well here's another chapter. I have to admit i'm not to thrilled about it, but you guys be the judges of that.

I see that a lot of people are putting this story on their story alerts/favorites lists and it makes me really happy that everyone is reading it...but if you do read then please review because i'd like to hear everyone's opinions on this story.

And i have a little thing i want everyone to do... =]

on a scale of 1-10 (1 being the lowest, 10 the highest) i want all of you to rank this story in your review. I don't care if you rank it as 1 or 2 as long as you're honest then i'm happy. ;]

well ENJOY!!!

Recap:

"I…I can't do this…" and then I pulled my face away again and got up off of the bed. I immediately regret ever thinking I could handle this…it would only get me into trouble. So this meant one thing and one thing only…I had to tell him soon or else I was going to go insane. It was set in my mind, I was determined to do it…

His warm hand touched the back of my arm and the determination I felt half a second ago lessened and lessened into a sudden feeling of doubt.

Chapter 9

Turning Point

Ali's POV

I heard him starting to stand up, his hand still touching my arm. What was I going to do? It was too much to be around him like this, I would go crazy if I tried. I mean when he finds out that I had cancer…will he run? Because there's always the possibility of it coming back, and really who would want to be with a girl who might die?

I'll answer that…no one.

I couldn't bring myself to get into a huge relationship with him right now. I couldn't handle it and if he did hate me for what I was, then I wouldn't want to have to feel heartbroken. So what can I do now?

Ugh, I don't know…

"I'm sorry Ali," he said, "I didn't mean to-,"

"I mean it Embry, I really can't do this right now," I'll let things fall into place. I'm just going to do it, even if I regret it later on, I had to do it.

"What are you saying?"

I shut my eyes before I could start to get all emotional and then I turned myself around and faced him, not wanting to open up my eyes because then I wouldn't be able to do what I was going to do right now, "I need space. It's just become too much for me Embry. I can't love you like this. We're both hiding things from each other and I just don't want to get my heart broken if you don't like what you hear. We both need time to think things through."

I felt his warm breath against my face. I wanted to cry, I wanted to kiss him, I wanted to be in his arms. But I couldn't do that. What would we think of each other once we both knew everything? Would he hate me? Would I hate him?

Well I know I could never hate him…

"Whatever you want Ali," was all he said, but it was enough to make me open my eyes and look at him. He looked disappointed. And I didn't even want to think about what I looked like right now.

"I'm sorry, it's just…what I think is best for the both of us," I crossed my arms over my chest.

He nodded his head and put one of his warm palms on my cheek, stroking my skin with his thumb, "If that's what you think is best then I'll deal with that. But just know that I'll always be here for you when you're ready to tell me. My arms will be open and my hands will be yours to hold whenever you want to talk things through. If you want time to think, then that's what I'll give you, Ali. I'll give you anything you want."

What if I said I wanted you? God, he was only making this harder for me. Before I spoke again I put my hand on the top of his hand that was now on my cheek and then I lifted it off and made him put it back by his side, "You're only making this harder, Embry. I want you so bad, but I can't help but think of what might happen when the truth comes out. I don't want to be in love until everything is out in the open. This is why I think we both need time to think about where we stand and if it's worth the trouble to tell each other our secrets."

He nodded his head robotically again and I couldn't help the words that were about to come out of my mouth, "Just promise me you'll try. Try to think about this. I want you to think about what might happen if you tell me and I'll do the same."

Another nod, "I promise Ali. I'll see you at school," he was about to kiss my forehead, but I could tell he forced himself not to. Good, I wanted him to resist the temptation so that both of us won't get hurt in the long run.

He started to walk towards my door and I followed after him. I was starting to regret what I just did because now I feel like shit. But I had to put him out of my mind for the time being. I needed to focus on where I'm going to go from here…even if that doesn't include Embry and my relationship growing into something more than friendship.

When we reached the door I put my hand on his shoulder and he turned around to look at me, "I'm sorry that it has to be this way, it's just…with the situation we're in I-,"

"It's fine," he scoffed and I think I saw him slightly shaking…

I was a little set back by his tone. Was he really angry with me?

And before I could say one more word he was out the door and gone. I stood there a little stunned. The last two words he said to me kept replaying in my head, over and over again. He didn't sound fine to me. Did I seriously just blow it?

Oh God…I think I did…

The whole night I laid in bed thinking about what had occurred today. Everything was fine this morning, but then it all blew up into something horrible. How things could go from good to bad so quickly I don't know. I couldn't help but think that it was my entire fault. Actually I knew it was my fault.

