Chapter One

I'd never held much importance to the legends of our tribe before. I mean, come on, we were descended from wolves? How crazy did that sound. I snorted in a disbelieving way. Not because I didn't believe it now, but because the legend I had scoffed at before had become reality for me over night. I paced back and forth in the small living room of my house, remembering the night the fever had set in, the night it had all changed, the night, I had lost Bella.

We stepped out of the movie theatre, Bella towing the marshmallow, Mike Newton, to the car. I held the door open and helped to wrestle him into the back seat. I handed him the popcorn bucket I had thought to grab from the chick at the concession stand.

"Please" I begged, for the love of god; don't vomit in my car I thought.

Bella jumped in the passenger side and I slid behind the wheel. We rolled the windows down to let the icy night air blow through the car, hoping it would help Mike to keep his dinner down.

"Cold again?" I asked Bella as I put my arm around her.

I had noticed she had curled her arms around her legs in an attempt to stave off the cold air.

"You're not?" she asked surprised

I just shook my head.

"You must have a fever or something" she grumbled, as she reached over to feel my forehead.

"Whoa, Jake – You're burning up!" she said

"I feel fine" I shrugged, "fit as a fiddle."

She frowned and touched my head again, as if to check she'd felt it right the first time.

"Your hands are like ice." I grumbled, not actually minding in the least.

"Maybe it is me" she allowed

Mike groaned in the backseat, and threw up in the bucket. I quickly checked over my shoulder to make sure he hadn't defiled my car.

After dropping mike off at his place it was only a short drive back to Bella's house. She was quiet the whole way, lost deep in thought by the looks of it. I had my own thoughts to keep me occupied. Whether or not she knew it, Bella had feelings for me. She had undoubtedly been devastated by Edward's leaving, I could see it in the way she clutched at her stomach every time his name was mentioned, as if she were trying to hold herself together. But I could fix that, if she would let me. If she would just realise that I was the perfect guy for her. She was hurt, yes, but not completely broken. She shuddered and I tightened my hold on her, both comforting and calming her.

"I would invite myself in, since we're early", I said as I pulled up next to her truck. "But I think you might be right about the fever. I'm starting to feel a little… strange."

"Oh no, not you, too! Do you want me to drive you home?"

"No." I shook my head, "I don't feel sick yet. Just wrong. If I have to, I'll pull over."

"Will you call me as soon as you get in?" she asked anxiously.

"Sure, sure" I said staring ahead into the darkness; I had to let her know how I felt. But jeez, it was going to sound corny. Like straight out of a rom com corny.

She opened the door to get out, this was my last chance, and my hand shot out and grabbed her lightly on the wrist, halting her.

"What is it Jake" she asked, looking me in the eyes. I realised yet again how gorgeous her eyes were, chocolate milk in colour and as deep as the ocean. Well, there we go; I had already started with the corny talk, might as well get it over with.

"There's something I want to tell you, Bella... but I think it's going to sound kind of corny."

"Go ahead." She sighed, looking resigned

"It's just that, I know you're unhappy a lot. And, maybe it doesn't help anything, but I wanted you to know that I'm always here. I won't ever let you down – I promise that you can always count on me. Wow, that does sound corny. But you know that right? That I would never, ever hurt you?"

"Yeah, Jake. I know that. I already do count on you, probably more than you know."

A genuine smile broke out across my face at her words. I already knew this, but it was something else to hear it from her.

Suddenly I felt a sharp bolt of heat strike down my spine.

"I really think I'd better go home now" I said.

Bella jumped quickly out of the car. "Call me!" she yelled as I pulled away.

The sound of the phone shrilling broke into my recollection. Billy and I both looked at it. His eyes met mine with an "I'm sorry but it's for the best" look. It was obviously Bella. She'd been calling constantly since that night. I could feel the heat start to shimmer down my spine, the loss and anger of that night leaking out once again. I turned mid stride and headed for the door; I had to get out of the house. I burst through the door slamming it on the words "not too late Jake" coming from the kitchen table. I was too angry to reply. As soon as my feet cleared the porch I was running, heading towards the forest, running from my memories, from the pain, the anger, the regret. You can attempt to run from these things, believe me I've tried, but as I've recently discovered, you can't run from yourself.

