A/N: Jacob's tattoo was in the movies and the description of it is taken from the 'Twilight saga wiki". I have nothing to do with it that's why I have the * symbol.

Also, I forgot to say to the previous chapter that from now on the italic letters will be for telepathy, or pack mind and the mind link in general.

Thank you all for reading and commenting. You keep me wanting to write more. The next chapter will be complicated (at least it is in my mind) and I will need some time. Unless I put my insomnia in good use and write it then... we will see. So, let me know what you think of this one. Take care of yourselves and the people you love.

Chapter 3

I slept like a baby. No tossing or turning for the first time in months. When I woke up and glanced at the alarm clock in my bedside table it was nearly two in the afternoon. Good eight hours of solid sleep. I couldn't have asked for more. I went to the bathroom to prepare for the day ahead of me. When I emerged, my hair was wet from the shower and I smelled of my favorite vanilla lotion. I reminded me of Alice now. I smiled and got dressed. My favorite army cargo pants, a black tank top with a black shirt on top and then I was downstairs preparing something to eat. I was starving. I made a sandwich and then another one. I drunk a carton of juice and two cups of coffee. I needed more. I opened a cupboard and found some oreo cookies that were accompanied with some milk all the way to my stomach. I finally felt good to go. Not full but good. I put my Vomero on, I grabbed the keys to my car and some Rolo caramels and I was out of the house. I was ready to put one in my mouth when I heard a giggle in my head.

"Didn't you have enough?" Alice asked me playfully.

"Not even close. But it will do for now. Remind me to go grocery shopping later. How was your morning?" I asked curious about what she did while I wasn't there.

"Quiet. I just was waiting for you to wake up. I draw a little but that's it. Are you coming right away?"

"Nope. I have to see a friend first. But after that, I'm all yours." I said mischievously, playing with the boundaries of flirting. I didn't know her very well, and although my Wolf had made the connection I was human and skeptical at being in love at first sight... Yet I wanted to explore where we headed.

"I would love that. Harry then." Her voice was so sultry that I almost swoon! I shook my head in an attempt to clear it but it was little to no help. So, I drove in a daze to Sam's garage. As I was suspected it was closed and he justified it with a "For family reasons" sign. I bet it's family...

I drove down to La Push. I haven't gone there for sometime now and it was nice to have my own transportation. I found it easy to drive fast, keep my attention to the road and admire the nature around at the same time. But as I was approaching the reservation, a smell of wet dog hit my nose so hard that made my Wolf want to tear my body apart and come out to claim what was rightfully hers. I felt my canines enlarging and my eyes turning blue since my vision got a hundred percent better than a second before. I needed to get a grip of my Alpha Wolf or we would have serious problems. I knew that all this stench wasn't coming for only one wolf. That meant that a lot of people had shifted. I wandered if Jake was one of them. He must have been. He was my age and there were seven vampires in less than a few miles away. I was torn. I didn't know if I should go back or stay and look for my friends. My Wolf sure didn't want to go. She was rooting for a fight. I decided to go along. If I saw any signs of trouble I would leave. I was confident that I could do it. Later I would find out how heedless and reckless I was, two things that I had inherited from my grandpa as dad would point out soon.

I went to Jake's house first to find only Billy. He wasn't in a good mood though and I found it a little odd. I had the impression that I wasn't welcome there anymore. My Wolf didn't like it very much to be disrespected that way and at one point I thought she was out and would attack the poor man in the wheelchair. After that I quickly made some excuse and left. I searched the places we would frequent when we were at the Reservation but no Jake. I decided to leave when I heard some happy screams and laughs coming from the rocks a good distance out of the reservation. I'm sure I had found them. They were cliff diving but not from our usual spot. They were at least twenty feet above. One of them jumped. Pff... showoffs! I approached them cautiously. I didn't see Jake among them so he must have been the one who jumped. The stench now was full force and I was concerned. Yet, I greeted them as warmly as I could.

