Warning(s): Rated M. Possible Violence. Mild Language. Sexual References. Hurt. Angst. Love. Etc.

Disclaimer: This warning shall only be placed on the first chapter to any and all stories posted. "Not my Sandbox, Just my Sandcastle." Twilight belongs to S. Meyer.

I do not and have never had a beta, all errors are of my own make; but if you're interested please PM me… Maybe possibly explain the rules that go with that too.

Without further ado, I present to you my latest work: The Hunt; a Sam Uley Fanfic.

Chapter ONE - Dividend

I ran.

I ran out of duty. I ran out of a sense of preservation. But mostly, I ran for a sense of justice. To protect.

I was betrayed. My pride and honor called for blood.

Demanded it.

And my body and soul would have it.

The earth moved beneath the weight and power of my muscles as I ran with great speed across the forest. I could easily detect two faint and quick heartbeats behind me, where they should stay hidden as I continued to make my hasty way through the wet terrain.

Rain poured continuously, like a representation to my previous heartache or like a balm to wash away the pain. I shook my head. I wasn't sure. I didn't want to know currently.

I let out a warning sound to my two followers to stay put as I made my way toward the border. The speed in which I ran at didn't give up as I began my way up and down a repeated path; my scent catching in the air, the trees and the ground.

I finally heard a warning growl behind me, quickly followed by two more as they began their chase.

Pushing myself to run faster I emitted a frustrated growl as the burn in my muscles began to make its presence known. I had been running for more than 48 hours as it was. I was hungry and irate. I was surprised I had made it this far, but the adrenaline in which I ran with now proved to be invaluable. The ache was but a shadow and my inner beast roared gleefully at the prospect of the chase.

A gray blur tackled me from the side, colliding with my chest before I used the momentum to roll with my fourth pursuer. My larger jaw instantly latched around my pursuer's neck before throwing him against a tree as I then released a monstrous roar.

I hissed and growled, my ear flattened against my head as my tail lowered to the ground behind me. Four giant wolves circled me, all with intelligent and fierce eyes. I had to stop posing as a threat.

So these were the great Spirit Warriors of the Quileute people... I growled one final time, snapping defensively toward the youngest that tried to come closer. My eyes fell on each of them, studying them for what they were...

None of them were who I was looking for.

I allowed my eyes to fall on the largest of the four wolves, a russet brown one. Even though he had the largest frame I still had to keep an eye on the fast gray one that had tried to surprise me.

They all looked at me suspiciously when I ceased all movements and sat. A giant black panther must look quite out of the ordinary for them, I was sure. Though they weren't ones to complain. Giant wolves weren't exactly ordinary either. Quickly, black fur receded, leaving me naked and bare before the eyes of four males -something that didn't disgruntle me in the least. Being a shifter did that to your psyche and confidence.

I remained kneeling on the floor, my long black and wavy hair doing a nice job of covering most of my back and chest as it fell over my shoulders.

I stood then, my wet hair sticking to my body as I made sure to keep eye contact with the russet wolf. "Bring me your alpha."

A growl escaped the gray wolf, my eyes narrowing as the feral animal within me tinged the sound of my voice. "I will not deal with you, Lead Warrior... Nor you, Beta," my voice lowered to a respectable volume when I looked at the russet wolf once more. "I beg of you. I must speak with your Alpha."

The russet wolf slowly backed away into the bushes, leaving the other three in a still formation around me before a young man appeared in the wolf's place. The same russet color of his fur expanded across his exposed skin as he stepped out from behind the trees in a pair of cut-offs.

He was young, I could feel that much, though he looked to be in his twenties. His eyes held much history within their dark depths as we gazed at one another before a massive black wolf slowly stalked up beside him.

The hairs on the back of my neck rose as the air thickened with his presence. He was alpha. The instant distinction resonated within my very soul, making me kneel and lower my head onto my hands on the moist ground before me. It was a sign of respect, submission really, as my back and neck were left exposed.

"Who are you," the young man who I had previously recognized as the Beta asked me in his Alpha's place. I realized he would be the voice of the pack until the Alpha decides to speak for himself. It was natural for Alphas to assess the situation first.

