SAMOK (EveningSky & G23)

He lead her to the stage, but not onto it yet. As they neared several men and women in full ceremonial native dress, complete with headresses, ceremonial armor, and even warpaint filed before them and onto the stage, then circled around the stage.

The last of these were Red and Ilysa, Red in a massive headress that trailed down to his ankles, and his wife in beads and other markers of her heritage.

The mounted the steps and everyone went quiet. Then someone shouted and gave a warbling war cheer and the whole crowd of Natives began to whoop and wail and chant. Slowly Red approached the podium, as if the words were calling him to it. Then when he reached it, the words stopped.

He spoke clearly and the mic picked his voice up without trouble. "My people. My friends. My family. We are as of one blood. We have born, raised and loved these children before as one."

The parents whooped and cheered at this and he smiled. "We have celebrated with them. Cried with them. Fought with them. Begged them to brush their teeth." Laughter. "We have cheered for them. Stayed up all night to get them through illness. Struggled to understand their homework." More laughter.

He gestured and Ezra brought Sam up onto stage. The kids began to scream her name again and the sound soon became a crescendo of cheers. Red waited until they died down then spoke, holding his open hand toward them. "These are out children. The epitome of this great town. This great county. This great state. This great country." Someone whistled and another screamed "USA!!"

He smiled but spoke quickly. "These are why I fought for this nation. As did so many here. Why we have worked so hard. White, black, Native, Aisian, Latino, all of us to forge our futures through our children and grandchildren."

Ezra looked to Ilysa who gently took Sam's other arm, patting her hand. Ezra moved forward to the edge of the platform and closed his eyes as he raised his arms out to either side, now looking toward the heavens. No one spoke, many confused.

Then Ezra gave a cry of such piercing volume even Red jumped, and he ripped off the shirt, revealing warpaint, but stylized into the Wilmington Wildcat symbol. The students went wild as he pounded his chest and lead them through their last cheer as Wildcats.

"WILDCATS!!! WILDCATS!!! WILDCATS!!!WILDCATS!!! WILDCATS!!! WILDCATS!!!WILDCATS!!! WILDCATS!!! WILDCATS!!! WILDCATS!!! WILDCATS!!! WILDCATS!!!

By the end of the cheer the entire crowd was screaming the word at the top of their lungs, and they roared the name.

Ezra turned and knelt before his grandfather. Sensing something the crowd began to quiet. Red spoke. "When a boy becomes a man among us we signify it in many ways. Today my grandson has gained another mark of his future. As have so many here. We welcome you to manhood. To your future. And we all hope and pray that your every dream comes to fruition. But we do so with this blessing."

The Natives in the ceremonial garb began to chant again, this time in their Native tongues as Red took a small bowl off the podium. He moved to his grandson, intoning in his own tongue as he dipped his thumb and began to trace lines of paint of Ezra's face. As he did so one of Ezra's cousins spoke in a soft voice over the speakers, explaining each mark and their source.

Bravery of the cougar, strength of the bear, honor of the eagle, integrity of the dog, honesty, nobility, love, compassion, loyalty, intelligence, beauty and their various animals.

Ezra knew his grandfather was saying more that was just for him, making him a warrior of the tribe even here and now, but using the moment and speak to include the community, to marshal them against the problems Red feared.

Ezra had been wrapped in Samantha and missing her, but in the time between he had also noticed the tension. He hoped this might break it, but he did not expect it.

So he let things go. He could feel how the moment was touching not only him but everyone else. The words included one and all not just him. Red finished with his grandson and moved to Samantha, who Ilysa prevented from kneeling as Red spoke in English now as he pasted three marks onto her face, one on her brow between her eyes, "The mark of intelligence, beauty, and love. Of womanhood."

Her left cheek. "Of strength, power, and determination. Of the mother you will be." His eyes met her's and Ilysa gently squeezed her hand. Her right cheek. "Of grace, honor, and dignity. Of the Queen you truly are."

He returned to the podium. "Of the Warriors and Queens you all are. Everyone of you has a future just waiting for you. Seize it. Hold it. Love it. And never forget either where you came from or who. And never forget each other.You are made one by this. No matter where you go, what you do, what you become, we here will also love you. May you walk always in beauty. Thečhíȟila. Taŋyáŋ ománi po."

Ezra stood and embraced his grandfather. The Natives began to move away into the crowd, save for Red and Iylsa, and the other chiefs on the platform.

Somehow the Beckett's escort had only just gotten them there.

Red moved free of his grandson, and Ezra smiled as he moved to the podium. "I bet everything thinks this was just an excuse for me to take off my shirt." Laughter.

"Well maybe a little. But my grandfather is right. It is this town that made us. Our parents and grandparents and cousins, and aunts and uncles, our sisters, and brothers. Our friends. Even our enemies. But today we're more than all of that. Today we say goodbye to one world and enter a new one. But we have this firm foundation. These loving families. We have each other. I don't see how we can fail."

The crowd roared!

He smiled and gestured toward Samantha. "She wasn't expecting this but I want you all to look at the beautiful Samantha Beckett."

Many wolf whistles.

He smiled. "She was in a car accident that the doctors said should have killed her. But she came back. To this town. To us." He looked at her and mouthed, "To me." While the people applauded.

