The Unusual Events In The Life Of Chance Lively (Jasper Hale - 1)

Chapter thirteen - Showing Some Skin

"In his Gucci shoes
Chewing Juicy Fruit
And I got that sugar, sugar for his sweet tooth"

~ Bishop Briggs "Baby"

The next day Chance was stretched out on the chain link swing on the Lahote porch, a blanket draped over her as she nursed a headache and the still shifting bones within her. Standing around her, or sitting on fold up fishing chairs were Harry Clearwater and Billy Black - elders of the tribe, along with Sue Clearwater, Damon and Annie Lahote, - the seniors of the tribe - then Sam - the Alpha - with Jared - his second - and Paul - his third.

"I don't.." Chance trailed off, not yet knowing the correct word for the situation, she knew how to sign it, but moving caused her great agony of which Sue informed her to avoid.

Paul decided to chime in helpfully; "understand?" He tried, also signing the word for her, she nodded at him before trying the word on her tongue.

Sam sighed, they had all listened to Billy and Harry as they explained the legends of the Quileute tribe. "what does that have to do with me? I'm not -uh, from here." Chance pointed out with furrowed eyebrows.

"Do you know your roots? From any previous tribes maybe?" Sam tried, signing it to her upon realising she only understood half of what he was saying. She nodded.

"The Abenaki Tribe." Chance announced proudly, remembering the name from when Charlie was telling Bella about Chance's past of which she heard snippets off. Harry knew immediately what's she was in about.

"They grey wolf tribe, the seeker shifters, better known as Spy Shifters." Harry explained to them all. "The ability to completely mask their scent and those physically close to them, giving off the human scent and appearance. They were able to spy on the enemy and take them down from the inside with close to no faults. Their Tribes are based from Massachusetts to Maine, if I am correct?" Sam asked the girl via sign language so she understood before she nodded.

"My mother was from the tribe ..whereas.. my dad was from New York, hence the ..tone.. of my skin compared to others of my.. tribe.." Chance explained, struggling partially on some words. Her head pounded like someone was throwing boulders at it, she had never held her hearing for this long before.

Jared threw back his head and barked out a small laugh, "so she's going to have her first shift?" He asked with an excited gasp escaping his lips, his slightly less deep voice bouncing off the wood around them. Billy nodded.

Harry gave Paul, Sam, Jared and Chance equally challenging looks, "and if she wishes to accept, along with you boys, then she shall be welcomed to join the tribe and pack." Chance gave them excited looks, still not cracking a smile since she first got Bobby.

When the other pack members and seniors agreed, they all dispersed, Damon leaving to contact Charlie to tell him that Chance had contracted a very serious case of the flu and Sue would prefer if she stayed with the Lahote's until she was back to her usual health in order to keep an eye on her.

Sam, Jared and Paul decided to spend their time helping Chance learn more words so it would be easier to communicate through their mind links and such.

When lunch rolled around, Jacob along with his two friends, Quil Ateara and Embry Call. He had heard from Billy that Chance had got the flu and was staying with Paul.

Despite Jacob's now failed friendship with Paul after Paul had to stop hanging around with Jacob in order to stick with his pack, he pushed this aside to make sure his friend was ok, holding a tub of Billy's favourite pasta mayonnaise with cucumber, chicken and tomatoes.

All three boy's faces dropped into scowls as they approached the Lahote porch and noticing Paul, Jared and Sam chatting with a very sick looking Chance.