Lost, Then Found

Kim’s P.O.V.

“I see Jacob found a place to stay for the night.” Jared said nervously as he sat beside me on the porch.

“Not just Jacob. Embry and Seth are also staying here.” I replied.

Jared’s jaw clenched for a moment, but quickly softened again. “It sounds like you have a full house in there. Three werewolves huh, you’re going to need to go grocery shopping. You’ll be out of food within the hour.” He paused for a moment. Before he could pick up where he left off I cut in. “Please Jared I don’t want to fight with you. I know you probably don’t like that Embry is here, but what Sam did is wrong. How can he just kick them out of La Push?”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, Kim I’m not here to fight, and I don’t agree with Sam’s decision any more than you do. I’m not particularly happy about picking up extra shifts because of them, but that’s beside the point.” Jared began. “You were right Kim, killing Bella would have been wrong, I’m glad they got her out of here.”

“You are?” I asked confused. He was all for it before, I couldn’t help but to wonder what changed his mind.

“I’m not a monster. I don’t know what the thing Bella is carrying would be capable of, but regardless, Bella is still human, it would have been wrong to kill her. How would we even be able to look at her father with a straight face and make up some lie to explain his daughter’s death? You were right Kim, I may have not seen it at first, but I did think about what you said. This is why I’m with you, not because of the imprint, but because you make everything so clear, you bring back the man, when the wolf wants to take control.”

My face turned red when I realized he’d heard the conversation between Jacob and me. I was embarrassed at first, but soon felt relieved. I was relieved because he knew everything that was on my mind. Not knowing he was listening gave me the advantage of not holding back anything out of fear of hurting him.

It was nice to hear him say all of that, I believed that he loved me, but there was another situation we had yet to cover. “So you heard the conversation between Jacob and me?”

“Yes.” He replied.

“Then you know how I feel about this, and how I felt about you running away before we could talk about it.” I replied touching my belly, trying to hold back the tiniest piece of anger I still felt deep inside.

Jared remained quiet for a few minutes as he looked out towards the trees. Whether he was trying to hide it or not, I couldn’t tell, but I did notice the flash of anger that crossed his face. “Kim I left because I had to, you heard Sam.” He replied between gritted teeth.

“No, I think you left because you’re scared and you didn’t want to deal with it.” I replied letting the anger surface.

Jared snapped his head in my direction. “You’re right I am scared. I’m not normal and neither is the world I live in. I turn into a wolf and protect our Tribe from vampires, raising a baby scares me to death, not to mention what if it turns out to be like me. What if he or she phases?”

“I understand Jared, but you’re supposed to come and talk to me about these things instead of running off.”

“KIM I HAD TO GO, SAM NEEDED ME!” Jared shouted.

I sighed and turned my gaze to the ground. “Was the meeting important?” I asked in a whisper.

“What?”

“You heard me!” I replied raising my voice just a little this time. “Was the meeting important? Did you have to be there, or could someone have filled you in on what went down at a later time?”

“Kim…” He began, but I cut him off again. “I needed you here Jared. I needed you to be there to hold me and tell me everything is going to be ok. I needed you to be the one to tell me that we will get through this and figure things out, because I’m scared too Jared. I know what you do is very important to this Tribe, but we created a life,” I took hold of one of his hands and placed it upon my belly, “you need to figure out your priorities and what you need to start putting first.”

Jared stared at his hand that still lay rested upon my stomach. “Kim I promise you that I won’t let any bloodsuckers step near you or our baby.”

As my breath left my body I pushed his hand away. “That’s not the only thing I’m worried about.”

“Then what Kim? What are you afraid of? Please let me know.” He snapped back.

“I’M AFRAID THAT ONE DAY YOU’LL BE OFF ON PATROL OR AT A PACK MEETING AND ELI WILL COME FOR ME.” I shouted as the tears came flowing down my cheeks. “He’s still out there Jared. You want to know what I’m afraid, well there you have it.” I paused for a moment before continuing. “Eli once told me that he loved me to death. It may sound like I’m paranoid to you, but you don’t know him like I know him.”

