Mark of the White Wolf
by Wizardtho
Chapter 02:
When I returned to the kitchen about twenty minutes later, after a shower and change of clothes, Charlie had the kitchen island stocked with a massive amount of food. There was enough food to feed six grown men on the island, but at my look, Charlie assured me, “It's part of your changes, Bells. Your metabolism has kicked into overdrive, and you'll need a ton more food to keep you going. Between the two of us, all of this will be gone before your hunger is satisfied. Come sit.”
I did, with Charlie sitting near me on another bar stool. Once we were both eating, Charlie started to explain. “You know I never wanted you to leave with Renee. I wanted to fight her, but I didn't know where she moved to with you. I tried all my contacts for the first six years, Bells, but couldn't find a trace of her. I wanted you to be close to your home... your people.”
I gave Charlie a look; he just shook his head. “I never let on that I knew, until towards the end of our relationship. Your mom had a one night stand with a Quileute just before we got together. Whether you were mine or not by DNA, you were the best thing that ever happened to me, Bells. I loved you wholeheartedly from the moment you came into this world. I found out for sure, though, while I was at Billy's one day. Your mom was off with a few friends, so I took the opportunity to go down to Billy's and show you off for a bit. Old Quil Ateara showed up while I was changing you, took one look at you, then suddenly called Billy over. They spoke in Quileute for a minute, but I knew when Quil touched the birthmark on your tummy.”
He took a breath, then said, “They asked me if your mom had carried you to full term, and I shook my head, telling them that you were just over a month early. I told them about it then, letting on that I had my suspicions because you looked full term. They both nodded, then told me that you had the mark of the White Wolf.”
I couldn't believe it.
My mother had gotten pregnant by someone else, right before she got with Charlie? Charlie wasn't my biological father? Is that why I could never call him Dad?
I looked at Charlie after taking another bite of food, asking, “The White Wolf? The one in their legends?”
He smiled, then said, “Yep. The only pure white wolf in Quileute history. His true name was Taha Aki, and he was chief of the tribe. The legend of the Quileutes descending from wolves? That comes from Taha Aki and his descendants being able to take the form of their spirit wolves, to protect their tribe from danger. Through the line, there have been many of the tribe's men to take on the form of a wolf, but only three women. Each of these women were born with the blessing of the White Wolf on their tummies, just below their navels, in the form of a birthmark resembling a paw print. It was supposed to mark Taha Aki's blessing for their strong spirits, exceptional intelligence, and capacity to love wholeheartedly.”
He sighed, running his fingers through his hair. “You’ve been blessed, Bells. When you first came back to live with me, I hoped you wouldn't have to go through the changes. You started seeing Cullen, but no matter how much I feared for you, you didn't start showing the signs. His nearness to you wasn't triggering the change, so I was hopeful. I think whatever happened in Phoenix must have broken the protections I had the elders place on you. I didn't want there to be a chance of you changing when I couldn't help you through it -since I knew Renee wouldn't be any help to you- so the elders placed protections on you before she took you away from me. I've done everything I possibly can to prepare for this day, Sweetheart, even after she took you away.”
I was more confused than ever, so I asked, “What do you mean about the Cullens? I don't understand.”
He grimaced, then said, “I know what they are, Bells. Vampires are the natural enemies of wolves. Their presence here triggers the change because they are a threat to the Quileute people. Quileute boys have been changing again, for the first time since Old Quil's generation, because they came back to live here. The inner wolf senses the danger of a vampire too close to their land, which forces the change. When you started seeing Cullen… when you didn't show signs of the change... I was hoping you wouldn't need to go through any of this.”
Understanding dawned on me, causing me to gasp loudly, “Shit... do they know? Did they come back here knowing that they triggered the change? Why would they do that?”
Charlie shook his head sadly, “I don't know, Bells. I really don't.”
I took a deep breath to calm down, then asked, “So what happens now... I mean with my change. It's clear that I am changing, but I don't know what that means.”
