Darkness Begets Dusk

Chapter 2-Part 1 Maxwell

Jacob's right I thought to myself. My fears were all coming back in a wave. Sam and the Uley pack knowing who I am was overwhelming. Then I looked at Jacob's warm and tender hand holding mine, and everything was okay. I went inside, and I was greeted by Emily and the pack. "Hey stranger!", Em said with a smile on her face. She hugged me so tight and said, "Welcome to the Uley pack".

Jared grabbed me and noggied me with playfulness! He laughed and said, "No turning back M!". Then Embry tickled my side as a combo. I was laughing uncontrollably and yelped, "Okay, okay stop!". Jacob smiled and then peeled the two off me and said, "Alright alright. I think he's got the point".

Leah was holding a cup of tea, and said, "Now you'll know what it's like dealing with these whelps". I laughed as Jared and Embry made silly faces at her. She tapped my shoulder and said, "Welcome squirt". I smiled softly at her. Quil, Brady, Paul and Collin nodded in respect. Seth approached me and said, "It feels good to have another join us". I said, "Yeah, but I won't be able to wolf out", in a demure and humorous tone. Emily butted in and said, "No worries hon. I can't do it either". Everyone laughed and I felt more at ease.

Then Sam stepped up and everyone got silent. Jacob looked a bit nervous, almost dreading what he would do as he approached me. Sam looked at me with those bold eyes of his. I took a deep breath and awaited what he would say. He put both of his big hands on my shoulders and said, "Max. It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Uley pack. You will always have a home here". The others began to clap and root for me, and I smiled. I said to him, "Mr. Uley. It is an honor to be welcome here. I will do everything in my power to be worthy of that respect each day".

I explained my...powers, my background, and my maternal side's past allegiance to the Volturi. Everyone looked shocked but remained calm. They waited to hear what Sam would say about it. He said, "I trust that your powers aren't something we should concern ourselves with?". I said, "Of course not sir. I am aware of my station. You will have no trouble from me". Sam nodded. Jacob stepped up and said to his Alpha, "I thank you again Sam for this". Sam smiled and said, "Well. Let's party". Emily turned on some light music, and everyone started to dance.

Jacob pulled me to the side, and we danced. I can't remember what the time was when the party began, but I just lived in the moment. I had barely smiled since my father's hospitalization and hiding myself from Jacob for so long. But this evening felt right, and I was happy to be an honorary member of the pack. After a while, Sam tapped me on my shoulder and said, "Maxwell. I want to talk to you about...recent events". Jacob's face was full of concern and worry. "Sam is everything okay?". He nodded, "Yes. But I need to speak to Maxwell. In private".

Jacob looked like he was wrestling with his emotions and silently nodded. He gave me a wink, in a symbolic way that things will be okay. I said, "Of course". So, I went outside with Sam. He said in a calm voice, "I...am sorry about what happened to your father Max". I said, "I really appreciate that Mr. Uley". He had a low chuckle and said, "It's just Sam. Mr. Uley makes me sound old". I started to laugh, and it was refreshing to hear this man I was incredibly afraid of crack a joke.

But his voice returned to its deep and professional tone. "I am concerned about your safety and your family. The vampire that attacked your father. It may return to finish the job". I felt my hands tremble in fright. I said in a shaky voice, "I-I fear the same thing Sam". He looked at me and said, "If anything happens. We will come and bring the bones who trouble you and yours to their graves". His voice turned so low and booming with intimidation.

I nodded and said, "I value that greatly, sir". Sam replied, "Victoria. You are up to date with her involvement in the current problem in the area?". I said, "I suspect that one her vampires hurt my father". He said, "I see". My anxiety was raised up again. Sam sensed it immediately and said in a gentle tone, "We'll see this through Maxwell". I nodded and said, "Thank you, sir". He said, "Let's back into the party". We both went inside. Jacob immediately went to me and said, "Are you okay?". I smiled and said, "Yes. Don't worry. Sam just said that he would help my family". Jacob looked relieved and we continued to have a good time.