Bella was quiet, more quiet than usual. The wolf didn't seem like herself and Chloe couldn't figure out what it could be. She seemed, solemn, mournful even. At first Chloe had been concerned that maybe Chicago had hurt her more than they were aware of that night.

But upon inspection by Jack, she seemed fine, at least physically. Then Chloe thought she might have been sick as she wasn't eating any of the food they left out for her, but they couldn't prove she hadn't hunted in the woods so they couldn't back that theory up either.

One night, as Chloe sat out on the porch studying under the stars, she was greeted by the arrival of Bella as the wolf approached the bottom steps, stopping and waiting for permission before approaching.

"Hey Bella,"Chloe greeted as she put down her pencil and swung aroundon the chair, patting her knee for the wolf to approach. Bella hopped up the steps and made her way over to where the redhead had set up homework camp, a plug in heater keeping her warm against the cool air.

Bella came to a stop right in front of Chloe and sat her rump on the ground, plopping her head in the young woman's lap. Chloe frowned when she saw what she thought was a tear in the wolf's eye.

"Hey girl, what's the matter," she asked, as she cradled the wolf's head, stroking it tenderly. Bella simply whined and leaned into Chloe's gentle caress. The wolf seemed sad and it was beginning to frustrate Chloe that she couldn't figure out why.

"Chloe, it's time to come in," came the voice of Claire Beale from inside the house. The redhead looked down at the wolf, clearly conflicted about what to do. She didn't want to leave Bella when the wolf clearly didn't want to be alone. Then a thought struck her.

"Wait right her okay," Chloe ordered, as she pressed a kiss to the wolf's snout and stood up, collecting her books and rushing inside. Bella sat on the porch, not moving a single inch as she waited for whatever Chloe was about to do.

In the distance she heard the distinct sound of a wolf's howl, the same one that would usually have Bella rushing off into the night, but this time, she didn't budge. She didn't even acknowledge the cry with a howl of her own. Instead she lay down with her head on her paws and waited.

Suddenly there was the rustling of something unlocking and Bella lifted her head to see Chloe hanging out of her bedroom window smiling down at the wolf from the opposite end of the porch.

"C'mon," Chloe whispered, gesturing for Bella to come to her. The wolf walked down to the now open window and gazed inside. She looked up at Chloe and seemed hesitant, the wolf clearly acknowledging that it wasn't her territory and without Jack Beales consent, she would be trespassing.

Chloe seemed to sense the wolf's unease and leaned out the window again, stroking the wolf's fur and gazing deep into midnight blue eyes.

"It's okay," she whispered, and that seemed to be enough as Bella inched back and then leaped through the window like it was not bother at all. Chloe seemed to have prepared for this as the wolf found herself landing on cushions rather than a wooden floor, lessening the sound of the thud as she landed.

Chloe quickly shut the window and then made her way over to her bedroom door, closing it and flicking the main light off, leaving just the glow from the beside lamp. Bella sniffed around at the bedding that had been laid out on the floor next to Chloe's bed, the side that couldn't be seen upon entering the room. The redhead walked into her ensuite and quickly changed into some sleep shorts and a tshirt before returning to her bedroom.

Bella just sat and watched her, absorbing every little detail as Chloe brushed out her hair before walking over to her bed and sitting down, soft hands kneading the fur of the wolf that had held her attention for all those years.

"I can't believe you still have this," Chloe sighed as she cradled the C pendent dangling from the wolf's neck. It had amazed her that even after all the time that had passed, alone out in the wild, Bella had managed to retain the necklace Chloe had placed around her neck that fateful night.

Bella simply snuffed out a response as if to say 'we'll duh' before plopping her head in Chloe's lap again and allowing the gentle kneading to relax her. Chloe leaned down and pressed a kiss to the top of the wolf's head.

"I wish you could talk so I knew what was wrong," she whispered, making Bella's ear flicker. Chloe leaned down and gave the wolf a brief little hug before pulling back and cupping the wolf's head in her hands.

"I'm here though. Whatever it is that's bothering you, you're not alone. Okay?" Chloe stated and Bella nuzzled Chloe's hands and gave them a little lick in acknowledgement.

"C'mon, let's go to sleep," Chloe said as she gently eased herself up and pulled back the covers, climbing under the duvet as Bella lay down on her own bed.

As they drifted off to sleep, Bella heard the faint echoes of the familiar howl in the distance begin to taper off, and she shut her eyes, letting it all fade to darkness.

