Protecting the Black Wolf's Mate
By: wizardtho
Chapter 25:
Bella's POV
Charlie smiled softly as Sam situated a bunch of pillows behind me, then helped me sit up against them. He kissed me before letting Charlie sit beside me with the tray, while he took the chair. "Sam never knew what your energy level was before that night, so he made the same mistake. It was Leah who caught it. Leah had been thinking about what she and Sam talked about after you fell asleep, so when Sam came back inside, she said something to him that made him realize. He called Emily and the elders right away."
Charlie handed one plate to Sam, then set the bed tray over my lap. I smiled, "I have a lot to tell everyone, but I need to eat. I’m starving. It feels like I haven’t eaten in years."
Emily came back in then, placing two large shakes on my tray, as well as one in Sam’s hand, "Sam, you need a boost too. You hardly ate anything last night, so you’ve got the calorie powder in yours. Don’t fuss at me about it either… just drink it."
Sam chuckled, "I wasn’t going to fuss, Emily. Just out of curiosity, though… how many added calories are in each shake?"
Emily hummed in thought, then ordered, “Bella’s double-scoop shakes are adding 240 calories per shake… and you will drink both of them, Missy."
I moaned as I took a sip, “Mmm, gladly.”
Everyone laughed, then Charlie asked, "So each time she drinks one, she’s at least getting 120 calories added for each scoop, plus the normal calories for whatever the shake itself is? How often do you want her drinking them now that she’s awake?"
I smiled at Emily, so she said, "You’re getting two double-shots now, to give you the boost your body needs, then I want you on the schedule I had talked to Sam about when he first called me yesterday. One double-shot shake every four hours with something to eat. You weren’t getting nearly enough to keep you at a steady level, let alone give you enough to gain any weight before."
I asked softly, “Even with all of the food I was eating?”
She shook her head, "Even with that, Bella. I want you eating that amount at least 6 times a day."
I nodded, "Okay. I’ll have to get with the girls and Sue to help me make a meal plan. How long do you want me to be on the 4-hour double shakes?"
She smiled, “Until I do another check and physically see you gaining weight at a good rate for carrying twins. Remember, we don’t want you using up so much energy that the twins don’t gain enough. I want them a healthy 6 lbs each or better when they’re born."
I nodded, "Alright. You tell me what you need me to do while I eat."
She smiled as Charlie patted my leg affectionately. I closed my eyes and thanked the flame for cooking the food in front of me, then opened my eyes to see Emily as she said, "I know you don’t want me to pull it, but you gave us all a very close call, Bella. If it weren’t for the magic protecting you…"
I shook my head, "I know. It was too close, Emily. Just lay it out for me, please."
She nodded, "I’m pulling the bed rest card. You can be on the couch, a chair, or the bed, but you are not to be on your feet, other than standing still with Sam or one of the others to help you stay stable. You are to be carried from point A to point B. You can have showers only if Sam is with you. Otherwise, you’re in the tub. I want someone within hearing range at all times. If Sam is out patrolling…"
Paul and Jared both came in, with Paul assuring her, "He won’t be leaving her side unless there’s a threat in the vicinity or a new wolf that needs him, Emily. If there is, Charlie and both other imprints will be with her. We’ve got patrolling covered. He can still phase whenever, but he won’t be patrolling."
Sam looked at the boys, then Jared said, "We’ve had a good rotation going so far, Sam, and both of us are still getting our rest. You are needed by Little Mama right now. You’d give us the same courtesy if it were Kim or Leah in Bella’s position, so please don’t argue."
Sam nodded, then said softly, "Thanks, Guys. I don’t think I could leave her right now to patrol if I tried my hardest."
Paul and Jared both nodded knowingly as I continued to eat. Emily looked at me again, "Okay. So Sam will be with you. Now… the same restriction is still on for sex. Slow and gentle. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. If you have pain or discomfort at any time, stop immediately and notify me. Any swaying from that will result in a sex ban, got it?"
I nodded, “Got it, gentle or none at all.”
She nodded in finality, then Charlie said, "How are the little ones, Emily? Are they alright?"
