"I guess I'll, uh, go. I'm going to see Kim with the kids." Emily excused herself, passing us with a worry full look. No doubt she was probably going to seek help.

"No, no, don't move them. They just went to sleep. Marisol and I will go to the woods to talk this out."

In a hurry, I followed him to the side yard where a rugged path was being carved with a narrow opening to the dense forest. Emily watched with wide eyes, not sure of what was going to happen, and I'm sure neither did Sam until I saw how cool and calculating his eyes were when he glimpsed back at me. He was planning something and it got me unnerved. Before he could make the first move, I shot off first.

"You suspected something, didn't you, when I first came here? That's why you didn't like me. That's why you advised Jacob to stay away from me. I didn't understand why, I just assumed it was because of this complicated wolf thing you all had going on, but it didn't add up, because of the imprint factor. I let it go and let you have your paranoia but now I know why! I can't believe you hid it from me!"

Within the short minutes I had driving here, I pieced together all of it. Sam knew damn well about me. He knew about my true origins. Why would he want to keep it a secret? How could keep it from me? I deserved to know the truth but I had to find out the hard way. It opened painful wounds to know he kept my own identity from me, heck, even a family, if Embry and he even count.

Sam didn't try to deny it. "How'd you even figure it out?" I interrogated.

His jaw locked. "Calm down, Marisol." He dared to order me.

"Hell no, I'm not calming down until I get some God damned answers right now! I deserve it! Years of hell, years of confusion and hurt and you could've helped me out by telling me the truth but for some God forsaken reason you didn't. Why? Why didn't you?"

"It wouldn't have made a difference. You lived one life. There is no reason to make it more complicated."

"Oh, you'll get complicated after we clear this mess up. Answer me, Sam, on why I didn't deserve to know the truth."

"It would hurt a lot of people. The news is better left covered. You don't know how everyone is connected to it."

"Enlighten me, Sam. Like how," I circled around him.

"We don't need to turn everyone's world side down. We all have family secrets and I'd rather not have them question all they know."

"That's exactly how I'm feeling! I've been living a God damn lie and somewhere, my father, our father, possibly killed my mother, my real mother, who was taken from me! God damn it! I had a loving home. Screw the money, luxury and the fancy clothes, all I ever wanted was a happy home and I had it at one point and I can't even remember it! You don't know how that feels! You have a mother who loved you, father or not. That's all I ever wanted."

"And you'd have the same reaction if I had told you six years ago. I'm telling you, you were better off not knowing. Nothing good can come out of it."

"So what," I challenged. "It's better than being in the dark. I've felt so alone and lost and confused and this could've really helped me out figure out how the hell I ended up like this."

"I'm sorry to hear that," he said bitterly, "but get over it. You're a grown woman and you need to act like it. It's all in the past now."

"No, it's not. I need to know about my past and so help me God you better fill me in."

He sighed. "Fine, what do you want to know?"

"Who's Jenna Adler? How'd she know your father?" I purposely didn't acknowledge the man as mine. I had a father, Christopher, blood or not, that raised me until his last dying breath. Now he is a definition of a father, not some deadbeat who ran off on his family.

"I don't know. Our father," I cringed at the plural meaning, "wasn't a commitment type. He married my mom, sure, but had more than a few relations with other women, too, and Jenna fell for him charm, I guess."

"Why'd she run away to Montana?"

"I don't know. I didn't know her personally. I was only a kid then. I don't remember her being around. I'm sure she moved before I could even walk. From what I'm told from the elders, this place was too small and she needed an escape. She was a woman with bigger dreams than La Push itself. That's all I know."

"How'd you know she existed?"

"When I was alpha I consulted with the elder council, and her name was mention a few times but very rarely. I had to know the history and every individual here, including the ones that moved. They said she and my dad had a rendezvous. There was no mention of it resulting in a child but the imagination is still there. Nobody was sure because she had been cut off from the village a long time ago."

He looked at me with solemn eyes and it angered me some more that he looked at me with pity.

"When she died, because Samara and Dan had died, her aunts and uncles were notified. Henry and Quil senior were well aware of her death and of your existence, last name and all, but it said in her record that you were taken in by your aunt, who had also moved away around the same time Jenna did, but suddenly she showed up back here a decade after, with you, and they all knew who you really belonged, too. We didn't intervene because it would be too much of a shock. It was a well-kept secret."

