Clothes shredded.

Paws flew.

And Ross collided into her imprint. The one who instinctively was forbidden from harming her. It hadn't been intentional though, obviously. In seconds Paul was replaced by a massive grey wolf, and leaving even fewer time for his fiancé to intercept him from attacking Rosalie.

Horror spread across the blonde's features as she eased further away, keeping Feng in her arms and his head to her shoulder, lest he witness his parents fighting like this. But as directed, she didn't run, she just eased away to the trees and watched wide eyed. After the initial collision, Ross fell backwards from his weight, and they rolled to a stop. Paul, realizing he was unable to fight her, bared his teeth and made a start for Rosalie.

The wolf was bristled and growling savagely, paws kicking up dirt. But then a heavy weight brought him to the ground, that being Ross having jumped. The black jaguar screeched above him and used her weight to wrap around him. It was clearly obvious too that she didn't want to hurt him either. Paul's snapping jaws, that only purposefully went for the air, left her jumping away and blocking the view of Rosalie.

Said vampire was busy humming in Feng's ear, keeping him from looking back without hurting him.

Ross's curved ears lay flat back against her head, and her stature overall seemed lower. Regretful, but not backing down. Paul remained in place, growling loudly with his ears perked forward. When he started for the right, Ross would just take a step over and block him. And then the other direction. All the while, their eyes never left another's.

His full of burning fury.

Hers' apologetic, but not budging.

"I figured it was a good idea to follow you, Rose. Just didn't think I'd be the translator." Edward Cullen had come from nowhere, standing a few yards away from Rosalie. All three looked at him quickly, though Paul was the one to snap his jaws and start for him. Again Ross jumped in front of him, even lower to the ground. At his savagely snarling response, her tail curled around her and she gulped.

"If it's not obvious, dog, she's apologizing for not telling you."

Paul wasn't happy with the mind reader. He looked over his fiancé, just itching to get at him. Edward however didn't bat an eyelash. "Talk it out later. You're scaring your child."

Paul just barely glanced over. Feng was upset that he wasn't allowed to look back. The only sounds were his worried noises and the occasional breeze. Despite that, it felt hot, anxious, for at least the shifters. Then, finally, his eyes shifted towards Ross. He'd never seen the large, powerful jaguar in such a state. So apologetic in stance, eyes never leaving him. He glanced over, prompting Edward to speak.

"Rosalie, put him down. We should leave now."

So, very slowly, Rosalie set Feng on his feet, and the four kept their places as a confused and worried Feng ran over to the jaguar. With her current form, he barely even reached her knees. Ross's eyes lowered a moment, and her ears flickered back against her head.

"I'm sorry, Rosalie." Edward repeated, and with that, they eased back into the woods. Paul's eyes followed them before darting over. Ross had lowered a bit so Feng could climb up her back. The toddler looked tiny between her shoulder blades. Said feline kept her head bowed and started for La Push. All the while Paul followed at her tail, stiff as ever. Although the silence was long and loud for Ross, she could only imagine if she had that mind link with Paul. How much he'd be shouting her ears off.

How much…the others would absolutely freak out on her.

Ross nearly dragged herself through the woods.

Where she saw possibilities, the wolves were stuck in their ways.

Would she be punished for hoping? Because her nature wasn't completely like theirs?

As they were soon in La Push, Ross slowed down near Billy's land. The wolf near her stopped, raising a paw in question. Ross kept her ears pressed to her head and started for the kids' house. She would have kept going too if not for the questioning grumble from Paul. Then he could see it. Ross looked back at him, regretful and timid. Of course she had every right to be. But the way she looked at him, it… it made him feel guilty.

And a touch bothered. Did she think he would hurt her? That he would allow anyone to hurt her? Ross eased away to the house again, head low. Paul watched till she had vanished inside, and he was left alone.

But not for very long, he knew.

The others knew every detail from the link before he could think it over. Paul eventually tore away from the house.

As much as he hated the bloodsuckers, mates stuck together. And even if he disagreed with every aspect of it, he wouldn't subject his Ross to the others' anger. He'd take the blow, no matter how out of hand it got.

The only thing stronger than a wolves' hatred for a vampire was their adoration for their imprint. It was the only thing keeping him steady. Because really, nothing else would.

.

.

.

I wasn't sure how long I was going to stay at my kids' house.

