#chapter thirty five

Mistfoot and Dustpelt ceased whatever conversation they were having as their leaders approached them. Dustpelt turned sharply and stood at attention, while Mistfoot slowly got to her feet and waved her short tail at Leopardstar.

“We’ve been discussing what our plan should be with the rogues,” Dustpelt said. “Mistfoot suggested we have scouts set up to catch their arrival before they get all the way here.”

Mistfoot nodded, her round face alight with amused eagerness. “I figure those flops won’t know how to sneak through a forest like this. We won’t need more than one scout, if we have someone from ThunderClan watching the border.”

“Except if they try to invade from some other border,” Dustpelt added.

Firestar looked at Leopardstar. “Teaselfoot’s used to that line of work. I think he’d be perfect for it.”

Leopardstar tilted her head thoughtfully, her grouchiness gone. “They could come from the road or down by the river. We need enough time to prepare for a fight, whenever they arrive. That could be in the middle of the day, or late in the night. We won’t know for sure.”

“I can speak with Cinderpelt and see if she has anything for us.” Firestar looked around and caught sight of Cinderpelt and Tornface talking with a couple patched mollies. “Give me a moment.”

“We’ll come with you,” Mistfoot said. “Easier for all of us to hear it.”

“Sure thing.” Firestar led the way over to the conversation, tail high.

Cinderpelt chuffed at something the cream-and-white molly said, but as her eyes drifted and noticed Firestar and his entourage, she stood and, with a quick “Pardon me”, limped up to meet them halfway.

“We just need any more information that you can give about the rogues,” Firestar said. “If you know where they’re coming from, or how many there’ll be…”

Cinderpelt shut her eyes for a moment, humming like she was trying to focus. After a moment, she winced and opened them back up with a grimace.

“Well,” she said, “I know that someone is going to die today.”

Fear and regret froze Firestar down to his bones. “…Who?”

“That I wasn’t told.” Cinderpelt must have seen something on his face, because she added hastily, “It could be anyone! It doesn’t have to be someone from ThunderClan– or RiverClan,” she tacked on at a stern stare from Leoprdstar. “It was a broken rock that I saw. That doesn’t mean… er… I’ll stop talking.”

“Not just yet, my sweet seer,” Mistfoot said lightly, though her expression was uneasy. “Do you know what time of day they’ll come?”

Cinderpelt looked grateful for the change of topic, slight though it was. “The rock was being shone on, so I’m sure it’ll be during the day. I suggest you let everyone rest now so we’ll all be awake for their arrival.”

“Good idea,” Leopardstar said, a tiny bit stiffly. “Firestar?”

“I’ll tell the Clans.” Firestar trotted for the meeting stump, the others in tow.

The announcement was short and to-the-point; Firestar instructed everyone to get their meals and naps in now, which no one seemed to have a complaint with. What they didn’t like as much was his final order.

“No one is to try and kill anyone,” he said, with severe emphasis. “Scare them out, but try to restrain Fury if you can. She has one eye and a half-ear. I think we can convince her to leave us be for good if we talk.”

Leopardstar made a face, thankfully saying nothing. Cats of both Clans muttered, but no one raised their voice.

Teaselfoot was sent out to watch the Houses’ border, and when the meeting was over, Firestar went over to Barley and Brick, who were sitting together and talking quietly.

“You two can stay out of this fight if you’d like,” he said to them. “Fighting your own could be tough, and Barley, I know you have nothing to do with this…”

But Barley shook his head firmly. “Y’all are letting me stay here for nothing. The least I could do is offer what muscle I have.”

“I’ll fight, too,” Brick agreed. “I’ve got something to say to Fury, myself.”

Firestar nodded in acknowledgement. “We appreciate your help, all of us. Get some rest.”

Perhaps out of courtesy, ThunderClan warriors stayed outside, curling up alongside RiverClan cats in the sand instead of retreating to the dens. Some apprentices whispered to each other and were told to hush. Firestar himself laid down by Greystripe and Ravenwing, the pair of them shuffling in front of and beside him, as if to block anyone from seeing him. Firestar marveled at how easily he fell asleep, surrounded by his friends.

When he woke, someone was prodding him, saying his name loudly. He blinked, eyes wanting to stay shut against the strong daylight and body wanting to spread out on the warm sand. When he could see properly, Teaselfoot was withdrawing a paw, tail lashing.

“They’re coming,” he said.

Firestar jumped to his feet immediately. Cats around him were raising their heads and getting up at those two words, Leopardstar among the first.

“Keep the nursery and elders’ den safe!” Firestar called to the rising cats near those dens.

Goldenflower flexed her claws and growled, using her body to fully block the way into the nursery. Beside her, Aspencloud folded her ears back and narrowed her eyes.

Firestar swiveled his own ears, trying to track how close the gang was. It took a few long moments for the shifting of ferns and the smell of the Aulmir to reach his senses; the blatantness of both made his heart clench in pity. These cats had no idea what they were doing.

Don’t let anyone die, he told himself. Not again. Not today.

Someone hissed a command just outside the entrance. In a heartbeat, with a screech of warfare, Fury burst into camp, teeth bared and eye blazing. Instantly, she skidded to a halt, eye now pale in shock and fear, but her followers shoved past her with challenging yowls. They, too, seemed to realize their mistake very quickly. Some of them at the front tried to turn around, but the crowd of rogues kept them from going anywhere but forward.

ThunderClan and RiverClan charged, yowling themselves. Firestar couldn’t do anything; Greystripe was standing in front of him and Ravenwing was swinging at the first cat that approached. Firestar was almost shoved towards the meeting stump, camp quickly becoming crowded with fighters.

“Find Fury!” Firestar shouted to Greystripe. “Don’t let her leave camp! I’ll be fine!”

