Fic: It's Not What They Said
Oct. 28th, 2010 04:23 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
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Title: It’s Not What They Said
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Summary: Everything changed. One night, one phone call.
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: Slash. Mystery pairings. Mpreg.
Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by Stephenie Meyer. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
A/N: This story is based on a one-shot I wrote titled “Phone Call”. I really loved the idea of that one-shot so I decided to expand on it. I didn’t intend for this one-shot become so long… but it did. Enjoy!
Beta: Without the hard work of
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A loud banging on the apartment door at 5am woke Seth from a deep sleep. Groaning, he pushed himself up and stumbled out of the bedroom he shared with his five year old son. The one bedroom apartment on the wrong side of town wasn’t where he had ever planned to end up but… as the saying goes, shit happens. Even this early in the morning Seth could hear shouts and sirens coming from outside the building.
The banging, which he knew was the super’s knock, sounded again. “I’m coming! I’m coming!” He yelled. “Hold your horses.” Seth had five different bolt locks on the door and one chain lock so it took a couple of moments to unlock everything. “Morning Mr. Smith, what do I owe the pleasure of this early morning visit?”
“Cut the attitude kid. You’re three weeks late on the rent. I want my money,” Mr. Smith growled. He was a 6’7’’ man and, despite his thinning hair, was all muscle. He was not someone to mess with lightly.
Seth sighed and rested his head against the doorframe. “I know Mr. Smith. I’m getting paid today. I’ll have the money to you by 6pm.”
“You’d better; this is the last chance I’m giving you. Next time you’re late with the rent you’re outta here.”
“I understand and for what it’s worth, I’m sorry… it’s been rough-”
Mr. Smith held up his hand cutting Seth off. “I don’t want or need to hear your sob story. Everyone’s got ‘em. Just have the money to me by tonight.”
“I will,” Seth promised. He watched the super walk away before closing the door and locking it again.
Seth sighed and ran a trembling hand through his black hair. He had been woken out of a dead sleep, which hadn’t been easy to get into; there was no point in trying to go back to bed even though he was exhausted; his alarm would be going off in thirty minutes anyway. Seth shook his head as the room spun; he leaned against the kitchen counter until the dizziness passed. Spells like these had been increasing since that day five years ago. Now he couldn’t get through a single day without having at least three vertigo spells. Finally the moment passed and he stood straight.
He went back to the bedroom to check on his son and found Luka still sleeping soundly. Seth smiled; the boy could sleep through anything. Luka was the only reason he was still alive, he couldn’t give up because he had to take care of Luka, Luka was his life. Getting his uniform for the day, Seth went to the bathroom for his morning shower. He hung his uniform on the back of the door so that the steam from the hot water would get the wrinkles out. If there was one thing he was grateful about this apartment building was that it always had hot water; at least it did this early in the morning.
Seth spent ten minutes in the shower, the longest he ever allowed himself to linger. Getting out of the shower, he dried off, missing the days when his body heat used to do the job of a towel. He ran a brush through his hair before tying the shoulder length locks back into a ponytail. Since he didn’t phase anymore he didn’t have to worry about how long his hair was. Did he miss phasing? Yes. Did he miss the pack? Yes. Was he afraid of them finding out the truth? Hell yes. He was terrified of the pack finding out the truth…the truth about him and the truth about Luka.
Seth shook his head. He couldn’t think about that. He and Luka weren’t well off but they were happy enough. His alarm going off in the other room made him change into his uniform and go back to the bedroom. Turning off the alarm he turned and gave Luka a bright smile as his son sat up and sleepily rubbed his eyes.
“Hey kiddo, time to get up.”
“’M still sleepy daddy.”
“I know kiddo, you can go back to sleep once you’re at Ms. Patty’s okay? Are you hungry? What do you want for breakfast?” Seth questioned as he made the bed.
“Pancakes!” Luka exclaimed, waking up more at the promise of food.
“Pancakes? We had pancakes yesterday,” Seth said, making a face. He was so sick of pancakes… but as it was… it was one of the few things he could afford.
“Pleeeeeeaaaaassssseeee?” Luka asked, blinking wide golden eyes up at him.
Seth sighed. “Alright, pancakes it is. I laid out your clothes for today; you wash your face and get ready while I make breakfast okay?”
“Okay daddy.”
Seth nodded and left the bedroom to make their breakfast.
Twenty minutes later Seth and Luka were eating their breakfast. As Luka finished up Seth put the dirty dishes in the sink and ran water over them. He would do them when he came in that night. He retrieved a few small toys, a couple of books and puzzles from the small living room off the kitchen for Luka to play with while with his babysitter, putting them in Luka’s Power Rangers backpack.
Seth couldn’t wait for school to start back; it would be $25 a week back in his pocket. During the summer he paid Ms. Patty, Luka’s babysitter, for Luka’s lunch and supper. When Luka was in school he only needed to give her half of that since Luka ate lunch at school. Ms. Patty was an older woman who lived a floor below them. She loved Luka and was kind enough to watch him during the summer and after school until Seth got home. She refused to take full payment for watching his son but accepted the $50 a week to cover Luka’s food.
“You ready kiddo?” Seth questioned as he zipped up Luka’s backpack.
Luka finished his cup of juice and nodded. “Ready daddy.”
“Dishes in the sink please.”
Luka put his dirty dishes in the sink with Seth’s; he had to climb up onto a stool Seth kept for him because he was too short to reach the sink. Jumping off the stool Luka ran over to Seth and pulled his backpack on. Seth ran his fingers through Luka’s black hair before urging him toward the door.
Seth wiped sweat from his forehead as he cleaned up his last tables for the night. The restaurant had closed and everyone was just cleaning up before leaving. He had just balanced the dish bucket on his hip when there was a tap on his shoulder. Looking back over his shoulder Seth smiled at his manager. “Hey Chris.”
“Seth, I have your paycheck here.”
Seth set the dish bucket on the table and turned to take the envelope from his manager. “Thanks, I’m really counting on this today.” He opened the envelope and soon realized there was another piece of paper in the envelope… it was pink. Seth looked up sharply at Chris. “Chris… what?”
“I’m sorry Seth; we’re having to let some people go.”
“But Chris, I-I have a rent payment, bills, a son to take care of!”
“I know Seth, I’m sorry.”
Seth blinked back tears. “What am I gonna do?”
Chris rested a hand on Seth’s shoulder and gave it a squeeze. “You’ll find something else, we all do.”
Seth sniffed, struggling to keep his composure. “I’ll just finish up here?”