She smiled, "I was going to do an ultrasound later today to see if we could find them and make sure things look good. In two weeks, I’ll do another one to see if I can detect both hearts beating. Bella, with the images you got, did you see where they implanted position-wise?"
I nodded with a smile, "They are on separate walls. The one on the right is about a 1/4 of the way down the length of the wall, and the one on the left is about halfway down. It might have been like looking in a mirror, though, so it might be the reverse.”
Emily smiled, "We have a basis of where to look, though, so that’s good. It’s also favorable that they’re on separate walls and staggered. It puts less strain on your uterus having only one placenta per side. Now with you being bed-bound, I want you to start getting therapy to keep your circulation up. You need to change position frequently, too."
I agreed, saying, "I can make sure Leah oversees the major stuff, then pretty much just consult and shop online. Did anyone call the school, because there’s no way in hell I’m going to make that test tomorrow."
Charlie nodded, "Doc told me I should call to postpone, giving them the excuse that you got an infection from being lost in the rain so long. The principal said to get better and call as soon as you’re ready to take the test."
I nodded, "Thanks. Has anyone gotten any sleep since yesterday?"
Emily laughed, "Yes, Bella. We all stayed here at the house. The exam room got turned into my lab, Billy, Quil and I took the upstairs suites, and Jared, Kim, Paul, and Leah took the theater room. The queens got brought over from Sam’s old place to be put in there. Charlie and Sue stayed in the apartment, and we all got sleep, so please don’t worry."
I nodded as I looked around to find Eva. She smiled softly, “You stayed with Sam and me… and you got here around 2 or 3 this morning?”
She nodded, "Yes, Bella. Please don’t fret over me. I’ll get some sleep in one of the spare rooms in a little while, after I have the chance to talk to the both of you." I nodded with a smile when I saw there would be no changing her mind, “I can’t argue with that, no matter how much I want to.”
She chuckled, winking as she said, “Good because my mind is made.” We nodded at each other, then I went back to eating.
I ate all of the food on my tray, drank both of my shakes, then asked Leah, who went to take the tray away, "Leah, Hun? Is there anything sweet to snack on?"
She smiled widely, "Yep. I’ve been saving them just for you. I’ve had to smack the boys’ hands a few times to keep them out. I made chocolate-covered peanut butter balls as soon as you fell asleep yesterday."
I moaned, "Oh, God, Leah. You’re a saint. They sound so good right now. I need to tell everyone what happened, and it would be easier downstairs. Doc, can Sam take me down, or is it too soon?"
She smiled, "I need you to try to use the restroom before he takes you down. If you’re successful, Sam can bring you downstairs to the couch."
I nodded as Sam smiled at me. He came around to the side with the IV, then gently picked me up bridal-style after he moved the rolling hook that the bag was hanging on.
He carried me into the bathroom while pushing the IV stand, asking for Sue to close the door behind us. She did, then Sam carried me up the step to the pocket door leading to the toilet. He whispered, “I don’t want to let you down now that you’re in my arms, Isabella.”
He nuzzled my neck, so I cupped his cheek with a soft smile, "I know, and I’m so sorry I scared you, My Love. I’ve had two large shakes, though, and I really need to pee."
He chuckled, “Alright, Angel… just promise I can hold you for a while after.”
I nodded, “That’s one promise I’ll happily keep.”
I kissed his lips lightly, then he stood me carefully on my feet. He held my hips to keep me stable. When I felt like I had my footing, he placed my hands on the IV stand. I rolled it into the stall, then asked as I lifted my skirt and sat down, "Can you please find me some underwear? I feel kind of weird with so many people in the house and me not wearing any. I promise I won’t get up until you come back."
He chuckled, "Of course, Sweetheart. Would you like a change of clothes, too?"
I shook my head, "No, this is really comfortable. I just want something covering my goods."
He laughed as he headed toward the bathroom doors, but I practically sighed when I was able to relieve myself. I heard Sam chuckling as I took care of myself, “All better now, Sweetheart?”
I moaned, "So much better. My God, I felt like I could have peed for a year."
