The Snow-Wolf

by faithy waithy

We know the story of Jacob Black. But what about his twin sister, Hannah Black. The year she turns 16, her life changes forever. Best friends start abandoning her and the life she knew comes to an end. With unexplained betrayals and temperamental Quileute boys, she comes to learn she is smack dab in the middle of a world of werewolves and vampires. (Suck at summaries) COMPLETE!

8. The Mend

Chapter 7: The Mend

(Hannah POV)

The meeting had been exhausting, but not as exhausting as the drive home at nine that night. Being stuck between Jacob and Seth in the backseat of Sam's truck was tense (and also tight room-wise with their long legs). They were not speaking to one another. Whatever they discussed outside when I was left with Quil and Embry must've been heated.

When we got to our house, Sam got out to help my dad. Before I could follow Seth out of his side of the truck, Jacob shoved his door open and pulled me out his way. I was shocked by his quick action, and I stumbled out almost falling from the jump down. He caught me by the arms when I almost fell out, and managed to help me find my footing on the grass. His hand held my lower arm with a gentle touch to keep me steady as he grabbed mom's blanket which had been in his lap during the car ride. He released me long enough to drape the blanket back over my shoulders as I started to shiver. There was still a drizzle from the rain earlier.

"Come on, Hannah. Let's get inside before you get wet," he encouraged.

Seth was out of the truck now, and he looked irritated. "Are we really doing this, Jacob?"

Jacob ignored him and started to guide me towards the house with his arm around my shoulders. I looked at Seth with confusion. Seth shook his head at me as if to say he couldn't believe what was happening himself.

Once we were inside, I pulled from Jacob enough to get some space. His quick movements were too abrupt, and I was suddenly nervous. He saw my uncertainty and smiled sadly. "Sorry… I may have gotten a little jealous of you and Seth's connection earlier…"

Seth scoffed, coming in behind us. "A little? You just grabbed her like she was a bag of jewels." He came over to me with worry. "You okay, Hannah?"

I looked away from the both of them with a small nod. Jacob hadn't hurt me. He just startled me. "I… I'm going to lay down," I whispered, pulling the blanket tighter around my body. My eyes shot to Seth. He knew what I was saying. Come with me.

Jacob caught my silent thought too. "No! You are not sleeping in her room, Seth! That's out of the question!"

Seth rolled his eyes. "Really, Jacob?! You know we won't do anything! She sleeps when I'm here. That's why your dad agreed to let me come. I'm the only thing keeping her calm right now."

Dad wheeled in as the sound of Sam's truck faded. "What's all the chatter?"

Jacob scowled. "Seth seems to think he's going to sleep with Hannah!"

Dad was surprised.

"I never said I'd lay with her in bed! I'll sleep on the floor! But we all know she rests better with me. And she needs sleep!" Seth held his hands up in exasperation. "That's why I'm here."

My dad compromised. "Jacob… if you're so worried, why don't you all just sleep in the living room? The couch has a pull out, and there's a recliner."

Somehow my dad's suggestion turned into me and Seth sleeping on the pull out, and Jacob sitting in the recliner with disapproval. I had changed into some clean clothes (a large dark gray shirt and some black sweats), and the events from the day had exhausted me. Jacob didn't need to worry about anything; I took the prescribed sleeping aid that Dr. Cullen ordered for me, so as soon as I laid on the mattress I shut my eyes and started to go in and out. Seth did take the spot beside me, much to Jacob's protest, and I curled up so my head was resting on Seth's shoulder as his arm was beneath me. The movement of his hand stroking my hair helped send me to sleep.

When I woke up in the morning, I saw Jacob was asleep on the recliner and Seth was still resting beside me. His head was turned facing me, his arm still under my body, and his other arm resting on his stomach. He swore to Jacob he would leave his shirt on since my brother was so worried about temptations. I didn't really feel that way about Seth… at least not yet. I just felt relieved knowing he was still with me and had stayed beside me all night. He had not left me still. I was not alone.

My dad suddenly shouted from the kitchen. "Boys! Wake up! Sue finished breakfast and you need to get ready for school, Seth!"

My dad's order made Jacob grumble in his sleep. Seth sighed and pulled me closer to him. As much as I didn't want Seth to go to school, I suddenly felt awkward being in Seth's arms with my brother right beside me. I was sure my dad had seen Seth and I curled up together also. I knew to me and Seth it was an innocent act, but to my dad and brother the image was one that would not make them extremely thrilled. I decided I didn't want Seth to get in trouble and banished from seeing me, so I knew we would have to break apart before others got mad.

I tapped him on the face lightly, and his eyes slowly opened as he woke up. He looked over at me groggily. Then he became alert once he realized he was no longer dreaming. He smiled widely at me. "Hey."

I smiled weakly. "Hey… they said breakfast is ready." My voice was still soft. I was too afraid to speak too loud. I didn't want to anger Jacob from his own sleep.

Seth sighed. He pulled his arm from under me and stretched. I sat up immediately sensing that I was feeling even better than yesterday. Sleep was definitely helping my body heal. My mom's blanket was still over me, but Seth's warmth had been all I really needed to not be cold.

Seth got off the pull out and smacked Jacob on the arm. "Wakey-wakey, Jakey."

My brother scowled, saying with his eyes closed, "I'm already awake."

Seth smirked. "Didn't look like it to me."

Jacob sighed. His eyes opened to glare at Seth. "It's hard to sleep when a hormonal teenager is so close to my sister."

I blushed. I muttered, "Seth isn't like that…"

Jacob rolled his eyes. "You've known him for four days. I've seen his mind for weeks."

Seth crossed his arms. "Shut up, Jake. You know your sister is important to me. I'm her protector. I won't do anything to her that will make her uncomfortable. If we're going there, should I tell Bella all of the thoughts you have when it comes to her."

I knew what they both were hinting at. I was aware about things guys thought about girls, and vice versa. I suddenly felt embarrassed and got off the bed. Wrapping my mom's blanket around me again for comfort, I left the living room to go into the kitchen. I was honestly just trying to get away from Jacob and Seth who were bickering at one another inaudibly.

My dad was at the table and smiled at me. "Good morning, sweetie. How are you feeling?"

I gripped the blanket, pulling it tighter around me. I was still nervous to speak to my father. "Better…"

He frowned when he noticed my uncertainty. "You still coughed some last night. Is your throat sore?"

I shook my head slowly. "I'm… I'm just a little tired… I think the infection is almost gone…"

Sue placed a plate on the table that had eggs, pancakes, and bacon. "Glad to hear. You looked like you were sleeping well last night. I hope Seth didn't bother you too much."

I blushed again. I defended him. "No… he didn't do anything."