“Thanks and I’m really sorry Seth.”
“I know Chris; you’ve always been good to me.”
Seth buried his head in his hands as he rode the bus back to his apartment from getting his check cashed. He would be getting one more but after that… nothing. He had lost his job today. How was he going to pay the rent, pay bills, keep food on the table for him and Luka? He was barely scraping by as it was. The economy sucked… no one was hiring.
“What am I gonna do?” He whispered.
Alice glanced at Jasper with a frown. He was more fidgety than she had ever seen him, his fingers tight on the leather of the steering wheel. He kept looking back toward Forks and she couldn’t figure out why. Nothing significant had happened to them in Forks to give him a deep connection with the place.
Her gaze went blank as a vision overtook her. Jasper pulled the car over and told her he had to go. She felt the car start to move to the side of the road but just as quickly it was corrected and she had another vision, in this one Jasper kept driving.
Seth knocked on Mr. Smith’s door before even heading upstairs. He was late and he knew the man would be pissed but at least he wouldn’t have to deal with him anymore. After getting off the bus Seth had made a decision: he and Luka were leaving. He knew a new job wouldn’t come easy and he just… he needed help.
“Who is it?” Came the growl on the other side of the door.
“Seth Black,” he answered. Even after five years it still felt weird to not use ‘Clearwater’. But what choice did he have? The pack or his mother would have been able to find him easily if he had kept his real last name. He had seen the missing posters after he first disappeared.
The doors many locks came undone and then the door opened. “’Bout time kid, thought you said you’d have this by 6?”
“I got stuck at work,” Seth replied handing the rent money over. “But you won’t have to worry about me anymore.”
“Oh yeah? And why’s that?” Mr. Smith questioned as he counted the bills.
“I’m leaving. I lost my job tonight and I can’t afford to stay here.”
“Shit kid, that puts me in a real bind y’know?”
Seth clenched his teeth. Yeah, he knew. He was in a bind too. He didn’t really feel bad for his super, the man was a dick. “Sorry. Luka and I will be gone by the morning.”
Mr. Smith grunted and then slammed the door in Seth’s face. Seth winced as he stared at the door before he finally turned away and heading upstairs to get Luka from Ms. Patty. They had a bit of work to do before they could leave. On the third floor Seth went to apartment 3D and knocked.
“DADDY!”
Seth couldn’t help the smile that came to his lips at hearing Luka’s cry. The door opened a moment later and he kneeled down to catch Luka as the boy threw himself into Seth’s arms. “Oh my big boy, I missed you.”
“Missed you too daddy,” Luka said against Seth’s shoulder. Seth stood and stepped into the apartment closing the door behind him. Ms. Patty, who had opened the door for Luka, had already returned to her cooking. The smell was fantastic. Seth felt his stomach grumble in response.
“Hello Ms. Patty, that smells good.”
“Hello back Seth, and that’s good because there’s enough for you.”
“Oh you don’t have to do that-”
“Nonsense! I’ve already got it made, well partially anyway. You will eat it and you will love it.”
“Yes ma’am!” Seth said with a smile as he sat at the kitchen table. Luka ran back to the living room to watch TV, something he didn’t get to do in their apartment. Seth had never been able to afford a TV for them, he didn’t mind though, he was usually too tired and it encouraged Luka to read. “Was Luka good today?”
“An angel as always. How was work?”
“Could have been better,” Seth answered glumly.
“What happened?” Ms. Patty questioned. Seth was about to answer when Luka ran to him.
“Daddy! Lookit the picture I colored!” Luka thrust the picture into Seth’s hands and then waited expectantly to hear what Seth thought. Seth looked down at the picture, Luka’s coloring had gotten better but he was still having a hard time staying inside the lines.
“It’s beautiful Luka, are you going to give it to Ms. Patty for her to hang on her fridge?”
“Mhm!” Luka agreed. “I just need to sign it.”
“Okay, you go do that.” Seth watch Luka run back to where his crayons were laying.
“Seth.”
“Hm?”
“Your day, why was it bad?”
Seth sighed. “I got fired.”
“Oh no!” Ms. Patty exclaimed.
“Yeah…” Seth ran a hand through his hair again which made him have to redo the ponytail. “And we’re leaving.”
“Leaving? But where will you go?”
Seth shrugged and the older woman frowned. She left the stove and went to a small jar that looked like a cookie jar. Seth’s eyes widened when she pulled out a wad of money bills. Ms. Patty counted out $500 of fifty and twenty dollar bills before she put the money away again. Turning to him she walked over and laid the money out on the table in front of him.
“Take that,” she stated.
Seth knew his mouth was hanging open but he couldn’t find the strength to close it. “H-how?”
Ms. Patty shrugged. “I save,” she replied as she went back to the stove. “My children never come to visit but they do send me money.”
“I can’t take this.”
Ms. Patty turned and pointed her wooden spoon at him. “You can and you will. I will not have the sweet little boy in there going hungry because you’re stubborn.” She went back to the stove and mixed the spaghetti she was making together with the sauce that had been heating. “You don’t know where you’re going or how long you’ll be without a job, that will at least keep you from starving for awhile if you’re careful.”
Seth blinked back tears for the third time that day as he gathered the bills and put them in his pocket. He stood and came up to hug the woman. “Thank you.”
Ms. Patty hugged him back before she cupped his cheek. “You’re a sweet boy Seth. Take care of Luka and take care of yourself.”
“I will,” Seth promised, though he didn’t know if he would be able to keep it.
“Supper’s ready,” Ms. Patty called as Seth got the dishes out for her. Luka came running into the kitchen and climbed up into a chair. Ms. Patty leaned down and kissed his head.
After leaving Ms. Patty’s apartment, Seth let Luka play while he quickly packed everything he knew would fit in his car. Normally he took the bus to work because it was just easier but he did have a car for emergencies. This is what he considered an emergency.
He couldn’t say Luka was upset about leaving the crappy apartment he had practically grown up in. It was a really crappy apartment, hot water aside. No, the only real thing Luka was upset about was having to leave Ms. Patty. Seth was proud to say he had raised a respectful son and Luka loved the older woman like he would a grandmother.
At 2am Seth finally had everything packed in his 91 GM Prism. Gathering Luka into his arms and wrapping a blanket around him, Seth left the apartment. He slipped an envelope with his apartment key under Mr. Smith’s door. Placing Luka in the backseat and buckling him in, Seth kissed Luka’s forehead before closing the door. He was even more exhausted now but he didn’t dare sleep in his car in this neighborhood. They would get on the interstate and he’d stop at the first rest stop.