"Hey guys. How have you been?" I said and I received some groans and moans as an answer. "That good huh?" I giggled and Sam glared. I saw him sniffing the air as if searching for something. Time for me to leave because the Wolf in me wanted to attack him. "Anyway, I won't bother you. I just came by to give you this Sam." I pulled a roll of dollar bills out of my pocket and threw it at him smiling tightly. "Your share of the profit. Eight grand." He just nodded and I looked at the others around him. Paul was scowling as was Jared and Embry and Quil were just serious in contrast to their usual bubbly selves. Seth smiled at me his usual boyish smile and Leah was looking at me as if she didn't trust me anymore. I grew up with these guys and now everything had changed. They didn't know I knew what they were and they certainly didn't know what I was. Would things ever go back to normal? I waved at them all and turned to leave when I saw Jake approaching. I stiffened instantly and in a second I felt the Wolf taking control over my body. My eyes burned and I felt my canine teeth growing. I started running without saying anything to him but my scent must have been caught by the others because I've heard growls and Sam shouting.

"It's her! It's the wolf that attacked the vampires! Jake, don't let her get away!" And I heard the bones changing and I knew they had shifted. Jake was looking at me frowning. I had changed too. Longer ears, canines, chin and claws. My humane wolf form. I growled at them and I felt the power run through my veins. Ancient and unstoppable. I could hear their thoughts. They wanted to attack me. Jake shifted then and in front of me was a russet wolf. He made no move to attack me though.

"Attack!" I heard a voice, Sam's, as he was the Alpha. They instantly moved as one against me.

"Stay!" I commanded and the voice was not mine. It was several octaves lower and everyone around me froze. "I'll let it slide for this one time because of ignorance." I continued as if I had an idea of what I was talking. I had none. My wolf had completely took over. I could feel her, powerful and truly majestic. I looked around at the wolves. They were stunned. I could sense them. They wanted to move but my Ultimate Alpha status wouldn't let them. The power to control any wolf was extended to the shifters too, apparently. I turned to Sam and looked at him. His fur black, the only one around with that color. "You are not an Alpha. You come from an Alpha bloodline but there is one wolf that is a direct descendant of the oldest Alpha." I turned to Jacob's russet form. He was as big as Sam. "A pack will never work right without the rightful Alpha in charge." I said gravely and touched his head. A surge of energy left my hand and passed to Jake. I saw him leaning back his head and howling. A strong howl, an Alpha howl. Satisfied I let my hand fall at my side. "I'm not an enemy and neither are the Cullen's. Anyone who harms them they will deal with me." I said darkly. I released the hold I had on them and went to leave when one wolf, the larger of the two grays, attacked me. I half turned my body and raised my hand to his throat in a powerful grip. I slammed him with great force to the ground and I leaned over him. My grip never leaving his throat.

"Do you have a death wish pup or are you plain stupid?" I asked locking my gaze to his cold one. I put more force to my grip and he whined. "No, for your Alpha's shake, you won't die today. Do the same mistake twice though and I will kill you." I said and I think he got the ancient promise in my voice. I had caught Jake's thoughts begging me not to kill him. It was Paul. Although I didn't like him, I didn't want to kill him either. Apparently my Wolf complied to my wishes. I moved my arm still holding onto his throat and threw him from the cliffs to the water forty feet below. He howled in the air. I turned to the wolves. "Anyone else?" I asked and looked with raised eyebrow at Sam who had took a step closer to me. A growl from Jake stopped him from moving forward. I smirked at him and he narrowed his eyes. I looked at my best friend and nodded before I left.

I arrived at my car in a blink of an eye. Even in humane wolf form my speed was amazing. I leaned on it for a few seconds. What had just happened? Where did all this came from. How did I know to use the Alpha tone? Would I have killed Paul? So many questions and so little time. I was myself again so I entered my car and left the reservation. I went straight to Alice's house. I saw her standing at the porch with her arms crossed. Oh... I was in trouble judging by her expression. I parked at the driveway and I went to her sheepishly. I smiled at her but she wouldn't budge. The frown deepened to her beautiful features. I didn't try to talk. She just went inside. I sighed. Nice work Bella. I entered the house and I went straight to the living room were all of them were waiting for me along with an angry Charlie. Double crap!

"Really?" He started without beating around the bush. "You went there alone after explaining to you the situation?" He demanded and I could see that he put an effort to not yell at me.

"I only wanted to give Sam his money." I replied weakly.

"Bella, you can't make reckless decisions now! They are not the boys you grew up with any more. They are shifters that they won't hesitate to attack because you are trespassing their land!"

