"Get me out of here!"

Despite the pounding rain, surely my demand made it all the way up to the pack above. I could hear them frantically digging, occasionally causing dirt to fall on my head. Now and then they'd growl loudly, snapping at another- and I had a feeling that was Paul. No doubt they could smell all the blood and bodies of so many creatures…and people. I could only hope they got to me first before something else did. I nearly had a heart attack when something moved in the mound of bodies. Just a rat.

"Hang on Ross!" I could recognize Leah's voice.

So while they worked, I kept my eyes beyond me, watching for anything. There was nothing to look at in the darkness except the dead, drained faces of victims. People worth little more than a snack. I tried not to focus on the stench of rot and animal blood underneath me. Last thing I needed was getting sick again.

Slowly I shifted my weight, but the stinging pain in my side burned. I'd have to get some disinfectant on that ASAP. With a heavy breath- considering the lack of fresh oxygen, I adjusted as much as I could towards the opening. Looking up wasn't good. I'd just get more dirt in my face. The pack worked tirelessly as they dug further down, to the point I could smell them and not the stench here. They took deep puffs of air, trying to smell how close I was. They were only just ten or so feet above me now. There was a brief pause, and Leah's voice was closer.

"Ross, can you reach up to us?" she called.

I tried pushing up, but my side wouldn't let me. "No!" I shouted. "I hurt myself too much!"

There was a savage growl above me and the digging continued with more ferocity. I didn't have to wonder much who that was… Gradually more dirt fell over my head, and before I could finally take a breath of fresh, clean air, jaws clamped on the back of my shirt. Like a doll I was suddenly lifted out, dragged through the dirt, and dropped in the grass. Immediately after laying in the cold, refreshing grass I gasped for air and relaxed into it. A cold wet nose nudged my face, clearing away some blood. At least it wasn't mine.

"She's got an injury on her side." Leah spoke, probably looking me over. "She's fine though." Arms helped me up and I was placed on a wolf. It still smelled like spice. And like last night's experimental cooking.

"Paul…" I'd never been so relieved to sink into his fur. When I lifted my head to check on the others, I realized Paul was running. Everything else was gone. In minutes we were home, and at the porch Paul shifted, catching me in his arms. I could stand, but not so good on my left side. The slice of that wooden spear went from my back to the side of my ribs. As I could see the blood sticking to the inside of my shirt, I realized Paul hadn't thought twice about his…lack of attire. Of course, now wasn't the time, and I didn't pay any attention. He carefully helped me inside and to the restroom.

"How bad does it hurt?"

I uneasily sat down on the rim of the tub. "Like a wooden spear sliced me."

His eyes flashed up to mine, so I explained my ten-minute predicament. Paul was breathing hard, angrily, but he didn't do anything. "The others will check it out." he dismissed.

I felt bad for them.

Paul put a towel below my waist, and then poured the disinfectant. I groaned in my throat when it bubbled white. But at least the germs were dead. During then I had noticed Paul had wrapped a towel around his waist. Not that I'd seen anything- but that was far from my mind anyway.

"I'm sorry Ross." Only then did I see the troubled expression on his face. He was blaming himself. "I told Sam not to let you come-"

"Hold on, it was my choice to come along, alright? What happened with that tunnel could've happened to anyone."

"But-"

"You wouldn't have been able to order me around anyway. For long, that is." I reminded, turning my towel over so it would be a compress. The blood had mostly stopped, but this would help it clot faster. My eyes returned to Paul, seeing he was watching me. Wanting to take the blame, to be mad at someone. It frustrated him that he set his jaw.

"I think you should take a shower…you kinda smell like vampire. Makes me miss the wet dog smell actually."

Paul slumped his head, taking a breath. "Only if you do. You smell like every dead animal in the book."

"Well I don't think we can take one together. Not exactly in the mood, all things considered."

Paul looked at me with a brief smirk, nodding. "I'll take a shower and help you get cleaned up." He decided. That was that, and he helped me to a chair in his room just outside. While he went back in to shower, Stormy came and kept my company. Obviously since he smelled blood, and sensing something was up, he cautiously approached me and sniffed. He chirped worriedly.

"It's alright baby… go take a cat-nap on his bed while you can." I smiled, watching as he reluctantly left me and jumped up to the bed. Leave it to him to snooze on things he shouldn't. Slowly I leaned my head back, sighing. A normal person would need stitches. I'd probably need a few hours before it healed up. Not quite as fast as a wolf, but nothing to complain about. All too soon Paul was finished and came out, in his usual shorts.

"You ready?"

"I think I can manage on my own." I commented, not liking the idea of my needing him so much. Felines were independent. And despite the fact I could barely stand straight, I was stubborn. Paul merely rolled his eyes and helped me inside anyway. Again I sat on the tub's rim, watching as he filled it with warm water. Without a word he took my hand, dipped a rag in the water, and scrubbed each finger. Then he moved up my arm till reaching my shoulders. This process went on, especially when it was obvious I couldn't bend or move much without pain. Strangely Paul didn't seem to mind at all. Either he cared to such a degree, or didn't want me smelling like dead blood. Probably both. By the time my limbs were finished I spoke up, noting how slow he was about anything else.

