I was very nervous to see the guys again. The last time I saw most of them, they'd told me we couldn't be friends anymore. I really didn't want to come back to Forks, placing Charlie in more danger than he was already in. I hated to put Charlie in any form of distress. I loved him. Paul told me whatever I was running from his pack of friends could take care of it. I wanted to know why they had ignored me for so long, and the enticing knowledge I would learn helped my decision in returning to Forks. I didn't want a repeat from the other night, when I told Paul no.

Paul hadn't been acting himself since the conversation he had with Sam. I can't wait to see the guys; I'm ready to have my friends back.

Paul helped me out of the truck, about to say something when the front door flew open.

"Bells, I was so worried about you! I'm so glad you're here! Don't ever leave me again." Jake picked me up cutting off my air supply, swinging me around in a circle. I felt someone prying me out of the arms of Jake. I turned around seeing Paul grabbing me, shaking lightly. I placed a hand on his chest, smiling.

Quil came behind me sweeping me off my feet, placing a hot kiss on my cheek. "Hey there beautiful, I missed you." I blushed at the attention I was receiving. I heard someone clear their throat, I glanced up at Embry. I jumped out of Quil's embrace running towards Embry who easily picked me up.

"I missed you." He whispered, as the adorable blush rose on his cheeks. I gave him a tight hug, as he held me against his hot body. Embry placed a sweet kiss on the top of my head. "I'm so glad I don't have to be without you any longer."

I was finally happy. Everyone was here and my friend. I don't understand why they avoided me, and then broke my already shattered heart. I was about to start my tantrum when, Embry's smile faltered as he tensed, holding me tighter.

I turned looking at Paul, whose body was vibrating. I let go of Embry moving towards Paul. Jake stepped in front of me. "Bella, it's not safe."

Paul moved closer to Jake "I would never hurt her!"

"Paul, I know you wouldn't hurt me." All of the guys gave me strange looks as I moved towards Paul, wrapping my arms around his torso. He calmed almost immediately against my touch.

"Wow." Quil said.

"I know, nothing calms Paul but food." Jake added.

I leaned back smiling at Paul. I looked around at all the guys I'd missed so much, but one was missing.

"Where is Jared?" Everyone avoided me, having conversations with their eyes. I started to panic. I moved away from Paul's embrace, throwing my hands in the air.

"Is he alright? What happened?" Jacob moved towards me.

"Shhh, it will be alright. We need to explain everything first." Jake pushed my head into his chest stroking my hair against my head.

"Bella do you remember the legends that Jake told you at First Beach?" Sam asked. I hadn't noticed his arrival, until now. I went over everything that Jake had talked about. I was grateful that Jake was holding me together at the moment because most of the stories helped me figure out what he was. I nodded at Sam.

"Bella, can you tell me about the legends?"

I repeated the entire story until it came to a part where I couldn't remember anymore.

"…Cold one's have a treaty with their enemy." All of the guys had kept a blank face throughout the story. I pinched the bridge of my nose trying to remember. The answer was lodged in my throat, choking me. I swallowed several times before I was able to spit out the word I was stuck on "Werewolves" I panted.

A huge toothy grin spread across Jacob's gorgeous russet face "That didn't take long, did it guys."

"Bella, how do you feel about this?" Sam scanned my face looking for any detection of fear.

"About what, that you morph into a wolf? I have no problems with it." I'm confused does he want me to be upset?

"You should know, hanging with wolves does have its risk." Sam didn't make eye contact with anyone of us. I felt the tension in the air, but Quil is good about awkward situations.

I was picked up by a delighted Quil "I'm so happy you know! This is going to make my life so much easier!" I heard a growl behind me, stopping Quil in his happy dance around the pack.

"Paul, what's your problem?" Sam whispered.

"I don't like everyone touching her."

"We'll discuss this later." Sam looked up seeing me listening on their conversation so I changed the subject, but not before Sam gave Paul a glare.

"So…why are you wolves, and why didn't you trust me?" I asked innocently, masking the anger, and feeling the hurt from the abandonment.

"We are protectors, and we protect people from our one enemy." Embry dully stated. He wouldn't make eye contact with me.

