A/N:

Justin: I've wanted to write something about the pack for a while now. It seems like such a shame that they're such second-class citizens in the Twilight world.

Tequila: It's not their fault they're not vampires!

Justin: And it certainly isn't Jacob's fault that he's not Edward.

Tequila: Hey, Justin! We should lead a revolution!!!

Justin: Huh?

Tequila: And we could storm the vile bastions of the evil oppressors, and liberate the beleaguered people, and free the subjugated masses, and laugh in the face of tyranny, and, and…

Justin: Tequila? Take it easy, okay? I just meant that it seems a shame that their stories aren't told so often, that's all, okay?

Tequila: We're going to need an army… and rations… and ammo…. Ooh!! I love ammo…

Justin: -sighs- Just, enjoy the story, okay?

Disclaimer: You think we're Stephenie Meyer? -laughs so hard they fall off their chairs and hit their heads on the floor- ouch. Okay. We're not Stephenie Meyer. Duh.

Tonight was the night. I shifted in my chair as my family joked and laughed around me. It was a good front, but I could tell they were just dealing with it the best they could. There was the slight hum of tension in the air, the sounds of too-loud laughter echoing softly off the thin walls. I could see the stiffness of my brothers' muscles, the way the knuckles on their hands were white from suppressed energy. Soon they would release that energy. Soon we would run.

I excused myself from the room; I needed some time to think. I didn't feel scared- I felt eager, and nervous, and ready to fight for my family. But my older brothers were silent, there gazes locked in front of them, saying little. That frightened me. They were the ones who had the most control, who could afford to joke around and laugh the most. They were the noisiest and loudest of the bunch; always making us youngsters relax and have fun on the job. Tonight was different. They weren't laughing tonight.

I went to the bathroom, placing my shaking hands on the edges of the sink. I knew what was coming. I had seen their memories, known their thoughts, yet I had no clue what I was getting myself into. Knowledge wasn't enough, it was the experience that was key- and although I felt their thoughts as if they were my own- I had, in no way, felt what they had gone through. Only a shadow, a reflection of what happened was passed down to me. I just hoped it would be enough.

I looked up into the mirror, seeking answers. A 17 year old girl stared back at me; her storm grey eyes were determined and questioning. There was no makeup on her face, nor was there any jewelry. The girl smiled, remembering what had happened to her brother when he got his ear pierced. The smile changed her face. Her grey eyes became mischievous, playful. It looked as if a light had sparked on inside her eyes, illuminating her entire face. Her curly black hair fell in waves down to her waist. The girl looked down at her wrist, wondering whether or not to tie her hair back. Then she shrugged. It wouldn't matter. She would hardly notice it later.

I moved my glance from my wrist to my hands. They had stopped shaking. They lay light and easily on the sink. I washed my face, and made my way back to the main room, where my family stood crowded. Looking around, I realized how many of us we actually were.

Boys perched on every countertop imaginable, stuffing the room with their body heat. I couldn't call them men yet, not the way they acted. But that was perfectly fine with me, I loved my family. My pack-brothers' attitude to take nothing seriously could always cheer me up, always make me feel safe. Danger was nothing to them, just another night on the job. Nothing could bring them down. Members of the tribe who happened to be in on our secretwere there too, conversing in hushed tones with Sam and Jake. I grinned when I realized that Jared and Kim were nowhere to be found. Em looked worried, often casting looks in my direction. Sam listened to her with narrowed eyes, while Jacob stood silent and staring. My fists clenched, I knew what they were talking about. It was obvious from their body language and posture that there was only one thing they could be discussing- me.

I moved over to them before they could confront me. There was no way I was being left behind- I wasn't as bad in a fight as Leah. I could keep my head. I wasn't desperate to prove myself. I didn't have to prove myself to a family that had already accepted me.

"No. I don't care what you say, I'm going." I stated- before they even opened their mouths. "Yes, after seventeen years in this body, I do realize that I'm a girl. And I do realize that I'm not as strong as some of the guys, but it's not strength alone that will win this! I can handle this, I promise!"

Sam shook his head. "We need someone to guard the pups while we leave."

