chapter 29

Over the next few weeks leading into the Moon of the Crow, when the ice began to melt beneath the winds of spring, Bella did her best trying to talk to Emmett more. Hoping she could get on his good side by being nice to him, she took her time doing so until the right moment came along when she would bring up the Black Wolf situation. When that moment came, she carefully brought up the subject, telling him she wanted to be with Black Wolf.

However, Emmett still didn’t change his mind as he continued to say that heathens were beneath them then steered the conversation in another direction. Bella didn’t push the issue, but didn’t give up either. Instead, she continued being nice to him, biding her time until she could bring it up again.

During those weeks that Bella worked on her brother, Jasper continued to visit Alice in the Quedeyona village. But the more he went to see her, the more changes began happening. At first, he went as a go-between messenger for Alice and her siblings, but as time went on, he began going to see her because he liked her company.

Even Alice was looking forward to Jasper’s visits because although she was friends with Rosalie, the girl was a little too talkative and rambunctious for the quiet Alice. Plus, Alice didn’t really hate the Quedeyona the way Rosalie always voiced her disgust of the savages. Alice thought some of them were rather nice, especially Black Wolf and Fighting Dog.

Alice liked the way the two of them always seemed to be considerate of her, keeping their voices down so as not to frighten her, plus they always asked her to do something instead of ordering her like her previous owners had. They even asked Rosalie rather than ordered her, but she still said she hated all savages.

She was glad Jasper was Black Wolf’s friend since that meant she got to see him whenever he came to the village because he always tried to stop and say hi to Black Wolf and her even if he wasn’t really there to see them. To Alice, Jasper was a lot like Black Wolf yet there was something more to him too.

She wasn’t sure exactly what it was about him, but she knew he was the one she felt the most comfortable with. When he visited, he usually did the most talking since he always had entertaining stories to tell her, but he also was comfortable simply sitting in silence with her. She did talk to him, but he never seemed to expect her to have something to say. She liked that he didn’t pressure her to open up.

In the end it was that fact that actually helped her to open up to him alone. Soon, she looked forward to his visits because it meant she had a friend she could talk to about whatever she wanted to, all the while knowing he wouldn’t judge her for it. So, with each later visit she began to tell him more about her life growing up among the Danasga knowing he wouldn’t repeat it to anyone else.

When she heard the rhythmic scratching on the door flap that afternoon, she knew it was Jasper come to see her. With a smile, she put her sewing aside, then went to greet him.

Pulling the flap aside, she moved out of the way to let him in. “Hi Jasper! How are you today?”

He grinned at her as he stepped inside. “Just fine, tho’ a bit parched.”

“Oh! I can get you some water,” she motioned to the jug in the corner of the room.

Jasper waved her away. “I’ll get it an’ join ya for a chat.”

Alice nodded as she went back to her seat while Jasper got himself a cup of water. When he sat down across from her, he noticed her sewing supplies.

“Not botherin’ ya, am I?”

She shook her head. “I was just doing something to pass time until you got here. It doesn’t have to be done right away.”

“Really?” He looked at the pattern she had been working on. “That looks mighty good. I didn’ know ya could sew like that.”

Looking bashful, she answered him. “It’s just something I like to do to pass the time. It’s relaxing actually.”

Jasper smiled at that. “Well I’m glad ya got somethin’ ya like ta do.”

Alice nodded in response. Soon they fell into a comfortable conversation until she eventually got around to telling him about her day, especially about having to put up with Rosalie’s complaining.

“I think I’m getting to the point that if Emmett gets enough money for just her, he can come get her and leave me here. At least then I know I’ll have some peace and quiet.”

Jasper chuckled. “Oh come now! Are ya sayin’ you’d stay here instead o’ going home wit your brother an’ sister?”

“That’s exactly what I’m saying! I know they worry about me, which means they would hover over me and never leave me alone. At least here, Black Wolf let’s me have my space.”