He handed me a pair of comfy white cotton boyshorts, so I carefully slipped them on as I stood. I turned and flushed the toilet, then said, "I need to wash my hands, and I’d like to wash my face. Then we can go."
He nodded, picked me back up once I was out of the stall, then carried me and the IV stand to the sink. He stood me back up on my feet, holding me until I was stable, then he grabbed a washcloth from under the sink. He handed it to me, then held me from behind as I washed my hands and face.
I streaked my wet hand along his cheek when I finished, causing him to laugh, “Oh, feisty today, are we?”
I nodded, giggling, “Uh-huh,” so he grinned, “You must be feeling better then.”
He rubbed his cheek against my neck, making me giggle again. I heard Paul laugh, then say, “Little Mama’s feisty today, that’s all.”
I called out, "What did I tell you about that? No laughing about things you aren’t in the room for. It’s rude to the humans with no spidey senses. Paul, I swear the next time you do that, I’ll take back that pie I was thinking about baking you when I get off bed rest."
I heard Paul gasp as everyone else in the room laughed. Sam carried me back out into the bedroom, then I leveled my gaze at Paul. It was Emily who came to Paul’s rescue, saying, "In his defense, Bella, I heard you giggle and asked what it was about. That’s when he laughed, telling us you were being feisty."
I nodded at her, then looked at Paul, "Then I apologize, Paul. You have to admit I’ve caught you boys doing that before, though. I’ve been on this side of the super hearing for long enough to get really annoyed with the whispered conversations that are just low enough that a human wouldn’t understand what's said, as well as being able to hear me use the bathroom from anywhere in the house. I don’t want the others to start feeling that way, because it’s no fun. I’m sorry I misjudged you, though."
He nodded, "I understand, Little Mama. In my defense, I can’t help what I hear, so if you have to go, go. I promise I’ll try not to comment or laugh about something I’m not in that room for. If anything, I’ll make sure I go to that room before I comment."
I saw his sincerity, then said, "Thank you. Now, let’s get downstairs, shall we?"
We all got settled around the great room, with me laying with my head on Sam's lap, the imprints on the laps of their wolves, Charlie sitting on the floor in front of Sue, while Quil and Emily took up the armchairs. Eva chose to take up the end of the couch with Sam and I, putting my feet in her lap. Sam smiled at her softly as he placed his hand on my stomach.
When everyone was settled, I started, "I knew right away that my sleep was different… foggy and thick. It was scary after a few minutes when it started to feel suffocating, but I just knew I shouldn’t fight. I heard faint drum sounds and an ancient Quileute song a few times. It kept me sane when I wasn’t thinking about our little miracles."
I placed my hand over Sam’s before continuing, "I started seeing words in my head, warning me my energy level was too low, and that the deep sleep was to conserve energy for the twins. I start praying to the ancestors, then. I prayed and prayed that they would send a sign to someone that we needed help. Prayed that we would hold on long enough for help to reach us… to please let them have a chance to be born into the world. The more scared or worried I got, the thicker and heavier the fog got. I prayed for so long that I lost track of the times that I heard the faint drums and song. Then I heard Sam. He was frantic, saying he was sorry he didn’t see it… to hold on because help was on the way. I praised the ancestors when I heard him tell me through the fog that Emily was putting the tube in to feed us the nutrients we needed, then thanked them for sending us help.”
I took a slow breath, then continued. “Sometime after that, the drums started up again with the song, but it was different… more powerful… and it had a reverse echo. The faint one was first, and then the closer one was the echo. The closer one was you, Quil, and the other elders. Then I heard Sam’s voice join in with the song. The faint one grew in power, became closer. I started seeing shapes through the fog. All around me, the tribe’s past protectors formed a protective circle, and just inside the circle, the past medicine men were voicing the same song that Sue and Billy were. You, Quil, were the only one weaving words into the song.”