The next morning, having given Bella time to escape before Jack and Claire woke up, Chloe went about her morning chores on the ranch. With it being a Saturday, she had made plans and wanted to get all her work done so that she could be free by early afternoon.

The trap Bella had been caught in a couple of weeks ago had left an unsettled feeling in the pit of Chloe's stomach. She wanted to check out some of the local hiking trails to see if the trap had been a one off isolated incident, or if hunters were indeed on the prowl.

She wasn't sure what she would do if she discovered it was the latter, all she knew was that if hunters were indeed patrolling the woods, then animals like Bella were in danger, and that didn't sit right with the redhead.

"Mom I'm heading out, I'll be home for dinner," Chloe called out, as she took the keys to her mothers car off the hook and headed for the door.

"Okay honey," Claire shouted back from the kitchen, not even questioning where her daughter was going. Chloe was a good girl, she never gave her parents reason to mistrust her or doubt her intentions. It meant Chloe had a lot more freedom than some of her peers, even if she never really took advantage of it.

Driving out towards Jefferson's old farm, she decided to start at the tip of the main trail and work her way down towards the lake. She parked her car by the old rickety gate that lead to a dirt road down towards the trail. She climbed out of her car, locked and it and then began to climb over over the gate, mindful of any old rusted nails protruding from the haggard wood panels that had been left to rot.

The trail was long, Chloe often went on hikes with Jessica and Ashley or her parents and siblings when she was younger. That was back when Jefferson's farm was still an active farm. After Al Jefferson passed away, the land and the house lay idle, no family members to take over the running of it.

It was sad. Chloe could recall how beautiful it used to be. She remembered passing by on the way to the lake and seeing Al Jefferson sitting out on his porch waving at all the kids that passed. Now, it was like hollow land. Nothing but the memories of a time gone by.

Having finally made her way to the top of the trail, Chloe looked around for something she could use to prod the ground and check for traps. Over to her right, she spotted a nice sized stick about the length of her leg, sturdy enough to use for walking, and she picked it up.

"Perfect," she whispered to herself as she set off on her investigative hike. The trail itself was quiet, not many people her age bothered to use it, mainly just couples and parents with kids looking to get them out of the house for a couple of hours.

It made it the perfect place to escape to for peace and quiet. The birds in the distance provided a beautiful soundtrack and the trees always allowed just enough sunshine to peak through their leaves. It was nature at its very best, and being the outdoor lover that she was, a place Chloe could happily spend hours in by herself.

As she searched along the trail, she came across no less than four traps within a two mile radius, using her stick to set them off so that they were useless. Some of them were more obvious than others, the ones that were well hidden were dangerous, not only to animals, but people.

Chloe had almost stepped into the last one she found. Luckily the stick had hit the mechanism before she got any closer. She'd photographed every trap along the way, documenting the dangers they posed to hikers.

As she rounded the tall pine trees that stood next to the ledge that overlooked the lake, she came to a stop. There, sitting on the edge of the ledge, was non other than Beca Mitchell, her legs drawn up to her chest and her arms wrapped around them.

Chloe was about to approach her when the subtle shake of the smaller girls shoulders halted her movements, making her stand rooted to the spot, afraid to move in case she frightened the girl off. She could tell Beca was crying and she didn't want to intrude, not sure if the brunette would appreciate her sticking her nose in what was obviously supposed to be a private moment.

But a bigger part of Chloe felt this tugging at her heart, urging her to approach the girl and make sure she was okay. Beca was clearly upset and Chloe wanted to offer her some comfort.

She watched the brunette for another moment, contemplating backing up and leaving before she was noticed, but she couldn't bring herself to do it. Something inside was pulling her towards the ledge, towards Beca, she needed to make sure she was okay.

"Beca," she said, just loud enough to be heard. The girl sitting by the ledge glanced up at the unexpected passerby, her eyes flicking up to meet Chloe's concerned gaze and then turning away quickly to hide her tear stained cheeks.

Chloe felt a pang in her chest at the brief glimpse she caught of Beca's face, the tracks of the girls tears shimmering like glitter against her pale cheeks.

Beca quickly reached up a hand and wiped at her face, her gaze focused on the landscape ahead of her. Having been noticed, Chloe decided there was no point in trying to retreat and restore the other girls sense of privacy, so she slowly approached the ledge.

"I'm sorry for intruding, I didn't know you'd be here," she said, knowing there was no point in making polite pleasantries, it would just be patronising given the situation. Beca simply shrugged her shoulders and with a quiet shaky voice responded.