Sue giggled at my quick defense. "Don't let your brother's overprotective nature get to you sweetie. Jacob doesn't like the thought of you embraced by any guy but him. It's the twin brother instinct." She pulled one of the four chairs at the square table out. "Sit and eat. Whatever you can't eat I'm sure Jacob or the others will consume."

I slowly sat down and stayed quiet. I wrapped the blanket tighter. I felt like a stranger in my own house now.

Seth came into the kitchen, having noticed I left. He walked over to his mom, who immediately smacked him with her spatula when he reached for a biscuit. "Hair and teeth first, mister! I put your toothbrush in the front of your backpack."

Jacob chuckled from where he stood at the entry. "Yeah, Seth. Get those canines clean. Wouldn't want you to have bad dog breath."

Seth scowled. He left the kitchen though to go do what his mom said, muttering as he went, "Brushing my teeth before eating makes no sense."

Sue sighed. She looked back at me and then frowned. I hadn't touched my food yet. I honestly was still really full from yesterday. My stomach was so small now from lack of food, so my appetite was next to nothing. My dad, who was at the corner of the table drinking coffee, looked over at me too.

"Hannah. Eat," dad said.

I stared at the eggs with uncertainty. I didn't feel hungry. I knew that probably was a mental problem I picked up though in the last few weeks. I took the blanket off as I felt suddenly hot. The food was too intimidating. I really didn't want to puke again. I grimaced when my stomach ached from the scent.

Jacob suddenly pulled the chair beside me out, sat down, and grabbed my fork. He stabbed a piece of egg and held it up towards me. I jerked back.

Sue sighed. "Jacob. That's not helping."

My brother moved it towards my mouth. "Just a bite. You need it."

My stomach hurt from the approaching smell and I felt nauseous. I jerked my head away and I tried to move my chair away inconspicuously. It screeched on the wooden floor though revealing my movement. "I… I'm really not hungry."

"You barely ate your soup last night," Jacob said. "Do you want to go back to the hospital? Because you'll end up there if you don't get the nutrition you need."

I looked at my brother with so much confusion. His concern was just as it had been back before all of this werewolf stuff started. The plea in his tone and the agony on his expression was the loving brother I had grown up with. The thought greatly upset me. If I had never run away, and just kept living like I had been- alone and ostracized- I would've never seen this side of my brother again.

"Can I ask you something?"

He lowered the fork in surprise. But he nodded.

I looked down at the table suddenly nervous. I tried to find my courage though. "Why did you tell Bella, but not me?"

He was surprised. Then he slowly put my fork down and crossed his arms. "I didn't tell her, Hannah. She guessed it. And then Paul phased in front of her. Bella was already knee deep in the supernatural. Her boyfriend Edward already revealed himself as a vampire to her. It was only a matter of time before the werewolves fell into her world."

"But you gave her hints…" I felt my throat tighten. "I was told that you really wanted her to figure it out, and when she did you were thrilled. You had the opportunity to do that with me too… I had heard all the stories of Taha Aki and the cold ones. But instead of dropping hints, you told me to buzz off… was I really just a 'pain in the ass' to you?"

Jacob was shocked. "Hannah…"

My chest tightened. A tear fell. "Why Bella? She's already in love with Edward… why was she so much more important than your own sister?"

"Bella needed me after Edward left… The vampires were after her, Hannah. I had to save her…" Jacob stated. Sue and my dad were listening with worry. Seth had come to the kitchen now and was inching towards me as if not sure whether he should comfort me or not.

"What about me… why was I always pushed to the back?" My heart quickened as the pain came again. "I needed you… I needed someone to save me…"

Jacob frowned. His tone came out with the greatest regret. "There was just so much going on… I didn't have time to be the friend you needed… and I didn't realize you were in such a terrible state until it was too late..."

I let out a staggered breath. "I didn't care if you were my friend anymore… It would've taken time, but eventually I'd have been okay… but I didn't just lose my friends from all of this… I lost my brother too." I shut my eyes. "My brother promised me when mom died he would always be there to take care of me. But he was nowhere to be seen. If he had been there I would've been okay. But he was gone… and I was alone."

"Han..."

I stood from my chair before Jacob could say anything else, leaving the blanket, and walked out of the kitchen, past the living room, and through the front door. Stepping onto the porch, the tears broke out more. I grit my teeth and grabbed the porch rail trying to keep myself together. I didn't want to break again. I was tired of letting them see my pain.

The door opened a moment after I came out. I turned to see who it was, thinking it was most likely Seth, but as soon as I did I was pulled into my brother's strong warm embrace.

At first I froze up in his hold, not sure what to do. Then I tried to push against him. He kept me to him so I couldn't run. "No… I'm not letting you go," he spoke with agony. "Not again…" I stopped struggling, surprised by the sincerity in his tone. "I'm sorry, Hannah…" I could tell he was crying as he spoke. "I'm so sorry… I'll never forgive myself for the hell I put you through. I love you so much, it kills me to know I left you and made you into this. Please believe me… I do love you. I'm still your brother. Please let me fix this. Just give me a chance to prove it to you. Please…"

His words broke through the small opening of my firm wall. My heart pounded from his sincerity. I let my body collapse into him as his warmth consumed me. A sob escaped me and I cried against him. He was wearing a shirt too, not wanting me to be too freaked out by everyone being half dressed, so my tears soaked into his fabric.

"Then prove it!" I cried. "Don't leave me again! Please!"

He pressed his face into my hair and hugged me closer. "Never, Hannah… I'm here now. I'm here, sis."

A few moments later I had calmed down. Jacob wiped my tears with part of his shirt, and then led me back into the house. I hugged Seth goodbye on his way out to school, promising him I was okay when he argued about leaving me. "I feel better," I promised softly. "I think I'll be okay."

Seth still seemed unsure. "I'll check my phone whenever I can. I left my cell number on your desk. Text me if you need me, okay?"

I nodded to promise him I would.

After Seth left I decided to try and move forward. I wanted to heal, and I didn't want to hurt Seth by my continuous sadness. My crying earlier had caused him great pain. His mom had ordered him to stay when he tried to follow me so Jacob could have his moment to apologize, but it killed him to hang back I was certain.

I would try to mend my broken spirit for the werewolf that loved me.

Once I was showered, I ate a tiny bit of the meal Sue made, and then found myself sitting on the couch watching something on TV with Jacob. I was wrapped in my mom's blanket again, frankly because I was a little chilly not being against Seth. Jacob was sitting beside me, trying to get me used to him being there rather than Seth. His warmth from the small space between wasn't as comforting as my werewolf protector, but I tried to keep calm beside him.

