A/N - This is my first attempt at a real fanfiction and not a crackfic. Thank you to my girls GAHGAH and Reijilie for helping me discover the story and to all the EBs for their continued support in my life. I cannot promise how often I will update, but I'll do my best.

Stephenie Meyer owns everything Twilight.

Prologue

"If there's anything you need, just call," Embry said, the concern etched deep in his eyes. I shrugged his hand off of my shoulder. I had heard that same sentence uttered time and time again over the last few days.

"Thanks," I replied, glancing quickly around to make sure he wasn't in ear shot, but I spoke low because of our heightened hearing. "Is he… I mean, is he still…?"

The interested expression on Embry's face fell and I knew immediately that my suspicions were correct. He blamed me for what had happened. So did I.

Embry and I stiffened at the same time, catching the scent. Vampire. More than one. We played nice with them since that day eighteen months ago when their kind came to destroy us, but we were enemies even though the name Cullen was now tolerated.

"Bella, Edward," Embry said with a nod. I made a mental note to thank him later for being the one to greet them kindly. I didn't have it in me today.

"We just wanted to tell you how sorry we are, if there's anything you need,"

"Call you. Sure Bella, whatever," I spoke a bit too forcefully and she had to put a hand on Edward's arm to stop him from speaking in her defense. I knew, though, looking at the bloodsucker's face that he was reading my mind and was somehow feeling pity for me. I didn't want his pity. What were the leeches going to offer me anyway? Blood? Target practice? Actually, the target practice didn't sound so bad.

Edward's eyes narrowed slightly and another vampire joined them. I didn't have the patience to deal with this shit right now. The love of my life was gone, killed by something, and my pack brother hated me. I didn't feel like playing nice and I was close to my limit. I suppose that's why this one came over; Jasper, the parasite that can control emotions, or whatever. He had earned my respect when we fought together to protect the pack, and I owed him, but not today. Not when she, my entire reason for existing for two years, was gone. Not when I felt hollow. Not when the rage was so strong. I was doing my best to keep it inside but it was boiling just underneath the surface, begging to be set free.

If one more person tells me how sorry they are I swear on everything holy I'm going to rip their throat out.

I need some air.

I left the Black's house and stalked off toward the woods. Impulsive. That seemed to be my defining characteristic. That and my temper. At least those were my strongest personality traits until she came into my life. She was caring and funny and smelled so damn good all the time. She taught me to be less impulsive just by simply being her and loving me. I knew I never deserved her. Imprint or not, she chose me, and I wanted to do nothing but make her happy and protect her. I failed her.

As I thought about her I reached the woods. Without thinking twice I stripped my clothes off as quickly as I could. I threw them aside carelessly, I didn't want them anymore. I'd never be able to wear them again without thinking about her funeral.

I phased and ran. Fast. I needed the wind in my fur and the forest under my paws. It wasn't long before I heard someone following. Sam.

Where are you going?

Away.

Look, I know you need some time by yourself but you can't abandon us. We need to figure out-

I won't.

It's… dangerous.

Just back the hell off; I said I'd be back.

Paul.

What?

I'm sorry. If it were Emily, I don't… I mean, I can't- I'm sorry.

I stopped my running and phased back. I couldn't take him and his sympathy. Sam was probably my best friend, but I just couldn't listen to that bullshit right now. He didn't know what it was like. None of them did. Of the ones that had imprinted I was the only one that had ever lost my girl. And it was my fault.