"It's fine. It's not like you broke into my house or anything. It's a public area."

Chloe came to a stand next to where Beca was perched and, glancing down, she was able to fully grasp how truly upset the brunette was.

"I know but still, clearly you came here to be alone, I didn't mean to invade your space," Chloe explained. Even though Beca wasn't upset with her, she still felt it necessary to assure the girl she wasn't trying to pry.

"Do you mind if I sit?" Chloe asked, gesturing to the space where she stood. Beca gazed to the spot then up at Chloe, giving a brief shake of her head to indicate that she didn't mind. The redhead tossed her stick aside and proceeded to sit on the ground, pulling her legs up to her chest, matching Beca's position.

Chloe regarded the girl for a moment, noticing the slump of her shoulders, the way she hugged her legs tight to her chest. It was almost like Beca was trying to curl up into a ball and disappear. Her posture was stiff and closed off, the complete opposite of the laid back stance the brunette usually possessed.

She wanted to break the ice and make a silly comment or joke or bring some mundane gossip she heard around school, but she knew Beca's vibe. It wasn't that the girl didn't care for it, more she thought it a waste of time. The brunette was all about getting to the point rather than wasting time on superfluous conversation that had no real meaning.

It left Chloe feeling unsure as to how best to approach the situation they were currently in. It wasn't in her nature to be blunt with people, especially when it came to matters that seemed like it weren't any of her business to begin with, but she couldn't help Beca if she didn't broach the subject of what was wrong.

Deciding to take a chance, she turned to the girl sitting next to her and stared at the side of Beca's face for a moment, hoping the brunette would turn to her and give her some sort of indication as to what was the best move. But she didn't, so Chloe simply decided to say the only thing that could either progress the conversation or shut it done completely.

"I know we don't know each other on a deep personal level, and I know you probably don't wanna talk about it, but if you do, I've been told I'm a pretty good listener. If you ever need to talk, about anything, I'm here."

Silence surrounded them as Beca sat there digesting Chloe's words. The ginger sat, unmoving, she didn't say anything else, just kept still, giving Beca her space to be comfortable and not feel suffocated, but remaining in place to let her know that she was there if she needed her, the ball was in Beca's court.

"It's the anniversary of my parents death."

The words jolted Chloe from her quiet contemplation. She turned to her side to glance at Beca, noticing the tears sliding down her cheeks and the cracks that had caused her words to be strained.

She hadn't been expecting Beca to speak let alone to let Chloe in on the knowledge of the days significance to Beca. It caught her off guard, but after a moment, after the words had really penetrated her brain, she felt an aching in her heart thinking about the pain Beca must have been feeling.

"Bec's I'm so sorry, I didn't, I didn't know."

Her own words made Chloe feel guilty. This girl she had been so friendly with for so many years, had been carrying around this heartache that nobody had ever really been aware of.

Chloe had heard the speculation about what had happened to Beca's parents but she never really paid any mind to it. Kids in school would do anything for gossip or something to talk about. Having never broached the subject with Beca, she never knew what had happened, just the the girl never really talked about her family or home life.

To hear the girl sitting next to her acknowledge the fact that her parents were in fact dead made Chloe feel three very strong emotions. Disappointment in herself for living on the cusp of Beca's life for so long but never penetrating that barrier and creating a more meaningful friendship.

Sadness at the loss the brunette had obviously been feeling and dealing with for so long at such a young age, and anger at her fellow school peers for using someone else's internal pain as fodder to talk about to fill their own time.

Beca, she didn't seem to care about any of that. High school was high school and the people in it would always behave the way they behaved. Speculation never bothered her, the rumours never bothered her because for Beca it was all insignificant teen growing pains that they would all outgrow after graduation.

She just allowed it to pass over her without any acknowledgement, choosing instead to focus on the future and learning how to cope with her grief. She didn't blame Chloe for not knowing, she herself never talked about it, how could she possibly be angry at her for being oblivious.

"It's okay, it's not like you could've known. It's not something I talk about much, or at all really," Beca replied, her voice still a little shaky with emotion. Chloe sighed and shook her head.

"It still doesn't make me feel any better. I've known you for so long, I should've known that today would have major significance to you. I mean, geez we've known each other for years but I still feel like I don't really know you at all."

Beca scoffed out a laugh as she wiped more tears from her face with the back of her shirt sleeve. If putting up barriers and keeping people at arms length where an Olympic sport, Beca would've been a gold medalist.

