It didn't take me near as long to heal as it did for Sam to get over his guilt. True, I could admit my emotions had gotten the better of me. After a long talk with Billy Black about it, how near irresistible it had been to follow those instincts, he mentioned my former sickness and recovery at Paul's. My body had probably built up energy during that time, and with the smallest hint of impulsive instincts, there was no restraint sometimes. Billy assured me it was a common problem with youth, but to me, it was a testament to how much more work I needed on myself. A slight jab to the pride honestly. I knew I wasn't perfect, far from mastering anything… but at least now I knew how strong my instincts could get, now. The height of them was known to me, and if there ever was a next time, I could learn from my mistakes.

Sam seemed to learn from his too. During my two day sleeping spell, he'd been given the cold shoulder by nearly everyone, especially Paul. The day after I was up and going again, Paul allowed him to see me. It was a couple of minutes of profuse apologizing, and him admitting that anger stemmed mostly from fear. That he also had no right to hurt an imprint. I could plainly see the guilt in his eyes. It was possible too that being what I was, a lone hunter, was a variable responsible for my hunting. Wolves were teammates. A pack. Something I still had to remind myself I was a part of.

But I couldn't howl. I had no way of alerting them. If anything the best I could do was screech- but more than likely it would sound like pain and freak them out. When Sam then quietly asked Paul for a moment alone with me, I could tell it would take Paul longer to accept his apology than I had already given. He had his fists tightly clenched, features stiff, and blankly left the room.

There was a brief pang of panic I felt alone with Sam. A part of me wondered about him. Everyone had their regrets, but I'd have more to fear from Sam if he could make me need to recover for two days straight again. But I bit that panic down and watched as he began talking.

"When I was young, ten maybe, I had a friend that was a lot like you." He slowly began, taking a deep breath. I sat on the edge of my seat, listening intently and quietly. "She was…over-confident, a bit aloof… definitely like you." His smile was faint. "We played in the woods, and despite our parents telling us not to play in the river, we did anyway. She was so sure nothing bad could ever happen and…one day her foot caught on a branch underwater. My friend had drowned before I knew what happened... That girl was like a little sister to me, and when I heard you were possibly in trouble off on your own… I guess I was thrown back into that day… I overreacted, far from an alpha. I hope you'll forgive me, Ross."

Then he extended his hand, to which I took.

While my heart felt better, it both broke a little knowing more about Sam. My alpha. His actions were reckless yes, but understandable. But what stood out to me was one fact that made my day.

Sam Uley thought of me as a little sister.

Paul wondered why I had forgiven him so easily, and more importantly, why I was smiling constantly like I had found a bin of kittens.

A cat really could nudge themselves anywhere- including an alpha's heart.

But on more serious matters, Victoria had vanished completely. Her scent, all traces of her existence. For a few nights I gained a sudden anxiety. Without that bold, heroic instincts that could let me take on anything, I was a rational woman.

A rational woman who realized she'd taken the finger off an already crazy bloodthirsty immortal.

Now who was the bigger target? Me, or a simple human? It made sense to take out a threat first before enjoying easy prey. I spent those anxious nights practically sleeping under Paul and walking in his shadow. Not that he minded- he only didn't like how stressed I could get. And in those quiet, slow nights where you could only hear crickets and tree frogs through the open windows, to a dull midnight breeze, Paul would hold me under the sheets to his bed and reassure me softly until I fell asleep. He always waited till I fell asleep.

And if I dreamed of being chased in the woods by a dark shadow, or saw that wild flaming hair that was instant nightmare fuel, Paul would wake me up and calm me down again.

I was grateful that anxious phase was only a few days. Revenge-seeking crazed vampire or not, one wouldn't trespass with so many werewolves around. That was suicide.