He smiled, patted my knee, then said, “As you know by now, first your body starts toning and firming, you start healing more quickly, your senses strengthen, and your temperature starts to rise. You have all of those signs now. When your temperature reaches 109, which should be within the next 72 hours, we'll need to get you really angry… completely pissed off. I know that sounds horrible, but it's true. Extreme anger is always what triggers the first phase -or shift. Old Quil explained it as if the inner wolf's anger exploded out of the human skin. The other boys that have changed have said the same thing. Your human body will shift and morph into its wolf counterpart, but the first shift is painful. The angrier you are, the quicker the shift happens, and the less pain you are in. That's why we have to get you extremely angry. I don't want you to be in pain for long.”
I smiled at Charlie, then said, “Thanks. I know you aren't my biological dad now, but you've always taken care of me on my visits, as well as after I moved back. It means a lot to me that you didn't give up on me, even when you knew I wasn't yours. So... what have the others told you? About being a wolf, I mean.”
He chuckled, “You're in for a hell of a ride, Sweetheart. You'll be as strong as -or even stronger than- the Cullens. Once a month your hunger for food will not be able to be sated by the normal food in the house, and you'll feel the urge to hunt in your animal form. Don't worry, you'll only instinctively hunt animals. No humans will ever be in danger.”
I let out a breath at that, then he continued. “The burning sensation you got in your nose in the hospital? That was you scenting the vampires in the room. Anytime you scent vampires after your first phase, you'll have the urge to phase into your wolf form, to protect your territory. For now, while we’re getting you acclimated, your territory is the cabin and surrounding woods. During your first shift, you'll automatically want to mark your territory with your pheromones, so don't go against your instincts. I'll show you on the map, to help you distinguish the boundary lines. During the heat of your cycle, from what Old Quil told me, you'll also feel the need to mate. You'll be attracted to the person or wolf by scent, and want to have sex as much as possible during your heat.”
I groaned, then looked warily at Charlie. “I've never... Edward was my first boyfriend, and we never went past chaste kisses.”
He nodded, rubbing my back lightly, “I know, Bells. All of the women who have been blessed with the mark were untouched during their first shift. If the scent you find attractive ends up being a wolf, he will instinctively know, and be gentle during your time mating.”
I let out a breath, then asked, “What if it's a person, though? I don't know if I could...”
Charlie hugged me gently, hearing the shaking in my voice, then whispered into the top of my head, “The female and all the males that have found mates in humans, have all known the person they found a mate in well. I have no doubt that the person will be someone who you know -someone who will be gentle with you- if it isn't another wolf.”
He held me like that for a while, then kissed the top of my head, saying, “In wolf form, there’s no protection from a successful romp, Bells. You need to know this. You will conceive if it is during your heat. In human form, if your mate is human, you have a greater chance, because you won't be having sex in your wolf form. You'll need both forms of protection -pills and condoms- if you don't want to conceive. Even then, some have been known to conceive. If one method or the other fails, it won't be enough to protect you. Wolves are extremely fertile, Sweetheart. One of the previous females was even noted to have said that she felt driven to have a large den full of cubs.”
I nodded, understanding that wolves did not do well in solitary conditions. They were pack animals, fiercely protective of their mates and young. Charlie and I finally broke our hug when my stomach growled, reminding me of my hunger. We both chuckled, and I couldn't help but love the sound of Charlie's laugh.
We finished eating, talking even more about what was going to happen to me, while I slowly started coming to terms with everything. By the time I was standing next to Charlie as we were doing dishes, I blurted out softly, “Why did you never find someone after Renee left with me? I mean, you know I wouldn't have been upset, right? I never see you with anyone... you never go out on dates.”
He smiled, pushing a stray curl around my ear, “It just never felt right. When your mom took you away, it felt like my heart had been ripped from my chest. At first, it was because of both of you. I did love your mother, Bells, and tried to be what she needed. When you were born, though, you became my sole purpose in life... I think she realized that. I don't even know how it happened, but the moment you were born, nothing else mattered. Taking care of you, protecting you, making you happy… that was my whole focus. I was complete as long as I could do those things.”
Wow... bombshell, anyone? He couldn't be thinking what I think he is... could he? That would just be insane.
