A/N: I'M SORRY FOR BEING LATE. My Doc Manager has not been working lately. Whenever I went to upload it would make me sign in again and then it became an endless cycle to a point where I couldn't even edit previous chapters . This has been going on for weeks, but it's finally working now. Sorry again for the delay!

Show love and review? :3

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters mentioned in this story. They all belong to Stephenie Meyer. I'm just using them for non-profitable entertainment usage.

I also don't own the little sliver of a song I used "It's OK to be Gay" by Tomboy nor the vodka brand SKYY. However, I do own my two OCs mentioned in this chapter; Bailey and Kendra. :)

Also, just for quick reference, this chapter takes place when the Cullens and wolves hunt Victoria and cross territory lines. I skipped the scene with Bella, Edward, and Jacob at school because it's not all important. So don't get confused with the sudden scene change with Bella and Jake in the garage!

(Warning: Mild situation in the beggining)

Chapter 5: Underneath


She felt the vibes start after about five or ten minutes. It was sort of a weird and lethargic feeling, and the visuals began to creep into her consciousness imperceptibly. Sounds started to warp and loop, everything continuing in never ending echoes. Everything that moved had its own unique colored trace after it, which was only illuminated further in the darkness. The room was hardly lit; a couple of scented candles and one dim light bulb hung from exposed wires. Her vision went in and out of focus, and she suddenly felt as if she was sinking… further and further…

She lifted her hand into her face and stared, noticing a faint white light that outlined it. She looked back up at everyone and they were glowing too; some green, red, blue, or gold. Everyone looked lackluster, lying around lazily or curled in a corner. Everyone? Last she remembered, she was sitting in the kitchen, eating her after school snack her sister…

A hysterical giggle escaped her lips, and the air pulsated from the sound. Someone took hold of her hand and violently shoved her backward, causing her to fall flat on her back. A midnight blue bottle was shoved into her face. The bold white words on the label projected off the label in front of her eyes, magnified and brightened. SKYY.

The neck of the bottle was pushed past her lips and tilted until it was perpendicular to her face. The vodka burned as it made its forceful journey down her throat. Just as she began to convulse from excess, the bottle was snatched from her mouth. She gasped for air, giggling unreasonably at the same time. A funnel was suddenly forced into her open mouth, and she could feel coarse powder grains irritate her throat as it slid down in torrents. She coughed and sputtered against the dry irritation in her throat but was forced to swallow. The flow briefly stopped, replaced by the same liquid that burned as it made its second journey down her throat. The lingering powder thickened, and she unwillingly swallowed the remaining bits. She began to tremble as a numbing, overly sweet tingle began to pass over her body.

"How long do I have with her?"

A hand forcibly pulled her chin forward, and a loud slap resounded in the room. They received no reaction. Her vision was obscured, and everything around her was cast in a tinted film. She could faintly feel something covering her face and knotted in the back of her head, tangled in her hair.

"You got an hour; then I have to fix them up."

"Names?"

"Who cares? Just get it done."

Another young girl appeared above her, held up by one arm. She stared at the girl in wonder, eyes wide as she sat up on her elbows. This girl was a curious one. Staring at her, she realized the girl had the body of a human and the head of... a jester? The girl's face was completely red, and a wicked smile adorned her lips. Golden dragons rose up on either side of the corners of her eyes, orange fire flaring across her forehead. Velvet fringe hung wildly from her head, bells jingling loudly with her movement. Bells. Bells?

"How long do you plan on lying there?" the girl asked.

She stared at the girl, not comprehending her words.

"So, you're not going to stop it?" the girl demanded, pointing to the bells ringing on the fringe. "Hello? Do something!"

The girl began to shout when Bailey did not respond. "This stupid thing is getting on my last nerve!"

Bailey's eyes snapped open. A continuous buzz resounded in her ears, bright red numbers flashing in her eyes.

"How do you work this thing? I unplugged it, and it's still going off! Do something! It's possessed!" Kendra exclaimed.