For one, it was bad enough I didn't know how my pack would respond. I didn't know where Paul was, and the fact he wasn't around the house left me wondering how badly I screwed up. If that's what it still was. My heart didn't regret my actions. My instincts told me so. But my mind was plagued by guilt, condemnation certainly waiting for me from the others. Yet the differences in our nature just proved to me I shouldn't regret following what I believed in.

Then there were my kids. The instant I stepped into the house, with Feng sliding off my black furred back, it took only seconds for them to figure out what happened. The only difference was they could feel what I did. I guess it was fortunate those mind-links were so powerful. I didn't have to defend myself. I changed into some spare clothes they had around, moping quietly on the couch while Yan-mei clued Jaio in. I suppose I was thankful when she sat next to me, thoughtful and not affected by the link she didn't have yet.

I needed that third party not completely understanding like my kids, yet not completely against me like the wolves surely.

Jaio leaned against my arm warmly. "If not all vampires are bad, I don't see the problem." She innocently shrugged. "Plus Feng is happy so…isn't that important?"

I was tempted to smile. Jaio's innocent optimism was refreshing. Instead I lifted my arm and gave her a little squeeze. The day went by with still no word from the pack. So I spent it with my kids- to which they did make me feel better. Yan-mei had my attention for a good two hours when she confided in me. She had a friend that was a guy, and she liked reminding me it was by no means a boyfriend.

But I could tell. Yan-mei would nearly smile and her eyes would light up. I was surprised to realize it was Mike Newton. The relative of who used to live in my old house, and I promised I would take care of it. Granted I did fix it up before I moved in with Paul. Now I wondered if the people who lived there now were the same people who shot Stormy awhile back. We all had figured he'd go back to Forks during that startle. I wasn't completely sure who was responsible for hurting them, though it was probably a good thing I didn't know. Stormy was healed up now, to which I was thankful. And sweet Feng barely had a mark on his arm from that day. Yan-mei was just finishing up her story about how Mike, her friend and definitely not boyfriend, had done something stupid when we heard a scratching at the door.

Chi, bored to tears aside from his occasional moment of singing 'boyfriend', rushed to the door. Stormy hurried in, perked and ears rounded. When he spotted me he jumped over the arm of the couch onto Yan-mei and I.

"Ow, Stormy!"

It was pointless. My apparently neglected baby missed me, so he was staying. None of us could complain much though. At least I had the good, cute end laying on my lap. Yan-mei was finished making me feel better and was stuck pursing her lips from her end of the mountain lion. My brief depression seemed to have the kids doing their best to cheer me up. Eventually Jaio won me over to feel like myself again when she called us to the kitchen to help make dinner. Since I didn't know a thing about making home-made Chinese food, it was an…experience. Jaio knew what to do, so that was a help. Yan-mei was not culinary inclined at all, and Chi was a lost cause unless it involved cutting something simple.

It was a wonder the food turned out edible at all.

By nightfall I got comfortable on the couch and bid my kids goodnight. They were clearly worried about how today's earlier events would affect my relationship with the pack. But what was done was done, and I couldn't change anything even if I wanted to.

With Stormy next to the couch, and Feng sprawled out across my lap, it was the first night I spent without Paul in a long time.

.

.

.

They could smell freshly brewed coffee downstairs, so they knew Ross was up. Still, the trio lingered in the upstairs hallway, speaking quietly. They still wore their sleeping clothes, and Jaio fussed with the hem of her green shirt anxiously. "I just wish there was something we could do to cheer her up."

"Maybe it's just one of those things." Yan-mei stated. "She needs time to herself. And the pack."

"What if they're still upset?"

"Then they would've come by. Sam, at least. Paul must have done something because it's not like he'd go against her."

They turned their heads. "What do you think Chi?"

Said teenager had his arms crossed, one arm propped up so he could bite his thumb. With his head downcast, lost in thought, his eyes lifted and he blinked. "Oh, yeah sure."

They stared. Jaio slowly knitted her brows. "You haven't said anything all morning Chi. Are you OK?"

"We've only been up for five minutes." He dismissed, tearing his eyes away. As for Yan-mei, she stared at him. "You're trying not to think of something." She pointed out, keen as always. Chi grew more flustered and looked at the wall as if interested by it.

"Yan-mei-"

His restraint was slipping, and all the sudden her eyes widened. In a flash she covered her sister's ears, speaking under her breath.

"Oh my god, Chi! You had a dream about Ross!"

His eyes flashed over. "What? No, no! You've got it all-"

Jaio leaned away from her sister's hands. "Hey, what's going on? Something happen?"

