(Here is the next chapter! Enjoy!)

Disclaimer: All legal rights are copyrighted to Stephanie Meyer. I own nothing but my own plot line and characters that I create myself.

Song: Burning Up by The Jonas Brothers (not sure if the title is right, but whatever. :D)

Chapter Ten: Alpha

BPOV

I felt my body float for a moment, a familiar heat taking over as I fell. I landed on four paws and looked around in wonder. I was surrounded by a huge grassy field and there was a beautiful lake to my right. I could see for miles across the tree-filled landscape. Everything seemed to glow with the same warm light.

I heard a faint howling in the distance and set off toward it without thinking about it. I began the race around the lake.

JPOV

I heard a howl in the distance and let the trees flash by me without a second thought. I bolted toward the sound and looked around as I ran. I was heading toward the other side of an enormous lake. I didn't know why I was here, but…

I froze as Bella's scent drifted toward me. I changed direction, following her scent. She seemed to be heading toward me.

"Bella!" I called out. She sighed in relief in her mind.

"Coming Jacob." She called back, but I skidded to a stop when I saw a large gray

wolf sitting in the center of the clearing. I dropped into a crouch, but the wolf just looked amused.

"Be calm child. I hold no quarrel with you or your mate. She is on her way as we speak." The wolf sounded as amused as it looked. I stood straight and looked him up and down, as the voice indicated male.

"Who…are you?" I asked slowly. He seemed rather familiar. The wolf growled a laugh and was about to answer when Bella launched into the clearing. Her silver-white body stiffed as I came into view. I glanced at the gray wolf before trotting over, sniffing her all over.

"Am I dreaming?" She asked me. I nuzzled her head and neck.

"Only if I am dreaming." I sighed and we turned our attention to the gray wolf.

"My name has changed over the years. I have been called "The Protector" and "The Great One" and even "One Who Sees Spirits." However, my true name is Quёlia." The wolf nodded to us both. I glanced at Bella and saw she was staring back at the wolf in awe.

"Why have you called us here?" I asked slowly. The wolf's face became grave.

"It will be time soon again for the vampire's numbers to be nearly diminished. They have grown at such a fast pace that it must end or the world's balance will be lost. Seattle is an example of this, though the creator's reasons are different… I ask you to realize your destinies young ones, and even at such a young age…you must prepare to fight."

"What do you mean?" I asked, suddenly feeling as if I had heard this type of thing before.

"You are the true Alpha Jacob Black. Take the position Sam has offered you time and time before. I have given you the gift of strength and speed unsurpassed by anyone. Few can keep up with you and even fewer will be able to run with you for miles. You will need this gift to lead the wolf tribes into battle, and convince the Alpha's of other packs to fight."

"Whoa, hold on! I just phased like a week ago! This is moving way to fast! And what do you mean other tribes?" I gushed out my questions and Quёlia flicked his tail to silence me.

"Be calm. You will not be alone in this. Your mate will be of service as well, the reason I changed her. Your bite reacted to the werewolf gene in her, causing her early change. She is your Alpha Female, and will lead alongside you."

"WHAT! No way! I'm not a native or anything! How the hell am I supposed to—?"

"Silence." Quёlia spoke and Bella fell quiet. "You are not from these lands, but as I told you before: Ask your mother. She will know the answer." Bella growled.

"What do you mean other packs?" I asked, remembering from before.

"Other packs…you have not met the other packs?" The wolf asked, his eyes wide. He seemed distant for a moment before sighing.

"No, you have not. There are six packs other than your own, some smaller and others larger. Most are in the north now, in Alaska or Canada. One however is still in the south, remaining in Georgia I believe." Quёlia stated. I growled.

"How do we know you tell the truth?" I asked. The wolf blinked at me and growled.

"You cannot ignore me Jacob Black. Your grandfather led the wolves before and it is now your turn. Accept what you must. Do you not remember my words? Beware what you cannot believe. You should beware the threat you do not believe and take your place." Quёlia growled. I froze as the weight of what he was saying whipped through me.

"I…I don't know if I can." I finally stated, defeated. Quёlia looked at me and his gaze softened.

"You are strong Jacob Black. Stronger than you believe, by far. You will be a great leader and with Isabella Swan's gift by your side, you will win." Bella turned suddenly, shocked.

"What gift!" She asked, stiffening. Quёlia laughed.

"Have you not noticed Isabella Swan? The vampires' abilities do not work on you very well, and even the stronger ones will stop working. It will affect every single wolf on your side so long as you are phased and sharing the mind link." Quёlia stated and Bella looked shocked.

"Is…is that what it is?" Bella asked and she looked at her feet. I frowned. She didn't tell me about this before. I knew there was something weird going on because Edward was always so…different around her, asking questions whenever she appeared to be thinking.

"What are you talking about?" I asked, directing my question at Bella.

"Edward couldn't hear my thoughts…and Alice said her vision of me got harder and harder to see. And…and Jasper even had trouble controlling my emotions." She sad finally. Quёlia nodded.

