AN: I do not own Twilight. Please Read and Review
Chapter 12: Sam's verdict
"Seth, thanks for helping with the dogs. I can run you home, but I have to stop by Sam's house for a minute." Said Jacob
"Sure, so are talking to Sam about the whole Katie thing?" I asked. I wanted to be ready. Katie is a marvelous girl and I know that she can keep this a secret. I'm not going to let Sam take this away if she doesn't pass his stupid test."
"Of course, you aren't." replied Jacob," and remember, I'm your alpha. You answer to me, not Sam. I'll do what I can to tone down some of his crazy ideas."
"Well, let's go see what the crazy idea is before you go off half-cocked." I said
"Is that you Jacob?" asked Sam
"Yes, and Seth is with me."
"Great. Come on in." said Sam
"Seth, I hear you have something to tell me."
"Yes, I do. I imprinted on Katie. I know she's not a member of the tribe, but it just happened."
"Have you told her?"
"I told her about imprinting, but I haven't told her about the wolf thing. However, if the imprint is as strong as you say, I don't see how I can keep it a secret."
"Well, I guess that is true." He said, "but she isn't a member of the tribe. The question is can she be trusted?"
"Of course, she can," I said.
"Don't be so sure, Seth, you just imprinted, to you she is now and will always be the best girl in the world. But I need a little something more if she is going to be entrusted with this secret. Do you know how hard it has been to keep the fact that a dozen of us turn into wolves? Do you have any idea how much damage control we have to do to keep the secret from getting out?"
"I don't," I said, "but I'd love to hear all about it."
"There are all kinds of stories of giant wolves in this area. Some even claim that it is Bigfoot's dog, or a gigantic wolf. Fortunately, a little creativity with footprints, keeping an eye on the internet, making sure that Charlie doesn't see strange reports. Sue is actually great at that. I do everything I can to keep the secret as does the tribal council.
"So how do you keep it secret from others." I asked
"In the past, there weren't nearly as many wolves or as many pairs. Maybe three pairs at the most. Now we are fifteen. Katie is the first outside the tribe. Well, not the first, but the only one who didn't know anything about the supernatural. I need to talk to talk to her,' said Sam.
"So, are you saying you want to interview or test Katie before I tell her? How? Why?" I asked
"Why?!" said Sam, "Have you seen Emily's face. I was the first of the current pack to transform. I got mad. I phased and I hurt her deeply. The scar is visible there, but the internal damage to me and to others is greater. You have to keep those around you safe. This is why. I need to make sure she can handle this."
"Funny, that is the one thing I'm not worried about." I replied.
"Well, I am," said Jacob. "Do you have any idea what we already have to do to prevent exposure? Thank God this is a small town, and we have a few people in high places. Trust me we aren't the only people keeping secrets."
"Who else? Besides the Cullens and us. Let me guess, the fairy king owns the bank." I couldn't resist.
"Actually, they own the paper. I'm kidding. But if there is one thing that turning into a wolf has taught me, it is that anyone can have a secret. This world is wide enough for us. But that doesn't mean we advertise it. And I still want to talk to Katie. This isn't easy. Some people just can't handle it."
"I don't mind your talking to her. I just hope you don't have some sort of insane, archaic test planned."
"Just promise you will be nice. Don't put her in danger. Don't scare her away from me. And I'm going to be here for the whole thing."
"Ok, Seth," said Sam, "why don't you invite Katie over next weekend. We will do it then."
"I think that will work." I said.