“Like blazes you will!” Greystripe shouted back. “Stay behind me!”

Truthfully, Firestar would take any excuse not to fight, but he wanted this battle finished quickly. He turned to Ravenwing to give the same order. A single deadpan glance from his friend kept his mouth closed.

Screams of pain and anger drowned out even the harsh sunlight from Firestar’s senses. He jumped onto the meeting stump to get a better look at the battle, and instantly his tail lowered onto the ground.

It wasn’t even fair; the rogues were swinging haphazardly and screeching to sound much more frightening than they were, but they were still thin and untrained. Meanwhile, ThunderClan swatted away any who approached and RiverClanners grabbed any rogue near them and pulled them to the ground with their heavier weight, rabbit-kicking their stomachs viciously. Firestar had to look away, instead focusing on finding Fury.

She had somehow made her way deep into camp, fighting by the elders’ den. Three cats—Dustpelt, Mistfoot, and Privetclaw—had surrounded her and backed her into the log that made up the den. Her back was arched and she seemed to be spitting curses, swiping at them but not able to get away.

Good, Firestar thought. We have a chance with her.

A brown tabby rogue finally noticed where Firestar was, and leaped to land on the stump. Midair, Mousefur crashed into him and the two went rolling to the side. Firestar watched Mousefur dig her claws into the tom’s face and cut open an eye. The tom cried out in pain, shook himself free from her, and sprinted out of camp.

He wasn’t the only one. Fury’s followers were starting to fight their way back towards the entrance tunnel, accepting claws and bites and kicks in the name of getting away. One tortoiseshell tried a parting blow on Greystripe and was slapped hard enough to send her rolling away. She got up and ran immediately.

“Cowards!” Fury screamed at the retreating rogues. “All of you! Come back and fight!”

Only a few cats had stayed, because they were all pinned down. Most of them had the good sense to not struggle, though one blue molly was squirming under Leopardstar’s feet.

Firestar looked around camp and his eyes caught a sorry sight. A ginger cat was on the ground in front of Goldenflower, his life ebbing from his throat. His mother had just lifted her head away from him, bloodied muzzle still wrinkled and breath more of a hiss than a gasp. Aspencloud had her head inside the nursery, saying something soothing to the cats inside.

At least it wasn’t one of us, Firestar’s mind tried to say chipperly. Damp darkness clouded that thought and he let himself grieve the loss regardless.

“Is everyone alright?” he called after a moment.

Scattered confirmations and hums answered him.

“Please bring Fury here,” he said to Dustpelt, and he jumped down off the stump.

Dustpelt, Mistfoot, and Privetclaw surrounded Fury and started pushing her along towards Firestar. Fury looked ready to kill all of them, but she had the sense to just follow, her head low and ears against her skull.

“That was utterly pathetic.” Leopardstar came to stand by Firestar, eyes glinting with contempt as she spoke to Fury. “That was the best you had? That titchy gang was what you chose to come to ThunderClan camp with?”

Firestar gently rested his tail on Leopardstar’s side. When she looked at him, he gave her a kind but stern warning gaze, and she fell silent.

Fury was now in front of both of them, half-crouched and eye darting from side to side, like she was expecting more violence.

“It’s time to let this go,” Firestar said softly. “This resurrection of the Blood isn’t going to happen, and the Clans aren’t going anywhere.”

“What do you know, murderer?” Fury spat, her tail lashing. “I have the entirety of town on my side!”

“And yet you got maybe sot* wretches to fight for you,” Leopardstar snorted. “All of which gave up the instant they were outnumbered.”

Fury growled at her, but said nothing. Her furious eye went back to Firestar.

“I don’t want anyone else dead,” he said. “I didn’t even want Scourge to die. This should never have happened—his rise or your suffering.” He had to fight to keep his voice raised, his awareness of the cats around him watching him miniscule. “I’ve seen how it is in the Aulmir, and I’m sorry that it’s so—”

“You did this!” Fury yelled. “You murdered him and now humans are taking us away! Killing us! Changing us! They wouldn’t even look at us until you Clan cats ruined everything!” Every hair was bristled on her body. “Everything we did, everything we can’t take back - you ruined it! Don’t you dare try to say ‘sorry’ like that fixes anything!”

Her voice was lightning-loud and lightning-sharp… but it was shaky, too. When she set her eye on Firestar again, it was wet with grief.

“And now—” She swallowed. “And now my Claw is gone! He disappeared! The humans took him!”

Mild surprise clicked something in Firestar’s head. Soothingly, he said, “Claw’s alive.”

Fury blinked, caught off-guard.

“He’s left the Aulmir himself with a group of cats,” Firestar continued. “I don’t know what he aims to do from here, but I know he’s alive.” Hopefully remains alive, if the owls don’t get him.

Fury hesitated, her tone still angry, but almost a drop of desperation in it, too. “How do I know you’re telling the truth?”

“Check my bloody Barn,” Barley said, coming up from the side of the crowd now surrounding the conversation. His face and shoulders were scratched up, but he didn’t limp. “Some of you idiots took my home from me. He was one of them.”

Fury stared at him, saying nothing.

Firestar continued. “Some cats have left for a better life outside of the Aulmir. But I think there could be a better life there for those who stay.” He kept his voice calm and supportive. “I can see that you have the skill to gather followers. You could create a new colony, one that would benefit everyone by working together and not just looking out for themselves.”

“What, like you?” Fury growled, but that desperation was leaking even more into her voice. “How do I know that’ll work?”

“It can and it will.”

Firestar blinked, looking to his right. Brick, his ear cut and nose scratched, wove around past Barley to step up to Fury directly.

“I’ve seen it in my time here,” he continued. “These Clans may be a little pious—if you’ll excuse me, Firestar—but they’ve got a system here that’s kept them alive and thriving for more generations than anyone here can count.” He straightened up, tail high over his bald back. “I think there’s something to it that we could follow.”

