of you have slept then we can plan."

"Could we allow it?" Yvonne asked Owota. She kept her gaze forward, but there was no mistaking the plea in her voice.

"Who among you is the chief?" Owota asked.

"I am," Jacob said and took a few steps forward, "As Jasper mentioned he and the other vampires can patrol the grounds. To maintain discretion for as long as possible, a few from my pack can take over in the morning."

"Gratitude," Owota said and looked at Yvonne. "Get some rest, Yvonne. You deserve it."

"Thank you, father," Yvonne said and she closed her eyes a moment. When she did, the giants to disintegrated into dust before their very eyes.

"How do we know the giants suddenly being gone won't attract them? We need to keep them there," Barka ordered.

"Barka, my daughter has been maintaining her post since sundown. If Oscar says the Quileutes can take over the task of guarding the tribe, I will not turn them down," Owota argued.

"The whole point is to remain discreet is it not? Bring the giants back; she needs to remain at her post," Barka ordered.

"I have already released them, Chief Barka," Yvonne answered respectfully. "Please allow me to go inside and rest."

"You should not have released them without command; bring them back," Barka ordered.

"Father, Jacob's family can handle it; leave her be," Oliver requested.

"Quiet," Barka said. "I won't ask again. Bring them back."

"What is going on?" Jasper asked.

"Barka doesn't trust us and he's ordering their priestess bring back the giants," Salem answered. "Barka, if it will help, you can have a few members of the flock fly above us."

"I will volunteer as much," Oscar offered, "As will Oliver and Owen."

Barka was quiet for a moment and then finally waved his hand dismissively and said, "Fine. On with it then."

Oscar just nodded and looked at his brothers. "Let's get up to the pedestal. We'll come down at dawn." Owen and Oliver agreed and they followed Oscar to the pedestal to leap off.

"For the future, never take action without orders from me," Barka said to Yvonne. "Remember you were meant to drown. That can still easily be arranged."

Yvonne stood and gently dusted her dress, "Remember that I lived because the spirits saw fit to use me instead."

"You can be replaced," Barka said.

"So can you," Yvonne bit back in the same calm voice as before. In a moment of blind rage, Barka reached for his knife but stopped when Yvonne said, "Do not bother." They all heard a strange sound like water moving and when they looked down everyone was startled by what looked like a hand coming out of the water. The hand was clear like water and grabbed a hold of Yvonne's ankle. "I will be going inside. Unless you wish to push the matter further, Chief Barka." Knowing he was bested, Barka begrudgingly released his knife leaving it at his hip.

"Consider yourself lucky, girl," Barka said, refusing not to have the last word, and turned to leave. "The lot of you find somewhere to rest. Where is up to you."

"Anywhere in particular that would be acceptable?" Jacob asked.

"Girl," Barka said, "Perhaps you can still be of value for the evening. Show the Quileutes where they can sleep."

"As you wish, Chief Barka," Yvonne answered in the same respectful tone. Somehow that seemed to frustrate Barka more and he walked away. The flock that was with him, eager to take advantage of the relief, went to their respective places to rest for the night. This whole time, Yvonne was facing forward unwaveringly, but now she turned so she was facing Jacob and the others. "How many of you are there?"

"Of the pack we have 19," Jacob answered and Yvonne nodded.

"Please kindly guide me to the Chief's settlement and I will direct you from there," Yvonne answered.

"No, Yvonne, do not worry about it. I will show them," Owota said and stood from his spot before the oasis.

Salem had not been paying attention to the conversation. Instead, he was flabbergasted. He couldn't believe his eyes. The priestess was breathtaking with a slender face, a delicate jaw line, a long nose that complimented her face beautifully and full lips. What struck him were her eyes. They were blue: a stunning blue that made him think of clean ocean water. Her face wasn't exactly the same; she was more far more beautiful than the woman on his ribcage. 'Betty Crocker' finally had a name: Yvonne. And it suited her. Salem felt his whole world shift and he wanted so badly to say something to her. She seemed unaffected by his presence, however. In fact, her eyes never seemed to venture in any particular direction. If anything, she would tilt her head so she could better listen to whomever was speaking and that was it.

"Thank you for your assistance, Owota," Jacob answered after the offer was made for him to show them to available places to rest.

"It is no trouble. Yvonne, I think we shall let them stay with us."

"Yes, father," Yvonne answered and gently brought her hand forward tapping it against him. Once she knew where he was, she lifted her hand and placed it on his shoulder.

"Is everything alright?" Jacob asked.

"Yes, everything is fine," Owota said and gently patted Yvonne's hand briefly. "My daughter is blind so she needs help navigating around."

That explained it, Salem thought. "Has she always been blind?" Salem asked in English without thinking.

"My sight was taken when the spirits spared me," Yvonne answered in English.

"How old were you when that happened?" Salem asked.

"I was young," Yvonne answered and followed as her father guided her as well as the pack.

She seemed completely unaffected by his presence which left Salem broken hearted. Was it possible that even if he imprinted on her, she felt nothing for him? She was clearly tired and now wasn't the time to bother her especially with her father present, so Salem let it go. As they were moving, they overheard Oscar and the others shift and start flying above them while Edward and the others found key spots around the tribe to keep watch. Owota eventually brought them to a collection of brick homes that, while not the size of the one Barka and his immediate family used, it was large enough to appear very comfortable for a large family.

"This is my home," Owota said. "You are welcome to stay with me. I have blankets available for you – the desert can get very cold at night."

"Thank you, Owota," Jacob said and looked at the others. "Let's get inside. Be mindful and show respect as you would to me."

"Yes, Jacob," everyone in the group answered and started walking inside.

"Help me to my room?" Yvonne asked Owota.

"Of course, Yvonne. Just follow my lead. And Jacob, you will all meet my wife in the morning. She will see to it you are all fed at breakfast."

"That's very generous of you; thank you," Jacob said and stayed behind to allow Owota and Yvonne to enter before him. He finally entered the home once Owota and Yvonne were inside and the pack did their best to find a place to sleep.