My grey eyes flashed stone-cold. The pups were our joke for our relations who weren't one of us. "I'm not being left behind." I whispered, voice turning hard edged. If Sam or Jake gave me an order, there was little I could do against it. I had to convince them to let me go. My place was with them, on the field. Not being sheltered at home waiting.

Jake narrowed his eyes, thinking. My own eyes widened. He looked like he was going to speak. Jake had only just returned from his journey three nights ago. In the time since I first joined the pack, I only knew he existed from his thoughts and thoughts of others. Our connection has no limits. Even separated, we are family.

In those three nights Jake never uttered a word. Not even to his father. He was just always there- cold, silent, staring. There was a messy look to his eyes, as if he had been broken and sloppily pieced back together. After hearing his voice for all these years, I knew his story. I learned to tune him out, to give him his privacy. It was hard on us all, hearing our brother in pain, feeling his thoughts. But like I said before, we didn't feel his torture. His agony. We only felt an echo.

Sam opened his mouth to reply, but Emily cut him off.

"There is no way you're going out there." She said calmly and patiently. "It's too dangerous."

One side of my mouth lifted up into a wolfish grin. That was the exact opening I had been waiting for. "If it's too dangerous for me, then it is by far too dangerous for Jack." Jack was still sixteen; he was just getting used to his powers, and had a hard time controlling himself. "Besides," I continued "I bet Paul will be even more trouble than I could ever be."

As I said that I prayed he couldn't hear me. Paul was known for his poor anger management, and his ability to show up in the worst of times. If he caught me now, there was no way I would be physically fit enough to go. He would rip me to shreds.

A slight twitch in the corner of my vision caught my eye. Sam had folded his arms over his chest while Jake- I could hardly believe it- gave a hard edged smile. I knew if I could win him over, I would be free to go. It was a long shot, but there was no other option. Sam took his duty seriously, possibly the only one of us who did. Emily was too concernedtoo human.She thought I was weak. Jacob was the only route to take if I wanted a chance to fight. Mentally crossing my fingers, I proceeded.

"It's not like I'm going to be like Leah." I said, turning to Sam when I was really pleading my case to Jake. "I don't need to prove myself. If I haven't already proven that I can keep up with the pack, then there's nothing more I can do to convince you."

Sam nodded, slowly. Jacob's hard-edged smile turned into a mocking grin.

"She's got a point." He said gruffly, before falling silent once more.

I beamed at him. It had worked! I turned to Sam, who gave a heavy sigh while rubbing his temples.

"Fine." He muttered, looking back at me. "You'll be partnered with Jacob."

I mentally sighed; he was still trying to protect me. But I would take it, anything would be better than not going at all. Thanking them both, I withdrew myself into the crowd. I made a beeline to the counter, where several of my brothers sat joking and fooling around.

"Well?" Josh demanded, almost glaring at me. Josh was my best friend. We hadn't known each other for long, only for about two years, but we had bonded closely. We could annoy the crap out of each other, and still come back for another round. He knew what was going on inside my head, and I knew what was going on inside his heart. We could take care of each other, like we always have. We were pack-mates. We were family. "What's the news?"

I looked at the floor in frustration, clenching my fists, and turning my head away. I concealed my smile, and hid the good news. On the counter I heard Josh twist towards me, along with our other good friends.

"YES! Kat, that's awesome!" He yelled, leaping off the countertop to give me a bear hug. Josh always knew when I was faking; it was some sort of talent of his. I laughed and returned his hug screaming with excitement as my friends launched themselves at us, making a huge dog pile. I lost my breath as the pile grew, slowly crushing me.

"Get….off…" I squeaked out, struggling. The guys on top laughed and stood up, pulling us to our feet. I was bombarded with a new round of hugs, arm punches, and hair-mussing. They thought I wouldn't be able to go, and I hadn't expected anything more. It was a relief to know that I would be fighting with my friends, and protecting my family. I would not be left behind. There were only two girls in the entire pack- me and Leah. I didn't like her much, but I trusted her. After her mistake years back she had grown to be a great fighter, and a fearsome protector.

"So who are you going to be partnered with?" William asked, his fingers constantly moving. Although his real name was William, we all called him Ace for his innate ability to win at blackjack. He also loved to gamble, and he was constantly moving. I don't believe there was a time where he ever sat still.