He smiled then looked back to them. "in a bit the real ceremony begins. The band will play, the principals with talk. The governor is even supposed to be here. But this isn't about them. it's not even about us getting the little scrolls. It's about all of us moving forward. Like Samantha. My hero."

The crowd oooohed then whooped.

He smiled. "I love you guys. I'll miss you. Now whatcha think? Should we give the mike up?"

They laughed but nodded.

He smirked and moved away from the podium, then suddenly leapt straight up standing on it perfectly balanced. He threw his head back and gave The Roar. The band began to play as the other students followed suit. The Roar was the Wildcat fan cry that this year had terrified opposing teams all over the country.

Ezra had not made valedictorian or salutatorian. He would graduate with honors, but they wouldn't let him speak at the 'actual' ceremony. It would be rather dull and lifeless.

Or would have been except for this...rally of sorts.

Ezra dove off the podium into his football buddies, to the delight of alla s they laughed.

Ilysa lead Samantha to a seat nearby, next to two empty chairs her parents were lead to as the Governor, the local congressmen and state representatives, and even the state and federal Senators for their district arrived with the principals. They filed through shaking hands as the crowd still laughed and whooped, and hugged and cried. Ezra had pulled on a shirt and even his gown, and that goofy hat with his friends joshing him about it.

The girls had snuck Chase and Brandon off to a playground nearby where they could hear, and actually see but not be bored out of their minds. Fauna and Thomas returned to their seats amongst other Native parents and Fauna received Nicole. She would not look at Marcia.

The chief principal reached the Becketts and smiled seeing Samantha. "Welcome back dear. We wanted you to have a place of honor with your parents. Would you consider a small address to the crowd?"

Already is was getting clear. The politicians were going to have lengthy boring speeches, and were going to use this moment to try to win over votes, the administrators to get money.

This was the 'official ceremony' and already it was boring everyone, and it not even begun.

There had been a plan for a graduate march, but the problem was that they were already here and not about to leave. And there were also several hundred of them.

Even as the VIPs began to settle, graduates and younger students and even adults came up to Ezra to see his marks, and soon everyone had warpaint on their faces, even the girls in their makeup. It was a final show of solidarity. And of course it confused the principals entirely. Which made it even more appealing, so though a few tried to get the students to wipe it off, no one complied.

Parents, siblings and other family members also began to request the marks, and SAMOK showed why they were so present. They had the paint ready and applied the mark without complaint or trouble, doing so quickly.

The kids though it really cool, and the Becketts would find that Chase and Brandon had been convinced to let the girls do their's which was a mixture of beautifully crafted, a touch sloppy and downright clumsy as all three had added their own touches.

Before the band even began to play, the entire crowd was festooned with warpaint of every imaginable color, in different sizes, shapes and colors. Not everyone partook, but the majority that did was simply massive.

Even the band members had gotten marks, and the Native members wore feathers, beads, or other such markers. Everyone was simply having a blast.

Nothing less of a draw dropping performance was given by the native American's of Wilmington, The Willowfoot's. The raw energy and tradition exhibited had been both joyous and enlightening. Samantha had not realised what a big part the native American's had in the school, maybe she was wrong. It wasn't the major part the Indians played in the school, but the part Ezra Willowfoot played. His influence. The influence that had been displayed in his teammates and classmates roaring, wide smiles and painted faces. There was never such a moment in Wilmington High. Not even the beast, Ezra himself, behaved in such manner as he did. The atmosphere was electric, as if every single student of Wilmington had been awaiting this day. She too had been sucked into Ezrat world, once again. And there was no stopping it this time, Red Willowfoot gave her the native American markings of queen, and mother. And she accepted, not certain what it all really meant, but the moment had been too sincere for even someone as curious as Samantha to pass up.

Before the formalities were scheduled to begin Samantha had been approached to speak. To address her fellow classmates on their journey into the adult world of college, or anything else they chose to pursue. The young blonde glanced about the room, and lightly shook her head. "I think they're hyped enough" Truth be told she had not been that strong as yet. Being carted off on stage by Ezra caught her off guard. For now, Samantha Beckett wanted to remain under the radar, she needed too. Some would perceive it as a sign of weakness, and maybe she was weak, but that was something she could live with. Until she gathered her wits that was. For now though, she would admit defeat.


Her mother's hand held hers gently, a look of confusion on her face. Samantha smiled "The Willowfoots..." That was all the explanation needed. Marcia Beckett knew the family well enough, a similar display had been done when Thomas graduated many many years ago. The elder blonde assumed with Ezra being of the modern generation, that their traditions would have dwindled. Quite the opposite. The Willowfoots were just as proud now as they were back then.


"When Thomas graduated there was war paint too" Sean commented "Not many people painted their faces..." He glanced around the room "Ezra seems to have more influence than his dad did back then"


"Well he has no one to share it with. Back then you were a football star too dad." Samantha grinned "Ezra doesn't have a Beckett guy to compete with, he could afford take the spotlight"

Sean glanced at his daughter, shaking his head slightly "He didn't have a Beckett guy to compete, but a girl is even worse." He winked at his little girl "I guess that's why he wanted to date you so badly. I mean, you would've crushed the poor guy if you two continued to dislike one another. For one...he would definitely not have had this many fans. Dating you made this all possible..." Sean glanced around "You gave him their unending trust" Sean knew a spade when he saw one, and Ezra benefited from Samantha's popularity and influence. Just as she from his. Unlike his father,he had not a male Beckett to contend with like his grandfather and father, and all the Willowfoot men before him. He went to school with a female. And fell in love with the damned girl. In the end, the boy lost, he lost to her. A Beckett. A far greater defeat than any. Not an admirable one for a member of the Sioux, and a man of the Willowfoot's. Taking it out on the gridiron would have proved much easier, than battling with the heart.