My body remained as still as a statue. As soon as I took notice of the massive black paws in my peripheral my inner beast shuddered. I made sure to keep my muffled tone even and respectful before answering. I felt his cool breath sniff near my neck as he inhaled my scent, more than likely tracing it for any danger. "My name is Nixáliz." (Nyx-SAH-lease)

The Alpha's wet nose ran down my jaw before he took a couple of steps back, it was a signal that allowed me to raise my head.

His Beta signaled me to continue once the massive wolf took his place next to him again. "I come seeking sanctuary, but not for me." At the Alpha's command the pack began to lay down in a circle around me, listening to me, except for the Alpha himself who remained standing. His imposing height and frame should have been frightening. And in a way, it was. I hadn't come here to be put into submission once again either.

I looked around me slowly, my voice remaining low as my gaze settled on the black wolf. "There are those who wish me and my loved ones harm. For the task of killing a vampire, for protecting my... 'people'," I spat the word like venom. Vehemently I thought that they were no longer my people. I noticed the wolves growled at my mention of vampires, or I could only assume since I could not hear their thoughts. "...I have been exiled and left for dead. That is the thanks I have received. A betrayal like no other."

Though I spoke through the Beta, my eyes remained trained on the Alpha. His fathomless yellow eyes were more animal and feral than man at the moment as he assessed the situation with a calm I imagined only he could posses. It made the beast within me quiver once more, retreating into a submission deep within my own mind until the sound of trees snapping caught all of our attentions.

What happened next was a series of movements that resulted in chaos as I ran across the field, leaping above another gray wolf that appeared -a smaller one- and throwing them off as well. I'm sure the green of my natural eyes receded to a dark amber as my fangs elongated in a vicious hiss. "I did not come here TO FIGHT," I all but roared, my nails now black like that of the panther; long, deadly and ready to strike.

The Alpha let out a deep grumble from his chest, one that made all of his wolves regroup behind him. I was sure that it must have been disgruntling for them to see a shifter in human form take on their beast form; not once, but twice. I knew how the pack mind worked, so I was quite aware that the Alpha could see me as a danger because of my defensive maneuvering.

I understood why they were on such high alert. They had no guarantee as to what my abilities were. If I was lying, if I was saying the truth... I was a wild card, an unknown. Possibly a danger to them and their people. It is because of these reasons that I made sure to keep my eyes trained on the Alpha, trying to convey my sincerity as my beast receded back into the background.

I remained crouching once more in my human form, leaving myself defenseless again as more pack members showed up behind the Alpha and Beta. There were nine wolves so far, and I was definitely not on a suicide mission. Not with them at least.

The sound of more twigs snapping could be heard coming closer from behind me. I sighed and closed my eyes in aggravation. Slowly, I rose from my crouching position, making sure to keep my hands up in a show of mercy. I knew all eyes were on me. Some of them were still growling in my direction as I blocked their path.

A small rumble erupted from my chest as two small creatures bounded into our field of vision. A small beige -almost white- wolf was rolling on the ground playing with a black and white fox... A much larger... black and white fox. Both creatures had backpacks tied onto their small forms. They looked ridiculous.

"Sevahstian! Raziel!" At my voice, the two cubs stopped immediately, their frolicking giving way to fear as they finally took in their surroundings. If I could grieve at the sight of my family members I would. They were doomed... "Come," the one word resonated with power, pulling both children toward me. I noticed that some of the wolves twitched but I didn't feed into that knowledge as the two youngsters scrambled behind me.

I looked at them disapprovingly, my eyes flashing amber again and making them both lower onto the ground. The fox rolled over on her back, exposing her belly in the most submissive manner known to the animal kingdom. I sighed. What could I do? Family was family...

I took two steps towards them and knelt, unclipping and unzipping the backpacks before quickly taking out a pair of shorts and a small yellow sundress. I threw it at their heads. "Go. Phase." I didn't even want to look at their sheepish expressions as they walked behind the trees and bushes. Or as sheepish looking as they could considering they were in their animal forms.

I groaned, my head falling into my hand for but a moment as I pulled out a large brown sleeved shawl for myself. I stood back up and looked high into the trees as I crossed my arms after wrapping myself within the warm comforts of the simple cloth. Though I have no regards for my own exposure, I was very careful with that of my younger siblings… And the spirits needed to give me patience when it came to these two... Or I'd kill them myself before the enemy could.