"We exist, Bella, because they do." Paul said. I slowly pried my eyes off of Embry, watching Paul's hard exterior melt away. I blankly glanced over every face in the crowd. I let the words sink in, before they really hit me. The blood drained from my face, and the numbness entered my once happy heart. Jake saw the look on my face, knowing I understood.

He slightly nodded. "Laurent" I gasped. Quil hadn't let go of me, and I was grateful. My legs gave out and he was holding me completely up by himself.

"Bella, baby what's wrong, you are shaking." Quil asked. I couldn't find my words.

"Who's Laurent?" Sam asked.

"Wasn't that you…there at the meadow?" Sam's eye brows rose in astonishment, and alarm.

"The black haired leech was that a friend of yours he looked like he was going to…" A loud growl emitted from everyone in the circle, stopping Sam mid sentence.

"Is he…dead?" My weak voice inquired. Sam nodded.

"He wasn't a friend, but how did you kill him? He is strong, and his skin is like granite! You all could've been killed!" Laughter broke out among the crowd. I scowled at all of them. How could they be so stupid? I don't understand at all, how this is funny!

In between wheezing Jacob said "One bloodsucker isn't considered tough, it's what we are made for, give us some credit, Bells."

I let out a loud breath that I hadn't realized I was holding. "So you aren't mad, at us?" Embry asked. A twisted grin played on Embry's innocent features.

"No I'm thankful. I left because I thought he wouldn't go after Charlie if I wasn't around. Maybe if he found me away from Forks he would just be…well satisfied with me." The guys were mixed with emotion, half of them started to shake with anger while the other half were shocked.

It didn't take long before the shock wore off, "THAT'S WHY YOU LEFT?" Paul started to yell, shaking violently.

"PAUL CALM NOW!" Sam stated moving in front of him.

"I didn't want any harm to come to Charlie." I said with a weak voice.

Quil rocked me in his arms "Oh, baby if I had known that's why you left… I wish you had told us."

I moved back out of his arms "None of you were around, and how was I to know that you could protect me. I wish you would have trusted me! Do you know what it was like for me? I existed, that's it! If it wasn't for Jared, I don't know what I would've done! I probably would've jumped off of a cliff by now or something!" They all hung their heads in shame.

"Bella I want to personally apologize to you. I knew you had been involved with the others, and since they were gone I wanted to protect you by not involving you with other mythical creatures. I had no idea that this was happening, or we would have told you sooner. I made a decision for you, and I shouldn't have. I would like to ask for everyone's forgiveness, but know that I was trying to keep you safe. You, Bella were my concern, not the treaty. I can't express to you how sorry I am, for the pain I unnecessarily put you through. I just wanted you to be safe…" My mouth was hanging open. I wasn't expecting a sorry. I was in utter shock. The others had the same expression as me, and I could feel Sam's discomfort with apologizing. Everyone was stealing side glances at each other, slowly closing their mouths, waiting for me to reply.

"I understand your intentions, but please involve me with decisions that affect me." Sam nodded. "I forgive all of you, but I need all of you in my life."

"Bells, I'm sorry for everything I said. I didn't want to hurt you, but it wasn't safe for you to be around me. I didn't want to hurt you." Jake's pleading eyes were on the verge of tears.

"I'm sorry Bella, and I really messed up on my promise. I'll do anything I can to make it better, and to keep it." Quil whispered.

"Bella is there any questions you would like us to answer?" Embry asked.

"Umm…how do you turn into one?"

"Well it can happen if we get too mad, or if we want to phase, we do."

"Is that why you shake?" Everyone nodded in unison, as I looked around the group I then noticed they still hadn't told me about Jared.

"Where is Jared?" Quil tensed along with everyone else.

"I'm going to explain a couple things, wolves heal extraordinarily fast…" I didn't allow Sam to finish.

"Just tell me where is he!!! Is he ok? What happened? You laughed when I asked you about killing Laurent, and you didn't tell me that he hurt Jared!" I was shaking, as the heat rose up my spine.

"The leech smashed into his left side, shattering it to pieces. We set everything so he will be fine, but he's still not himself. He's awake but he is on a lot of medication." Sam said agitated I cut him off before.