I looked at the elders, then Sam, smiling back at the elders as I said, “Then through the wolves of the past, a great white wolf came to me in the center of the circle. He was massive… easily one and a half times the size of Sam, and the largest of the ones with me. He held so much power, Quil. He was glorious. I knew he must be the great wolf of the legend, so I bowed my head in respect as he stopped in front of me. After a minute, I said something without really thinking of my wording, 'You are like My Sam, but more. You are Alpha, but were the first, were you not? You are Taha Aki.' He gave me a wolfy smile, bowing his large head as I looked into his eyes."
Everyone gasped, then Quil said, "That’s why you asked about my Grandpa’s coloring earlier. Was he..."
I beamed as I assured him, "He was, Quil. There must have been 20 or more wolves making up the protective circle, each one of them unique. There’s so much more, though. I thanked them for making themselves known to us as my hand went to my stomach, and Taha Aki's wolf nudged my stomach gently with his nose. Somehow I knew what he was wanting to know, so I told him that they were My Sam’s. The first active wolf babies in three generations, and the alpha's first children. I told him the ancestral magic made them implant a lot sooner, even though Sam had only imprinted on me days before. I asked him if it was him who gifted us so. He nodded as he looked around at the other wolves. I was shocked, so asked him if I was gifted with some of their remaining magic. At his nod, I told him I wasn’t Quileute, wasn’t anything special, then asked why me.”
They all had looks of awe of their faces as I continued, “He shook his head, then there was a blinding shimmer as he transformed into his human self. He was dressed in clothing befitting a chief of his tribe, complete with a large chieftain headdress. He had a very thick accent, as well as a voice that commanded respect. Even in his human form, he oozed power and knowledge. He told me that they had pooled the magic to be gifted, but that the elements had chosen who was to be given the gift… earth, air, fire, water, and spirit.”
I caught Charlie’s eyes, then asked, “Daddy, remember how you said that it was fated that Mom got pregnant with me even with both methods of protection? It was the elements. They made it so Mom got pregnant with me, and that I was gifted with the ancestral magic from the wolves. Taha Aki told me that if the elements had not deemed me worthy, Mom wouldn’t have gotten pregnant with me. I would not have been gifted so. He said that I was special, that the magic was what brought the past protectors to me. It would always bring them to me in times of need, although it wouldn’t always be in that form or place."
Quil gasped, along with Billy and Sue, but I said, “They couldn’t make their initial presence known to me until you began the prayer, though, Quil.”
He nodded, so I continued, "He told me that they were there then because me and my unborn needed energy… that the amount of magic needed to seat the twins in my womb was miscalculated, and that with everything else that's happened lately, it drained me beyond my means. He apologized for that, said something in Quileute, then a soft pallet of bedding appeared on the ground. He told me that I needed to lay on it so that the men present could work the prayer in unison with you four here. As he walked me to the pallet, he told me that we would be safe with the wolves standing the circle, and we would be given energy from each element… that I shouldn’t be afraid of it, because it would help protect us and my loved ones… that it would guide Taha Aki and the protectors to me when in dire need."
After taking a breath, I grinned, "I asked him what I could do to thank the elements for their continued gifts, so he told me, 'Taste and savor the water you drink… or that flows over and around your body. Be merry around the flames of a bonfire, or acknowledge the flame that cooks your food. Plant and grow things in the rich earth, then see the beauty it brings to life. Dance in the breeze, whenever the feeling strikes you, or sing beautiful songs to your precious little ones. Above all, always be true to yourself, Isabella. Live life to its fullest, guide your young in the ways of our tribe, and teach them the responsibly of the magic that resides in them. You have a strong spirit, and it will guide many. Never forget your instincts. They will be your guide, and the elements will help you along the way.' ”
It felt odd to have everyone's sole focus on me, but I continued, “He said that the elements would guide them to me when I was in need. I asked if the wolves were reunited with their imprints after they passed. He beamed at me as he told me that yes, they were with their hearts. He said that no matter how much the females wanted to make themselves known to me then and help, they couldn’t. Then he told me that his heart -his imprint- came to him just before he showed his form to me, saying they were working on a way to help guide me during this and future pregnancies. I thanked him for his guidance, along with all of them for coming to help us, then laid on the soft pallet. He instructed me to close my eyes, let everything go, then float on the song. That it would guide me back to my Sam when the time was right.”