“‘We’?” Fury looked at him with a narrowed eye.

Brick nodded. “I’ll come with you back to the Aulmir and set up a colony with a system for whoever wants to try it out.”

Several ThunderClan cats murmured in surprise.

“Y’all have taught me quite a bit,” Brick said to them, turning his head this way and that. “And I’m pretty confident that what I’ve learned about a proper group here can work anywhere. Or, at least, I’m willing to give it a test run.” He looked back at Fury. “What do you think? Want to build a better life, or would you prefer to keep going for revenge until you die?”

The rogues that hadn’t left were slowly getting to their feet as their opponents let them rise. The blue molly took a step forward and raised her voice, hesitant as it was. “I think it’s worth a try, Fury.”

Fury didn’t respond to her. Her eye was flicking back and forth as she thought. Slowly, her claws retracted into her toes.

“Whoever sees you again might want you dead,” she said to Brick.

Brick rolled a shoulder. “If they kill me, they kill me. But if I’m with you, they might be inclined to listen before slitting my throat. At the very least, I can explain what I’ve got in mind, so you can tell them after I die.”

There was a moment of silence where Fury looked around herself at the strangers surrounding her—oddly, with a mixture of resentment and curiosity. The Clans politely let her think, everyone quiet until she finally spoke.

“It’ll be on you if we fail,” she said to Brick.

Brick slanted his head with some amusement. “I’ll take the fall, don’t you worry.”

“Are you sure you want to leave?” Firestar asked him. “You’re welcome to stay…”

“We’ve been trying to figure out a solution to this problem since I got here,” Brick replied. “I’m not keen to let an opportunity to test one slip by. I do thank you for letting me live here, all of you, but I’m a street cat at heart. I might as well try to make my old home better.”

Firestar nodded respectfully. “Feel free to come by the border and ask for help. I’m happy to give it.”

Fury raised her voice, looking around for her followers. “Then we’ll go. I better not see a single ThunderClan cat in my territory for the rest of my life.”

“We wouldn’t dream of going back there,” Mousefur said dryly.

Brick turned to her. “You could, if you wanted.”

Mousefur squinted at him in mild confusion.

“The Aulmir could use a cat like you,” Brick elaborated, tail curling. “I know your company would be more than welcome.”

Mousefur snorted. “Don’t even joke.”

“Who said I was joking?” Brick’s voice leaned towards softness.

Unfortunately for him, Mousefur did not take the cue. She just shook her head, saying in her casual tone, “The forest is the only place for me. I hope you all do well out there.”

“As you like,” Brick said with another shoulder-roll, but Firestar saw the disappointment in his eyes. He turned rather quickly to Fury. “Let’s mosey. Help me carry the fellow over there.”

“Pounce?” Fury said, sounding surprised. “Why? He’s dead.”

“Another fun little thing they do around here,” Brick explained, “is respect the deceased. We can find a place to set him down to rest in. Give him some dignity.”

Fury glanced at the blue molly, who nodded, and said, “Fine. Come on.” To Firestar, she added, “We won’t need an escort out of your territory. We’re not coming back.”

Firestar dipped his head respectfully. “Let us know if you ever get in trouble and need help.”

Fury twitched her lip, but walked over with Brick to the tom with the torn throat. Goldenflower, thankfully, let them approach and haul the tom over both of their shoulders. The remaining rogues, surprised and wary, joined up with them, looking back and forth like they were expecting another attack. The Clan cats said nothing as they went through the entrance tunnel. Slowly, their shuffling of the undergrowth of the forest faded.

“They’ll come back,” Leopardstar said to Firestar. “I’m sure of it.”

“We’ll see,” Firestar said lightly. “But I think it’ll be okay.”

Leopardstar rolled her eyes good-naturedly. “You’re too soft on them.”

“Softness is what they need,” Firestar replied. “They’ve had entirely too much of a hard life. Why not treat them kindly?”

Leopardstar scoffed under her breath, even if she looked more amused than doubtful. “Whatever you say.”

Jacob and Becks made quick work of the dishes following dinner. Maya was refilling her glass of white wine and Paul was upstairs freshening up before heading out on rounds with Jacob for the evening. Maya watched Jacob and Becks subtly out of the corner of her eye. They seemed comfortable around one another, even only after just a short time. Maybe Paul was right—maybe their imprint was so strong that they just clicked into place right away.

Becks handed Jacob rinsed dishes and he placed them carefully into the dishwasher. Every once in awhile, their hands would brush and Maya noticed that Becks’ eyes would flicker up to Jacob’s face.

Maya knew that heat, knew that feeling of shock. She tried to hide a smile and as Paul descended the stairs, he gave her a quizzical look. She shook her head and took a sip of wine, leaning back against the kitchen counter. Paul wrapped his arms around her for a moment and leaned down to give her a soft kiss.

“Ready?” he said over her shoulder toward Jacob. Jacob absently touched Becks’ back and then quickly withdrew his hand as if he h'd received an electric shock.

“Yeah,” he said quickly, drying his hands and walking past Maya and Paul toward the door. Maya giggled softly and Paul gave her a wide eyed goofy look before whispering playfully,

“Stop,” and kissed her again before following Jacob out the front door. Maya sipped her wine and gave Becks a knowing look, but her face was set in stone, trying desperately not to be read.

“Want a glass of wine?” Maya offered. Becks let out a breath she had been holding and nodded. Maya handed her a freshly poured glass and the two went to sit on the couch.

“Okay, so how are you feeling about all of this? For real?” Maya broached. She didn’t want to push Becks but she knew that the council meeting had really shaken her up. Becks rubbed her eyes and took a swig from her wine glass before saying with a hint of uncertainty in her voice:

“It is what it is at this point.”