I wanted to show Jacob I was trying to open up to him again. Jacob had been so sincere and full of regret when he apologized. Even though I didn't think I would ever completely trust him again, I did want to try and rebuild some type of relationship with him. I knew if I was going to let them fix me, I had to be brave enough to let them in.

My dad and Sue saw I was getting a little more relaxed with Jacob; my dad asked me if I would be comfortable if Sue took him to run some errands for a few hours. I nodded to let him know I would be okay. I wanted to try and move on. I wanted to not be afraid of the pack. Seth was a werewolf, and I trusted him. If he made me feel safe, there was no reason I had to be terrified of the others.

Once Jacob and I were alone, he asked me if I wanted to do anything specific with the guys today. Quil and Embry were coming over around 9am. "We could go to the beach like we used to. Air might be good for you. Or we could just watch TV. I think they have some reruns we might like." Jacob was spewing out ideas. "Or we could…" He stopped the last thought. "Nevermind. Probably not a good idea yet."

I looked at him questioningly. He gave a half-smile. "I was going to suggest going on a run through the woods. Letting you ride on my back and getting to know us as wolves some more. But I don't think you're ready for that excitement quite yet."

His thoughts were right to be wary of the idea. However, I was surprisingly curious and wanted to learn more about the wolves; I wondered if a lot of that was due to my acceptance of Seth. Also, there was a part of me that wanted to be brave.

"I… I don't want to be scared of you all… I still don't know much about the wolf part of you..." I hugged my knees tighter which caused the blanket to slide a little. "But… I haven't seen Embry or Quil as a wolf yet… I… I am curious…"

He was surprised. He smiled kindly. "They're actually patrolling right now. They'll be here in an hour, but I could take you to them if you want to see them. Is that what you want to do?"

His suggestion and question made me shrink a little from uncertainty. "I… I don't know… I don't want to make things weird… and I don't know how I'll react…"

Jacob placed a hand on my head. "You know I'll protect you, right?"

His question made me relax a tiny bit. I was starting to believe him a little more today. I nodded slowly.

"Okay… as long as no one will get mad."

He smirked. "Nope. They'll be thrilled." He stood and pulled his shirt off. He tossed it on the recliner and then reached for my hand. I took his warm hand slowly, leaving mom's blanket behind as he helped me off the couch. "I'll try to run us slow. You okay getting on my back in wolf form? It will be quicker to get to them, especially since I have no clue where they are right now."

I was a little nervous, but I gave a small nod. I wanted to be brave… I didn't want to be afraid anymore.

He walked me out of the house, and then we headed to the backyard just so we had more coverage and were closer to the trees. "Wait here. I'll be right back." He rushed off into the woods so he could phase.

I stood at the edge of the yard, mentally preparing myself. I didn't want to be fearful of the pack. I didn't want to live the rest of my days only feeling safe by Seth's side. I knew the adults were right: I needed to learn how to be comfortable with the other werewolves. I would try. It would take time, but hopefully I would understand them more and not be so timid.

I wanted to show Seth I was trying to accept his world...

The sound of paws on the forest floor brought me out of my thoughts. I saw the russet brown wolf form of Jacob step out of the trees. He was about my size standing, so I felt like a fox compared to him. He came over slowly to not scare me. I had run to Seth's wolf form before, so I knew what his fur would feel like. It would be both soft and coarse at once, but also warm and smell like the pine and dirt of the forest.

Jacob moved over to me while I stood still. I was scared to move and make him mad. I didn't know how much human they were in their wolf forms. I was not sure if they had wolf urges that would result in me being sliced. My mind had a flash of the marks Emily received.

My brother noticed my uncertainty. He tried to push the wolf image away by wagging his tail and whining. He wanted me to think of him as a giant puppy instead. He inched his nose towards my face, and suddenly pressed the warm moist tip to my cheek. I felt my body relax at the gentle touch. My hands moved slowly to his neck and I felt the fur brush against my hands. He moved his head so I could hug him more around his body, the bottom of what would be his chin rested on my shoulder.

"You're… so big… is that because you need to be to kill vampires?"

He pulled back from me so he could nod his head.

My voice was still soft. "Are there vampires in the area right now?"

He shook his head sideways.

I sighed with relief. He turned then putting his side to me and lowering to the ground. He gestured for me to get on his back. I was barefoot and wearing my sports shorts and a shirt, but as I cautiously climbed onto my brother's wolf body, warmth surrounded me. He was like a giant heater. Once I was mounted on his back, I gripped his fur tightly. I was scared to let go. I didn't want to fall off.

Jacob stood and I gasped trying to fix my grip. He waited for a moment to let me adjust. I got a better hold, and caught my breath. "O...okay… I think I'm ready?"

He thankfully didn't run us his full speed. I knew werewolves could run fast from what Seth had told me, so I understood Jacob was holding back a lot as he ran us through the forest. We were maybe only going a fifth of his speed, which I was fine with since the ride was bumpy and I was scared I'd fall. Wind hit me as we raced through the forest, and green flashed by. I knew if Jacob were really going his true speed it would feel more like a rollercoaster and I would've let go a long time ago.

As Jacob ran me further into the forest to parts I'd only seen on maps, I felt surprisingly calm. I thought I would be afraid, or at least uncomfortable, but something about the forest setting and the exhilaration made my dead heart beat again.

I was having fun… for the first time in months, I was enjoying myself.

Just as the run started, it stopped. Jacob slowed and the forest was visible again. He came to a walk and I saw we were near a creek at the bottom of a hill. Beyond the creek were more trees. But there was also something else. Two wolves.

One was a little shorter than the other and had chocolate brown fur. The taller one had gray fur with some lighter pieces at the front. They were both looking at me as Jacob approached. The gray one trotted forward and jumped the creek with amazing force landing a few feet from us. The chocolate brown wolf didn't feel like jumping and instead ran through the water splashing onto the other side. He came up onto the bank and shook his paws and tail to try and dry off.

Jacob lowered and I managed to slip off. I stumbled once I met gravity again, and Jacob turned quickly letting me use his head as a quick clutch. Once I was steady, Jacob backed away so the other two wolves could approach.

It was hard to guess who was who at first. But after staring into their eyes for a few moments, I finally figured it out. Stepping towards the gray wolf, I asked softly, "Embry?"

He gave a nod and his eyes lit up. He was glad I figured it out.

My eyes shot to the brown wolf then. "Quil?"

The brown wolf stepped towards me and pressed his snout to my hand. I took his message, and I lifted my hand to hold it against the spot between his ears. He was as warm as Jacob, although his fur was softer. I wondered if that had to do with his softer personality.

Embry suddenly came over too so he could blow air from his snout at my face. I jerked back from the sudden sensation. Quil made a sound that was similar to a snicker.