Two children finally emerged from behind the trees, dressed in the clothing I had thrown at them. The young girl quickly stepped behind me, tentatively looking around my waist toward the wolves as the boy stood right next to me, defiantly I might add. "These are my siblings," I explained before turning towards them and grabbing an ear each.

"Deberás! ¿Están jugando ahora y no saben si había peligro o no? What the hell is wrong with you two? I could have been killed by now and you two are what? Playing pounce!?" (Seriously! You guys are playing now without knowing if there was danger or not?)

The quiet that entered the moist forest was almost deafening as I glared at my younger siblings and released their ears. Raziel looked at me with glistening eyes, eyes that I quickly turned away from, as my brother continued to glare at me.

"You were taking long," Sevahstian answered with a bored tone.

"Don't gimme me that shit! You were supposed to stay behind and protect her, Sevahstian!"

"Well she's perfectly fine!"

"Don't give me lip, boy," I growled. He immediately lowered his gaze, earning me a quick and whispered apology. I took in a much needed breath, my nostrils flaring as I pointed behind me. "Present yourselves," I spoke through gritted teeth while closing my eyes. I could already feel the throbbing behind my eyes, the beginning signs of a headache.

Raziel remained behind me, peeking again towards the wolves before slowly stepping out. She had shoulder length dark brown hair and similar tanned skin to my own. Her eyes were hazel and wide as I pushed her. She yelped before standing there looking halfway to being frozen in fear.

"They don't bite," I muttered, earning a few glares before she squealed and she latched herself onto the smaller gray wolf I had thrown last.

I... I had no idea what to do... Everything went from being so serious to having children involved… So I just kind of stood there, dumbfounded and tense as the young Quileute In human form chuckled. "That's Leah," he mentioned to my little sister as she wrapped herself to Leah's furry legs.

"She's so pretty," Raziel laughed, rubbing her face into Leah's wet fur. I couldn't help but laugh internally to myself as the gray wolf looked disturbed. She didn't know what to do. "It's nice to meet you Leah. My name is Raziel and my favorite color is gray." She smiled the smile only a five year old could give. It could melt hearts… So long as you weren't related to the little beast.

Leah seemed to give up with trying to figure out what to do, so she just lowered herself even more as my sister fussed around her excitedly before breaking her dress.

Seriously. What was wrong with my family?

In her excitement, Raziel phased back into her fox form, rubbing up playfully against Leah until finally crawling under her and laying down.

Warmth.

She liked the warmth that radiated off of Leah. I was sure of it. Regardless of her excitement, brow twitched. We had little clothing as it was. The least she could have done was try to take the damn dress off first… But she was still so young; therefore, I really couldn't hold it against her if she couldn't control her phasing properly yet. Five year olds didn't understand the concept of money and such. All they understood was 'gimme, gimme, gimme'.

My brother on the other hand was glaring at all the wolves until I smacked the back of his head. "Respect the pack and their Alpha," I whispered as he 'humphed'.

"Hi."

He didn't look at them, his possible new protectors, as he glared with his dark brown eyes into the trees. Sevahstian was a good boy, all in all. Very protective and loyal even though he was a pain in my ass at times. His black hair was short and messy: spiked at different angles. Kind of like him. All over the place.

I looked at the wolves again and all their eyes seemed to sparkle with amusement. I sighed. "This is Sevahstian. He's 13. She's 5. They're my charges and who I am trying to get sanctuary and homes for."

"Homes?" My brother glared at me. "You never said anything about homes, Nix!"

"Not now, Sev."

"No, you promised-"

"To keep you safe! We speak afterward. Understood?" I growled at him again, making him nod his consent against his wishes, but that's what happens when you're higher on the power ranks. You listen to your elders and those holding higher positions.

My gaze fell on the Alpha once more, my arms were still crossed as I waited. He looked around and nodded his head once. All the wolves stood up together, as a unit. Patiently, they waited for his next signal as the Alpha receded into the forest and reappeared a few moments afterwards.

He was quite tall in his human form and just as handsome as his Beta. His dark hair was cropped short, complimenting his strong facial structure. He looked at my siblings. "Are you kids hungry?"

My brother glanced at him, giving him a brisk nod as my sister yipped. She scrambled from under Leah and ran toward the Alpha, rubbing on his legs as he scratched behind her ear. I saw the look of astonishment cross his dark eyes for a moment. I guess the Alpha wasn't used to blatant affection… Well, with his position came distance. A shame really.