“Becks, come on,” Maya egged on. Becks always did this. Tried to put on a brave face and push onward. But Maya knew that wasn’t the extent of it. After a few solid minutes of silence Becks let out a loud frustrated groan as if she lost an internal battle with herself.

“It’s fucked up!” she nearly shouted. Maya’s eyes went wide and she let out a little laugh.

“Tell me more,” she said between giggles.

“I don’t know, My,” Becks sighed, “I never expected something like this to happen.”

“Welcome to the club.” Becks rolled her eyes at this.

“Yeah, I know just...everything with Jacob is just so intense. His dad’s intense, him being the alpha is intense, I can tell he’s trying to take it slow but every time I look at him I just see this….need.” Becks sipped her wine and stared off into space for a minute, “It’s kind of hard to ignore.”

Maya raised her eyebrows in surprise, “Do you like Jacob?” Becks looked at her startled:

“Of course!” Maya scoffed internally at the rushed easiness at which she said this, “I do, My. I really do. I mean it’s fucking intense and surreal, but everything just sort of makes sense when he’s around.”

“Did they not make sense before or something?” Maya asked skeptically. Every time someone else talked about their imprint experience Maya couldn’t help but feel like something with her and Paul had to be broken.

“No, I mean it did. My life was laid out like a fucking map. Northwestern is my dream. And Jacob complicates things, so it should be the opposite of making sense but I...Oh god, I sound fucking nuts,” she deflated. Maya reached out and touched her arm gently.

“You don’t sound nuts. You like him. That's probably a good thing. Just don’t...let it get in the way of the other things you still want that have nothing to do with the imprint,” Maya said more for herself than for Becks. Becks looked at her seriously now.

“Do you think I’m a horrible fucking person?” Her eyes were pleading and Maya screwed up her face in confusion.

“What?! No! Why would I think that? Becks, you did not choose this imprint. It fucking chose you. And it is entirely up to you what you want to do with it. Do you….” Maya stopped herself and pursed her lips.

“What?” Becks prompted, “Do I what?”

“Do you...want to be with Jacob?” Maya almost scrunched her face up in a cringe. Becks looked at her shocked and then the shock gave way to understanding and that gave way to serene calm. Maya knew the answer before Becks even opened her mouth—the look on her face said it.

“I mean….yeah. I do. But that’s fucking crazy. I’ve literally spent less than 4 days with this dude!” she cried.

“Yeah well,” Maya shrugged. She gulped at her wine and tried to hide the nervous energy on her face. “Have you told him that’s what you want?”

“I mean, after what the council said today, I don’t know if he needs any added pressure. They were fucking brutal to him, especially his dad, I was...honestly shocked,” she said resigned.

“Still doesn’t mean you shouldn’t tell him,” Maya replied softly. She didn’t even know why she said it. Everything in Maya was so nervous for Becks because this was something that scared her about Paul at the beginning. The need to be with him was so strong, but she had wanted it on her own terms. “What did the council even say? Paul as you know is very….brief.” Maya said with a tinge of annoyance. Becks laughed.

“He’s protective. Fiercely protective of you.”

“I don’t know why! All of the other imprints always know so much more than me.” Maya carried on.

“Oh please,” Becks looked at her and when Maya gave her a confused look back, she continued, “He’s that protective because of you. You’re the one that pulled hard against the imprint—” When Maya opened her mouth to protest, Becks put a hand up to shush her, “—and rightly so! You have a lot going for you and you’d never let anything get in the way of that. But that’s why Paul holds back I think. He doesn’t want to put any more pressure on you than necessary so that you’re free to stay the course you’re determined to keep.” Maya sat in silence for a while with her mouth slightly opened. She’d never thought of it like that before.

“Oh,” she said quietly. Becks laughed.

“Keeping you out of pack stuff keeps you at arms length from it and from the pressure it brings. He’s doing you a favor,” she breathed out heavily, “Trust me.”

“Okay, but I still want to know what they said,” Maya begged, “Exactly what they said!”

“Okay, okay,” Becks conceded gently, “So we go in there and it’s all serious, you know how it is. And Chief Black has this big grin on his face and he goes….”

“Jacob, Rebecca. Thank you for joining us,” Chief Black gestured to the chairs in front of the long council table. Becks looked to Jacob expectantly. His lips were stitched together in a hard line but he nodded at her. Becks walked and sat in the chair, her legs trembling slightly from nerves she couldn’t quite place. Being in front of the council always made her nervous. Seeing them was usually reserved for very serious matters and this felt doubly serious. Jacob sat down next to her, crossing his giant arms across his chest. Chief Black gave him a knowing smile but the scowl remained on Jacob’s face.

“We’ve heard some exciting news recently,” he continued.

“Dad, cut the shit. I know you guys know I imprinted. What’s this about?” his voice was drenched in irritation and Becks had the urge to reach out and put a hand on his arm. But the eyes of the council bored into them intently and she refrained. Chief Black’s smile only faltered a bit before he continued in his warm, elegant tone.

“We just want to formally congratulate you and tell you how excited we are for this match. You’ve been gone a long time, Jacob,” Chief Black’s eyes glinted with something—was it anger? Or maybe it was grief. “You should see this as a gift from the ancestors for returning to your home. To the people who love you and rely on you for protection.”

Jacob shifted uneasily in his seat, his eyes dropping down the ground in a moment of guilt. Becks automatically shifted her body toward his in response before winding her hands tightly in her lap. This wasn’t going to be good.

“I’m back now. So what is it we can do for you?” Jacob said, the jest clear in his voice.

“We’re glad you asked,” Elder Mila said leaning forward. Elder Leo gave a wink and Becks was the one now to squirm in her chair.