Bella's POV
Charlie smiled softly as Sam situated a bunch of pillows behind me, then helped me sit up against them. He kissed me before letting Charlie sit beside me with the tray, while he took the chair. "Sam never knew what your energy level was before that night, so he made the same mistake. It was Leah who caught it. Leah had been thinking about what she and Sam talked about after you fell asleep, so when Sam came back inside, she said something to him that made him realize. He called Emily and the elders right away."
Charlie handed one plate to Sam, then set the bed tray over my lap. I smiled, "I have a lot to tell everyone, but I need to eat. I’m starving. It feels like I haven’t eaten in years."
Emily came back in then, placing two large shakes on my tray, as well as one in Sam’s hand, "Sam, you need a boost too. You hardly ate anything last night, so you’ve got the calorie powder in yours. Don’t fuss at me about it either… just drink it."
Sam chuckled, "I wasn’t going to fuss, Emily. Just out of curiosity, though… how many added calories are in each shake?"
Emily hummed in thought, then ordered, “Bella’s double-scoop shakes are adding 240 calories per shake… and you will drink both of them, Missy."
I moaned as I took a sip, “Mmm, gladly.”
Everyone laughed, then Charlie asked, "So each time she drinks one, she’s at least getting 120 calories added for each scoop, plus the normal calories for whatever the shake itself is? How often do you want her drinking them now that she’s awake?"
I smiled at Emily, so she said, "You’re getting two double-shots now, to give you the boost your body needs, then I want you on the schedule I had talked to Sam about when he first called me yesterday. One double-shot shake every four hours with something to eat. You weren’t getting nearly enough to keep you at a steady level, let alone give you enough to gain any weight before."
I asked softly, “Even with all of the food I was eating?”
She shook her head, "Even with that, Bella. I want you eating that amount at least 6 times a day."
I nodded, "Okay. I’ll have to get with the girls and Sue to help me make a meal plan. How long do you want me to be on the 4-hour double shakes?"
She smiled, “Until I do another check and physically see you gaining weight at a good rate for carrying twins. Remember, we don’t want you using up so much energy that the twins don’t gain enough. I want them a healthy 6 lbs each or better when they’re born."
I nodded, "Alright. You tell me what you need me to do while I eat."
She smiled as Charlie patted my leg affectionately. I closed my eyes and thanked the flame for cooking the food in front of me, then opened my eyes to see Emily as she said, "I know you don’t want me to pull it, but you gave us all a very close call, Bella. If it weren’t for the magic protecting you…"
I shook my head, "I know. It was too close, Emily. Just lay it out for me, please."
She nodded, "I’m pulling the bed rest card. You can be on the couch, a chair, or the bed, but you are not to be on your feet, other than standing still with Sam or one of the others to help you stay stable. You are to be carried from point A to point B. You can have showers only if Sam is with you. Otherwise, you’re in the tub. I want someone within hearing range at all times. If Sam is out patrolling…"
Paul and Jared both came in, with Paul assuring her, "He won’t be leaving her side unless there’s a threat in the vicinity or a new wolf that needs him, Emily. If there is, Charlie and both other imprints will be with her. We’ve got patrolling covered. He can still phase whenever, but he won’t be patrolling."
Sam looked at the boys, then Jared said, "We’ve had a good rotation going so far, Sam, and both of us are still getting our rest. You are needed by Little Mama right now. You’d give us the same courtesy if it were Kim or Leah in Bella’s position, so please don’t argue."
Sam nodded, then said softly, "Thanks, Guys. I don’t think I could leave her right now to patrol if I tried my hardest."
Paul and Jared both nodded knowingly as I continued to eat. Emily looked at me again, "Okay. So Sam will be with you. Now… the same restriction is still on for sex. Slow and gentle. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. If you have pain or discomfort at any time, stop immediately and notify me. Any swaying from that will result in a sex ban, got it?"
I nodded, “Got it, gentle or none at all.”
She nodded in finality, then Charlie said, "How are the little ones, Emily? Are they alright?"