"Bella, Laurent didn't hurt Jared, his mate the red haired leech did." Embry said as I froze, all anger pushed aside. My head started to spin, and my eyelids getting heavier. I felt the cold panic sweat break out across my body, as the nausea set in my stomach. "Victoria"

"Bella" Paul pushed past everyone taking me from Quil's arms.

Embry slowly pushed away the hair stuck to the side of my face "Who? Bella, do you know what she is after?"

"Me…" Embry gasped, pulling me from Paul "Bella this is really important how, do you know she is after you?"

"Ed…Edward killed James, Victoria's mate. She wants me. Mate for Mate, even though Edward doesn't feel the same." I unknowingly stroked the crescent shaped mark on my forearm. Embry picked me up holding my limp body against his.

"Bells, is that why you were hurt last spring?" Jake asked, trying to control his quivering.

"Yess…" I looked down at the permanently cool crescent.

Jacob struggled for his breath, swallowing noisily "Is that…?"

"Yes, but Edward sucked the venom out." Paul moved away from me at speed's I'd only seen the Cullen's be able to perform. Embry held bridal style, when my legs gave out completely.

"Bella, you are ok now, I promise. I've got you. I'm so sorry, I should've been there." Embry whispered to me as I felt his tears hit my frozen face.

"Bella, I vow nothing will happen to you again." Embry's serious eyes flashed through his long lashes. "I promise."

"Bella, we need to be able to protect you at all times. How do you feel spending more time in La Push so we can protect you better?" Sam's emotionless face blankly stared at me.

"I will spend more time here, but what if you get hurt because of me. What about Charlie?"

"Charlie will be fine; we will do extra patrols around your house." Sam said as Quil moved behind us checking up on Jared inside the house.

"Patrols," I turned my head, confused.

"We run along the border in our wolf forms, and with the Cullen's gone we can extend the runs to your house." Sam seemed relieved, and even though I hadn't liked him before I felt strongly pulled to him in some way. I turned my head, pushing the thoughts away, studying each face before remembering the person missing.

"Can I see Jared?" Embry set my feet back on the ground. He still let his hand linger on my back for any needed support.

"He woke about hour ago, and he's been asking for you." Quil said as he joined our group.

I hesitated at the door to Rachel's tiny room. The guys gave me reassuring smiles before they headed back to the kitchen.

"Bella, I know you are outside the door, just come in already." I smiled, stupid werewolf senses.

I opened the door, peering cautiously around the frame. Jared was waiting for me; his features soft and relieved. I stepped in and closed the door behind me. Fortunately someone covered him with a blanket, because I wouldn't have been able to withstand the damage done to him. The full sized bed was next to the wall, Jared moved wincing in pain. He scooted closer to the wall motioning me to sit next to him on the bed.

"Are you sure? I'm afraid I might hurt you or move in some way that might hurt you." Jared's wide smile flashed across his face.

"Bella, I'm on so much medication right now… I need to know you are really here." I smiled at his attempt of humor. I moved to the bed sitting down gently, Jared's good right arm moved around me pulling me tightly against his body. Jared kissed the top of my head. I felt the bed moving slightly, and then I heard the quiet sobs coming from Jared.

"Jared, don't cry please." I turned wiping away the tears flowing from his eyes.

"I was so worried. I didn't know what was happening…I went to see you, and Charlie was hysterical…I didn't know what to do. When I finished reading the letters I had so many emotions running through me I ran out of the house, and phased. The pack knew everything I did once I phased, and we were working together to find any trace of you. I ran across the scent, and thought I had to do this for you, which now I wish I had waited. We all hated Sam, and he…he hated himself more than the rest of us. I've never seen him so upset before." Jared leaned into me, placing a hand on my cheek.

"I love you, and I know I wasn't going to be ok. You and Kim mean the world to me. Don't leave me again. I have kept my promise to you I'm still here."

I let out a long breath, which I didn't know I was holding. "I love you too, Jared. I'm sorry I just didn't think I was going to be able to leave if I told you before I left."

"I heard everything that was said outside. I wish I had known that was the reason you were leaving. I'm sorry. Let's not have any more secrets ok?"

"Agreed," I bobbed my head for further confirmation.

"Jared, why didn't you just tell me, and go against Sam?" I hoped that he trusted me. I don't understand why he didn't just tell me.