I looked at Charlie slyly through my hair, but he was peacefully drying the dish I had just handed to him. I handed him the last dish, then wrung out the dish rag to wipe the counters. I said softly, trying to gauge his reaction, “You know you don't have to wait anymore, right? You can find someone if you want. You've done what you needed to do... protected me and cared for me. Charlie, I couldn't have asked for anyone better. You deserve to be loved as well, though, not just be stuck with me.”
He winced when I told him he didn't have to wait, but when I mentioned being stuck with me, Charlie actually growled while pulling me into his arms, wrapping me in his tight embrace, “Damn it, I'm not stuck with you, Bells. I never have been. I could have left your mother the moment I knew. My heart wouldn't let me leave you, though. It killed me when she left with you, but then my heart sang the day you came back home. I'm happy taking care of you... I feel more complete when I see you smile and laugh than I ever have in my entire life. Now no more of this stuck shit, because it's crazy talk. Alright?”
Charlie kissed the top of my head as I nodded into his chest, causing me to inhale his scent. It was spicy and sweet at the same time, smelling of home and something else. I couldn't identify what it was, but it sent a tingle down my spine straight to my belly. I slowly backed out of the hug, trying to hide the shock at my reaction, then said, “I think I'm gonna turn in. Today has been a lot to process, you know?”
Charlie let out a breath, nodding, “Yeah, I know. My bedroom is the one above yours if you need me, but I'll probably check on you once or twice in the night, to be sure about the progression of your change. Your closet and dresser are full, in case you didn't notice earlier.”
I nodded, “Thanks. I'll keep my door cracked for you. Night.”
I slowly made my way to the master bedroom, leaving the door cracked, then went to the long dresser in hopes of finding some pajamas. My breathing hitched in my throat when I found a beautiful sheer slip and thong set in the palest blue. The slip had all over tone-on-tone embroidery, while the thong was made of a silky material with a sheer embroidered inset all the way around the low waist. The set was beautiful, yet felt extremely soft, so I grabbed it and made my way to the bathroom.
After changing and brushing my teeth, I made my way back to the bed, then slipped between the soft sheets. It took a long while before I finally fell asleep, with the multitude of shit that had been laid out for me tonight.
When I returned to the kitchen about twenty minutes later, after a shower and change of clothes, Charlie had the kitchen island stocked with a massive amount of food. There was enough food to feed six grown men on the island, but at my look, Charlie assured me, “It's part of your changes, Bells. Your metabolism has kicked into overdrive, and you'll need a ton more food to keep you going. Between the two of us, all of this will be gone before your hunger is satisfied. Come sit.”
I did, with Charlie sitting near me on another bar stool. Once we were both eating, Charlie started to explain. “You know I never wanted you to leave with Renee. I wanted to fight her, but I didn't know where she moved to with you. I tried all my contacts for the first six years, Bells, but couldn't find a trace of her. I wanted you to be close to your home... your people.”
I gave Charlie a look; he just shook his head. “I never let on that I knew, until towards the end of our relationship. Your mom had a one night stand with a Quileute just before we got together. Whether you were mine or not by DNA, you were the best thing that ever happened to me, Bells. I loved you wholeheartedly from the moment you came into this world. I found out for sure, though, while I was at Billy's one day. Your mom was off with a few friends, so I took the opportunity to go down to Billy's and show you off for a bit. Old Quil Ateara showed up while I was changing you, took one look at you, then suddenly called Billy over. They spoke in Quileute for a minute, but I knew when Quil touched the birthmark on your tummy.”
He took a breath, then said, “They asked me if your mom had carried you to full term, and I shook my head, telling them that you were just over a month early. I told them about it then, letting on that I had my suspicions because you looked full term. They both nodded, then told me that you had the mark of the White Wolf.”
I couldn't believe it.
My mother had gotten pregnant by someone else, right before she got with Charlie? Charlie wasn't my biological father? Is that why I could never call him Dad?
I looked at Charlie after taking another bite of food, asking, “The White Wolf? The one in their legends?”
