Notes | Alpha Order | Inner Wolf | 'Talking in Mind Link'
Chapter Twenty-Two | Wolf Legends
. . .
Jacob chuckled and pushed Quil forward.
Quil cleared his throat. His enhanced eyes dilated as he caught the blush rising on her cheeks. His heart skipped a beat as he heard her pulse quicken. "H-hello."
Claire gulped nervously. "H-hi. T-thank you for coming." She stepped closer and placed her hand on his bicep.
Quil's head shot up. His dark brown eyes connected with deep shimmering brown orbs.
Time froze.
His breathing hitched and he began to drown. I imprinted on Claire. A deep wide-spread happiness curled within him. A wide smile broke out on his lips. "go out with him?" The words rushed out before he could stop them.
Claire eyes widened. What is this pull? Why do I feel dra- DID HE JUST ASK ME OUT!? Her jaw dropped. "W-what?"
"Go . . . Out . . . With . . . Me?" Quil tried again, unsure of her answer. Will she say yes? Will she say no? Does she not like me this way? Does she like me this way? The tendons of his heart pulled, constricting. Did his imprint like him?
"Go out with you?" Claire asked. Holy crap on a cracker!
Quil nodded slowly. His heart stopped at the breath-taking smile that covered her lips.
"Yes," came her breathless reply. "I would love that more than anything." Claire's eyes sparkled. Her cheeks turned a lovely shade of red, mingling with her tanned skin. "Are you my birthday present?" She asked before she could stop herself. Her eyes widened. Claire covered her lips. Crap on a cracker! I shouldn't have blurted that out!
Quil chuckled. "I'd like that." His wolf liked that too. He stepped closer and pulled her against his chest. "The birthday girl is supposed to get a birthday hug."
Claire giggled against his chest. Her arms slowly wrapped around his chest. She liked this. A contented sigh slipped past her lips as she leaned against him fully.
Quil pulled her closer.
"YAH!"
Claire froze. Her cheeks heated up.
IT'S BIRTHDAY SPANKING NOT HUGS!" Alejandro yelled out from across the bonfire.
"Would you look at that!" Loveless gasped out. "How does she have more play?" She shook her head. "Blame it on luck - it's her birthday."
Angela snorted. "Maybe I should let you push me into him" She grumbled under her breath.
"Okay!" loveless agreed quickly. "Anything for a sister."
Angela narrowed her eyes playfully. She sifted closer and butted hips with the other.
Loveless gasped dramatically. She moved closer and hip butted her back.
Angela accepted the challenge a through her hip into it - throwing Loveless off balance.
Loveless let out a peal of laughter. Her laughter whooshed out her as her back landed against a firm very warm chest. Her eyes widened as she caught the glint in Angela's eyes.
Angela smile sweetly, too sweetly, before sashaying off.
Loveless continued to lean against the firm chest. She tilted her head back and came face to face with a smiling Paul.
"Hi," he murmured. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her closer, setting her flat on her two feet once more. "Have you eaten?" He whispered against her ear."
She shrugged. Her body hummed at their close proximity. Was it getting cold? Or was he always this hot? Loveless heaved a small sigh and let him hold her up. There's that damn pull again? She continued to gaze at him from her upside down position.
"Hungry?" He questioned, just as softly as the first.
Again she shrugged.
"Will you eat if I get you something?" Paul wanted her to eat. She needed to stay healthy.
"Okay." Loveless conceded as she continued to stare deep into his mocha brown orbs. Gosh they were pretty.
Paul smirked. "You gonna stay standing if I let you go?"
She giggled and shrugged again. Her eyes twinkled.
His wolf purred. She was playing. Paul's fingers skimmed over her quivering stomach. His heat seeping through her thin bathing suit. He let his long slender fingers drum to some unknown beat. His chest vibrated as he let out a long, low contented purr.
Loveless sighed. This was the life. She glanced over at a smiling James and Vicktor stuck in some conversation with Seth and two younger boys she didn't know. "I'm a little hungry . . . But I don't want you to move."
His wolf howled in delight. She wants him close. "You could come with me? That way you get the right food. Plus I think Kim might have brought a pie." Oh he prayed that was true. A thankful smile split his lips as he heard Jared's quiet confirm.
"Okay!" She bounced on the balls of her feet but stayed close. Fuck it! He was warm, and she cared more about warmth than hating everything at the moment. Though it didn't matter, soon she'd be eighteen and she could leave. Might as well make herself happy while she was stuck here.
. . .
Her eyelids drooped as she swayed. The sun was draining. Loveless' head jerked up as she felt a hot arm wrap around her, pulling her closer. Paul. She relaxed and let him do the work.
"I wanted to say thank you to all of those who came!" Claire announced - from Quil's side. She beamed brightly. "It means a lot!"
The crowd yelled out their agreements and clapped merrily.
Slowly the crowd dispersed - natives the only ones still surrounding the bonfire.
