Disclaimer: Stephanie Meyers owns Twilight. I do not. I do however, own my 'gang'.

A/N: Also thanks to my awesome Beta, Blueboarderchick.

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I decided to post this chapter early for you guys! Enjoy!

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Chapter 14

JPOV

Two weeks had passed since I issued my challenge to Sam. I spent those weeks mediating and learning about our legends. I don't think anyone had any real doubt as to whether or not I would become Alpha. The only real uncertainty was if I would be forced to kill Sam to accomplish that. None of the Elders could predict what would happen during the challenge.

During those two weeks, Sam and I were not allowed to patrol together, for fear that we would antagonize each other causing a fight to ensue. Ever since the battle of the newborns, we hadn't encountered any vampires. However, there was still plenty to concern the Elders. New trails headed in a direction away from the reservation surfaced. And more alarming, new wolves continued to phase. Colin and Brady were the latest to join the pack and we saw signs in at least two more kids that were due to phase. Something was coming but no one knew what it was.

All of the wolves were on edge as the night of the challenge grew closer. Sam and I still spoke to each other but our conversations were tense and uneasy. Nevertheless, Emily was polite toward me but I could tell under the smiles and understanding looks, she was terrified. To tell you the truth, I was a little scared too. I knew I had to do what needed to be done but I didn't know how I would handle my guilt if I ended up killing Sam.

Talking to my dad, I asked him if there was any way at all to stop myself from killing Sam. His only answer was to try to find some way to hold on to my humanity. I had no understanding whatsoever of what he meant. How on earth did he expect me to hold onto my humanity after I gave myself over completely to the wolf? Could it even be done?

The night of the challenge had finally arrived. The Elders and the pack were gathered in a large clearing deep in the woods. There were torches lit around the clearing and the Elders stood on one end while the pack positioned themselves on the other side. The Elders were dressed in their ceremonial beads and gowns while the pack wore their usual cut off shorts. Only Sam and I were to be phased during the battle. The other wolves were only to watch and would not be allowed to intervene no matter what happened.

Sam and I were standing naked in the middle of the clearing facing each other. Our eyes were fixed on each other and our bodies shook with fury as our inner wolves snarled and begged to be released. An unnaturally cold wind blew through the trees. The air was thick with expectation and I felt as if our ancestors were also in attendance.

I heard Old Quil's voice. "You may begin!"

I felt my bones cracking as I let the heat consume me. Sam and I ran for each other at full speed shaking the forest with each step. The sound of our collision sent forest creatures scampering for safety. Sam and I rolled around on the floor clawing and snapping at each other. I tried to remember that he was my brother, my mentor but all I could feel was the rage coursing through my veins.

I howled as Sam swiped me across my chest with his paw. The hatred I felt as I sank my teeth into his back shocked me. The urge to hurt him, maim him was so strong. Sam's thoughts were along the same lines. He wanted to make me pay for challenging his authority. He longed to put me in my place.

We rolled away and circled each other. As we lunged for one another again, Sam tried to get the upper hand by going for my neck. Whether his intention was to kill or to just cause harm, I don't know. I was filled with fury as I pulled back and head butted him. I saw stars as the pain exploded in my head but it was completely worth it when I saw him staggering from the blow. I didn't give him time to recover as I pounced on him, throwing him off balance. He howled in pain as I dug my claws into his side and sank my teeth into his shoulder. He whimpered in pain and tired to throw me off but my strength was immeasurable.

I was insane with bloodlust as the words rip, bleed, kill pounded in my mind over and over. I wanted to break every bone on his body. Sam howled again as I landed another bite closer to his neck. Every time he yelped or howled in pain, it was music to my ears. He fought me as best he could but it was useless. He was in too much pain and his strength was waning. Sam lay still, panting beneath me but I was too far gone to care. Lowering my mouth to his neck with the intent to rip out his jugular, I couldn't summon one ounce of compassion in me. My wolf viewed him as nothing more than a threat.

As I began to sink my teeth into his throat for the last time, his eyes opened and focused on me. I froze. What am I doing? Sam was my friend, my brother and my mentor. I couldn't kill him. He wasn't even fighting back anymore. To kill him like that would be inexcusable. I wasn't a monster. I raised my head slightly. My intent was to back off but first there was the matter of his stepping down.