Eventually I managed to fall asleep, having the same dream I had last night. I was sitting in the woods, the wolf came, I realized I was bald and had cancer, and then I woke up sweating and panting like a dog. Again, I found myself rushing to get ready because I had woken up late. I didn't know what to think when I saw him. Would he still be mad at me? Or would he be the sweet Embry this time?

As I walked into the parking lot of the school I couldn't help, but wonder what he was thinking right at this very moment. I wanted space and I needed time to think. He understood that…before… but then he scoffed at me so who knows really. Maybe I wouldn't need that much time to think, maybe I could find some way to tell him sooner rather than later. Only time will tell.

When I got to my locker I put my combination in really quickly and when it unlocked I searched around the hall to see if he was there, but he wasn't. The other Quileutes were standing in their usual spot, away from everyone else, but Embry wasn't with them. Maybe he had to go to the bathroom or something…

I caught a glimpse of Dominica walking towards my locker with a curious look on her face. Slamming the locker door shut, I turned back around and smiled at her, "Hey," I said normally.

"Did you kiss him?" she looked over at the Quileutes and when she realized that he wasn't there her eyes widened, "Did something happen?"

I rolled my eyes, "I totally blew it Dominica. I told him that I thought it was best if we thought things through before we got into a relationship. I said I wanted space and I think he took that in the wrong way because he got angry at me."

"Well what did you mean by space?" she asked.

I groaned, "I meant that I wanted a little time for myself to think about where this relationship could go. Ugh, I guess I should've said that instead because now he probably thinks I don't ever want to see him again," I banged my head up against the wall, not even caring if I hurt myself, "I'm such an idiot."

"You are definitely not an idiot Ali. Just wait and see what happens and if he acts like an ass because he misunderstood what you said then don't waste your time on him. If he really likes you then he'll understand."

I took her words into consideration, but soon I didn't want to believe them. Don't waste your time on him…ha, how could I not?

The bell rang and after I said a quick see you later to Dominica I walked casually into my first period English class, a little disappointed when I saw that Embry's seat was empty. He was usually waiting for me to get to class. But there was a couple minutes until the bell rang so maybe he would come, maybe he was just late.

One minute past, then two. I saw Quil walk into the classroom he stared at me as he sat down into his desk and I was surprised when I didn't see Embry following after him. And then, the final bell rang. The only thing I could think of at that point was that he was avoiding me…

Embry's POV

I wasn't going to school this week. If she wanted me to think then I was going to think as quickly as possible. I couldn't bare to stay away from her for so long. And she wanted space, so that's what I was giving her. Once again, I found myself thinking about my last words to her.

"I'm fine," I said in a harsh tone, harsher than I meant to say it.

I was about ready to phase and with one quick glance at her, I saw something I didn't want to see in her eyes. She was hurt. I was an ass and I hurt her. Before I could try and apologize I started trembling even more and I quickly walked out the door and shut it behind me…

It was all I could think about at that point. I had hurt her feelings, something I didn't intend to do. I don't even understand why I was frustrated. She only wanted time for the both of us to think, so I was going to do that and then I could see her again. God, why the hell did I screw this up? If I didn't try to kiss her then maybe I would be at school right now talking to her about this weekend instead of sitting here in the woods. After I phased last night I didn't phase back. I ran into the woods and didn't go home. So I've basically been sitting in the same spot for the whole night.

The guys tried to figure out what was wrong, but I didn't say anything to them. Oh, but being a werewolf and all I couldn't keep that a secret for too long. Hopefully they wouldn't say anything to her…I didn't need her thinking that I hated her because I didn't. Not at all…

Ugh, I messed up really badly. I shouldn't have been such a jerk when I left. I could've at least have said I'm sorry to her before I lost it. But I should know by now that things don't usually turn out the way I want them too.

I shook my head to clear it.

Focus, I told myself.

And then I started to think about what could happen if I told her or if I didn't tell her. If I didn't that would basically mean our relationship was over and if I did then I wouldn't know how she would react to it. But knowing her and seeing how much of a good person she is makes me believe that she'll be ok with it. That could always change, but if my assumptions were right then she wasn't the type of person who judged someone. Maybe I just wanted to believe that, maybe I'm crazy, that's always a possibility. There were so many possibilities to this situation we were in. I only wanted to believe one though. And that was that she and I would both be fine with each of our secrets. Yeah, of course she would be surprised, but she'd know that I'm still the same person I was when we met and when we started talking to each other.