Bailey blinked in confusion. Kendra straddled her little sister, holding the alarm clock obtrusively in her face. Kendra was already dressed; she wore a long sleeved yellow crop top and a baggy pair of light gray cargos. Her hair was tied into a high messy bun, and wrapped around her head was a multi colored hair band.

"How does your back feel?"

Kendra sat back on Bailey's legs, giving her a mock frown. "Are you still worrying about that? Seriously, I'm fine."

"You didn't seem fine yesterday."

"Well today's a different day, so quit moping. We're going on an adventure today! Cheer the hell up!"

"I'll try."

Kendra stared at Bailey blankly before a slow smile formed on her face. "Would you cheer up if I made Mexican breakfast?"

*Mexican breakfast is, apparently, a staple for breakfast in Mexico and surrounding countries.

Bailey looked up in surprise. "With lots butter?"

Kendra gasped in mock horror. "What kind of sister would I be if I didn't use butter?"

"There was that one time-"

"Hey! That was my first time making it!"

"And then all the salt.."

"W-would you just turn this stupid thing off already?"

-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-

The kitchen was filled the sound of sizzling and fuzzy music blasting from an old stereo. Bailey sat on the wooden table next to the radio, messing with the antenna to get a better signal and finagling with the knobs. She changed into her day clothes, which consisted of a close fitted black dress, an oversized camouflage jacket, and black Chucks. Kendra swayed in front of the stove, humming to the song on the radio. The two sisters jumped in surprise when they heard the chime of the doorbell.

"I didn't even know you had a doorbell," Kendra grumbled, walking over to the door with the spatula still in her hand.

She hid a smirk when she noticed Paul and Jacob standing on the porch, grinning like a pair of foxes. Kendra crossed her arms and leaned against the doorway, effectively blocking their entrance.

"Well, well, good morning you two. You're both early. What's the rush?" Kendra demanded.

Jacob cleared his throat before replying, "We were just hanging out in the neighborhood, you know, going for an early jog-"

"Is there some type of bromance between you two?" Kendra interrupted.

"W-what, no-"

"Two sweaty men wearing nothing but shorts and hanging out with each other this early? Obviously you had a sleepover. No one gets up this early to hang out."

"We're not gay Kendra."

"I didn't say you were, but hey, I'm not against it," Kendra grinned impishly. She cleared her throat and began to sing in falsetto, "It's okay to gay, let's rejoice with the boys in the gay way!"

"Kendra..."

"I'm just teasing. Now why are you here?"

"We-"

"You came for food, didn't you."

"Yeah..."

"I figured. Get in here," Kendra smiled. "Idiots. Oh, and by the way, there are only 3 eggs left so you'll have to fight to the death for it, or maybe you can learn to get long and just share it."

Kendra received blank looks from the two boys.

"... Or you can just kill each other for them; you're choice.."

"What else is there?" Paul asked.

"Bread and beans," Kendra replied.

"Beans for breakfast?"

Kendra scoffed in offense. "Don't knock it 'til you try it."

"And plain old bread?" Paul continued.

Kendra did not try to hide the scowl on her face as she stared at Paul. "Not just any bread. It's fluffy, buttery, tasty bread from scratch. I think you call them Johnnycakes? Or flapjacks?"

"You mean pancakes?" he offered.

"No. Just no. Shut up and try one," Kendra growled, slamming down the bread onto a plate and roughly sliding it toward him.

"Kendra doesn't like when people question her cooking. You either eat it or you don't; not ask what it is." Bailey explained.

They all sat around the small wooden table, making small talk here and there as they ate the breakfast prepared by Kendra. Although hesitant at first, the boys had come to like the unusual combination of foods for breakfast. Kendra rolled her eyes as if to say, 'I told you so' and gave both Paul and Jacob a thorough whack over their hands with her spatula for good measure.

"How long did you say you were going to be here?" Paul suddenly asked.

"Another week or two. Why?" Kendra answered.

"You have to stay and make food for us all the time," Jacob interjected.

"Um, I have a life outside of here, Jacob, and an apartment to pay for. Bills and such."

"Why don't you move in with Bailey out here?" Paul asked.

"I have a job, you know. I can't just up and leave."

"You could find a job here."