Salem watched as Owota as he led Yvonne with to a room he assumed to be hers. Yvonne released Owota and placed her hand on the entryway to her room. There was no door to block her from the rest of the house; it was completely open. Once she knew where she was, she walked forward effortlessly and found her collection of blankets going down to sleep. Salem listened and knew instantly when she was asleep by the way she was breathing. He made a point to take a spot on the floor near her room wanting to be close to her. Now he couldn't fall asleep no matter how hard he tried. Several hours passed and everyone else was sound asleep. He could still hear Oscar and his brothers flying outside, otherwise all was quiet. Then there was a disruption when Salem overheard light groans. He turned his head to see Yvonne moving under her covers and then sit up in her bed. She held her head and began rubbing her temples. Then she lifted herself to her feet and approached the entrance of her room. She placed her hand on the frame and from there was extremely cautious. She trailed her hand over the wall as a guide but was immediately obstructed by Salem being in her way. He tried to move but when he did, the movement seemed to startle her and she jumped.

"Who's there?" she asked quietly.

"Salem," he answered, "my name is Salem. I'm sorry, I was trying to get out of your way. I didn't mean to startle you."

"It's alright," she replied as she placed her hand over her chest to calm down. "I assume the way isn't clear?"

"Probably not. What do you need? Can I help you?"

"My head is in pain. I need to mix some medicine but I need to find father's medical room."

"I'll help you," Salem offered eagerly and slowly approached her. She held a hand forward as if waiting for him and once he was close enough, her hand touched his chest. Then she took her hand away and appeared very surprised. Then she put her hand on his chest again. Without thinking, Salem covered her hand with his own but instead of being upset, she smiled a little. "You have a beautiful smile," Salem said, thinking out loud, and her smile broadened a little. "Is the room you're talking about on this floor or upstairs?"

"This floor," she answered. Salem took a moment to look around and eventually found a narrow hallway to one side.

"Is it down a narrow hallway? Do you know?"

"It is beyond a tighter space," Yvonne nodded.

"Okay," Salem answered and turned while placing her hand on his shoulder. "Follow me." Salem started to walk forward being careful of everyone else. When he had to step over JJ, Salem turned and lifted Yvonne over and placed her back on the ground. He had to do that a few more times before they reached the hallway and Salem could lead her through without issue. Like it was in her room, once she was inside, she knew exactly where to go and went to a large cabinet in the corner that held several clay bottles and other dried materials. "Do you know where everything is?"

"I know the materials by smell," Yvonne answered and began gently moving her hands over the bottles first looking for the right shape and then smelling the contents when she found a familiar bottle. It took her a moment to find what she needed but when she found the first one, she said, "Can you put this on the table please?"

Salem came forward and took the bottle and looked around until he found the table she was referring to. Once placed, he returned to her side ready to assist further if she needed. She handed him two more bottles and then ended with something dried before finally walking to the table. The last few steps, she lifted her foot forward a few times until her toes touched the table and she was able to kneel down. She felt around for a mortar and pestle then put a dried item in it for crushing.

"What is that?"

"It's a specific species of cactus," she said. "It grows near here and is thankfully extremely abundant. When you apply its mucus directly to the skin, it has a numbing effect but it it's mixed properly, it's very good as a pain killer."

"Do you get headaches a lot?"

"It's been very recent," Yvonne answered. "Keeping the giants under control is extremely difficult. They are base and violent so to stay still is unnatural."

"I guess getting a break was greatly welcomed then," Salem said.

"Very much," Yvonne said. "You speak our language so strangely."

"From what I can tell, Quileute and Tistilal have grown apart just enough that we sound strange to you," Salem said. "My grandma Caevia speaks this way, so I'm used to it, but for the others it's a little strange. It's the accent specifically."

"Your grandmother speaks our language?"

"Yes. This is her home tribe."

"How did she come to be with you?"

"As far as I know, she was sold," Salem said. "Her birth father was a Thunderbird, but she was able to survive and when the white settlers invaded the area, the chief sold her. She was passed around until she ended up with the Quileutes. She married my grandfather and they had twelve children together."

"She is very fortunate," Yvonne said. "Father said he used to throw far more children from the pedestal, but he's reduced it in recent years. I suppose he has encouraged our flock to keep relations amongst us and leave the slaves alone. I do not know how well they follow this but there are fewer children that have been killed."

"I hope so. My grandma lost two or three children that way," Salem said. "She never likes talking about her life here."

"I can understand why," Yvonne said. She finally had the cactus in a powder form and felt around for the other bottles. She smelled what she grabbed and placed a finger in the center of the mortar before beginning to pour. She stopped once it was a certain depth and then did the same with the other ingredients. Once measured, she mixed everything together with the pestle until it was a syrupy consistency before feeling around for a cup and pouring the contents into the cup by feel. Then she brought the cup to her lips and ingested the mixture. She squinted and pursed her lips as though she'd sucked on a lemon. "It works, but it tastes horrible," she said after it was down.

"I bet," Salem answered in English with a light smile. "Have your eyes always been blue?"

"No," Yvonne said. "When I had my sight, they were black. They changed after the spirits spared me."

"You were supposed to be sacrificed as I hear it. Grandma said something about that being a ritual every five years or something."

"Yes, an acceptable young woman is sacrificed to the spirits of the oasis once every five years. It ensures the oasis stays. When I was a girl, it was decided I needed to be offered to the spirits. Mother fought the whole way. Father sounded resolved, but I could see the tears in his eyes when he told my mother and up to the day he was to drown me. He told me later he begged the spirits that they spare me. They did; but the price was my sight and my freedom."

"Your freedom?" Salem asked.

"The spirits spared my life to serve them. If I decide I do not wish to serve them, they will take back the price that was originally owed." Salem was silent. Deathly so. She seemed slightly confused when the silence ensued for too long. "Salem?"