With no hesitation Jared pulled me into his arms. The top of my head rested against his cheek as he let his fingers run soothingly up and down my back. Before he spoke he turned his head just slightly to place a kiss on the top of my head. His free hand ventured toward my chin where he lifted it far enough for me to peer into his soft chocolate brown eyes. “Kim…. I know saying I’m sooo sorry won’t mean anything to you, but I am. I’m sorry I let my own fears drive me away from what’s important, and that’s protecting you and this baby. I promise you I won’t lose sight of that ever again. I’ll be right here with you every step of the way, and if Eli is dumb enough to step foot in Washington, the pack and I will take care of him. I’m just asking you to trust and believe in me. I love you Kim, and I love this baby.”

With that, he lifted his hand to my cheek and whipped away the remaining tears and away with them went the fear and worries that were once the overpowering thoughts in my head. Jared’s hand slid down to raise my shirt just enough to reveal the almost unnoticeable baby bump. My breathing began to pick up from just feeling the warmth of his hand there. His head slowly lowered toward my belly. Jared glanced up at me briefly before returning his attention back to my belly.

“I don’t know if you can hear me, but I’m your daddy. I was scared when I first heard you inside there, but now all I want more than ever is to hold you in my arms. I can’t wait to show you the world. It can be a scary place at times, but I promise I will protect you and your mommy with my life. I love you.” My breath hitched as I felt his lips brush against my belly.

After our conversation Jared didn’t want to leave for patrol, but with three wolves lying around my house I knew I’d be safe therefore I convinced him to go.

Morning came too quickly; it only felt like I had closed my eyes for a couple of minutes before I woke up to the smell of bacon wafting through my house.

“Good morning.” Embry said as I walked into the kitchen.

“Good morning.” I replied with a smile.

“Did you sleep well?” Jacob asked.

“No, not really.” I replied with a yawn.

“Why not, are you feeling alright?” He asked.

“Yes, I just missed Jared.” A pair of arms wrapped around me from behind.

“I missed you too.” Jared said as he turned me around to face him so he could gently kiss my lips.
He looked horrible. I could already see the bags forming below his eyes from the lack of sleep.

“Looks like you could use a nap.” I replied hugging him tightly.

“I could, but unfortunately that won’t be happening any time soon.”

“Why not?”

“Billy wants us all over at his house for a meeting. I guess the whole council is supposed to be there.”

“This early?” Jacob asked.

“Yup.” Jared mumbled.

“What do you think will happen?” Seth asked worried.

“I guess we’ll find out.” Jared replied.

**********************************************************

As we pulled up to the little red house I could already see everyone gathered around. Jared wasn’t the only one that looked tired. It had only been one night since Sam “kicked” Embry, Seth, and Jacob out of La Push, and I could already see the affects it was having on the other wolves. There was no way the council could vote in his favor.

I noticed Shianne standing off to the side. Last time I had seen her was when we got into that little argument, well the argument that I started.

“Hey.” I said with a small smile as I walked up to her.

“Hi.” She replied.

“Listen, I just want to apologize for everything. I was worried about the pregnancy and what Jared’s reaction to it was going to be. I know you were just trying to help me, I shouldn’t have pushed you away.”

“No need to apologize. You know I can’t stay mad at you girl.” She replied smiling. I stepped in for a hug, but we were interrupted by a heated argument coming from behind us.

“I really don’t think someone who helps bloodsuckers should be Alpha.” Sam shouted as him and Jacob stood face to face.

“Well your opinion really doesn’t matter. Be ready to step down.” Jacob replied between gritted teeth.

“Over my dead body.”

“That can be arranged.”

“ENOUGH!” Billy shouted wheeling himself in between the two men.

“Well, I think we should get this meeting started.” Old Quil announced.
Everyone began to take their seats. Shianne pulled Jacob away from Sam and sat down next to him. I took my place next to Jared.

“We all know why we’re here, so it would be unnecessary to explain it all. We have a decision to make, let’s get to it.” Billy said still glaring at the two men.

“We have been discussing the situation all night and we haven’t been able to come to an agreement.” Old Quil continued.

“My brother Ephraim would have been the swaying factor if he were here with us.” Billy looked me in the eyes as he took my hand. “Taha Aki has brought my niece back to us. The council did decide on one thing, and that is for Kim to take Ephraim’s place on the council if she accepts.”