“We’ve asked you both here today to talk about your future. As your imprint, Becks has a new, important duty to this tribe. A layer of her life that she cannot ignore. And we want to be clear on our expectations of that role,” Chief Black looked to Becks now, intent and hungry. “Rebecca, you are incredibly lucky to have been imprinted on by my son. I welcome you with open arms into my family and know that you will be a wonderful partner for him. But with the fall semester coming up and with your current plans to move out to Chicago for Northwestern, I must ask this of you as your Chief.”

Becks’ eyes widened in anticipation, her breath completely gone from her. Jacob uncrossed his arms and leaned forward, ready to pounce it seemed.

“I’m asking you to forgo college this semester in exchange for staying here and growing your relationship with Jacob. It is vitally important that you two respect and indulge in the imprint in whatever way feels best. But you won’t be able to do that in Chicago.”

“What the fuck!” Jacob seethed. Becks glanced at him, alarm painted clear on her face. Her cheeks were flushed red. “You can’t ask her that!” Jacob continued. Becks was frozen.

“Jacob is considered an alpha and it would be unwise for him to leave La Push and his tribe so soon after returning. You have an obligation to him and to this community to ensure that the imprint goes smoothly.” Chief Black carried on without acknowledging Jacob's outburst.

“You’re fucking delusional!” Jacob said, starting to lean his body toward Becks to try and block her from their view.

“Jacob, I’m speaking to Rebecca right now. She knows the importance of this imprint. It’s probably the most important imprint of this pack! She must know the consequences of her actions if she chooses to leave!” Chief Black’s voice was rising.

“Dad, this is insane. She is a fucking person, she’s not some fucking dummy doll sent by the ancestors for my use!” Jacob stood now, “You won’t ask her to fucking stay and you won’t put pressure on us to be together. We decide that!”

“You have made enough decisions. Selfish decisions that have only hurt us. This is about something bigger than you, bigger than Becks. This is about our survival. She will be asked to stay and progress your relationship,” Elder Mila butted in.

Jacob looked absolutely furious but he wasn’t shaking. Becks opened and closed her mouth like a fish. What was she supposed to do? Stand up and scream at them too? But the worst part was, it wasn’t like Becks hadn’t already thought about this. Leaving for Northwestern felt….wrong. But she knew that was ridiculous. It had to be the imprint talking. But now that the council was leaning on that thought too, she was second guessing herself.

“My decisions that I made for myself, whether you agreed with them or not, were mine and mine alone. You cannot punish her because I’ve been gone for 6 years. I’ll stay here while Becks goes to Northwestern in the fall. End of discussion,” Jacob said fiercely. His hand hung by his side and Becks’ eyes trained to it. All she wanted to do was reach out and grab it.

“She has a duty to this tribe and a duty to you as your imprint! This is more important than college. The relationship needs to progress so that you two can start a family and fulfill that purpose!” Elder Leo shouted angrily. Chief Black’s face was set in a hard line.

“Oh fuck off!” Jacob turned to Becks. Her eyes were filled with tears but she hadn’t realized when it had happened. “Let’s go,” he said gently, reaching out his hand. She took it quickly, letting her body swell with the relief it gave her to touch him. He pulled her up from her seat and tugged her toward the door.

“Jacob!” Chief Black called as they made their way toward the door. Jacob stopped and looked over his shoulder, while pulling Becks behind him so they couldn’t see her, “You know what we’re saying is true. It will happen and would be in your best interest and in ours to follow our advice sooner rather than later.”

“Sounds like a bunch of bullshit to me. Stay away from us,” he said, firm and protective as he swiveled back around and placed a hand on Becks’ back to guide her out of the council house and away from them.

“And then i just looked up at him and he shook his head and told me they were crazy and that nothing changes between us,” Becks concluded. Maya was full fire. She wanted nothing more than to storm over to Chief Black’s house and burn it to the ground.

“How fucking dare they!” Maya said in an explosive whisper. “How dare they ask something like that of you! What? Just because Jacob imprinted you don’t get a life? Fuck that! I’m glad he told them to get fucked, they deserve it.”

“I know, but I just don’t want things to be hard here for him. He just got back and things are still….fragile. I just—”

“Wait...you’re not actually considering staying are you?!” Maya said rising to her knees in a panic.

“No, no of course not! Calm down, Maya,” she said holding out her hand. Maya sank back onto the couch and let out a breath.

“Jesus, don’t scare me like that,” Maya took another sip of wine, almost draining her glass and watched the flickering of emotions flit across Becks’ face.

“I just know that when I leave, things are going to be tough for him. You saw what happened when we went to Hawaii for ten days. He was a wreck when he got to me. All ashen and wild looking,” Becks trailed off.

“Yeah, but that was because he was fighting the imprint too. Now he’s okay with it. He’s okay with you. It won’t be like that again as long as you two stay in touch and see each other every once in awhile,” Maya reassured her. Becks finished her wine and set the empty glass on the coffee table. She didn’t look totally convinced.

“I know. I’m just worried...about him,” she said.

“Because you care about him. I get it. Just make the most of the time you’ve got left before the semester starts and you’ll figure it out,” Maya said.

“I know,” Becks breathed, laying her head back on the head rest. “Life got complicated pretty fast.”

“These imprints will be the death of me, I swear.” Maya murmured, “So are you two like….dating then?”

“I don’t know,” Becks said softly, “Maybe? No? Not really? He seems content with us just being really close right now, but I think I want to.”

“Then tell him you want to. Regardless of this council bullshit, it’s okay to feel your feelings. And the imprint makes that pretty easy. It’s a hard line directly to your heart, so follow that as much as possible.” Maya said. Becks smiled sadly, still unsure with the chaos that was this imprint and closed her eyes. Maya let the worry drench her face while she wasn’t looking.