The rest of the ceremony had been a blur to Samantha, and maybe to many more. That was until they were all hugging their parents, and taking pictures all over the school. A place that they would never need to return too, ever. They were leaving their carefree days behind, and for Samantha, ballet. She laid on wooden flooring of the dance studio, in her purple knee length dress. A signature Samantha Beckett Sun dress. The young blonde kept her brown eyes hidden beneath the lids. Her mind soaking in the reality of what graduation meant for her, her high school years would be the only her only years of dance. Samantha took a deep breath. Curled up into the fetal position on the floor, enjoying the bittersweet moment, and her last time in the studio.

Ezra vanished after the ceremony.

Not even his parents or grandparents knew where he had gone.

He knew he had made peace with Samantha, but her parents still hated him.

Sean Beckett had something of a point, but Ezra had spent the last three years making himself invaluable to the school, and helping people. Bullies had vanished, the cliques had lost power.

That Samantha had missed with her time asleep, or in Arkansas. Ezra had become the guardian and protection of everyone. But while he had gotten violent with bullies or others who wanted to try, including a shortsighted attempt of some dealers to open up business in the school, he had enlisted Samantha's friends, and his own, and the many he made to short circuit teasing and other such forms of torment. He also pushed to befriend the isolated and seemingly forgotten, and had gotten his friends and the parents more involved. His own parents and his uncles and aunts had been a major part of this.

Grades were up, absenteeism was down, and the senior class had only endured one major story of drama. Samantha.

Sean assumed far too much about his daughter's presence, especially when it had been so limited.

But now Ezra was happy to step back out of the spotlight. he needed a ride. He had not missed the Beckett's hatred of him. He had had enough of it.

So he rolled through the roads in and around the county. Only the roar of his machine gave information on his location.

"Where have you been?" Tiffany asked her best friend as soon as she exited the building.

"Saying goodbye to the studio..."

Tiffany nodded, giving the blonde girl a hug. Not of pity, but a hug that was meant to transfer strength. "You'll recover from this, ballet isn't the end. I've known you for awhile now..." Tiffany grinned "You'll find something else really soon."

Samantha nodded in agreement "I love horses and swimming, and....I can always be a ballet instructor in the future" It took a lot of positivity, but Samantha still managed to look on the brighter side.

"The options are endless" The red head glanced back at their parents.
"I gotta leave soon, Going by my grandma's"

Samantha chuckled "I'm going to see mine too, dad has to come back but mom and I will stay about a month with Chase and Bran"

"When you go there you never wanna leave"

"I know" Samantha groaned "I'm a water baby, can't help it"

"Whatever!" Tiffany rolled her eyes "if I was surrounded by hot beach beach boys I wouldn't wanna leave either"

Samantha feigned offense "I do not go there for the boys, the sand and water is much more appealing. I'm not the cheating type"

"We all say that..."

Samantha nodded "True, but if I ever do that to Ezra..." The blonde shook her head in disbelief "I'd just break up with him, he doesn't deserve that."

"Have you told him that you're going Florida?"

"Nope, first time I've seen him since our birthday." She glanced into the crowd, looking for the long haired boy "And he wasn't answering my calls.."

"Well you guys looked good today, happy. What is he going to do without you?"

Samantha Beckett smiled slightly, she did not look happy, she was happy. They hadn't spoken a lot during the ceremony, in fact, she had not seen him at all after his grand performance. "He'll survive..." She smiled.

Tiffany shot her best friend a look of skepticism. Letting the young Youngblood blonde know that she did not believe it for one second. The both fronds hugged, said their goodbyes and went their separate ways as high school graduates, now college babes.


Samantha searched the school for Ezra. Without luck, the young blonde went to her family and returned home. That same day. The Beckett's packed and took a flight to Florida. A much needed vacation.
Stepping onto the white sandy beach in the back of her grandparents resort made Samantha's worries fade. She forgot about her lost ability to do ballet, the upcoming hardships of college, and even Ezra. For the briefest of moments Samantha Beckett felt at ease. That was until her grandmother asked about the sapphire ring she wore on a simple silver chain around her neck. Then, and only then, was the truth told. Samantha laid it all on the table. Allowing her family to have a glimpse of what she felt for the boy who was now her fiance

Ezra did bump into Tiffany just before the girl was to leave for her own summer plans, and learned then where Samantha was, and how long she would be gone.


"Thanks Tiff. And Congrats."

He shrugged at the news. What else could he do.

He already knew what he would be doing.

The next day he arrived on campus. The coaches wanted to start early. And while they couldn't technically practice, they could work. So Ezra began his college athletic career. Running the track, playing pick up games with the teams, and then going to the gym every night and pushing himself even harder.

He did have his phone back now, but he doubted he would get a call for a while. She would be enjoying the beaches. But when she called he would be ready.

So until then he would push himself harder than every before.