Going with that logic sent the anxiety running. Hopefully that redhead would stay scared of me instead of the other way around. Time blurred on in the following weeks. I returned to the reservation's high school for the new year as a substitute teacher. Aside from the steady 'how old are you?' questions, it was nice. There were more hours and better pay, yet despite all that, the best part was leaving Forks permanently to stay with Paul. It made more sense anyway, plus there was the matter of safety. I simply felt better closer to the pack. They all fully welcomed me too. The day I agreed to stay with Paul, after I came home from work, they all threw me a sort of welcoming party.

It was also a good time to mention my engagement- that of which gave me a headache when they cheered so loud. Paul just pulled me into his arms, embarrassed with all the sudden attention. He'd just grin and ruffle my hair. A full month into my new job and adjusting to living with Paul, there was something new to keep me occupied. With the school having their homecoming, it meant everyone eighteen and below was going nuts. With pack matters given sudden second priority, Jacob and the others were almost normal teenagers. Talking about who'd they would go with, what type of suit to wear, whether they were suddenly getting a pimple, the usual.

While Paul was getting fed up over the non-stop talk about it, I made it worse. The plan had been in my mind all day, and now, it was time to enjoy it. The moment I got home from my short walk, and taking a moment to pet Stormy who was sleeping on the porch, I dropped my bag off by the door and looked around. Cautiously I sniffed, seeing it was empty.

How suspicious…

Carefully, and quietly, I placed my steps down with precision and nearly jumped around each corner, readily. But he wasn't there.

Only when I turned around.

I screamed by nature and beat at his bare chest. "I-I, how are you so quiet!? I'm the stealthy one!"

Paul's amused smile turned into a clear laugh. "But you never thought to look behind you, huh kitten? Nice try… I'm still better." He gloated and was ready when I jumped him. Luckily the couch was there to fall back into. I simply rest in his arms atop him, letting out a huff. Paul seemed content to keep an arm slung over my back, the other picking out strands of hair from my low ponytail, just to annoy me. He'd always make it stick out awkwardly in as many places as he could.

"You better be nice to me." I mumbled, busily trying not to enjoy his body heat. It had been chilly today. Paul made an amused sound in his throat. "Why should I?"

"Because I might not go to homecoming with you."

A moment of thought. "Wait, what?"

I felt his linger on a strand of hair. "I'm going to homecoming."

"Aren't you a little o-"

"Careful how you finish that sentence."

He let out a breath and sat upright. "I'm not following."

"I'm a chaperone for the night, you dork… But I still want to wear something pretty."

He settled back into the couch. "You wouldn't have to wear anything to be pretty."

I smirked at his compliment. "If I didn't wear anything I'd get arrested."

Paul's head fell back into the armrest, laughing. "Have fun with that then."

"You're not coming?" I sulked.

"Don't work there. I'd probably get thrown out."

"Oh."

It made sense. Still, I was disappointed. How luckily Jacob and the others dropped by to hang out, and Paul never noticed my disappointment. That or he thought I'd get over it. It was just a dance, anyway. Besides, I'd probably be busy prying kids off each other and making sure nothing too dramatic happens. So for the rest of the evening I texted Leah while Paul and the guys had their fun. Mostly watching a boring sports game. I only looked up from my phone when they were overly loud. When it grew darker out, I cracked my fingers and settled to make dinner. But remembering how much they could chow down on, I resorted to calling in a few pizzas from the local pizza-place here in La Push. The guys promptly howled and cheered when they arrived.

Men…

Once the game was over they all left for home, I was happy to go to bed. The homecoming dance was still a few days away, so I figured to have plenty of time to go to Port Angeles to find something nice to wear. A dress would be too much maybe, but a nice skirt and blouse would be nice. I did have some nice clothing, but I was in the mood to splurge on something.

It was a little after midnight that I woke to a surprising, somewhat terrifying sound. Stormy was screeching in the living room, angrily it sounded like. Now I knew why people were terrified when they heard a mountain lion in the woods. It sounded like a wild woman screaming in the dead of night. Paul and I promptly rushed out of bed, half awake, and stumbled our way to him. Poor Stormy was bristled and growled viciously in my arms, his fur standing on end.