Chi was flaming red, staring hard at the eldest sister. Whom of which looked mostly alarmed. Chi inhaled through his nose deeply. "Yan-mei, it's not what you think. Please, don't think about it. I don't need Ross finding out… or the pack." He shuddered.

Jaio impatiently huffed. "You know I'm part of this pack too. Just you wait till I get that link! Things will be more fair around here." That said she went downstairs. The other two took a minute, and by then Ross had whipped up a quick breakfast. She seemed better than yesterday, if not just a touch over-anxious still. She gave them a small smile.

"Good morning, guys. I, uh," She pulled off her apron and fiddled with it. "I wanted to apologize for just crashing here and bringing you guys down. But, you guys know wolves. It's probably best to give them time now and then."

"Oh." Jaio rushed over, giving her a tight hug. "We love having you Ross. You're like our mother so you're welcome whenever!"

Chi dropped into a chair nearby, eating his plate of eggs with the speed of a wolf. Yan-mei rolled her eyes and sat next to him. "Be more obvious, won't you?" she murmured. Chi acted like nothing was wrong, but being overly polite and avoiding looking at Ross just made him more suspicious looking. It didn't take long for Collin and Brady to stumble in. This place was like their second house anyway. As Ross made more food for them, they sat at the table with the trio.

"How's the pack?" Yan-mei quietly questioned, eating her food much more calmly. All eyes at the table lifted towards her. The food was still busy cooking and Ross went to fetch a sleeping Feng from the couch.

Brady cleared his throat. "Fine. It's one of those things you should've seen." He grinned. "So, they were all pretty pissed at the initial thought. But then Paul did a one-eighty and actually sided with her. Man, it just has to be that imprint thing. Otherwise he would've never defended something like that." Collin spoke up at his side. "It reminded me of one of those t.v dramas. Paul started defending her and everybody got real quiet. But we still heard their thoughts." "Duh." Brady smiled at Jaio when she looked nervous.

"It's all good now, the air is clear. Our beef isn't with the Cullen's as much as it is that redhead. As long as the treaty is honored, we're all good."

Yan-mei frowned. "But through Ross, we still saw Paul's reaction at the park. He almost hurt her when the Cullen's did nothing. Why would he-"

"Hope you guys are hungry." Ross returned to the kitchen with Feng in her arms. Confidently enough she used one hand to flip the eggs onto a plate. The two youngest wolves nodded at Feng and looked back at Yan-mei.

"That's his cub too." Brady murmured, raising his brows. "That's reason enough to overreact."

Ross sat down with Feng in her lap now that everybody was served. She lifted her eyes, blinking. "You want seconds, Chi?"

All the sudden, with the attention back on him, he tensed. "I, uh…"

"Chi's real thirsty." Yan-mei murmured, much to the confusion of everyone around. Luckily he left before Ross could get a whiff of his thoughts. With a shake of her head breakfast went on. At least until Brady and Collin's heads snapped up. A second later there was a knock on the door.

"It's for you Ross." Collin nodded his head.

"I'll get the dishes." Jaio offered, quickly getting to her feet. Ross let out a breath and nodded. "I might leave Feng and Stormy here for a while. I figure I should talk to Paul anyway." Then, she moved away and started for the door. For a moment she breathed in shakily. The others leaned their heads to see out of the kitchen doorway. Paul stood on the porch, hands in his pockets. The moment he saw her his lips pulled up, at least till he registered his fiancé's nerves. And unable to bear that, he pulled her into his arms, eyes inching over.

The kids quickly went back to their breakfast.

"So, uh, what's Chi's deal?" Brady murmured in between bites of food. Yan-mei raised her brows.

One glance over her shoulder and seeing the couple gone, she returned her eyes to him. "I don't want my sister knowing, alright?" she asked, sparing a glance at the oblivious girl cleaning at the sink. The rushing water didn't let her hear much. The two young wolves leaned over the table, wide-eyed and curious.

Yan-mei sighed. "He had a dream about Ross..."

A pause. "So?" Collin wondered. "We dream about people all the time."

She face-palmed. "Never mind. You guys are too young to understand."

It took a minute, but eventually Brady coughed on his food. By the reddening of his face, and what he had in mind, Collin picked up on it quickly.

"Woah… I never thought-"

"Yeah, exactly. You guys are too young." Yan-mei stated. "I mean it now, don't go telling anybody."

They stared at her, and gradually their chuckles began to fall. "Uh…let's hope we can try and forget about it."

"Why?"