"I'm here," Salem said. "So….you can't leave?"

"No," Yvonne answered matter-of-factly.

"What if….what if you met someone and wished to marry?"

"Marriage is acceptable," she answered in a strange tone, wondering why he would think that was not acceptable. "So long as I am among the oasis, I can live my life." Salem nodded a little awkwardly despite knowing she couldn't see him. Then he felt a sharp poke at his chest from Taha Aki's tooth and he muttered 'ow'. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah,"Salem answered. "My necklace just hurt me. It's the tooth of our first wolf, Taha Aki."

"He is the one that banished us, is he not?" Yvonne asked.

"He banished Utlapa's family, yes," Salem answered. He studied her face nervous there might be some disdain, but there was none. She was merely curious. "Do you speak English fluently?" Salem asked, wanting to change the topic.

"Yes, but I prefer to speak my native tongue," Yvonne answered in English.

"This may be a stupid question, but do you speak to the spirits?"

"In a manner," Yvonne answered. "It is hard to communicate sometimes. The language they speak is ancient and it is very different from our own, but I have learned how to communicate with them properly."

"Would the spirits let you go if they found…I guess someone else to be their priestess?"

"I doubt it; the deal remains the same: as long as I serve them, I live. If I refuse, I die."

"Forgive me; I'm shocked you can say that so calmly," Salem answered.

"It is the fate I was bestowed," Yvonne answered. "It's best to accept it and live than fight it and die." Salem was quiet again. He wasn't sure what to say. She was speaking so calmly yet her fate was so grim and heartbreaking to him. She took him by surprise when her hand touched his wrist and started trailing up his arm. He wore one of his old Navy wife beater shirts so his arm was bare to her touch. Once she reached his shoulder, he trailed up further until she touched his cheek. Their eyes finally met and it was the first time her eyes seemed completely focused.

"Can you see me?" Salem asked. He felt a little stupid asking her this, but her eyes were so intense and he felt as though she were staring into his soul.

"No," she answered softly, "but you feel strange."

"I feel strange?"

"There is something about you," she continued in Tistilal. "You are comforting." Yvonne kept staring so it seemed and then she smiled. "You have a gentle nature I can tell. You seem mischievous too; like you have a good humor."

"I try to," Salem answered and leaned forward just a little so he could be that much closer to her. He knew she noticed, but it didn't seem to bother her.

"I can't figure out what your scent reminds me of," Yvonne said. "I am not familiar with it."

"Probably evergreens," Salem answered.

"What is an 'evergreen'?"

"It's a tree we have in abundance. It's lush and green all year round and the leaves are prickly."

"Like cactus thorns?"

"Cactus thorns are extremely hard. Evergreen leaves are flexible and to not break the skin," Salem answered. Yvonne leaned just a little closer breathing him in.

"Your home must smell very nice," Yvonne said. Salem couldn't help laughing a little. He'd never heard such a compliment and it was very strange, but she smiled in return and that calmed his own laughter from just looking at her. "Don't stop laughing. I like how it sounds," she said. Salem didn't laugh per se. Rather he just chuckled a little under his breath and when he did, Yvonne brought her hand further on his face to trace his lips. There was nothing sensual for her; just exploring. For Salem, however, it made his heart skip a beat. "You must have a handsome smile."

"I got it from my father," Salem answered.

"Your heart is racing. Are you alright?" Yvonne asked, looking more serious now and tilting her head so she could listen better, effectively taking her eyes off his.

"I'm fine," Salem hurried to say and, perhaps being too forward, lifted a hand to her face and guided her so their eyes could meet again. Her hair was still done up in the intricate braids that kept it secured. The snake skin was visible in the moonlight that peaked through the windows. "How long is your hair?"

"Too long," she answered it. "If I do not have it braided as it is, it drags behind me on the ground."

"It's beautiful," Salem said. "He's not my uncle by birth, but I grew up with a man we called Uncle Hailey. He was German and taught my father and my brother German and always told us German folk tales."

"German,"she repeated the word. "Those are the men Oscar fought against many years ago is it?"

"Yes," Salem answered. "Uncle Hailey came to the Americas long before that. One of the stories from German folklore was a girl named Rapunzel. She was kidnapped as a child and the wicked witch that took her put Rapunzel in a tower. Rapunzel's hair grew so long that the witch used it to climb up to the top of the tower."

"How does the story go?" Salem smiled and moved a little closer so their knees touched. He took his hand away from her face and took a hold of her hand placing it down between them, never releasing it.

"Once upon a time in a land far away, a woman and her husband were expecting their first child. When looking out of her window, the wife saw their neighbor's garden and saw the leafy vegetables that she grew. As the days and weeks passed, she grew more and more desperate; wanting so badly to taste their earthy rich flavor. The wife pleaded to her husband, 'please obtain for me the greens in the garden. If you do not, I will surely die'. Wanting to please his wife, the husband climbed the wall into the garden and stole the greens, bringing them to his wife who devoured the greens and was satisfied. But as time passed, she craved the greens again and once again begged her husband to obtain them, making the same plea.

"The husband climbed the wall again to get the greens, but this time, when he did, the witch caught him in her garden and called him a thief. The husband begged and pleaded she spare him saying his wife is with child and, looking into the witches garden, longed for the vegetables she grew. The witch told the husband he may take the greens, but that he was to give her his child in exchange. The husband agreed and fled. He told his wife what happened and she lamented and they fled in the hopes the witch would not find them, but it was no good.

"Months passed and they gave birth to a little girl with hair gold as the sun. They thought the witch would not find them, but she did and appeared before them and kidnapped the little girl. The witch raised the child as her own and named her Rapunzel after the greens in her garden. As Rapunzel grew, so did her golden hair. The witch locked Rapunzel away in a tower to protect her from the world. The witch would leave for days and when she came back she called, 'Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your golden hair' and Rapunzel would let down her hair so the witch could climb up. Rapunzel was locked away for many years until one day a prince found her tower. He heard Rapunzel singing and was madly in love with her from the sound of her voice. He looked and looked, but could not find a door to enter the tower. Then he saw the witch coming and went into hiding. He watched as she called, 'Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your golden hair' and then climb up the tower when Rapunzel threw down her hair for the witch to climb.