By instinct Paul and I took deep breaths, wary and alert for anything.

What caught me by surprise though was the overwhelming scent of cat. Strange cat. While I held Stormy in my arms, restrained, Paul slowly opened the door. With him being in the way I couldn't see much, but after a moment, he looked back at me, wide-eyed.

"Uh…Ross? I think it's for you."

I stared at him, concentrating, and nodded to Stormy. "Take him in the other room would you?"

So Paul hauled the guarded, intense feline away. With a gulp I brushed down my pajamas and hurried to the door. Immediately my bare feet slid to a halt at what stood on the porch.

Three children stood there, wide-eyed and breathing fast. Three more of Yin's grandchildren.

What perfect timing… Two of them were girls, one about fifteen and the other twelve or so. I noticed quite clearly the older of the bunch seemed the more panicked. More in-tune with their instincts. Coming here alone I guessed, or from a taxi, it was very brave to face this alone.

And then to have intimidating Paul of all people answering the door-

"H-Hey, welcome to La Push." My language was shaky and improper, but the more casual would hopefully put them at ease. The two girls seemed to take some sense of comfort by my clear speaking of their home language, and the fact I did look half Chinese at least. "Come in, please. My boyfriend won't eat you I promise." Their wide, dark eyes darted at me.

It was after midnight and I was exhausted. I wasn't very eloquent.

Once they had shuffled their way in, I gestured they make themselves comfortable while I hurried to Paul in the bedroom. He must have put Stormy in the bathroom. I could still hear him growling. Paul was wide-awake and had thrown a shirt on. "More of Yin's grand kids?"

I nodded, rolling up the sleeves of my top. "Yeah. I just…it's so sudden. I'm all frantic and trying to figure out what to do."

"I'll stay in here. They looked pretty terrified already when I opened the door."

"Good idea. Should they stay here until morning? I can take them to Chi's house."

"It's only a few hours till daylight. But if they're stressing out just take them."

I nodded, again rubbing my hands through my messy bed-hair. "Three of them." I breathed. "I hope I can handle them."

"You can handle the pack you can handle some kids." Paul assured, kissing the rim of my ear. "Now go get them before the big bad wolf does." He chuckled. I shook him off with a slight glare, resisting smiling. Now I had to be serious. Those poor kids were probably having a panic attack on the spot with the strong stench of dog around here. And Stormy screeching like a mad-cat probably didn't help either.

With a deep breath I returned to them. The eldest girl, definitely no older than fifteen, had long, well-kept beautiful black hair. It was thick enough to have a ponytail over the lower layer that was let down. Though unsettled looking, her skin was pristine white and her eyes curved upwards with thick, dark lashes. She looked almost angelic despite the steady downturn of her pale pink lips. Sitting closely at her side was the other girl, twelve I guessed. Her hair was medium length, a mess of curls, and pinned up high in two bouncy ponytails. They looked like sisters almost, except this girl's complexion was darker and a mess of freckles across her face. She mostly looked fearful because the older girl did, and confused. Lastly was the third I'd only barely seen.

Small, chubby arms were wrapped around the younger girl, and I couldn't see them too well. The little thing, about three maybe, kept well hidden behind her. I focused my attention on the two girls, appreciating their calm attitude. They both wore school uniforms, neatly pressed and perfect. No doubt they were probably all from the same, most likely well-off family.

Much like I had done with Chi months ago, I calmly explained a few things to them. But above all else I made it clear I was here for them. The younger girl seemed more appreciative of my concern. The eldest however had a look that turned from being unsettled to annoyance.

"Do you even know what you're doing?" she questioned.

Well, nice meeting you too. I was surprised that would be the first thing she'd say to me. But I wasn't upset. In her place I'd be a little perturbed too.

"Of course..." I answered slowly. "Your grandfather put me in charge because-"

"My grandfather was a dementia ridden old man that put too much stock in fairy-tales. We went through so much trying to get here for all this nonsense." She suddenly bit out, crossing her arms tightly. Ah. I got it. Living with Paul helped me understand people. Most likely this girl was experiencing instincts for the first time. Instincts? Confusion. Confusion could lead to fear. And then snapping at innocent people.