Brady raised a brow. "Well we're not entirely sure about the radius of our mind link, but I do know if Paul catches wind, ol' Chi is dead meat."

Regret suddenly crossed Yan-mei's features. "You didn't hear that from me." She warned, quickly getting to her feet. She wasted no time in leaving the house, as if to avoid being involved in some problem. Brady shoved a fork in his mouth, shaking his head.

"You wanna be Chibi's bodyguard for a few days?"

Collin chuckled. "And get in Paul's way? Hah, better hope Chi's got a few lives. I sure don't."

All the sudden, Jaio leaned over Brady's shoulders. "Were you guys talking about Chi's problem? It's not fair. Nobody's telling me."

Brady knew for a fact Yan-mei would kill him if he told her innocent sister. So he wiped his mouth and smiled back. "He's constipated." He whispered.

"Oh." Jaio blinked. "I'm not sure what that is. Can we help him?" She sweetly knitted her brows. Brady just laughed and leaned up, hugging her tightly.

"Ah Jaio," he smiled, "don't ever change."

.

.

.

I'd been walking with Paul for a few minutes now down the roads of La Push. The fact he wasn't saying anything was bugging me more than him catching me yesterday. When I couldn't take it anymore, I stopped. Paul, finally noticing my anxious expression, furrowed his brows.

"What's wrong kitten?"

"One, you're too quiet. Two, I feel like you're leading me into a trap. Are the others nearby? I really don't want to be ganged up on for-"

"Ross, breathe." Paul almost smiled, but didn't. His concern was too strong. "I already handled it."

"So why didn't you tell me?"

"I thought Collin and Brady would've relayed the message. Guess I was wrong." He sighed. "The others got over it. They still think you're a little crazy for it, but some of us have reasoned it's not completely horrible. Especially if it means we can catch that trespasser." He stated, crossing his toned arms. "The only thing that bugs me is you distancing yourself."

"I did it for Feng." I dismissed, looking way. "He shouldn't have to see either of us that way."

"I get that. What I don't get is you staying with the kids overnight."

I didn't have an answer for him. But the guilt I felt must've been a giveaway. That, or I couldn't hide my emotions too well at the moment. When my eyes scrunched too much, holding back, Paul had wrapped his arms around me.

"Kitten…were you scared of me?"

"I just wanted to give everybody some space." I admitted. Paul was so warm, I let my head fall into his chest. He was always burning so warmly, I wondered if I'd actually get burned one of these days. I didn't realize my heart was pounding till he spoke up.

"Your heart is racing, Ross."

'Only because you're holding me and I've missed you', I thought. After a moment, I looked up at him. Any doubt, any feelings of fear or anxiety left at that moment. All I could see was my beautiful, caring, protective wolf with a backdrop of steady overcast skies. Those fierce mocha orbs smothered into warm earthy pools of comfort and reassurance. Despite the incredible display of affection with his kiss, surely my face was turning redder from my need of oxygen. I moved away from his lips, gasping sharply.

"I-I guess you wolves have a greater lung capacity, huh?" My attempt to joke did no good. Paul's eyes were burning with that smoldering desire that made my knees weak. That same look which undeniably made me nervous, and stirred up my own side occasionally. I made sure to have enough air again when he brought his face close to mine. Lips pressed to my cheek.

"Ross, I never want you scared of me again. Or anyone else in the pack." He crouched down enough he could evenly press his forehead to mine. Those soft pools of mocha shone at me. "Kitten, I love you so much. You have no idea."

Paul rested his lips to mine again, and that was it. I was unable to feel anything bad about yesterday. All my fears were gone. Like magic his kiss had done wonders. And not just making my knees buckle. I must have gone cloudy minded. All the sudden Paul had his hands under my legs, holding me upright. Concern flashed through his eyes.

"Are you alright?"

I cracked a smile. The racing in my heart wasn't from fear anymore, at least. "I think, I just love you too much, you don't know how you affect me." It was all I could reason. A pearly smile tugged at his lips and he nosed his face against mine.

"I can live with that."

The little moment I had with Paul was surprising, but pleasant enough. Usually he didn't do anything that would test him, and I never tempted him. The worst I had done, unintentionally, was wear shorts to bed once. Goodness, it was like the nineteen twenties. My legs made him nuts. Paul was always pretty good too about not letting himself get carried away. Whether he frustrated himself or simply just consented to biting back, he'd always remember the promise I wore on my finger. The little band that promised we'd always belong to each other.