The forest flashed by as I ran at top speed. I didn't know where I was heading, just that I had to get away. Perhaps if I didn't stop, I could just keep going forever. But that wasn't an option, not really. I had responsibilities to the tribe now, the legends I had so easily dismissed were true, all of them; including the Cullen's, the Cold Ones. I felt the familiar surge of heat and rage course through me but I pushed it down. Bella, my beautiful Bella had known this whole time what they were. I hadn't wanted to believe Sam when he had revealed that particular piece of information. How could she know what they were and still be pinning for that bloodsucker? I couldn't keep the heat at bay this time and I felt my body burst open, my muscles screaming as they expanded and reformed, phasing into the wolf. Four paws replaced my two feet and they rhythmically beat the ground as I ran, drumming out a pattern to help drown out my acid thoughts. Instantly I could feel them with me, my pack. I was never truly alone anymore; we could hear each other's thoughts, every intimate, embarrassing thought laid bare for the pack to see.

"Jacob," Sam said sharply

What now.

"We've caught a trail; it's the leech with the dreads. I need you to meet us in the clearing, now" he commanded.

My mind focused instantly. This was why we were called by the Spirits; this is why my life was torn apart at the seams. Vampires; just like the Cullen's. My rage kicked up a notch, my anger for what they had done to Bella simmering. I channeled it into the hunt, pushing myself harder.

"On it" I replied and kicked myself into gear, flying through the forest to meet up with the rest of the pack. A couple of minutes later I could hear the guys around me, converging on the clearing. That's when it hit me, a sickly sweet smell that burnt my nostrils.

"A bloodsucker" yipped Embry excitedly, "a real live bloodsucker. Well, not alive really, but you know what I mean" his thoughts were jittery with his excitement.

"Embry." barked Sam, "focus."

"Ooops, yep you got it boss" he said, his thoughts immediately aligning with the pack, thinking with us.

"Jared," Sam commanded in his double alpha timber, "take point, I want to be able to sneak up on him if possible."

We all ghosted through the forest, noses to the scent trail left behind by the leech. Before long Jared began to slow his headlong dash as he spotted his quarry. It was standing in a meadow,talking to someone. That's when I spotted her. My world stopped; it was Bella. I sunk low, ready to launch in between her and the bloodsucker.

"STOP" commanded Sam in his Alpha voice.

My legs locked down immediately, halting me effectively. "We are not on our treaty land Jacob and we don't know if it's under the Cullen's protection."

I snarled at him silently.

"What, you want to wait until it has it's fangs in her neck?"

"Just stand back and see, the moment he makes a move to harm her, we attack. Until then I'm not willing to start a war for her."

"If it's protected by the Cullen's then they've broken the treaty already, you know it's been killing around here, we need to attack while it's distracted. We are charged with protecting the people and that INCLUDES Bella!"

At that moment, the leech sunk into a crouch, obviously readying itself to attack.

"NOW," I growled at the same time as Sam, my legs instantly unlocking.

I launched myself at it knocking it backwards, away from Bella, the rest of the pack right on my heels. The bloodsucker flipped mid-air and landed on its feet, fleeing in the opposite direction, Sam and the pack right behind it. I turned to see if Bella was okay, I couldn't help myself. She looked a little different than I remembered, darker around the eyes like she hadn't slept in days. She probably hadn't. My heart lurched realising that it was undoubtedly my fault. I had broken my promise not to hurt her. I saw her flinch back as I approached her slowly, inexplicably drawn to her. I stopped in my tracks, not wanting to scare her further. I tilted my head to the side to regard her. Bella's wide eyes shot a look of, what? Recognition? No, surely not. I was obviously seeing what I wanted to. I didn't know what that look was but the fear suddenly left her eyes and she took a tentative step, her hand slowly rising towards me.

"Who are you?" she whispered

A shocked whimper escaped me.

Who, not what… Could she possibly know?

She shook her head slowly from side to side as if waking from a dream.

I knew my time was slipping away; the glimpses of her through her bedroom window as I patrolled her house at night weren't enough. I took a measured step forward, keeping my eyes on her as I did, gauging her reaction. She wasn't afraid anymore but she was wary as I slowly glided towards her. Finally I reached her outstretched hand and nuzzled my head against it, liking the feeling of her fingers running through my fur. I heard her breath hitch and stopped to look at her.