"And you didn't tell me?"

"It didn't benefit you."

I growled and felt myself tremble. Not from the cold but from overwhelming emotions exploding underneath my skin.

"Look, I wasn't happy either, about this. My dad ran out on us for another woman, more than a few if you include Embry's mom. I had just discovered I had a sister and I couldn't confront you like I wanted to. I had to treat you like a stranger, no matter how much I wanted to protect you. I wanted to protect you from getting hurt, from this life style, knowing you came from a polished life that didn't ever have to deal with supernatural complications. But at the same time I couldn't let them know who you really were. It didn't hurt anybody."

"It hurt me."

"Only because you found out," he insisted. "If you didn't I'm sure you would've continued life like usual."

I found it hard to breathe as my throat constricted and my eyes blurred with hot tears. Sam stood awkwardly from a long distance, watching me with concerned eyes.

"You weren't supposed to know," he concluded.

I felt a pain in my back and bent backwards in agony. I leaned again the tree to keep standing but the pain spread all over.

Breathe Marisol, I reminded myself. Breathe. Calm down! But it didn't help as the torture continued throughout my sore muscle. Sam instantly came to my side.

"Merris," he shouted. "Merris, what's wrong?"

I tried to tell him to get away but I locked my jaw to hold in the cries begging to be heard. The pain and heat got so intense and my vision began to spot with black and tears.

I arched my back and thrashed around, once again relapsing into transformation. Please, I mentally prayed, please let it go quickly. I don't want to hurt anymore.

"Merris," Sam pleaded. "Thank of Leah, think of you dad, not ours, but yours, Chris! Think of them! Distract yourself!"

I tried to picture them but their faces blurred as pain took over again.

Please, I prayed. Please don't let it hurt. Please let it pass.

I don't remember my transition for there but my vision jumped back in afterwards. I found myself rising from the ground on four legs and feeling unnaturally tall. My eyes met with coal black ones staring down at me with height and more intensity than my own.

I was mystified. Not once have I recalled an 'experience' but for some reason I did. I had some mental control and when I realized I had it, I focused to keep it, staring at the eyes as a focus point.

We didn't back away from each other but stare as if we came to a mutual understanding but I didn't know what. He looked confused, anxious and almost yearning but I was just as confused as he was about what. I stood my ground, unsure of his intentions. Sure he was intimidating, large with solid black fur, like mine, but his eyes were regretful and apologetic.

I made a yip and his ears perked at my sound before barking back. I didn't understand it what he was saying but his excited body language made it clear he was nervous. He barked again but I stood silent, unsure how to reply not knowing what he meant. His ears bent back and whined. His eyes bore deeply into mine, trying to establish a connection but I didn't receive.

A scent in the air caught my attention and I immediately thought of other wolves. I jumped at the thought and tried to run, assuming the other wolf would, too, but instead he maneuvered to block me, anxious to keep me in that spot.

My eyes trained onto a silver blur and a shiver ran up my body, feeling trapped. A snout rose above the brush a few feet around me and I faced a face, solid chocolate, and another behind me, an ashy gray looming figure, and a much lighter wolf following behind him. I whined and glanced around for any sigh of escape while the black wolf kept me inside, egging me to stay with him. He was crazy, I cried with a whine. I needed to get out of here! A snarl got me to jump out of my skin and I face a defensive gray wolf glaring at me with bared, razor teeth. The black one snapped back at it and it reclined back behind a tree but still within its sight.

I felt the air shift and within a flash, a rusty brown wolf stepped in front of all of them, snapping at the ones who dared to step forward and lunge at me. When his eyes met me, I felt my nervousness slide away. Ironically, I admired him and his unique beauty and color. He must have known and edged forward confidently to sniff me. I stayed in place though weary if I made any sudden movements.

Jacob Black's POV

I was on edge. The whole night I couldn't think of anything but Marisol and what on earth she could be doing with Seth. Did Seth kiss her? Did they take it farther? I tossed and turned the whole night and gave up after a few hours. During the early morning hours I spent all of time in the shop working on the cars. My frustration finished two trucks before the dead line. At least some good came out of it.

