After nearly two days riding through the forests and brush, Red and Garrett arrived in Jasper. Pausing on top of the hill for a brief moment to give their horses a rest Garrett observed the bustling town of Jasper. There had been a lot of changes since the last time they were in the village about eight months ago, when Garrett first laid eyes on that mysterious girl.

Thinking back to the first time he saw the town there wasn't much to it, however a great many changes had happened over the years. Before there was just a livery-blacksmith, sheriff office, bank, general store and a saloon. Over the years more people moved to the area and more shops were opened up. Today there was a woman’s store, church/school, restaurant and another saloon. Thinking to himself, Garrett often wondered what else would show up here in the years to come.

“Time to stop daydreaming son.” Red nudged his son’s shoulder, snapping Garrett out of his daze.

Shaking his head Garrett smiled “Right papa.”

After a few moments Garrett gently kicked his horse sides moving her down the winding trail to the entrance to the town.  Riding past the livery stable the mountain men saw that it was very busy as the stagecoach had just come in with the days passengers. Dropping off most of the passengers along with picking up new ones as well as some freight and mail. The stagecoach did bank runs between the towns as well but it was never mention in case there was a hold up. Yet everyone in town knew.

Wasting no time the two mountain men went straight to the general store to conduct their business before anything else. Dismounting and tying their mounts to the hitching post they grabbed their furs and stepped onto the board walk in front of the store. Unlike his father Garrett stopped to look at the two new shops that had opened across the street. One of them being a gunsmith, while the other was a bakery; both were something he had never before seen. The gun shop was very important to the rest of the mountain men and the ranchers who lived in the area. As for the bakery he didn't see how important it was to the town, however it the sent it emitted was pleasant and unfamiliar.

Just as Red was about to step into the store, he noticed that Garrett was no longer behind him. Looking over his shoulder he saw that he was looking at the new shops that had opened since they last came to town. Mumbling under his breath Red said that it was about time the town had a proper gunsmith. Hearing his father mumble Garrett turned and smiled, gently nudging him into the store which was crowded with farmers, ranchers and townsfolk. For today was pay day for most of the ranchers and their ranch hands.

As they walked in one of the local ranchers Jeff Montana was at the counter finishing his order when he looked over his shoulder to see who came in. To his disgust and hatred it was Garrett the village half-breed and ‘Freak’ alongside his father the ‘Traitor’. Leaning to one side Jeff whispered to his wife Abigail to take the kids to the wagon because the freak was in. Abigail too shared her husband’s prejudices and hatred towards Garrett, and wasting not another second she took their kids she quickly walked past the Wolf’s giving both a look of disgust as she shielded her children's eyes from them as they went to their wagon. Following the Montana’s suit and prejudices, the other customers in the store turned their backs while other simply just ignored them.

Garrett and Red simply ignored them for it was nothing out of the ordinary for the Wolf’s.

As Montana walked past them with his box of goods, he shouted “FREAK!” loud enough for everyone to hear. Most just laughed to themselves but for Garrett it just seemed to make him feel more of an outsider again especially with the new people in Jasper.

Patting his son on the back Red whispered to him “Forget them my boy, you know how narrow minded these people are. Besides we are only here for a moment, and then we will be gone again.”

“I know father, I can only take so much. I am only human after all. I just wish that they could see that but I guess all they want to see is the Indian in me. Nothing will ever change, father not until it’s too late.”

Patting his son on the back again they walked up to the counter and waited until George was finished showing and explaining things to a stranger who was in the backroom. Garrett who was watching them couldn’t help but notice the strange man was wearing the same apron that George had on. He just shook his head and waited silently beside his father. After a while when George left the backroom and entered the main store, he saw Red and Garrett standing in front of the counter.

“Red, Garrett, I was hoping the two of you would be coming to town.” He shouted with glee in his voice. “Nathan, come out here.”

“What’s wrong George?” the strange man asked as he emerged from the backroom and walked up to a woman who stood behind the counter too.