"You're him aren't you? The wolf from my dream." She asked, still sounding half dazed. "Am I still dreaming?"

I was equal parts relieved and disappointed. She thought she was asleep safe in her bed.

I wish you were honey. This is no place for a human; especially you.

I could hear that the pack had taken down the leech. Embry's thoughts were particularly triumphant.

Jeez, I am going to hear about this for a month.

"Sam, there might be more of them, can I take Bella home?" I asked, already guessing at his answer.

"Jacob, you know how I feel about this," Sam sighed, "but if you're sure you're in control, it would be better if you made sure she gets home safely."

I was shocked. I had thought it was going to be a straight out no. Sam heard what I was thinking and in response, replayed Bella's reaction to me, showing me that she wasn't scared like a sane person would be.

Typical Bella, she doesn't know when to run screaming.

Still, I couldn't help the jolt of triumph that shot through me at her look.

"Take her home Jacob, but only as a wolf," Sam was commanding again "your previous orders still stand. You are not to tell her about any of this. The rest of us will be heading back. The Elders will want to know."

"Sure, sure" I shot back at him. The more time I had with Bella the better in my books. And she really did need a protection detail. The girl was a walking danger magnet.

The entire conversation had been conveyed so quickly that Bella hadn't even had time to move her hand. She was still looking directly into my eyes. It was unnerving yet strangely intimate. I could feel the pack retreating, giving me as much privacy as they could manage.

"Good luck Jake" said Embry as he turned for home.

He knew how hard it had been for me to stay away from Bella and he was happy for me, yet I also picked up a trace of sympathy. This was Sam giving me closure. I was to take the girl of my dreams home then return to fulfill my duties to the tribe.

Well if this was all I had then I'd make the most of it.

I turned my head to look towards the forest opening, the direction Bella had come from. She looked too.

"So my wolf guide, is it time to go home?" she asked

It was amazing how much this felt like the good old days in the garage, comfortable and easy. How did she do that? I was standing in front of her as a giant wolf for Christ sake and she was acting like it was an everyday occurrence. I let out a wolfy chuckle.

That's my girl, she's good with weird.

Bella laughed softly.

"What's so funny?" she asked giving me another scratch between my ears.

I felt so comfortable, that for split second, I forgot what I was and nudged her playfully like I used to. The look on her face stopped me in my tracks.

Crap, had I scared her?

Her face broke into the first genuine smile I'd seen in a month and she pushed me back. I darted backwards, tail in the air, head and paws close to the ground, ready to play. She let out a peal of laughter at my enthusiasm.

"Oh, I see how it is" she laughed, feinting from side to side, trying to get past me.

I scampered around her in pure pleasure, happy to see her so light and free of the darkness that had recently surrounded her. Her eyes were alight with enjoyment at our silly game as she watched me race around her. I came to a sudden stop directly in front of her and with mischievous delight, licked her face.

"Oh god that's disgusting" she laughed and playfully swatted me away as she dragged the sleeve of her sweater across the path my tongue had taken.

She took a deep breath.

"Well, I suppose if I'm going to make it home before dark I had better get moving" she sighed regretfully. "I know this is a silly question, but, will I see you again? If I'm not in fact still dreaming that is."

Pain lanced through me at her question.

Would she see me again?

I chose to ignore it; there was no sense in bringing her more pain now, when she was so cheerful. Instead I purposefully strode up and knelt down beside her. She looked at me inquisitively, obviously wondering what I wanted. I gave my head a little flick towards my back to let her know I wanted her to climb on.

"Oh no, no, no," she said backing away, her hands held out in front of her in protest. "Uh uh there is no way in hell I'm doing that"

I thought she had finally come to her senses and was afraid until she said, "what if I hurt you?"

I couldn't help myself; I let out a huge bark of a laugh, shaking all over. Not from anger this time, but from surprise. When would I learn that this girl never said or did anything I expected? I shook my head in mock disgust and flicked my head again.

Come on Bells you know you want to, or it's going to take all afternoon to get home.

She seemed to understand me for she looked up at the sky, gauging the sun's distance from the horizon then back to me.

"Fine" she groaned "but I warned you."

She sidled up to me looking dubious, then gently placed her hands on my back and swung herself up. Once I was sure she was comfortably seated I stood up, letting her find her balance.