"Sam is the alpha, and head of the pack. What Sam says goes. Sam said none of us could tell you, and when Sam really means something we can't ignore it. It's like your whole body follows his orders even though your mind is fighting against it, we call it an injunction."

"Ok weird" I hadn't heard of anything like that. We sat in silence, while I was processing everything.

"Jared, Sam said wolves heal fast" Jared nodded "Well, do you know when you are healed enough to start school again?"

"A week or so, I'll probably be fully healed by then, but I think I need to spend some time with Kim, so I'll drag the pity out as long as I can." Jared's mischievous smile spread across his face.

"Jared, what did you mean by the pack knew everything once you phased?" He looked down at the blanket, moving his hand behind his neck rubbing nervously. He pursed his lips, saying nothing.

"Jared, you said no secrets remember." Jared raised an eyebrow.

"Fine…it's weird though…Well…when we are in…wolf form…we can hear each other's thoughts."

"That doesn't sound so weird to me. I mean you aren't the first person I've met who can read other people's thoughts."

"Who do you know that can read people's thoughts?" Jared scowled, already knowing the answer. I moved my arm surreptitiously around my abdomen.

"Just…Ed..Edward" Jared sighed.

"I thought that was just a part of the superstitious legends, but I guess anything's possible… huh?"

Jared closed his eyes, relaxing his whole body. I guess I need to let him sleep, so I can have him back at school sooner.

"I need to see Charlie, I'm sure he's really upset with me." Jared nodded.

"Can I see you tomorrow?"Jared asked.

"Of course, I wouldn't miss it." I gave one last wave before I headed down the hall.

I walked into the room, all eyes on me when I turned the corner. I guess they all heard the whole conversation, except for Billy, who hadn't notice my entrance yet.

"I need to see Charlie, so I need to be going." Billy wheeled his chair from the counter facing me, with a devilish grin.

"Bella warn me if you're going to leave again, Charlie cried on the phone for hours." Billy spoke with a smile. I think that was his nice way of telling me not to leave like that again.

"I think I can give you a heads up before I leave." I smiled playing along.

I pushed my way through the guys towards the door. "Can I come; I mean if that's ok with you." Paul was waiting anxiously for my answer.

I watched the other faces, lost in my awaiting answer. "I just want to be there to help explain to Charlie." I smiled. I did need help with a cover story, so I wouldn't get into too much trouble. Paul walked past me holding the door open.

"Can I come" Jake asked from the table. I nodded.

"Yeah, and me too?" Quil said sitting next to Jake earning an angry glare.

"Is there anyone else who wants to come see me get into trouble with Charlie?" To my astonishment everyone moved to make their way out the door.

Billy chuckled from his chair. "I'm good thanks; I've had enough of Charlie these past few days, but you kids have fun."

I gave Billy a hug before walking to my truck. Paul was the only person sitting in the truck when I opened the door.

"Everyone else is running, because it's faster than your truck."

"Oh, well…I'm sorry."I gave Paul a side smile, as I started the truck moving out of the driveway.

"Bella I hate that our time together was so short." Paul fidgeted in his seat.

"I do too, but it's not like I'll never see you again." Paul stared out the window.

"Promise, you won't forget me now that the rest of the pack is fighting for your attention?" He leisurely turned his head anticipating my answer.

"Paul, you are the first guy I've ever been alone with in a hotel room. A girl just doesn't forget something like that." Paul's eyes and mouth opened wide. I giggled at the expression Paul had on his face. I think…maybe I saw him blush.

"Good."

We pulled up into my driveway. Shadows moved from the woods, and I couldn't quite make out what they were. I parked the truck with the headlights still on; the shadows were in fact the guys walking out from the woods. I opened my truck door, immediately engulfed into a tight hug.

"I'm so glad you know everything now." Jake whispered into my ear.

The front door opened and Charlie ran out of the house.

"Bella, oh Bella, I'm so glad you are here. Never scare me like that again!" Charlie guided me into the house. All the guys barely fit into our small living room. Charlie's relieved face flashed into anger.

"Now, I need answers." I looked around for any help. I opened my mouth, to begin my untruthful story…

Thanks for all the wonderful reviews! They helped me so much! I hope you love the next few chapters!!