"I think I got it from here…"

He hesitantly looked at me. "Yeah, of course." Yet he didn't move. I awkwardly took the rag from his hand and put it under my leg. There was no way I was taking my skirt off, but I still did have my bikini top on underneath my shirt. While I slowly took the shirt off, I watched his face. I swore he wasn't breathing anymore. Then when he saw the bikini top and deflated, I started laughing.

"Hey, buy me dinner first alright?"

Paul cracked a smile, but didn't speak. Was he really thinking about that? My smile died down and I focused on cleaning the blood away from the wound, being careful where it went.

"Look…Paul…you're gonna hate me for this-"

"I couldn't if I tried."

I smiled at the affection, though it was probably just a fact for him. He continued sitting across from me, waiting. I bit my lip. "It's not that…that I haven't thought about…other things," I managed, "and the fact I've been filleted aside, I… my families' always been traditional."

"Like naming every woman in the family the same name?"

I chuckled that he remembered. "That too… I'm sorry, though." I admitted quietly, dropping the rag in the water. All I could do now was go back to my compress. "I just wouldn't be happy with myself until things are right."

He was silent a minute. "I understand." Paul was quiet, and I figured he was going to say something else. I slowly pushed upright and looked at him. Then his dark eyes looked at me, warmly.

"Guess I'll just have to marry you."

"That's what I meant."

He smiled, despite the situation. "This wasn't how I planned," he shrugged, still smiling, "will you?"

"Will I what?" I blinked.

Paul only chuckled and bumped his head to mine. Finally, it was clear to me when his dark orbs so lovingly focused on mine.

"Marry me, kitten."

.

.

.

Saying it had been a long day was an understatement. From the beach adventure, to the vampire scare and then falling into a vampire waste bin, it was eventful. Yet even as I rest in Paul's bed, with said wolf snoozing next to me, I couldn't sleep.

Every bone in my body was exhausted, and normally I would've passed out in seconds. But my mind wouldn't let me. All because of what Paul had asked me.

Marry me.

Marriage.

A big freaking commitment. Not that I had troubles with it, it was just…huge. It was marriage. Honestly though it was no different than our lives right now. Paul and I practically lived together. Ate together, shared a pet, a home… everything. So why did the thought of a tiny ring petrify me? Around midnight it dawned on me. It wasn't that I didn't want to marry Paul. I was just content right now. There was no need for marriage. But…that didn't make it a bad idea.

Just surprising.

Or… did he only want to marry me because of… Because I wouldn't do certain things otherwise?

No, right…? No, he wasn't that superficial. Not a pig, just a normal guy. Wolf. All the same probably. Maybe it was endearing he wanted to be closer to me. To be together not just in soul but in every other way too.

I hid my face in a pillow. No sleep for me tonight…

I actually did wake up though, so sleep wasn't hopeless. The smell of greasy bacon and eggs had me up. With a sore wince, I pushed up and looked under my shirt. The injury had healed up, but it was still pink and raised- like a fresh scar. I'd give it another day. Carefully I got to my feet and headed to the kitchen. A little smoke was being fanned out the window, but at least Paul was trying with breakfast.

Key word try.

He looked over, surprised. "I was about to bring you breakfast in bed."

"Maybe I should bring you the fire-extinguisher."

"I got it covered kitten." He smugly reminded. I shook my head and sat on the couch, sighing. Poor Stormy hungrily sat nearby, watching Paul with perfect attention for food. Poor cub wasn't going to get anything he liked. When the front door opened I watched Emily and Sam come through.

I perked up. Good gravy she had food. Good food. "Hi Ross." She hurriedly made her way over, giving me a one-armed hug. I took a deep breath and shushed my stomach. Those were some tasty smelling muffins.

"I made these for you. Go ahead." She winked, leaving me gratefully taking one. She set the plate down on the table and sat next to me, asking how I was and all other questions. It seemed Paul gave up cooking and ended up sitting with Sam across from us. Once Emily and I noticed, I realized it was a pack conversation. Sam was patiently watching me.

"Oh. What?" I sheepishly asked.

Sam briefly smiled. "We just wanted to check up on you. Paul says you're better."

"Much. Thanks."

He nodded. "We also wanted to tell you about that crypt you fell into." He explained. Almost instantly my good mood died at the word. Sam looked between Paul and I. "It was connected to the sewers, only it was more bodies that Ross fell into. We told Chief Swan, minus a few details… It should bring some families some closure about what happened to the missing persons." He solemnly spoke. "But since Laurent is history, that leaves only Victoria. So far she's crafty." He frowned. "And now that her scent is in Forks, we'll all be taking shifts to protect Bella."