I want to tell her, I don't want this to end like this. Not when things were going so well. I've never cared for a person like this before. And I've never wanted to love anyone like I wanted to love Ali. No one else mattered as much as she did. And that's why I believe that love conquers all. It may sound cheesy and corny, but it was true. And damn, I wasn't going to pass up the opportunity to finally have things be right for once.

Ali would make everything in my life better. No, she would make everything in my life perfect…

Ali's POV

The whole day consumed of me thinking about him. I wondered if he hated me now. I really hoped that he didn't, but I really blew it so there's a huge possibility that he did hate me.

When I got out of school I realized that I would be walking alone since Embry wasn't here. So instead of going straight home I decided to take a little walk around the town. With my backpack slung over my shoulder and my hands in the pocket of my sweater I walked down the sidewalk. It was misty outside today and the sweet smell of moss and grass filled the air. I liked the smell, I mean it was a lot better than having to constantly breathe in the gross smelling air of the hospital that's for sure.

My eyes curiously scanned all of the similar houses that stood next to each other. I tried to determine which one could possibly be his, but it was probably a stupid idea considering that all of the houses looked the same around here.

As I kept walking I finally started to see a small path that led into the forest. I could either go towards the rest of the town or…take a journey in the forest. I looked at each of the different places and as I got closer and closer to the point where I would have to choose a huge gust of wind hit me. It almost knocked me down from how strong it was and maybe it was a sign, probably not, but the wind sort of pointed me in the direction of the path that led into the forest. I thought about what I could do. And the one thing I wanted to do most right now was probably the only thing I could do in the middle of the forest. I could think about things…in the peace and quiet without getting interrupted.

With one quick glance over my shoulder I took my first step onto the rubble. Then another one followed by another big gust of wind that hit me again. This time I put my hood on over my head so that my hair wouldn't be blowing in my face the whole time.

I explored the forest I never once in my life acknowledged before. It was beautiful here and definitely peaceful. As I walked I let my hands feel everything like the bark, the ferns, and the small lavender plants that were scattered around the trees. It seemed like paradise here and I didn't want to leave.

So taking this fact into consideration I found one of the most beautiful looking trees and sat down, resting up against it. I let my eyelids close and I just listened to the natural sounds of the forest. The whistling wind made it even better.

And then I let thoughts of him consume me. It didn't make things worse this time around it actually made me smile. It would be nice to be able to sit here with him in this little piece of paradise I found. It could be our place. I opened my eyes and looked all around me. Yeah, it would be nice to call this our special place. But who knows where things are going to go from here. I blew it yesterday…

And feeling totally confident of myself I started to hum a sweet song. It was in an attempt to push the thoughts of what happened yesterday out of my mind for the time being. I only wanted to think about the future from here on out. I didn't want to think about how I might've messed everything up because I had the feeling that Embry didn't mean to sound harsh with me. Call me crazy, but I felt like he's somewhere out there, thinking about me like how I'm thinking about him. I would hope so…

After about what seemed like a half an hour of me just sitting there I decided that I should go home now. My parents didn't call yet so they obviously weren't worrying yet. Mind you I said yet…if I stayed any longer I'm pretty sure they would start to get worried and I would probably be getting a phone call soon.

As I started to head down the path again I could've sworn that I saw something…black out of the corner of my eye. I turned my head in the direction of the color, but I didn't see anything. I was probably just imagining things…

That thought suddenly seemed wrong because then I started to hear growling. Oh God, I'm dreaming, I'm dreaming, I'm dreaming. I'm having the same dream again…that's all…

I quickened my pace a little bit just to be sure. Because even if I was dreaming, I wouldn't want whatever that was to catch me. As the sidewalk came into view I sighed in relief. But just before I was about to step onto the sidewalk I heard some rustling in the trees and that's when I started to run. I didn't care if it was a bunny or something and I didn't care if I was being delusional I just needed to make sure that I got home safe and without a scratch on me.

Embry's POV

As soon as it got dark outside I decided to check on her, just to make sure she was alright. When I got there I climbed up the tree I usually climbed and watched as she stared down at the picture again. It was the same two people. She looked exactly like the woman, which makes me wonder if these were her real parents or something. Obviously her and her little brother didn't look anything alike. I mean I resembled the kid a lot more than she did.