I stepped back from them so I could see them both. Jacob came up beside me pressing his upper arm against me. I surprisingly found myself leaning against him.

"You… you all are not as scary now," I whispered. "Maybe it's because I finally realize I'm not crazy anymore."

They seemed glad to hear. Embry trotted around Jacob and I, while Quil licked my cheek. I grimaced at the sudden slobber.

"Quil," I muttered. I was still timid, but I was cheering up a little. "You know I don't like slimy." I wiped the moisture from my skin while Quil stepped back satisfied that he got a reaction out of me.

Jacob pulled away to turn and lick me on the other cheek. I gasped and covered both sides of my face to protect my skin from further saliva.

"Jake!" I squeaked. "Stop!"

The wolves all grinned, and I blushed.

I sat in the area with them for a while. They let me poke their teeth, and pull at their ears. It was strange to think just a few months ago they were only human. Now, the three guys I had grown up with were half-man and half-wolf.

We stayed in the woods probably for half an hour, and I watched as Quil and Embry wrestled in the mud. Jacob sat beside me, shaking his head in disbelief. He left my side to join them, and I tried to picture in the wolves' place the human forms of my past friends. It was difficult though.

Suddenly, I shivered as a cold breeze hit me and some rain drops started to fall. Jacob noticed and came near me again lowering. He knew we needed to get back to the house. Last thing anyone wanted was me getting sick again. I didn't want that either. I clambered on, immediately warming from his body.

Just as we were about to walk back to the house though, a howl rang through the air. Embry froze suddenly, and so did Quil. I looked over at them with confusion. Jacob growled, and then he started walking us back towards the house. I grabbed his fur to not fall, and once I did he took off. As the trees brushed by me, I looked back to see Quil and Embry did not follow.

Jacob came to a stop back at our house at the edge of the woods. I slid off, and once I was down he rushed back into the trees to phase. He came back out dressed and looking worried.

"Jake?" I didn't like his expression.

He noticed my concern and quickly tried to calm me. "Sorry… Sam caught a vampire scen-"

He stopped though, and his eyes widened. He grabbed my arm and jerked me behind him. I gasped in shock. As he used himself to shield me, I saw something step out of the house. My eyes caught sight that it was a young man with blonde hair and white skin. His crimson eyes shot towards me. I knew when they did he was not human. He was a vampire!

In his hand was my mother's blanket, wadded up tightly in his grasp.

He glanced back at my brother with a smirk. "So you're the brunette's side guy Jacob Black? And this must be the sister?" He grinned over at me. I felt my blood go cold. "She will be thrilled when I tell her the mutt does have a weakness."

My brother snarled. "Who the hell are you, bloodsucker?"

He smirked. "No one of importance. But I know all about you, mutt… my partner is pissed at you and your pack for interfering in her plans. Is protecting Bella Swan truly worth it?" He glanced back at me. "Who's more important to you? The girl you love, or your sweet sister?" He pressed the blanket fabric to his nose to anger my brother. Jacob was shaking. "She's got a nice scent. My partner will think so too. Once she gets a whiff of this, she'll be able to find this pretty girl even through your toxic stench." He took a backward step towards the forest. His eyes shot from Jacob to me and back. They landed on me last. "Hannah…" he whispered my name seductively. "Tell your werewolf protectors to keep out of our way, or you'll be the one to suffer."

"Don't talk to her!" Jacob growled and shoved me back. I gasped falling back into the grass. I understood though why he had done it. Jacob phased back into a wolf in front of me and took off after the leech. I watched with horror as he raced through the woods after the vampire who was making an escape.

As I sat in the grass, surrounded by Jake's destroyed shorts, my heart raced within me. My mind was stuck on the image of my mother's blanket. Why had he taken it? What was going on?

I sat in the grass for a while, trying to calm my frantic breaths and painful heart. Steps came near me, and I gasped fearing that it was the vampire again. To my relief, I saw Embry coming out of the woods as a human. Quil was on his heel. They both only wore their cutoffs.

Embry rushed over. "Hannah! Are you okay?"

I stared at him with confusion. Then I looked back at the screen door which was slightly ajar. I didn't know what to say. My heart was still racing. The image of the pale red-eyed vampire with my mother's blanket was still etched in my mind.

"Quil… go see if he took anything else. I'm going to get her calmed down."

Quil rushed ahead into the house. Once he was gone, Embry knelt in front of me looking me over. "Are you hurt? Jacob was worried he shoved you too hard. He didn't mean to. He just didn't want you to be too close to him when he phased."

I couldn't find my voice. I felt my mouth go dry. A vampire… a vampire was just in our house. Why?

I finally whispered, "Ja… Jacob said there weren't any vampires…"

Embry frowned. "There weren't. He managed to sneak by through the river to mask his scent. Sam didn't catch the odor until the leech was further inland. But it's okay… he's gone now." His hand cupped my cheek which was pale again. "You're safe…"

Quil came out suddenly, his fists tight. "Damn it! His stench is all over her room. We were right to be concerned. Clearly the redhead is trying to use Hannah to get back at Jacob for interfering with her plans."

Embry sighed, dropping his hand from me as he shut his eyes in disbelief. "So she has other vampires working for her then… great… did he take anything else?"

Quil approached. "Hard to say. I'm not sure what was in her room. I'll need Hannah to come look."

They both shot their gaze at me hoping I would agree. I knew I needed to pull myself together. However, I struggled to stand and Embry had to hold both of my arms. Quil took the lead into the house, while Embry kept an arm around my waist to keep me upright.

I was still shaking in fear. I had seen vampires. I remembered Edward and Dr. Cullen clearly in my head and knew what they were. But this vampire had been different. I knew from what I was told, red eyes indicated that the vampire killed humans for blood.

His words echoed through me:

"Once she gets a whiff of this, she'll be able to find this pretty girl even through your toxic stench."

Why did his creator need to find me? What was happening?

When we went inside, I looked around anxiously. I'm sure my breathing was next to nothing as the dread filled inside me. Embry noticed, and tried to calm me down by hugging me to him for a moment and stroking my hair. He whispered, "The vampires gone, Han. You're safe. And we'll keep you safe."

He guided me to my room then. Quil was there waiting. Just like Embry, he looked worried they were about to lose me again… that I would retreat into my shell. I was trying to stay calm, but I was petrified. Only Bella could find being in the presence of a vampire so normal. I didn't understand her acceptance of such a terrifying creature, even if Edward was nice. Wasn't she at all afraid he would bite her and turn her?

Then I realized, that's probably what she wanted. She was always a weirdo.

