I was fixed on the spot, staring at the wolves in open mouthed horror. Barely aware of the screech Edward's chair made as he rose, I started at the sight of him moving towards the glass door. My mind screamed protest, but no words could come out. Leaving it open behind him, he paced slowly into the lawn, fists clenched tight at his sides. Swallowing hard, my legs seemed to move independently of my conscience, leading me to the doorframe as those congregated on the grass froze in standoff position. I clung tightly to the wall as Edward spoke.

"He's not here," he said firmly. "Jacob is with my family, near the national park."

All the wolves but the large black in front seemed startled. Slowly I began to pick out my old quilete friends from the pack Sam had led here today. Embry stood stiffly beside trembling Quil, his eyes darting back and forth from the Alpha to Edward. I even glimpsed Paul beside Sam, obviously shaking with fury. I doubted he'd be as civil as he was were it not for his leader's orders. Suddenly, Sam seemed nodded his head toward Embry, running into the woods. Moments later, he walked out in typical uniform, feet bare against the dewy ground. His expression, so like Jacob's had been in recent days, sent chills down my spine.

"What's going on, Cullen?" he said, obviously agitated. The wolves shifted slightly, eyes fixed on my boyfriend. But Edward responded evenly.

"There was an accident in the woods." He seemed to gage the pack momentarily, then turned directly to Sam. "An unfamiliar rogue came into the area, though we can't be sure when. Bella and I were up the Calsoun trail, when we found Jacob." Edward gave an odd jerk of his head as he spoke. "For all we know, he could have been fighting the venom for only moments before we came, although his change was incredibly fast."

I could see the pack was stricken by his words. Sam displayed it most plainly of all, his face unabashedly horrified as he stared into Edward's intense green stare. Edward, on the other hand, seemed determined to maintain a calm about his countennance, and was visibly suceeding. Sensing that the shock was not fading anytime soon, he went on casually.

"Jacob is in no state to be around society at the moment, as I'm sure you would have already guessed, and is currently on vacation. We don't want anyone getting hurt." He gestured to me with one light movement.

Quil gave a low whine, seeming to converse hastily with Embry. Sam coughed a moment, then spoke quietly.

"We sensed a wolf in the area." He gazed darkly at Edward. "We couldn't quite capture his thoughts, however. You can see where we might be concerned."

For the first time Edward turned his head back toward me. His expression was controlled, yet I could see the desperation written in his furrowed brow; in his troubled eyes.

"Bella, wait inside."

I nodded mutely, stepping backward and sliding in the door with a long squeak. Watching from behind the glass, I saw Edward's mouth form a short sentence. Within the blink of an eye, the huge black wolf was back in Sam's place, it's back arched and long white teeth bared furiously. A deafening roar of howls and barking filled the air as the others joined their leader, eyes wild with some newfound vendetta. My heartbeat raced as I watched Edward back off slowly, his own eyes widening slightly with each step they took. Panicked, my legs urged me to run in the opposite direction, barely able to watch the battle unfolding beside the house. The wolves had him cornered now, circling him with a chorus of snarls and growling. I heard a protesting scream before realizing it was my own. Pounding on the glass, I yelled for Sam, Embry, anyone. But it was plain to see they were gone now, readying themselves for Edward's destruction.

I could barely see him now, though I almost wished I couldn't. He was more scared than I'd ever seen him, arms raised at his sides in a useless gesture of readiness. Hot tears rose to my eyes with each passing second. But suddenly, I glimpsed his face within the shadowy pack. Fear turned rapidly to hesitation as he met my gaze. And suddenly, it became rage.

A tremor seized him as he began to thrash about like a hare caught in a snare. Twisting first one way, and then another, he finally bolted forward, eyes wide open, yet looking at nothing. For a moment he disappeared behind the patchwork of dark pelts. The breath caught in my throat.

I nearly jumped at the next sound- a series of loud, panicked howls erupting from the pack as they scattered backward. Opening my eyes, I cringed, then sighed in relief. Even as he was, jaw dripping with some wolf's blood, I had almost grown familiar to the sight of Edward in this form. I watched at far greater ease as his claws tore into the ground, wheeling about menacingly as he faced down each member of the pack. Sam seemed resigned now, scarcely noticing the others as they nursed various injuries off toward the forest. He dipped his head quietly in Edward's direction, then growled shortly at the others. Slowly, they followed him into the forest and out of sight.

I realized my palms were slick with sweat as I unclenched them, wringing my wrists in a nervous manner. A tapping noise echoed into the kitchen, sending me back into worry mode. Focusing on deep breath, I turned my gaze reluctantly outside. Edward stood at the door, eyes fixed on me as his paw slid against the door. I exhaled, walking over to open the door.

"You shouldn't do that," I muttered, unlocking the latch. "Scratches the pane."

He rolled his eyes. Looking out at the lawn, I noticed shreds of cloth scattered throughout. I glared at him accusationally. Edward simply tilted his head apologetically, walking into the kitchen with a steady click, click, click of his bloodstained nails. Suddenly, an idea struck me.

"Bathtime!" I cried. Edward froze in place, turning his head to glare at me. But as my hand stretched toward the garden hose, his gaze grew more fretful than furious.

"Just kidding," I laughed loudly, throwing it back outside as I closed the door. Edward whined softly before sitting on the floor with a resigned sigh. Walking over to his side, I sat down on the couch, leaning over to run my hand down his back. He seemed to almost smile, looking back into my eyes with a knowing expression. I closed my eyes, relishing the sensation of his silky white fur between my fingertips. Before long the homey scent of his warm breath had wrapped around me, and everything went dark once again.

A/N: Hey again! Just got your update for the weekend...its actually turning out the way I want it to! squee! Anyhoo, muchas gracias to mi padre, who not only read this chapter shiver, I know, but contributed on the whole Edward-transition thing! He's never even read the books, folks. applause Although his name is Edward. That has to count for something.

Anyways, it's a short week of school (four days), so be watching for even 2 possible updates in a single week! Impossible? I think not! Huge thanks to Daft Punk, the band that inspired this fight scene. Techno4evr!!!