When she finally answered her phone, she replied in a rush answer that got my nerves jumping up and down. What was she up to? What was she hiding? I didn't know where she was and didn't know where to start to look for her so I stayed put at the house after my early work.

The phone ringing again made me jump in surprise and I rushed to pick it up.

"Hello?" I hoped it was Marisol.

"Jake," Emily's rushed voice cried. "It's Sam. Merris came by and she was so mad. They took off in the woods and I don't know what's happening. She's so upset and starting accusing Sam of something but she told me to stay out of it. I'm so worried."

"I'll be there in a minute! You stay right there, okay?"

I hung up and ran out the door as adrenaline ran through me and push me throughout that short mile. I caught Embry stepping out of his Chevy and he immediately called out for me.

"I need to see Marisol! She might be in trouble!" I yelled over the distance.

Something snapped in his expression and he bounded after me with hot heels. He was at my side in a matter of seconds.

"About that, I need to tell you what happened today." He started.

"Later," I cut him off. "I need to check that she's okay."

"Where is she?"

"At Sam's," trying to keep up speed.

Suddenly a whiplash of air hit my back and next thing I knew a brown blur sprinted passed me. Why did he phase? Deciding to follow his footprints, I phased, too, and trailed behind him quickly.

Why did you do that? I asked him using our mental connection.

This is not good, he replied. Let's hope they don't kill each other. Jake, you need to know what happened today. I was called in to give DNA. They had a breakthrough. Turns out Sam, Marisol, and I are all related. We share the same father.

WHAT! I lost my cool and jumped in front of him.

It's a really long story. I don't know even half of it. Marisol and Sam do, though, and she's not happy. If I have any idea what's going down, one of them is probably dead right now. You should get the others. I have the best chance at intervening seeing as I'm their brother.

No, I'll go. You get the others. I can take on Sam if he attacks because I'm bigger. I don't want you in the middle of this. I'll clear this up and afterwards you can explain it to all of us. I ordered. As alpha, Embry couldn't disobey and with a hidden scowl he sourly trotted in the opposite direction where Paul and Quil lived.

I ran from that point on the Sam's house at the end of the reservation where Emily met me. She paced across the deck anxiously staring in the direction of the woods. When she saw me, she lifted her finger and pointed in the same direction. I nodded my head and put my nose to the ground and picked up her scent. My ears picked up a noise from behind and picked my head back up to spot 2 more wolves alongside Embry racing towards my way.

We're coming, Jake! Quil said, beating Embry and plunging into the forest first. I was right behind him.

What's that smell? Paul asked. He lifted his nose in the air to catch the current that carried the scent. It's a new wolf!

It's Marisol, I corrected. They all shared a moment of silence I remembered the scent and stiffened. What set her off? I thought before the concern of her well-being overtook me. Her leg hadn't healed yet! I took off, with the rest of the guys' right behind me.

Look, she doesn't know us, and I'm certain she'll run if we trap her. We should all go around her in case she tries to escape. Quil suggested. The thought of trapping her outraged me. She was vulnerable and wouldn't help us if she felt threatened and scared if we cornered her.

Don't scare her! I ordered.

Some slowly, another voice warned us. I growled.

What did you do to her Sam? I demanded.

Nothing, I swear!

How is she doing? Paul asked.

I don't know. I haven't established a connection yet. We need her to join the pack or else we can't talk to her.

I can do it, I volunteered.

I have my sights on her! Embry yelled. No, Paul, stop, don't go any closer!

Back off, Paul. Sam barked.

Paul, what are you doing? Stop it! Whatever it was, he needed to stop. He could've hurt Merris.

Yeah, yeah! Quit yelling at me! I wasn't going to hurt her, Jake! Paul yelled back.

I bounded over the bushes and leapt into the middle of circle where everyone was positioned around. I looked around my surrounded, Paul to my left, Embry to my right, and Quil safely at a distance behind me, hidden by the shade of the towering trees. In front of me were two, identical solid coat coated wolves. I was amazed by their resemblance. Sam, of course, was taller but Marisol struck me with her gentle, slender frame. She kept looking around for an escape.

Sam made a yip at her and in response she flattened her ears and turned around to face each other. Her ears perked back up as we stared at each other a while.

