The house was dark and quiet as Josh and I made our way to the kitchen. In the back of my mind, I couldn't help but wonder where everyone was; but, as long as Josh was with me, I could really care less.

I mixed the pancake batter in a big yellow bowl before pouring it on the skittle. Josh sat at the bar, right across from me, his eyes never leaving me. It was a bit unnerving.

"Do you mind not staring at me while I cook? I might screw up the pancakes."

Josh chuckled. "I can't help it. You're too beautiful not to look at."

I blushed and turned around, my back to him as I flipped the pancakes. I could feel his eyes on me as I moved around the kitchen, grabbing the bacon from the refrigerator and sticking it in the microwave. I wanted to tell him to stop, again, but decided against it. Who was I to tell him not to look at his imprint? Besides, it made me giddy inside when he told me I was beautiful. I, for one, will not make him stop.

When the pancakes were finally done, I stacked them on the center of the plate and piled the bacon next to them before handing the food-filled dish to Josh. The last two pancakes I stuck on another plate along with two pieces of bacon for myself. I couldn't count on Josh not eating everything before I could sit down.

I took the stool next to him at the bar and began devouring my breakfast. Josh had cleaned his plate by the time I was halfway through. That only made me stuff food down my throat, most likely giving me a stomachache later.

"Whoah, slow your roll, killer," joked Josh as he watched me clear my plate in thirty seconds.

I laughed, covering my mouth so tiny annoying food particles wouldn't go flying everywhere. After swallowing the last bite, I took the dishes and stuck them in the dishwasher before turning back to Josh.

"So, what are we g-" I was cut off when a familiar howl filled the forest. Something was wrong, because my Dad didn't howl just for the fun of it.

Josh stood up quickly and dashed out the door, using his stupid wolf speed. I watched from the kitchen window as he darted into the woods and disappeared.

The house was eerily empty and cold without him here. That just goes to show how dependant I am of him.

I walked into the living room and lounged across the couch, waiting for Josh to come running through the back door with news—preferably good news.

After what seemed like an eternity—but was most likely only five or ten minutes—Josh came barreling through the door, his face a mask of fear.

I sat up on the couch and stared at him, worry starting to creep in. "Josh?"

He blinked and attempted to straighten his face from the fear etched across it, but even though he tried to smile, his eyes gave him away. He plopped down on the couch next to me, acting as if nothing was wrong.

"Josh, what happened?" I asked, barely above a whisper since I could hardly find my voice.

He shrugged and flipped the TV on. "Nothing. Logan was just goofing off." My mind flashed to Logan Ateara, Quil and Claire's kid. He was younger than me by a few years. But, I knew that howl. It was my father, not Logan Ateara.

I glare at Josh for not telling me the truth. "I know it wasn't Logan," I snap. Then, more calmly, "It was my Dad, wasn't it?"

Josh sighed, staring at the TV. It was on Disney Channel, but this early in the morning it was playing Mickey Mouse Playhouse. I knew for sure he was just looking away from me and not watching Mickey Mouse.

"Josh, talk to me," I begged.

He sighed again and looked down at me, complete terror in his eyes. "Kay, they spotted a leech in the forest. And, it's carrying your sweatshirt," he paused slightly, "for scent."

Okay, I know you're gonna hate me for this, but I won't upload the next chapter until I can get at least to 10 reviews. I'm on 8 right now, so just 2 more please? Is that too much to ask? Even if it's the same person who reviews. I don't care. Just 2 more reviews. Thank you!

-Maddie