The coaches did help him set goals. They were amazed with his abilities, but now they wanted more. Ezra was happy to supply. Running, lifting, pulling, pushing, throwing, everything could still be better. Even his fighting. In addition to the school gym he also joined a local boxing gym, and learned in the same day that they also did underground fighting. He wouldn't fight and told them, but he was happy to train and help them train.

Now he would have been in heaven. Except the one missing piece. His fiancee.

Tanning had never been Samantha Beckett's thing, girls in Wilmington did not lay out in the sun to get dark. All they simply did was play sport, or ride horses. Giving their arms and faces a small glow, nothing quite dramatic as Florida. Being on the beach in a bikini all day made Samantha Beckett look extraordinary. With her now soft glow Samantha looked ever so stunning. Her long blonde hair and innocent brown hues adding the appeal. Giving her the unwanted attention of many guys both young and old alike. The young blonde reveled in her new skin, knowing that returning to Wilmington would take her back to being a regular white girl.

Her time at the Hayworth resort had been coming to an end, and Samantha could not be more excited. She missed Ezra, more than she cared to openly admit. When she arrived in Wilmington, she learned from her best friend of Ezra's whereabouts. With a deep breath Samantha stepped onto her balcony, dialing her fiance's number. As the phone rang her heart sped up, eyes narrowing, trying to make out the yellow of painted in the trees in the distance. A clear reminder of the borders she and Ezra where going to break.

"Hello?" Samantha whisp

"Hello beautiful. How ya feeling?"

He was hanging upside down from the pullup bar at the team gym. He was alone for once, but that did not distract him from his intense workout. He was delighted to hear from Samantha, as it could only be she calling. only five people on the planet had this number and his parents and grandparents never called it.

He groaned as the weights bound to his chest shifted slightly and his back popped. He sighed happily, resuming the slow straining situps as he listened to his beloved.

"Beautiful huh" Samantha teased "I'm not gonna argue with you on that one" The young blonde sat on her balcony chair, knees to her chest, head laid back against the soft backrest. Her eyes staring up at the dark blue sky, the colour reminding her of Ezra's eyes. Something she hadn't realized she missed until that moment. "So I heard you're getting an early start in" Samantha smiled sadly, thankful he could not see the expression on her face, hoping he had not heard it in her voice. "I was hoping to see you when I got back, but you're always one step ahead of the game....I should've known" a sigh escaped Samantha's lips.


"Are you doing well? Eating properly and not over working yourself" She knew the Ezra's tendencies to go hard. Behaviour that quickly became a habit. Samantha had not known how long the blue eyed bad boy had been like that, or whether or not it ran in his family. In their blood. But like a dog with a bone, that was Ezra Willowfoot. Determined to conquer his passions, fully engaged in every aspect of what he deemed worthy. It was that quality that made Samantha feel stifled in the early stages of their relationship. Now she understood, it was natural. She was someone dear to him, someone he deemed worthy.

"I miss you" Her voice had been sincere,soft and loving.

"Well i did plan on coming home to meet you beauty."

He had heard her feeling in her tone, and worried about it, but let it go for now.

He chuckled. "I am eating properly. And I likely am over-working myself. But i'm also being careful. Taking care not to overstrain."

He smiled at her words. "And i miss you Samantha." His voice was tender, loving, and full of his own emotion. "When you get home we'll have to go somewhere for a while. Anywhere you want. Just you and me."

Samantha felt Wilmington's late night chill coming in and she returned to the warm confines of her bedroom. "Why do we need to go somwhere?" She inquired curiously. Ezra had never suggest anything like that before, she would always be the one to venture into such territory. "I'm not trying to be difficult or ungrateful. I'd love to spend time with you, away from all this..." She started out of her glass doors. Into the darkness. Their family history, her accident, it had all been reminders of what a great risk they both took. "Where would we go?" She closed her curtains, shutting out all negative thoughts in the process. Samantha Beckett moved to her bed, sliding into its comfy quarters. The young blonde figured now would be a good time as any to let her husband to be know that she was no longer in the sunny state. "When you come back to Wilmington, we'll talk.."

he blinked. "Babe... you're in Wilmington."

He dropped to the floor. "I can be home in two hours at the most. Then we can go absolutely anywhere you want."

He rushed into the shower, hanging the phone on the shower head and scrubbing as he asked her how her trip had gone. He refused to let her hangup, though he had muted his side so she wouldn't have to hear him showering. He dressed and rushed to his room. He grabbed his go bag, and though he wanted to take his bike, he knew her parents would not be happy about it. So instead he went with the truck.

He had wanted a smaller car, but nothing less than the massive luxury sedans could comfortable fit his frame, so he had given in and gotten the SUV, fully loaded. He had also altered the truck to his own style.

"I'm on my way to you now beauty. You get some sleep. We'll talk in the morning."

Samantha Beckett laid peacefully in bed,snuggled beneath her warm comforters. Her breathing steady and mind at ease as she spoke to Ezra, his voice calm and at ease,just like Samantha. That was until she hinted at her arrival in Wilmington. Ezra Willowfoot's voice turned from calm to that of surprise. Samantha smiled, loving how frantic he seemed by the news. "Slow down...I'm not going anywhere" She whispered "I got in earlier today, I wanted to go see you,that's when I heard you weren't there. So I called..." Samantha took a deep breath, her mind reeling with ideas of where she and Ezra could escape too. Finally, she gave up. It did not matter, not now that was. "You decide....surprise me. Right now I could careless as long as we're together." Same closed her eyes "You don't have to drive down here at this hour Ezra.....it can wait..." She knew her fiancee was crazy, crazy about her. Whatever their future held, Samantha knew she would miss his crazy in love behaviour. It made him who he was. The gentle brute.

