Midnight

By Paranoid-puppy

Disclaimer: I don't want to own it. I don't own it. So don't sue. :)

Warning! - Profanity/Violence


Ch. 11 - Flame

She stared out into the open water, watching from a high cliff's edge. Wind whipped wildly through her hair, throwing the dark locks into chaotic disarray. Down below the sea twisted and churned, throwing itself against the forbidding rocks. Bella breathed in the clean air, heart pounding with foreboding feelings. She didn't know why she was here. She didn't know what compelling force drew her to this site of all places. La Push. Enemy territory.

Bella sighed, shoving her hands into her pockets. She frowned, eyes narrowing in thought. Normally it would be alright if she was in La Push, as long as she stayed in residential areas. It was an unspoken agreement between Sam's pack and her, and only due to her friendship with Jacob Black. But now she was breaking their silent rules, daring them to come after her for revenge. She could sense them now, smell their scents carried on the cold winds. She could almost feel their anger too, their righteous indignation at her audacity. The werewolf didn't care really, there were more pressing matter that needed to be discussed.

Swiftly Bella turned around, eyes riveted on the forest line. She heard them approach, hulking forms just slight shadows peeking from the greenery. Her mouth curled up in a sneer, watching dispassionately as they crept out from the forest depths. There were three of them, the largest of them black with dark brown fur on it's underbelly. Her eyes lit up in recognition, realizing that it was the same wolf from before. Sam. On the leader's right was a solid brown wolf, eyes glaring maliciously. On the other side was grey and brown one, completing their little pack. Paul and Jared, I presume. Low growls billowed out of their barrel chests, dark eyes focused unwavering on their adversary. Bella sneered, treating the threat as a badly formed joke. She didn't move from her relaxed position, not bothering to even take her hands from her pockets.

They stopped about twenty feet away, staring warily at her still form. For a moment all was at a standstill, both parties locking eyes. The wolves bristled, hackles raising, but never moving from their spot. Bella raised her eyebrow, mouth twitching anxiously. Her wolf snarled in discontent, causing a low rumble to leak from her throat. The shape shifters seemed to notice, fangs bared over large chops. Suddenly the Alpha stepped forward, approaching Bella with slow steps. The werewolf watched him move, observing how the others tensed at the movement. Sam stopped ten feet away, leaving plenty distance for both conversation and flight if necessary.

The muscles in Bella's jaw clenched as the shape shifter started to shake. She watched in reluctant curiosity as the wolf phased back into a human boy. Fang and fur receded quickly, leaving in it's place a glaring Sam. His dark eyes were accusing as he stared harshly down at her.

"You are either foolish or have a death wish." He hissed. "Or has it not been made apparent that you are not welcome on these lands."

"Perhaps." Bella responded coolly. "But then again you haven't really voiced where I can or can't go."

"That is irrelevant! Any scum associated with those bloodsuckers is not wanted here." Sam sneered, baring his teeth. His pack voiced their opinion behind them, barking madly in agreement. Bella remained undaunted.

"Jacob doesn't seem to mind as much." She baited, watching in amusement as the native boy clenched his fists.

"Jacob is but a child." He bit out severely. "He knows nothing of what truly goes on here. Had he an inkling of the truth, he would turn on you instantly."

"Yeah well right now, you're the ass in his books." Bella smirked dangerously, crossing her arms.

"It will not remain that way forever." Sam said forebodingly. "One day he too will become like us. He will take up the mantle of his ancestors and the sacred duty that he owes to the-"

"Blah, blah, blah. Bullshit, bullshit, bullshit. That's all I'm hearing come out of your mouth." The werewolf sniffed. "Look I didn't come out here to intrude on your…'sacred' time or whatever. I came here to ask you something, and depending on your answer, I'll get out of your hair." She gave him a raised eyebrow. "Not that you have that much, mind you. But then again you seem short-changed on a lot of things."

The taller boy's eye twitched

"If your swear that you'll never come over here again, I'll answer your question." He grumbled, ignoring the indignant yips sounding from behind him. Bella smiled in triumph, fangs peering out from her lips.

"I wanted to know something about your tribe." Bella met his eyes evenly. "Considering that you can change into wolves at will, I'm going to assume that you all are well versed in supernatural affairs. I'm also going to assume that magic is something that isn't new to your people either."

"Get to the point." Sam barked. Bella rolled her eyes, giving him an annoyed look.

"I just wanted to know if you have someone on the reservation who can decipher dreams."

"Dreams?" The native boy gave her an incredulous look. "You bother us and take up our time…to ask us about dreams?"

"Okay so it sounds crazy when you say it like that." Bella winced. "Listen I didn't come here to be criticized or mocked, just give me the damn information and I'll leave."