He smiled, then said, “Yep. The only pure white wolf in Quileute history. His true name was Taha Aki, and he was chief of the tribe. The legend of the Quileutes descending from wolves? That comes from Taha Aki and his descendants being able to take the form of their spirit wolves, to protect their tribe from danger. Through the line, there have been many of the tribe's men to take on the form of a wolf, but only three women. Each of these women were born with the blessing of the White Wolf on their tummies, just below their navels, in the form of a birthmark resembling a paw print. It was supposed to mark Taha Aki's blessing for their strong spirits, exceptional intelligence, and capacity to love wholeheartedly.”
He sighed, running his fingers through his hair. “You’ve been blessed, Bells. When you first came back to live with me, I hoped you wouldn't have to go through the changes. You started seeing Cullen, but no matter how much I feared for you, you didn't start showing the signs. His nearness to you wasn't triggering the change, so I was hopeful. I think whatever happened in Phoenix must have broken the protections I had the elders place on you. I didn't want there to be a chance of you changing when I couldn't help you through it -since I knew Renee wouldn't be any help to you- so the elders placed protections on you before she took you away from me. I've done everything I possibly can to prepare for this day, Sweetheart, even after she took you away.”
I was more confused than ever, so I asked, “What do you mean about the Cullens? I don't understand.”
He grimaced, then said, “I know what they are, Bells. Vampires are the natural enemies of wolves. Their presence here triggers the change because they are a threat to the Quileute people. Quileute boys have been changing again, for the first time since Old Quil's generation, because they came back to live here. The inner wolf senses the danger of a vampire too close to their land, which forces the change. When you started seeing Cullen… when you didn't show signs of the change... I was hoping you wouldn't need to go through any of this.”
Understanding dawned on me, causing me to gasp loudly, “Shit... do they know? Did they come back here knowing that they triggered the change? Why would they do that?”
Charlie shook his head sadly, “I don't know, Bells. I really don't.”
I took a deep breath to calm down, then asked, “So what happens now... I mean with my change. It's clear that I am changing, but I don't know what that means.”
He smiled, patted my knee, then said, “As you know by now, first your body starts toning and firming, you start healing more quickly, your senses strengthen, and your temperature starts to rise. You have all of those signs now. When your temperature reaches 109, which should be within the next 72 hours, we'll need to get you really angry… completely pissed off. I know that sounds horrible, but it's true. Extreme anger is always what triggers the first phase -or shift. Old Quil explained it as if the inner wolf's anger exploded out of the human skin. The other boys that have changed have said the same thing. Your human body will shift and morph into its wolf counterpart, but the first shift is painful. The angrier you are, the quicker the shift happens, and the less pain you are in. That's why we have to get you extremely angry. I don't want you to be in pain for long.”
I smiled at Charlie, then said, “Thanks. I know you aren't my biological dad now, but you've always taken care of me on my visits, as well as after I moved back. It means a lot to me that you didn't give up on me, even when you knew I wasn't yours. So... what have the others told you? About being a wolf, I mean.”
He chuckled, “You're in for a hell of a ride, Sweetheart. You'll be as strong as -or even stronger than- the Cullens. Once a month your hunger for food will not be able to be sated by the normal food in the house, and you'll feel the urge to hunt in your animal form. Don't worry, you'll only instinctively hunt animals. No humans will ever be in danger.”
I let out a breath at that, then he continued. “The burning sensation you got in your nose in the hospital? That was you scenting the vampires in the room. Anytime you scent vampires after your first phase, you'll have the urge to phase into your wolf form, to protect your territory. For now, while we’re getting you acclimated, your territory is the cabin and surrounding woods. During your first shift, you'll automatically want to mark your territory with your pheromones, so don't go against your instincts. I'll show you on the map, to help you distinguish the boundary lines. During the heat of your cycle, from what Old Quil told me, you'll also feel the need to mate. You'll be attracted to the person or wolf by scent, and want to have sex as much as possible during your heat.”
I groaned, then looked warily at Charlie. “I've never... Edward was my first boyfriend, and we never went past chaste kisses.”
He nodded, rubbing my back lightly, “I know, Bells. All of the women who have been blessed with the mark were untouched during their first shift. If the scent you find attractive ends up being a wolf, he will instinctively know, and be gentle during your time mating.”
I let out a breath, then asked, “What if it's a person, though? I don't know if I could...”