Jasper gave her a curious look when she mentioned Black Wolf. The way she softly said his name said a lot about her acceptance of him as a person. Knowing that, he decided to bring up a certain subject.

“Alice, did ya know Black Wolf was courting Bella?”

She looked up from her sewing pattern, scrunching her face as if trying to remember something. “You know, I think Emmett and Bella were arguing about something like that the evening I was brought to this village, but I can’t remember everything they said.”

She tilted her head as she asked, “Was he really? Courting her like my father once courted mother?”

Jasper nodded. “Yep. The Quedeyona do it a bit different than we do, but it’s about tha same.”

“What’s different?” asked Alice.

“Well, for one thing, when tha man asks tha woman if he may court her an’ she says yes, he’ll give her one o’ his feathers ta wear. It’s like an engagement ring, but not like an engagement.”

When Alice scrunched up her face, Jasper chuckled. “A feather? Not like an engagement?” she asked.

“Yep. See every family has a feather that is recognizable as theirs only, like a coat o’ arms from overseas. It may be tha color, shape or size o’ tha feather that is recognizable. That feather is seen in their clothes an’ other belongings. The women put it in their hair. So, when a man courts a woman, she wears his feather in her hair. That way everyone sees she is taken by that man.”

“But why is it not like an engagement then?”

“ ’Cause tha man an’ woman can call off tha courtship if they want to. A courtship here isn’t serious like an engagement is to us. Once we’re engaged a wedding usually follows, see?”

“Oh,” replied Alice.

“Well that doesn’t always happen with tha Quedeyona. Sometimes it does, but when it doesn’t, tha woman gives tha feather back an’ they are free to court others. No one looks down on those who break a courtship, not like when we break an engagement.”

Alice nodded. “I remember mama used to say if a woman broke an engagement she lost the respect of society. Even though she was more likely still pure, not many men wanted to court women who had a broken engagement.”

“Yep. See why it’s different? We tend ta have stricter rules.”

“I see. So, Bella had a feather from Black Wolf?”

Jasper sighed. “To tell tha truth, she still has his feather. Black Wolf ne’er took it back.”

Alice’s eyes got large. “Really? But she’s gone! How can he court someone else if she still has his feather?”

Jasper looked her in the eye and said, “They still want ta court each other. Bella ne’er wanted ta leave this village, but Emmett got his way.”

Her eyes got even wider, but Jasper could see it was simply from surprise, not disgust. Since she didn’t seem upset so far, he decided to plow on.

“Did ya know that Black Wolf had planned on asking tha council for Bella’s rights when he got back from tha raid on the Danasga? He had promised Bella tha night afore he left for tha raid an’ she’d agreed.”

“Wait! So, he promised my sister he’d ask if he could marry her?”

Jasper nodded.

Suddenly realization dawned on her face. “But Emmett beat him to it and took Bella before Black Wolf could ask.”

Again Jasper nodded. “Yep. Black Wolf tried ta get the council ta negotiate wit Emmett, but Emmett refused ta let Bella go.”

“But he freed her!”

“True an’ as tha eldest Swan, Emmett’s tha head o’ tha family. That means Bella has ta listen ta him. Tha council knew that, so if Black Wolf wants ta marry Bella…”

“He has to go through our brother,” finished Alice.

Jasper nodded his confirmation.

Alice twirled a stray piece of hair around her finger as she processed everything Jasper had told her. She even tried to remember the exact words Bella had used the evening they had all been reunited once again, but she couldn’t remember. Still, she was getting the feeling that Bella had been telling Emmett to mind his own business.

As Alice continued to ponder, Jasper spoke up again. “Alice, I know it’s none o’ my business, but how do ya feel about your sister being wit a native?”

She blinked her eyes as she came out of her musings, then gave him an honest look. “Honestly, I don’t think it’s my place to judge. After all, Bella has always been the stronger one and that hasn’t changed. So I know she can make up her own mind and her own decisions. But then, it is Black Wolf she’s seeing. He’s been nothing but kind to me which makes me like that Bella likes him. If he’d been one of us, he’d been what mama called a gentleman.”