“Garrett, Red I would like to introduce you to Nathan and Louise Edwards. And that girl over by the clothes rack is their fifteen year old daughter Genisis”

Turning his head Garrett saw what had to be the most beautiful girl he had ever seen standing there with the sun shining down on her. Her brown hair was all done up while her blues eyes sparkled in the sun, Garrett couldn’t help but fall for her. The longer he stared at Genisis he could swear that he had seen her once before but where he couldn’t recall. Garrett was staring at her for so long that Red had to give him a nudge in the ribs bringing him back to reality. Garrett turned back to look at George who was smiling through his grey beard.

“Pleasure to meet you folks.” Red spoke kindly as he tipped the brim of his hat. “Are you hiring extra help this year, George?”

 “Afraid not, unfortunately I’m selling the business and moving to Brooks to live with my daughter’s family. I’m getting too old to run this store and do all the heavy lifting by myself. It’s time to let a younger man take the reins.” George sighed deeply. “Come, Nathan. I’ll show you how and where I check the pelts and store them till shipping.”

As he turned his gaze to Garrett, Nathan took a quick dislike to him and he didn't want to leave the store or his women with him in it. He didn't know Garrett but he knew he couldn’t trust the boy and tried to think of an excuse but nothing came to mind. As he walked past the boy, he gave him a glare that told him don't touch anything or anyone. Nobody saw him glare at Garrett apart from George who glanced back to see what was holding him up only to see the exchange of hate. They might have only just arrived but the Edwards had caught the town’s hatred for natives and half breeds. Rolling his eyes George, Red and Nathan left for the backroom while Garrett stayed behind in the store.

While his father tended to business he pretended to look for some of the items on their list. Yet his eyes kept straying towards Genisis who was finishing hanging the clothes, she was beautiful just like a princess, he thought. But how to approach her and what to say; Garrett couldn’t fathom the words.

As she worked Genisis felt as if someone was staring at her, she turned to move the rack and saw this young, rugged and native man staring at her. The first time she had been this close to a savage, yet she couldn’t help but feel attracted to danger he seemed to emit or to the man himself. Unable to suppress the shudder of excitement and passion that ran down her spine she walked away at a leisurely pace. Lifting his head Genisis looked into Garrett’s face, she emitted a gasp not only at the sight of him but how different he was. Turning around she started to fill the shelves with blankets trying to ignore him but his image would stay with her for a long time. He looked like the freak the other girls had told her about and yet it did scare her if anything it did the opposite.

He intrigued her.

Even though she tried to hide it Garrett noticed the shudder that ran through her body, a sight that made him feel even more unwanted in this town, because even this beautiful stranger was sickened at the sight of him. Only he never thought that maybe for once it was a shudder of happiness or lust.

Turning away he saw Nathan walking back into the store with George and Red following close behind him. A sight he was glad to see, for his father always made him feel safe. As usual George was catching Red up on the local gossip and news, oblivious to anything and everything around them. However when Nathan walked past Garrett he gave him a shove that both men saw. Right away Red was ready to tear a strip off of him but George mumbled ‘I'll do it’. Despite the small shove Garrett handed Nathan their list, which he snatched from his hand without looking at this half-breed savage. This was something that George couldn’t let go, not to a boy he came to see as his kin. Yet it was something that needed to be taken care of but not now in front of the Wolf’s, In particular Red. He had a short fuse when it came to ignorance and those that would harm Garrett. 

After a few minutes their list of supplies were placed on the counter and bundled up into packages. When Nathan was done, he looked straight at Red and told him the price ignoring the half-breed. Garrett could see that Red was getting furious so he took control and told him to take the amount off of their pelts. What was left over Nathan slammed on the counter so that he wouldn't have to touch the freak. Looking straight at the man and without saying a word Garrett picked up the money and put it in his pocket, the look however he gave him would have frozen any one in their place. It was a look that further Nathan’s hatred of Garrett and the Indians, despite never seeing one before. 

Grabbing one of the bundles he handed it to Red and gently pushed him toward the door while he grabbed the other one as they exited the store. By the time he got outside Red had finish tying the bundle to his horse and was ready to ride out as quick as he could. While he was tying the other bundle George came outside to see them off. Climbing on his horse both of the men said their goodbyes and wished George a safe trip. As Red rode off ahead Garrett glanced back at the store to see Genesis standing at the window staring at him. Lowering the brim his hat towards her Garrett hoped that this small gesture would be enough to show her that he was not a savage but rather just a man. Leaving her Garrett rejoined his father following him back to their home.