She smiled, "I was going to do an ultrasound later today to see if we could find them and make sure things look good. In two weeks, I’ll do another one to see if I can detect both hearts beating. Bella, with the images you got, did you see where they implanted position-wise?"
I nodded with a smile, "They are on separate walls. The one on the right is about a 1/4 of the way down the length of the wall, and the one on the left is about halfway down. It might have been like looking in a mirror, though, so it might be the reverse.”
Emily smiled, "We have a basis of where to look, though, so that’s good. It’s also favorable that they’re on separate walls and staggered. It puts less strain on your uterus having only one placenta per side. Now with you being bed-bound, I want you to start getting therapy to keep your circulation up. You need to change position frequently, too."
I agreed, saying, "I can make sure Leah oversees the major stuff, then pretty much just consult and shop online. Did anyone call the school, because there’s no way in hell I’m going to make that test tomorrow."
Charlie nodded, "Doc told me I should call to postpone, giving them the excuse that you got an infection from being lost in the rain so long. The principal said to get better and call as soon as you’re ready to take the test."
I nodded, "Thanks. Has anyone gotten any sleep since yesterday?"
Emily laughed, "Yes, Bella. We all stayed here at the house. The exam room got turned into my lab, Billy, Quil and I took the upstairs suites, and Jared, Kim, Paul, and Leah took the theater room. The queens got brought over from Sam’s old place to be put in there. Charlie and Sue stayed in the apartment, and we all got sleep, so please don’t worry."
I nodded as I looked around to find Eva. She smiled softly, “You stayed with Sam and me… and you got here around 2 or 3 this morning?”
She nodded, "Yes, Bella. Please don’t fret over me. I’ll get some sleep in one of the spare rooms in a little while, after I have the chance to talk to the both of you." I nodded with a smile when I saw there would be no changing her mind, “I can’t argue with that, no matter how much I want to.”
She chuckled, winking as she said, “Good because my mind is made.” We nodded at each other, then I went back to eating.
I ate all of the food on my tray, drank both of my shakes, then asked Leah, who went to take the tray away, "Leah, Hun? Is there anything sweet to snack on?"
She smiled widely, "Yep. I’ve been saving them just for you. I’ve had to smack the boys’ hands a few times to keep them out. I made chocolate-covered peanut butter balls as soon as you fell asleep yesterday."
I moaned, "Oh, God, Leah. You’re a saint. They sound so good right now. I need to tell everyone what happened, and it would be easier downstairs. Doc, can Sam take me down, or is it too soon?"
She smiled, "I need you to try to use the restroom before he takes you down. If you’re successful, Sam can bring you downstairs to the couch."
I nodded as Sam smiled at me. He came around to the side with the IV, then gently picked me up bridal-style after he moved the rolling hook that the bag was hanging on.
He carried me into the bathroom while pushing the IV stand, asking for Sue to close the door behind us. She did, then Sam carried me up the step to the pocket door leading to the toilet. He whispered, “I don’t want to let you down now that you’re in my arms, Isabella.”
He nuzzled my neck, so I cupped his cheek with a soft smile, "I know, and I’m so sorry I scared you, My Love. I’ve had two large shakes, though, and I really need to pee."
He chuckled, “Alright, Angel… just promise I can hold you for a while after.”
I nodded, “That’s one promise I’ll happily keep.”
I kissed his lips lightly, then he stood me carefully on my feet. He held my hips to keep me stable. When I felt like I had my footing, he placed my hands on the IV stand. I rolled it into the stall, then asked as I lifted my skirt and sat down, "Can you please find me some underwear? I feel kind of weird with so many people in the house and me not wearing any. I promise I won’t get up until you come back."
He chuckled, "Of course, Sweetheart. Would you like a change of clothes, too?"
I shook my head, "No, this is really comfortable. I just want something covering my goods."
He laughed as he headed toward the bathroom doors, but I practically sighed when I was able to relieve myself. I heard Sam chuckling as I took care of myself, “All better now, Sweetheart?”
I moaned, "So much better. My God, I felt like I could have peed for a year."