"Now knowing how to get in, the prince waited for the witch to leave. When she did, the prince went to the tower and called, 'Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your golden hair'. When Rapunzel threw down her hair, the prince climbed to the top of the tower and surprised Rapunzel. He proclaimed his love and from that day forward, when the witch was away, the prince would come to visit Rapunzel. Then, one day, while Rapunzel was getting dressed, she said to the witch, 'Mother, please help me. My dress has become very tight. I cannot seem to get it on'. The witch, realizing Rapunzel was pregnant, grew enraged and cut off Rapunzel's hair before casting her from the tower. When the prince came, he called out, 'Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your golden hair'. He climbed the tower when the hair came down but when he reached the top, it was the witch that was waiting for him. She told him that he would never see his beloved Rapunzel again and in a fit of sorrow, the prince plummeted to the ground. He lived, but he was blind and he wandered the wilderness for two years in deep sorrow crying for his Rapunzel.

"Then, while wondering through the woods, Rapunzel found the prince, their twin son and daughter in tow. Rapunzel cried into her prince's eyes and with her tears, his blindness was cured. When he regained his sight and knew it was really his Rapunzel and their children, he took them back to his kingdom to be married. And they lived happily ever after." Yvonne listened intently as Salem told her the story. When he finished, she smiled.

"Whatever happened to the witch?"

"I don't think the story ever says," Salem answered. "But Rapunzel and her Prince had a happy ending." Salem brought a hand up to Yvonne's cheek again and touched her tenderly. "Does your head still hurt?"

"It's much better now. Can you help me back to my room?"

"Of course," Salem said and stood up, taking Yvonne with him. He escorted her through the house as he'd done before until they reached her room. "Sleep well, Yvonne," Salem said.

"Sleep well, Salem," Yvonne answered and went back to her bed. Salem leaned against the wall beside the entryway to her room and, finally getting to speak with her, Salem smiled and was able to fall asleep, having pleasant dreams all the while.

When it was morning, they all woke to smells wafting through the home. It smelled very familiar: like beans. Salem finally woke and realized a number of pack members had woken up before him and were already eating little cylinders that reminded him of potato cakes, but they were a reddish brown color like kidney beans. Thinking ahead, JJ had brewed some coffee and a few already had their share.

"Good, you're awake," JJ said when he noticed Salem. "Here, Owota's wife made us bean cakes. I made some coffee."

"Thanks," Salem said and accepted the cup of coffee and cakes. He realized it smelled spicy. "Are there chilies in here?"

"Dried ones, yes," JJ said. "I asked Myta and she said they're crops they'd obtained from southern tribes many years ago and it's one of their commodities."

"Who's Myta?"

"Owota's wife," JJ said. "According to her, they grow beans, chilies and squash here. She said the slaves maintain and harvest the crops and once they're ready, they're released to the Tistilal for distribution. Apparently they also cook rattle snake and scorpions. Apparently one of the tribesman raises scorpions and they're shared among the tribe. The slaves don't get to eat those. I guess if they want rattle snake or scorpion, they have to go into the desert and get it themselves."

"I see you and Myta have gotten along nicely," Salem smiled.

"She's a nice lady," JJ said. "She and Eun Mi have been talking all morning. I guess Myta loves cooking and the two have been exchanging recipes."

"Is Eun Mi planning to send some nappa cabbage and that pepper paste?"

"Hell, maybe she will," JJ said. "These bean cakes aren't bad, though. Myta has this giant mortar that she uses to crush chilies and fold into the beans."

Salem took too big a bite and ended up getting a mouth full of heat from the chilies and it caused him to cough a little, "Wow," Salem said. "That was hotter than I was expecting."

"I told you it had crushed chilies in it," JJ chuckled. "Eun Mi's broken me into really spicy food. I can barely feel this."

"Good for you," Salem chuckled and took a smaller bite. "She's had, what: 20 years to do it?"

"Something like that," JJ smiled. Salem looked around the room and then back into Yvonne's room but could not see her.

"Where's Yvonne?"

"The priestess?"

"Yeah," Salem said.

"I think she's back outside by the oasis," JJ said. "Grandpa Jacob, Grandpa Embry and Uncle Embry already left and took over patrolling outside. Barka was adamant that she bring back to giants."

"Asshole," Salem muttered and took another bite of his cake. JJ looked at Salem realizing he seemed to be deep in thought after his comment.

"Are you alright?" JJ asked. Salem looked at JJ then at his cake and took a deep breath.

"I imprinted on her. Yvonne I mean," Salem said. JJ kept quiet seeing right away that there was more to this assertion. The sadness in Salem's face said as much. "Apparently she can't leave the tribe."

"What do you mean she can't leave?"

"Apparently when it was decided that Yvonne would be sacrificed to the spirits, Owota begged the spirits to spare her life. They did, but it cost Yvonne her vision and her freedom. If she were to try to leave or stop serving the spirits, they'd take back what was originally owed." JJ stayed quiet a moment. Then Salem grunted a little when the tooth poked his chest. "God damn it; tooth poked me."

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," Salem muttered and took another bite of his cake.

When everyone finished eating, the pack returned outside into the blistering heat. It was easily at least 100℉ outside and because of the oasis, it wasn't even a more comfortable dry heat: it was humid. Yvonne was already by the oasis as JJ had said she was and Owota was at her side. Since it was daytime, they were able to actually see some of the other villagers aside from the immediate Tistilal flock and the slave class. In the distance was a field they'd not seen the night before where a group of people of varying ages tending to the crops. They were being overseen by men that were clearly of the Tistilal tribe who appeared to be armed only with knives, but it was enough to keep those in the field working. Aside from the cacti and other bushes, it was the brightest green they could see for miles. If they were being honest, the landscape was very beautiful. Sadly most of them were too hot to really appreciate it and the site of slave labor in action was enough to sour anyone's mood.