My eyes narrowed. This was the part I was the most nervous about. "Jacob Black," I said timidly, looking at the floor.

The people around me fell silent for a split second, before the clamor began anew.

"Dude." I raised an eyebrow at Josh- did he actually say 'dude'?

"Man… he's like a legend." I shifted my gaze to Eric. He looked awestruck.

"Like a legend?" Dave retorted "He is a legend."

I shrugged; I didn't want to talk about it. "I only got him so I'd be protected."

This made them fall silent again. I felt hostility glowing from their eyes and I wondered if I'd offended them by disrespecting Jacob.

"That's stupid…" Ace muttered, fingering the edge of his shirt. "Everyone knows you can take care of yourself."

My heart practically melted, I was so touched. I looked around at the group, everyone was nodding. I gave a huge smile and looked down, embarrassed. I didn't know my pack-mates had such confidence in me.

"Hey, at least you're going right?" Josh said, throwing his arm around my shoulders and lightening up the mood. "We'll all be there together and all that jazz!"

I laughed "Yep! The entire Awkward Squad in all it's glory!"

We had dubbed ourselves the Awkward Squad since we had all transformed within weeks of each other. The first couple of months were hell for everyone, as we slowly got used to our new abilities- and especially our new appetites. It had been hell to teach us all, from the thoughts we heard. My smile grew when I remembered all the mistakes that we made- usually all at once. The older pack-members had there hands full trying to instruct us, and to make sure we were okay. Looking back now it's hilarious. Back then it sucked. I had been the last to change. No one expected it. I was treated differently; I had to work twice as hard just to keep up. Now I can keep pace with everyone. Now I can hold my own.

The friends around me laughed, and did the sign for the Awkward Turtle. It was our sign, our symbol. It united and represented us. Before we could move on, everyone went quiet. I turned around and saw Sam with Jacob hovering behind him.

"It's time." He whispered, but it was heard by all.

We moved as one to the forest, where we began the change from human to animals. Too late did I remember to take off my shoes. Great, I thought, there goes another pair.

I looked up through the shaggy black fur that entered my eyes to my fellow pack mates. There was Josh, his grey muzzle striped with black. Ace's tail was wagging furiously as he shifted his weight from paw to paw. Eric padded up to join them, clearly visible now due to his snow white fur and electric blue eyes. We moved over to Sam, Quill, Paul, Jacob, Embry, and Leah. Instantly the voices hit.

"The newborns fight based on strength. There aren't as many this time as there were before, but be on your guard…"

A flood of memories came pouring in, making me want to dig my claws into the ground and howl with the pain. There was a girl, and her family. They lined up in front of the wolves, who all eyed them with hostility. All but one.

The battle started, with the newborns thrashing around in utter chaos. A small grey wolf ran after one, getting into their trap. The one wolf thought out a warning, but was ignored. By slamming himself into her, he was able to get her to safety. The wolf howled in pain as every single bone in the right side of his body was crushed to pieces.

Cold vampire hands examined his mangled body, the stench filling the air and making him want to suffocate. Words of assurance were whispered, but they all became a dull murmur as he sank back into darkness.

The girl was there again, the message written plane on her face. She had made her choice, she was leaving. She had come to say goodbye. At the end of her parting she opened her mouth and whispered.

"I love you."

Then there was nothing. A black hole opened up in Jacob Black's mind and swallowed all his thoughts of the girl, except for the precious few he would never let go of. The memories he cherished the most were still there, locked in a haze of pain. His mind went numb, and he fought hard not to think.

A beautiful baby girl in the arms of the leader's mate. The world fell away; life as previously known ceased to exist. She was life. She was gravity. She was what kept you here. You watched her grow; made sure she got everything she ever needed, everything she ever wanted. She was everything dear to you. She was the meaning for your existence. You needed her, and you were lucky enough that she needed you too.

That obviously had to be Quill. He spent most- if not all- of his time thinking about Claire. His and Jacob's thoughts tangled up with the other members of the pack, clashing and moving together inside my head. As I readjusted the thoughts sorted themselves out: organizing themselves to be more accessible inside my head. With the pack as full as this, it was essential to know who was speaking when, what they were talking about, if it concerned you, and if it were an order. It used to be torture, everyone looking inside your head, the voices swarming you. As you got used to it the advantages became clear. We were united in spirit, being, and mind. We became one.