Do you yield? He had to say it. My wolf needed to hear the words.

What? Sam panted and shook his head trying to clear the red haze from his mind.

Do you submit?! I asked forcefully and dug my claws further into his side.

Yes, I submit. I relinquish all claims to the Alpha position. Sam then exposed his side and belly to me as a sign of his acquiescence.

With those words uttered I felt a change. Like something shifted inside me. I felt stronger, my instincts sharper and a startling new ferocity. It was a heady feeling. The power literally went straight to my head and I let loose a bone chilling howl.

Feeling stunned, I stepped away from Sam. I'd done it. I was Alpha and I'd managed to stop myself from killing Sam. Bella would be proud. Just thinking about her made my heart ache but this time it was a manageable pain. I'd found a new sense of purpose. I had a job, responsibilities and people counting on me.

I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't notice the pack and Elders making their way across the clearing. The pack removed their clothes then phased. They approached me keeping their bodies low to the ground and their ears flattened in a show of active submission.

Their minds were curiously blank as if they were waiting for an order. Then my dad spoke. "My son, you have won the challenge. You are now Alpha but there is one more thing you have to do. You must go on a vision quest to seek the Great Wolf's blessing." His eyes shone with pride and unshed tears.

I nodded my head, then I order the pack to phase back and tend to Sam. I was sure I'd broken at least one of his ribs in the fight and the bite on his shoulder needed to be checked out.

I phased and followed the Elders back to the reservation for the purification and prayer ceremony. The ceremony was to be conducted in a sweat lodge which was built from willow saplings. The opening of the lodge was covered with a blanket. Next to the lodge there was a fire pit being used to heat up the rocks that would provide the steam.

After the Elders sang a few Quileute songs, Old Quil spoke up. "When you enter the lodge you must clear your mind of all thoughts. Only then will your spirit be able to leave your body so you can begin your vision quest."

"We invite you to speak your mind when you talk with the Great Wolf. You must also listen carefully to what he says because it will be of great use to you in times of confusion and fear," Sue added.

I was a little apprehensive. What do you say to your dead ancestor? My dad saw my expression and chuckled, "Don't worry, son. Just speak from your heart. The words will come."

Taking a deep breath, I entered the darkness of the lodge. I don't know how long I sat on the floor of the lodge trying to clear my mind. My eyes drifted closed and when I reopened them I wasn't sitting in the lodge anymore. I was somewhere in the forest surrounded by trees and mist.

How the hell did I get here? I wondered. The atmosphere of the forest felt surreal then I realized this was it. I was having a vision, a real freaking vision.

As I continued to look, the mist swirl would around almost taking the place of a person for a second, only to dissolve again.

"Is anybody out there?" I called out. I received no answer.

I walked further into the woods only to stop as I heard the snap of a twig behind me. My heart pounded in my chest and I quickly turned around to see a large russet colored wolf looking back at me. He wasn't just large, he was huge. His thick fur had patches of black on his muzzle and paws. This was my ancestor, the Great Wolf. I stared at him in awe for a few moments until I remembered my manners. Then I abruptly bowed to him. I might have been Alpha but he was the ultimate Alpha.

It was almost as if my mind wasn't my own. Suddenly, I knew what I wanted to say to him. "Great Wolf spirit, I stand before you humbled by the task that lies before me. I desire strength, not to rule over my people, but to protect them from our greatest enemy. I seek a long life in service of my people. Be my guide as I search for wisdom and understanding. Give me the courage to do what I know is right. And above all else, please give me the fortitude to carry the weight that comes along with leadership." My words flowed to an end and I waited for his response.

I heard his voice in my mind as he spoke to me. "Young Alpha, I do not envy you your task. Our enemies have grown in numbers over the years and have become more organized. They will not only seek to end your life and that of your people, they will try to take your world from you. As you are now, you cannot hope to defeat them. I will grant you the use my strength." He paused and felt a surge of power flow through my body.

"The time will come when you must choose between what you want and what is right. The road you travel will be long and arduous. True happiness will not come easily to you. You will have to choose your own destiny."

