Chapter Twenty | Among The Pack

"This day's black fate on more days doth depend: This but begins the woe others must end."- William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet, 3.1

The next day came frighteningly fast. At 7:00 I woke up and threw the blankets off. Cold air hit my body and yet I wasn't chilled in the least. I stood up, wobbling at bit, and stumbled to my dresser to throw on a few clothes. I wasn't sure it they matched or not, and I didn't care. They were cheap pieces of clothing because I had a feeling we'd be transforming today.

I glanced longingly at the bathroom door, so willing to take a shower and yet so knowledgeable that it was impossible. No such luxuries could be used until afternoon, when Sam would no doubt allow us leave for the day. He was acting more and more like a military officer, and that thought made me laugh.

I quickly tore my eyes from the bathroom door and nodded to myself, bounding down the stairs and literally falling into one of the four kitchen seats. My mother cast me a look as she halted in her pancake-making and I laughed before getting up and swiftly kissing her cheek.

"Morning, mom."

She smiled at me, "Good morning, Evony. Sam is already outside. There's something important he has to tell all of you."

I raised an eyebrow and nodded, ducking back into the seat just as she slid a few tall pancakes before me. I grinned at her and dug in, wolfing them down in ways that made me remember who I was.

Bella's POV

"Do you...think she's alright?" I asked, and my voice sounded soft and forgiving. I was worried about Evony more than I could say. But I needn't bother: Edward knew me better than anyone and he understood how I felt. He had told me often how much he enjoyed Eve's company as well.

It was lunch time at Forks High and surprisingly, all was quiet. It was unsettling without Evony here: we had all come to accept her into our group.

"She's fine," Edward murmured to me, knowing full well that Jasper could hear our words. I felt bad for said emotional vamp – it was fairly obvious how much he adored Evony.

We had been told by a few teachers that Evony had returned to the Quileute school for the year. She had been gone for weeks and my worry for her was nearly clawing through my skin. Jasper glanced at me, smiling softly as he sent a few calming waves in my direction. I was very thankful for him, at least, and smiled back as gently as I could.

I think it came out as more of a grimace.

"Stop worrying," Edward softly said, inching my food tray closer as he silently urged me to eat, "I'm sure she's fine. Probably just taking a break. There's a lot going on over there, you know."

His words were true: what with Victoria around it was highly dangerous for me and one of the Cullen's would always be found by my side. A sinking feeling took a hold of me as I realized that Evony was probably facing quite a lot of danger herself.

There was a soft clearing of one's throat and I snapped my head up to stare at Jasper. He now seemed to be trying vainly to hid his own worry, but in a determined voice, he claimed, "She can take care of herself."

I had a feeling that he wasn't just trying to convince me.

Evony's POV

"There's something extremely wrong going on here," my brother's calm voice offered, and I sat straighter on the couch as I listened. Billy had allowed us to use his living room as a meeting place and every wolf in the pack was now gathered about it.

"The Cullen's," he outwardly flinched, "are now facing an army of Newborns who are, coincidentally, after Bella."

My eyes widened: Bella was their prey? Sam cast a look at me as if he knew what I was thinking, and I slunk back into the safety of the couch as I continued listening.

"They're having a graduation party soon," he murmured, and his eyes slid over a few of the members before resuming, "I'm going to send a few of you to it. Bella invited Jacob already."

I stiffened and clenched my fists, casting my eyes to the ground in defeat. Did she already forget about me...?

There was a soft, humorless chuckle before Sam said, "Evony, you were invited as well. By the entire family," I looked up, surprised.

"But I'm not allowing you to go," he quickly amended, watching my face fall obviously. I sighed and nodded, resting my hand on my chin. I knew it was for my own protection, and I knew I'd get my chance to see everyone again. It just...wasn't now.

Jacob stepped forward and Sam began telling him exactly what he wanted. Information always comes at a price, I thought, and stared out the window. I just hoped nothing bad came out of this. The Cullen's weren't adapted to all the wolves, after all, and would they think of my absence as a betrayed of sorts? I dearly wished not.

