Chapter 1: A weight upon the heart

Snowfire was his name... or was it? His name had long ago been buried, just as those memories had. They floated to the surface of his mind, just as he looked at his reflection in the lake. No human characteristics met his gaze – just silvery fur, four rugged paws. A set of yellow wolf eyes looked back at him – the wolf in the reflection tilted his head as though this was their first meeting.

A large russet wolf came up behind him. Jacob. The young wolf whom he had met –the one that was so young and so sad. He could see into this young man's heart – because that is what he really was, regardless of the wolf fur that he sported. Beneath that russet coat was the heart of a young man, very much in love but very hurt as well. He reminded the old wolf of himself.

The russet wolf nodded to him and then sat back on his haunches, awaiting a signal from the silver wolf that he knew of his approach. The silver wolf finally tore his gaze from his reflection and looked over his shoulder at the young one. His image melted for a moment and then, standing there were not two wolves, but two men.

"Jacob, you seem particularly disturbed tonight," the older man said. "Come, sit here with me and tell me what weighs upon your heart."

The young man sat beside the silver haired man. "I feel like I have so many responsibilities lately. It's getting to me a bit. And I should be thinking about going to college or getting a real job, but I can't because of my wolf form – I have gotten more control over my anger and when I change, but there are still times when I am just barely in control. And to be completely honest, even though I have Laila here and I have imprinted on her, I still love Bella. I still can't believe that she chose that … thing. It hurts my heart. I'm confused and sad all at once."

"My child – because that you are – these things take time to heal. You can't expect yourself to just forget someone so easily. The more you love someone, the more their image is burned into your heart, the harder it is to truly leave that behind. Rather than trying to solve it, just let it be. You will know the answers in time."

"How long will her memory be here, taunting me?"

"For quite some time young one. This reminds me of a time in my life in which I too had this same burden to carry. I was in love with a woman who could not love me back…"