Do you have a connection? Embry asked.

No, I can't read her. I stepped forward and she stiffened like a rock, waiting for me to sniff and walk away but I surprised her by rubbing my muzzle in her neck. When I pulled away she tilted her head and stepped forward to keep the close distance we had. She walked around me, examining me, to conclude if I was safe or not.

What is she doing? Quil questioned.

Just when I thought it was all okay, Paul, being the dumbass he is, stepped forward and spooked her. She, like any other wild animal, responded with a snap at his throat. He had quick reflexes though and jeered back in time. She growled at him and crouched, weary of all his sudden movements.

Idiot, I yelled at him. She could've hurt herself.

Really, I almost had my throat ripped open and you're worried about her? What, afraid she'll chip a tooth? Paul sarcastically remarked. I glared at him, coming out as a snarl from my own throat. Marisol jumped back to face me, afraid I was going to retaliate that she attempted to wound my comrade. Nah, Paul deserved.

Thanks, dude. That's really comforting. Paul would've rolled his eyes if he could.

Sam stepped in between us and comforted Marisol. She trusted him, I could see. His body language made it obvious he was looking out for her, not himself or us. She stepped into the opening he made possible and I wasn't fast enough. She leapt over Sam with such grace it caught me off guard and she took advantage of that millisecond I was frozen and broke through our barricade. Suddenly though she paused, like she reconsidered, and slowly edged back. She gave Sam a look.

His ears perked in surprise. He stood up alert.

Did you hear that?

Hear what? Embry asked.

Embry, come next to me.

Embry did as directed and slowly approached Marisol alongside Sam and looked at her with confused eyes. Sam barked at Merris, seeing if she'd respond to that. Her ears perked and her tail whipped the tree bark accidently. I don't think she noticed at she focused at Sam. Her eyes veered from Embry and Sam few times though.

Sam took a confident step towards her and made physical contact by poking her shoulder with his nose. Embry stayed in his spot.

She came back down to Embry where she sniffed him and then looked back at Sam for support. As for me, she stayed clear of me. I didn't know why.

She finds you intimidating, being the obvious alpha and all. He said, spitting out 'alpha' bitterly. I made no comment on that part of the sentence.

How do you know that? I asked.

I can read her body language. She feels okay as long as I'm here to protect her. Trust me, give her a reason, and she'll run like a bat out of hell. He explained while training his eyes to be on Merris.

Sure, Paul teased. I knew he was planning something but he hadn't decided on what.

Don't do it, Paul, or I swear…

He glared at Marisol, who returned a colder stare, and growled at me. How long will she be like this? She's wild. We can't talk to her. What's the point?

We're here so she doesn't get hurt, I said, keeping my eyes also on her.

Her head turned to face me and our eyes connected. She stood her ground while I stood mine, careful to keep distance. This was all new to her and I didn't want to alarm her. But at the same time, I didn't want her to attack me. I'm not sure if she remembered how we first met in wolf form, and I hoped she didn't, but if she did, she'd either a) get the hell out of dodge or b) retaliate. I knew from the quick snap she attempted at Paul they she could possibly do damage and I didn't want to put in a position where I had to defend my pack with force. I've seen first-hand how that went and I didn't want her to go through that again.

I subconsciously whined thinking about it and she jumped back.

Did you hear that? Sam all but yelled.

Hear what?

Her! Did you hear her!

Did you?

Yes!

What'd she say? I was excited and jumped up, anxious that she could actually talk with us through mind link.

She's asking what's wrong.

Marisol's POV

What's wrong with him? Was he hurt? Was he sad?

I was compelled to comfort him and tempted to step forward and nuzzle him but held myself back. That was too close to comfort and I wasn't sure how'd he react. I couldn't predict him and it unnerved me.

I looked at the black wolf for support on what to do but he only stared at me. I whined and whimpered, confused and frustrated on what to do in this situation.

Another wolf came to my side and nuzzled my neck. He was gray with black speckles over his skin.

It's alright.

What?

We looked at each in shock. Did I hear him right?

Did you say something? I thought, directed at him.

You can hear me? He asked back.

How can you do that?

Oh my God…

I heard that slight buzzing in my head again and shook it out but continued to stare at him.

Who are you? What's your name? I asked him.