I started with a slow walk, letting her get accustomed to the way I moved. As I walked she talked to me, telling me inconsequential things about her life that I already knew. It was comforting to hear her talking though, so I made small huffing noises of agreement from time to time to let her know I was listening. She chatted about her dad Charlie and how if it wasn't for her, she was sure he would be living off pop tarts and blueberry pie from the diner. She started talking about her old truck but stopped, her breath catching in her throat. I looked back at her, wondering what had happened.

"My…my favorite mechanic looks after it for me" she whispered.

I was so wrapped up in being with her I had completely forgotten I wasn't Jacob; I was just a wolf, a creature from her dreams. I let out a low whimper at the pain in her voice. Great job Jake. I nudged her foot with my head and she absentmindedly caressed my fur. God that feels good.

After a beat she continued. "He's my best friend," she explained, "was my best friend at least, I don't know now." I could feel little tremors shaking her body as she tried and failed to keep herself in check.

"We had a falling out I think, but I don't know what over." She stopped and took a small breath "No, that's a lie. I think it was because on the last night I saw him he told me he had feelings for me. He doesn't understand. I'm like a savaged, war torn state. I'm nothing and he... He's everything. He's like the sun. Good and beautiful and warm. How could I possibly let him waste himself on someone like me?"

I growled.

How could she think like that? She was not nothing, she was perfection in my eyes; intelligent, thoughtful and beautiful. Her brown eyes haunted me at night, hinting at the depths that lay hidden behind them. And anyway wasn't it my decision who I wanted to give myself to?

"Why in the world am I telling you this?" she laughed, a little sob catching in her throat. "God I am ridiculous. I find my dream guide and what do I do? Prattle on about my guy problems" the laugh she gave had no trace of humour in it.

We were nearly back to her house by this time and I didn't like the way her thoughts were heading so I picked up the pace. It had the desired effect as she whooped in surprise and leaned down to hold on tighter, effectively ceasing that line of talk.

I slowed down towards the tree line near her house, careful in case Charlie was home. Turns out Chief Swan was working overtime as the place was silent.

"Oh no, I forgot about my truck" she exclaimed, "I'll have to go back and get it."

I was way ahead of her, I had already conned Embry into retrieving it for me while we walked. She swung her leg over my back and slid to the ground, somehow managing to stay on her feet. I flicked my head towards the front of the house and watched her expression turn to one of amazement as she realised her truck was sitting in the driveway. I gave her a smug look as she turned to me in astonishment.

"Was that... I mean how did." she spluttered. "Well I suppose that settles it then, I'm dreaming" the look on her face was priceless.

I laughed again; amused by her insistence that I was some sort of dream guide. If only this was all a figment of her imagination. We could be hanging out in the garage right now, sipping cold sodas and talking about what thrill seeking things we could get up to next. I sighed; I wished that was the case. But the reality of it was I was some sort of animal protector to the tribe and she was my heart broken friend struggling to understand my abandonment of her. My anger at the bloodsucking Cullen's swelled up in me again, for everything they had done to her, everything they had done to me. I had to really fight to push it down like Sam had taught me. My head snapped up when Bella laid her hand on my shoulder.

"Well, I'm not sure how this has all come about but thank you" she said, looking me in the eye again.

It was like she was trying to see inside of me, to see what lurked behind the face. It was unnerving. Then it hit me like a bolt of lightning. I couldn't tell her about me but I could show her. Sam had only said to take her home as a wolf. He hadn't say anything about what happened once she got there. I could tell they had all phased back to meet with the Elders so my brilliant idea was safe for the moment. But should I do it? Yes, Bella had been strangely calm about this whole thing so far, but would that include seeing an animal turn into her best friend?

I whipped my tail back and forth in indecision. If I didn't do it now I would lose my chance. If any of the guys phased they would hear what I was thinking, Sam would find out and he would fix the loophole I'd found in his command.

Bella seemed to sense my agitation and she stroked my fur soothingly.

"What is it? You don't have to go do you?" she sounded lost and forlorn at the idea.

That made up my mind. One way or the other I was going to put this to bed. She would either take me as I was wolf and all, or she would freak out and never want to see me again. Whichever, it solved her problem. I just hoped it solved mine too.