He handed me a pair of comfy white cotton boyshorts, so I carefully slipped them on as I stood. I turned and flushed the toilet, then said, "I need to wash my hands, and I’d like to wash my face. Then we can go."
He nodded, picked me back up once I was out of the stall, then carried me and the IV stand to the sink. He stood me back up on my feet, holding me until I was stable, then he grabbed a washcloth from under the sink. He handed it to me, then held me from behind as I washed my hands and face.
I streaked my wet hand along his cheek when I finished, causing him to laugh, “Oh, feisty today, are we?”
I nodded, giggling, “Uh-huh,” so he grinned, “You must be feeling better then.”
He rubbed his cheek against my neck, making me giggle again. I heard Paul laugh, then say, “Little Mama’s feisty today, that’s all.”
I called out, "What did I tell you about that? No laughing about things you aren’t in the room for. It’s rude to the humans with no spidey senses. Paul, I swear the next time you do that, I’ll take back that pie I was thinking about baking you when I get off bed rest."
I heard Paul gasp as everyone else in the room laughed. Sam carried me back out into the bedroom, then I leveled my gaze at Paul. It was Emily who came to Paul’s rescue, saying, "In his defense, Bella, I heard you giggle and asked what it was about. That’s when he laughed, telling us you were being feisty."
I nodded at her, then looked at Paul, "Then I apologize, Paul. You have to admit I’ve caught you boys doing that before, though. I’ve been on this side of the super hearing for long enough to get really annoyed with the whispered conversations that are just low enough that a human wouldn’t understand what's said, as well as being able to hear me use the bathroom from anywhere in the house. I don’t want the others to start feeling that way, because it’s no fun. I’m sorry I misjudged you, though."
He nodded, "I understand, Little Mama. In my defense, I can’t help what I hear, so if you have to go, go. I promise I’ll try not to comment or laugh about something I’m not in that room for. If anything, I’ll make sure I go to that room before I comment."
I saw his sincerity, then said, "Thank you. Now, let’s get downstairs, shall we?"
We all got settled around the great room, with me laying with my head on Sam's lap, the imprints on the laps of their wolves, Charlie sitting on the floor in front of Sue, while Quil and Emily took up the armchairs. Eva chose to take up the end of the couch with Sam and I, putting my feet in her lap. Sam smiled at her softly as he placed his hand on my stomach.
When everyone was settled, I started, "I knew right away that my sleep was different… foggy and thick. It was scary after a few minutes when it started to feel suffocating, but I just knew I shouldn’t fight. I heard faint drum sounds and an ancient Quileute song a few times. It kept me sane when I wasn’t thinking about our little miracles."
I placed my hand over Sam’s before continuing, "I started seeing words in my head, warning me my energy level was too low, and that the deep sleep was to conserve energy for the twins. I start praying to the ancestors, then. I prayed and prayed that they would send a sign to someone that we needed help. Prayed that we would hold on long enough for help to reach us… to please let them have a chance to be born into the world. The more scared or worried I got, the thicker and heavier the fog got. I prayed for so long that I lost track of the times that I heard the faint drums and song. Then I heard Sam. He was frantic, saying he was sorry he didn’t see it… to hold on because help was on the way. I praised the ancestors when I heard him tell me through the fog that Emily was putting the tube in to feed us the nutrients we needed, then thanked them for sending us help.”
I took a slow breath, then continued. “Sometime after that, the drums started up again with the song, but it was different… more powerful… and it had a reverse echo. The faint one was first, and then the closer one was the echo. The closer one was you, Quil, and the other elders. Then I heard Sam’s voice join in with the song. The faint one grew in power, became closer. I started seeing shapes through the fog. All around me, the tribe’s past protectors formed a protective circle, and just inside the circle, the past medicine men were voicing the same song that Sue and Billy were. You, Quil, were the only one weaving words into the song.”
I looked at the elders, then Sam, smiling back at the elders as I said, “Then through the wolves of the past, a great white wolf came to me in the center of the circle. He was massive… easily one and a half times the size of Sam, and the largest of the ones with me. He held so much power, Quil. He was glorious. I knew he must be the great wolf of the legend, so I bowed my head in respect as he stopped in front of me. After a minute, I said something without really thinking of my wording, 'You are like My Sam, but more. You are Alpha, but were the first, were you not? You are Taha Aki.' He gave me a wolfy smile, bowing his large head as I looked into his eyes."