"It's not that easy Paul."

"Well, what do you do?"

Kendra sighed. "I manage a couple of boutiques in Chicago. I can't leave that behind. It's my pride and joy."

"You can branch out here."

"Paul, this is La Push. It's too much hassle to manage from across states, especially since it's just a little boutique," Kendra argued.

The room was silent for a couple of beats until Jacob stood up, stretching his arms and popping a few joints.

"Well, we ought to head out early before it gets dark. You guys ready for the tour?" Jacob said.

Kendra frowned, eyeing her sister's dress with displeasure. "I'm going to look like bum compared to Bailey." She sighed, "Oh well," and slipped on a leather jacket.

"You look fine to me," Paul said.

Kendra frowned but did not comment.


"This place is still magical as ever. It's almost like nothing changed here. I feel like I never left, you know?" Kendra speculated.

"Jacob, what is that?" Bailey asked, pointing toward a red cabin in the distance.

"That would be what we call the snack shop," Jacob said, leading the group toward it. "You can buy a whole bunch of stuff from there. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, pretzels, chips, candy—anything!"

An old man emerged from the store, hauling a box out in his arms. Jacob jogged over to him and took the load, grinning. The man patted Jacob on the back.

"What brings you here, Jake? You know the wife doesn't make those cinnamon rolls you like until at least after twelve," the old man said.

"We're just giving a tour to these girls over here," Jacob said, jerking his head toward Bailey and Kendra.

"Ah, well, welcome to La Push," the old man said.

"Ray, what is in the box anyway?" Jacob asked.

Ray, the old man, opened the flaps of the box. Yips could be heard and squirming, furry bodies struggled to peak over the box. Many puppies in different shapes and shades wriggled in the box, tails wagging erratically.

"Puppies!" Kendra exclaimed, only to blush and cover her mouth when everyone turned his or her eyes on her.

"Yeah, Princess had the litter a few weeks ago. I was just heading out to the city to bring them to a proper pet shop," Ray said.

Bailey suddenly spoke up, inching closer to the box. "May I hold one?"

"Of course you can!" Ray replied.

She immediately lifted a tan and white puppy from the box, rubbing her nose against its own. She turned toward Kendra, a sudden light in her eyes.
"Doesn't he look just like Louie?"

"Spitting image. Christ," Kendra answered.

"Even one of his paws is brown like Louie's, look!" Bailey indicated, holding up the pup's paw.

"Yeah and the spot on his ear too," Kendra said, stroking the puppy's head.

"He's so cute!" Bailey gushed.

Bailey held the pup arms length away from her, grinning when the pup yawned, showing dulled canines and a curled pink tongue.

"He's so small. Like a little baby!" she continued.

"Collies get big, Bailey," Kendra warned.

"Wouldn't it be nice to have another Louie around?"

"There was already a Louie. We have to name it something else."

"Ollie? What about Ollie?" Bailey asked.

Kendra rolled her eyes at the suggestion. "Ollie the collie? Too matchy. What about Otto?"

"Hmm.. Do you like that boy? Do you like Otto?" Bailey asked in a baby voice, nuzzling her face into his fur.

"I'll sell that one to ya for 20 bucks," Ray offered.

Bailey frowned, staring into the eyes of the puppy. "Oh.. I don't know if I could take care of a dog right now.. Maybe another time."

She reluctantly placed the puppy back in the box. Both Paul and Jacob suddenly snapped their heads in the direction facing east, back where their homes were. The two nodded and eyed each other.

"Look, I have to take off from here," Jacob suddenly said.

"Where are you going?" Bailey asked.

"Sam is making me do a favor for him. I have to head out to Forks for a little while," Jacob replied.

"For what?" Bailey prodded.

"Something happened last night with some people we don't like. Some rules were almost broken and we have to make sure it doesn't happen again."

Kendra raised a brow at his explanation. "Gang war?"

"We're not in that type of gang. It's different." Jacob said.

"But… I thought we were going to hang out today," Bailey frowned.

"Oh, don't worry Bailey, we are. I'll be back before you know it. It's a quick job, I promise," Jacob said. "Go on without me. I'll catch up. You won't even know I'm gone."