Regardless, my eyes softened at the gesture and my inner beast calmed completely. The Alpha's heavy gaze fell on me next. "Let the children go home with the pack and get fed. It seems we have much to talk about."

I nodded, bidding my siblings farewell and to behave as a chuckling Beta walked after them all. I kept my gaze on all of them until they were no more. My eyes traveled over toward the Alpha. Green versus the darkest shade of brown I have possibly ever come against. He was closer now and he was eyeing me with a serious expression. The air tensed around us again, making my breathing labored, but I kept my eyes on his even as I glared... But the pressure was finally too much and it grudgingly made me look away. I did not like feeling weak against an Alpha, but I also didn't want to challenge him either.

I recognized this for was it was: a clear show of power, of dominance and submission. He was Alpha and I was not here to disrespect his position or take his place. But I'd be damned if I bowed to him so easily now that I knew my siblings were being taken care of. I just had to make sure not to piss him off in the meantime. Though... he didn't pick me the kind to bring harm to children, so there was always that. That was a plus in my book.

The energy in the air receded completely and I was able to breathe easier. I dared a glance his way, my arms still crossed as he stood in nothing but a pair of cut-offs as well. He was too close, but he was Alpha and I would not disrespect him. Not intentionally at least. But again, he was too close… Close enough for me to get a good eyeful as the moisture in the air seemed to trail down his skin… His very muscled and toned skin. The shifter perk.

He smelled of musk and forest, sweat and power... If power could even have a smell. It sure did now. He stood quietly, watching and studying me for what could have been five or ten minutes. Maybe even 30 seconds but it felt like forever.

The quiet was almost unnerving and I was starting to wonder if he was trying to test the sliver of patience I had left until he spoke. "My name is Sam Uley."

The effect his voice had on my inner beast was instantaneous. It was perched forward, almost at a full attention filled with lots of curiosity and… something. Something I didn't even want to recognize or put a name to. I only allowed myself to physically nod though. "Nixaliz Santos."

"Tell me what happened." I looked at him and sighed internally. How much would I be telling him? His dark eyes were almost piercing me too, as if he knew what I was thinking. "All of it." Damn. That's gotta be some Alpha perk too.

I nodded again, picking up my siblings backpacks as I began walking to nowhere until I found a fallen log. I sat down, as did he. I hadn't noticed when the rain had stopped, but it had. Thankfully, he had remained quiet those few minutes I used to gather my thoughts and bearings.

I'd start from the beginning then. "Most shifters came to be by different...reasons, or ways... My people, we were the first shifters made by vampires to serve them." I glared at a point in the air, not daring to look anywhere else as I began the weaving of this complex tale.

"I don't know how long it lasted until finally there was a revolt. The animosity between the vampire owners and their shifting pets was a disastrous war that occurred many years ago in Latin America. We serve ourselves now and protect our own from any supernatural threat.

"Ever since the gene was first awakened, it remained so. Though, we don't see ourselves as cursed. We embrace our nature from the beginning and still live a normal life.

"I was the youngest Lead Warrior my people ever had. I was leading our guard into battle at the young age of 13, Sevahstian's current age. Our maturity levels are quite different, as I'm sure you noticed." He snorted, and I dared another glance at him to see amusement in his dark eyes at the mention of my brother. "For the past 12 years, I kept coming across the same vampire. And she always managed to get away. I never knew why. I was normally able to get them all... But not her.

"She killed my parents. She killed many of my people to be honest. And our elders never allowed us to pursue her outside of our borders or jurisdiction. No reason. Just, we weren't allowed. No explanation. So I went against the elders wishes." I looked at Sam then, he had an unreadable expression on his face so I forged on. "You have to understand, it wasn't just revenge. That was 12 years worth of pain and chase. I was far beyond revenge." He nodded his understanding and remained patient until I continued.

I took in a deep breath, closing my eyes at the memories. "I went after her. Alone. When I finally caught up with her, she threatened me. 'If your elders find out you break our deal, we come after you all.' I had no clue what she was talking about... It wasn't until after her destruction that I learned of the betrayal."