After Becks went home, Maya made up the couch in the living room for Jacob to sleep on. Paul had some renovations planned for the house this fall once she had left for college, one of them being building an extension onto the house for a guest bedroom. But for now, Jacob would have to do with the wide couch.

Once she was satisfied that it was filled out with enough pillows and blankets to be cozy, she climbed the stairs to their bedroom and changed into just one of Paul’s long shirts sans panties. She had little to no energy after her conversation with Becks. Well, that and the bottle of wine they polished off together before the end of the night. It didn’t take long to drift off to sleep, but it felt like no time at all before she was awoken by rough hands under her shirt squeezing at her waist.

Maya opened her eyes groggily. Paul was laid between her legs and had hiked her shirt up to expose her belly and lower half. His cheek was pressed against her stomach and his hands were gripped tightly on her waist and back. She could feel the tension in his body as he held onto her.

Maya placed her hand in his hair and raked through it gently with her fingers. “Hey,” she said softly. When she didn’t get a response, she tried again, “Paul? Are you okay?” her stomach fluttered with nerves. Maya leaned over to turn on the bedside lamp and washed the top of his head in light.

“Paul,” she said again, “Hey, look at me.” She gently tugged his face forward to look up at her. His grimace startled her, but it was filled with anger and hurt. “What’s wrong?”

“Why didn’t you tell me what happened at the Wharf?” he said slowly. She could tell he was trying very hard to control the anger pulsing through him. Not anger at her, just anger in general. Maya sighed and smoothed her hand across his forehead.

“Probably the same reason why you didn’t tell me that you had Embry follow me,” she said gently. When the hard and angry look didn’t ebb from his face, Maya continued, “Paul, I’m fine. I would have handled it with or without Embry’s help. It was no big deal.”

“I don’t want anyone to touch you like that. Ever,” he said darkly.

“Yeah, I gathered that much,” Maya laughed a little. Paul pressed his forehead against her stomach and took some deep breaths. “You’re really upset about this, huh?” Maya said nonchalantly.

“How am I supposed to protect you when you’re all the way in New York?” he said into her stomach. She could tell even through the muffled words that he was nervous.

“Paul. Come on, we’ve talked about this. I’m going to be perfectly safe. I’m hardly ever going to be able to leave campus with my workload and you’ll be out there a ton!” Maya soothed. Paul’s face was still buried in her stomach and Maya threw her head back onto the pillows. “Becks told me exactly what the council said to her and Jacob today.” Maya’s hand was still in Paul’s hair. Paul didn’t say anything, “Did they say stuff like that to you too? Did they tell you to keep me here?”

When Paul finally lifted his head up to look at her Maya gave him an expectant frown. “They told me in no uncertain terms that the relationship needed to be more than just friends and that I needed to make that expectation clear to you immediately. They didn’t exactly tell me to impregnate you, but I’m sure they would have if I hadn't left.” Maya ran her thumb across his eyebrow.

“Would you ask me to stay?” she said quietly. Paul considered this for a moment and then kissed her stomach.

“No. I couldn’t ask you to stay,” he looked back at her and Maya smiled softly.

“Thank you,” she whispered. He nodded and then laid his head back on her stomach, wrapping his arms more comfortably around her. Maya turned off the light and fell back asleep.

“You sure you don’t want to ride with us?” Maya said as she fitted the filigree comb into her hair to pull back one side of her hair from her face. She was donned in a ribbed yellow dress that fell to her feet with two slits up either side of the dress that rested just above her knees.

“Nah, I’m gonna pick Becks up on my bike,” Jacob said nonchalantly. Maya grinned and tried to hide the knowing look on her face.

“Ooooh the bike. Fancy,” Maya said. Paul descended the stairs loudly and came over to her holding out her grandmother’s black vintage watch.

“Is this the one you were talking about?” he asked. Maya took it from him and fit it around her wrist.

“Yes, thank you!” Paul slid his hand down her back and glanced over at Jacob.

“See you there?” he asked firmly.

“Yeah, I’m out,” Jacob said quickly as he left out the front door.

“You ready?” Maya turned to him as she fitted her small gold hoop earrings in and smoothed out the front of her dress.

“Almost,” Paul said. Maya looked at him with a question on her face, “Do you want to fuck here or in the car?” he said, an eager smile on his face as he cupped her cheek. Maya let out a laugh. “Dealer’s choice.”

“Paul, come on, we don’t have time. We’re already late,” Maya said, looking around for her slides.

“I haven’t gotten to touch you in days!” he groaned. Maya could tell he was already turned on.

“Yeah! No one’s stopping you babe,” she said as she found one of her slides slipped under the couch.

“Uh, yes there is, and he’s a huge dude on my fucking couch,” Paul retorted.

“Pau! You invited him to stay here!” Maya said aghast.

“Yeah, but I didn’t realize sex wouldn’t be an option!”

“It still is an option!” Maya shot back as she grabbed her bag.

“I’m not going to let him hear us having sex. That’s not...going to go well for me,” Paul said a flash of possessiveness pulling over his face. Maya rolled her eyes.

“Well, buck up then bud. We’re late and this is our last pack dinner before I leave in a few weeks. Come on,” she said as she pulled open the door and headed toward the car. Paul gave a frustrated noise and followed her, yanking open the passenger door for her before getting into the driver’s seat.

The entire drive to Sam and Emily’s, Paul kept his hand firmly on Maya’s thigh under her dress. Maya was texting Keye who was out of town with her parents and filling her in on the updates with Becks and Jacob so she heartily ignored Paul’s firm squeezes and wanting glances.

She desperately wanted him as well, but she knew he’d enjoy the excitement of building a moment between them. Maya wanted to pull that needy, hard look from him and she knew just how to get it. When they pulled into the clearing in front of Sam and Emily’s, he was thoroughly frustrated.