"I know you're scared," Quil noticed I was frozen and shaking at the same time. "But we need you to tell us if he took anything else." I tried to move. I took a breath to calm down so I could help. I didn't want to be weak.

I looked around. I had only been in my room briefly since I had run away a few days ago. In the time I had been home though, I had changed my clothes and brushed my hair. Looking around, I walked over to my dresser where I was pretty sure I had placed my blue hairbrush. It was gone. Then I stepped over to my dirty clothes piled in the corner of the room. My socks from the night before were gone too. And then I glanced in the trashcan where the old bandage from my hand had been thrown. The bandage with my dried blood was taken.

My stomach ached and I feared I would puke again. Quil heard my breathing hitch. "Hannah… what is it? What's missing?"

I shook. "The band aid… I was still bleeding a little yesterday… It stopped last night and I took it off… and my hairbrush and socks."

"So basically whatever was fresh with her scent," Embry muttered to Quil. "We need another pack meeting. ASAP."

Quil stepped out of the room. "I'll go let Jacob and Sam know. Stay with her. Try and calm her down some more. She looks like she's about to faint."

Once Quil was gone, Embry guided me out of my room and back to the couch. He made me sit down and left me for a brief moment. He was back then with some ginger ale. "You look green. Drink this before you puke what little food you've eaten." He helped me hold the glass and drink the carbonated liquid. Once my stomach was settled, he grabbed the throw off the couch and pulled it over my shoulders, draping it around me. It wasn't my mom's blanket though; that was stolen... And I would probably never see it again.

I shivered as the image of the vampire continued to shoot through me.

"Why… why does a vampire want me?"

Embry hugged me to his chest, trying to calm my shaking with his warmth. "Don't worry… they're not getting you. We won't let anything happen to you again."

An hour later Jacob and Quil returned. Embry had calmed me enough to get me to breathe normally. Jacob came across the living room quickly to check on me. "Hannah… I'm sorry for shoving you earlier. I panicked. Are you okay?"

I gave a small nod. "Did… did you get him?"

Jacob frowned. "No… he got away. Sam and I lost him at the highway. He rushed out into the cars, and we were forced to stay concealed. But it's okay… we will protect you."

I cringed. "I… I'm so confused. I don't understand what Bella has to do with me..."

He sighed. "It's me… I'm not sure how Victoria found out I have a sister, but she's known about my relationship with Bella for a while and she knows I'm the reason the wolves are interfering so much. She probably wants to use you to hurt me so I will back off." He said the next thing to Embry. "The only thing that confuses me is it seems she's working with someone whose scent is from Seattle. Leah said it was one of the scents she got on her trip the other day. I'm starting to believe the killings in Seattle are tied to our redhead nuisance after all… It's like she's creating helpers and not controlling them. The Cullens are starting to think the same thing."

I shivered. The only thing shooting through my head was that the same vampire that wanted Bella was after me now. Could this year get any worse?

Later that night the pack was gathered in our small living room: In other words, the room was crowded. Seth was outraged when he heard what happened after he got out of school, and he came straight over to our house to check on me. Once he arrived he didn't leave my side as we sat on the couch. Jacob had called Bella in that time so she could let the Cullens know what had happened. They wanted everyone alert, and they wanted the Cullens to know that Victoria wasn't working alone and had a second target.

Once the rest of the pack and council arrived, the meeting was pretty brief. They discussed increasing patrol hours and having Leah stay near the school tomorrow in wolf form in case a vampire arrived for me. They didn't want me unprotected for a second. My father was nervous about me going to school tomorrow, especially when he saw I had retreated back into my silent shell. Jacob promised he and the guys would keep an eye on me.

That night and the next day I was not alone for a second. I was given privacy to shower and change, but other than that I was watched and shadowed like a hawk. Seth wasn't thrilled he would be away from me on the floor below my classes tomorrow, but he knew he didn't have a choice but to trust that Jacob and the others would keep me calm. He hoped he would pass me in the stairwell somehow, and I honestly hoped he would too.

After breakfast, Jacob drove me to school in his car. He walked me to class, and students looked over at us with shock. I had been out the whole week, but before that Jacob and the others wanted nothing to do with me. Now, Jacob was literally keeping an arm around me as we went to my locker and first period. After being ostracized for two months, the students did not understand the sudden change.

First period passed without much drama. My English teacher had her teaching assistant Tiffany sit with me to try and catch me up on work. The other students in our small class were going over study notes for our finals in three person groups. Tiffany discussed with me the literature we had gone over in the week I was absent. She tried to ask me where I had been, but I just answered softly that I was sick. She saw I didn't want to talk about it and kept talking about the work.

After class, Quil and Embry stood at the door. They said Jacob got a call from Sam and would see me at lunch. As they walked me to my next class, Quil noticed I was on edge. He placed his hand on my shoulder to calm me. "There's no danger," he whispered in my ear. "If there was we'd let you know. No more secrets."

They dropped me off at science then. Jen was shocked when she walked up as I was about to enter and saw Quil and Embry leave me. She asked me if I was okay, and I just gave a small nod. I hadn't spoken much all morning, and I still couldn't find my voice.

Thankfully, I was left alone in science, although my teacher placed a ton of makeup work on my desk. Jen tried to ask again at the end of class where I had been all week. She was concerned. I decided I liked her enough to answer slightly. "I was really sick and in the hospital… I'm feeling better now though. Just want to move on."

She was horrified to hear this. Then she asked, "Is it because of your eating disorder?"

I grimaced. She had noticed my weight loss and lack of appetite over the last two months. "No… I just caught a really bad infection. But I'm okay. Promise…"

She realized I wasn't going to give her more info. She did walk me to the cafeteria though when no one was waiting for me in the hall. I had a feeling someone was watching me though. Maybe they knew I was with Jen and just wanted me to have a small human moment?

I was disappointed I didn't run into Seth in the stairwell as we headed to lunch. He was still in class; Middle schoolers had lunch before us to keep the older kids separate from the younger. As we headed to the separate building across the school yard where the cafeteria was, my eyes darted around with terror. I didn't like being in the open, even for a brief moment.

Jen told me as we walked together that I was still welcome to sit with her. Her words brought me back from my terror for a moment. I gave a tight smile and let her know I appreciated it but was okay.

When we got to the cafeteria though, my feet hesitated at the entryway as Jen walked to her table. My brother, Quil, and Embry were already at the table they usually sat at. Jared and Kim were in line. Paul was nowhere to be seen. Looking around, I wasn't sure what to do. They had told me since I was Seth's imprint I was officially part of the pack now. They had also told me that I was supposed to be with a werewolf every minute of the day until they killed Victoria and the other leeches. But I was scared to cross to the table where I had been hurt so many times before. Part of me wished more than anything that Seth was in High School and not in his last year of Middle School. It took everything in me not to run back to the classrooms and drag him out so I wouldn't have to be without him.