Wait, you don't know?

Why? Should I?

Marisol, it's me, Embry.

I jumped back in surprise, losing the connection. I stared at him incredulously.

Marisol, are you still there?

Yes, I'm here. How can we talk? How is this possible? Why, I mean, how did you find me?

I don't know. I can't explain this kind of thing. We came here because we heard you were upset. I know why. Is it because of this new family revelation?

Sam hid it from me! I should've known! I should've known I had a family.

I know, it was unfair but at least you know now.

How can you be so calm? You just found out, too!

It's never bothered me. I'm happy that I have a brother and a sister. Aren't you?

It's not as simple as that, Embry. You may be content with this but this is just scratching the surface for me. I still have to figure out what happened to my mom!

I get it. You know I'll be here for you, right?

I turned silent. This was too overwhelming. I faced the black wolf, who I assumed was Sam. Here I didn't even recognize them all when it was so obvious to me now. I was puzzle to why Sam was acting like my protector here. We've never been close and all of a sudden he's watching me like a hawk, more like the pack, actually. Why would he care?

He's your brother, too, Merris. He cares but he has a hard time showing it. You're vulnerable and he doesn't want you to get rough housed, you know?

I ignored Embry and looked at who I supposed was Jacob. He stared at me with wide brown eyes that before amused me but now made me cringe. The feelings were still there, it was obvious. How could I, even for a second, admire Jake? How could I feel compelled to comfort him? It sickened me.

He's your imprint, Merris. Of course you're going to feel a connection! You two were meant to be.

Oh, shut up Embry! I don't want to hear about it. I want to go home.

Sorry, sis.

I cringed when he called me that. I wasn't used to it nor did I accept it. I wasn't ready to revise my whole life. Embry must have noticed my feelings and whined in remorse. I felt bad about rejecting him but couldn't force out an apology. This was just too much.

Merris, can you hear me, too?

I recognized it immediately as Sam's.

Sam, you're in my head, too? Ugh!

He chuckled and descended from the hill he was on to watch me. He and Embry came to my sides and nudged me.

One step closer, Embry. At least she can hear us two.

Do you think it's because of the blood connection?

Maybe, it sounds logical.

I sneered at the two who talked about me even though I was presently in the middle.

Merris, can you try to talk to Jacob?

I'd rather drink bleach.

I didn't want him to see my past night with Seth. Not only would it hurt him and ruin me, too. The pack would not be happy with me at all. I kept those thoughts hidden as I was still connected with Sam and Embry who still continued to talk about me.

Come on, once you're hooked up with the Alpha, you can talk to all of us!

I growled at his choice of words.

I do not hook up and like hell I'd ever hook up with him again!

Embry cowered under my harsh words.

Come on, Merris. We need to talk universally. Sam pleaded.

I don't like people in my head, knowing every single thing I did, said, or think. Got it? I'm very private.

I know, I know! Sam argued. Do it for us? It's better if we can sort everything else in this environment. There's less interference.

Sort what out? That our dad was whoring around? You said it yourself. It was and is a family secret. I'm fine with that now. No one needs to know that!

Embry shook his head. On contrary, it would close a lot of open ended questions. Please? You're just as an important piece to this family as we are, whether you disagree or not.

No, I'm getting out of here. I decided. Before I could even make a step, Jacob stood up and growled at me, as if warned about my intended actions. You guys ratted on me! Have you been telling them what I'm saying?

It's the only way to communicate because you're not willing to participate. Embry justified.

You know what? Fine then! Once I talk to them, I'm going. This is unbearable.

We're unbearable?

This whole mess is! All I want is to go home, make some hot chocolate, and sleep in front of a fire.

That does sound good.

Not helping, Embry!

Sorry.

Jacob yipped at me and I snapped at him to be quiet.

What are you talking about? What about a fire, hot chocolate, and sleep? Is that what you're talking about?

I groaned. How the hell did you get involved in this conversation, Paul?

I don't know. Your voice just suddenly popped in my head and I assumed you opened up.

Great, I said sarcastically. Anyone else hear me?

I do!

Yes! I do!

Good… Now stay out of my head!

Nope, once we're in, we don't come out.

That was the creepiest thing ever, Embry.

It made you laugh, didn't it?

You're childish.