When the young blonde realised that Ezra was not about to listen to her reason, and stay put. She decided to call it a night, he was stubborn as he was stupid, and there was no talking him out of the two hour drive to Wilmington. "Be safe..." Samantha Gently bit her bottom lip "Don't speed..." She took a deep breath "I'll see you in the morning....I love you" Samantha Beckett took her phone from her ear, and placed a quick kiss on the part where she spoke, before they hung up. With a smile of contentment,the young blonde slid further into her covers,and fell fast asleep.


Samantha woke rather early, she hated sleeping. Sleep meant reminder her of the months she spent wasting away in bed. Not able to hear or see anyone. She didn't , showering and jumping into a yellow sundress and flip flops. The morning had been quiet, both parents asleep with Chase and Brandon snuggled between them. Samantha made her way into the kitchen, opening the fridge, she scanned its contents before grabbing an apple. She stepped onto the back porch, looking out at the land, the trees surrounding their dwelling and the stables snuggled between. Hector, their overseer of forty years, already at work, feeding the stallions. Samantha smiled at the sight, an idea popping into her head. With a grin, the young blonde grabbed her brown leather riding boots.

"Morning Hector!"

The middle aged man turned, a bright smile of his brown face. "Mornin Miss Sam" Hector spotted the brown boots the young girl received as her fourteenth birthday present, along with her horse. "I'll prepare Louis for you" He need not ask, he had been part of the Beckett's staff since he had been just eighteen. Going from stable hand to manager of the entire estate. His family living in a two story house just down the way from the Beckett's, a house that connected to the estate by a simple dirt road.

"Thanks.." Samantha planted her bottom on a nearby bench, and removed her flip flops, slipping into her riding boots. By the time she was to finished Hector brought Louis over "That was fast" she commented, patting her horse gently.

"He's not much of a fighter anymore" Hector chuckled

"Well....we'll see, his legs hasn't been stretched in a while" Like a professional she flung herself onto the back of Louis. Gently running her hands along his head, whispering sweet nothings in his ear.

"Be careful..."


As the blonde galloped away, hair blowing in the wind, she glanced back at Hector. "I will!" Samantha lied, riding was easy. But what she had in mind was beyond being careful, it was reckless. With a tight grip of the reins, Samantha headed directly toward the yellow trees.

"Here we are Louis..." The young blonde carefully directed her horse toward the one of the yellow trees that marked the borders of Beckett and Willowfoot land. With a deep breath Samantha, let herself down, tying Louis to one of the branches, giving him the Apple she had as a treat. "I'll be back" She patted his coat, and with a determined breath, took her step across unauthorised territory. Samantha Beckett had one goal in mind, and that was too find a familiar piece of her childhood. A piece of childhood that she shared with Ezra, one of the few. As a little girl she remembered the tree house being beyond the yellow trees. Somewhere in the thick forest of the land, near the border. Samantha placed her hands on her hips, her brown eyes squinting as she tried to peer into the distance. It seemed like she had been walking for forever, when she finally came to the massive structure. "Finally..."

"Agreed."

Ezra stepped from behind a tree smiling.

He was even leaner than ever before, though the definition of his muscles was even greater than before, all combining to make him look taller. He was in a black OSU t-shirt, the logo straining over his chest, his dark arms bare save a large strap on his right wrist. They simply bulged with vein laden muscle. His hair was longer than when she had seen him last, a long way down his back.

He was in jeans and boots.

He had said he loved her when she hung up, but it didn't seem nearly enough.

He moved forward and gently cupped her cheek. "Good morning beautiful. I love you." He leaned down and very softly kissed her, not pressing, yet still tender and passionate. He drew back his eyes alight.

"You look great. I saw you riding this way. So i delayed our trip."

He took her hand and lead her into the treehouse, where the table was now laid with a simple breakfast. He helped her sit. "Thought we could eat together. Been a while. Then we can decide on where to go. i was thinking the lake again. But we could go somewhere new if you wanted."

"Oh my goodness Ezra..." Samantha Beckett held her heart, startled at his sudden appearance. "You scared the living daylight out of me" the blonde ran her fingers through her hair, still somehow shocked. Samantha shook her head, a small smile on her lips. Happy to finally see Ezra, "Morning..." She said softly, returning his kiss with a little more fervor than she expected. It had been months since their lips last met. Samantha was not too sure,but it felt like an eternity. When he retreated her smile fell, a look of sadness briefly crossing her face.

"You saw me riding" Samantha looked back in the direction of where her family's land was. "I didn't know I could be seen...if I knew that I wouldn't have come" The blonde's eyes focused on her fiance's hair, the unruly mane longer than ever now. It had been quite obvious that his hair was not the only thing that grew, and Samantha wondered where Ezra wanted to go with his body. "We need to stop spending time apart, because whenever i see you again.....it's like I'm dating a different person" Samantha gave him another loving kiss, running her hands down his arms, before she took the seat. Her eyes feasted her for she did, and with a grin Samantha dug into the breakfast, enjoying every bite. "I don't mind going to the cabin again..." Samantha shrugged "It doesn't matter to me Ezra, you know that"

He smiled and kissed her once again. "Babe I only saw you because I was looking."