The next day Seth stopped around 6pm to stretch his legs and get them a decent meal. He chose an inexpensive looking diner. The floor was clean, white tile while the booths were red, most of them faded and worn from age. The pattern under the counter was red and white checkered. There was no sign saying they had to wait to be seated so Seth led Luka to a booth in the back corner. A pay phone hung on the wall behind the booth so he wouldn’t have to leave Luka when he made the phone call he needed to make.
They had only been sitting for a couple of minutes when a waitress wearing a smile approached their table. Her red hair was pulled back into a messy ponytail and the front of her apron was stained with something that looked like chocolate. “Hello there, my name is Lizzie and I’ll be your waitress tonight. How about we start with drinks?” She questioned.
Luka immediately exclaimed that he wanted chocolate milk. Seth stared at Lizzie, trying to place her accent. It wasn’t an accent he remembered from the Seattle area… but then it had been five years.
“And for you hun?”
Seth blinked and realized she had been waiting for his drink order. “Oh! I’m sorry, completely spaced out on you. I’ll have water.”
Lizzie nodded and lay menus in front of them. “I’ll get those drinks right out while you two decide what you want.” She winked at Seth before she turned and went behind the counter to fix their drinks.
Seth shook his head as he picked up the menu. Even before he had imprinted he knew he wasn’t interested in girls. “What are you going to have Luka? Hot dog, chicken fingers or a burger?”
Luka looked thoughtful, cocking his head in a way that was similar to him. “Chicken fingers, is it real chicken?” He questioned. Luka stilled his feet from where they had been lightly kicking the scuffed boarding under the booth.
“I bet this place gets them frozen,” Seth answered.
“Oh… well, yeah, chicken fingers.” Luka nodded making his decision final. Seth sighed; glad there wasn’t an argument over this. Sometimes Luka could be difficult when it came to his food. Seth had gotten used to cooking Luka’s meat medium rare, Luka liked it warm but not completely cooked. Seth figured that was the need for blood that made Luka like his food on the rare side.
When Lizzie returned with their drinks they placed their orders. Lizzie took their menus and went to check on her other customers. After she had walked away again Seth started talking to Luka about random things as he colored the coloring page Lizzie had brought for him. Once their food was brought they ate in mostly silence. Luka was still nibbling on his French fries when Seth pushed his plate away. Half his burger still lay on the plate but he was finished. He glanced behind himself at the phone.
“Luka, I’m going to make a phone call okay? You stay right here.”
“Where’s the phone?” Luka asked, looking up from the coloring page.
“Right here,” Seth said pointing behind him.
“Okay.” Luka nodded and went back to his coloring. Content that Luka was occupied and safe, Seth stood and went to the phone. Picking up the black device he vaguely wondered how often the cleaning staff cleaned the phone; it felt slightly grimy under his hand. Pushing the thought out of his mind he balanced the phone between his chin and shoulder as he dug change from his pocket.
The quarters were warm in his hand but they felt heavier than they should. Was he really doing the right thing? He and Luka could have stayed in Canada… he could have gotten unemployment for awhile… A stab of pain went through Seth’s stomach and he glanced at Luka. Yes, this was the right decision.
He inserted fifty cents into the slot and then dialed the number of Jacob and Billy Black’s house. Seth listened to the ring, turning so that he could watch Luka.
“Hello?” Seth’s heart pounded in his chest. It was Billy.
“Um… is Jacob there?”
Billy grunted and Seth heard him say, “Jacob, phone.”
A moment later he heard Jacob ask, “Who is it?”
“A guy, his voice sounds a bit familiar but I can’t place it,” Billy answered. Seth was a little hurt that Billy couldn’t place his voice. He and Seth’s father had been best friends for years. Seth had had plenty of talks with Billy. But he didn’t say anything, he just waited.
“Yo.”
Seth felt a little smile work its way to his lips at Jacob’s voice. Jacob had always been his idol and other than his imprint was the one he had missed the most in the past five years. “You still live with your dad?” It was always so fun to tease Jacob.
“Sorry?” He could hear the confusion in Jacob’s voice. That confusion nearly made Seth question his decision to call Jacob. Maybe this hadn’t been the best idea… “Hello?”
“I-I didn’t expect you to still be living with Billy after five years…”
“Well actually I was just visiting. Who is this?”
Seth chuckled softly. “Figures you wouldn’t remember.”
“Listen, if this is some sort of joke it’s not funny.”
“No joke.” No, this was something Seth could barely bring himself to do, there was no way it could be a joke.
“Then what do you want? Who is this?” Jacob questioned.
Seth paused; he listened to Jacob’s calm breathing on the other side of the line. The rhythmic sound was more comforting than he could ever admit. Finally he swallowed and answered. “…I thought of you as a big brother… you were my idol…”
The other side of the line was quiet for a couple of moments. Seth could just see Jacob, standing there, the phone cord wrapped around his finger. That intense look he got in his eyes when he was thinking about something very hard. “Seth?”
“You always were smart, Jake.”
“Where are you?”
“A pay phone booth.”
“What city Seth? And why are you calling?” Seth’s grip on the phone tightened and he swallowed hard. Why had he done this? Why had he called Jacob? Why did he think Jacob would help him? “Seth?”
“I’m in… Seattle… Jake…” Seth felt his voice break and he hurriedly wiped tears from his eyes so Luka wouldn’t see him crying. “I-I’ve… fallen on hard times… I need help. I know it’s been… five years and I just… disa-fucking-ppeared all the sudden… but I don’t have anyone else.”
Seth heard Jacob sigh and for a moment he was worried Jacob would tell him not to come home. But then Jacob said, “Seth, you know you are always welcome here. You will always be a part of this family. Your mom and sister have been so worried about you.”
Seth cleared his throat. “I know, I saw the missing posters… but I just couldn’t come back…”
“What happened Seth?”
He went quiet again. Could he tell Jacob what had happened? His eyes landed on Luka and the answer was clear as a bell. No, he couldn’t.
“C’mon buddy, you know you can tell me anything.”
“I can’t… at least not here. If… if I come back, can I stay with you?” Seth turned away from Luka when his son looked up. He knew his voice sounded more than broken and he hadn’t meant to let his son see him like that.
“Of course, I want you to come home. I’ll help you get back on your feet.”
“Yeah?”
“It’s a promise. Just come home.”
“Okay, I’ll come. Where’s your place now if you’re not staying with Billy? It’ll be late when I get there, probably midnight…if not later.” He had some things to take care of before they could get on the road again.