“Come on!” Maya said as she laughed off the firm look he gave her. When they entered the house, it was already loud and light with laughter and shouting. Paul was hot on her heels, a hand placed tightly on her waist as they were greeted by everyone. Becks and Jacob hadn’t arrived yet.

Maya looked around the room for Jeremy but when she couldn’t find him, she looked at Paul confused. Paul shook his head almost imperceptibly at her, confirming what she already knew—Jeremy wasn’t coming. She knew it was probably for the best, just this one time to give him some space from the situation, but it still made her heart ache.

“Maya!” Emily called to her from the kitchen. Maya beamed and pulled out of Paul’s grasp, to his utter disappointment, and crossed the room to wrap her in a hug.

“Ohh! I can’t believe you and Becks are leaving so soon!” she cried. Kim was next, pulling her into a tight hug as well.

“I know, it’s kind of surreal,” Maya breathed.

“Are you all packed, at least?” Kim said, popping some spinach and cheese bites into her mouth.

“Yeah, Paul and I shipped some stuff to my new dorm yesterday and I’ve updated my wardrobe. I’ll get all of my books and supplies when I’m there. But it’s going to be a whirlwind for sure. There’s still so much to do,” Maya confirmed.

“Paul’s coming out though soon after, yeah?” Sadie was there now, pulling her into a hug and jumping into the conversation. Maya squealed and hugged her tightly.

“He’s coming out about 3 weeks into September, so fairly quick. It will be the longest we’ll have been away from each other,” Maya pulled a face and Emily mirrored it.

“Yikes, I don’t know how you guys do it,” Emily said, mixing up a salad in a giant bowl in front of her. Maya shrugged.

“It’s not without effort,” she breathed. Just then, they heard hollers and whistles coming from the living room. Maya snapped her head around and saw Jacob coming through the door, followed closely by Becks who had a wide grin on her face and...her hand threaded into Jacob’s.

“Finally! The prodigal son returns!” Jared crowed as Embry and Quil laughed.

“Yeah, yeah, yuck it up. I assume you guys know Becks, right?” he joked. Becks smiled the biggest smile Maya had ever seen and leaned into Jacob.

“Oh yeah, we know her,” Embry said, elbowing Jacob’s side.

“Honestly, I feel like I’ve known her better than you at this point,” Quil jibbed. Jacob rolled his eyes.

“Alright! Everyone, grab something and bring it to the table outside please,” Emily hollered across the kitchen. Maya grabbed two plates of rolls and followed everyone outside to the lantern lit backyard.

Maya settled into her place next to Paul who draped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her in to kiss her cheek as Sam stood up to make his toast to welcome Becks.

“Jacob, I just wanted to take a second before we welcome Becks officially to say that we’re happy to have you home. We know the past few years have been tough, but you’re back with your family and that’s all that matters. Now to the important part,” everyone laughed, “Becks, you were already a member of this family before, thanks to Maya, but now you are tied to us forever. Sorry about that,” he joked. Maya laughed in surprise and Paul’s eyes shimmered with joy as he laughed too, “So welcome and here’s to the next chapter of our pack—stronger and better everyday now that you’re all here!” He raised his glass and everyone followed his lead with shouts, hoots, and loud banging on the wooden table.

Becks was easily tucked into Jacob’s side and Maya wondered if she had told him she wanted to start dating. However, Maya wasn’t able to perseverate too long given that her overzealous boyfriend was creeping his hand up her inner thigh under the table as the pack dug into dinner, fully distracted. Maya gave him a sidelong look, but he slowly let his fingers whisper up her inner thigh. She parted her legs slowly, eager to play this game and when his fingers finally reached her center, his eyes went wide in surprise when he was met with no barrier between his fingers and her slit.

Maya placed a hand expertly in front of her mouth to conceal a giggle as Paul looked at her, wide eyed and hungry—a look of amazement glittering in his eyes. She knew Paul had wanted her over the past few days and this was just the kind of egging on he needed to take her the way she wanted. He let his hands drift over her center softly making her slick with want.

He leaned over and whispered roughly in her ear: “I’m going to the bathroom, you should follow me.”

When he pulled back though, Maya tilted her head and said teasingly, “I’m going to finish my dinner, but thanks.” His hand stalled and his eyes went wide with fire. Still, he got up from the table expectantly and disappeared into the house.

Maya, desperate to distract herself from the pulsing need between her legs, leaned over and started talking with Sadie about what classes she was taking this fall. When Paul returned five minutes later, he sank down next to her, averting his gaze and falling into a grumbling conversation with Jared.

After dinner, they all gathered around the fire pit for drinks, lost in laughter. Maya grabbed a drink from the fridge and when she came out, she noticed Paul reclined in an adirondack chair, his face lit up by the blinding smile and firelight. Maya’s breath caught in her throat and she felt a pang of love pull through her. It still caught her off guard sometimes to know that she was Paul’s.

When she walked up to him, his eyes traveled the length of her body for a second.

“Can I sit here?” Maya asked gently, her eyes pleading, overly begging just to pull a reaction out of him. It did the trick—Paul’s face turned into a warm, pleasing smile. The kind of smile that anchored Maya to the spot and made her knees wobble.

“Of course, baby,” he said warmly. But as he made a move to get up, Maya quickly turned and settled herself into his lap. Paul gave a groan that did not go unnoticed by his closest pack mates as Maya nestled her hips onto him. He wrapped his arms around her middle and tried to continue his conversation, but Maya felt him firmly pressed against her ass now and she knew she had him. Every shift, every laugh, and every readjustment made Paul twitch with desire. Maya pretended not to notice the tightening grip on her hips or the way he would sometimes tightly pull her back onto him.