I breathed in slowly through my nose, feeling the younger girl looking at me worriedly and apologetically. She attentively touched her sister's arm, only for said girl to pull away.

For some reason she seemed intent on snapping at me. I changed the subject. "Can I know your names?"

A brief moment of silence before the quiet, younger sister spoke up. "Jaio." She politely bowed her head, lingering a moment. I could read the apology in her nervous, big black eyes. I looked at the other girl, watching as she swallowed hard. "Yan-mei." She stated tightly, and that was that. I deflated, hopelessly almost, and looked at the small pair of arms tightly wound around Jaio. "This is our nephew, Feng. He's very shy."

It looked like those two had more in common than Yan-mei did.

I could muster a smile at them at least. "Ross… Are any of you hungry?"

"We ate plenty on the flight." Yan-mei answered shortly, still watching me stiffly with her hands in her lap. For some reason I don't think Jaio agreed with her, by the way she winced and hunched over her stomach, but I didn't comment. With how much Chi pigged at out his place with Collin and Brady, they'd be fine. I rubbed my back uncomfortably. "In that case I'll grab some extra pillows and blankets for the night. You can move in with Chi in the morning."

Their faces lit up a little at the name, and I could finally see Feng's little face peep out at me. He had adorably curly hair on his head, and big brownish green eyes, like mine. He watched me for a moment and hid back in Jaio's shirt. She bothered to help me at least make the couch comfortable, though it would be a tight squeeze for all of them.

Yan-mei would probably just sit on the edge of her seat all night and look like she ate a lemon. Whatever. At least the other two were pleasant. Once they were settled, I promised to see them at daylight and retreated to bed. I closed the door behind me, letting out a tired, heavy huff.

Paul just opened his arms on the bed.

Without waiting I fell into them, groaning. "I'll have coffee ready for you in the morning." He spoke.

"Oh, oh I love you so much." I mumbled against his bronze skin. Paul chuckled and gave me a squeeze.

"Anytime kitten."

.

.

.

Sleep didn't last long enough before I was up and dressing for work. As promised though, I could smell coffee from the kitchen. But no Paul. Most likely he had made it quick and left so he wouldn't freak the youngsters out. Thankfully they were still sleeping. As I poured my drink, sleepily, I jumped when Jaio was suddenly next to me. She was quiet without trying.

"Miss Ross, I want to apologize on my sister's behalf. I am deeply shamed by her rudeness, especially when you've taken us in at such an hour." Then she bowed her head again, long pigtails hanging over her face.

I quirked a brow. "Honestly Jaio I've had worse from the school I work at. That of which you and the others will be attending." I smirked at how she lit up, eagerly. She gave me the impression of being a shy bookworm.

"You'll be there?"

"And Chi, too."

"Does he like it?"

"You can ask him soon. The year only just started, so no one will mind you too much." I winked. "Coffee?"

Jaio lit up and smiled quirkily. "Yes please!"

Within the next ten minutes everyone was up and ready, and at least had eaten one of Emily's muffins. Soon with all their bags in the sedan, they climbed inside and were ready for the two-minute drive to Chi's house- the one right next to Billy's. I noted Yan-mei unhappily sitting in the back, but she wouldn't sit next to me. Jaio was happy to fill the place instead. Soon we pulled up to the old house, and I could just hear the eldest girl in the back-seat crinkling her nose.

But we were more than happy to watch a confused Chi walk out of the house, backpack over his shoulder. Then once the kids got out, he dropped his bag and hollered, rushing over to glomp them. Jaio giggled and hugged him tightly, as did Feng. Yan-mei just curtly smiled and nodded.

"Alright guys, I'm gonna be late. Chi!"

The boy snapped upright, goofy looking with his hat sideways over his head from running. "Do they speak English?"

"So-so!"