“That’s fine, I’ll be up. I actually live in Forks, 157 Wood Ave,” Jacob told him.
“That’s actually good… I was scared to come onto the rez.”
“Why?”
“Not here.” Seth saw the waitress approaching with their check. “I have to go.”
“Seth.”
“I have to go,” he repeated. “I’ll see you later.”
“Promise.”
“I promise. Bye Jake… and thanks.”
“Bye.”
Seth hung up the pay phone and went back to the booth as Lizzie handed him the check. “Anything else I can get for you boys?” She asked.
“Ice cream!” Luka exclaimed.
Seth rolled his eyes. “No ice cream.”
“Aww!”
“No ice cream, but thank you. Pay up there?” Seth asked nodding to the cash register.
“Mhm,” Lizzie answered before walking away. Seth looked at the check and pulled out his wallet getting the money out.
“C’mon kiddo, we’ve gotta pay the library a visit. Hopefully they’re still open.”
Luka nodded and slipped out of the booth holding his coloring page. When they got to the cash register Luka held the page up to Lizzie. “For you.”
“For me? Well aren’t you a sweetheart,” she said taking the page. She moved quickly and before Seth knew it she was holding a big chocolate chip cookie out to Luka. Luka’s golden eyes grew wide and he accepted the cookie with a huge smile.
“Luka no, don’t take that.”
“But Daddy…”
“I said no.” Seth took the cookie and held it back out to Lizzie.
Lizzie frowned and shook her head. “I’m not taking it back.”
Seth sighed and started to pull out his wallet seeing he wasn’t going to win this battle. “How much?”
“It’s on the house,” Lizzie answered. She pushed a loose curl back away from her eyes as she smiled. Her lips shown with some sort of lip gloss.
Seth blinked but found himself smiling at the small act of kindness. “Thank you.” Seth paid and he and Luka left the diner.
Seth hadn’t been in Forks for almost six years. Most places changed but not Forks. He didn’t even need to watch the street names as he drove by them; he hadn’t lived in Forks but had spent enough time there when he needed to get off the reservation. He glanced into the backseat where Luka was asleep. He yawned and turned down Wood Ave.
It was almost 1am and when he pulled into 157’s driveway. He could see the TV flickering through the front window. Seth sat for a moment staring at the light before he turned off his car and killed the headlights. Heaving a heavy sigh Seth undid his seatbelt and got out of the car.
Just as he closed the car door the front door of the house opened and Jacob appeared on the small porch. Seth’s heart started pounding again. Jacob didn’t look any different than he had the day Seth had disappeared. Jacob smiled at him as he stepped off the porch and Seth’s eyes teared up.
“Seth!” Seth could only respond with a hug just as tightly as the one that he was wrapped in. Jacob was so warm… it felt so good to feel that heat again.
“It’s so good to see you Jake,” he whispered.
“You too man… gosh, look at you. I mean, you still look the same… but not.” Seth knew what Jacob was seeing. He was twenty-one now, his hair was long and cut shaggily; he knew his eyes looked tired because he was, and because of everything that had happened in the past five years. Seth also knew that he was much thinner than he had been. “Are you hungry? I can whip something up real quick.”
“I’m actually really tired…”
“Oh, well that’s cool too. C’mon in, I’ll show you which room you can use while you’re here.” Jacob turned to go back into the house and Seth fought with himself for a moment before he spoke. Jacob would know sooner or later, and there was no use in stalling.
“Um… Jake?”
“Yeah, buddy?”
“There’s something you should know about.”
Jacob turned to face him again. “What’s that?”
Seth swallowed hard before walking to the back door on the right side of his car. Opening it he leaned in for a moment and then pulled back out… with the sleeping Luka in his arms. Seth turned and watched as Jacob’s eyes widened. This was a shock… but Seth knew the true shock would come when Jacob saw Luka’s eyes.
“Seth?”
Luka stirred at the sound of Jacob’s voice. He yawned and blinked his bright golden eyes sleepily at Seth first and then Jacob. Seth watched Jacob’s face and his body, ready to protect Luka with his life if it came to that. He could see Jacob’s face tighten and his posture turned tense. Seth’s grip on Luka tightened.
“Jake… please… this is my son, Luka.”
Seth watched as Jacob took a few deep breaths. He had always been the best at controlling himself. Seth relaxed when Jacob did.
“Come inside Seth. Do you have bags?”
“In the trunk.”
“I’ll get them and then… we need to talk. I know you’re tired, but I have some questions that can’t wait.”
Seth nodded and swallowed hard again. “Who’s that, daddy?” Luka asked his eyes watching Jacob’s movements.
“He’s a friend, he’s going to help us,” Seth answered. “I hope.”
“’M tired daddy,” Luka mumbled rubbing his eyes. Seth sat on the edge of the bed and stroked Luka’s hair as he pulled the blanket up with his other hand.
“I know kiddo, go back to sleep. I’ll be in here in a little bit okay?”
“Okay…” Seth leaned down and kissed Luka’s temple. He took a pillow and put it behind Luka’s back so he wouldn’t fall off the bed. The bed was placed against the wall so he didn’t have to worry about the other side. Seth yawned as he stood and turned the light off. He closed the door all but a crack and went to the kitchen where Jacob was waiting.
Seth blinked in surprise when he saw a once frozen pizza and drinks sitting on the table. Jacob was already sitting and motioned for Seth to do the same across from him. “We have to have a talk, and what’s a serious talk without food and drink? Besides, you’re too thin.”
“I’m not-” Seth glanced down at himself; he turned slightly trying to see his whole body. This was just an act. He knew he had lost a lot of weight. Without his shirt his ribs stood out more than they should, his fingers were frail looking, he didn’t have a slim build anymore, he was just plain skinny. But he wasn’t going to admit that out loud.
“You’re too thin,” Jacob stated leveling him with a look.
Seth sighed and took the seat across from Jacob. At the sight of the pizza his stomach started to growl. He didn’t have as much of an appetite as he did when he was phasing, but he still ate more than a normal guy… at least before he had started to get sicker. Picking up a slice of pizza, he bit into it, his eyes falling closed as he savored the taste.
“So…”
Seth opened his eyes and looked at Jacob. He swallowed and took a quick drink. “Where do you want me to start?” He asked.
“How about why you left,” Jacob suggested.
Seth took another bite of his slice of pizza thinking about his words carefully. Finally he decided that being blunt and not beating around the bush would be the best idea.
“I imprinted.”