"South Korea had better whether than this," JJ muttered.

"I'll take this over Vietnam any day. Sure, this is humid but Vietnam was worse," Salem said.

Bayaq, Taraq and Blu Jae were otherwise occupied looking around hoping they might see the women from the night before. Of course, given it was early and they'd been out during the middle of the night, it wasn't likely they would see them. Since Jacob was otherwise occupied, Kevin led the pack to the large home to locate the Cullens to get updates and find out what their next step would be. The giants from before were back and seemed to be resting as they'd been before. They finally made it to Barka's home which had the same open set up as all the other homes only much larger. The Cullens were already there and Barka was pacing. Oscar, Oliver and Owen were all half asleep against a wall. Travis went right to Oscar and kneeled down beside him.

"Did everything go alright last night?" Travis asked.

"The vampires investigated the perimeter. They noticed your vampires, so by now they know we've gotten reinforcement," Oscar answered.

"The good news," Edward said, "is they don't seem to have any gifts we need to worry about. They have a tracker, but nothing to the power Dimitri has. The others are of normal power. They have newborns in their ranks but there are enough older vampires that they're able to keep them in line. From what I was able to hear, their army was formed to defeat another coven to have control of the region and when they noticed this tribe, they decided it was a prime spot to rest and since there are people here to pick off, it's all the more ideal."

"So are they concerned with any of you?" Kevin asked.

"They were surprised to see us," Edward said.

"Is there time to lead an attack against them?" Kevin asked.

"Who the hell are you?" Barka asked suddenly.

"Pardon?" Kevin asked.

"Where is your chief?"

"He is patrolling you grounds to keep the lot of you safe," Kevin said, "I am his eldest son and Chief in his place when he cannot be available."

"Fetch your father and we'll talk," Barka ordered.

"Kevin," Oscar said when Kevin was becoming visibly enraged and gently shook his head. Begrudgingly, Kevin looked at Nathan and asked that he find and bring Jacob to the house and switch out with him so they wouldn't reduce in numbers. While they waited, Oscar kept his head rested against the wall. Nesia couldn't help looking at Owen. He looked so tired but he wouldn't let himself fall asleep. A few minutes passed and Jacob finally arrived at the main house and he didn't look pleased.

"What issue do you need to discuss that you could not discuss it with my son?" Jacob asked.

"Your vampires say the army spotted them and likely know we have reinforcements. Can you make your pack ready by tonight or not?" Jacob gawked at the man and then looked at Kevin.

"What did you suggest?" Jacob asked.

"I asked Grandpa Edward if there was time to lead an attack and Barka asked where you were. He refused to speak with me and demanded you be here," Kevin said and Jacob looked at Barka.

"Kevin his my second in command and Chief when I am not present. You can speak with my son as you would speak to me and don't address him or any of my pack as children," Jacob said.

"I would prefer to speak to the one in command," Barka said harshly. "Now can your pack be ready by tonight or not?"

"We will be ready tonight," Jacob said and looked at the others. "Go back to Owota's home and relax. We approach the army at nightfall." Jacob then looked back at Barka. "And don't you ever disrespect my son again."

"The flock will all be ready tonight," Barka said and then looked at his sons. "That includes the three of you."

Barka left to go upstairs and when he wasn't looking, Owen sneered in his direction and flipped Barka off. He took a deep breath and then looked Nesia's way. She smiled kindly and reassuringly at him and managed the smallest smile back but it was short lived as he stood up.

"I'm going home. Wake me when it's nightfall," Owen said and started to leave. As he walked past, he and Nesia looked at one another briefly and then he was out of the house. Jacob escorted the pack out of the house but Travis stayed by Oscar's side. When he realized Travis was there, Oscar opened his eyes.

"You can leave. I'll be alright," Oscar said. "I need to sleep anyway. I'd rather stay with you."

Oscar smiled just a little, "If you want."

As they exited, Nesia's followed after Owen as he went to a small home that was must closer to the slums than any of the other homes belonging to the Tistilal. She saw an older woman step out of the house to greet him as Owen approached. Nesia could barely see her, but she could see the woman hug Owen affectionately and lead him inside. As they were walking, Cidelle was stepping out of the home she shared with her parents and noticed Bayaq. She took a moment to comb her fingers through her hair to fluff it into a fuller look, adjusted her dress so the swell of her breasts was ever so slightly more visible and then pinched her cheeks so there was some color before stepping out of the house and going right to Bayaq.

"Good morning," she said and took Bayaq by surprise.

"Morning," Bayaq finally said.

"I am Cidelle," she said, her accent thick. "What is your name?"

"Bayaq," he answered. "I can speak Tistilal if that is easier."

"You can? Oh, thank goodness; I was scared I would make a fool of myself. My English is awful, so this is much easier."

"I understand. English can be a hard language," Bayaq smiled. "Cidelle; that's a beautiful name."

"Thank you," Cidelle smiled and batted her eyelashes at him.

"Are you one of the Thunderbirds?"

"My father is one," Cidelle said. "He said you're here to help fight the army of cold ones."

"Yeah, we are," Bayaq said. "We're going to confront them tonight in fact. We're going back to Owota's home to sleep and get ready."

"Oh," Cidelle said and her shoulders slumped. "I suppose I should let you go, then."

"I'll see you again soon; I promise," Bayaq was quick to say.

"Okay," Cidelle smiled and pointed at the house she'd exited. "That's where I live. So feel free to come over any time."

"Absolutely," Bayaq said, returning her smile. She blushed and said goodbye to him before running off somewhere else and Bayaq continued after the group with a big smile.