"Good enough. I'll give your teacher an excuse note for today. Help them get settled in okay? I'll come back after work with some groceries for you guys. Do me a favor and help them not freak out by the pack. Just do what I did with you!"

So Chi grinned at the leadership role given to him and hastily helped pull their bags out. Once so I zoomed out of the driveway to work. I knew they'd be in good hands with Chi. During the slower hours of work it gave me a chance to think, and to text Paul.

I told him the only ones I'd ever be doing any 'training' with, or guidance on, would only be Chi and Yan-mei. The others were simply too young and didn't seem to have that scent on them. Paul wished me luck. Especially with 'Miss Sunshine', as he had come up with from our talk last night. I dryly told him I would probably need extra luck too. It did cross my mind there was still one more person, finally. But little by little. Most of them were here now. I could wait till the last came.

After work I picked up some groceries from the small local store and started for Billy's land. I was only seconds away from pulling in the smaller driveway to the old house when something shot out across the road. It was a white blur that had me slamming on my brakes. The next moment through my windows even, I could hear a wolf wailing. A high pitched sound that told me many things from my experience with the pack.

One, someone was scared. Two, they were in pain. And three, the half-mixed whimpers of submission we're being ignored. Ignored by someone who couldn't read it.

Someone…old enough to shift…yet Chi would never-

"Oh God." I flew out of the car leaving the door hanging. "Yan-mei!" I screeched, taking off into the woods. I had no idea what could have possibly transpired, but two things were certain. One, there was the strong scent of a cat. A big cat- probably the white blur I'd seen. And two, the wolf was undoubtedly Seth Clearwater.

I could see blond wolf fur scattered on the ground everywhere.

Jumbled sounds of screeching and a wolf crying sounded awful in my ears. I pushed myself further until my shoes wore marks into my heels. And then, just beyond a few trees, my heart stopped. A ferocious, savage snow leopard had pinned Seth down, who was already on his backside and whimpering loudly. I hadn't even taken the large leopard's size into account when I jumped her, tackling her away from the poor wolf.

Yan-mei, I could now smell clearly, thrashed and screeched against me. It took all my strength just to pin her against the tree.

"Seth! Get out of here!" I screamed.

The poor, clearly injured wolf wasted no time in limping away. I could only hold the beastly leopard for so long until her claws snagged my shirt, throwing me into the ground. Like reflex I rolled away, jumping to my feet and standing my ground readily.

"Yan-mei," I growled, "control yourself. Now."

The leopard shrieked at me defiantly, tail flipping all directions behind her. If it weren't for my purposeful step forward and the growl in my chest, no doubt she would have jumped me. But it wasn't a complete lost cause in her angry, wild blue eyes. She was in there. She had enough control… Enough to listen to me and think. Gradually she sank to the ground, still greatly annoyed. Growls continued leaving her throat, and her unblinking eyes were like daggers on my legs.

The point still remained- she had submitted.

"Change back. Or you'll have more problems to deal with than me." The fury, the unbridled anger and authority couldn't be ignored. I was too shaking in anger to notice.

Too overwhelmed by the image of Seth… While all the signs of his surrender were clear, it brought nothing but guilt and anger on my part. That I should have taught Yin's grand-kids better. That something I could have done should have prevented this. I brewed in these thoughts, watching as Yan-mei shifted to a suddenly exhausted, stunned naked girl. She fumbled over her words.

"T-That was only the second time I've ever-"

"I don't care. Get your ass home before I drag you there." I snapped, fists clenching. Obviously I was still heavily on the verge of shifting and making her regret touching my pack. My chest heaved in anger as I stared her down, noting she didn't dare look at me. With a flick of my wrist I tossed my jacket at her and stepped aside, waiting.

Yan-mei wasted no time in covering up and starting for home.

I was on her heels the whole time. We had reached the road when I saw the whole pack waiting there. My heart broke seeing a beaten, bloodied Seth leaning against Jacob.

I wasn't scared for Yan-mei.

I was scared because of them.