As I frowned trying to make sense of his words, the Great Wolf's body was rapidly dissolving into mist. The scene of the forest faded and I was left in darkness. Suddenly there was a pain in my body, so intense that I felt as if my bones were breaking. I felt hands shaking me and heard voices but I couldn't respond.

I don't know how long I lay in my agonized coma but after what seemed like forever, the pain subsided and I was finally able to open my eyes. I was on my bed and my dad sat in his wheelchair next to it. One glance at my window confirmed it was daytime.

My dad sighed with relief. "I was wondering when you would rejoin the living." He tried to joke but I could tell he was worried.

I swallowed dryly and croaked. "How long was I out for?"

He handed me a glass of water. "About two days. I take it your vision quest went well?" He gestured to my body with his hand.

I frowned, not understanding what he meant. He continued, "Take a look in the mirror, Alpha." He smirked.

Getting off the bed, I swayed slightly on my feet. I really need to eat something soon. I stood in front of my mirror and observed myself. I barely recognized the person in the mirror. My face looked older and my body was even bigger than it was before. I'd grown to accommodate the strength given to me by the Great Wolf. I didn't even look like seventeen anymore, not that I did in the first place. But now, no one would believe my age without ID. I just had to be the biggest wolf, didn't I? I tried to wrap my mind around it all.

The hunger in my stomach was almost unbearable. I had to find something to eat. "How's Sam doing?" I asked my dad as I walked to the kitchen.

He wheeled himself out behind me. "He's fine. Even though you did a number on him, he healed nicely. I'm so glad you were able to stop yourself from killing him. I'm real proud of you, son." I bet Sam and Emily were even happier. I rummaged through the fridge looking for stuff to make sandwiches with.

"Thanks, Dad." I mumbled between large bites.

He grinned, "I bet you can't wait to go on your first run with the pack."

I smiled back. Running through the forest was one of the things I loved the most about being a wolf.

In the weeks after I'd become Alpha, the changes in the pack were noticeable. We were stronger, faster and extremely savage. I observed this the first time I lead the pack in a hunt for a vampire that crossed onto our land. I barely had to issue any orders. They moved like a school of fish swimming in a current. They moved without thought, responding quickly to the leech's change in direction and speed. With their wolf instincts sharper, they moved with a single purpose in mind. To tear the leech apart and burn his remains in a bonfire. We were more efficient and we got the job done in half the time.

Something was up with Leah though. She seemed different and not as vicious as she used to be. Every time anyone tried to tune into her thoughts she would replay her memories of her and Sam or think about…shudder…her period. Sam may have let that crap slide when he was Alpha because he felt bad about leaving her but I meant to put an end to it. Being in the pack meant that no one was allowed secrets. Secrets could be detrimental to the pack. I planned to go through her memories the next time she decided to gross everybody out. She wouldn't be allowed to hide anything from me. I just hoped she wasn't hiding anything to do with feminine issues.

I went by Sam's place. He wanted to speak to me about something. Surprisingly, ever since the challenge things were cool between us. Sam didn't hold any grudges and was actually relieved not to be Alpha anymore. He was satisfied that as my Beta he still had the most power over the others in the pack.

Sam met me outside and we walked to the back of the house. We sat in the chairs then Sam turned to me, "Okay, so as Alpha there are some things you should know about wolf customs."

"Things? Like what?" I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion. I thought the elders had already explained everything there was to know about werewolf custom. What the hell else could there be?

He seemed to be struggling to find the words. "It's about imprinting or rather the claiming part of it."

I frowned. Even though I'd accepted the Alpha position, I still didn't like the idea of imprinting. I resented my choice being taken away. "Claiming, that's what you do with your imprint, right?" I know you had to mark your imprint to solidify your bond.

"For the most part, yes. But what you don't know is that you can claim someone who isn't your imprint too."

"Wait, what? Why didn't you tell me this before?" I was getting angry and had to take a few deep breaths to calm myself. If I'd known about it before and had marked Bella, I knew she never would have left.

"Because the elders knew how you felt about Bella, Jake. I can't tell you how relieved they were that you didn't mark her when you two slept together. Jake, you have to understand. No one's ever marked a woman who wasn't their imprint before. The Elders don't know what would happen if a wolf marked someone then imprinted on another after." Sam tried to make me understand.