*Page Break*

The weeks passed quickly by, and every moment I was itching to go back: to see whether Bella was alright firsthand. Jacob was seeing her almost every day and every time we were in our wolf forms I had free access to his memories: something I both loved and hated. They had spoken of me quite a lot. Bella was wondering where I was and when she would see me again. She'd claimed that the Cullen's acted quite differently without me with them, and I wondered if that was a good thing. I tried not to think about Jasper. Every time I did – which was most of the time when I couldn't help it – it hurt. My heart was normally hurting these days, but whether it was because I couldn't see Jasper or the vigorous actions the pack was going through, it was hard to tell. Maybe both.

Sam would run up the border every night with Jacob, following the redhead leech's scent. It was quite faded, and we hadn't gotten a lot of sightings lately. Still, every night was the same. Most of the wolves were in their animal forms, save a few younger ones, and we spent our extended hours searching for clues. It was easy to muse over such things, because we had so much assistance from the others who could hear our thoughts. A good side, most certainly.

Leah was just starting to forgive me, yet there was still a significant line she always drew when close by. I did not have her full grace yet, and I knew it would take a while before I did. Leah did not trust easily.

"Find anything?" I asked as Sam and Jake emerged from the trees. I was quite comfortable on the stairs of my porch. I was dressed in crappy, faded black pants and a simple white tee. I threw my wavy hair over my shoulder as I studied them. They definitely looked slightly beat up. They were in their human forms, which meant that they probably transformed only seconds before. Wearing only jeans, their bare chests stood out memorably to my eyes, but it didn't change any form of emotion inside me. I had seen more of them than I wished to, for sure.

Sam's face remained stoic as he surveyed me, "...Gather the others. I have a few things to say."

His bland words had me overly curious. I stood up and strode over to my bike, "Will do. I'll send them here."

And in a burst of noise, the engine ignited and I disappeared out of their sight.

It didn't take long before I had targeted all the wolves and brought them back. Once we were all situated on the porch of my home, it was Sam's turn to take over. His voice was very gentle when he spoke, like a soft breeze. I instantly thought of the Cullen's, and then scorned myself as I strained to listen.

"There's been some interesting sightings," Sam claimed, measuring us all with his eyes. Finally, he looked at me, and I held in a shiver as he scrutinized me.

"Jacob and I were just up near the Western border. It seems the leech was back. But...I'm not exactly sure why," he murmured, crossing his arms, "We followed the trail all the way to the water, where we had to stop. The leech has been on the Cullen's land."

This was grave news indeed. I stiffened and narrowed my eyes. Surely the Cullen's weren't in league with this rouge leech? They were protecting Bella, for God's sake! Sam and Jacob seemed to be thinking the exact same thing and when he looked at me, Jacob's eyes turned darker.

"Eve," he called, staring at me, "You'll be coming with us to the graduation party."

Instantly a smile formed on my lips, but it was gone as quick as it came and I settled with a confused expression, "Why?"

Sam sighed, "They trust you."

Those words were all it took. I understood fully. We were now suspicious of them, or at least my pack brothers were, and so we couldn't just send an insignificant number of wolves to the party without knowing their true intent. For all Sam knew, the Cullen's could attack us when we tried to go over the border.

I nodded, watching my brother's sober face with hidden anxiety. The Cullen's couldn't be like that...could they? Suddenly I wasn't so sure.

*Page Break*

I felt very animal-like, more so than I'd ever felt before. My hair was hanging loosely around my shoulders, and the waves were knotted and bound together in an obvious reminder that I hadn't combed it in days. I hadn't the time: after each shower I took I had only minutes to throw on some clothes and meet the others in Billy Black's house. We were certainly up to lots these days, and I felt more exhausted than ever.

My outfit was rather plain, but it suited me just fine and brought out my natural beauty better than anything else. This was a party, and I knew everyone else would be all dressed up. But I couldn't bring myself to change into anything else. As soon as I had gotten home I had to leave again to patrol the borders with the others. There really was no point.