Jacob blinked and then blinked again. He leaned forward suddenly very interested. “You imprinted?”
Seth nodded chewing the bite he had just taken. Seth tapped his fingers against the tabletop in a show of nerves. He really didn’t want to talk about this but Jacob wasn’t going to leave it alone. “It’s just like Sam and Quil always said. He became my center of gravity.”
“He?”
Rubbing his tired eyes, Seth nodded again. “He. You’ve seen Luka’s eyes, I’m sure you’ve figured it out.”
“Wait a minute! You imprinted. And now you’re saying that Luka is ‘his’ son!? B-but you’re a guy!”
“Yeah, it was a shock to me too, though not the reason I left. I didn’t know about Luka for another three months after that.”
Jacob took a deep breath and sat back. “Okay… so, you imprinted. Apparently it was on one of the Cullens, one of the guys. And three months after the imprint and you left… you found out you were… pregnant?”
“Yeah.” Seth grabbed another piece of pizza. “I was so scared my body was reacting from the imprint.”
“He didn’t go with you when you left?”
Seth’s face fell and Jacob felt bad for asking. “No, I haven’t seen him since that night,” Seth said quietly. Jacob reached out and lay what he hoped was a comforting hand on Seth’s wrist, even as anger surged through him.
“That bastard! We know from the other imprints that have happened that the imprintee feels something too. He would have had to been some asshole to just leave you like that,” Jacob growled. His hand tightened around Seth’s wrist. Seth was too good, to pure to have been through something like this. Of any of them Seth should have gotten the perfect happy ending.
Seth closed his eyes and leaned back against his chair as he listened to Jacob’s rant. He had been deeply hurt when he had woken up in the forest alone. He was still hurting. “It hurts Jacob…”
“Yeah Seth, that’s how the imprint works, well we think at least. If you’re not around your imprint then it starts to hurt, especially if the imprint is rejected or ignored.”
“It’s killing me,” Seth stated.
“What?” Jacob asked.
“Not seeing him, it’s killing me. I’ve been trying to deny it but five years…” Seth buried his hands in his hair, staring down at the table. “I’ve noticed that I’ve been getting weaker lately, tired more easily.”
“And you’re sure-” Jacob started but Seth cut him off.
“Sick! Jacob, I get sick.”
“Have you tried to find him?”
Seth nodded. “Before I knew about Luka I searched and searched but I never found a single trace of him. After Luka was born… well I had other priorities.” Seth yawned widely and blinked sleepily at Jacob. He looked a lot like the kid when he did that, Jacob noticed. “Can we finish this in the morning? I’m really tired.”
“Yeah,” Jacob agreed reluctantly. “It’s pretty late. I have to work tomorrow, but there’s plenty of food in the house so you guys help yourselves until I get in, okay?”
“Okay and thanks Jake, I really appreciate this.”
“Any time Seth. Oh, one more thing.”
Seth paused in the doorway of the kitchen and looked back over his shoulder. “Yeah?”
“Which Cullen was it?”
Seth swallowed and looked at the ceiling. “Jasper.”
Seth sniffed the ground as he neared the border. It was nearly 2am and nothing had happened all night. Fun stuff like a rogue vampire crossing the border never happened when he was on patrol. Seth paused, yawning and stretching before he trotted on.
Suddenly a new smell crossed his path and Seth concentrated on it. It was sweet… but enticing? Sweet had to mean it was a vampire right? Seth felt adrenaline course through his veins and he gave a wolfish grin. Maybe this patrol wouldn’t be as boring as it normally was. Before howling for the others to give chase, Seth decided to check the smell out himself. It could just be one of the Cullens.
Following the smell, Seth went about a mile before he found the source of the scent. Seth froze when he saw the vampire. It was one of the Cullens, the golden eyes told him that but that wasn’t why he froze.
The world shifted for Seth, his vision narrowed onto this one being. Was this what Sam meant when he said that his imprint had become his gravity? Wait a minute… imprint, yes that was it. Seth had imprinted; he was sure of it, more sure of that than anything else in his life. He crossed the border wanting to be closer to the other.
The other was tense and watching each step Seth took cautiously. But Seth could also tell that the vampire was curious as to why he was approaching. Seth gave the other a wolfish grin, his tongue lolling out of his mouth as his tail wagged. After these actions the vampire relaxed somewhat, but Seth could tell that he was still ready to spring should the need arise. Seth stepped even closer and placed his head under the cold hand, encouraging him to pat or scratch his head and ears. It took a moment but finally the vampire responded doing just that. Seth could feel the other’s confusion.
“Shift, wolf.”
God! His voice was like velvet, it even had a slight southern lilt to it. Seth couldn’t ignore the command, and it was a command, from his imprint. Stepping back, he phased back into his human form. He didn’t bother with his shorts, not feeling body shy at all. Seth smiled widely. “Hi.”
“Why?”
“Why what?” There were a lot of why’s running through his mind so he wasn’t sure which the vampire meant.
“Why did you not attack me?”
“We have a treaty with you guys, plus I don’t think you’re that bad,” Seth replied.
“Why did you approach me?”
Please keep talking… “Your smell… it’s enticing to me.” That had to be an effect of the imprint.
“Enticing? Interesting choice of words.” The vampire tipped his head to the side, his golden eyes fixed on Seth.
“Why? Because I stink to you?” Seth pouted at the thought.
“Quite the opposite actually. I find your smell…enticing as well.” The young wolf smelled similar to the female wolves they had hunted in the winter…
“You do?” Seth hated that he sounded so hopeful.
“Perhaps too much so.”
“Huh?” That’s when he felt it… raw arousal and lust. “Oh.” Seth could feel himself responding to his imprint’s arousal. His body was thrumming with energy as his imprint stepped closer.
“This may seem rather forward of me but… may I?”
God, he was so close! Just a couple more inches and their lips would be touching! Seth swallowed. “Please?” The word came out as a whisper.
That whisper was all it took. The other’s cold lips were pressed against the warmth of Seth’s lips. Seth’s eyes fell closed and he groaned into the kiss. It felt wonderful. Seth pressed himself against the vampire’s hard body. This was more than he could have hoped for, more than he could have dreamed.
When the kiss ended, he wanted more and tried to lean forward to catch those lips again. Chuckling caused cool breath to brush over his lips and Seth opened his eyes halfway to look up into the golden eyes. “I take that to mean you enjoyed that little wolf?”
Seth could only nod. His lips were captured again, this time being teased open by a cold tongue. Seth found his arms wrapping themselves around the vampire’s neck and before he knew it he was pressed against the forest floor, the other’s body on top of his.