You're so crabby though.

Bad move, Jacob intervened. I would've raised a brow if I had one in wolf form.

I'm not crabby! I'm upset and frustrated and overwhelmed. Wouldn't you be? This is my first time ever consciously acting and remembering a conversation and I'm spending it with you? That's too intimate for me. Plus this whole mind link thing means I'm connected to your pack now, right? Meaning I'm IN your pack and that I'm under the rule of jackass, sorry, I mean Jacob.

That was a total Leah move right there, Paul butted in.

Yeah, that kind of was. Quil also added.

Who cares? Seriously, I feel like Leah, having to be stuck under her ex-boyfriend's rule. No wonder she moved away.

It's not that bad. You fill in her spot now. It's kind of lonely without her snarky remarks, Embry tried to make me feel better but had the opposite effect.

I have no intentions of filling in anyone's spot in this pack. Once I'm shift back to normal, we will never repeat this, got it? I'm not like you! I don't change at will! I'm forever cursed by some God dam cycle and random spurts.

We could always help you with that, Quil said.

No thanks. Can we get this over and done with? I have other things to do, you know, other than this.

Okay, so we're all aware that Sam, Merris, and Embry are related. Jacob announced to the whole pack. Most of them nodded while Sam and I couldn't care less. Embry was in between us staring at us, wondering why we weren't excited as the whole pack was. You also could be related to another person, a brother that has been around these parts?

Don't under exaggerate this, Jake. I said. We have DNA to prove he is for certain our blood relative. Not only that, that said blood is placed around every single murder scene. He's behind this.

So that means we're one step closer to catching this guy, then, now that we know who he is. Embry chipped in.

Not really. We're aware of his origins but we have no idea what he looks like, what his name is, where he stays, etc.

Same with Merris, Sam agreed with me. I have no idea if he even is aware of us. Like you, he could've been in the dark about his extended family.

Then what a coincidence that he's preying on the residents here in La Push, I rolled my eyes. Honestly, put you're self in his shoes, would you enter a territory where there are another large pack of wolves are residing? No, that'd be too much of a risk. He feels safe here, knowing he has a better chance at surviving since he came from here, or knows his relative live here. Haven't you noticed he doesn't target any of the Native Americans here? He isn't sure if any of them are family so he doesn't take the risk of hurting any.

Why is he tearing up innocent people though? Embry asked.

There could be many reasons but I'm not sure unless I meet him myself. I don't understand his personal reasons because I don't know how he grew up or suffered any traumatic events.

You're making him out to be a victim himself, Jacob sneered.

Maybe he is. We're not sure. There is some anger in him. I'm very sure about that. He makes a point is viciously dismember and dispatch bodies. That reflects his personal internal suffering. The reason behind it… I'm not sure. My best bet is that he suffered an abusive childhood or a neglected one, where he wasn't given enough attention or not enough love and wants other figures to suffer. He treats his victims as stress relievers, so to speak.

Your mom was abusive, Jacob said, but you didn't end up as a serial killer, now did you?

No, I didn't, but I had and still do have a hard time coping with human interaction. I'm guarded, detached and solitary. Some people demand attention and acknowledgement, like this guy, or try to be a ghost, like me. We all react differently. I snapped. His ignorance edged me on and I was tempted to snap at him.

Calm down, Marisol, Sam suggested. I eased up a little when I felt him feel sympathetic towards me. Ironic how he was least of people to try to comfort me but I knew he understood the reasons for my disposition. I was forced to live with an angry drunk while he had to take up his role as the man of the house with his dad left. I had the fortune to have a great substitute for a dad but he didn't. We shared mutual respect for each other now that we understood the other's lives.

Jacob bowed his head apologetically but it wasn't enough for me and refused to let it go.

Anyways… like I said, I'm not sure of his intentions. This is definitely a cry for attention, as sadistic as it is, and we need to be aware of it. We can't just assume he's a monster. Nobody is born a monster. Things happen that makes people turn into them and we need to respect that.

So how do we catch him? Embry asked.

I don't know. He is aware of us but I'm not sure if he's ready for confrontation. We could wait out here overnight but I don't he'd come near us, not in big numbers.

I won't allow anyone to go alone! He is dangerous and I'm not putting them in a position to get hurt or killed. Jacob immediately objected angrily. I gave him a sharp look.