The dark-haired boy frowned, black eyes appraising her silently. The werewolf stared back, gaze never straying from him. Then the Alpha gave her a derisive smile, broad features contorting with menacing intent. He gave a short shake of his head.

"No deal leech lover." Sam spat. "Why should I help someone like you? Especially one who has attacked me once before."

"Attack you?" Bella said in outrage. "You attacked me you…you yellow striped donkey fucker! If anything you owe me this!"

"I owe you nothing." He calmed his features into a stoic mask. "You are an enemy Swan so I suggest you leave now before my hospitality runs out."

"As if you had any to begin with." She snarled, stepping forward hostilely. Sam tensed again, body trembling slightly. The wolves behind him stepped forward as well, ready to defend their leader above all else.

"Only our family and pack are allowed the secrets of our ancestors. I will not have that tradition ruined because of one curious person. One of which I don't trust worth anything." He stated simply, narrowing his eyes. "Don't think of it as a personal matter. For although I dislike you intensely…that is not what this is about. It is about the safety of our tribe and the duty we pledged ourselves to."

"I'm glad that your supposed duty includes you being a gigantic ass-fuck." Bella said snidely.

"As I said before. Don't think of it personally. Tradition is everything to us. It is what keeps us organized and strong. I'm not just going to forsake that."

Bella stared at his serious expression, anger calming slightly at the explanation. Despite herself, she felt a small glimmer of respect towards the resilient Indian. Swallowing down anymore belligerent insults, the werewolf steadied herself. She tried to think through the situation rationally, mind turning over the information in her head. Meanwhile Sam watched her with thinning patience, mouth curved into a frown. With a slight shake of his head he turned around.

"If there isn't anything more for us to discuss, I would like you to leave." He turned around, walking back to his small band of followers. The other Quileutes seemed to agree, short barks sent towards Bella's still form. The werewolf watched him walk away, stance arrogant and sure. Biting down on her pride she called after him.

"Wait!"

Sam paused, not sparing a glance her way. Noticing an in, Bella spoke hurriedly.

"If the only way for me to get the information is to either be family or be pack…" Bella's eyes hardened in determination.

"Let me join your pack."

Absolute silence. Then in a flurry of indignation and rage, the other pack members roared their disapproval. Their howls of fury echoed throughout the area, Bella wincing at the intensity of it. Sam jerked his head up, expression forbidding.

"Silence!" He cried, cutting off their tantrum. The wolves quieted immediately, bowing under the authority of the Alpha. Their ears pinned back to their heads, legs bowed to the earth in submission. Sam gazed at them for another moment before facing Bella once again. The werewolf met his gaze confidently.

"What foolishness do you speak now?" He asked evenly. His face remained stony, unreadable. Bella kept her face free of emotion, smoothing her features.

"You heard me. I want to join your pack."

"Why?" Sam interjected, crossing his arms.

"If it's the only way to get the information I want, then I'll do it." She stated simply. "Because I'm sure as hell not becoming family. No offense or anything."

Sam ignored her jibe, dark irises shining with an undeterminable emotion.

"And what makes you think we want the likes of you." He smiled wryly. "We are more likely to kill you than accept you. Even if your motion to join us was completely sincere, I wouldn't consider it. Too much has happened between us, leech lover."

"That may be so, but things can change can't they?" Bella asked rhetorically. Sam gave her a short, sardonic laugh.

"Please, I can smell that irritating midget vampire all over you. And not in a friendly way either. So quit the charades; I know for a fact that you would never betray her."

"That's not what I'm suggesting. I'm merely saying we could come to a…compromise." Bella stared at him intensely. "You let me get what I want and I'll help you should your lands come into danger. Deal?"

The Quileute boy scoffed.

"You insult my intelligence Swan." Sam shook his head, features drawn tight with disgust. "Do you honestly expect me to agree? How could I, when I trust your word as much as your Cullen whore."

"Watch what you say Wolfman reject." Bella hissed out. "Unless you like it when your head is decapitated from your body."

"Then you shouldn't make outrageous propositions." Sam spat, arms crossed once again. "No one joins the pack without my permission. The Alpha's permission. Besides you're not even a wolf."

"Don't make an ass out of yourself by assuming. And if I can't join because I need permission…" Bella sneered, the last word mocking and sarcastic. She raised her hands out in front of her, fists clenched in a classic brawler's position. Her eyes hardened, fierce determination burning within.

"Then let's dual it out. Winner becomes the new Alpha."

Sam's eyes widened in shock, features taking on a stupefied expression. It was the first time she had seen the Indian so taken back. The other Quileutes were stunned as well, furry bodies tense and disbelieving. Then the tall boy recovered, fierce scowl on his face.

"Don't be ridiculous!" He groused, taking a step back involuntarily. "You wouldn't last a second if I-"

"If you what? Lose like you did last time." Bella smirked. "Sounds to me like you're scared of getting your ass kicked."