“What’s your name?” He asked breathlessly.
The other stared at him for a moment and Seth thought he wasn’t going to answer. But finally the other’s mouth opened. “Jasper.”
“Jasper,” Seth tested, finding that he loved the way the name came off his tongue. From the look on Jasper’s face he liked it too.
“And yours?” Jasper questioned.
“Seth.”
“Well Seth, I would like to continue if you would.”
“You could do anything to me and I’d let you willingly,” Seth replied.
“Perfect.”
Perfect couldn’t even begin to describe that night for Seth. His imprint accepted him, though he hadn’t explained the imprint. They made love for hours there on the forest floor. Seth had never felt so complete. When he fell asleep, Jasper was there running fingers through his hair and laying gentle kisses on his face, but when he woke Jasper was nowhere in sight.
Once he realized that Jasper was truly gone it slowly sank in what had happened the night before. He had imprinted on a Cullen, a vampire. Seth wrapped his arms around himself and shivered even though he wasn’t cold. What was he going to do? The pack would kill him; they hated vampires and barely tolerated the Cullens. A soft whine left his throat… he didn’t want to die.
Doing the only thing he could, he phased and started to run. Seth was thankful that he was the only one on patrol that night and the rest of the pack seemed to be taking advantage of that by sleeping or something that kept them from being phased. First, he ran to the Cullens, wanting to find Jasper, but the house was empty. Had they abandoned it? Another whine left Seth’s throat at the thought of not seeing his imprint again. Without any other options, he ran back into the forest, running away from the Reservation. When he could, he jumped into the river and ran in the water to throw off his scent. He would run until he thought he was safe.
Seth gasped and sat up. His chest rose and fell quickly as he sucked in breath after breath. That dream… it had been ages since the last time he’d had that dream. Seth ran a hand through his hair, his eyes closing as he pictured Jasper’s face. His heart gave a painful thud and pain laced through his stomach. “Jasper…” He whispered. It had to be telling Jacob the night before. That was the only thing that could have brought it back. Seth’s eyes went to his right to check on Luka. He didn’t know what time it was. Seth froze, Luka wasn’t there.
His heart started pounding frantically. Seth threw the blankets back, searching them for his son. “Luka? Luka!” He moved to get out of bed and tripped, falling to the floor where the blankets had tangled around his ankles. Seth groaned as the room spun but he pushed it back. He had to find Luka. Seth kicked free of the blankets and got to his feet moving for the door. Just before his hand reached the doorknob the door was pushed open slowly from the other side. “Luka?” He asked.
The door continued to open and Luka stood on the other side, still in his clothes from the previous day. Seth cursed himself for being too tired to change Luka the night before. “Right here daddy.”
Seth sighed as he sank back to sit on the bed and held his arms open. His heart was still racing but now that Luka was in front of him it started to calm. Luka climbed onto the bed and into his lap. Seth kissed Luka’s head as he hugged him. “I was scared when you weren’t here.”
“Sorry daddy. I woke up a little while ago but didn’t want to wake you…you looked so happy.”
“Happy?”
“Mhm, you were smiling.”
So the dream didn’t bring back just bad memories… “What were you doing?”
“Watching TV, that guy…”
“Jacob. Uncle Jake to you.”
Luke blinked wide golden eyes up at him and Seth knew he’d have to explain about his family, his pack. “Uncle Jake has awesome cartoon channels!”
Seth chuckled and tickled Luka until his son was laughing too. “Are you hungry?” Both their stomachs growled at the same time and Seth laughed again. “Well I think that answers that question. What should we have?” Luka started to open his mouth but Seth caught him off. “Not pancakes.”
Luka pouted and shrugged. “What does Uncle Jake have?”
“I don’t know, how about we go look?”
Luka nodded and hopped off the bed. He waited for Seth to stand before taking his hand and leading him to the kitchen. Once Luka was sitting in a chair at the kitchen table Seth started to search the refrigerator and cabinets. He was pleased that Jacob kept his house well stocked. “How about bacon and eggs?”
“Yeah! We haven’t had bacon in forever!” Luka exclaimed. Seth nodded as he got the items out and located two skillets to cook them in. He wanted to give Luka the very best life he could but lately… it hadn’t been that good. If it hadn’t been for Luka he wouldn’t have accepted Jacob’s help… of course, if it hadn’t been for Luka he would already be dead. But now he was accepting the help Jacob offered and he was going to pay him back… somehow.
While he was going through the motions of cooking, Seth realized he hadn’t left a forwarding address for his last paycheck. Turning the burners as low as they would go he grabbed the phone from the wall and placed a collect call to the restaurant. As he kept the eggs moving he waited for the manager to pick up, not sure if it would be Chris or not.
“Queen’s Man Bistro.” It was Chris.
“Chris, its Seth. I just realized that I didn’t leave a forwarding address for my last check.”
“It’s not going to be the same as the last one?” Chris questioned.
“No, I’ve moved.”
“That was quick. Okay, where are you?”
“Forks, Washington. I have… friends here.”
“I’m glad you have someone to help you Seth.”
Seth smiled, Chris had always been really good to he and Luka. They had gone on one date but Seth couldn’t get past the loneliness caused by his imprint so it hadn’t worked out. But they had been friendly after that one date. “Me too Chris. My forwarding address is 157 Woods Ave, Forks, WA 98331.”
It was a moment before Chris answered and Seth knew he had been writing the address down. “Alright, I’ll take care of it. Be safe alright?”
“I’ll try. Bye.” Seth hung up the phone and went back to finishing his and Luka’s breakfast.
Soon they were eating their breakfast. After, Luka went to watch cartoons while Seth cleaned the kitchen. He wasn’t a slob and definitely didn’t want to be a bad house guest and make Jacob think he was. If he knew what time Jacob got home from work, he would have supper ready… it would be nice to repay Jacob in at least that way… Before going to the living room, Seth laid out some steak from the freezer.
“What’cha watching kiddo?”
Luka tipped his head back from where he was sitting on the floor to look at Seth. “Hey Arnold,” he answered. “Wanna watch?”
“Sure.” Seth came around and sat on the couch. He glanced around Jacob’s living room while Luka’s attention went back to the TV. He smiled when he found a picture of the entire pack sitting on the end table by the couch. “Luka, come here,” he said picking up the picture.
Luka looked back at him, at the TV and then climbed into Seth’s lap. “What?”