The pack did their best to get as much sleep as they could before the sun was going down. Jacob woke everyone right before sunset so they could reconvene with Barka and ensure the flock was ready. The plan was for Barka and his flock to remain above the army until the ground forces began the attack and the Cullens would ensure a Pyre was built and ready so any vampires that were defeated could be thrown into the fire. However, as they were planning, Edward left the house suddenly, telling everyone to come outside. Being mindful of the giants and avoiding them, everyone, flock included, went outside to see a man flanked by two other men approaching them. They remained far away, so the Cullens took over communication.

"You are part of the newborn army that is attacking this village?" Edward said, already knowing the answer.

"Their leader to be specific," the man answered. "You may call me Miguel."

"Edward," Edward replied with his name.

"I did not realize there was already a coven that claimed this territory." It wouldn't matter as Edward could read from his thoughts: if the Cullens had happened to be in possession of the area, Miguel would simply bring his army to attack, assuming their numbers would win the day easily.

"My coven does not claim the territory; rather it belongs to the Tistilal tribe," Edward answered. "If a fight is not what you want, I would ask that you disband your coven and relocate."

"I'm afraid that's out of the question," Miguel said. "You see, Edward, the Tistilal offer a remarkable feeding opportunity for my army. There are plenty of humans to go around and once they're gone, we have a place to call home that we can leave and hunt at our leisure. If you hold no claim over this tribe and its resources, I would ask that you please remove yourself and leave us be."

"I'm afraid that's out of the question," Edward answered back. "What you're doing is far too conspicuous. If an entire tribe in the American South West goes missing and so quickly, it will cause alarm and bring about investigation even if only for the sake of pure curiosity. I can't allow you or your army to continue doing what you're doing."

"And if we do not?" Miguel asked. "You're up against an army 175 strong. Your birds were nothing against us and if those you have behind you are all that have been added to your numbers, then you are sorely outmatched."

"You may have higher numbers, but we have greater power," Edward said. "Before you only faced the Tistilal flock and they were not familiar with vampires and how to destroy them. You now find yourself against a coven of vampires, the Quileute wolves and a flock that now know how to kill you."

"And you are against the raw power of newborn vampires," Miguel said. "There is a lot to be said about a vampire that is just learning how to control their strength."

"Indeed there is; hence why we're so fortunate to have one that has dealt with newborns extensively," Edward said. "I will ask one last time, Miguel. You have newborns in your rank that wish only to live their own lives and I would not wish their deaths for your greed. Disband your army and leave the Tistilal be."

Edward listened to the man's thoughts carefully. He wasn't thinking about why Edward would know the hearts and minds of his lower ranks which would ultimately serve their purposes quite well. He plotted a response in the blink of an eye, weighing his options while also refusing to be defeated. Eventually, he came to his conclusion and gave Edward what was intended to be a reassuring smile, but Edward knew it was a lie.

"My deepest apologies, Edward. I hope you can forgive our recklessness. We will disband and leave the Tistilal alone," Miguel said.

"Thank you for your understanding," Edward said, playing along. That was way too easy, Jacob thought. All the same, he stayed quiet and he held up a fist to his pack to indicate they needed to do the same.

"It was a pleasure to meet you," Miguel said.

"You as well," Edward answered and like that, Miguel and the two that flanked him – who looked equally as confused by the outcome but remained silent – followed after him.

"That was too easy," Oscar said once they were gone and completely out of site.

"So long as they're gone," Barka said, "and the lot of you can follow suit."

"Not so fast, Barka," Edward said, "I think we should return to the village. It's not over."

"What do you mean it's not over?" Barka asked bitterly.

"Let's return to the village and I'll explain," Edward said.

They all returned to the village and went into Barka's home. Once there, Barka exploded. "You will now explain what the hell you mean by 'It's not over'!"

"Don't fucking yell," Owen said, rubbing his temples.

"Be quiet!" Barka yelled at Owen then returned his attention to Edward. "Explain." Edward held a hand up in front of Jacob requesting he not say anything when he was about to. There was no point in arguing with Barka at this point about his delivery and cadence.

"Miguel is planning to return," Edward said. "According to his thoughts, he's going to have his army keep a distance for 2 weeks after which he will return under the assumption we'll have left and things can return to normal."

"Then let's go after them and be done with it," Barka said.

"By the time we try to go after them, they'll be long gone and we won't know where to go to find them," Jacob said.

"Jacob's right," Edward said. "And if we send one of the birds ahead to scout, he'll know you're watching and he'll come back anyway. He already intended to be rid of some of the older members of the army that no longer serve the purpose he needs them for so if we allow him that time, we will have fewer to contend with."

"Is he really stupid enough to think you would take his word for it and leave?" Owen asked.

"He's certainly arrogant enough to think so. Miguel has been a vampire less than a decade but he has an inflated ego as well as an assumption that he's smarter than everyone around him. He's managed to come this far on his charm alone and he's assuming that'll be enough to settle things now."

"He'll be in for a rude awakening," Oliver said with a hopeful smile. "Father, we know what to do now, so all we have to do is wait for him to do something stupid and punish him for it."

"You forget that this leech told him we now know how to defeat them," Barka bit back.

"He's assuming the element of surprise will render that knowledge inconsequential," Edward said. "I know you don't think so, Barka, but we have the upper hand. He may have an army, but he's severally under qualified to lead that army – to be blunt, he has no idea what he's doing. His victory against that other army was pure luck whether he believes it was or not. He has no vampires at his side with any powers of worth, at least not for his purposes. On the contrary, we have a mental shield, a necromancer, a mind reader, a future seer and a girl that makes your head explode when she screams. Couple that with a pack that has protected its tribe from vampires for centuries and your new found knowledge, Miguel and his army are sitting ducks."

"Since we have the time, I can train you all to be prepared for how to deal with newborns," Jasper said. "They are faster and stronger than vampires are when we've aged hence why they're often used to create an army. The more time we have to prepare, the better."

"I'm happy to undergo whatever training is necessary," Oscar said.

"As am I," Oliver said.

"Likewise," Owen said. "The whole flock can train that way if this ever happens again, we'll know what to do."