Jacob was walking in front of me, always on guard as we approached the Cullen house. Embry on my right, Quil on my left, I was sandwiched between the three boys and I didn't like it at all. I crossed my arms and frowned, forehead creasing in worry.

My simple skirt swished about my knees, blue in color, and perfectly matched the white top I had on. It was conservative, and I didn't really like it, but it was the only thing I could find that remotely looked changeable. Definitely something I wouldn't mourn over when it got destroyed.

We arrived at the house to see that the party had already begun. I could see inside the clear windows and my eyes slowly gazed over the couples that littered the dance floor. My heart lurched at the memory of when Jasper had allowed me to indulge in his inhuman grace when we danced. I realized that this was the first time in over a month we'd see each other, and nervousness overcame me.

There was a hand on my shoulder and I glanced up to see Embry smiling down at me. I grinned cheekily to him, but it felt empty and useless. This had to be done, and I wanted to be a part of it for sure.

What I didn't recognize, however, was the reaction people got when they saw us enter. Those around us began whispering, no doubt remembering me from Forks High. God, I was scared.

And then, a new voice suddenly called out my name, and I was thrust into the crowd as someone grabbed my hand. Hope flared through me, but it died immediately when I saw that it was not, in fact, Jasper. Or any of the Cullen's, in fact.

Mike Newton's face gazed down at me, grinning from ear to ear as he laughed, "Evony! I thought you went back to the reserve! I haven't seen you in so long- want to dance?"

My eyes were huge and anger suddenly burst through me. How dare he-!

Two hands landed on my waist and pulled me back. I collided with Jacob's chest and my eyes widened even more.

"We're not here for fun," Jake said. His voice was dark and annoyed, matching my demure completely as he continued, "Where are the Cullen's?"

I could tell that it took a lot out of him, saying their name so freely. I wiggled out of his grasp, but kept a hand on his arm, partly to calm my own nervousness and to keep his temper under control. It would be bad if we transformed in the middle of their little party...

"Jacob? Evony!" a new voice called, and I turned my head to see Bella hurrying over to where we stood, uncomfortable in the doorway. She threw her arms around me and laughed loudly, "Oh! I was so worried about you!"

Mike melded in the background, and I was sure he was feeling even more uncomfortable now that the other's were making their way over to me. I scoffed, but hugged her back anyway, "Don't worry about me. I'm fine."

She grinned and pulled back just as Edward came into view. Alice was closely following him, a bright expression adorning her features.

Jacob now grabbed my arm, switching positions as I was assaulted by hugs from the two vampires. I smiled and felt relief coat my face. I had missed them all so much.

I didn't ask for Jasper, but I had a feeling he knew we were here. Edward smiled cordially and turned to the others in my group, "I only recall Bella inviting Jacob and Evony? Who are these?"

Jacob stiffened and I cast a wary glance at him.

"You don't expect us to come alone, do you?" Jake retaliated, and Edward mused over his words before slowly nodding and turning back to me.

"Shall I get Jasper?" he asked, smile now lacing it's way through his voice.

I looked at him, surprised by his straightforwardness, but couldn't say anything more before someone else came into view.

"I thought I heard our little pup!" Emmett's booming voice caught the attention of many people, but they all soon got back to their recreations as I was pulled into the leech's chest and squeezed.

My breath was coming out in short gasps by the time he had released me, and I glared at him, "Stop trying to kill me. Bloodsucker."

He merely grinned, pleased at my reaction. I'm not sure how I was able to see, what with Emmett standing before me, but there was absolutely no mistaking those honey locks as they graced into our meeting.

"Evony," his smile was tight, as was his overall demure. I smiled carefully up at him and images of the Spring Dance revolved around my head.

"Hi, Jazz," I murmured, blush overcoming my cheeks as I looked away from him. Oh God...this was far too embarrassing.