He gestured outside. "i climbed one of our observation posts and was looking for you. I had to see you today. So i was waiting until either your parents left or you went somewhere."

He took her hand, kissing it softly. "Missed you so much. The cabin it is. Just the two of us." He pressed her hand to his chest, letting her feel his rapid heartbeat.

"You look fantastic by the way. I like the tan."

Samantha Beckett shot Ezra a half hearted smile when her hand had been firmly pressed against his chest. The feeling of his wild and powerful heartbeat conveying how he felt being together again, scaring her a little. "That cannot be healthy..." She rose from her seat, stepping to his side of the table. Her brown eyes, never leaving his deep blue ones. The blond took a seat again, this time in the hunk's lap. Her lips ran across his, slowly at first, their breaths caressing each other's face. Samantha's lips pressed a little firmer,a tongue running along Ezra's bottom lip. Begging for entrance. When she had been given permission, passion exuded. A simply dance of their lips and tongues, her hands holding his face tenderly. When Samantha finally rose for air, a smile appeared. The young blonde remained connected to her lover, her eyes still closed from their heated kiss. Slowly her mouth opened, as did her beautiful brown eyes. Innocent and loving they stared into the vast blue "....Relax..." She breathed, her hand returning to his chest. Needing to feel him clam down. "Why do you want to go somewhere?" Samantha laid her head on his broad chest "What do you want to do to me that you cannot do in Wilmington?" She chuckled.

"Be truly alone with you. Without people watching and judging. Without worrying about your parents trying to but in."

He kissed her again. "You are freer when we are alone Sam." He gave her another kiss, stroking her hair. his heart had settled somewhat as he studied her face, the love burning in his eyes.

He gently stroked the space behind her ear. 'Have i mentioned just how beautiful you are?" His eyes were locked on her's.

Samantha Beckett quietly listened to Ezra's reasoning for the trip they were going to take. Was it her freedom, his freedom, or theirs. Ezra spoke of her, but did not even realise the chains binding his feet. Like a wild dog, the chains only allowed for calculated amount of room. Room to reach only so far. Eventually they all broke loose. He was no longer a member of the motorcycle club. So maybe he had not been chained like Samantha was. Maybe, just maybe, Ezra had already broken free...and Samantha had yet to realise.


"You call me beautiful nearly every time we see each other, I'm not complaining though. When we become adults, with responsibilities, that will change. So keep reminding me." She pressed her face against his, rubbing her nose on his smooth cheeks."Your hair is so long, and the hair I love is non existence" Samantha traced Ezra's jaw with her index finger "Grow a beard when when you turn twenty-one, I like beards" Her lips connected with the side of his jaw, placing a soft kiss on him. She looked right into his eyes smiling "You'll look so intimidating, like a hard ass" Samantha ran her hand through his thick hair "I want a boyfriend not a girlfriend" She laughed, something she had not done with Ezra in a while.


Samantha rose from his lap and moved to the tree house window, looking out at the vast Willowfoot land. "When we marry you'll be rich enough for both of us, I won't need to take on my family business." Samantha turned to him "How will this work out" She gestured to the land "When we have kids that is, they'll be entitled to both sides of the border. That's a lot of legal logistics...not too mention the people on both sides who won't like to it." On the Willowfoot side she knew there would be opposition, despite the kindness from Ezra's family, Samantha would have been a fool to think all Willowfoot's liked her. At the end of the day she was a Beckett. A name that oppressed them in previous generations. The biggest opposition on her side would be Henry Beckett, and the extended Beckett family. Everyone who felt they were owed a something from the Beckett Estate. Samantha knew at the end of the day their kids would carry Ezra's last name, but they would also be hers. Beckett blood. She feared what their children would face growing up, but she also trusted that Ezra would protect them all. No one would ever hurt her children, not again. Over her dead body

Ezra chuckled at her comments about his appearance. "If you want a beard I'll grow a beard."

He studied her thoughtfully, then listened at her question.

"I have an idea about that. The land and house I bought is effectively in the middle of the two. Not on the actual land, but on the road between. It's secluded but a nice place. The Willowfoot farm would be more of a collective for my sisters and cousins and such. I wouldn't move into the big house unless something happened to my grandparents and parents. It's my sisters' house until they get married. When they have left it stays with my grandparents and parents until they pass. Then if I don't need it it would just become the kinda town hall for the farm. Maybe one of the girls would take it over. But it would be held in trust until one of our kids or theirs proves worthy and interested in taking over."

He also knew she had enemies in his family, but they didn't matter. His place was eternal as the eldest of the eldest. And he had earned respect and money for the farm and club no one else could compete with.

"As for your family i don't know hun. I would of course sign away any claim to any Beckett land or property for myself. that might help smooth at least that problem over. As for the kids...I don't know. I would just want them to have the love of their grandparents. And their uncles."

He was carefully making sure not to mention that he had no hope of ever regaining her parent's respect. he would never forget the hatred they had both shown him. He had not been a man or even a boy to them that day. he had been a monster. a beast.

he'd never forget that. but he'd also never let Samantha know about it. She had suffered more than her share.