Honestly, I didn't know what I was supposed to do in that moment. We hadn't discussed at the meeting last night if I was fully initiated back into the group at school. I wasn't sure if sitting at their table was what they wanted me to do or not.

A sigh came from behind me. I jumped a bit, startled as a warm body approached. "Are you going to stand here all day? You're blocking the entrance," Paul said. "It's already hard enough trying to keep track of you during the day when I have school too. Now I have to walk around you."

I felt shivers as the werewolf stood behind me. It had only been a few days since I'd woken in Sam's house and learned about the existence of the shapeshifters that lived around me after seeing Seth and Jacob phase. I couldn't get used to being trapped in a supernatural world, no matter how much I tried. And with a vampire after me, the acceptance I had started to find towards werewolves and vampires being real had gone away again. I didn't like the supernatural.

Thankfully it was Friday, so I only had to suffer one day of school trying to hold myself together. As soon as school was over though, I was ready to hide again in the arms of Seth.

Paul stepped around me and headed towards the table. He avoided my gaze and gave me no invite. I didn't think Paul wanted me around. Not wanting to cause any trouble, I turned and made my way to my usual table.

Sitting, I pulled my beverage from my backpack and then gripped my water bottle tight. I knew if they noticed I wasn't eating they would scold me, but I really had no appetite. The vampire from yesterday had me on edge and I feared I would fall ill again. Thankfully, I was holding myself together enough not to fall apart completely. As I went to take a sip of my water, a shadow fell over me.

"What are you doing?"

Jacob's voice startled me. He came beside me crossing his arms. I shrunk a bit. I still wasn't sure what to do or say around the group to not anger them.

"I… I didn't want to… I didn't know if you…"

I stopped. I couldn't form my sentence. I looked away from him with agony.

He sighed. "Didn't we discuss this? You aren't allowed to be alone anymore." He looked at my water then. "And didn't we agree you would try to eat? You're still recovering. You need food."

I gripped my bottle tighter. "I… I didn't think you all would be comfortable with me… I didn't want to make anyone mad. Paul-"

Jacob grabbed my chair and pulled me back. Once I was away from the table, he took my backpack and water in one hand and my arm in the other. Pulling me away from the chair, students watched with bewilderment as I was brought to the group that had shunned me not even a week before. Quil jerked the chair beside him out, and Jacob guided me to sit down. Once he forced me on the seat, not rough but with authority, he put my backpack on the back of my chair and set my water back in front of me. He walked away and went to the lunch line to get me food.

I kept my eyes down from the group, my skin forming goosebumps. The heat surrounding me from the pack made me a little dizzy. I was trying to accept the reality that shapeshifters and vampires were real, but it was still a difficult world for me to feel at ease in; especially when Seth was not around.

Kim, who sat on the side of the table where Paul and Jared were, smiled at me kindly. "How are you feeling, Hannah? We've all been worried about you."

I hadn't spoken to Kim before. She was a senior so I was always nervous to do so. I gripped my water bottle again. "I'm… I'm better… just tired…"

She nodded. "They said your fever broke Tuesday night. I was so relieved to hear."

I shrunk back. I didn't know how to respond.

She noticed my angst. She only smiled again to try and offer me encouragement. "Seth is relieved. Sue said he was a wreck these last few days."

I flinched. I liked Seth, so hearing he was so worried about me actually made me feel guilty. I didn't want him to worry too much... But I also wished he were here with me now… I was starting to feel selfish for wanting Seth so much, but he was my sanity as I sunk deeper into the dangers of this new world...

A tray suddenly was placed in front of me with some mashed potatoes and chicken. Jacob sat beside me then, sandwiching me between him and Quil. I watched as the guys started to wolf down their food. Jacob noticed after a minute I wasn't eating.

"Hannah… just a few bites. Please," he encouraged, picking up my plastic spoon to hand it to me.

I sighed. Taking it, I ate a few bites to please everyone. They seemed relieved by the progress. My stomach ached immediately and I felt nauseous.

Embry tried to break the awkward silence. "How were your classes this morning, Han?"

I cringed. I knew they were trying to get me to think about anything but the vampire. Jacob had told me this morning that they were all on high alert now, so there was nothing to worry about.

"O- okay… I just have a lot to catch up on before finals next week…"

Jared smiled kindly. "We'll work on it tomorrow. Your teachers actually gave me a packet of what you're behind on when I told your counselor I'd be helping you. I'm sure we can get you caught up."

"Sounds like a boring Saturday," Paul commented.

Kim sighed. "I'm kind of disappointed. If I didn't have to go to work tomorrow at the cafe I would be over to help."

Jared pouted. "Call out sick. I don't like you being alone with all these vampires running around."

Kim rolled her eyes. "I'm fine, Jared. Hannah's the one-" She stopped though. She realized what she was about to say would upset me. "I promised my boss I'd take the shift, but maybe I can weasel out of my other one Sunday for the bonfire."

Her boyfriend nodded.

"Oh. I'm inviting Bella to that by the way," Jacob said. "I think she can convince her prison warden to let her come if Hannah's there. I hear he and his family have taken a liking to my sister for some reason." He said the last part begrudgingly.

Quil sighed. "We've all heard about the weird psychic Alice's vision. I guess they already feel some protective claim over her if something does happen."

Embry growled. "Nothing will happen. Hannah is safe."

I was curious. I asked softly, "What vision?"

Jacob went a bit tense beside me. "Nothing Hannah. Don't worry abou-"

Paul interrupted. "We should tell her. We tell everything else to Bella. Why can't we be honest with one of our own?"

Jacob narrowed his eyes at him. "Because Bella can handle freaky and Hannah can't."

Paul sighed. "Getting so tired of your obsession with this Swan girl, Jacob… you do realize she's the reason your sister is in danger in the first place, right?"

I cringed. I spoke up softly to defend the girl. "It's not her fault, I'm sure…"

Paul scoffed. He crossed his arms and leaned forward so he could speak directly to me, low enough so only our table could hear. "You get why there's a vampire after you, right? Bella's boyfriend pissed off another vampire last year. He and his family killed the redhead leeche's mate and now Victoria wants blood. But Jacob interfered when she tried to kill Bella earlier this year, because he is strangely infatuated with the chick, and now Victoria wants to make him pay. What better way to do that than turn the love struck werewolf's sister?"

Jacob smacked his hand on the table and glared daggers at Paul. I jumped and leaned away into Quil, scared my brother was losing control. "Shut up, Lahote! You're out of line!"

He just shrugged and sat back. "I'm just telling her the truth. She's in danger because of Bella Swan. We all are."