This night, I came to the conclusion that this was half the reason why she wanted space. I don't know why, but I feel like this wasn't everything…it couldn't be. She was adopted, that wasn't the biggest secret so there has to be something more that I'm missing here.

I watched as she put the photo back into her drawer and pulled out the black digital camera. A small smile appeared on my face. She was looking at the pictures we had taken…it was fun, and it made be believe that she was comfortable around me. If I didn't try and kiss her then I wouldn't be sitting out here in my werewolf form. I could be talking to her on the phone or something. This is all my fault…

I sighed, but I didn't look away from her as she finally turned off her light and went to sleep. She looked peaceful and really really beautiful. I quickly started to hate not being able to speak to her.

A sudden smell hit me. It reeked really badly…and it was close to. But as the scent started to get stronger and stronger I realized that this was no it…this thing was a vampire.

Ali's POV

The same dream occupied my mind throughout the night. I was face to face with the wolf again and as I realized that this time I was actually massaging the wolf's fur I knew that the dream would continue on.

"Why do you sound like him?" I asked it in reference to Embry.

"Because-,"

And before it could say anymore a vicious growl boomed from the distance. I looked in the direction of where it came from and as I heard a rustling coming from the darkness in front of me and the wolf I started to panic.

"Go," the wolf demanded.

"Why?" I asked it.

The growling started to get closer and closer.

"Ali, get out of here."

"No, I want to stay here!" I shouted back, keeping my eyes on the darkness.

And then what I saw had my jaw drop open. Out of the darkness appeared one of the most beautiful human being I've ever seen. Except this girl looked like she wanted something. When I got a closer look at her I noticed that her eyes were a crimson red shade and she had jet black, straight hair that hung off of her shoulders. Her teeth were bared and she was…growling?

The wolf suddenly put itself in front of me, imitating the vicious noises that were coming out of the beautiful girl's mouth. Her skin was extremely pale and she looked at me with eyes that seemed to pierce through my skin like daggers. I started to scream as the…thing leaped into the air, the wolf doing the same.

And that's when I woke up, screaming. I heard my parents running up the stairs and the door suddenly flew open.

"What's wrong?" they both asked in unison.

I shook my head quickly and ran my fingers through my hair once before answering, "It was just a nightmare…that's all," I was almost out of breath from my screaming.

Both of them sighed in relief and walked out of the room soon after that. As if things couldn't get any worse…

Embry's POV

The thing's tracking her! I shouted in my mind as I paced back and forth while Jake and Quil just watched me. The rest of the pack was patrolling and making sure that the stupid leech wasn't anywhere near La Push. She ran off soon after I found her.

We'll catch her Embry, she won't be able to touch Ali, Jake tried to sound encouraging, but it wasn't really helping me at all.

After I smelled the thing last night I thought it was just in the woods for a hunt. Ha, little did I know that this thing was hunting down Ali, She's a freaking tracker Jake!

Which is why we're going to make sure that Ali's safe, Embry. Calm down, you're not helping anything.

Shut the fuck up Jake! I'll be calm when I want to be calm!

I almost had the bloodsucker, but she was too quick. She seemed a lot quicker than any vampire I've ever seen.

Embry I'll keep watch of Ali at school. You just keep thinking about things… Quil quietly chuckled in his mind.

Ugh, I wish that they didn't know about that…

Well we do so deal with it. Maybe you should learn how to keep your thoughts private.

Oh, I'm so sorry that I'm not as skilled as you are almighty Alpha, I kept pacing back and forth.

Jake rolled his eyes at me and started to walk away, I'm going to school, See you around my dumb ass follower, him and Quil started to laugh and when it turned into a human laugh I started to growl. I really hate this…

I haven't been able to phase back into human form for two days straight now. It completely sucks. It's like God would prefer me as an animal instead of a human. Well how about we throw in a little twist to my story huh? Yeah, now I have to deal with this tracking leech who wants to kill the girl I love. Oh, not big enough of a twist? No problem, now I can sit here alone and think about Ali while the rest of them get to actually see her. It's completely unfair and it sucks.

I just wonder how long things will be this way until the turning point comes along…

OMG! she's going to tell him pretty soon! ahh!!

and please don't get angry with me! i know you all want her to tell him like...now , but i have it all planned out. Believe me it will be worth the wait and i think you will all be pleased with it once it's posted. (i basically have it all written i just need to find the right time to post it)

well bye bye for now! =D