Samantha Beckett spun around with genuine surprise. They were to be married, she practically asked him too. Down at the cabin, during their road trip. It had not seemed real. Even waking up from a coma with a ring on her finger, the reality still had not set in. She was to be his wife, the mistress of a house. A house and land she had not known about. "When did you guy a land and a house Ezra?" Samantha bit her bottom lip nervously, she didn't know whether to be excited or afraid. Young couples did not move in together right away. At least that's what Samantha believed. The blonde figured she would travel with her new husband, going on little adventures and enjoying their youth, love and loyalty to one another.


Ezra's investment changed everything, she was to be a wife, the woman who he came home too, the mother of his children. What did he expect of her, she had no idea. Samantha managed a small smile, trying not too let the news frighten her too much. "I'll turn into our mothers" She chuckled. It was probably for the best, that's what she told herself. There was no point in wanting anything else. Not when she could no longer do pirouettes.


Samantha approached the, taking a sip of her water. "You'll have to take me to see it....the house" Her smile this time had been a little more genuine. "But I think I should get back, everyone will be awake soon, if they aren't already"

He smiled and held up a hand. "i bought it for myself when i left SAMOK. Then it became something i was sure you would like. it's not a target. it isn't for us until you are ready for it to be so. We are a bit young. But it is good to have a place. it's all bought and paid for. no mortgage. Had it all inspected and fixed up, what needed it replaced."

He stood at her need to go and sighed. "Alright." He moved closer and drew her into a kiss. he held her tight and close. "When do you want to leave beautiful?"

It had been a day since Samantha and Ezra last saw each other at the tree house. Getting prepared for their trip took time, the packing and organising was easy. Telling her parents however, was the difficult part. Samantha Beckett may have been labeled a princess, but she knew her kingdom had not been all rainbows and puppies. The Wilmington so-called princess still had parents. Parents whom she answered too, the kind that asked questions, and disapproved of most things. That included her husband to be, as far as they were concerned. Her boyfriend.

Dinner at the Beckett estate had been family affair almost every night. Some nights her father would be missing, stuck at work, Wilmington's safety his top priority. The night Samantha chose to approach the topic of Ezra, her both parents were present. She waited till after her brothers were finished eating, both boys left the table, going to their room to play before bedtime.

Just as her mother rose Samantha spoke up "Don't go yet mom, I'd like to talk to you and dad"

Marcia eyed Samantha curiously, flashing Sean a nervous glance. "Sure....go on"

Sean Beckett raised his wine glass, taking a sip. Sensing as though his daughter's conversation would center around the boy on the other side of the border.

"I'm going on a trip with Ezra.." She raised her hand, sensing their need to disapprove "...Before you say anything, I'm marrying him after college too. I know you don't like it, you don't like him. But what reason is there not too?"

"He's dangerous" Marcia said clamly

"No, he's not" Sean sighed "...The people he's surrounded by are"

Samantha smiled slightly "Ezra left the club, I made sure of it. He's too protective of me, everyone sees it."

Sean shook his head "Not gonna stop their enemies from finding you, what happens when Ezra isn't around? Because he sure as hell wasn't there when that blasted ran you over"

"Neither were you!" Samantha retorted

Marcia rubbed Sean's arm,looking between both father and daughter. Feelings finally surfacing.

The blonde's eyes watered "You weren't there, no one was."

"I wanted to be Sammy...I'm so sorry"

Samantha shook her head, wiping her tear stained streaks "I don't blame you, I don't hate you..." The young girl smiled "I understand dad I really do. You weren't there, you couldn't possibly be. But after it all you were....both you and mom...and I love you for that." Samantha looked down, taking a deep breath "Ezra wasn't there either, he also couldn't be. But he stayed by my side, he was there...and I love him for that"


Marcia and Sean could not argue further, after hearing their one and only daughter's pledge of love. Her genuine desire for them to love Ezra just as much as she did, if not more. As time passed the Beckett's listened, they learned. Ezra had been welcomed onto the estate, the Beckett's returning to their old ways. Treating him as the little boy they'd always known. Keeping their doubts to themselves, tolerating him for the sake of their child.


Samantha leaving impacted the Beckett's greatly, her brother's cried long tears, somehow thinking they'd never see their big sister again. Marcia cried, tears of sorrow and joy. Samantha was growing, she was now an adult, off to the unknown territory that was college. A wolf den, as Sean saw it. In the man's heart he had been grateful, for that simple fact that she was not single, and Ezra Willowfoot was a man that guarded his own.


College provided many tests for the delusional couple. With Ezra playing ball, the first year proved difficult with the amount of attention he received. Everyone knew the name, the face....and the body. Girls were wild for him, and that made the young blonde uneasy. Though their off campus dates and late nights in his dorm did a lot to ease her mind. The sex was great, and they were careful this time around. Enjoying each other with sexual abandon. Things however, to a turn during the couple's second and third year of college. The test of time shook the rock Samantha and Ezra stood on. His football and her business degree, straining their relationship. Samantha hardly saw Ezra, if ever. She would only speak by phone, a few minutes each night. Tiffany, did her best to placate her worrisome friend, and Samantha loved her for that. She became a jealous girlfriend, something she never thought she'd become. Their rocky relationship remained that way for quite some time. It had been hard, but Samantha strived to make time for Ezra. Passing into the field whenever she could, visiting his dorm late at night, simply to sleep in each other's arms. Their sex life was non existent, and she wondered how he managed without. Samantha would often wonder if he got it from someone else, she found herself thinking about it often. Vowing if it had been true, that she would not be mad. Rather she would understand the need to satiate his urges. And so the young blonde never asked, she did not inquire or bring up the topic of sex, and in doing so managed whatever little of the relationship she could. Giving him every minute of her free time. Even if she simply sat in the stands, and watching practice. Then cheered him on at every home game.