"Then it's been decided," Jacob said. "We will stay as long as we're needed and prepare alongside you."

"Nothing has been decided," Barka said.

"You can't be serious?" Oscar said.

"Oscar," Barka said, pointing at Oscar, "You, me, pedestal. Now!" Barka then stormed out of the house to go to the pedestal. After a moment of several deep breaths, Oscar followed after his father as he was ordered.

"Viper," Owen muttered irritably under his breath, "he won't be happy until we're all dead."

"Father is used to absolute control," Oliver said, "so having the Quileutes here has rattled him."

"I don't give two shits if it 'rattles' him!" Owen yelled. "Serves the bastard right to be put in his place for a change."

"Ahiga," Oliver said calmly.

"Don't," Owen said and started to pace. "He's a tyrant; a selfish mother fucker!"

"Try being raised by him your whole life," Oliver said.

"Try being torn from your mother and thrown from the Pedestal!" Owen screamed and Nesia went wide eyed at the accusation as did everyone else's, yet Oliver wasn't shocked nor did he react in any way except sympathy.

"I think we all need to give ourselves some time to decompress," Oliver finally said. "I know our father has been grinding on all your nerves and for that I'm deeply sorry."

"Don't apologize; it's not your fault," Jacob said, his voice slightly weak after the rattling outburst. "Edward, should we still have constant patrol or no?"

"Yes, but our coven and your pack need to remain out of site," Edward said. "My recommendation would be to allow the flock to keep watch as they would normally do so when Miguel returns, he thinks we've left and the Tistilal are alone."

"I'll talk to the flock and we'll start watching from the pedestal in shifts," Oliver said. "Usually we only have one or two birds in the sky at any given time – we're all on the ground unless a lookout sees a threat."

"Good; keep it that way," Edward said. "It may even be good to make a show of festivities to say goodbye to us in case Miguel sends someone to scout."

"Agreed," Oliver said. "We will have a celebration tomorrow night as though we were victorious – throw them off. We can always have another celebration later."

"Indeed we can," Jacob said. By the time they left Barka's home now having a new plan of action, Travis wandered to the Pedestal and stared skyward. He couldn't hear what they were saying, but Travis could hear that Barka and Oscar were talking and by their tones of voice, it was not good.

When Oscar had come out of the house, Barka was already ascending the Pedestal and he followed after. When he got to the top, Barka was staring out into the distance taking in the desert scenery. Oscar didn't speak first. If anything, he didn't know what he could say or if Barka even wanted him to speak. Since the first fight with the vampires that resulted in them losing 20 of their birds and having to retreat, Barka had been downright unreasonable – more so than he typically was. The tyrant that ruled with an iron first was finally at risk of losing his tribe and, with it, his power and that knowledge weighed heavily on him.

"Look at this desert," Barka said. "Everything in my view within my control. What a good view to have."

"Why did you ask me up here?" Oscar asked.

"I ordered you up here because you brought the Quileutes to our tribe; the ones that banished our ancestors all that time ago. It's an act of treason."

"Bullshit!" Oscar yelled. "I reached out to people I knew could help us save our tribe!"

"And what will they expect in return for their 'generosity'? Unwavering loyalty perhaps? Or will they demand that we be at their beck and call should their enemies rise against them? I answer to no one, boy."

"They have made no condition for their help," Oscar said. "They're here because I have asked and because the army we face is a mutual enemy. If they ask that we be allies by the end of this that is a debt easily paid."

"But a 'debt' all the same," Barka argued.

"You're being completely unreasonable," Oscar said.

"I am being a leader, Oscar," Barka said, "Something you refuse to be. I had such high hopes for you, but you're weak."

"You look me in the eye and say that to me," Oscar growled and Barka looked right at him. "I have done everything you have ever asked of me and all you've done is punish me and beat me and take from me!"

"You betrayed me when you ran away," Barka said plainly. "A leader must be unwavering. He must be immoveable and stronger than mere man. That toy of yours should have been just that: a toy. Yet when it was ripped from you, you ran away like a child."

"Zakra was no toy," Oscar said bitterly. "And you are no leader. A leader cares for and looks out for his people. You look out for only yourself."

"Yet here I stand; Chief of the most powerful tribe the desert has ever known and there you stand: unable to take this 'tyrant' from his throne."

"You will not step down," Oscar said.

"Neither would my father, yet I found a solution," Barka answered cruelly. Then a smirk went across Barka's face that held the same venom. He removed his knife and tossed it at Oscar's feet. Oscar looked at it and then up at Barka. "Go ahead. Prove me wrong. Prove you are the son I always hoped you would be. Prove you are strong enough to lead these people."

"I'm not like you, father," Oscar said and kicked the knife away so it was back at Barka's feet. "I'm not a monster. I'm only sorry it took so long for me to realize it."

"You're sorry," Barka huffed and went down to pick up his knife then very slowly approached making it seem like he was going to leave the pedestal. "What a waste." Then, without warning, Barka shoved Oscar off the side of the pedestal.

"Oscar!" Travis yelled the moment he saw Oscar begin to fall and he sprinted in the vain hope he might catch him. Oscar shifted to a bird in time to open his wings to slow his fall. He flapped to his wings so that he landed on the ground with a thump and shifted back. Travis was at his side in seconds.

"I'm fine," Oscar said, interrupting Travis before he could speak and took Travis with him back to their feet.

"What happened?"

"Nothing," Oscar insisted and looked upwards, then back at Travis.

"Oscar, please, what happened?"

"I said nothing; drop it," Oscar said harshly. Then they heard Barka descending from the pedestal. Once he was on the ground, he looked between Oscar and Travis a moment. He looked at Travis critically and then looked at Oscar seeing something in his son's eyes that he's seen before yet it was a shadow by comparison. Then he huffed condescendingly.

"You only prove my point," Barka said and then walked away. Oscar said nothing, but he was starting to shake with fury. Travis took a hold of Oscar's hand, making him look up into Travis's reassuring eyes.