"Scared?" Sam growled loudly, form shaking in fury. "I would never be scared of you!"

"Then prove it." Bella smiled darkly, straightening her posture. She took a step forward in challenge. "Fight me and prove that you're better than me. If you win I'll never step foot in La Push again. If I win I become the new Alpha of your pack and get access to whatever I want. Is that clear?"

Sam's brow furrowed in thought, pondering in silence. He glared at her, obsidian eyes reflecting both disgust and hesitancy. The werewolf waited patiently for his answer, meeting his gaze with unbridled bravery. The Native boy frowned, before nodding his head slowly.

"Very well. I accept your terms." Sam spoke, ignoring the cries of anger that emanated from behind him. With a wave of his hand he silenced them, continuing without pause. "How do you wish to go about this?"

Seeing that she had his attention, Bella relaxed her stance. With a wave of her hand she gestured to the cliff's edge behind her.

"The first one to push the other off this cliff is the winner." She stated. "And no half ass job, either. One of us must hit the water for the other to win."

"I see…" He pursed his lips. "But let me state my own rules as well. This must be a clean fight in which we can only use the powers that we were born with. No other…gifts are allowed."

"Fine." Bella smirked at the thinly veiled implication. "Of course that also means that only you and me can participate in this fight." She sent a quick look to the other Quileutes. " No other outside parties may get involved.

Suddenly Bella took off her jacket, flinging the article several meters away. She closed her eyes, tensing her muscles. Taking a deep breath, she rested her fists by her side. Then in a spark of light and heat, she ignited flickering flames of orange all around her hands. Quickly she crouched, throwing her palms straight onto the earth below. Almost instantly a ring of fire surrounded her and Sam, leaving a pair of yelping wolves on the outside. Cringing, Sam shielded his face in response to the intense light and heat that surrounded them. Soon the fiery wall grew higher and higher, till it was even with the forest trees. The chaotic circle of fire jumped and flickered, the only opening at the ledge. Bella stood in silence, vicious flames still encasing her arms. She could hear the wolves cries of rage, furious howls accompanying the roar of flame. The werewolf watched Sam lower his hands slowly, a look of horror on his face.

"Wh-what are you?" He whispered in terror.

Bella didn't answer, unnerving gaze still pinned to his frightened form. With a twist of her arms she extinguished the fire on her body. She walked towards him slowly, coming to a stop just a few yards away. Sam swallowed hard, taking a nervous step back out of reflex. Sweat started to pour down his face, the heat too intense for him to handle. Bella remained nonplussed, not even the slightest bit of moisture on her brow.

"You do realize I can kill you easily. I could let my flames consume you and your pack with only so much as a flick of my wrist." She demonstrated the gesture, smirking in amusement as he flinched back. "But I won't…because I promised you a 'clean' fight. So come Sam…attack me."

He stared at her, fear and uncertainty decorating his features. Then, just as quickly as it appeared, it vanished. Extreme anger twisted his features into a mask of rage. His body shook, muscles trembling with restrained power. Bella watched him in anticipation, stepping forward challengingly. Seeing this, Sam's control snapped. With a tremendous roar he jumped towards her, phasing in mid air. Tensing her body, Bella ran forward, hands outstretched. Heavily his furry form clashed into hers, jaws snapping crazily at her face. She held him at bay by his massive shoulders, arms straining.

With a pant she drew his skull into a headlock, clutching the wolf close to her. The mad beast thrashed against her, trying to get her off of him. Bella only strengthened her hold, teeth clenched. Then in a burst of energy, she tossed him to the ground, watching as his body unearthed the topsoil. She backed away, slightly breathing hard from the effort. Sam shook once before standing up on shaky legs. He gave her a vicious snarl, eyes narrowed. They locked eyes, adrenaline running through their systems. Slowly they began to circle each other, both watching their adversary.

Howling abruptly Sam rushed her once again, jaws snapping. Bella growled lowly in her chest before crouching low to the ground. Just as their bodies were about to crash into each other, Bella stepped to the side. Twisting her body she grabbed the fur on his back, pulling harshly. Using all her strength she redirected his momentum, straight into the Cyprus behind her. Unable to stop, the Quileute crashed into the tree, bark snapping under the pressure. He yelped, collapsing to the ground abruptly. Breathing harder now, Bella just gave a short laugh.

"Are you kidding me?" Bella panted out, smiling. "This is all you can do? I thought you were pathetic but…man!" She chuckled sadistically. "You think you could at least get one shot in."

An enraged growl was her only answer, the noise building by the second. Black eyes were riveted on her, never straying. The wolf stood up on trembling legs, almost falling down a couple times. She had to give him points for persistency; the shape shifter sure had that. Soon Sam started to stride towards her once again, only a slight limp in his step. Bella's eyes narrowed, smile falling off her lips. She gazed at him stoically, letting him bridge the gap unimpeded.