Jacob pulled me back before I could step up to Jasper, and I understood that he didn't want me to go anywhere near him. I looked back at the Beta wolf and frowned, but succumbed, allowing his hold on my arm to tighten. I didn't see Jasper's eyes tighten in much the same way. I was now listening to Jacob speak.

"The leech has been on your land. Did you know?" he asked, voice stiff and ill at ease.

Edward's eyes narrowed slightly, "Not at the time, no. We only realized until after it was too late. We have a lot to talk about."

Embry made a noise and I threw him a look. Stupid brother, sending all three of them when Jacob could have come alone. They wouldn't have hurt him, I thought. I hoped.

"Shall we resume this conversation somewhere more private...?" a new voice spoke up, and I was surprised to see Carlisle strolling up to us. I received a quick smile from him before his beautiful face melted back into serious compromise.

Jacob growled, "That won't be necessary. We won't be here long."

His grip tightened again on my arm, but I made no move to express that pain that now plagued me. Damn it: if he kept this up I'd have a broken bone to deal with! My face remained neutral, though I doubted it did any good. Edward was now staring at the pressure.

Bella cleared her throat and moved her gaze to her wolf friend, unsure smile glowing her face, "Umm...Jacob...?"

He looked at her, and I studied the look in his eyes. Stupid idiot: he was completely into her. I narrowed my eyes at the irony. Jake could be with the vampire girl, and I couldn't be with the actual vampire. Stupid mythical creatures.

In an instant he vanquished me from his death grip and walked over to her, casting a wary look at the vampires before pulling her away. I was feeling very, very remorseful now. And jealous. My eyes followed them for a moment before I looked away. Embry had now stepped forward, Quil behind, to guard me. Or so it seemed. I rolled my eyes and grabbed my pack brother's arm, twisting underneath it and looking at the Cullen's.

"Sorry," I told them, and it covered everything. I was sorry I had left for so long without any proper goodbye. I was sorry that Sam had sent me here with such ill company. I was sorry for so many things.

Edward smiled softly at me and nodded, letting me know that all was forgiven.

"Thing is," I began, lazily twisting a strand of my messy hair between my fingers, "the pack has reason to believe that you're working with the red haired leech."

The Cullen's stiffened quite immediately at the claim, and my eyes connected with Jasper's momentarily before I pulled them away. The feelings that coursed through me was all he needed to understand. I was nervous, and I was embarrassed. But not regretful: never. Yet another image of that kiss dwindled in my mind, and I wondered vaguely whether Jasper thought about it as often as I did. Too bad Edward and I weren't alone: I could certainly ask him a few questions.

Said leech raised his eyebrow at me and I threw him a scowl, trying vainly to dispel the blush from my face.

"...They want confirmation," I finished lamely, and Embry sneered. I realized I hadn't included myself in the sentence. My worry won out, and I looked up at him with nervous eyes. I clamped my hand on his arm as a shiver wracked through his body. My act did good: he calmed down at the touch. I kept my hand there.

"If we wanted Bella dead, she'd already be dead," Emmett claimed, glaring hatefully at Embry. He didn't seem to be blaming me at all. I sighed in relief.

Carlisle spoke up then, eyes locked onto mine before moving to my pack brothers, "Victoria is building an army. A Newborn army. Her plan is to kill Bella. It is an act of revenge."

I had already heard this story, and because of that, the others had to. Not one thought could escape the mental connection we had during transformation. The two boys behind me nodded knowingly and Quil spoke up.

"If this is that case, you'll need backup," he said, not too willingly.

The thought of working together disgusted them. It did the exact opposite to me: hope and exhilaration tore through my body. This meeting was turning out better than I had hoped for.

Jasper was staring at me, and I couldn't keep my eyes from him any longer. I smiled and gazed up at him, immediately reveling in the emotions that ran through my body at the mere sight of his eyes. His orbs were a dashing shade of bright gold tonight: confirmation that he had fed prior to the party. I hadn't realized how much I had missed his beauty until now, when I had freedom to stare. How could I have been able to stay away from him? I itched with impatience, so dearly wanting to stand by his side.