She had a knack for making people feel close to her without giving much of anything about herself away. Her personality sure, her general likes and dislikes, anything superficial that could be easily picked up on. But never anything personal, anything that could be considered close to the chest.

That's why for someone like Chloe, it was easy to fall into a false sense of friendship. Beca could make her believe that they had that friendly connection like she shared with her other friends, without revealing much of anything about herself.

She felt bad in a way. Chloe was one of the few people at Westlake High, hell in their entire hometown, Beca felt like she could trust. All the other girl ever wanted from Beca was friendship, and the brunette felt like she was cheating the redhead out of something meaningful.

Beca had known, from the very moment she first met Chloe, that she was someone different, someone special. She could see it in her eyes, the innocence, sincerity kindness, she was destined for more than what Westlake and their small town had to offer.

Chloe Beale had always been that one person who stood out from the crowd, who made Beca Mitchell stop and take notice. She had known Chloe's heart long before they had ever spoken a single word to one another, for the simple reason that Chloe Beale wore her heart on her sleeve.

It was impossible to miss if you were to stop and take a moment to notice. However not everyone did, most were too concerned with what lay on the surface. But not Beca, no, she saw more than the popular girl everybody wanted to be friends with, who all the jocks wanted to make out with.

She saw her in all her complex glory. Beca had made a sport out of observing the world around her, the places, the people, nature, all of it. She had learned to see and read people to the extent of being able to know them better than they knew themselves.

Because Beca wasn't like everybody else. While the rest of the world seemed to be consumed with a sense of self, Beca was always far more intrigued with what was beyond her as a person, beyond her thoughts, her actions, her life. It made her feel invincible and isolated all the at the same time.

Invincible because she knew how to stay one step ahead at all times, always ahead of her peers, leaving them in her dust. But isolated because it meant she couldn't connected easily with others.

People either thought her arrogant or intimidating. But not Chloe, never Chloe. She was one of the few people who seemed to be able to break through Beca's barriers and communicate with her on a deeper level.

Jesse, CR and the other few people in her friend group, they bonded over their mutual feelings of being an outcast of sorts. It's not that they were hated or anything, they just didn't feel like they fit the stereotypical hierarchy, so they just tossed it aside and lived by their own standing.

They, much like Chloe, knew Beca to an extent, but also didn't really know her at all. It was like she was a friendly face and a complete stranger rolled into one.

"Yeah well, you're not the only one. Sometimes I feel like I don't really know myself," Beca sighed, voice trailing off at the end.

Chloe shook her head, because she could relate. Being a Senior in high school they were supposed to have their whole lives figured out and know exactly where they were going to be in 10 years time. But most days Chloe felt like she didn't even know where she would be tomorrow, let alone years down the line.

There was just always this sense of pressure to have everything mapped out. It made her feel anxious at times, thinking about what would happen once she graduated and where life would take her. Then there was also the whole issue of Aubrey, Chicago and everything else.

"I get that. Sometimes I look in the mirror and I don't know if I'm looking at me, or who everyone wants me to be," Chloe replied, her gaze lingering over the water that sparkled below. Those words bearing more truth than Beca knew what to do with.

"Tell me about it." They turned and looked at one another, soft lazy smiles of recognition on the faces of two people who were on the same page, or near enough. Chloe broke their stare briefly, her face turning serious as she glanced back up.

"I really am sorry about your parents Beca. I meant what I said earlier, if you ever need to talk I'm here," Chloe said, her tone nothing but sincere as she stared deep into dark blue eyes. Beca seemed to waver at the intensity of it all and bowed her head, nodding it slightly.

"Thanks," she whispered as she readjusted the hold she had around her legs and propped her chin on her knees.

Peaking at her watch, Chloe realised it was getting late and she needed to leave if she wanted to be home in time for dinner. But a part of her, a bigger part of her didn't want to leave Beca alone so she looked at the girl and weighed up her up options, settling on the one that felt the most fitting.

"Hey, I know this is probably a shitty time to ask, but I do recall asking you if you wanted to hang out some time. Wanna come over to my place for dinner?" She asked. Beca looked at her quizzically for a moment.

"Dude seriously? After that you wanna hang out? I'm not exactly sure I'd be the best company right now," Beca answered, tugging on the sleeves of her shirt. Chloe rolled her eyes.

"I'm not expecting you to entertain me, just hang out, talk, not talk. I mean surely it beats sitting here by yourself all day," Chloe replied and Beca turned her attention back out to the lake contemplating Chloe's words.

