Chapter 1

JPOV

Have you ever gone to see one of those sappy chick-flicks even though you really didn't want to? Perhaps you went to see it in an effort to impress the girl you wanted as your girlfriend at the time with your "sensitivity"; perhaps you had lost a bet with your sister and had been forced to drive her to the theater, only to find yourself dragged kicking and screaming into the theater by a crowd of her boy-crazy friends who had obviously been summoned via texting to help your sister torture you; or perhaps you were one of those few members of the male sex who weren't ashamed of admitting that you liked sitting in a theater full of sniffling girls crying into a tissue as some over-rated romance plays out on the big screen. Regardless of how you ended up in the torture-chamber-formerly-known-as-a-movie-theater, the odds are that you were soon sick of the mushy crooning of the lovers as they said good-bye for the tenth time and wanted nothing more than to run out of there as fast as your legs could carry you and head for the nearest football game.

While I do feel some pity for you poor suckers, I also envy you. You think that watching one of those sappy chick-flicks is bad? Imagine living in one of them, complete with front-row access to all of the wonderfully nauseating thoughts going through the minds of the lovers as they stumble their way through whatever screwed up struggle fate decides to send their way. Feeling sick yet? Welcome to my world.

Sam had summoned us to the meeting to discuss our new alliance with the Cullens. At least, that's what he had said when he first called us into the woods at five in the morning on a Saturday. Of course, the longer sat with the other members of my pack listening to their thoughts, the more I came to realize that this meeting had more to do with our love lives than our allies.

Jared and Quin stood off to the side with Sam, their thoughts almost entirely focused on Jared and Quin's new imprints and Sam's advice on how to handle their new relationships based on his experiences with Emily. Paul, who had become oddly interested in the business of imprinting ever since news of my sister Rachel's impending visit had reached him, was sitting a few feet away trying to pretend that he wasn't listening. Leah and Embry, the only two members of the pack who actually wished for imprints, were being slightly more obvious about eavesdropping, their ears twitching with interest as Sam imparted yet another piece of advice onto his listeners. Occasionally, Leah would wince mentally as Sam's thoughts drifted to one of the many moments he had shared with Emily, her mind going over memories of her relationship with Sam in a past that was still too recent for comfort.

Beside me, Seth shifted uncomfortably, barely holding back a whine as the seemingly-endless romance fest continued. His dark eyes flickered towards me and his sand-colored tail twitched slightly, his thoughts going to the Cullen house and its heavenly array of video games. I sighed with longing and glanced over at the rest of the pack. Maybe if Sam ever decided to get to the point of this freaking meeting I could run by the Cullen's house and see if Emmett wanted to get his ass kicked again.

Focus, Jacob, Sam told me sternly.

I rolled my eyes at him.

Hey, you weren't exactly staying on topic lover-boy, I shot back.

Embry and Seth chuckled, only to stop abruptly when Sam glared at them.

We are here to discuss our alliance with the Cullens, Sam informed us.

Really, you mean we're not here to talk about our love lives or lack thereof? I muttered.

Leah growled at me.

Will you shut up and let Sam talk? she snapped. I don't know about you, but I actually want to be in bed right now.

You mean I'm the only one who enjoys getting up at 5 a.m. on a Saturday? I gasped with fake surprise.

Jake, Embry sighed, trying without success to hide his amusement. Can you please just let Sam talk?

Thanks for being on my side, I grumbled.

Are you done? Sam demanded.

I nodded for him to continue.

Right, he sighed. As I was saying, since we have grown so close lately to Bella and the rest of the Cullens, and since it's pretty obvious that they aren't as dangerous as our ancestors believed them to be-.

Whoa, hold on, Paul interrupted. You're not suggesting that we get rid of the treaty and let them come onto our lands, are you?

Sam shook his head vehemently.

No, he assured us. Regardless of whether the Cullen's are safe or not, they are still vampires and could lose control at any moment. I was actually thinking of creating an official alliance with the Cullens.

How would we do that? Jared asked cautiously.

Well, obviously we would have to discuss the terms with the Cullens first, Sam admitted.

Seth's ears perked up, his thoughts going back to the video games and flat screen that usually drew most of our attention when we visited the house.

We will be discussing matters of business, Seth, Sam reminded him. Seth pouted.

So, if you don't even know what you're doing yet, why did you call us here? Leah asked grumpily.

I wanted to make sure that you all approved of the alliance before I made arrangements with the Cullens, Sam explained. Now, are there any objections to the alliance?

I glanced at Paul, my eyebrows raised (at least, they were supposed to be, but it was hard to tell when you were a wolf). Paul noticed and growled at me, his grey tail twitching in annoyance.

Why are you looking at me? he demanded.

Because you're an ass and the most likely to object, I answered honestly.

Paul snarled at me, his hackles raised.

For your information, I completely approve of the alliance, so long as we still get to rip the bloodsuckers to shreds if they slip up.

Enough, Sam interrupted. Does anyone object? When no one spoke up, he added Jake, Seth, Jared; I need you three to come with me to meet the Cullens.

Wait, why do they get to go? Leah demanded.

Because Jake and Seth are the most familiar with the Cullens, and Jared is the most experienced in diplomacy. Besides, didn't you want to go to bed?

Leah grumbled something about not being tired now that this stupid meeting had waked her up and backed off. Sam chuckled despite himself before turning to the rest of us, his tone abruptly business-like.

Paul, Leah, I want you two to run a quick patrol around the perimeter since you aren't tired anymore, he ordered, a hint of amusement still present in his voice. Embry, Quin, get some sleep. I expect you two to take over for Paul and Leah in two hours.

They nodded and headed off towards La Push, leaving me alone with Seth, Jared, and my fearless alpha.

Nice choice of words, Jake, Sam chuckled. Now come on, I don't want to be at the Cullens all day.

Lead the way, of fearless leader, I muttered, earning myself another chuckle from Sam and a snort from Seth and Jared.

Despite my words, I waited a few moments before following my alpha and fellow pack members into the woods towards the Cullen house, my eyes travelling up towards the small section of grey sky that could be seen through the thick canopy above, a strange feeling of anticipation building inside of me. Something was changing in the air, something that didn't have anything to do with the Cullens.

For the first time in years, I wondered if I should be afraid.

Disclaimer: I do not (unfortunately) own Twilight or any of its amazing characters, all of the credit belongs to the amazing Stephanie Meyer. Thanks to all of the people who read my other stories, particularly the prequel to this, Look, Don't Touch, and I hope you enjoy this one as well!