Edward suddenly cleared his throat, and I snapped out of my stupor to look at him with startled eyes. But it soon faded to a cheeky grin as I realized he had read my thoughts. Jasper looked away, a smile adorning his face, and I marveled at the way his golden hair fell into his eyes. Oh God...

Edward was laughing now: a low chuckle that forced me back to the present. I sighed and crossed my arms, "Uh...where were we...?"

Embry glowered at me, not pleased at the look that previously caught my face. I ignored him and nodded, "Right. Killing leeches," the thought made me smirk, "I've always wanted to do that."

I knew it was probably disrespectful to say that right in front of Carlisle, but the older vamp seemed not to mind and only gave me a soft smile before responding, "Your assistance would certainly be helpful. Is there any way I can speak to the leader...?"

Jacob and Bella were now coming back. I glanced at them with a soft smile and Jacob gave me a dark look. My eyes hardened at his expression and he took Embry's place by my side.

"The leader," he started, voice brittle with obvious emotion, "Will not be able to see you."

"Not yet," I cut in, pushing Jacob back. He seemed very annoyed at my actions, but I continued to ignore him as I said, "My brother is too busy to make a separate visit right now."

Alice stared at me, as did Bella, and I gave them a sad smile, "He's trying to find clues. He wants to bring down the-"

A hand found my mouth, pressing tightly against me to ensure that no more words to get out. My eyes widened and I struggled against Jake, glaring.

"Just. Don't. Talk," he told me, furious shivers running over him. I immediately stayed very still, understanding the danger of the situation. If he didn't calm down...

Jasper seemed even more furious though: his eyes were dark now as his anger washed through them. All the beautiful gold was gone.

"Let go of her," he ordered, stepping forward in fury.

Jacob sneered, "I'll do whatever I like, leech. I have more authority over her then any of you."

His words were true, at least. Since he was the true Alpha, I felt inclined to do whatever he said, though I wasn't forced to. I rolled my eyes, well aware that Jacob's hand took up most of my face, and made a noise of complaint, "I can't breathe."

...But I was pretty sure my words came out more like, "Mm Hmmhm Hmmthm."

Emmett snickered and I glared at him as Jake finally released me of his hold. Stupid dog. I turned my glare to him, finger pointing directly at his chest as I leaned forward, "You can't make me do anything."

I was highly annoyed now. Irritation rolled off me in currents and I felt a nerve-wracking tremor burn inside me. The others saw as well, it seemed, because immediately Quil was holding my arm tightly in his and Jacob was saying, "This is a good time to leave. When will we meet?"

Jasper spoke up, eyes never leaving mine as I stared at him, "What time is good for you?"

Jake rolled his eyes, "What time?"

"...Wednesday. Midnight," Jasper said, and told him where to go.

Jacob nodded and turned casting one look at Bella before bolting out in a fast walk. Embry was next to go. I stared at Jasper a moment longer, though, trying to burn his image into my memory. He looked mournful at my parting. I gave him a soft, tiny smile as Quil dragged me from the house, following Jacob as he walked down the driveway.

And that was when his visage disappeared and I transformed into the monster I was, making a quick return journey. How I wished I could spend more time with him. Perhaps fate would smile more kindly on me in the future.

Hmm...I don't really like this chapter. I hate how I make the wolves out to be evil! Whaa D= I adore Sam and the others...not so much Jacob. I know, ridiculous, right? But if I had to pick between Edward and Jacob it would be Edward. (Of course, Jasper would make it before anyone else =D)

10:30, Lifetime, tonight! New episode of On The Road with Austin Scarlett and Santino Rice is on later and I'm pumped haha. They're both my new idols XD

So anyway please Review and Message and all that because I'd love to hear from ya'll! Thanks to Yaoi-Beloved, Deception is Decepticon, and Broken-Becca for reviewing =]

Oh...and did anyone see Vampires Suck? Because I haven't (and though it looks funny I'm not willing to pay 10 bucks to see it...) Tell me how it is!