Shut up Jacob and let me finish, I ordered. He obeyed. I am not afraid of him. He'll recognize me, and Sam, too, because we both share our father's genetics, inheriting our black coats in all. He'll be anxious to meet us.

What if he's angry with you? What if his goal is to attack you? Jacob intercepted again. I growled a low threat. Jacob shut up again, acknowledging my low levels of patience.

If Embry is willing to come along, I'm sure there won't be a problem for us if he tries anything. 3 against 1 isn't a good outcome for him. Plus we're organized while he's amateur about combat. You have experience as do I.

Really, Paul yipped sarcastically. What makes you experienced? Huh? What did you ever do? Have you ever honestly risked breaking a nail?

I glared at him and stepped towards him. Sam tried to block me but I pushed passed him and came face to face with Paul who abruptly sat up to meet my height. Though I was smaller in a sense, I had speed and agility to back me up.

Speed ain't going to get you nowhere with me, Hon. He challenged.

I grinned and swiftly nipped at his feet to agitate him. I succeeded and he tried to bite me in the ear in retaliation. Jacob intervened and glared at me for being the instigator.

Cut it out, you two. This is not the time for games. I agree with Paul, you're not equipped for confrontation, Merris. You're not going.

I was peeved and determined to prove a point. One, it was my job. I was trained to deal with this things and I didn't need an arrogant Alpha to assume differently because of my gender or size. Two, I didn't like being ordered by anyone but my commander. He may be an Alpha but he wasn't my Alpha.

Ever heard of size doesn't matter? I retorted to Jake. He narrowed his eyes at me.

Ha! Actually, it kind of does, little girl. Paul pushed my limits and I made a snipe at him again, scraping my teeth against his muzzle. He growled at me.

Let me prove it, Jake. Step aside. Jake, thinking he was right, allowed me to "make a fool out of myself" and stepped aside, a condescending expression set in his mind.

Paul, enthusiastic to "put me in my place" greeted me with a sneer and stepped in the middle of the circle. Are you ready? He challenged. I nodded.

I could easily predict his move. Because of his arrogance he felt confident in attacked me in front. I swiftly moved aside and he bit the air. Lucky move, Princess, he snarled. I cringed at my ridiculous name. Jacob felt content with me dodging as long as I didn't get bit. Hiding a smirk, I sniped at his rind quarters and latched onto his ankle. He howled in pain.

Before he could retaliate I let go and jumped a couple feet back.

Sam watched nervously, anxiously moving as if at any time he would be needed to step in between us to protect my small body from a painful blow. I'll be all right, Sam. You'll see. I told him, a bit arrogant myself. Paul snarled at me louder.

Embry and Quil started to placing bets and just to entertain Embry, I snipped at Paul's tail and sauntered off with bits of his hair in my mouth. Paul was raging.

Sam warned me to ease off and Jacob told me to settle down. Both of you quit it. This is just Paul and me.

Paul leapt but I calculated his move and dashed to the left. He landed in the dirt and quickly sprinted after me. The pack followed us as we descended into the woods, maneuvering around trees and wide rocks. Because of his bigger frame he easily could jump over the rocks while the obstacles added some risky milliseconds to my time that gave me the disadvantage but I had one thing he didn't: Like a cheetah, I could round turns quicker without the risk of slipping off course. That's why I decided to follow a Z-line like path. He tried to go straight but didn't want to risk losing sight of me.

I climbed onto the hill and stared below watching his figure ascend up the steep incline. I smirked. This was going to be easier than pie.

Marisol, don't! Paul quit it! You're going to get hurt. Jacob frantically cried up from the sideline. The whole pack stared up at us. Jacob was neutral so far but Embry was cheering me on while Quil, opposite of his friend, betted on Paul.

I smirked and when I calculated the distance, I leapt to Paul. He didn't expect it and his reaction time froze. My paws pounded into Paul's shoulder and pushed him down the hill. I was quick to regain balance and propped myself in the solid earth while Paul's gray body tumbled the rocky hill side. I cringed to think about the rocks puncturing his skin. Then again, he's strong, he'll heal quickly, and it'll be compared to something as lightly as bruises.

I've suffered worse.