Tired of the game, Bella ran at him quickly. Before he had the time to even snarl at her, she plunged a fist into his side. The sound of cracking bones filled the air, an anguished howl immediately spouting from Sam's throat. Bella jumped backwards as he blindly snapped at her face, spittle spewing from his maw. Swiftly she socked him in the snout, throwing his head violently to the side. He stumbled, paws tripping over each other. Not letting him recover, she elbowed him quickly in the neck, causing a strangled cry to be wrung from his lips. It was enough to send him to his haunches instantly, body swaying. Just as he was falling to the dirt she brought her knee up, hitting him straight in the jaw, dislocating the bone. The Quileute's head snapped back, body lunging sharply upwards before collapsing back to the earth. The wolf hit the ground hard, a loud thud sounding from the collision.

Bella straightened from her stance, watching the shape shifter shudder before going still. Unrepentant she walked towards him, the bottoms of her feet entering his field of vision. Amazingly Sam was still conscious, eyes glassy but comprehending. The pyrokinetic noticed this, brow raising. After a moment she backed away a few feet, turning her head. She stared all around her, the ring of flame still burning fiercely.

"Did you know that the werewolf was once considered the Devil's hound?" Bella spoke softly, thoughtfully. "I didn't…at least until I changed. After that I found out all sorts of information." She smiled grimly. "Apparently the werewolf is a symbol of terror and all consuming evil. Born of flame and darkness, the hell hound roams the Earth, devouring the innocent and killing all who stand in its way." She turned her gaze back to him. "My kind is an wicked breed, Uley. So tell me…why do you wish to be like us?"

Sam remained silent, watching her with dark eyes. Pain and terror lay in his gaze, a slight trickle of blood leaking from his nose. Bella sighed and walked back to him, frowning slightly. Her irises seemed to glow, something strange and foreign in her gaze.

"You claim to be protectors. You claim to be guardians. Yet you wear the skin of monsters. It's interesting if nothing else." She pursed her lips, jaw clenching. "It makes me…sick. Unsettled and angry, in fact. To see you masquerade as something you're not, as something that is a thousand times more than you could even hope to be…" She trailed off, lips curling over lengthened canines. "No…I don't believe I can let this go unpunished. But I'll leave you alive for now, only because I need something of you."

Weakly Sam lifted his head. His body shook with the effort, blood now freely flowing from his mouth and nose. Bella cocked her head, eyes narrowing. Her mouth twitched up into a feral grin.

"Now let me show you what a true Devil's hound looks like."

Bella let out a primal roar, nails and teeth lengthening to monstrous proportions. Her body contorted and twisted, mass increasing to accommodate her massive form. Midnight fur spread over her body, large paws replaced hands and feet. A mere moment later, a great wolf stood in Bella's place, fangs bared menacingly. Sam's eyes widened, shock and fear the prime emotion within his onyx irises. The beast in front of him was easily twice his size, undoubtedly able to rip him to pieces in seconds. Bella growled low in her chest, hackles raising. She crept closer to him, hulking form towering over the smaller wolf.

Lowering her head, she closed her jaws around his throat. Easily she lifted him in the air, Sam's body shaking with terror. With him in her mouth she pawed slowly to the cliff's edge, tail swishing behind her casually. When she reached her destination, Bella dangled him over the lip, watching sadistically as the panic increased in his eyes. Mentally, she lowered the fire wall in back of her, letting the other Quileute's see imminent defeat of their Alpha. As soon as they started howling with rage and confusion, she dropped him unceremoniously off the precipice. His body tumbled dramatically down, somersaulting and spinning in the air like a falling twig. When he finally hit the water, a sickening slap sounded from his heavy body hitting the turbulent waves. Bella gave a howl of triumph, the noise mixing with the pack's cries of distress.

Hearing the rush of paws close in on her, Bella whipped around, snarling viciously. They stopped abruptly, bodies shaking with both fear and anger. The two wolves stared at her, black eyes filled with abject horror. Bella gave a wolfish sneer, tensing her muscles for another fight. Seeing this, the other wolves backed away, ears pinned to the back of their heads. They lowered their bodies to the ground, wisely submitting to their superior. The werewolf stared at them for another moment, before walking to the side. She picked up her jacket in her mouth before beginning her descent down the rocky bluff, using her agility to jump from ledge to ledge. She could hear the other Quileutes follow her, descending with clumsy steps. Bella gave them no other notice, eventually stopping at a sandy stretch of land just underneath the cliff face.

She waited for a moment, watching diligently as a small figure started to approach. It was a few seconds later that a human Sam washed ashore, body bleeding and broken. He coughed up the salty water from his lungs, breathing harshly. The other wolves whined, bodies shifting nervously in the sand. Bella's ears twitched at the noise, eyes narrowing. She let him recover as she phased back, paying no heed to her nudity. Bella put on her jacket slowly, shaking the sand out from her sleeves.

