It was early morning now. The sky was a dark grey, causing the majority of the forest to be covered in shadows. A thick hazy mist covered the forest floor making it difficult to see clearly. Everything was fuzzy, like a bad reception on a T.V screen. Though that might be because of the tears swelling up in my eyes. I couldn't see very clearly, but I certainly could hear. Angry furious howls filled the quiet morning scene. They sounded from miles away, faded in the distance, no one would hear them, except me. If I listened carefully I could pick out the one howl that wasn't aggressive. This howl was full of concern and fear. Of course it was Seth. News must've gone around of what had happened to Sam. What I'd done to him.

I placed my chin on my knees and wrapped my arms tight around my legs. I had to go home. There was no avoiding it. But when I thought of returning home fear twisted inside me. I was afraid to go home. Home was supposed to be the safest place in the whole world, yet I was terrified to go back. I was afraid to find out the results of my actions, afraid to face the consequences. Come on Leah. You need to be strong. Face your fears. I plucked up as much courage as I could find. One silent shudder and I was a wolf again.

"Leah!" several voices thought.

"Come home now." Jacob ordered.

"Leah!" Seth sighed in relief. He was the closest to me, running to meet me. He wasn't the only one. The others had left their positions and were racing towards me too. I was still the fastest, no one could out run me. I bolted in the other direction, running away from the rest of the pack. They continued to chase me though.

"Leah slow down." Seth pleaded.

"Leave me alone!" I cried, a soft whimper escaped my muzzle.

"Not until you explain yourself." Jacob commanded. He took the images from my head and put them on display for everyone else to see. There was silence. Not a single comment. Just feelings of disgust, rage and disappointment. I shook my head, trying to push the images out. I didn't want to see them again.

I hated it when people rummaged through my head. Instead of watching the replay of my actions, I searched through their heads. They had seen Sam since the incident, he was recovering to my relief. The wounds were healing, he was bandaged up. He was going to be fine. But it didn't make any difference. I couldn't escape what I'd done. I braked and skidded to a stop. I plopped down on my haunches and stared at the ground. Seth found me a minute later. He let out a soft whine and nudged me on the shoulder with his nose.

"It's ok Leah. I'm here for you. You know that." He thought, supporting me as always.

"I know. You're a good brother you know."

"Thanks."

The others met us in the little clearing. Jacob had taken point, he glowered straight at me. Seth stayed by my side, he wasn't against me like the rest. I could feel the disappointment he felt for me though.

"I don't know what to do with you now Leah." Jacob thought. He was considering a suitable punishment, one that wasn't going to cause Seth to turn against him. Others put in suggestions as well.

"Banish her from La push."

"Turn her into an outcast."

"Yeah like she wasn't one before."

"Guys. Ease up." Seth but in.

"Look I don't care what punishment you give me. I get what I deserve. But it doesn't matter how harsh your punishment is, it won't make me feel any better about myself. I despise myself so much for what I've done, I have to live with that for the rest of my life. Always knowing that I hurt the ones I love. Always knowing that I'm a monster." I sighed. They all winced at the pain in my thoughts.

"Leah." Jacob thought, his voice took on a softer tone. "I know you didn't intend any harm, I know you weren't thinking straight. So maybe..." I could see where this was heading.

"Save the crap Jacob, if you're not gonna punish me, then maybe I'll do it myself." Hundreds of ideas flickered through my mind, all of them I had been considering to do last night. Jacob flinched.

"Leah don't, think it through properly. What about the pack? Your family?" He questioned, glancing from Seth to me and back again. Seth let out a piercing howl full of agony.

"Leah you can't! I won't let you!"

"Look no one is going to take justice, so I'll take it into my own hands."

"You are not leaving this spot Leah." Jacob commanded. I focused all my will power on resisting his order.

"Is that a challenge Jacob? Go on. I dare you. It would only make things quicker for me." I spat.

Surely I could count on his big headed ego, to do that. Do the dirty work for me. I could feel his instincts trying to take charge. I knew when an alpha was challenged, it was difficult for him to turn it down. He fought against it though and his will power won out over his instincts. Wimp. I snarled, rising up to turn my back on them and ran off into the forest. They followed, sprinting after me. They wouldn't be able to catch up, even if I hadn't had a head start. I ran further. Racing to the place where I could be alone.