"Isn't that what you guys did with Ross a long time ago?" Emily questioned, patting my hand.

Sam nodded. "Pretty much."

Paul though was frowning. "Sam, I don't want Ross protecting the leech-lover."

"Paul-" I began, till his look silenced me. I don't know what it was, but it held some sort of power over me. Was the wolves' nature starting to have an influence on me? Or maybe my instincts had already accepted him as a mate, and clearly many times over Paul made it clear he was the boss in the relationship. Not like a jerk or anything. But in a wolf pack sense. Now I already knew my place in the pack. Paul followed Sam, and I followed Paul. Even though I had obligations to follow Sam more as the alpha, Paul was still the leader in the relationship.

"Paul." Sam calmly reprimanded, seeing as how annoyed I was with him right now. "You know very well Ross is a part of this pack. She's proven she's capable as any of us. Calm your instincts down and listen to reason, alright?"

I didn't back down from Paul's stare. Control came from instincts, and those instincts border-lined fear something would happen to me. I had to look at it from his perspective. Slowly, Paul took a deep breath and nodded. The power of an alpha was amazing. I'd have to learn a few secrets one day.

Sam thankfully continued on. "We've already discussed the days everyone will take their shifts. Three times a day everyone will switch. Morning, day, and night. Ross you'll take mornings, that way you can be ready to go to work afterwards and not be too tired. Paul, if it makes you feel any better, you can work with her when she does. But be prepared to have your normal shifts too. Can you do that?"

Paul nodded without hesitation.

Sam looked at us both again. "Once we catch Victoria, it's over." he assured us, smiling. "It'll be over."

I was tempted to smile, but I hid it with a bite in my muffin. There was a horrible feeling I couldn't deny that nothing would be over that easily.

After Sam and Emily had left, I ignored the silence and got to my feet. "I'll be back in a while."

Paul's eyes flashed up to me, but I didn't elaborate. I was making it clear he needed to work on his possession. That I was still a person, and not something to be owned. Paul understood my tone and drooped his head between his shoulders. Fighting his instincts. Fighting how much the wolf inside loved me.

"Be safe, kitten."

Stormy hopped into the car with me, and we drove to Forks. I only needed to check on my mail and the house. It had been too long. I pulled into the driveway, firstly rolling down the window and sniffing. Absolutely nothing dead.

With relief I let Stormy out and fetched the mail. He seemed happy to be home and kept busy in his favorite patches of grass. Nothing new in the mail, aside from one letter from the reservation's school. They explained due to my absence I wouldn't be needed for the rest of summer school… but due to my students raising their grades, they were now actually considering me for a substitute position for the upcoming school year. And even better, if I showed exemplary work, I might even be offered a more full time position. I was too thrilled to wonder about that as is.

Quite happily I tossed the mail in the car and went to check on the house. There was nothing to fear, just a lonely house. I briefly considered washing my hair since I still needed to, but refrained. The waters under Forks probably weren't entirely clean yet… So for now I cleaned up the house, figuring it might as well be neat when I came back home.

A sudden pang of sadness swept through my chest. I belonged here. But I also belonged with Paul. I shook my head. Might as well be married first before I moved in officially. All the sudden Stormy yowled by the back door. Quickly I dropped the shirt in my hands and rushed over. I took a deep breath and yanked Stormy inside, shutting the door quickly.

"Ohh no. Oh no." The stench of vampire was incredibly strong in the woods now. My hand went for my phone, and yet… Paul was reluctant about me taking a simple watch over a human. But if I actually took care of the vampire myself… he'd never have to worry about me. Stormy pulled at my pants with his teeth, as if knowing my thoughts. Surely though… if six wolves could kill Laurent, which was overkill; and I could already defeat a wolf now, then no doubt I could handle a vampire myself. They just unnerved me is all.

Besides, I reasoned, what about Bella? What if she was being chased right now? Sam ordered us to protect her, for Jacob. I undeniably had a loyalty to the pack too.

"Stormy, stay put." I ordered, despite his sudden wails as I stepped out and closed the door after me. The mountain lion probably had more sense than me right now, but the rush and hunt of claiming Victoria as a prize was too tempting.

It was a desire I never recognized before. One faintly noticeable whenever I hunted food for Stormy. To lock onto a scent, to track it down no matter how far… It got my heart racing. And the fact Victoria was so dangerous… it was both terrifying to my rational senses… yet it allured something in my heart. Something primal, something awful, monstrous…

This insane desire propelled me through the woods with alarming speed and agility.

It was at that moment I realized my place- my rank in this world.

A human was prey to the vampire. And vampires were prey to the wolf. Yet there was a third step I never realized before. My apparent purpose surged like fire through my veins the further I went, denying all human rationality. Whether a dangerous werewolf or vampire, it was obvious now.

I was the hunter of hunters.

And my monster inside was enjoying the game.