“These are all your uncles and aunts,” Seth told him wrapping an arm around Luka’s waist. Seth grinned as he watched Luka’s eyes widen.
“All of them?!” Luka asked in shock.
“Well… by blood only one is. This is your Aunt Leah, my older sister. But all these others… Sam, Emily who is married to Sam, Jared, Paul, Embry, Quil, Jacob, Colin and Brady are all your uncles because we were that close once.”
“Not anymore?” Luka questioned, looking up at him.
“No… I haven’t talked to any of them except Jacob since before you were born.”
“How come?”
Seth was quiet as he stared at the picture. “A few different reasons,” he finally said. “I don’t know how to explain it.”
Luka stared up at Seth for a few moments. Seth’s eyes stayed on the picture. Finally Luka leaned up and kissed Seth’s cheek. “I love you, daddy.”
Seth’s eyes teared up and he hugged Luka. “I love you too, kiddo.”
When Jacob got home he was greeted with the smells of grilled steak and baking French fries. His stomach grumbled in response and he smiled as he hung his keys up. He could hear Seth in the kitchen, humming as he moved about. The other smell, the mix of shifter and vampire blood, came from the living room. Glancing in Jacob saw Luka sitting on the floor coloring as some cartoon played on TV. Part of him wanted to rip the kid apart but another part wanted to go and join the kid and find out about him. He was Seth’s son after all.
“Jake? That you?” Seth called from the kitchen.
“Who else would have a key to my house?” Jacob replied as he stepped into the kitchen.
Seth shrugged. “I’m making steak and French fries.”
“I know, I could smell it outside. It smells great!”
Seth smiled. “It’ll be ready in fifteen minutes. I wasn’t sure when you got home so I waited until 5:30 to start cooking.” Seth then disappeared out the back door to check the steaks he had on the grill.
Jacob heard something move behind him and he turned only to find Luka’s golden eyes peeking at him over the couch. They stared at each other until Jacob forced himself to relax. He smiled at Luka and the little boy returned the smile. “Hi Uncle Jake.”
“Uncle Jake?”
“That’s what daddy said you were. I gots lots of uncles but only one real aunt…though there’s another in there I think. Daddy showed me them in that picture today.” Luka pointed to the one of the whole pack that had been taken three years before.
Jacob’s smile melted into something easier. This kid was adorable. “Well you’ve got a couple of cousins now. Uncle Sam and Aunt Emily had twins two years ago and Uncle Jared and Aunt Kim had a baby last year.”
Luka’s eyes widened. “Will I get to meet them?”
Seth came back inside at that moment with the steaks on a plate. “Well, that’ll be up to your daddy,” Jacob said.
Seth raised an eyebrow. “What will be up to me?”
“If Luka gets to meet all his uncles and aunts and his grandmother.”
“I have a grandmother too?!”
“You sure do kid.”
“Jacob.” The elder looked at Seth, frowning at the growl. “I don’t know if we’ll be staying long enough for all that to happen. Don’t get his hopes up.”
“Sure you are!” Jacob replied. “I’m gonna help you get back on your feet remember? Can’t do that if you plan to leave in a couple of days.”
Seth stared at Jacob and Jacob stared back. The staring match lasted for almost five minutes before Seth finally gave in and looked away. “Fine… I’ll think about it.”
“When do you plan to tell everyone?” Billy Black asked.
Jacob shrugged. “When Seth decides I can.”
Billy snorted. “You always gave that boy too much freedom.”
“Hey, I’ll have you know, Seth would make a great beta,” Jacob stated.
“I’m sure he would.” Billy’s voice had just a touch of amusement to it.
“Dad, I actually need to ask you a question concerning the old stories and legends…” Jacob hadn’t been sure how to approach this subject and he still wasn’t sure this was the right way but it was the only thing that had come to mind.
“What about them?”
“Uh… do any of them mention… well, when someone imprints… can it be…”
“Oh for heaven’s sake Jake, get it out!”
Jacob took a deep breath. “Do any of the legends or stories mention a shifter imprinting on another guy?”
Billy frowned. Where had that come from? “Jake, did you…?”
“No! Not me! I would date guys but I would date girls just the same. No, I ask because Seth, well he imprinted on a guy.”
“That doesn’t make any sense. The point of imprinting is to find the one who would be most likely to be able to pass along the shifter gene.”
“Yeah, well, there’s more,” Jacob said.
“How much more?”
“Seth got pregnant by this guy.”
Billy let his breath out in a long sigh and pressed his fingers to his temples.
A week later, Jacob returned from work with great news. He was smiling when he slammed the door of his truck shut. His driveway was big enough that his truck could fit beside Seth’s car with just enough room to spare. Jacob’s mused for a moment how right that single fact fit. Whistling Jacob tossed his keys into the air but missed catching them. Jacob groaned as his foot hit them before he could pick them up.
His keys settled next to the passenger side of Seth’s car. Leaning down he picked them up and just happened to glance inside the car. A bottle of Coke sat in the cup holder from Seth’s trip; there were a few toys in the backseat and some document looking papers laying the front seat. Official looking documents. Jacob’s curiosity rose and he tipped his head to see better.
A lot of the words were too small to read from this angle but he could make out the words “custody of a minor”. Jacob frowned and glanced at the house. What was Seth planning? Well… if he was going to find Jasper it would make sense if Seth wanted to make sure Jasper couldn’t take Luka away… Seth loved Luka more than anything so that made perfect sense.
Jacob nodded to himself and continued into the house where he found Seth cooking once more, not that he was complaining since Seth was a great cook. “I got you an interview!”
Seth blinked and turned to look at Jacob. “You did? Where?”
“It’s in Port Angeles. This place near where I work needs a secretary basically, but also someone to run errands,” Jacob explained.
“Daddy’s gonna have a job again?” Luka asked poking his head over the couch.
“Well he has to go for an interview first, but I bet with your dad’s personality they’ll love him,” Jacob answered. He was slowly getting more used to Luka’s presence. He actually liked Luka now though he still had moments when his instincts urged him to rip the kid to pieces. “Sound like something you would do?”
“Sounds better than my last job,” Seth answered with a smile. Since getting there, he and Luka had barely left Jacob’s house aside from going out in the front or back yard and they were both starting to get a little anxious. “When do they want me for an interview?”
Jacob fished his wallet out of his pocket and handed him a card. “Friday, 1pm.” Seth took the card with a nod, tucking it into his pocket before he returned to cooking. “What are you making?”
“I’ve already finished the pork chops and buttered potatoes, now I’m finishing up the banana pudding,” Seth answered pouring the pudding over the graham crackers and pieces of banana.