All at once it was a mess when they saw her. Leah started screaming furiously on the spot over her little brother, on the very near edge of shifting. It took Jacob and Quil just to restrain her. Even Sam was demanding answers, everyone talking too much. The only one to notice my frustration was Paul.

He put his fingers to his mouth and whistled sharply.

Silence, except for a few breathing heavily. All eyes either looked at me or the girl hiding behind me. I spun on my heel.

"I said go home." I warned again, watching her back away from me and run off. Every eye followed her. Paul put his hand on my shoulder, but I shrugged him off, eyes flashing at him. It was clear to see how upset I was. I was by no means an alpha, but I was still in charge of this feline group. And I was ashamed.

With a deep breath, I looked at Seth. "Are you OK?"

He nodded, still panicked looking. "I thought I was a goner." He gulped, much to those near him's fury. As expected Sam marched over. "What happened?" he demanded.

I shifted my attention to Seth. "I don't know."

Poor Seth wobbled against Jacob. "I-I was just looking for Collin and Brady! I know they always hang around here. Then I saw this little kid and I thought he was lost. Next thing I know this crazy girl is coming after me!"

Steadily everyone looked back at me. This matter was in my hands now. With heavy reluctance I looked at Sam. "I'm going to need you on this one. Set a few things straight with them."

He nodded, agreeing. As he started for the house, I made my way over to Seth. "I am so sorry this happened to you. I'll make this right, I promise." I whispered, finding it hard to look at the blood over him. Leah suddenly was looking down at me, harshly.

"You better. Next time one of those cats act up, I'll do more than chase them up a tree."

The warning from my best friend hurt, but thankfully Jacob was there and he put his hand on my shoulder, nodding me off. I slipped away from the group and after Sam. I wasn't mad at Leah. I understood… and all the more reason to be furious with Yan-mei.

Sam beat me to it, though. He'd already sent Chi and Jaio upstairs, knowing at first glance they didn't have a single violent bone in their body. Feng though was glued against Yan-mei, though she clearly wasn't giving any means of comfort. The toddler just continued to cry amid her sudden tight-faced expression.

Was she going to try justifying herself now…?

I scooped Feng up in my arms, briefly surprised with how quickly he adjusted and settled to wrapping himself around my neck. I shushed him and jogged upstairs, handing him off to Jaio. Said girl grabbed my hand.

"He's not going to hurt her, is he?" She asked in a quiet, dreadful English.

"No." I answered. "But…Sam isn't going to beat around the point. Your sister almost killed someone." I looked at her and Chi, and I sat across from their horrified faces. "Guys, I know neither of you have shifted yet… but I'm begging you, the moment you feel…like it's time… Just come to me. Don't think about anyone else, or anything, just come to me. There's nothing I haven't been through and can't handle at this point… But if you involve others, it's only going to be a big mess… Do you get it?"

They nodded solemnly. I held out my pinky. "Pinky promise me?"

We all winced hearing Sam raise his voice downstairs. I doubted Yan-mei would be doing the same. Sam could be…absolutely terrifying. And this I still firmly believed after dealing with violent wolves and bloodthirsty vampires.

They wrapped their pinkies around mine.

I had a good feeling they'd have much easier to manage, one day.

Slowly I headed downstairs. The heat of Sam's anger seemed to have passed, though his eyes did flash up at me. He let out a heavy breath, making his way over. "She's got it down now. Ross?"

I reluctantly looked up at him.

"That behavior isn't acceptable around here. Do what it takes to discipline your own."

Then he walked out, leaving me to stare at Yan-mei. She looked grave, dreadful.

And most importantly, she was scared enough to learn some respect. Otherwise, it wouldn't take but one painful lesson with fangs and claws to learn- much like I had. My gaze lingered for good measure, making it clear there wouldn't be a next time.

I let out a breath and started for home. My mind swirled with thoughts, and I refused to be comforted, whether by Paul or Jacob for the rest of the day. It was clear to me.

I had to become my own alpha.