Beca always spent the day of her parents anniversary by herself, cut off from everyone and everything. It was just easier that way. But she couldn't deny that there was a part of her that was intrigued by the prospect of spending more time with the redhead. Chloe seemed to have picked up on her inner tug-o-war and placed a hand on her forearm.

"I just, I don't want you to be alone, not today. I wouldn't feel right leaving you here," Chloe sighed. She wanted Beca to come back with her but she didn't want to force the girl either. She hoped Beca would take the bait and say yes.

The brunette sat there for a moment and weighed up her options. She could stay sat upon that ledge, avoiding the world around her, avoiding home, wallowing in her own grief, or she could take Chloe up on her offer and spend the day with someone she genuinely wanted to get to know. In the end, the decision was easy.

"Okay," she whispered, and Chloe beamed, standing up and holding her hand out to Beca. The smaller girl took the outstretched hand and pulled herself up. Chloe was smiling the biggest smile she could muster up and then, when Beca took her head, she felt something, this warmth that shot from her hand up her arm and settled in her chest.

It made her tingle inside and for a moment she felt as light as a feather, like the world around her couldn't touch her. Beca seemed to notice the look on Chloe's face and instantly pulled her hand away, shoving it into the back pockets of her jeans to avoid any more potential touching. After another moment of silence passed, Chloe snapped out of her stupor and smiled at Beca.

"C'mon let's go, my Mom's making her famous Mac 'n' Cheese. You'll love it."

Beca gave her a lopsided grin and proceeded to follow Chloe as the redhead led the way back to where she had parked her car. They made idle chit chat on the way, talking about school assignments and their shared love of Harry Potter.

"The movies or the books?" Chloe queried in that tone only true Potter fans could summon up. Beca scoffed at the question, as if insulted that Chloe would feel the need to ask.

"The books! What kind of asshat would think to call themselves a true fan having only seen the movies? Beca asked and Chloe couldn't agree more.

"Thank you! God, you know I've had this argument with Aubrey before and she always used the excuse that not everyone has time to read the books," Chloe replied with a roll of her eyes. Beca stared at Chloe's side profile for a minute before turning her attention back to the path ahead.

"Hey, not to sound like a dick or anything, but how are you and Aubrey friends?" She asked and Chloe turned to gaze at Beca, her face not giving away any indication of whether or not she thought the question was inappropriate, so Beca continued.

"I mean I know opposites attract, but beyond that, you're both just so different. Aubrey's so focused on keeping up appearances and maintaining her place in the hierarchy, being in control, whereas you, you follow your own path."

Chloe was intrigued by the way Beca described Aubrey and her choices, she didn't make the blonde out to be shallow, like all she cared about was popularity, she seemed to have zoned in on the fact that Aubrey was a control freak who liked to be on top of things, at times even people.

It was refreshing to have someone talk about Aubrey that way. Usually people just saw someone who was bitchy or snobby with a superiority complex, and yes, Chloe could concede that at times Aubrey could be any one of those things.

But it was all born out of that need to be in control. Chloe couldn't believe that Beca of all people had picked up on that, especially considering how awful Aubrey could be towards her, something Chloe had chastised the blonde about on numerous occasions.

Aubrey wasn't a bully, but there were times where the control freak in her toed dangerously close to that line and that was when Chloe pulled away. That was not the Aubrey she knew as a kid and it definitely wasn't the kind of person she wanted in her life.

But it was hard to walk away knowing that the girl she had become best friends with back in kindergarten was still in there beneath the surface. She was just struggling against the expectations of her family.

"It's complicated. Aubrey's not all bad, it's just, her family expect a lot from her. They micro manage her whole life, how she behaves, what classes she should be taking, what colleges she should be applying for, what career she should have," Chloe listed off and Beca just nodded her head, understanding the pressure of other people's expectations all too well.

"They're the kind of family that have their kids future partner hand picked from the day they're born. I guess it's just easier for her to get along and go along than try and rock the boat. They're pretty hard on her."

Beca bit down on her bottom lip and Chloe noticed it from the corner of her eye and she raised her hand and gestured for her to just say whatever it was she wanted to say, so the brunette let go of the counter argument she was holding onto.

"I get that I do, everybody has their shit they have to deal with. But that doesn't excuse their behaviour." Chloe stopped at that point turning towards Beca so she could better focus on what she was saying, the brunette also coming to a halt.

"Aubrey's parents are controlling sure, but considering how bad some kids have it, her life could be so much worse. Has she ever tried to talk to her parents, tell them to loosen up? Or has she just fallen into line and accepted their word as bible?"