Jasper grinned at that, glad that Alice seemed to like Black Wolf despite her fear around almost everyone else. “I’m glad ya like Black Wolf, Alice.”

She shrugged. “He makes it easy to like him.”

Suddenly she frowned as a thought occurred to her. “Emmett was his slave too, wasn’t he? So why didn’t he like Black Wolf? Unless…he was mean to him?”

Jasper sighed. “Black Wolf was ne’er mean ta Emmett an’ from what I got from both him an’ Bella, Emmett doesn’t like any natives at all. He sees them as heathens an’ savages. Nothing but filthy redskins.”

Alice shook her head. “Sounds like my brother is trying to act like the big man. You know, the tough man who’s not afraid of anything. He puts down what he thinks is beneath him.”

“Yep, that’s what it sounds like, but I also think he’s trying ta live up ta your pap’s example. I think he believes that’s what he’s got ta do.”

“Maybe, but he’s forgetting that it’s Bella. Even when we were younger, Bella always stood up to him. Not because she wanted to, but because she knew she was in the right.”

Jasper nodded in understanding.

They were both quiet for a few moments before Alice stated, “I guess Black Wolf is still trying to find a way to get my sister back?”

Again Jasper nodded.

“Before he left, Emmett told me he was gonna come back for me and Rosalie when he got more money,” Alice announced.

“That’s true. He’s still working wit me an’ saving what he ken so he ken come get ya.”

“I know, but what I don’t understand is why just Rosalie and not her sister, Leah, too?”

Jasper winked at her. “Seems he an’ Rosalie have been friendly, ya see. An’ since Leah is married to a native, she’s pregnant on top o’ that. Emmett thinks it’s too late ta save her.”

She scrunched up her face. “Save her? He thinks we need saving?”

“That’s how he said it ta me.”

Alice rolled her eyes. “What an arrogant idiot! I really do hope Black Wolf or Bella can come up with something to put him in his place!”

Jasper chuckled, she looked adorable with her hands on her hips. “I hope so too, Alice. I hope so too.”

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Darting Rabbit sat quietly just inside the door to Black Wolf’s home listening as Mountain Lion Guides and Owl Sees Truth talked enthusiastically about the coming birth of their baby. After Jasper had left, Darting Rabbit had gone back to sewing until it had been time to prepare dinner.

Just as she had started, Mouse Daydreams had arrived with the clean utensils and the vegetables she’d gathered from the garden. As Darting Rabbit set to cutting up the vegetables while Mouse Daydreams went back outside to start the cooking fire, Black Wolf had returned home. He quickly informed them that he was having guests for dinner which meant they had to prepare enough for five people instead of the usual three.

It hadn’t been that hard to prepare more food, especially since Black Wolf helped out. While the girls started with what they had, Black Wolf ran to the garden for a few more vegetables before stopping by his brother’s home to trade for some venison.

By the time Owl Sees Truth and Mountain Lion Guides had arrived, the meal was almost ready. Black Wolf had sat in the front room entertaining them until Mouse Daydreams and Darting Rabbit served them. Once the three of them had what they needed, Mouse Daydreams and Darting Rabbit had gone outside to serve themselves.

Later, after the meal was over, Mouse Daydreams and Darting Rabbit had been invited back inside to join in the conversation. That had been pleasant as Mouse Daydreams talked to her sister, but when the topic had switched to their baby, Mouse Daydreams had quickly tensed and become moody. In no time at all she had excused herself to stalk to the room she shared with Darting Rabbit.

Feeling a little awkward, Darting Rabbit had moved closer to the door where she sat quietly, listening to the three friends talking. She liked Owl Sees Truth because she reminded her of Bella. They both seemed to be such strong-willed, confident women. Mountain Lion Guides was much more intimidating than any of the other Quedeyona she had met, but he’d been very nice to her, so she knew she could trust him.