"Do you surrender?" She said lowly. "Or do I have to beat you again to make my point?"

Sam lifted his battered head, nodding slowly. A defeated air hung around him, matching his conquered state. Bella watched him for another moment before nodding as well. She turned around to face the other Quileutes, pinning her intense gaze upon them.

"Change back." She ordered. "Then help him up and follow me. Is that understood?"

They gave her an uncertain look before bowing their furry heads. Quickly they changed back into their human skins, Paul and Jared appearing respectively. They rushed to help their beaten ex-Alpha, each helping the broken man to stand up. Sam endured the pain valiantly, gritting his teeth to smother the groans of agony. Bella waited patiently for them to follow, beginning her trek up the beach when they had him fully supported. They walked in silence, the werewolf leading them into the cover of the forest. As soon as they were well into the trees, Bella stopped. She turned around, watching as they trailed after her slowly. Sam limped along, an arm slung around both Paul and Jared's shoulders. His head was bowed, damp hair dripping slightly in his face. She observed the scene with quiet interest before speaking.

"How long until he heals?"

The one she assumed was Paul glanced up before turning his head to look at Sam.

"It depends…cuts and lacerations usually take a few minutes or two, but bones could take hours…sometimes even days."

"I see…" Bella cocked her head in thought. "Then let's head back to the reservation. We can get him healed up there and I can get the information I need." She turned her head to Jared. "I want you to lead us back. Paul, I want you to stay and help Sam, got it?"

They nodded in unison, accepting the shift of power without complaint. Jared immediately headed to the front, leading them deeper into the forest. Bella followed after him, giving a brief glance to Paul to make sure he followed. They traveled in silence, only Sam's slight grunts of pain and the noises wildlife accompanying them. The werewolf took this time to think over her new position and what exactly it would mean for the Quileutes. She knew she couldn't truly be their leader, there was too much bad blood for that to go without complaint. There was also the complication of her mate being a Cullen, something that would surely cause problems no matter what. Bella sighed, running a hand through her windswept hair.

I guess we're going to have to come to some arrangement, the werewolf thought, I sure as hell can't be alpha to a pack I don't even like. Another groan of pain interrupted her ponderings, causing her to look back at the slowly healing man. Furrowing her brow, Bella shoved her hands in her jacket pockets.

The question iswhat type of arrangement would both of us agree on?

‡ ‡ ‡ ‡

Alice sat in class, idly drawing on her paper. She was barely paying attention to what was going around her, the teacher's droning voice boring her immensely. Normally she would have her Bella to talk to in Biology, unfortunately today wasn't part of the norm. Alice sighed, leaning her head on one arm. Her lover had said that she had business to figure out, and that Alice wasn't allowed to tag along. The little vampire protested of course, but Bella was not to be dissuaded.

"I need to go to La Push." Her mate had finally admitted. "Do you really want to start a war by coming?"

So here Alice was, bored to tears and missing her werewolf dearly. The pixie pouted, her drawing hand moving in absent circles across the page. A sudden cough disturbed her thoughts, causing her to look up in irritation. To her immediate surprise the face of her bronze-haired brother gazed back at her. Alice pursed her lips, turning her head away. She was still mad at him for his words the other day, infuriated in fact. She heard Edward sigh, sitting down beside her. Tensing, Alice shot a nervous glance over her shoulder, looking for Jasper. The blonde vampire was watching them with clasped hands, a serene look on his face. The small girl winced, forcing her eyes to the front of the room. When Jasper got that look on his face, she knew something bad was going to happen. Diligently ignoring the boy beside her, she went back to her drawing, penciling in Bella's features on the rough sketch she made of the wolf. She heard Edward give a huff of exasperation.

"You're going to have to talk to me sometime." He whispered softly. "You can't ignore me forever."

"Oh yeah? Watch me." She muttered, scooting her chair away from him.

"If I say sorry, will it help?"

Alice shot him a dirty look, clenching her pencil tightly.

"No." She said bluntly. With that she focused back onto the paper, adding in details to Bella's hair.

"Is it at least a start?"

Alice snapped the pencil in half. She turned her gaze back to him, a menacing look on her face.

"You're not going to let this drop are you?" She asked flatly. Her brother shook his head, golden eyes peering into hers.

"Not likely." He replied simply. Alice frowned, looking at him in annoyance. Then she sat back in her seat, closing her eyes.

"You could start by telling me why." She suggested, crossing her arms. Edward winced, bowing his head slightly. Then he lifted his gaze, eyes darting momentarily to Jasper in reassurance.