Claire made her way over - Quil on her tail. "Sam?"
Sam looked up - having been mooning after Emily - to smile at Claire.
"I have a favor . . ." She trailed off.
Sam glanced at Quil, his smile widening. "What can I do for the birthday girl?"
Claire smiled brightly. "I was wondering if you would tell us the stories. It's been a while since I've heard them." She laced and unlaced her hands. "Angela has heard them multiple times, we all live here." She licked her lips.
Sam smiled, his dark hard eyes softening. "Sure." He glanced at Seth, Jacob, Embry and Quil. "Douce the fire and make it smaller so we can set closer."
Once the bonfire had been reduced in size, logs were pulled around to sit on.
Sam pulled Emily onto his lap and cleared his throat. His eyes connected with Quil's and Paul's.
Paul squeezed Loveless and brought her closer. "You awake enough to listen to the stories?"
She nodded. Loveless pushed his arm away.
Paul frowned. Why?
Fuck it. Loveless bit her lower lip and crawled onto Paul's lap, instantly his arms wrapped around her caging her in.
Paul smiled and lowered himself to the sand so he could lean against the huge log. His knees were bent, Loveless sitting sideways on his lap.
Everyone settled in.
Sam heaved a sigh. His voice was soothing and steady. "The first spirit chief, Kaheleha learned the art, it is said, from a wolf that saw tribes coming towards our village. A tribe did attack and we fled because we were a small people and too few to defend our lands . . ." He glanced at the small group that had gathered around to listen. "Kaheleha and other spirit warriors left their bodies to frighten away those that took our lands . . ."
Loveless nestled closer to Paul. Her eyelids slid close - hiding her glacial blue eyes. Her body hummed gently as Sam's voice eased over her.
"Many generations past since that time with many spirit warriors defending the village. There was one spirit warrior that became chief who stands above others: Taha Aki . . ." Sam's eyes closed as he recalled the legend with vivid detail. A legend that had been passed down wolf to wolf.
"Taha Aki was a chief that was in peace with other tribes and was respected for it. But there was another man that did not see as Taha Aki did. He believed the Quileute should control other tribes and become stronger. He was Utlapa. Now, as spirit warriors, their minds became one and Taha Aki did not like Utlapa's thoughts. So he banished Utlapa from the tribe and he wandered into the forest . . ."
"Taha Aki was a protective chief and protected the village from every danger. Such was his habit and Utlapa took advantage. Taha Aki left his body and wondered his soul through the mountains. Utlapa found Taha Aki's body with the plan to kill him. But then he thought, 'I shall not kill him, I shall kill myself.' So Utlapa left his body and took over Taha Aki's. He then killed himself as he said and left his lifeless old body in the forest. Taha Aki heard Utlapa's thoughts, but he was too late to save himself and he was forced to wonder as only a spirit. He watched as Utlapa, in Taha Aki's own body, made the tribe believe he was the chief and his first command: No one was to enter the spirit world for he had a vision that such a thing would bring danger. However, in truth, Utlapa feared Taha Aki would be saved if the people went into the spirit world . . ."
"The wolf followed Taha Aki, becoming his permanent companion. He felt great jealousy towards the wolf. He had a body and a life of his own. But then, Taha Aki had an idea that changed our people forever. He looked upon the wolf and asked, 'Please, brother, allow me to share your body so that I might save my people.' The wolf complied and Taha Aki became one with his companion wolf. The two went to the village as one body . . . But Utlapa could not have this and he killed Yut. As Taha Aki watched a great rage that could not be contained by the wolf when Taha Aki returned to its body. The wolf shuddered, unable to contain Taha Aki's spirit any longer and Taha Aki returned to being a man. It was not his real body, but his spirit self and the warriors knew him instantly. Utlapa tried to run, but Taha Aki had the strength of the wolf and were able to kill him."
"Taha Aki returned the tribe to its former ways, he sent the two wives back to their families, however he did keep one rule – he forbade any of his warriors to enter the spirit world, it was too dangerous. Time passed and he also realised that some of his sons and grandsons, could transform into wolves as well."
Loveless opened her eyes slowly. "I like that." She whispered, just loud enough for the wolves to hear.
"Can you tell the one about the Cold Ones?" Angela asked softly. A gentle blush stained her cheeks as
Sam's lips pursed a moment before he nodded.
"It was said within our legends that the tribal elders of the clan had been captured by a supernatural spirit, and thus creating an immortal person. However, they were not immortal in their normal state, their bodies transformed into wolves, and the elders protected their lands from the cursed 'cold ones', or so the legends say. The 'cold ones' are another group of immortals, and though little is know about them, they are said to consume blood from the body of a human for nutrition and energy. The at inhuman speeds and are to be indestructible . . . The La Push elders are able to live forever, as long as they continued transforming into their werewolf sate."
Loveless frowned. "I don't like that one, she murmured. Her nose scrunched in distaste. A shiver coursed through her.