I grit my teeth in frustration. My own dad didn't tell me about it. There was a way to fight the imprint. Maybe even level the playing field. "Why didn't the Elders want me to mark Bella?"

He sighed wearily, "Because they didn't know where Bella's allegiance lied. She was way too close to the leeches. And honestly, Jake, they just didn't think Bella belonged here with us. Not to mention the fact that she's well…white."

What the fuck does Bella being white have to do with anything? At my enraged expression Sam quickly added, "Don't get so upset with me. They didn't even tell me about claiming until after I'd imprinted on Emily." He ran his hand through his hair.

I had to ask the question that was burning a hole in my mind. "Do you think things would have been different if you'd marked Leah before you met Emily?"

Sam's dark eyes snapped to me. "I love Emily, Jake. But I think that if I'd marked Leah before I met her, I might have been able to resist the pull of the imprint. I might have had a choice. If you imprint before you mark someone you won't want to mark anyone but your imprint." He had every right to be angry. He felt like his choice had been taken away from him.

"Why do you think the Elders kept this to their selves all this time?" I knew what Sue's reasons were for wanting to keep this information from Leah. Everything Sam told me had the potential to reopen wounds that never really healed in the first place. But no one could have predicted that Sam would imprint on Leah's cousin. It was a messed up situation.

Sam's hands shook slightly. This was a hard topic for him to discuss. "Why the fuck do you think? They've always seen it as their job to make sure the next generation of wolves is secured. They were duty bound to keep it secret. Everything else comes after." He closed his eyes trying to center himself again. The tremors in his hands slowed to a stop.

I wondered how Kim, Emily and Rachel would feel to know that they only had the Elders' backing because they were wolf baby making machines. And that's not even including little Claire. None of us wolves wanted to end up like Quil. He'd been reduced to a glorified babysitter. Stuck in limbo waiting till Claire grows up, to see if his brotherly feelings for her would turn into something more. The Elders couldn't say for sure what would happen because there'd never been a case like Quil's before. Imprinting on a toddler. The ancestors really dropped the ball on that one.

"As Alpha, you have a right to know about this. That's the only reason they've allowed me to tell you. Now it's up to you to decide what you want to do with this information." He pressed his lips into a thin line.

There was nothing I could do. Bella was still gone and I couldn't go after her because I had a job to do. I would have to put my people before my own wants. Although, I still couldn't help but hope that one day it would all work out and Bella would come back. But I had to face the possibility that she might not. Whatever happened I wanted to have a say in who I wanted to be with.

Our ears perked up to the sound of an approaching car in the distance. I watched as Sam got to his feet.

"Are you expecting company, Sam?"

Sam grinned, "Yeah. A couple of old friends are dropping in. It's my friend and his sister. They moved away from the reservation with their mom when they were kids but they're moving back. Do you want to meet them?"

I didn't really care to. What I wanted was to go home and confront my dad with the secret he'd been keeping from me. But it wouldn't hurt to say hello to Sam's friends before I left.

"Sure." I stood to my feet and followed Sam to the driveway at the front of his house.

A red jeep pulled up and an obviously Native American guy got out. He was tall and thin with shoulder length hair. He and Sam shook hands. He stepped away to scrutinize Sam. "Damn, Sam. What the hell happened to the scrawny kid I left behind? You're huge but I bet I could still beat your ass."

Sam grinned. "You wish." He turned to me. "Hey, I'd like you to meet my friend, Jacob. Jacob this is my friend Logan."

"Nice to meet you." I quickly shook his hand. My mind was already working on an excuse to leave. I really wanted to get home so I could talk to my dad. I glanced toward the woods.

"And this not so little lady here is his sister, Carmen." Sam's voice drew my attention.

I heard a voice, "Nice to meet you." I turned back and shook her small hand. As I looked up at her face all thoughts of leaving to go argue with my dad left my mind. It would be a while before I would leave to go home.

A/N: Yes, yes I know I'm totally evil and what not but I think this will be my last Jacob chapter until Bella returns home.

Coming up next Edward contacts Bella and embarrasses the hell out of her.

You know what to do if you want your chapter early . Review!