Authors Note-

I'm back! That's right, I'm sun burnt, freckled with bug bites, caked with dirt, and traumatized from nearly dying in the river. But I ran straight to my room, read all of my reviews, and typed my little fingers away till they cramped. You guys need this chapter I can tell. I didn't want to make anyone wait anymore.

Review and lets reach 400!

It's shorter but Enjoy anyways!

Chapter 21-

Chloe sat on te top step of the back patio. She clutched at the little black box in her hands. It had remained closed since the moment she had opened it. Silent tears streamed down her rosy cheeks. Not post break-up sappy tears, just tears of confusion and worry. Besides it wasn't like they broke up... not in words anyway.

They hadn't broken up right?

Chloe hiccuped, giving the box an extra squeeze. Reluctantly she pulled her eyes away from the forest, and her look out duty for when Derek would come back, to slide the box open.

Derek wasn't the kind of guy who would write her a poem, or list off the things he particularly liked about her. He would never write her a sarenade and sing it outside her window, or send her flowers with a heart felt note. There would be no chocalates or stuffed beanies, no balloons or diamonds.

But if Derek were to say he loved her... he would say it or symbolize it in a simple manner.

Inside was a long black chain, it was thin but sturdy. It was for her pendant and the chain was long, so that the necklace didn't hook so closely to her neck. Unattached was a hook that would slide onto the chain to hold her pendant in place... but the most precious aspect of the gift was what was connected to the hook.

It was a complete three-dimensional silver-wire frame. It had a clasp on the side to open the symmetrical peices, where all Chloe had to do was fit her pendant on the inside of the hook and close it. That way the pendant remained secure around her neck... but also it would be framed by a small wolf figure that the silver-wire outlined and designed.

How could something so simple send her into a deeper confusion and regret than what she already held?

He had gotten her this, it must have been so lucky to come across but Chloe could just imagine how it stuck out to him. How it would have caught Derek's eye and he knew it would simply say 'I love you.'

That's what he was always trying to say and Chloe knew it. Derek loved her...

... and now she had ran him away because she hadn't believed him.

She was still so confused. If Derek had heard it, then she should have trusted him. But if there was no proof, and Chloe knew wierd things happened with Jackson that he himself couldn't recall... then shouldn't she trust that Jackson was innocent? But then again, why would Derek make something like that up? He wasn't that kind of guy, he wouldn't just frame someone... he was the kind of guy who followed his instincts, and then followed them through to the end, not giving into any crap until everyone was safe... especially the one person he was in love with.

Chloe's chest felt like it was on fire, her emotions and mind spinning. Fresh hot tears burned her cheeks.

But Jackson wasn't the bad guy... he had been so scared when he asked for Chloe's help, and now he had this on his mind. He had this sickening reality following him... what if he just couldn't remember?

What if the Edison group was really on it's way right now?

... but there was no phone.

Chloe grouned, anger building up in her throat that she just wanted to scream out. She wanted to throw something but the box in her small hands was just to fragile.

Thinking about the gift produced more sobs from Chloe... definetly the pathetic post break-up ones.

Derek would return to that cold distant figure she had first met at Lyle house because of this... if she didn't trust him than why should he trust her, even if he was in love with her? She did trust him... she trusted him with her life, but... she just told a different story by not believing in his accusation.

Again Chloe groaned but this time in frustration with her self-pity party. Derek was out there, no doubt trying to find proof because no matter what, he was still half wolf and needed a secure reason to believe everyone was safe. Jackson was out there too, possibly trying to find out what was happening to him... all alone, because the last time he had asked for someones help they ditched him.

And she was sitting here, feeling bad for herself. What she really needed to be doing was exactly what Derek was doing... she needed to find out if the Edison group was really a threat to them at this moment. Then she could worry whether her and Derek were over or not...

...with that note Chloe's sudden modivation sank with a depressing sob.

"Chloe?"

God how she wished that was Derek's voice.

Chloe quickly wiped her face with the sleeve of her thin jacket. It was chillier tonight, but with Chloe's mind racing in several different directions, she hardly cared. She glanced over her shoulder to see Bryce's tall frame slip through the sliding-glass door... it had gotten darker.