"Are we going now?" I grinned when I recognized the twin voices of Paul and Ace. Both of them were fidgeting, eager to move.

Sam nodded, his eyes filled with worry. He hoped that this battle wouldn't turn out as serious as the last one. We had almost lost a pack-mate then. He couldn't risk any one of us; we all had to come back alive.

We howled into the crescent moon, and began the run. Tonight we would fight. Tonight, we would run. We would protect our families and each other, we could act as one. The feeling of pride swept through me, making me feel as if I were flying over the land. The Protectors were ready to defend the Tribe.

We made our way into No Man's Land, to the boundary line. Eric stayed at the back, keeping out of sight. Josh was his partner. I was up in front with Sam and Jacob, and Ace and Dave were somewhere behind me. "Where are they? How will we know if they will come this way?" That was Jared. He clearly hadn't been paying attention earlier today. I gave him a wolfish grin as he glared at me for thinking that.

"We received a warning." Sam replied, looking dead ahead. Jacob's mind still remained in darkness, but from the others who had done battle that day I caught flashes. A vampire, staring up at Jacob, wrinkling her nose against a stench and smiling. The same vampire dancing as she fought- twirling, evading, and killing. Another vampire followed in her wake, never leaving her side. Alice.

"Why would she warn us? She's as much of a bloodsucker as the rest of them." I couldn't tell who asked that, too many voices were clamoring for the question to be answered.

A cliff, a girl, a vampire with golden eyes. Two others were approaching. You had orders to stay, not that you wanted to leave now. You wanted to be where the fighting was, and the fight had come to you. The vampire with red hair and crimson eyes made her way to the vampire in front of the girl. He was your….ally. Your comrade. With a howl the battle started. You feinted to make the she-vampire's companion over confident, you were limping. You continued to make sure he thought he had the advantage, until you had him right where you wanted him…..

The battle was one, you searched off for the missing body parts, knowing you couldn't leave any one behind, or else the leech would leave. You returned with most of the torso, to find the vampire bringing out a lighter. He extended out a fist, and smiled. You smiled back, and butted your nose into it. You had won.

Seth Clearwater's memory was cut off as Jacob spoke, eyes tense and claws sunk into the floor.

"It was a favor from…. A friend." He struggled to clear his mind, but this time the image came through his walls, like a flood.

Alice was there again, this time alone. The wolf in front of her growled deep in his throat and barred his teeth. Likewise was Alice growling, hands positioned out like claws. They stood on opposite ends of a field, a place many miles away. The wolf refused to phase change back into a human, to let down his guard. He knew the vampire, and who she was connected too. No, he could not- would not- think about her. Why was Alice Cullen there anyway? Why wasn't she with her family? Many questions entered his mind, but he would not change back to human to ask her.

Physically relaxing herself, Alice took a step back. "Newborns, a small army. Heading to LaPush. They'll be there in a week. Someone wants you all dead." The look on her face clearly added that she couldn't blame that person in the least.

The wolf tilted his head and narrowed his eyes. The vampire understood.

"Bella asked me too." She said curtly, watching the pain in the wolf's eyes tighten. "And it wasn't that hard to track you, you have a pretty powerful stench." Then she took off.

The wolf was stuck. The wolf wanted to keep running, wanted to escape. But the wolf could not leave his pack-mates back there to fight, no matter how small the opposing force was. As soon as one of his brothers phased-changed, they would know what was coming. But no matter what the wolf wanted to do, he had a duty to his brothers. He had to return. Turning around, he ran back to the trees, and to his home.

That memory too, was cut off. The message from Embry was loud and clear in everyone's mind as he spoke.

"They're here."

A/N: It makes us happy when we review, and when we're happy we smile and make our friends lives happy, and when they're happy they do better in exams, which we have this week. So if you don't want to doom our friends to a sad life at a Community College somewhere, which will ultimately lead to lack of job satisfaction, depression, and general misery, please review. Plus, the more you guys review, the less cliffhangers and suspense you'll have to endure between chapters, since we'd be writing a whole lot faster. We even have anonymous reviews set up. So, please review. Thanks.