Bailey's frown deepened, but otherwise followed Paul and Kendra away from the shop and down the dusty road. Jacob turned to the old man.

"Listen Ray, I have to go but I need a favor from you first."


(This is the scene jump I was talking about)

"We're basically stuck in this three way love triangle between Leah, Sam, and Emily. And we can't do anything about it since we're all stuck in each other's heads." Jacob said.

"Ah, right, wolf thing." Bella said.

"Exactly. Sam was in love with Leah and her with him, but once he changed into a werewolf, he fell in love with Leah's cousin, Emily." Jacob said.

Bella frowned. "He cheated on Leah with her cousin?"

"No. He imprinted on Emily. It's a wolf thing."

"And that would be…?"

"Imprinting is this intense feeling. Like when you see her, you just know. Its like gravity pulls you toward her and nothing else matters. You would be anything for her. A friend, a protector..."

"You sound like you know the feeling."

Jacob simply stared at Bella, not saying a word. Before Bella could egg him into a better explanation of his silence, the box that was set near her foot in the garage shifted. Bella stared at in in surprise and watched it move again.

"What's in this thing Jake? I think it's alive," Bella said.

Jacob clapped his hands together, as if suddenly remembering something. "Oh, right! Just wait here, Bells. I'll be right back."

Jacob quickly snatched the object from the box before Bella could identify what it was. He tucked it carefully into his leather jacket, grinning.

"Bailey!" he shouted.

A few minutes later, a small pale girl emerged from around the corner, fixing a slouchy black hat on her head. She looked shyly between Jacob and Bella, who was standing a few feet behind him. She walked up to Jacob slowly, folding her arms around her chest.

"I have a surprise for you," Jacob stated, pulling said surprise from his jacket.

Bailey gasped, covering her mouth with her hands. "Otto!"

"I knew you wanted him at that shop, so I got him for you."

"Oh, but Jacob I told the guy I couldn't take care of one right now."

"A dog's not so bad. I'll help you with him and everything."

Bailey gently plucked the pup from Jacob's arms, cooing quietly when it licked her face affectionately. Unconsciously, Jacob hovered closer to Bailey, watching her with gentle eyes. Bailey looked up at him, silently thanking him with her eyes. He pulled a stubborn lock from her eyes, and she looked away from his eyes, suddenly conscious of their proximity.

"Are you happy?" Jacob asked.

Bailey nodded vigorously.

"You're not upset with me anymore?"

"I'm not."

"Good to hear."

Bella cleared her throat, shifting awkwardly from foot to foot.

"Oh sorry Bella. Bella, this is Bailey. Bailey, Bella."

Bella gave a short wave and a nod. "Hi."

Bailey nodded meekly, a blush settling on her face. "Hello Bella."

"Bailey is new around here. Just moved a couple of days ago," Jacob said.

"Yo, Jake! We're ordering pizza and wings! What topping do you want?" Kendra yelled, appearing around the corner with a phone.

"What's everybody else's vote?"

Kendra pulled up the sleeve of her top, showing a small tally poll on her wrist with marker. "Two for extra cheese, three for pepperoni. Meat lover's special is in the lead though," she paused and raised a brow at Bella and then at the pup. " What's all this?"

"I got Bailey the dog." Jacob said glowingly.

"Well, well, well, what a good little charmer you are. You just know all the right moves, don't you?" Kendra grinned.

Jacob chose to ignore her jab. "Anyway, you remember Bella right?"

Kendra eyed Bella, eyes sparking in memory. "Charlie's kid, right? It's been a while."

"You've gotten so tall," Bella said.

"Why yes, Captain Obvious," Kendra smirked. She turned to Jacob. "Now what topping?"

"I'll just go with the meat lovers too."

Kendra scowled. "Ugh, I'll just pick off the crap I don't want to have a heart attack from," she grumbled. "Come on Bailey. Lets give these two some reunion time while we hunt for a makeshift collar and leash for Otto."

Bailey nodded and smiled, following after her sister.