"They can't attack me dad. They tried but my Wolf didn't let them move. I only had to say 'Stay' and they stopped moving." I told them what happened. "And it was as if she knew what to say. I mean how did she know that it was Jake the true Alpha and not Sam?" I saw him contemplate his answer.

"Bella, your Spirit is old, much older than I am. She has seen things that I can only imagine. Of course she knows things. When I come home tonight I will teach you how to meditate and reach your Wolf Spirit. This is the first step on how you will learn to control your Lycan at a full moon." I nodded. It would be helpful to talk to my Spirit and have some answers.

"So, why are you here? I thought you were working."

"I did until someone called me..." He looked at Alice at that point. "...and told me that my daughter was in trouble." Alice narrowed her eyes at him and he raised his hands to appease her. "Now Alice, I am not the only one who will be in her bad books." He smirked.

"I could only read some panicked thoughts. What was I suppose to do? It's not like I could have gone down there and retrieve you. They would have attacked me for breaching the treaty." She pouted and my instincts took over as I felt my teeth growing and I could see things like particles of dust I couldn't before.

"They could try." I said darkly and my voice was such that had even dad stiffen. Although he was an Alpha Wolf- and my dad- my Wolf made no exceptions. All the vampires had stopped moving at the hearing of my tone. Alice came at my side to sooth me.

"Calm down Bella." She caressed my forearm and I instantly felt the Wolf hiding in me content with the touch. My dad physically relaxed before he said his goodbye to leave.

"Chief Swan, can we spar with Bella? You know, just to see what she is capable of." Emmett asked my dad with a grin in his face. I heard Alice hissing at her brother and my dad laugh.

"If you think you can handle her... sure, why not? But Emmet, be careful." Dad said and the bulky vampire smirked.

"Nuh... I'm not afraid of her. She is just a pup!" He said and I could see the glee in his eyes.

"Bring it!" I said and I felt power flowing through my veins. My senses came out since I could hear, see and smell better than a second ago. I ran outside stretching my muscles waiting for him. They all came out. Even Esme and Carlisle with my dad. I heard Alice threatening Emmett with castration if something happened to me. I was sure Blondie wouldn't like this.

Emmett and I took our positions ready to spar. We had nearly fifty feet between us. I closed my eyes to make sure I was in control and I wouldn't snap at him. I was myself just with enhanced senses. That was good. That meant the Wolf was calm and was letting me have control of the situation. I opened my eyes and nodded at him. He smirked and started coming towards me full force. That would be easy. I crouched down and let him come close to me. Then, like a snake, I jolted my arm and closed my fingers around his throat like I did with Paul earlier. Because of his velocity though I span once around myself and slammed him down forcefully.

"You are dead." I said playfully at his confused expression. I heard the others laugh and one hiss. I looked at Rosalie and winked. "You've learnt to be less crass yet?" I teased and she hissed again. Alice chuckled and looked at me proudly. That's all I wanted.

"Again!" Emmett shouted shoving my hand away. Dad smiled at me and nodded once before he left for the rest of his shift.

We took our positions and started all over again. He was more cautious this time. I dodged and blocked and give my own punches. Some hit the target some didn't. For the next hour or so, we gave a show of how many different ways we could kill each other. It was great fun. I was in a headlock when Jasper came to my rescue.

"Come on Emmett you had your time. It's my turn." He came down from the porch smiling. "If Bella agrees of course." He concluded with his southern accent. Ah... a real gentleman. Emmett let me go and I took a deep breath. I nodded smiling at Jasper and looked back at the bulky vampire.

"That was fun Em. Let's do that again sometime."

"If you consider fun your ass handed to you." He smirked at me.

"If I'm not mistaken I killed you first. All the other times I spared you because I have a blonde overprotective vampire over there that won't stop glaring at me unless you win..." I teased him and tried to downplay his victories. Some chuckles were heard and Jasper ushered him to the porch. It was time to get serious. I had a Major to fight.

Jasper had a different fighting style. Where Emmett would count on his brute force, Jasper was patient and took his time analyzing his opponent. So, I moved first. And it was a mistake. I was on my ass in less that two seconds and I knew how Em felt our first time fighting together. For another hour I was on my ass more times than I could count. With an open eyebrow and lip, a shiner and what I'm sure were three broken ribs at my left side I looked up at Jasper who smiled apologetically at me.