Everyone gasped, then Quil said, "That’s why you asked about my Grandpa’s coloring earlier. Was he..."
I beamed as I assured him, "He was, Quil. There must have been 20 or more wolves making up the protective circle, each one of them unique. There’s so much more, though. I thanked them for making themselves known to us as my hand went to my stomach, and Taha Aki's wolf nudged my stomach gently with his nose. Somehow I knew what he was wanting to know, so I told him that they were My Sam’s. The first active wolf babies in three generations, and the alpha's first children. I told him the ancestral magic made them implant a lot sooner, even though Sam had only imprinted on me days before. I asked him if it was him who gifted us so. He nodded as he looked around at the other wolves. I was shocked, so asked him if I was gifted with some of their remaining magic. At his nod, I told him I wasn’t Quileute, wasn’t anything special, then asked why me.”
They all had looks of awe of their faces as I continued, “He shook his head, then there was a blinding shimmer as he transformed into his human self. He was dressed in clothing befitting a chief of his tribe, complete with a large chieftain headdress. He had a very thick accent, as well as a voice that commanded respect. Even in his human form, he oozed power and knowledge. He told me that they had pooled the magic to be gifted, but that the elements had chosen who was to be given the gift… earth, air, fire, water, and spirit.”
I caught Charlie’s eyes, then asked, “Daddy, remember how you said that it was fated that Mom got pregnant with me even with both methods of protection? It was the elements. They made it so Mom got pregnant with me, and that I was gifted with the ancestral magic from the wolves. Taha Aki told me that if the elements had not deemed me worthy, Mom wouldn’t have gotten pregnant with me. I would not have been gifted so. He said that I was special, that the magic was what brought the past protectors to me. It would always bring them to me in times of need, although it wouldn’t always be in that form or place."
Quil gasped, along with Billy and Sue, but I said, “They couldn’t make their initial presence known to me until you began the prayer, though, Quil.”
He nodded, so I continued, "He told me that they were there then because me and my unborn needed energy… that the amount of magic needed to seat the twins in my womb was miscalculated, and that with everything else that's happened lately, it drained me beyond my means. He apologized for that, said something in Quileute, then a soft pallet of bedding appeared on the ground. He told me that I needed to lay on it so that the men present could work the prayer in unison with you four here. As he walked me to the pallet, he told me that we would be safe with the wolves standing the circle, and we would be given energy from each element… that I shouldn’t be afraid of it, because it would help protect us and my loved ones… that it would guide Taha Aki and the protectors to me when in dire need."
After taking a breath, I grinned, "I asked him what I could do to thank the elements for their continued gifts, so he told me, 'Taste and savor the water you drink… or that flows over and around your body. Be merry around the flames of a bonfire, or acknowledge the flame that cooks your food. Plant and grow things in the rich earth, then see the beauty it brings to life. Dance in the breeze, whenever the feeling strikes you, or sing beautiful songs to your precious little ones. Above all, always be true to yourself, Isabella. Live life to its fullest, guide your young in the ways of our tribe, and teach them the responsibly of the magic that resides in them. You have a strong spirit, and it will guide many. Never forget your instincts. They will be your guide, and the elements will help you along the way.' ”
It felt odd to have everyone's sole focus on me, but I continued, “He said that the elements would guide them to me when I was in need. I asked if the wolves were reunited with their imprints after they passed. He beamed at me as he told me that yes, they were with their hearts. He said that no matter how much the females wanted to make themselves known to me then and help, they couldn’t. Then he told me that his heart -his imprint- came to him just before he showed his form to me, saying they were working on a way to help guide me during this and future pregnancies. I thanked him for his guidance, along with all of them for coming to help us, then laid on the soft pallet. He instructed me to close my eyes, let everything go, then float on the song. That it would guide me back to my Sam when the time was right.”