Chloe frowned at this because when she thought about it, no, Aubrey hadn't talked to her parents. Any time she or Stacie even suggested it to the blonde, she simply brushed it off and claimed her parents didn't listen to her.

"I, I don't know," Chloe replied, and Beca barely acknowledged what she had said before continuing.

"I don't think Aubrey's problem are two parents who have an ideal life planned out for her. I think Aubrey's problem is, deep down, she wants the things they want for her. Mommy and Daddy are just a shitty excuse for her attitude," Beca exclaimed, biting down on her lip when she realised she had been a little more forward than she had intended to be.

"Sorry, I, I didn't mean to be so blunt, I just, I think you only see the best in Aubrey because the younger you wants to believe she's still in there."

Chloe swallowed thickly at those words, because they held more truth than she wanted to admit to. She and Aubrey had been growing apart and she had been hoping against hope that the girl she once knew would show up. But maybe it was time to accept that they had grown up to be two completely different people.

"It's okay," Chloe replied, "to be honest I think you just said what I'd been trying so hard to ignore for so long." Beca looked apologetic as she gazed at Chloe.

"Dude I'm sorry I didn't mean to go all psychoanalyst on your life."

Chloe shrugged her shoulders and chewed on her lower lip, slipping her hands into the pockets of her coat and shooting Beca a small smile.

"Well let's look at it this way, seems like we're finally learning more about each other," she quipped, and the ease at which she said it seemed to make Beca relax, a half smile appearing on her lips. Chloe tipped her head in the direction they were headed.

"C'mon, my Mom's Mac 'n' Cheese tastes awesome straight out of the oven."

When they pulled up at the Beale ranch a half an hour later, Beca smiled at the sight of Bandit out in the paddock, Chloe watching her from the other side of the car.

"You like horses?" Chloe asked, as she shut the door and made her way towards the front of the car. Beca turned her head towards her and shook it slightly before turning back to face Bandit.

"I've never ridden before," she replied and Chloe walked up beside Beca and gestured to the other horses.

"We could go for a ride some day if you want. I'm a pretty good teacher."

Beca grinned back at her.

"I'm sure you are."

With that the two girls made their way to the porch, Chloe running up the steps and opening the door, Beca trailing behind a little more uncertain in her movements, like she felt like she was trespassing.

Beca waited for Chloe to step inside, the redhead holding the door for her and gesturing with her head to 'come in'. When she was given permission, she stepped inside, making sure to always follow Chloe's lead, she was a guest, she didn't want to overstep any boundaries.

"Mom, I brought a friend home for dinner," Chloe called out. Within a minute, Claire Beale was approaching them from the kitchen, wiping her hands in the towel hanging off her shoulder. Chloe smiled at her mother.

"Mom, this is Beca, Beca, this is my Mom," Chloe said, making the introductions. Claire stuck her hand out in greeting and Beca shook it carefully.

"It's nice to meet you Mrs. Beale," Beca politely remarked. Claire smiled warmly at her, releasing her hand.

"Oh sweetie less off the Mrs. Beale nonsense, Claire will do just fine." Beca tipped her head acknowledging what she had said. Claire regarded her for moment, and then her eyes lit up as if she had just made a discovery.

"Chloe, is this the friend you were telling me about?" She asked her daughter. Chloe simply nodded and Claire turned her attention back to Beca.

"Chloe has told me all about you, I was wondering when she was going to invite you ever. Come through to the kitchen girls. Would you like anything to drink Beca?"

Beca hesitated for a moment before following Chloe and her mother to the kitchen. The area had an open floor plan, but still managed to feel homely, the back of the house overlooked a garden area that Claire obviously took charge of, it was full of winter foliage that wouldn't perish in the colder weather.

There were large windows that allowed plenty of light to flow in and a door that lead out onto the back porch. Pictures were hung all over the walls next to the dining area. Various family portraits from birthdays, graduations, weddings.

Taking a seat at the island in the middle of the kitchen next to Chloe, Beca looked over to Claire who was standing by the fridge.

"Just a water if it's not too much trouble," Beca said and Chloe asked for the same. When Claire set two bottles of water on the counter in front of them, Beca thanked her and wrapped her hands around the bottle, twisting the cap and opening it, taking a mouthful of the cold water to settle her nerves.

She didn't do the whole meeting her friends parents thing. She never really got close enough to anyone to bother needing to know them. She wasn't sure what proper etiquette was required of her but so far, Chloe's mother seemed pretty relaxed.