Jacob groaned in appreciation. “I’m going to be so fat!”
Seth snorted. “Not likely.”
“When was the last time you phased?” Jacob questioned leaning against the oak doorframe. He crossed his arms over his chest as he watched Seth. Seth’s hand stilled and he knew he had hit a nerve. “Seth?”
“Shh, Luka doesn’t know.”
Jacob’s eyes widened and he glanced back at the living room to see if the boy had heard, but Luka was playing with some army men that he had picked up for him a couple of days prior. “He doesn’t know?”
Seth shook his head. He finished spreading the pudding and put the bowl in the sink, running water in it so it would be easier to clean later. “I didn’t have the opportunity to show him before.”
“He’s never asked about his dad?”
Seth was quiet for a moment. He thought about Jasper all the time but he never spoke about him. “It’s something we don’t talk about.”
“What about his eyes? He hasn’t questioned their color or why he likes meat raw rather than well done?”
“We don’t talk about it!” Seth hissed as he gripped the oak counter near the sink. Jacob frowned but uncrossed his arms and held up his hands in a submissive motion. He didn’t want to push Seth further than needed.
“Okay, okay, sorry… but you know you should right?”
Seth shook his head again. “Someone might find out about my being here.” He looked sharply at Jacob. “You haven’t told have you?”
Jacob sighed. “No, I haven’t told. I’ve phased since you got here but I’m good at hiding what I don’t want known. Only person who knows you’re here other than me is dad.”
“And he hasn’t told anyone?”
“You think you’d still be alone here if he had?”
Seth looked thoughtful. “Good point. Get the plates and cups.” He put pot holders on the table and then moved the pans of food onto them.
Jacob took that to mean that their conversation was over… for now. This wasn’t something he was going to leave alone. Seth needed the pack connection; he was convinced that was why Seth was suffering as much as he was, aside from not seeing his imprint for five years. A small smirk appeared on his lips as he mused about how at home Seth looked in his kitchen. Shaking his head he turned to the living room to call for Luka. “Yo kid, supper.”
Luka came into the kitchen from the living room and climbed up into what had become his chair. “Smells good, daddy.”
Seth smiled and gave Luka his portions before setting the plates and bowls of food on the table so Jacob could get his. Jacob watched as Seth got his own plate and wasn’t happy with how much Seth put on it. Seth wasn’t eating enough but it wasn’t something he dared to approach in front of Luka.
“Jake…” Seth started.
“Hm?” Jacob questioned, his mouth full.
“I can’t go for that interview on Friday at one.”
“Why not?”
“There’s no one to watch Luka and he’s too young to stay by himself. I doubt they want me bringing my son to an interview.”
Jacob thought the answer was obvious. Leah or Sue would be thrilled to watch Luka but he avoided that particular battle. “I don’t have to work Friday. I could watch the kid.”
Luka and Seth both looked at him with similar expressions and Jacob had to grin at how alike they were. “You would do that?” Seth questioned, looking unsure. He had caught Jacob staring at Luka with a murderous expression a couple of times. He trusted Jacob to never act on it while he was around… but if he was gone…
“Sure,” Jacob said with a shrug. “You wanna stay with your Uncle Jake for a couple hours kid?”
Luka glanced at Seth and then back at him. “Okay.”
“Great! It’s settled then.” Jacob nodded, making the point final.
“Are you sure you’ll be okay with him?” Seth pressed.
“We’ll be fine! Go to your interview and good luck,” Jacob replied.
Seth sighed. “Alright, I’m going.” He leaned down over the back of the couch and kissed Luka’s head. “Be good for Uncle Jake.”
“Promise!”
Jacob waited five minutes after he heard Seth drive away before he looked at Luka. “Let’s get out of this house kid.”
Luka looked up from his book, excitement coming to his face. “Really?!”
Jacob grinned. “Yup! Let’s get outta here while your dad is gone.”
Luka closed his book with a snap and jumped off the couch. He ran to the room he and Seth were still sharing, Jacob had another room in his house but Seth wanted to keep Luka close after sharing the same bedroom with him for five years. Moments later, he reappeared changed out of his pajamas and into a shorts and t-shirt. He struggled to get his socks on without stopping. Jacob laughed watching him.
“Easy kid, no rush.” Luka huffed out a breath and sat on the floor, pulling his socks and shoes on.
“Ready!”
Jacob nodded. “Come with me.” He led Luka outside to the garage. Pushing the door open, making a mental note to oil the squeaky hinges, he had to grin at Luka’s gasp. “Ever seen a custom motorcycle kid?” Jacob found it amusing as hell that Luka actually stopped to think about this question.
“Maybe,” Luka finally answered. “But it didn’t look like this.” Luka’s nose crinkled at the strong smell of gasoline and oil. “You need to clean.”
Jacob laughed as he walked around the motorcycle. The frame he had gotten from the junkyard, everything else he had either had to get or fix himself. He had painted it black but all the highlights were bright silver. “I built this myself,” Jacob told him as he got the spare helmet down from a shelf.
“Wow, cool!” Jacob grinned and kneeled down to strap the helmet on Luka’s head. “Could you teach me Uncle Jake?”
“To build a motorcycle?”
“Uh-huh.”
Jacob steadied Luka until he got used to the weight of the helmet.
“Well not all of it… but I could start explaining it. You would understand better when you’re older,” Jacob told him.
“Will you help me build one when I’m older then?”
Jacob thought about that for a moment. It would be a great bonding opportunity for them… “Sure kid, when you’re older we’ll build you a motorcycle.”
“Yes!” Luka cheered as he fell over.
“You okay kid?” Jacob questioned, trying not to laugh.
“This thing is heavy,” Luka replied and he got back to his feet.
“It is, but it’ll protect your head in case you fall.”
“Oh. Can we go now?”
“Sure thing.”
-x-
Alice paused in her hunt to look back at Jasper. He had stopped and was staring up at the full moon, a look of pure concentration on his face. Alice swayed slightly as he projected a wave of longing so strong that she had to brace herself against a tree.
“Jasper…” She whispered. Just as she whispered his name a wolf howled in the distance.
Jasper whipped around, a brief look of happiness on his face before he came to a realization and his expression fell. “Let’s continue,” he stated moving away from the direction of the howl.
Alice watched him with a puzzled expression. Jasper had been happy to hear the wolf’s howl? Why?
no subject
Date: 2010-11-27 09:42 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-11-27 10:56 pm (UTC)