"It's…complicated." He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I suppose it has mostly to do with how unpredictable she is. I couldn't read her mind, your visions were rendered useless, and Jasper couldn't even get a sliver of motion out of her. Suffice to say…she scared me." Her brother stared at her sadly. "I was fine with you being just friends with her, as long as she didn't compromise our life here. But then you started to fall in love with her and…I reacted irrationally. I was certain that she was some sort of cretin just waiting to ruin us through you. I know that doesn't excuse my actions, but…I hope you can begin to forgive me by knowing this." He paused, waiting for her reaction. Alice stared at him evenly, her face a mask of stone. Her topaz eyes glared heavily into his, inspecting his visage for any hint of insincerity. When she saw that he was being genuine, she relaxed in her seat.

"I don't think I can forgive you just yet." She whispered. "You hurt me greatly when you said those things."

"I understand." Edward nodded his head, expression sad. "But…is it a start?"

Alice remained still, turning her gaze to the front of the room. She plucked another pencil out of her drawing case, returning her attention back to drawing. Edward bowed his head, clasping his hands on top of his desk. Politely, he stayed out of her mind, not wishing to ruin what chance he had at forgiveness. A moment of silence passed, neither sibling acknowledging the other. Then the little vampire opened her mouth, still sketching on her paper.

"It's a start."

Edward gave her a small grin, golden eyes lighting with relief. He nodded shortly before standing up again. Alice watched as he quickly darted to his seat, letting no human catch the movement. She bit her lip, wondering if it was truly alright to forgive him. She really was hurt by what he said, even more so by what he was saying about Bella. Alice could understand by some extent why he acted the way he did, but understanding and accepting were two different things. And while it was true that she couldn't be mad at him forever, she still wanted to be for the time being. Alice leaned her chin on top of her clasped fingers, ceasing her doodling for now. She exhaled slowly, watching with detached interest as Mr. Banner wrote some notes on the board. Her eyes closed, wishing once again that she was with her beloved wolf. Everything was so much less complicated with her around.

Abruptly Alice froze, a sudden feeling of unease permeating through her body. She wrinkled her brow, tensing her body anxiously. Then she gasped as a familiar feeling hit her, one that she had been bereft of for weeks now. A vision prodded at the back of her mind, requesting fiercely that it be seen. She swallowed, excitement taking over despite herself. She opened her eyes again, staring straight ahead. Drawing in a deep breath, she let the vision overtake her. Immediately chaotic flames entered her field of vision, dancing around in a hellish dance of danger and terror. All around her the fire raged and cut a path of ferocious might, taking the shape of a ring. Alice shifted her attention back to the flaming wall, suddenly seeing a break in the fire. Her body went cold at what she saw. There in the middle of the blaze was Bella Swan, arms out in front of her defensively. The werewolf was fighting a dark blur, the opponent's shape a huge dark spot in her vision. She watched in horror as the blur lunged towards her lover, Bella putting her hands up in what seemed to be panic.

Then the vision ended, just as soon as it appeared. Alice shook in her seat, frightened and horrified. Unthinkingly, she jumped up from her seat and ran out of the classroom, paying no heed to the voices calling after her. She could hear both Jasper and Edward leave as well, following her in determination. Soon they caught up with their sister, her brothers each seizing her by the arm.

"Alice what's wrong? You're emotions are all over the place." Jasper said worriedly. Alice struggled in their grip, trying desperately to get away.

"Let me go! Bella she's…she's in trouble!"

"Alice you had a vision didn't you?" Edward said urgently. "Show me. What did you see?"

"I don't have time for this!" She cried out. "I'll show you later, but after we get Bella to safety!"

Her two brothers looked at each other, communicating to each other silently. Then they nodded and turned back to her.

"Very well, but where are we headed?"

Alice clenched her jaw, eyes hardening. She hissed the words out harshly, her voice a low growl of anger.

"The one place we aren't allowed to go…La Push."

‡ ‡ ‡ ‡

Emily Young was not a person to be easily worried. She was after all the fiancé of a supernatural shape shifter, and the leader of them at that. As such, she enjoyed a certain amount of security, knowing that her lover would protect both himself and her if need be. Yet on this specific day, she found herself worrying, the feeling clawing at her guts from the inside. The scarred beauty glanced out the window, brown eyes inspecting the forest line. She held a small cup of tea in her hand, sitting in a faded hammock that Sam had mounted.

"Hey Em, you okay?"

The young woman blinked in surprise before turning to the person across from her. Her cousin, Leah Clearwater, looked at her in curiosity. Emily bit her lip, brushing a few strands of hair behind her ear.

"I'm fine." She responded softly. "I just have some things on my mind."

Leah raised a dark brow, smiling roguishly.

"Do these things have anything to do with Sam?" She tossed Emily a pointed look. The other girl blushed before looking away shyly.

"Well yes but-"

"Ha! I knew it!" Leah interrupted her cousin, slapping her knee in victory. "You lovebirds can't stay apart for too long can you?"