When the night finally came to a close, Maya made the rounds, saying goodbye to the pack and squeezed Becks into a tight hug before she whispered in her ear, “Text me about,” and nodded toward Jacob. Becks smiled and nodded quickly before folding herself back into Jacob’s grasp. Becks and Jacob had been immersed in conversation with the rest of the pack the whole night and Maya hadn’t gotten a chance to ask her anything. That was okay with her though, since Jacob was staying with them, she could easily grill him about it at breakfast the next morning.

Paul led her calmly but firmly to the forerunner, his hand tight on her waist. He was looking straight ahead and Maya couldn’t help the smile that twitched at her lips. When he opened the door and helped her in, Maya tried to catch his eye, but he didn’t look at her. The amount of tacit control he was exerting was impressive but comical. When he wound them onto the long road back to their home, Maya stole little glances at him in the shifting lamplight along the road.

Maya shifted her legs and pulled her dress so that her left leg was exposed up to the top of her thigh. Paul kept his eyes trained on the road but Maya could see his grip on the steering wheel tighten.

When he cruised past the turn to take them back to the house, Maya turned her head to give him a quizzical look, but Paul stayed in steamy silence. Maya traced her fingertips up and down the length of her own thigh and gave a breathy sigh every once in awhile. Paul darted his car off the road into a hidden side street that was grown over with thick ferns. The dark forest crushed in around the forerunner and as he took her deeper into the forest, a thrill shot through her. After a few minutes, they broke into a clearing and Paul quickly shut off the engine and killed the lights. Maya’s breathing had picked up in anticipation and when she looked over at him, she could barely see his face cast over with shadows.

Paul quickly got out of the car and came around to the passenger side, yanking the door open and grabbing Maya around the waist and pulling her roughly from the car. She shrieked in excitement and let out a volley of giggles as he pushed her up against the car bringing his lips down to hers in one warmly crushing movement. Maya let a little moan escape her lips and Paul’s grip tightened around her.

“You drive me fucking nuts sometimes, you know that?” he growled before pressing his mouth back onto hers and parting her lips to dip his tongue against hers. His hand was between her thighs now and his lips on her neck as he said breathy and fast, “And this?” His broad hand cupped her mound, his middle finger dragging across the wet expanse of her slit as she let out a louder moan, “Don’t even think about doing this kind of shit in New York when I’m not there.” His mouth bit down on her shoulder and Maya exhaled roughly.

He jerked back away from her and Maya felt the wash of cool breeze pull across her chest, her nipples pressed firm against the ripped fabric of her dress. Paul walked around to the back of his forerunner and popped the hatch up before climbing in and dropping the back seats forward. Maya followed him like a lost lamb and when he saw her come around the back he grabbed her quickly. Paul laid down on his back and quickly undid his jeans. Maya crawled over to him and once he’d pulled himself out, Maya gave him one more teasing look before lowering her head and taking him in her mouth.

Paul sucked in a sharp breath of surprise, looking down at her and placing his hand softly on the back of her head. Maya slowly dipped her head down as far as she could, taking as much of him in her mouth as she was able to. Paul watched her lovingly from above her and when he groaned out a soft, “Oh, Maya, fuck!” she couldn’t help but feel overwhelmingly pleased with herself. She grabbed him around the hilt and licked the length of him before pressing her lips around his tip and gently swallowing him. When she felt him tense in her mouth she knew he was close but he pulled her off of him and set her on his hips.

He slid into her easily, wet from her mouth and Maya let out a gasp as she grinded her hips against him. Paul’s hands grabbed at the straps of her dress and roughly pulled down the top so her breasts were exposed. He rocked his hips upward, bucking her and making her bounce as she braced herself on his chest. The moonlight filtered in through the windows washing their warm bodies in a soft blue glow. Maya was panting, moaning Paul’s name over and over as he pumped into her and she rolled her hips forward onto him in perfect rhythm. Paul’s grunts and groans were coming fast and heavy now and in one swift movement, he wrapped his arm around her back and flipped her around so that she was underneath him. He used his other hand to pull one of her legs up and laid it over his shoulder, pushing deeper into her now. Maya let out a loud cry of pleasure and shut her eyes tight.

“Open your eyes,” Paul said gruffly as he continued to slam into her, “Look at me My,” he ordered. Maya obeyed, opening her eyes and letting the love from his pour into hers. His mouth hung open in anticipation at his rising climax and as Maya shuddered in release under him he let out a low growl and came with her, panting and pressing his forehead against hers.

He rolled over and pulled Maya back on top of his chest so she wouldn’t have to lay on the hard floor of the forerunner. Maya pressed her cheek against his chest, letting the rise and fall of his chest lull her into bliss.

After a few heady moments of relaxation, Paul placed his hand on her head and stroked through her hair. She could feel his heartbeat quicken.

“I’m scared, My,” he said suddenly. Maya slowly raised her head to look up at his face.

“I know,” she said softly. “I am too.” Paul nodded, not looking at her, his eyes cast upward. “But I think we can do this,” she whispered.

“I don’t know how to live without you anymore,” he admitted.

“You won’t have to. I’ll come visit and you’ll come visit. We’ll talk everyday,” she promised.

“It’s not the same,” he said, his voice thick with sadness. Maya leaned up now and brought her face to hover inches away from his.

“Listen to me,” she said, placing a hand on his cheek, “This is me and you we’re talking about. We can do this,” she searched his eyes but all she found was worried uncertainty. “I need to do this, Paul.”

He nodded and brushed a strand of hair away from her face. “Then we’ll do it.” He said, his voice still thick.

Maya leaned her face down and kissed him softly, feeling the rush of warmth and relief pulse through her in an instant and for one second she felt the overwhelming need to stay with him. But she knew that wasn’t their way—Paul and Maya would forge their own path, regardless of the pull of the imprint.