Jared finally intervened. "Enough of that!"

Paul shut up. He shrugged again in indifference.

Quil placed a hand on my shoulder when he felt I was shaking. My heart was pounding again. "Calm down, Hannah… you're safe. Paul is just bitter because Bella slapped him back in March."

Paul rolled his eyes. "She's lucky I didn't hurt her." His eyes shot to Jacob. "Of course that's because of her werewolf hero."

Jacob let out a low grumble.

Kim spoke softly. "Guys… stop… Hannah's shaking. You're scaring her with your tempers."

Things calmed again. Once they did, Jacob noticed I wasn't eating again. He sighed and reached into my backpack pulling the small pack of saltine crackers out that my dad had thrown in just in case. "If you're not going to eat your lunch, at least eat this. You need sustenance."

I took the pack from him, shoving my tray away. I honestly was getting nauseous from the cafeteria food. Paul called dibs, earning disappointment from Quil and Embry.

Jared then asked Jacob as I ate my six saltines, "Did you talk to Collin before lunch?"

Jacob sighed. "Yeah. I'm sure my teacher wasn't thrilled I ran out of class after Sam messaged me. I managed to calm the kid down though. It's crazy Brady phased last night and he phased today… I think that the vampire yesterday just accelerated their change. Thankfully, my aunt was already given warning by my dad so she had contacted Sam when she saw Collin was about to change. Sam and Leah have their hands full right now trying to keep the newbies calm while we're in school and also guard the area."

Jared seemed dismayed. "They're only fourteen… I feel like our pack just gets younger and younger. I hope we don't end up with werewolf toddlers soon."

Embry laughed. "We'll just make Paul babysit."

Quil interjected. "That won't happen. My grandpa said that we have to start reaching puberty to boost the gene."

His words made me cringe. I asked with honest curiosity, "Do… do you think more Quileutes will phase?"

The table was surprised by my question. Jacob answered, "It's possible. Especially with the increase of newborns in the area. But it's only direct descendents of Taha Aki that phase as far as I'm aware, and there aren't a ton of us left that haven't changed. So if anything we may get five or six more."

I nodded and fell quiet again. Would I be one of them? Or was Leah truly destined to be the only female werewolf?

Quil suddenly groaned. He looked at his cellphone with a pout. Embry glanced over his shoulder and laughed. "Aw… don't be sad, Quil. You'll see Claire tomorrow. She's coming to hang with Emily for the day just for you."

Quil pouted. "Yeah… but I was really hoping her mom would let Emily bring her to the bonfire."

Jared asked, "Emily wrote you?"

Quil nodded. "She said Claire's mom doesn't want her out that late past her bedtime. If only she were twelve years older…"

I was so confused. "Who…?"

Quil realized I had no clue what was going on. He put his phone down and explained. "So… you know how Seth imprinted on you?" I nodded. He rubbed the back of his neck. "I imprinted on someone back in April… her name's Claire… she's two."

I was utterly at a loss. "You… you're soulmate's a two year old?"

He cringed. "Yeah… I didn't want to tell you and have you freak out. It isn't like what you're thinking. Claire to me is like a little sister. I'm like her overprotective brother. The only issue is she lives an hour away at the Makah Tribe reservation so I only get to see her when she visits Emily, who is her aunt." He sighed. "Although, I do run up north every now and then just to make sure she's okay in my wolf form."

I understood from his explanation. I understood and felt sorry for him. His imprint was not only a toddler, but also separated from him. I was concerned for Quil, and this feeling surprised me. I had thought I would never feel for Quil, Embry, or Jacob the way I had in the past. But I was saddened for my friend because he would have to wait over a decade before he could even remotely form a relationship similar to what Seth and I had.

"Well… Seth told me you don't age," I suddenly spoke. My voice was soft, but I wanted to reassure Quil who seemed to be going through something no one else would understand. "So, that just means you never have to worry about her not having you around… and when she's ready and old enough, then you two can be together… right? Any girl would probably be thrilled to be loved that much by someone their whole life..."

The whole table was stunned. It was the most I had spoken all day to anyone but Seth or Jacob.

Quil smiled and grabbed my hand which was near my water bottle. He gave it a squeeze of gratitude. "Thanks, Han… you always knew what to say to make me feel better."

I fell quiet again. But Quil's touch was familiar to how I remembered it from the past before all of this supernatural stuff: soft and warm. It felt nice.

The rest of the day passed pretty uneventful. Jacob wasn't thrilled that I didn't eat a ton of my lunch, and he told me he wanted me to eat more of my dinner. I told him I would try.

Sitting with Quil in math, I was a bit relieved that he was in the class with me. He had make-up work too, and we were given the chance to work on some of it in class while the other students watched some videos on the current subject we were discussing. We both didn't seem to care too much about the work. Quil was on alert while I was anxious again.

My last two classes were over quickly, although PE was a nightmare at the end of the day because I still wasn't feeling too great. Thankfully, Kim was in my class and she told my teacher I was recovering from being sick. She asked if we could just walk around the gymnasium while everyone else did the rope climbing exercise. Mr. Banks looked at me with angst, probably scared I would pass out on him. He nodded and turned back to the rest of the class. Kim talked to me as we walked, but she could see I was still not comfortable speaking a ton. She decided to not worry about my response and just spoke to me about her and Jared, and her job at the small local owned cafe in the center of town. I didn't mind the distraction.

Once school was over, I didn't bother changing, deciding I would just shower at home. Also, I wasn't that sweaty. We barely walked a mile. Jacob met me at my locker and helped me get all the stuff I would need for my day with Jared tomorrow. He noticed as he did that I looked flushed again. He asked if I was okay, and I gave a small nod.

Honestly, I was exhausted. Between trying to resume a normal life, and being scared out of my wits of a vampire targeting me, my body was under constant stress. I wouldn't have been surprised if I was getting sick again. Walking around the gymnasium, I had started to feel dizzy too.

Jacob managed to get me outside and to his car. We drove home where dad, Sue, and Seth were already waiting for us with dinner. Seth had gotten out of class an hour earlier than me: It was another way the school kept our ages separate. Seth noted my stumble as I got out of the car, and jumped the porch rail to rush over. He grabbed my arms with concern and then put his hand on my forehead. I tried to shake him off. I really was fine. Just exhausted.

After I showered, I felt a little better. Walking back into the living room in some night shorts and a tank, I was immediately forced by Jacob into the kitchen. Thankfully Sue had made me some more soup, having heard I didn't eat much of my lunch. I managed to eat it all, which relieved my family, Seth, and his mom.