"Um... Jazz... do you think that you had fun for one afternoon, cause I sure as heck had enough ass kicking for the day." I said sincerely. It hurt.

"Of course Bella. I'm really sor..." He tried to apologize and I cut him off.

"Don't worry about it. I heal fast. Do you think you can help me up?" I asked and Alice was at my side instantly.

"Where does it hurt Bells? Can you move?" She asked concerned and glared at her brother who looked sheepish.

"Just my ribs. I will be ok in a couple of hours, don't worry. See? My lip and brow already are closed." I said with a smile. She helped me up and to the porch. She sat me on the swing and gave a mischievous smile.

"Watch how it is done." She told me and went to the field. My eyes were ready to pop out of their sockets when I realized what she was about to do. Was she crazy?

"Alice! How am I suppose to be hear and watch Jasper sparring with you?" I said my wolf already trying to free herself at the impending threat to my imprintee.

"Watch and learn puppy!" Rosalie shushed me without even looking at me. I growled at her. It was her who was hissing and glaring when I was beating her mate!

"Relax Bella. When I finish I won't have a scratch on me. I promise you." She said through our link but it was useless for my Wolf. So I sat there impatiently. I almost had a heart attack when the spar started and I saw Alice close her eyes. The Wolf was almost out. But then I saw Jasper missing and Alice's punch on his chin dropping him on his knees. That continued for a few minutes- Jasper missing and Alice hitting him- before I figured out what was happening. Alice was using her gift to her advantage. That was one bad-ass trick! Woo hoo! Go Alice! After that, I relaxed and enjoyed the show. She really kicked his ass for my shake. I cheered her on for a while but then I felt kind of bad for poor Jasper.

"Alice, come on, let him go. That was enough beating for one day." I said giving Jasper a sympathetic look. I knew how he felt. At least I've managed to hit him a few times. He didn't touch Alice at all. That moment, Esme appeared on the door with a tray of food.

"I've made you something to eat Bella. I thought you might be hungry." She said smiling. I was starting to love that woman.

"Yes, thank you Esme. You are a mind reader." Edward chuckled next to me. I showed him how mature I was by ignoring him. But then I had an idea.

"Hey Bed Head. Tomorrow is your turn if you are up to it." I smirked at him as he narrowed his eyes at my nick name for him.

"Of course. But if I win the first round you quit calling me that!" He insisted.

"You have a deal. And if I win, I get to use it freely." He agreed. I chewed on my food happily. I was in a little pain but it was lessened by the minute. The family started talking among themselves. I wasn't paying attention. My mind was to the evening that was coming. What am I suppose to ask my Spirit? A wave of calmness engulfed me. I frowned.

"I'm sorry Bella. I've noticed that you were worried." Jasper drawled and looked curious.

"What's wrong? Are you still hurt?" Alice asked concerned.

"No, I'm just worried about tonight and the things I will learn. I mean what kind of things should I even ask? I'm so unprepared for all this. Anyway, I need to go. Dad will be home soon." I took the tray ready to go inside but Esme appeared on the door with her arms full with food containers.

"I put something together for Charlie too. He will be tired and hungry. And there is some desert for you too." She smiled at me. I nodded and hugged her as best as I could with the food between us.

"Thank you for the food Esme. It was great." I said and took it from her.

"Anytime honey. I hope you get the answers you want." She kissed my cheek and went inside again.

I put the food to the car and turned to Alice who was standing next to me worrying.

"You will have a permanent frown if you continue like this." I half joked.

"I can't help it. Just open the link if you need anything. I will be there in a heartbeat. I hope it goes well." She hugged me and I inhaled her wonderful scent as I hugged her back and mumbled 'I will'. We stood like this for a moment or two, then I took a step back and gave her a small smile. I waved to the others and got in the car. Time for history lessons.

When I arrived home, I had an unexpected guest talking to dad. Jacob Black the Alpha of the pack of Quileute wolves and my, supposedly, best friend. He was serious and reminded me nothing of the young boy I grew up with. But I guess I wasn't the same girl he grew up with. Surprisingly my Wolf was calm and showed no reaction to his presence in my home. I left the food on the table and looked at them. Jake was looking at me thoughtfully.

"We need to talk." Were the first words out of his mouth and I nodded. "You have no idea what you've done today Bella. No one said that I want to be an Alpha and now most of the pack wants to come after you!" He snapped at me.