"Chloe dear, I saw you out here and I remembered that I need to give you something. But I don't see... hey are you alright?" He quickly made his way to her, taking a seat on the remaining space of the top step beside her. He studied her face, her breathing and sniffling giving away all signs of crying.

"Chloe what happened," Bryce asked nervously. He knew her and Derek had gone out for a walk, and now here she was sitting alone, crying. The possibilities were nerve wracking. Chloe couldn't help but compare her situations with guys. This one was so similar to her 'break-up' with Simon, but she knew she was in love with the person who had walked away from her this time. Yes... she knew now for sure she was in love with Derek...Both times the situations were her fault... but this time it was so much worse. She could hardly imagine how Derek felt right now... betrayed? By the one person who understood him, who was there for him, and she betrayed him?

She was such an idiot. But the situation was so questioning... what was she supposed to do, believe her love or her own instincts?

If Chloe were to confide in anyone it would be Derek... but she couldn't. She wanted to talk to her mom, to Liz, to Sam, to her dad. She wanted to be told everything would be okay, if not by Derek then by one of them. But she met Bryce's eyes... and at that moment he wasn't as good as Derek, but he was better than her mom, sam and her dad combined. Why that was she wasn't sure.

"I don't know what I am supposed to do." Chloe's voice didn't crack or stutter. Because she knew what she was supposed to do. She needed to suck it up and be the supernatural she was born to be. She needed to take charge and figure out the Edison group threat before she worried about anything else.

But she still felt like a helpless teenage girl, lost in her emotions and self-pity.

"Something happened between Derek and Jackson... and I took Jackson's side. The entire problem was so confusing and both their sides are convincing but..."

Chloe glanced back up at Bryce. He was studying her, his eyes glancing into hers anxiously. He sighed.

"Chloe, look. I know a lot of things but... when it comes to werewolves I know close to nothing. I wasn't on that part of the project, I only gained information for the Edison group about altering the projects genetics." Chloe didn't miss the bite in his tone. The hate of what he had done.

"I do know that wolves are territorial though, and Derek has an extreem attachment to you. Something that I couldn't explain. But when you show favor to another werewolf of course Derek is going to be upset... whether that's his normal nature or the wolf feeling for him."

Chloe remained silent, she hadn't thought about that yet. The complicated web of a wolf's territorial instinct. But still that wasn't what Chloe was looking for in an answer, and Bryce seemed to read that in her eyes.

"But if you believe in something Chloe, if you sincerely know you are right, then that's the side you have to take. Not Derek's or Jackson's... but your own. You are your own person, your own shelter... Derek may be an attachment to that but he isn't always right... and Jackson might be a new asset but he isn't always innocent. I know you are very bright and recourceful. I've seen your brains, your power, and your talent kiddo. Whatever is going on, I know you will do what is right."

If Chloe's father were to ever give her a speech with gripping advice... she would want it to be the exact words and with the exact inflection of care and respect that Bryce had used. The power his words had over her... it was able to pull back that motivation. Her complicated relationship with Derek would have to wait. For now she just needed to find him and tell him her theories of what was going on...

Because what she really believed was that both Derek and Jackson were right. She trusted Derek and she believed him... but she also knew that Jackson was innocent. How that was possible was still iffy to her but it didn't matter. Her biggest threat and worry was the Edison group.

Chloe was so glad she trusted Bryce.

"Bryce?" Chloe gave him a questioned look. Something occuring to her suddenly that she had wanted to ask him before... she just never found the time.

"That door across from your room. Why is it locked?" It was the only thing that worried Chloe about trusting Bryce, even when she wanted to believe so badly that he was the good guy. His eyes sparked in recognition.

"Personally I have never seen the inside of that room," he said absently. " Did you know Sam used to live here? I think that question is better suited for her." Chloe tilted her head to the side... so Bryce didn't even know why the room was locked. Had he ever thought about asking Sam then? Or did he just leave it to Sam's privacy because this was her house?

With the sitaution at hand... would Chloe ever get to see Sam again, or have the chance to ask her?