"Did he push you off?" Travis asked.

"What does it matter? I'm alive," Oscar said.

"It matters to me," Travis said.

"I said drop it, Travis," Oscar said with a cold fury as he grabbed a hold of Travis by the neck. Travis stayed calm and composed while Oscar gripped him tightly.

"Let go of me, Oscar," Travis said just as calmly and reached a hand up to Oscar's cheek as reinforcement. That gentle touch soothed him and he released Travis instantly. He stared at Travis feeling angry with himself that he snapped at Travis. It was something he used to do the Zakra – If Barka had enraged Oscar for one reason or another, he'd always end up taking it out on Zakra yet despite that, Zakra had been calm, loving and understanding. It was better than Oscar ever deserved. Now here was Travis treating him with the same calm love and understanding. It made Oscar fall to his knees and Travis kneeled down in front of him. "Oscar," Travis said.

"I can never be what father expects of me," Oscar admitted. It was so strange to hate the man yet feel deep pain that his own father thought so little of him. "I can't be like him."

"You're better than him, Oscar" Travis said, "In every way imaginable."

"He will not step down," Oscar said. "He will not step down but I do not have the strength to take his place by force."

"Oscar, the man murdered his whole family in cold blood," Travis said as he held Oscar's head soothingly. "He's a sociopath; any man with a conscience cannot do what he did."

"But it's the only way," Oscar lamented. "I don't want to be chief, but someone has to end his reign. And I can't do it." Travis took Oscar in his arms and Oscar accepted the embrace, resting his head on Travis's shoulder.

"Right now, let's focus on defending the tribe from the vampires," Travis finally said. "Barka can kick and scream all he wants. We're here for you and your people."

"Thank you," Oscar said quietly. "I'm sorry, Travis. For everything. You were everything I didn't realize I needed and I threw you away."

"I'm still here, Oscar," Travis said. "I love you. I always will."

"I love you too," Oscar said. "I just wish I could be the man you deserve."

"All I want is you to be who you are," Travis said. "That's who I fell in love with." Travis stood back up and helped Oscar to his feet along with him. "Come on; let's get some sleep. It's been a rough night."

Oscar nodded and Travis led Oscar with him away from the pedestal and to Owota's home rather than Barka's so they could rest for the night. Back at Owota's house right after leaving Barka's, Nesia stayed outside and, knowing she wanted to talk, Edward remained outside with her.

"What is Owen talking about?" Nesia asked.

"Owen was born after Yvonne was spared. Owota has been the medicine man for the tribe for well over a century. He was medicine man when Caevia was still here in fact. He married Myta very late in his life and when they had Yvonne, he experienced first-hand a parent's love and when he nearly had to sacrifice her, he realized the gravity of what he'd done by throwing those children from the Pedestal and he felt this overwhelming guilt. He swore he'd see to it that he never had to do such a thing again. He reinforced in the flock methods for birth control so that he could at least prevent one source of heartache. But soon, Owota caught wind of a slave that was pregnant with a falcon's child. Apparently Barka was rather open about his exploits on this woman so when Owota found out she was pregnant, he put two and two together."

"So that woman that Owen is living with?"

"That's his mother. Her name is Haseya," Edward confirmed. "Owota delivered the baby and knew the moment he looked at Owen that Barka was his father. But Haseya begged that Owota spare her son. So Owota claimed there was no possibility that Barka was this child's father, handed the baby to her and left. For years, that was the end of it, but then Barka saw the boy for himself several years back and realized he had a bastard child. So he had Owen reprimanded and ordered he be thrown from the Pedestal."

"How did Owen live?" Nesia asked.

"A combination of terror, shock and determination to live," Edward said. "He shifted to a bird at an age that most never could and was able to break his fall by flapping his wings as hard as he could. Barka was impressed with the boy, changed his name from Ahiga to Owen and took him on as he would any of his other sons. Sadly, with Barka, that means a life of abuse. He couldn't see his mother for years for fear of Barka's wrath. Oliver took Owen under his wing so to speak and protected him as best he could. By the time Oscar returned to the tribe, he was met with a new little brother that Oliver had gone out of his way to protect rather than beat into submission as Oscar had done. Since then, Oscar and Oliver had made amends. Owen brought his brothers together."

They were interrupted when they heard Travis yell Oscar's name. Edward ran to the pedestal but Oscar was already shifted and flapping his wings by the time they were in site. Nesia followed Edward as did the rest of the pack. Jacob watched as Barka came down from the Pedestal while Oscar was clearly shaken and fighting to hide how effected he was.

"What happened?" Jacob asked.

"Barka pushed Oscar off the Pedestal," Edward answered and Jacob gawked at Edward. He looked at Oscar again, realizing he wasn't surprised.

"The man's a monster," Jacob said.

"We've been here 24 hours and he's attempted to murder two people," Kevin said.

"We need to do something," Embry Jr. said.

"No," Oliver's voice came and the group looked at him, surprised to see him there, "He's our father. If anyone needs to do something, it's me, Oscar and Owen."

"What will you do?" Jacob asked.

"Our only choice is to take the Chiefdom by force," Oliver said but his voice weakened.

"You mean kill him?" Jacob asked and Oliver nodded solemnly.

"He won't step down. He'll never step down. For Oscar, Owen and I, it has nothing to do with power: it's about saving our people from 2 centuries of terror." The group was quiet as they stared at Oliver.

Eventually Kevin broke the silence asking, "Would you be able to do it?"

Oliver looked up at Kevin and said, "I don't know. If Oscar can't even do it, I don't think I could either. I don't know if even Owen could."

"Is there any other way?" Jacob asked but Oliver gently shook his head.

"He's still my father," Oliver said. "No matter what he's done, he's my father."

"If he can push his own son off a Pedestal to his death like it's nothing, he's no father," Jacob said.

Oliver gave Jacob a sad smile, "I wish I could see it so definitively as you do."