That night I went to sleep early. School had been exhausting, and so had the day before with the vampire appearing. I hadn't felt comfortable sleeping in my room, so I was still sleeping on the pull out in the living room. Seth had to patrol that night, so Jacob stayed with me. He was going to sleep on the recliner, but halfway through the night I woke up with a scream having a nightmare of the vampire from before biting me. He immediately moved into the bed with me and hugged me to him to calm my fear. I felt safe from his warmth and drifted again into a dreamless sleep.

The next day I was still shaken from my nightmare. Jared came around 10am and Jacob left to go patrol. My dad was picked up by Charlie around the same time. They were going fishing. Charlie had heard I'd been sick from Bella and asked how I was feeling when he came in to help my dad.

I stared sympathetically at the forty-some year old man with dark brown hair and a mustache. He was clueless to the world around him just as I had been days ago. But I was told not to say anything, and so I just let him know I was feeling better.

As he helped my dad out the door though, I heard him whisper, "She looks even worse then Bella did, Billy…"

My dad only let out a heavy breath and I heard him say as they got outside, "I know. We're working on it… this is actually improvement..."

Once they were gone, Jared sat with me on the couch and started to go over the pages of work with me. As we made it through English and Science, I was starting to become frustrated.

There was a vampire after me... My brother and friends were werewolves… but they wanted me to learn about Romanticism and mitosis? How could I even think about school when there were more concerns out there?

Jared noticed my mind had sailed away. He closed my books and said we would take a break. He left to grab me some lunch in the kitchen. As he was gone, I curled up on the couch and shut my eyes. I missed my mom's blanket, and I could only assume it was being passed around to other vampires so they could get my scent. How many vampires were after me?

Jared came back with some toast and fruit. They were trying to get me to eat more solid foods. As I nibbled on my food, Jared watched me from where he sat beside me with concern. "You know we'll do all we can to protect you, right?"

I gave a small nod. While I trusted they would, I was still scared.

Thankfully, nothing happened that day. Jared finished helping me get through most of the work. He left a list of the last few assignments I needed to do and told me to get them done before the bonfire. I asked him right as Embry was coming up the porch if I was even allowed to go. In the past I was scolded for mentioning wanting to go.

Jared frowned. He placed a brotherly hand on my shoulder. "You're an imprint… and your protection is the top priority of the pack right now… you have to go to the bonfire. You don't exactly have a choice…"

I cringed. "So… I really am a prisoner."

He was shocked. Then he sighed. Dropping his hand from my shoulder, he glanced over at Embry who had entered and heard my comment too. "Can you take this one?"

He nodded, but his eyes were looking at me with concern. "I'll handle it… Kim's about to get off work so you go ahead."

Jared said a small thanks to him. He looked back at me with concern. "Get some rest. I'll see you tomorrow." He left me on the couch, gave Embry a shove to push him towards me, and then went through the door.

Embry stood and stared at me for a good minute. I grabbed the couch pillow beside me and hugged it. I wasn't sure if he was about to yell at me for my statement.

He finally spoke. "Help us… tell us what we can do to make you not hate us anymore?"

I cringed. "I… I don't hate you," I whispered.

"Yet you think we're prison wardens rather than friends trying to protect you?"

A deep breath escaped me. "I'm sorry… I just feel like I don't have a lot of free will right now. I really don't feel like going to a bonfire tomorrow night. I've lost my interest in them since I've been forbidden to go these last two months. And I don't really want to hang out with Bella… I know she's nice, but she was accepted by you all before me so I guess I'm a bit envious… bitter…"

Embry scoffed. He sat beside me and leaned back against the couch crossing his arms. "You're so wrong. None of us have accepted Bella. We just are protecting her because she's human. We've never understood Jacob's infatuation with her. She's broken his heart so many times over this vampire dude. Yet all he can think about is protecting her. None of us understand what draws him to her. He hasn't imprinted on her so it really makes no sense… "

I pulled my chin from the pillow a little. "So... she really is in love with a vampire?"

He nodded. "Yeah. She's a glutton for punishment."

I smiled slightly at that. "She's always been a weirdo…"

He smirked. "Yeah. Poor Charlie."

My smile fell as I returned to the original conversation. "I'm still not going… I don't want to… it will be too stressful. Everyone is going to look at me, and I'm tired of being the center of attention."

Embry let out a deep sigh. "No one can be with you tomorrow night unless you go to the bonfire. Leah is patrolling and the other pack members are going to the bonfire to be with their imprints. It's an important meeting for everyone. We've all been stressed like crazy with these leeches running around so it's a break. Leah just doesn't want to go because of Sam, so that's why she's our guard for the night. Plus, your cousin Collin has been wanting to see you… he's worried about you after seeing our thoughts for the first time yesterday. He'll want you there, and so will Seth."

I knew they would keep coming up with reasons. I stopped arguing. I also didn't want to upset Seth. I finally gave in.

That next day, I hung around the house with my dad and Seth. Seth was relieved Sam was letting him spend the day with me, especially since Embry had reported to everyone that I was in a bitter state. Seth did cheer me up, but he did not help me get out of the bonfire.

"This will be good for you… getting some fresh air, eating hot dogs, and listening to the old legends. We're not going to be werewolves tonight… we're just going to be human. Play around in the water, and tell ghost stories. You'll have fun."

Crossing my arms, I said softly, "I'm just tired. I'm still weak from this last week. I just want to chill at home."

Seth grabbed my hand pulling it from its space at my inner elbow. He held it and gave it a squeeze. "Just do this for me. We'll go for a little bit, and then if things get too much I'll take you home. Promise."

I stared at his hand, dropping my other hand in my lap in defeat. "Fine… but only for you."

This seemed to satisfy him. When the time approached for the bonfire later that evening, Sue drove over to pick up my dad. Old Quil was already in the car. I was being forced to go with Jacob to pick up Bella. Edward did not want to release her into my brother's care until he had confirmation I would be with them. He thought that my presence would keep everyone from hurting Bella, and he was right. I was certain no one dared to lose their temper around me. They knew I was still in a very fragile state.

Jacob finally got home from being a werewolf and came in to grab his keys. It was about 6pm. "Come on, Hannah. We need to go pick up Bella."

As he came over to where I still sat on the couch, I felt suddenly nervous. I hadn't seen Edward in days, but I knew what he was. I was scared of him even though others told me not to be. I was told he and Dr. Cullen drank animal blood, but I was still wary for what they truly craved.

And with another vampire after me, I wasn't sure if I could handle seeing Edward without feeling immediate panic.

I tried to keep calm though. I told myself that Seth and Jacob would protect me. I was scared to trust someone again, but they were honestly my best bets at surviving this crazy world.

With a heavy sigh, I took Jacob's hand.