"Yeah, I should ask her then." Chloe gave a fake laugh. She was trying to reassure to Bryce that she was okay. That way he would let her be alone and she could go after Derek. She didn't need to bother the adults with the fact that the Edison group may be on their trail. Not until she was sure.

"Alright then. Oh! Here, Kit wants you and Derek to have these. He doesn't like it when you guys go off into the woods by yourselves... no matter how okay he seems to be with it. I wouldn't say I was to fond of it either. So please keep them on you." Bryce reached into his pocket, he pulled out two sleek track phones. They were small and made of cheap plastic. One was silver and one was black. Simple but efficent. Chloe gave him a reassuring smile and a promised agreement to keep the phone on her as she took them.

"The phonebook is already set up, so you have everyone's number. And yes everyone has one. I've had them for a while but Kit and I just activated them. Kit prefers to use texts that way we can use initials, and phone conversations can't be overheard. This is if any of us get split up and shouldn't be abused, alight Chloe?"

"Yes sir." Bryce chuckled and gave Chloe shoulder a firm pat. He stood.

"Don't stay out here to late, Derek will find his way back if he dicides to be stubborn." Bryce winked at her before he climbed back through the sliding glass door. Chloe waited, keeping an eye on the back of the house to see if anyone would notice her slip off into the woods on her own. When she was sure no one would see her she turned, ready to sprint off into the forest.

Her plan was to call for Derek as she ventured deeper. Knowing him he would hear and make his way to her, ready to loom and bark at her for being so stupid as to follow him and scream in the very woods the enemy might be in. It wouldn't take long.

But Chloe didn't get very far off the patio. She was barely a footstep off the landing when she completely faced her destination, and even then she launched herself back releasing a hearty yelp. She had turned to be nearly nose-to-nose with Jackson. He was leaning toward her from the bottom of the steps, his mask completely serious... but also one hundred percent horrified. Chloe swallowed her scream, and her voice only squeaked. Jackson pulled his finger to his lips and mimicked for her to stay quiet.

"W-what-"

Jakcson's eyes rolled as she began to speak and he lifted his arm in an atempt to cover her mouth, but he stopped halfway there. This made Chloe stop talking anyways. He pulled back hesitantly and beckoned for her to follow.

It was at this point that Chloe realized she was shaking, and goosebumps raised up her arms. She had looked him directly in the eye but had heard no whisper... she only shivered at the sense of something near, like she had when Derek was tracking Jackson down just before chaos hit. Jackson was already making his way across the lawn when Chloe finally jumped back to reality.

"Hey, wait!" Chloe raced after him. He whipped around, frustration and annoyance coming off of him in waves.

"Sssh!" This time he actually made a sound and it was hissed. He looked really desperate to keep her quiet.

"Will you just- please be quiet and follow me." He changed the question into a demand. His eyes were so fogged with confusion and fear it was hard to read what he actually wanted from her. And whenChloe took a step closer to get a better look at him, he stepped back. It was supposed to be obscure but Chloe didn't miss it. She was starting to get a little frustrated herself.

"Not until you tell me what's going on. You're freaking me out... again." Jackson's shoulders slouched and he rolled his eyes, groaning inexasperation. The sound was so off, it almost echoed.

"Chloe, for once can you just help me out with no other motive? Please just this one favor, and I will leave you alone."

"I'm not saying I won't help, I just don't understand-"

"Sssh! Please?" He looked like he was about ready to strangle her, and he was moving as if he wanted to pin her down and gag her so she would shut up. But he kept catching himself and started pulling back. Chloe also noticed that he was blinking several more times than neccasary and he only looked her directly in the eye, not allowing his eyes to linger anywhere else.

He was really freaking her out, because he was freaking out.

"Jackson, what's going on?" This time Chloe whispered. Knowing it would help him if she did as he said. And she took a step toward him again. Raising her hand to touch his arm, hoping to comfort him. He caught this and his eyes widened, he tried to pull back but wasn't fast enough. Chloe touched him...

... and passed right through him.

Well?

If I reach 400 by tomorrow morning I'll update before I go to work!