"Like I already said Jacob, they can try! Everyone has responsibilities and I don't have time to stroke Sam's ego. If he and Paul want to come after me, let them. But I suggest they say goodbye to everyone they love first because I won't be as merciful as I was today!" I yell at him and I saw him trembling. Was he shifting? Good! I was angry and I needed a punching bag! Suddenly dad was between us.

"Hey now! Jake sit your ass down and let's talk about it. I let you stay only because you promised to be calm. And Bella, quit antagonizing him, he is one of the good guys!" He said sternly and looked at both of us. I felt like a five year old. All the fight left my body at once.

"I'm sorry Jake. I didn't mean to take it out on you." I said sincerely. He exhaled and closed his eyes for a moment. Then nodded.

"I'm sorry too. It's just that I don't know what to do with a bunch of guys following me around. I mean, two days ago I was just a teenager that liked to build cars and having fun with friends. I've never believed in my tribe legends and then I shifted into a giant wolf in the middle of the living room! What am I suppose to do?" He was as lost as I was. I knelled in front of him and put my hands on his shoulders.

"You are a direct descendant of the first wolf of your tribe Jake. You are a leader whether you like it or not. What you do with that is your choice. But I doubt that my Wolf would let you be an Alpha if she didn't believe you can do it or you didn't deserve it. So, believe in yourself and do what is best for your people as the rightful Alpha. Don't be afraid to lay down the law if they don't hear you or they don't agree with you. You make the decisions here Jake. You were born to lead not to follow orders... Well not anyone's orders other than me of course!" I said with relish. He punch my shoulder playfully and then hugged me. He sneezed and wrinkled his nose.

"You reek of vampire!" He complained.

"Ha! You reek of wet dog!" I reciprocated and then I saw his tattoo. I took his upper arm and examined it carefully. The images of two wolves combined to create the head of a third one.* Hmm... cute.

"I like yours better." I smirked at Alice's confession.

"I think you are biased." I answered merrily. She mock gasped at me.

"I am the most impartial person in existence!"

"Not when it comes to your mate you are not. But I will agree with you in this one. My tattoo is bad-ass!" I grinned. Jacob looked at me with an eyebrow raised.

"Sorry, I was talking to Alice." I said nonchalant. He had a blank expression and I sighed. "Do Shifters have imprints?" I asked him and he nodded. "Well, the Werewolves are changing for the first time the night of their eighteen birthday unless they found their imprintee earlier. Let's just say that I found mine and that's why I've changed that early. And I can talk to her telepathically, like I can talk to any wolf, Shifter or Werewolf." I said a little proudly.

"She? You have imprinted in another female?" He asked dubiously. I saw him tremble a little and my wolf started making her presence known.

"Yep, Alice Cullen." I said feigning a smile. I didn't like his tone one bit.

"You have imprinted on a leech?!" He nearly exploded and there was nothing- and I mean it literally- to hold my Wolf back. My dad froze in his position. My senses came to life and I saw Jake falling in his knees in front of me as if a mental hand made him do it. He grimaced and tried to lean his head to his hands.

"Look at me!" A voice that I have heard once talking to Paul, commanded. And I saw Jacob complying. His eyes were glazed. "You will not say another word about Alice. I made it very clear earlier today that the Cullen's are not an enemy. I won't make it a habit repeating myself Jacob Black. You find a way to get over this warped idea that vampires are enemies or it will end in bloodshed between us." I said and I felt her releasing control back to me. Jake gasped and his chest was moving erratically gulping much needed air. He looked at me with tear in his eyes. My heart ached seeing him like this. He was the closest I had to a brother.

"I'm sorry Jake. I don't have control over my Wolf and frankly I don't want to in this matter. She is right. I won't let anyone hurt the Cullen's and especially Alice. If you can't accept this, then you better make sure this is the last time we see each other." I said and more tears rolled down my cheeks. He just nodded and wiped the tears from his eyes as he stood up. He threw me a painful glance before he got out of the house. Damn it! I wanted to scream, to do something. My life was changing and I felt like a simple observer without having the power to intervene.

Night had come and the pull to go out and let my Wolf free was powerful but I reign it in for now. I had to find out more about my Wolf and my past... my heritage and my duties.