"Exactly what I am saying child. I don't have much more time. I know this is all very sudden and very confusing. I will say this. Gather together all the packs. Try to keep from areas where the vampire population is bursting. I will come to you and Bella again when the packs are gathered. It will be very hard, but possible. Never doubt your instincts and let you lead yourself."

"But…what if I hurt Bella?" I asked, memories of what occurred before with Bella made me shudder slightly. Quёlia laughed.

"Don't worry yourself. Your inner wolf knows her importance to you. He only wants her near, as you do. It is a protective instinct, and you will not harm her. I must leave you now. Take care young ones, as your journey is only beginning." Quёlia finished, before howling at the sky. The sound blotted out all sound and I felt my vision fade yet again.

BPOV

"Bella? Bella, wake up!" I heard a voice shout, shaking me. I groaned and saw Paul and Embry come into view above me. Sam was pulling Jacob up to his feet.

"What…what happened?" I asked, glancing at Jacob.

"Did you…meet him?" Jacob asked carefully. I nodded.

"So it really happened then?" I asked.

"What, what happened?" Sam asked. "You guys just like, fell asleep or something. We couldn't wake you at all until just now."

"Bella…" Jacob called me over and I moved from the guys to stand by him. He pulled me into his arms and nosed my neck.

"It's really happening, isn't it?" He asked me. I sighed.

"I know…we have to gather the packs…We begin soon." I trailed off as Jacob nodded.

"Everyone, inside. Now." Jacob used an Alpha tone, and everyone obeyed without question. Sam gave Jacob a look, which Jacob returned coolly. Sam's face became grave.

"It's really big, isn't it?" He asked. Jacob nodded.

JPOV

The pack gathered inside. I saw that all eyes were flashing back and forth from me to Sam. I gulped. How would the pack react when I took over?

"To begin with…we met Quёlia. The first wolf." I stated. The room went dead silent and Sam's eyes widened.

"You met The Protector?" He asked. I nodded.

"He is called Quёlia and tells us the vampire population is reaching drastic levels. All over the world, the human population is steadily declining as the vampire population increases. Seattle is a perfect example. Quёlia told us that we must gather the packs as we did many years ago." I sighed as the pack flashed looks at each other from across the room.

"What packs?" Embry finally asked, as the pack all looked at him to voice the question.

"The other six wolf packs." Bella answered. The group stared.

"We have…other packs?" Paul asked. I nodded.

"Some are larger and others are smaller than ours, but there none the less. Think about it. How many vampires are throughout the world? The natives are all here still, and we have the abilities to stop the rise." I finished. Seth looked at me funny.

"But Jacob…why would they follow us?" Seth asked. I took a deep breath and ran a hand through my hair.

"I don't know Seth. Quёlia told us to gather the packs and meet here. He will appear to us again and tell us what we must do."

"Will the other Alpha's listen to us?" Leah voiced from the corner.

"They will listen to me." I stated, though unsure of the words. Bella squeezed my hand.

"You?" Quil raised an eyebrow. I glared at him and he shrank back.

"Do not doubt me. They will obey." I was surprised at the ferocity in my own voice, and could tell the others were a little worried. I took another deep breath, letting it out slowly.

"Sorry…it's a lot for me to take in." I apologized.

"Jacob, are you accepting the position of Alpha now?" Sam asked. The room became very silent. I nodded.

"I don't really have much choice, now do I?" I smiled a fake smile and the room stayed quiet.

"I acknowledge Jacob Emphrium Black as the new Alpha of our pack." Sam said suddenly, bowing low. I clutched at Bella as I felt a wave of power envelope me. I knew…I knew I was gaining the power to control the pack. Power I already had, but now it was intensified. The rest of the pack followed suit, bowing low. Even Emily and Kim bowed before me.

"Don't….please…" I glanced at Sam who smiled.

"Do you want me to be Beta?" he asked me. I let relief show on my face and nodded.

"Thank you Sam." I nodded to him.

"Now, we must talk. We must keep others here to protect the townspeople. I will take a group of three more to travel with me. That leaves four to protect the village. Sam will be acting as Alpha in my leave. Who wants to come with?" I asked.

BPOV

I could tell Jacob didn't like giving orders, though he was a natural at it. I wondered who would volunteer to spend days looking for wolf packs.

"I'll go." Embry pushed himself away from the wall. He went to stand behind me and Jacob.

"I'll go too." Quil stated, and I grinned. Jacob's two best friends were coming.

"I want to go!" Seth voiced, but Leah hushed him.

"No way. You stay here with mom and dad. I'm not leaving Bella by herself with these idiots." Leah walked over to stand behind us. That left Paul, Jared, Seth, and Sam in the town.

"We leave tomorrow at dawn. Warn your families." Jacob nodded and walked outside, pulling me with him. As soon as we were out of the house, he let out a long breath.

"I don't know how Sam deals with the pressure." He muttered. I sighed.

"Practice…and I am sure Emily helps with the stress." I grinned and kissed his cheek. He nodded.

"Charlie should come to stay with Billy where he is protected. Let's go."

"Are you sure Jacob?" I asked him and he shook his head.

"I have no idea what I am doing Bella. No clue at all."

(And I think I have another almost ready now, so let me quick finish and post that one too.)