What really made her relax in his presence was the way he smiled at Owl Sees Truth and the way he was always more animated when he talked about his baby. She knew that anyone who looked at his wife the way he tenderly looked at Owl Sees Truth, couldn’t be that bad.

Soon, they were saying goodbye to Black Wolf, Owl Sees Truth even tried saying goodnight to a still moody Mouse Daydreams to no avail. As soon as they began to walk out, Owl Sees Truth stopped to ask Darting Rabbit how she was holding up, telling her that she was always welcome at their home if she ever wanted to go by.

Darting Rabbit timidly thanked them as Black Wolf saw them out. Alone in the room, she moved to finish cleaning up.

“Uh! How disgusting is that?”

Darting Rabbit glanced up to see Mouse Daydreams standing in the doorway to their room with her arms crossed over her chest while glaring at the front door. As she went back to cleaning, she heard Mouse Daydreams continue to complain.

“How can anyone be excited to have a baby out in this wilderness? There’s no physician or wet nurse around for miles! And on top of that, it’s gonna be a half-savage baby! Gross!”

Darting Rabbit sighed. “I’m sure it’s not as bad as you make it sound.”

“Yeah, right!” She sighed. “I can’t wait for Emmett to come and rescue us! I really hate this place and I hate seeing my sister turn into one of them!”

She was just about to speak up when the flap was pushed aside as Black Wolf walked in.

He smiled down at Darting Rabbit. “Thank you Alice, the meal was great. You too, Rose.”

Mouse Daydreams shrugged before turning around to go back to her room.

“Rose? Shouldn’t you be helping Alice clean up?”

Mouse Daydreams stiffened before whirling around. Stalking into the room, she grabbed up a small pile of dirty utensils then stalked outside without a word.

Black Wolf sighed as he moved to kneel next to Darting Rabbit. “Here, I’ll help too.”

Darting Rabbit nodded as she continued to clean the room with Black Wolf’s help. They worked in comfortable silence for a while until she noticed that Black Wolf seemed to be slacking off. Glancing up at him, she saw the faraway look in his eyes. Guessing at what he was thinking of, she hesitantly spoke up.

“You must miss my sister a lot.”

Her soft voice pulled Black Wolf out of his daydreams, making him look at her to see the understanding smile she wore. He returned her smile as he nodded.

“Yes. Yes I do.”

Darting Rabbit’s smile grew wider. “Jasper says she misses you too.”

Black Wolf sighed. “I guess so, but I know she misses you. So does Emmett.”

Darting Rabbit shrugged, knowing he was trying to make her feel good too. Instead, she let it go as she said, “I can see why Bella likes you.”

Black Wolf quirked an eyebrow. “You can?”

“Um hm. You actually take the time to listen to everyone and you don’t act like you are the one in control. Emmett’s the exact opposite and he’s so stubborn, but Bella can be stubborn too.”

Black Wolf grinned at that. “Yes she can, but that is one of the things I like about her.”

“Really? What else do you like about her?”

Black Wolf put down the rag he’d held and sat back to stare at the roof.

“There is not much I do not like about her, but I guess what I like the most is her strength and her smile. I like the way she can stand up to everyone, including me. But she is also friendly to everyone here, greeting them with a smile that shows on her whole face.”

Darting Rabbit couldn’t help the wistful pangs that filled her chest when she saw the look on Black Wolf’s face paired with his words. It made her wonder if she would ever have anyone who would have feelings for her the way Black Wolf had for Bella.

“Bella was always that strong and friendly,” replied Darting Rabbit in a hushed voice, as if she was hesitant to disturb Black Wolf’s musings. “Even when we were little, I remember her always being the one to protect me when Emmett picked on us. She is a lot like I remember our father was. I was always the weak one.”

Black Wolf turned to look at her with a gentle smile. “You are the baby of the family, Alice. Of course they protected you. But never think that makes you weak. You still have it inside of you to be as strong as you want to be. Do not let anyone tell you how you should be, but be the way you feel the most comfortable being.”