Paul tightened his grip. His head lowered next to her ear. "You like the wolves, and dislike the cold ones?"
She nodded.
Damn she is my imprint. Paul chuckled and ran his hands up and down her arms.
"Oh!" Claire smiled. "Can you tell the story about the third wife?"
Sam chuckled. "Last one. You have school tomorrow."
A pout marred her lips but conceded.
Sam kissed Emily's neck before letting his eyes slide close once more, loosing himself in the story. "
"After her son Yaha Uta killed the Cold Man, his mate, the Cold Woman, attacked the village in revenge. Yaha Uta attempted to stop her but was killed, leaving Taha Aki as the only spirit warrior left to defend the tribe. The Third Wife could see that he was losing the fight, and couldn't bear to see her husband die. She took one of her younger sons' knives and stabbed herself through the heart. The scent of her blood distracted the Cold Woman long enough for Taha Aki to destroy her. A number of her sons, who were enraged by her death, phased for the first time into wolves. Once the battle was won, Taha Aki lay in his wolf form by the Third Wife's body for three days, then vanished into the forest and was never seen or heard from again."
Loveless blinked. "Wow - I liked that one too."
. . .
Claire nodded. "She's so brave." She heaved a dreamy sigh. "I want a love like that." She giggled. "That's silly though huh?"
Quil squeezed the hand clasped with his. His eyes connected with hers - each beginning to drown. "I - I think it's beautiful. And possible. Very possible."
Claire blushed and shied away. "You think so?" She murmured softly.
Quil smiled. "I know it is."
. . .
Angela smiled at the display. "I want that too." She heaved a sigh, a pout forming on her plump lips. Her eyes widened as she bumped in the shoulder. Angela's heart sped up. She knew who was sitting on that side. With slow deliberate movements, Angela turned.
Jacob smiled. "You can have that too." He grinned and looked at her. Really looked at her - freezing. His eyes widened. "I'm Jacob." His breathing hitched. Her name was Angela. Right. RIGHT?
"A-angela." She couldn't blink. Wouldn't bring herself to blink. His eyes were to gorgeous to even be forced to pull away - even if it was just to blink. So beautiful.
"N-nice to meet you." He stuttered out. Unconsciously he moved closer. His dark eyes moved over her profile. "Are you cold?"
Angela blushed as a shiver - that had absolutely nothing to do with the chill in the air - coursed over her. "A little."
Jacob smiled and moved closer. With slow movements - in case she wanted to pull away, praying she wouldn't. Jacob wrapped an arm around her shoulders and brought her to his side.
Angela groaned. "Okay, maybe I was really cold."
Jacob chuckled. "It's Quileute genetics, we all run warmer." He grinned wickedly. "I'm just hotter like that."
Angela blushed like any normal girl receiving attention from her crush.
. . .
Loveless groaned and twisted into Paul. Her face buried against his neck. She wound her arms around his broad shoulders. "Paul, I want to go home." She whispered against his sizzling skin.
Paul squeezed her closer. He wrapped his left arm around her back and slid his right arm under her legs. With ease, Paul stood from the ground - perfect balance. "Guys, we're gonna head back. Nicole is about to fall asleep.
One by one the girls yawned.
"That's a good idea." Angela groaned as she stood, bones popped and muscles stretched. "We have school in the morning."
Claire pouted cutely. "I don't wanna."
"Birthday is queen for a day - not a year." Angela chided with sugary sweetness.
Jacob reached forward and encased one of Angela's thin wrists in his scorching hand. "Can I call you?" He bit his lower lip. Please say yes, Please say yes.
Angela looked up at male holding her hostage. "I'd like that." Her eyes shimmered turning Jacob's insides into honey.
"What's your number?" Jacob questions.
Angela smiled and rambled out her number.
Jacob nodded memorizing the digits. "I'll call you."
"You better." She winked.
Jacob grinned brightly before walking her to Claire's car.
. . .
Claire rolled her eyes and let Quil pull her in to a standing position.
"Can I call you?"
Claire giggled. "If you're going to take me out, it'd be smart to have my number." She winked and pulled out a piece of paper with her number on it. A blush stained her cheeks. "In case you asked."
Quil smiled brightly and kissed her cheek before walking her to her car.
. . .
Paul eased Loveless onto her bed, pulling the blankets over her. He had cleaned her feet and legs of sand at the door to Sam's out. He shook his head. He was fucking whipped. I just washed her damn feet. Paul Lahote just washed someones feet. A small smile covered his lips. He stood up straight and smiled down as his sleeping imprint. He leaned over her and placed a chaste kiss on her forehead. "Sleep well baby."
Loveless smiled in her sleep, heaving a contented sigh. She twisted onto her side and curled up - missing the warmth that had been with her moments ago. Her brows furrowed as she heard the words whispered from somewhere above her in the real world.
Sleep well baby.
Who called me baby? Was her last actually thought before slipping into complete unconsciousness.