"Girls I'm home," came the voice of Jack Beale and Beca felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end and she quickly stood up from her stool, not wanting to greet him while sitting down. Chloe rolled her eyes at Beca's actions and shook her head with a laugh.

"In here Dad," Chloe called out, hearing he sound of her fathers footsteps. Jack Beale made his way into the kitchen, his crinkled at the corners from the smile on his face from seeing two of his favourite women. Then he noticed Beca and Chloe was quick to introduce them so as to avoid any awkward silences.

"Dad, this is Beca, a friend from school." Jack regarded Beca for a moment then turned his attention to his daughter, the name seeming to register with him.

"The book worm with the good grades?" He asked, and Chloe blushed at his choice of words, realising that it made it obvious to Beca that the redhead had talked about her quite a bit.

"Yep, that's the one," she nervously replied. Jack just shot his daughter a cheeky grin and then stuck his hand out towards Beca.

"Jack Beale. It's good to know my daughter has some positive influences around her." Chloe sighed, knowing that the comment was an obvious dig at Aubrey and to an extent Stacie. Jack had a problem with Aubrey's attitude and Stacie's penchant for partying.

He trusted his daughter of course, he just preferred that she associated herself with people who's reputations didn't inadvertently rub off on her.

Stacie's partying he could tolerate to an extent, except for that one time she threw a house party that got way out of control, but there was something about Aubrey that rubbed him the wrong way.

Beca reached out her hand and shook Jack's, taking notice of the rough feeling of his calloused palms. The sigh of a man who had dedicated much of his life to hard manual labour.

"Its a pleasure to meet you sir," Beca replied. Jack gave her a laid back smile and turned to Chloe, still holding Beca's hand in his own grip.

"She's polite, I like her."

Chloe grinned at this, knowing her father was big on manners, something he instilled in all of his children. She was happy that both her parents were making Beca feel welcome, especially considering the day that was in it.

"Okay everyone, food is ready. Chloe why don't you set the table and I'll plate up," Claire said as she pulled the Mac 'n' Cheese from the oven. As Chloe began gathering up glasses and knives and forks, Beca stood by the island glancing between the redhead and her mother.

"Do you need any help?" She asked, wanting to feel useful as opposed to completely awkward. Chloe tipped her head at her and lead her towards the dining table.

"You can help me set the table."

Five minutes later, they were all sitting down enjoying the home cooked meal Claire had prepared. The conversation had been light and free flowing, Jack more than impressed with Beca's knowledge of politics and current affairs. It made for far more interesting conversation that idle gossip and the trials and tribulations of high school drama.

"So Beca, what do your folks do for a living?" Jack asked as he break apart the bread roll in his hand. Chloe instantly glared at her father from across the table.

"Dad..." Chloe started but was cut of by Beca who placed her fork down on the plate and glanced up at the man.

"Actually sir, my parents died when I was young. I live with my aunt," was Beca's reply. Claire looked mortified and Jack dipped his head and put down his bread roll, wiping his hands in his jeans.

"Beca I'm so sorry," Jack said, and when it looked like he wanted to say more, Beca jumped in, not wanting to prolong the inevitably awkward discussion.

"It's okay, it was a long time ago. I'd just rather not talk about it if that's okay," she said and Claire instantly nodded her head.

"That's completely understandable." Chloe turned and looked at Beca with the most apologetic expression in her face. The younger simply gave her a short smile to communicate with her that it was okay.

Later that evening, after another round of apologies and some home made apple pie, the girls retreated to Chloe's room, shutting the door so that they weren't interrupted.

"I'm so sorry about all of that," Chloe rushed out as she looked at Beca who was busy surveying the room around her, studying the pictures tucked into the edges of Chloe's vanity mirror and the posters on the walls.

"Chloe it's fine, really, stop stressing out about it," Beca reassured, coming to a stop when she noticed a picture of a brown wolf sitting propped up against a jewellery box on top of a chest of drawers.

Beca gazed at the picture, the wolf's head tipped back, howling at something in the distance, silhouetted by the moon in the background. Beca turned to Chloe and pointed at it.

"Cool picture," she said and Chloe grinned at her.

"Thanks. I got a new DSLR camera for my birthday. I figured I'd try testing it out and this beauty showed up at the right place at the right time. One of the benefits of living next to nature," Chloe explained, picking the picture up and gazing over it before putting it back down.

Eventually Beca took a seat on the bed and Chloe sat down next to her, both of them trying to figure out what to do or say next. Beca was the first to break the silence.