Charlie hugged me gently, hearing the shaking in my voice, then whispered into the top of my head, “The female and all the males that have found mates in humans, have all known the person they found a mate in well. I have no doubt that the person will be someone who you know -someone who will be gentle with you- if it isn't another wolf.”
He held me like that for a while, then kissed the top of my head, saying, “In wolf form, there’s no protection from a successful romp, Bells. You need to know this. You will conceive if it is during your heat. In human form, if your mate is human, you have a greater chance, because you won't be having sex in your wolf form. You'll need both forms of protection -pills and condoms- if you don't want to conceive. Even then, some have been known to conceive. If one method or the other fails, it won't be enough to protect you. Wolves are extremely fertile, Sweetheart. One of the previous females was even noted to have said that she felt driven to have a large den full of cubs.”
I nodded, understanding that wolves did not do well in solitary conditions. They were pack animals, fiercely protective of their mates and young. Charlie and I finally broke our hug when my stomach growled, reminding me of my hunger. We both chuckled, and I couldn't help but love the sound of Charlie's laugh.
We finished eating, talking even more about what was going to happen to me, while I slowly started coming to terms with everything. By the time I was standing next to Charlie as we were doing dishes, I blurted out softly, “Why did you never find someone after Renee left with me? I mean, you know I wouldn't have been upset, right? I never see you with anyone... you never go out on dates.”
He smiled, pushing a stray curl around my ear, “It just never felt right. When your mom took you away, it felt like my heart had been ripped from my chest. At first, it was because of both of you. I did love your mother, Bells, and tried to be what she needed. When you were born, though, you became my sole purpose in life... I think she realized that. I don't even know how it happened, but the moment you were born, nothing else mattered. Taking care of you, protecting you, making you happy… that was my whole focus. I was complete as long as I could do those things.”
Wow... bombshell, anyone? He couldn't be thinking what I think he is... could he? That would just be insane.
I looked at Charlie slyly through my hair, but he was peacefully drying the dish I had just handed to him. I handed him the last dish, then wrung out the dish rag to wipe the counters. I said softly, trying to gauge his reaction, “You know you don't have to wait anymore, right? You can find someone if you want. You've done what you needed to do... protected me and cared for me. Charlie, I couldn't have asked for anyone better. You deserve to be loved as well, though, not just be stuck with me.”
He winced when I told him he didn't have to wait, but when I mentioned being stuck with me, Charlie actually growled while pulling me into his arms, wrapping me in his tight embrace, “Damn it, I'm not stuck with you, Bells. I never have been. I could have left your mother the moment I knew. My heart wouldn't let me leave you, though. It killed me when she left with you, but then my heart sang the day you came back home. I'm happy taking care of you... I feel more complete when I see you smile and laugh than I ever have in my entire life. Now no more of this stuck shit, because it's crazy talk. Alright?”
Charlie kissed the top of my head as I nodded into his chest, causing me to inhale his scent. It was spicy and sweet at the same time, smelling of home and something else. I couldn't identify what it was, but it sent a tingle down my spine straight to my belly. I slowly backed out of the hug, trying to hide the shock at my reaction, then said, “I think I'm gonna turn in. Today has been a lot to process, you know?”
Charlie let out a breath, nodding, “Yeah, I know. My bedroom is the one above yours if you need me, but I'll probably check on you once or twice in the night, to be sure about the progression of your change. Your closet and dresser are full, in case you didn't notice earlier.”
I nodded, “Thanks. I'll keep my door cracked for you. Night.”
I slowly made my way to the master bedroom, leaving the door cracked, then went to the long dresser in hopes of finding some pajamas. My breathing hitched in my throat when I found a beautiful sheer slip and thong set in the palest blue. The slip had all over tone-on-tone embroidery, while the thong was made of a silky material with a sheer embroidered inset all the way around the low waist. The set was beautiful, yet felt extremely soft, so I grabbed it and made my way to the bathroom.
After changing and brushing my teeth, I made my way back to the bed, then slipped between the soft sheets. It took a long while before I finally fell asleep, with the multitude of shit that had been laid out for me tonight.