Darting Rabbit nodded, but shyly looked down at her hands. To prevent her from feeling anymore awkward, Black Wolf moved on.

“Did you know I intended to ask the council for the right to become hand-fasted to Bella as soon as I returned from the Danasga raid?”

“Yes. Jasper told me. He also said Bella had known you would and she wanted you too.”

“Yes. We discussed it the night before I left, but when I got back, the council was too busy listening to the results of the Danasga raid. I had to wait until the next morning as soon as they were done with the raid.”

“But Emmett beat you to it.”

Black Wolf sighed. “Yes. I did not know he was against Bells staying here with me until it was too late.”

Darting Rabbit frowned. “But how did he find out what you and Bella were going to do?”

“Mountain Lion Guides told me that Emmett heard us talking as we rode to the Danasga village. That is when I announced it to my friends.”

“So Emmett was riding with you?”

“He was not with the group, but Mountain Lion Guides thinks he was close by. Mountain Lion Guides also told me what he believes Emmett was up to during the entire raid. It seems Emmett might have been planning this all along.”

“What was he planning?”

Black Wolf sighed. “Please understand that I am only telling you what Mountain Lion Guides told me he witnessed. I do not know if Emmett really meant it the way Mountain Lion Guides believes he did.”

Darting Rabbit nodded. “I understand. Just tell me Black Wolf.”

He proceeded to tell her what Mountain Lion Guides had witnessed Emmett doing during the raid. How he had not been protecting Black Wolf’s back that well. It had seemed as if he had purposely left Black Wolf open to be injured or worse. Then towards the end, Emmett had seemed to be looking for chances to slip Black Wolf up. He had even appeared angry when Black Wolf had won the last important dual with the Danasga leader.

As Black Wolf continued to repeat everything Mountain Lion Guides had told him about the day of the raid, he kept telling her that he wasn’t making a judgment on Emmett despite what Mountain Lion Guides had said. She could tell he was doing his best to let her know he didn’t hate Emmett for what he’d done, but she knew he was going easy on her brother mostly for Bella’s sake. Honestly, she didn’t mind since all that really mattered to her was how he felt about Bella, plus the fact that he would treat her right when they were together.

When Black Wolf had finished his story, Darting Rabbit knew Emmett had done everything exactly as Mountain Lion Guides claimed he was doing. Even though Black Wolf seemed to be giving him the benefit of the doubt, Darting Rabbit believed her brother had purposely tried to get Black Wolf out of the way. But when that had failed, he’d done the only thing he knew that would keep Bella from Black Wolf. He’d gone to the council to quickly buy his and Bella’s freedom so Black Wolf would have no chance to claim her.

With a sympathetic smile, she reached out and took Black Wolf’s hand in hers. Black Wolf looked up with a shocked expression. Darting Rabbit knew he knew that she was not one to initiate physical contact. Still, she was no longer scared of Black Wolf since she was starting to think of him as family. He was the older brother she had always wanted. Fiercely protective, yet gentle to those he cared about.

“I’m sorry Black Wolf, but I think I agree with Mountain Lion Guides. My brother was up to no good. I remember his anger when he was arguing with Bella the evening I came to this village. He really didn’t like that she wanted to stay and that she didn’t share his dislike of all of you. He was furious that she didn’t seem to pay attention to his warnings and commands.”

Black Wolf let that sink in before nodding. “I see. I guess that is part of the reason why he chose to free her before you or Rosalie. To him, she seemed to be the one who was in the most danger of becoming one of us.”

Darting Rabbit gave a sad nod. “Yes. I’m really sorry Black Wolf.”

“Do not be.” He squeezed her hand affectionately. “I am still going to find a way to be with her. I know she wants to be with me. I promised her I would find a way.”

Darting Rabbit held his hand as she gave him an encouraging smile. She was glad that Black Wolf was keeping his promise to her sister and prayed that soon the two of them would be back together and happy.