"Hey thanks for today. All of this, meeting your folks, it's been pretty great."

Chloe nodded her head in agreement, glad that Beca had been able to enjoy herself and find some light, for a little while, from the darkness that looked over the sat.

"I'm glad. And if you ever want to hang and out just get away again, you're always welcome here, any time. You gave my number you call whenever you want," Chloe offered and Beca whispered a simple thank you.

Without realising it, the gap between both girls had narrowed considerably and they gazed deep into one another's eyes. Chloe's tongue peeked out of her mouth to lick her bottom lip and Beca glanced down, the action causing her to bite down on her own.

Their heads leaned closer and closer until Chloe could feel Beca's breath. She couldn't explain it but she felt like she was being pulled, like there was some invisible connection that tethered her to the girl sitting next to her, drawing her in. Just when she thought something was about to happen, the sound of Beca's phone ringing broke the spell they were under.

"Sorry," Beca said as she pulled back, removing the phone from her pocket and answering the call. Chloe watched as the brunette stood up and moved across the room putting distance between them so that she couldn't hear the other end of the call.

"Yeah, okay. Five minutes," Beca said down the phone. Chloe frowned and Beca picked up on it as she ended the call and slipped her phone back in her pocket.

"My aunt is driving past this way, she's picking me up," she explained. Chloe settled down at that and stood up from the bed.

"Oh, okay. I'll walk you to the door."

The girls made their way down the hall and stopped in the living room so that Beca could say good night to Jack and Claire and thank them for dinner.

"You come by any time, you hear," Jack said as he gently squeezed her shoulder. Beca nodded up at him.

"I will, thank you."

Once the girls stepped outside, Chloe closed the door over and noticed an SUV parked just up from the house. She waved and the occupier of the car waved back. Beca looked over at the car then back at Chloe.

"Thanks, for everything. Maybe next to we do this we can keep things a little lighter," she joked and Chloe giggled.

"I'd like that."

Beca tipped her head and shot Chloe a short wave in goodnight as she began to make her way over to the SUV. Chloe stood on the porch until she saw Beca climb into the car and once she saw the door close, she retreated back inside the house.

"You have fun?"

Beca rolled her eyes as she clipped on her seatbelt and settled back into her seat, gazing out the window instead of to the woman sitting next to her.

"I had a great time thanks for asking," came her sarcastic response.

Beca's aunt stared at the side of her head, briefly glancing back at the house then back to Beca.

"You know I'm only looking out for you."

Beca swallower thickly around the lump in her throat. She had heard everything that had to be said on the topic, all the million reasons why she shouldn't get too close, how it couldn't work out. But se couldn't help it, she was drawn to Chloe, she liked her, there was nothing she could do to stop it. Not that she wanted to.

"I get it Gail, believe me I get. But some things are just easier said than done."

Gail looked solemnly at her niece. She could see the inner war going on inside and it hurt her to see the girl she had watched grow up suffering.

"You've been feeling the pull haven't you?" She asked, afraid to of the answer she would receive. Beca didn't look up, instead choosing to stare down at her hands and nod her head.

Gail sighed, because this was the last thing they needed. She put the car in drive and turned, heading for home. Beca gazed out the windscreen as the world around her passed her by.

"I've tried to fight it, but I can't do it anymore, I'm tired of fighting it," Beca growled, her frustration much clearer. Seeing how emotionally drained Beca looked, Gail decided to put the conversation on hold, the rest of the driving passing in complete silence.

2 Weeks Earlier

Chicago screamed out in agony as a cold liquid was poured over the puncture wounds in his arm, his father holding him down as his brother made sure to pour every last drop.

"Don't fight it. We need to kill off the effects of the bite before it turns you."

Chicago struggled with the pain, it burned whatever the serum was doing was causing an internal reaction as well, fighting off the mutation that was likely in his system.

"That's it," his father said as the last of the serum was poured over the wounds. Eventually the burning began to settle down till all that was left was a dull ache. The wounds were quickly tended to and bandaged and Chicago was given a moments reprieve before his father was crouching down in front of him.

"Are you sure the wolf was alone? You didn't see any others?" He asked, and Chicago shook his head no. He then gazed up and watched as his father crossed the room, opening up a large wooden cabinet to reveal rows of guns, knives and various arsenal.

"What are you gonna do?" Chicago asked, sitting up straighter as he watched his father and brother pick up a rifle each, his father turning to him as he loaded up a gun.

"We're gonna do what we've always done. Hunt!"