It was dead silent as all eyes were on me awaiting my answer. It was an honor to even be considered, but I knew the responsibility that was ahead if I did accept the offer.

“I accept.” I finally replied.

“Your father would be proud.” He flashed the warm smile that I saw on my father’s face in so many of the pictures I looked at in the album. “Kim, we would like to hear your thoughts on the situation at hand.”

Jared grabbed my hand and squeezed it lightly giving me the feeling that no matter what I was about to say he would have my back. “I, um, I want to start off by saying I am so honored to be a part of this.” Billy smiled and nodded for me to continue. “As you all know I did not get the chance to get to know my father before he was taken from me, but from what my Uncle Billy has told me about him he sounds like he was a good man. I was told my father was always about doing the right thing which must be where I got it from. I believe these three men did the right thing.”

“You’re Jacob’s cousin; of course you’re going to take his side.” Sam said interrupting me.

“You’re right Sam, I am Jacob’s cousin, but aren’t we all family? That’s the impression I got when I first met all of you.” I paused for a moment to gather my thoughts. I looked back down to Jared who flashed a smile giving me the courage to go on. “It wasn’t about taking sides; it is about doing what is right. Your purpose as a wolf is to protect humans, but you were planning on killing Bella. Isn’t she human? We don’t know what she was carrying. It is possible that it could have been a threat to us and the people of Forks, I’m not denying that. We don’t know what it could have been capable of; it is just as possible that it could have turned out to be just like the Cullen’s. They are vampires and I realize they are the enemy, but you have a treaty with them that has lasted over a hundred years which has to mean something right? I may not know them as long as you all, but I trust that they would have taken care of the situation if they truly believed the thing would have been a threat to humans.”

“You don’t know that?” Sam replied.

“No, I guess I can’t be sure, but that’s not why we’re here. We’re here because of them.” I said glancing over at Jacob, Seth, and Embry. “Sam made the decision of kicking them out of La Push, a decision I feel he did not have the power to make. In doing so I believe he put not only the rest of the pack at risk, but also the rest of La Push as well as Forks. With Embry, Jacob, and Seth gone you were left with four very tired wolves and two very young and inexperienced wolves running two to three shifts in a row. If a coven of vampires decided to roll through town do you think you would have come out successful?” I paused for a few moments. “Not really sure how I’m supposed to end this little rant, but you asked for my thoughts and so I have given them to you. Thank you for listening.”

The rest of the council whispered amongst themselves while the pack remained silent.

Billy cleared his throat in order to regain everyone’s attention. “Thank you Kim, you have made very good points in which helped us make the final decision. The council has decided no rules have been broken, the treaty remains intact. Bella is also off limits and is to be left alone. We will worry about the creature she is carrying only if the Cullen’s return to Forks. Appropriate action will be taken only if that situation arises.”

Old Quil picked up where Billy left off. “As for Sam, you let your anger get the best of you and made decisions that weren’t yours to make. We won’t forget the powerful pack you have made, and the things that you have done for La Push as Alpha, but it is time for Jacob Black to take his rightful place as Alpha. We realize this transition will be difficult which is why you have the option to remain a part of the pack if wish, but we are also giving you the chance to retire your wolf. The decision is yours.”

There wasn’t really an official ending of the meeting. Everyone just kind of started leaving one by one starting with Old Quil. The pack was all a little shocked by the final decision, it was all something we definitely did not see coming. Sam didn’t say much to anyone as him and Emily left. As much as I did not agree with any of his decisions he made, I felt for him. He knew this day would come sooner or later, but I don’t think he was expecting it to be this soon. I couldn’t imagine just having so much taken away from me. I couldn’t help but to feel guilty.

“Jared what have I done?” I said pulling him off to the side away from the pack members that still lingered around.

“You did what you believed was right.”

“But what about Sam….”

“Sam knew this day would come.”

“Yeah but…”

“Sam’s been stressed out a lot lately and I think it’s caused him to make some wrong decisions. He wants to be there and help Emily through the pregnancy, but he also recognizes the responsibilities of being the Alpha. He may be a little upset right now, but I think with time he will be happy with this decision. I personally believe it’s what’s best.”

I’m glad Jared saw it that way, but how would the rest of the pack?