Graduation came quicker than Samantha expected, she would soon.be a college graduate. The road had been tough, but she prevailed. Samantha was sitting in Ezra's room the morning of graduation. Her parents had been forty five minutes away and she wanted to see him before the ceremony. Not knowing what laid in store for them after.

After the trip to the lake, Ezra was startled to find that the Beckett's reached out to him. He could tell they were not entirely thrilled with his existence or presence, but they endured him. And he loved spending time with her brothers.

There days he went over to see them when Sam was away, and he proved yet again to be trustworthy with all their children.

This especially came true when he ran off a bully that had been picking on the boys and teasing them about their sister. He came became their adoptive big brother, and even allowed him to love their sister. Though conditionally.

He understood.

College was so different.

He had been a big deal in high school. But in college he was the star. A three sport All-American all four years, and he also had the third highest GPA in the school.

His buddies mocked him for being such a brainiac, but having helped OSU captured their best seasons ever in football, though only one national Championship as the board had decided they were not the best team, so the school had had to settle for the bowl trophies and conference titles. Basketball they had done extremely well, but while they had captured three conference titles, and two nationals, the other two years had been less impressive. Baseball however they had swept the board all four years, once again proving Oklahoma to be serious contention for baseball.

Whenever not in class, training, or playing, Ezra was with or trying to be with Samantha.

He remained entirely uninterested in the many people who sought his time and body. He also infuriated many when he refused to declare for the draft until he married Samantha.

While their sophomore and junior years had been rough, but senior year, things had settled down. His numerous classes in the first three years now had him set to graduate with his Bachelor's in Economics, and startlingly, a Master's in psychology, with several minors, and he had already completed all but the hours requirements for both degrees. That was how he had spent his first three years, pushing himself.

When not with Samantha he had been studying, or attending extra classes, and then writing his thesis. He pushed and pushed. Then he had been able to coast. Attend classes as needed, and then spend the rest of the time with Samantha.

He had also moved them off campus to a very nice house they shared with Tiffany and Eddie, making sure everyone had their own rooms and space. It belonged to a booster of the school, who served as their watcher and protector, especially for Sam and Ezra.

Samantha had gained a lot of attention for being Ezra's girlfriend, then even more so for her beauty. She had been approached by numerous mags for photoshoots, and received at least as many interview requests as Ezra.

Ezra refused the spotlight as always though, shunting it to his teammates, coaches, even the school.

Now, the day of graduation, Ezra was struggling with his tie.

Since the beginning of senior year, the two had grown even closer, and their lovelife had been phenomenal. Mrs. Figg, the homeowner, had turned a blind eye too it.

Now Ezra grunted and sat on Sam's lap. "babe i can't get this silly tie. help me please?"

She looked beautiful. Fit, tan, and happy. His heart beat went wild just being around still. He leaned in and kissed her. "You know I really hope our kids look like you. Such perfection. Can't have them all ugly like me."

Samantha tilted, eyeing her boyfriend with disbelief. "How can you not tie a tie Ezra" The blonde gently shoved him off her lap, his weight beginning to numb her thighs. "You finished high school and college, you're twenty-two for crying out loud."

Samantha stood, grabbing the frustrated boy by the shirt, as she worked on perfecting his tie, just like she'd learnt from her mother, with many years of practice on her little brother's every morning for church. Samantha smiled. Not at the memory, but as Ezra's inability to do something so simple "You are too cute" The blonde patted his chest when she finished, placing a quick kiss on his lips.

"Our parents are gonna show up at campus any moment" Samantha gave Ezra mother quick peck "My dad is gonna lose his mind when he realised we've been living together" She chuckled "So may our mom's" Despite the acceptance of their relationship, curtains things they did never made sense to the older generation. Samantha doubted it ever would. She turned to the full length mirror, smoothing out her floral printed knee length dress "I look like my mom" Samantha pouted, before taking a look at Ezra "And you like your dad. Thomas and Marcia...." Samantha sighed. "Do you really want our kids looking like me? Because I don't mind the tank skin and long dark hair" She teased "As long as they don't come out looking like your grandpa I'll be fine" The blonde laughed, the sound filling the entire room. Samantha glanced at Ezra "They should look like both of us, I want them to have your eyes...."

"hey i can usually tie it...I just...can't...today." he got distracted by the kiss, and kissed her back.

Ezra smirked and gently wrapped his arms about her from behind looking into the mirror. "You are taller than your mom. And im much bigger than my dad." He kissed her neck. "our babies will be beautiful either way. They will come from you. They won't have a choice."

He kissed her neck and squeezed her gently, then cupped the back of her head, careful not to muss her hair, and drew her into a longer loving kiss. "Love you Samantha."

He squeezed her again and smiled. "Happy graduation day."