Bella waited until the two disappeared before she spoke again. "Is she...?"

"My imprint? Yes." Jacob said.

"Does she know you're a werewolf?"

"No. Neither does Kendra. I won't tell her until she's ready to hear it." Jacob noticed the frown on her face. "What is it?"

"It's just... I didn't think you'd imprint so soon. I thought-"

"You thought you could hold onto me longer?" Jacob interrupted.

"Don't say it like that. I don't think of you as a possession."

"Then what am I to you now Bella? What we were before, we can't be anymore. I have to be there for Bailey. I cant be your safe place anymore."

"Jacob, I used to think of you as my sun that kept all the darkness away. And I still think of you as that now. Everything is complete when you are around. I need you." Bella took a hesitant step closer to him, eyes pleading.

Jacob was quick to put his hands up and back away from her advance. "No Bella. You chose the vampire and the life you wanted. I was just tangled in the mess. But now everything is clear, and fate has tied me to Bailey."

"You can't deny what we once were, Jacob."

"I'm not denying it; I'm ending it. I have to move on. I can't be stuck to you forever."

"Jacob, this could be the last time you see me human. I'm changing after graduation." Bella tried once again.

"As much as your decision bothers me, I can't get involved anymore." Jacob's smile was bittersweet. "I have to go."

"Jacob!"

"Bella, if you can't accept your own decisions then maybe you should have rethought them while you had the chance. But I already chose Bailey, and you just have to take it for what it is."

What at first used to be a struggle for him now came easily; Jacob walked away.

Meanwhile, while waiting for the pizza to arrive, the pack decided the wait was too long and it was time to barbeque in the mean time. Kendra immediately volunteered to grill while Emily seasoned the meat, a woman Kendra instantly found a liking toward. Perhaps it was their similar interest toward cooking? She could not pin point the reason for her fondness of the girl, but she wouldn't doubt it either. Kendra stood in front of the grill, poking at a steak with a mini pitchfork. Paul walked over to the grill, eyeing her handy work.

"Is there anything you can't cook?" Paul asked.

"What I can't believe is the fact that we just ordered pizza and, we're having this huge barbeque at the same time. You guys shouldn't be able to eat this much," Kendra commented.

"Big boys have big appetites," Paul reasoned.

Kendra snorted. "I see that," she said, poking at the steak on the grill again. She jumped when she felt thumbs prod her back and hands with a firm hold on her hips. "Hey!"

"Are the bruises healing?" Paul asked, ignoring her protest.

"Yes, yes. They can easily be seen without you touching me since I'm wearing a cropped shirt. Can you stop touching me so familiarly?" Kendra snapped.

"Is that the real reason why you won't stay?"

Kendra snapped her eyes from her gaze on the grill to Paul. "What?"

"Are you afraid of being intimate with others? With men?" Paul asked.

Kendra stabbed the steak with the pitchfork, using her now empty hands to slap his away from her person. "Who the hell do you think you are, asking me something like that!"

Paul spun her around, gripping her forearms tightly. "You thought I didn't notice your behavior around me? You avoided me like the plague this whole time!"

"You're the one that keeps staring at me all lovey dovey! It's creepy! I hardly know you!" Kendra shouted.

"Is it wrong to stare at the woman I could love?"

Kendra sneered.

SLAP

"Don't finagle with words like that! Humph! Love me? What a joke! I've only been here a couple of days and suddenly you love me? Sounds like all you want to do is get in my pants!"

Kendra was suddenly tackled to the ground, and at the fierce look on Paul's face, Kendra trembled slightly in fear before her anger resurfaced.

"What the hell are you-"

Paul pressed his lips against hers, effectively silencing her. Her struggles stopped almost immediately, eyes fluttering shut. They parted slowly from each other slowly; Paul smirked the entire time.

"W-what are you smirking about?" Kendra stammered.

Paul let out a humorless laugh and shook his head. "I know exactly what the problem is now."

"Huh?"

"You knew this whole time that I liked you, that I was pursuing you."

"Yes, but-"

"So you're not afraid of intimacy, because you kissed me back."

Kendra gasped, "I did not!"