"Such is the joy of falling in love, Leah." Emily smiled, humoring the taller girl.

"Love huh?" Leah shrugged sitting back in her wooden chair. "Not something I would know about, but whatever."

"You'll find that special someone I'm sure of it." Her cousin reassured. "Maybe you'll meet someone and fall in love and not even know it. It was like that for me and Sam."

"Yeah but you guys are freaks." Leah stated bluntly. "I mean c'mon! Who the hell finds their soul mate at first sight?" She shook her head. "I don't think it's going to work like that for me."

"Maybe someone you already know then?" Emily asked gently. "I know that neither Jared or Jacob Black has found anyone yet."

"Jared?" Leah stared at her incredulously. "I would rather toss myself into my dad's wood chipper. And as for Jacob, he's a nice guy and all but…" She trailed off, a vague look of disgust on her face. "I can't imagine being with him. In fact I can't really imagine being with any of the guys on the Res."

"The time will come, Leah. You just have to be patient."

"Yeah well, I'm not exactly looking for anyone right now anyway." She sighed, crossing her arms. "So by the way, when's the wedding going to be?"

"We're…not sure yet." Emily tilted her head to the side thoughtfully. She took a slow sip of her tea. "We were thinking sometime this fall, right before the winter comes."

"Really? I thought you guys would want to tie the knot sooner than that."

Emily sighed, putting a hand to her stomach.

"Sam is the one who decided, honestly. But I see where he's coming from. He's planning ahead if I should get pregnant."

"That's…interesting." Leah cringed, not wanting to talk about her cousin getting pregnant. There are some things no family member, no matter how close, wants to hear about. "So what, the deal is get pregnant in the winter and pop one out in the summer?"

"That's a…crude way of putting it, but yes." Emily smiled. "We want our child to be born when the sun in shining, not when the cold has a chance to creep in. Sam says it's a bad omen for a child to be born when things are dying."

"Is Sam putting that mystic crap in your head again?" Leah sighed, shaking her head. "I swear if he didn't make you so happy I'd slug him a few times."

"He just has a penchant for being superstitious, that's all."

Leah rolled her eyes.

"There's a difference between superstitious and crazy, Em. Ask old man Black, he seems to know it."

"Leah!" Emily admonished her cousin. "It's not polite to make fun of your elders. Besides, you know that they mean well enough."

"Yeah, yeah. I got it." Leah said, waving her off. Suddenly the girl stood up and stretched, running a hand through her long hair. "It's getting kind of late though, so I should probably head back. Don't want to worry Mom and Pops again."

"You sure you can't stay for dinner? I could call Aunt Sue and see if it's all right?"

"Naw it's fine." Leah grinned, winking mischievously at her cousin. "You and Voodoo man probably want to start practicing your baby making early, right?"

"Leah!" Emily blushed prettily, red traveling all the way down her neckline. Her cousin chuckled, walking down the porch slowly. With a wave over her shoulder, Leah departed, leaving Emily to stare after her. The scarred girl shook her head, leaning back into the hammock. She took another sip of her tea, exasperation clear on her features. With a soft sigh Emily went back to watching the tree line, gaze intent. The conversation with her cousin had lessened her worry, but only just slightly. Sam had never extended patrol time past sunset before, usually coming home just as the sky started to redden. Emily bit her lip, shifting anxiously. Just as she was about go call Billy, she saw movement in the trees. Her body froze for a moment, only to relax as she recognized Jared's form. She sent a soft smile his way, eyes looking to his in question. Her smile faded as the young man avoided her gaze, dark eyes pinned to the ground. She opened her mouth to ask him where Sam was, when another figure entered the area. Her heart jumped to her throat at what she saw.

There, broken and battered, was her fiancé. Large purple bruises decorated his ribs and face. He was limping on one leg, the other dragged along at an awkward angle. One bruised arm was slung tight around Paul's neck; the other hung at his side uselessly, not moving except for the slight tremble in his fingers. Emily choked back a sob, noticing the dried blood matting his hair and the fresh streams of red trickling out of his nose. Unhesitating, the distraught woman rushed to his side, cupping his face in her shaking hands. Sam flinched back at the contact before relaxing as he saw who it was. Noticing this, Emily pulled her hands away, clutching them to her chest.

"Oh, Sam…who did this to you?" She whispered. She turned her gaze back to Paul. "What happened out there? What did this?"

"Me."

Emily whipped around, facing the owner of the husky voice. A fierce looking young woman walked out of the trees, naked save for a leather jacket draped around her torso. She was tall, standing two heads taller than Emily herself, with medium tanned skin. The strange girl was muscular as well, lean sinew flexing as she strode over to them. Wind whipped through long auburn locks, giving the young woman an aura of intrigue and danger. Emily took a step back, heart speeding up as their eyes locked. To her credit, the odd girl didn't flinch back at her scarred face, a stoic expression on her features. Instead, gold and red colored irises flickered over her briefly, before bringing her gaze back up. Emily swallowed uneasily at the intensity in the stare.