My eyesight sharpened, my teeth clenching hard against themselves as my nails grew long and black against the bark I sat on. "Those bastards had a deal with the vampires! They would 'protect' us from other covens so long as we kept them well fed!" I punched the wood beneath me and it quickly gave way. "And I was the only one who didn't know! Those bastards were working with the enemy!"

My vision almost turned completely red at the memory of what those Elder fools had been and we're capable of before a very warm and large hand was placed on the back of my neck. It instantly had a soothing effect on me, something I now came to realize my own -previous- Alpha could never accomplish. More than likely it was because his moral compass was fucked up.

I sighed, leaning towards his touch as a soft purr escaped me. Instantly, I opened my eyes and sat straighter. "Well, that's embarrassing," I mumbled as I looked into the trees again. Sam chuckled at my reaction as I shrugged him off. He sounded like a mystery wrapped in dark, velvety chocolate… because my head wasn't seriously fucked up already. Fucking Alphas with their fucking power scents. Sometimes I swore they were worse than that sickly sweet smell I hated so much. Ugh!

"What happened then?"

I shrugged, thankful that he had interrupted my internal monologue again. "I was exiled. I now have the mate of a crazy bitch following me, maybe even his whole coven, and my old tribe as well."

"Your tribe?" I looked at Sam again. He was confused, it was noticeable in his dark eyes. But there was also something lethal in them, like he really didn't like the fact that my tribe was after me too… "Why are they after you as well?"

Oh, right. How to explain this without sounding like we're full of shit? "Each member of my tribe is blessed with a spirit, or so they say. Where I come from we all possess an extra ability and none of them are ever the same. Ergo, a long time ago there was a war between two brothers. One was Alpha and the other would not submit, so he challenged him. Which was his right, I mean, the Alpha can get challenged for his position… Anyway! It was then that we learned that by defeating his brother, the Alpha, that he was able to gain his ability…Adding to their previous power..."

Sam remained quiet for a moment as he took in the information. "And your ability," he finally asked.

I shrugged again. "Nothing special. I'm just a really good melee fighter… A really good one," I whispered.

I heard the rustling of Sam's jeans as he stood. I glanced his way from my peripheral. His face was a stoic mask set in stone once again. Whatever he was thinking about I couldn't even try to get a glimpse of. "Stay with us."

Shocked, I turned to face him completely. Was he insane? "No," I shook my head. "This isn't your fight."

"You're outnumbered,"he countered.

"That's not your concern."

Sam growled then, and my inner beast shuddered and shrunk back. "The moment you came in contact with our borders you became my concern. The moment you entrusted me with the lives of your remaining pack, you became my concern. You will not fight alone." Dark yellow circled the edges of Sam's eyes as he glared at me.

"But… why? If I leave now, they will follow me elsewhere, away from all of you."

The silence was deafening again before he spoke, his voice back to that previous chocolatey goodness. "Because my wolf recognized you," was his explanation as the air around us thickened again. The energy was almost suffocating and I quickly bowed my head. "Because you recognize me as your Alpha." His last words were grovely. I could tell his wolf was very close to the surface… And he was right. My inner beast did recognize him as my Alpha. Fuck!

Mutely, I nodded. He was right, he was all sorts of right… And this was fucked up. He placed his large and warm hand on my neck again, quickly easing me from the Alpha Presence until my head collided with his chest… His very warm and strong chest. "You and yours are pack...and we stand with pack, understood?"

My energy reserves were quickly dying out on me now as I leaned into his strength. Lethargy was settling into my muscles as I whispered an 'okay' and nodded my head once more. I closed my eyes as the weight of the situation finally set in.

I wasn't alone anymore. I had a new family that I still needed to get acquainted with but I knew deep down that it would work out. I could feel the bond Sam encouraged toward his pack start to repair the hole I had from breaking away, overtaking it. And together we'd all be safe, though I still questioned why he accepted me so quickly.

Kind of.

My inner beast shuddered again, but this time I understood why as Sam lowered his head toward my neck and nuzzled my hair. I physically shivered this time. It was a very wolffish act, but it was one I was very well acquainted with as he picked me up and began to walk us home; toward my new tribe and family.

I'm quite excited about this fic, as well as everything else I have in the works. I hope that I've left subtle clues as to what's going on (or could go on) without actually giving antyhing away. Can't wait to hear some of your thoughts.

Please R&R. Much Love~