I don't own anything that sounds familiar. All of that belongs to the lovely Stephenie Meyer. This chapter is for jbthatsme33, my first reviewer.

Jacob's POV

It had been almost two years since Bella had 'died.' I had been the only one to take the news of her 'death' hard. But that didn't mean the pack wasn't suffering. All were, because they felt my pain like their own. I felt guilty when I saw them wince at my thoughts and memories. But there was nothing I could do about that. Embry said all I needed was a distraction, and I had been trying to do just that. I'd been putting all my time into schoolwork, and my car. But I knew that wasn't what they were hoping for.

They were hoping I would imprint.

And I thought they were all crazy.

No matter how much I told them it wasn't going to happen, they didn't believe me and hoped for the day to come, and soon.

The phone rang, bringing me out of my thoughts.

"Hello?" I answered on the first ring.

"Jake, you're awake!" Embry said.

I looked at the clock. "Its 3:oo in the afternoon."

"I called earlier and your dad said you were asleep." He said, sounding confused.

Oh. I'd told my dad to hold any calls, because I was too 'tired.' But he understood that I needed some time to myself.

"Oh, right. What do you want?" I said quickly.

"Sam wanted me to call you to remind you about your boundaries tonight."

"Why, am I switching with anyone?"

"No, but-"

"Then I know, Embry. No need to call."

"I-" he sighed on the other end. "Well just don't forget about Emily's on Friday."

"Right." And I hung up the phone. I knew about Emily's. But that didn't mean I would go. I hadn't gone to one of these 'gatherings' in months. I hadn't been up to seeing the looks of pity on everyone's faces. I was just getting over Bella and I didn't need one of their 'looks' to remind me about what I went through, again.



I sighed and walked out to my garage. I smiled when I saw my Rabbit parked inside. Right now, she was my life.

!!

Lex's POV

I woke up, my body numb. I looked around me, trying to figure out where I was, when it all came crashing down on me again. A sob escaped me as I remembered the horror that was last night. 700 dollars. That's how much my life is worth.

I looked around again, this time to distract myself. I was in a hotel room, which explained the fine order of things. Jason didn't catch me as a guy who shopped at Crate & Barrel.

Jason.

I froze. He must be in here somewhere; he wouldn't just leave me alone to where I could escape. At the foot of my bed was a note, on top of a pile of clothing.

Gone to get some breakfast. Take a shower and put this on, we have a flight to catch at 2:oo. Meet me in the café when you're done. Concealer is on the counter. And don't even think about trying anything, Lex.

Love,

Jason.

I read and reread the note, confused. Concealer is on the counter. Oh, well. I looked at the clock. 7:53. I sighed and took the pile of clothes to the bathroom with me, knowing I had no choice.

I showered quickly, and dressed hurriedly. I was on my way out of the bathroom when I froze at my reflection.

A black bruise was forming on my forehead. I mentally cursed Jason, and then remembered the strange sentence in the note. Concealer is on the counter. Jason must have seen my forehead before he left. I dabbed some on, until it looked good enough that you would have to look closely to notice it. Satisfied, I slid the sandals that were by the door on, then left the hotel room.

I took the stairs, buying myself time before I would have to look into my captor's face again. I didn't even consider the option of my escape, knowing he would eventually find me. One more year, I told myself. I couldn't wait for my eighteenth birthday.

I sighed as I reached the last step, and pushed the door open to the lobby. And there he was, the picture of perfection. He was wearing plaid shorts and a surf shop shirt, looking like any California tourist would. As I walked toward his table he stood, and pulled out a chair for me, the one right next to his. I chose a different chair, not wanting to sit that close to him.

"Still stubborn, aren't we?" he said, and bent down to brush his lips across mine. I stiffened as he did, and he chuckled. "Well, at least you didn't pull away." He said as he sat down.



"Remind me, next time, and I will." I said icily.

"Good morning to you too, babe."

I turned my face away from him, and pretended to be really interested in the different café shops.

"I already ordered for you, since you weren't awake. I put it in the car, you can eat on the way."

I nodded curtly.

He sighed and stood, and I did the same.

He grabbed my hand, and when I tried to pull away, he squeezed harder. So I give up, and my hand hung loosely in his. But right when we were in sight of the Wrangler, I pulled away, hard. He got into the car, and when he saw I had gotten into the back seat, he got angry.

"What are you doing, Lex?"

"Sitting." I replied innocently.

"Front seat. Now." He commanded.

I sighed. This was going to be a long day.