"Who…who are you?" Then the stranger's words caught up with her. "Wait, you…you did this?" She cried out. The girl cocked her head to the side, observing her silently. Then she nodded, gaze never wavering from Emily's.

"I did…but in my defense I gave him a choice." The young woman stated casually.

"A choice of what? To be beaten within an inch of his life or-"

"Stop Emily." Sam's voice interrupted, cutting his fiancé off swiftly. The beaten man straightened up, lifting his eyes to meet hers. "I made a choice to fight her and I'm paying for it honorably. I was careless and foolish…that is why I'm like this. In all honesty, it is a mercy that I'm alive at all."

Emily relaxed her stance, the fight draining out of her.

"But why Sam? Why did you have to…" She trailed off, expression drained and melancholy. The strange girl gave a slight sigh.

"I challenged him for the right to be Alpha. Suffice to say he took my challenge and was defeated." She walked closer to the older woman, arms crossed. "I am the new Alpha of the Quileute pack."

Emily's eyes widened, brown orbs displaying shock and confusion. She turned back to Sam, sending him a questioning glance.

"Is this true?"

The tall man exhaled, nodding his head.

"Yes…Bella Swan is our new Alpha now." He twisted his neck to face the girl named Bella. Grunting, he lifted his arm from Paul's neck, trying hard to stand on his own. When he was sure in his footing, he stared at her proudly. The other Quileute boys looked at him for another moment before copying his movements, facing their new leader. Bella raised her brow, looking at them warily. Sam ignored this, raising a fist to his chest.

"I surrender and submit to you, and promise to follow wherever you lead." He said gruffly. Immediately, Paul and Jared imitated the speech, fists raised over their hearts. Bella looked taken back for a moment, before nodding her head in consent. Emily watched the spectacle, an unsure look on her face. There was a new shift of power in La Push, and she was uncertain of what to think. But when the female wolf raised her forearm to them in agreement, Emily couldn't help the slight smile that came to her mouth. It was instantly replaced by a worried look as Sam doubled over in pain. Jared was able to reach him before he fell, holding the man up with his arms.

"Hurry, get him inside." Emily said quickly, rushing to open the door for them. With the help of Paul, Jared lugged Sam onto the porch. The scarred young woman bit her lip in worry, watching as they ushered her lover into the house. She stood in the doorway for another moment before she noticed Bella. The new Quileute Alpha shifted uneasily, not sure if she should stay where she was or move. Emily decided for her.

"Do you want to come in?" She asked politely. Bella hesitated, eyeing her with uncertainty. Then she nodded, a stiff set to her shoulders. The werewolf walked up and into the house, inspecting her surroundings with minute interest. It was an ordinary one-story house, the atmosphere homey and warm. Most of the furniture was wooden or made of cloth, modest and unassuming by all means. It made Bella feel slightly awkward as if she was intruding on a family reunion that she wasn't invited to. Still, she walked over and sat on one of the couches, trying hard not to disturb anything. Emily watched her move, biting her lip nervously.

"Um…do you want…clothes?" She gestured to Bella's naked half, an uncomfortable expression on her features. It was one thing to be around naked people she knew, but an entirely different thing with complete strangers. Bella swallowed, clutching her legs together self-consciously.

"Yeah, that would, uh, be great." She cleared throat. "Please."

As soon as the words left her mouth, the older woman rushed off into another room. Bella sighed in both relief and frustration, settling back into the couch. She had never planned for this to happen. She hadn't planned for any of this in fact. The werewolf was fully prepared to get her information and go, but now she couldn't just leave it at that. Not when a whole pack of shape shifters was under whole control. It would also be kind of bitchy to just give up that position when she just tossed their leader like a rag doll just to get it. Bella mentally groaned, putting her head into her hands.

I am seriously, totally, and undeniably, fucked.


A/N: Bet no one saw that coming, huh? ;) What with a pyrokinetic werewolf dishing out major ass-kicking, a freaked out Alice that has her visions back and is coming to La Push, an oblivious Leah that isn't a wolf yet, and a trashed Sam and friends forced into submission. But the fun doesn't stop there folks, not by a long shot. Next chapter, the true plot is revealed...if you can figure it out. ;P

Chapter Preview:

"Mariana?" She asked incredulously. "You're the woman I was sent to find?"

The woman suddenly laughed, throwing her head back in hilarity.

"Find…me?" She said between chuckles. "Oh child, no one finds me. I find them." Mariana walked closer to the werewolf, only the barest hint of sound issuing from her footsteps. "And found you I have…Bella Swan."