"You're afraid of commitment," was Paul's blunt reply.

Kendra's jaw snapped shut.

"Kendra, I won't leave you," he said soothingly.

"Your sudden declaration of love-"

"It's not necessarily like that. Come with me."

Paul half dragged Kendra deep into the forest, darkness painting their path as they went further. Paul paused in his walk, sniffing the air and scanning the area. Kendra snorted.

"What are you, a dog?"

"Something like that."

"What?"

"Stay here."

"Paul… Paul! Where are you going!"

He disappeared into the inky darkness. Kendra could suddenly hear heavy breathing and matched footsteps, becoming louder with each second. She took a few steps back, ready to run at any moment. A huge, overbearing gray wolf emerged from the trees, rags hanging from its hind leg. Kendra took one glance and sprinted in the opposite direction.

"Oh, shit! Paul! PAUL-" she felt cold teeth brush against her wrist and she shrieked when said teeth grasped her jacket, causing her to miss her footing. Kendra immediately curled into a ball, covering her head with her arms. A fabric like material fell on top of her, and she recognized it as Paul's sweatshirt.

"Oh my god..."

Kendra stared up at the beast that hovered above her, which whimpered quietly when Kendra continued to stare. The wolf looked from her eyes to the sweatshirt, nudging it closer to her. She snatched the sweater and clutched it to her chest warily.

"Paul?"

The wolf barked in reply, only to whimper again when Kendra jumped in surprise.

"Paul… You're a wolf man!"

The wolf licked her face repeatedly, making Kendra squeal and vigorously rub at her face. When she cracked her eyes open, Paul, as a human, was above her.

"Holy shit..." Kendra murmured, touching his face. "You were a wolf just now."

"Are you afraid of me?"

"No... Just shocked."

"The rest of us turn into wolves, Kendra. We're all a pack. Sam is our alpha. And you're my imprint."

"Imprint?"

"Imprint is like a soul mate. It means I have a special bond with you, and you with me... If you choose it."

Kendra simply stared at Paul, dumbfounded.

"I could be whatever you need me to be. A brother," he kissed her forehead, "a protector," he kissed her cheek, "a friend," he kissed her hand resting on his face, "a lover," he pressed his lips once more against hers. She trembled, this time without fear.

"This is a strong bond. I can't break it; I can't leave you; it would hurt too much. And I don't want to. I want to be with you," he once again kissed her knuckles, "if you'll have me."

Kendra's mouth opened and closed, a bright blush spreading across her face. "Is that why you've been so... so..."

"I can't help it. Its instinct."

"But..."

"I know you're afraid and this is sudden, but I promise you; its written in my DNA that I can't hurt you. It's impossible. You can only hurt me at the most."

Kendra shifted uncomfortably, suddenly looking innocent and childlike. "Paul... There's more than just that."

"Then what?"

"I come from a fucked up family, Paul. It's not just Bailey. It's all of us, me included. I'm going to hurt you."

"I don't care."

"No, but you would care to know that I've been institutionalized for borderline personality disorder."

"Kendra..."

"That means I don't care about your commitment because I can't commit to you either."

"Ken-"

"The only thing I'll ever want from you is sex, and I won't feel that way for long. I never do."

"Of course not because I'm going to make you feel more. Let me be there for you. I want to be strong for you." Paul held out his pinky. "I swear."

"You'll get sick of me soon enough. Just like I will you."

Paul kissed Kendra once more, smirking when he noticed her eyes were still closed with a look of gratification on her face. "I know you like this feeling I give you. I can feel it too."

She frowned. "For now."

"It will be like this forever."

"Such arrogance," Kendra clasped her pinky around his. "Hey, does Bailey know about this?"

"Jake doesn't plan to tell her just yet." Paul said, standing and holding out his hand.

Kendra shrieked, covering her eyes with her hands. "Paul...!"

"What?"

Kendra threw his sweatshirt at him blindly, scooting away from his position. "You... You're naked dammit!"

Paul answered with a loud hearty laugh, doing so even as he changed back into his discarded clothing, and Kendra joined him, falling over in fits of giggles.