It was more so an affectionate and sweet half hour than anything passionate, lest we get carried away. I was beginning to wonder if he'd ever get tired of kissing me, or if he'd ever find my lack of advancement boring. He never did, though. When Paul decided to mercifully give me a minute to myself, I realized we were at our tree. The one Paul always waited for me by when I went to work, before we lived together.

"You're more thoughtful than I realized." I mused, understanding his smile now. I sank to the grass, curling my legs beside me. The grass was damp from last night's rain, and I figured it wouldn't be long now till it rained again. Paul followed suit, only he stretched out in the grass and rested his head in my lap.

"Well excuse you."

He only smiled up at me.

Ugh. Such kryptonite. I couldn't be mad at that face.

"Just enjoying the view."

"You're silly." I looked off, though he continued to stare. It was something I could feel. My expression must have grown red or something, because he started laughing.

"Do I make you nervous, kitten?" he teased.

"Hmph."

"I take that as a yes."

"I'll make you nervous." All the sudden I had jumped out from under him, suddenly over him. Paul's brows shot up before he laughed. "I'm not complaining."

I had only kissed Paul for a moment, intending to get at his sides or something of equal punishment, till he growled in his throat. For the most part I ignored it, figuring he couldn't stand the whole dominance thing being reversed. At least till his arms wrapped around mine, then he sat up. His breathing was hard and his skin nearly burned to the touch.

"Paul?"

"What did he do?" he breathed, hard and rugged. I eased away from him when his eyes flashed up at me. Black, angry like an approaching storm. Something I didn't know about had suddenly put him on that last verge of nearing a shift.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

Paul was on his feet, breathing hard. "Apparently the whole pack knows, and someone came within a close enough distance for me to find out. Over our link." He growled out, suddenly pacing before me. I anxiously got to my feet.

"Who did what? What happened Paul?"

He turned on his heel towards me, and for a moment I was scared he was going to shift on the spot.

"Chi." He grit out from between his teeth. "The pest dreamed about you." He spat.

"So? Why are you freaking out?"

"Ross." He stressed. "Don't make me explain it. I'm already tempted to go and rip his head off."

It took a minute, but then it dawned on me. Chi was a teenage boy. And amid the feline hormones were the regular raging hormones. And last night I'd spent the night with them all. But nothing unusual. Maybe seeing me before he went to bed meant he normally dreamed of the last thing he saw.

And…in this case apparently it must have been that type of dream.

I bowed my head, but Paul had already seen it.

"Are you smiling?"

"Laughing mostly. Oh Paul, lighten up! Doesn't the pack have all sorts of embarrassing dreams like that?"

"We don't dream about other's imprints." He bristled, but kept in place. I must have been making some progress in keeping him calm. "I'm going to go tear him apart now."

I threw myself around him, huffing. "You'll do no such thing. Now, go home and let me handle this."

"And leave you alone with the horny scumbag!?"

"Well he doesn't need you around making him feel worse." I reminded, sliding down to my feet. "Please Paul. Feng and Stormy need to go home anyway. Just wait outside and I'll send them to you."

He was still red in the face when he turned towards me. "I don't want to leave you with that."

"Paul, I'll get to the bottom of it. If he puts one finger on me he's all yours." I didn't bother to hide my eye roll. That said, I took his hand and started for their house. Paul tightened his grip on my hand, which grew stronger the closer we neared. I pecked his cheek and jogged inside. The kids must have seen me from the porch. Yan-mei busily walked away, eyes to her phone.

Definitely not talking to her 'boy-friend' Mike Newton.

Collin was nowhere to be seen now, and Brady seemed to be distracting Jaio as he led her out. The girl was confused, nonetheless followed him out thinking he was being sweet probably. I leaned inside the house, patting my knee. Stormy flew up to his paws, eager to greet me.

"Go find Paul." I doted, watching him perk. Well, Stormy was taken care of. I took Feng and pointed down the driveway. "Go to Dah, Feng."

"Dah?"

I nodded. "Go on. I'll be home soon." So my tot went and ran down the driveway, after Stormy who was running circles around Paul. Said wolf stared at me, setting his jaw. He still wasn't happy but he went off down the road anyway. With a breath, I returned inside the house and started upstairs. No surprise, Chi's door was locked. His mind was a mess. Thinking about many things at once, and obviously trying to distract himself. No sooner than I could smell him under the door did he smell me too.

I knocked quietly. "Chi?"

Silence.

"Chi? Chi please open the door. What happened is…it's nothing to be embarrassed about!" I figured there was only one way to get the door open. More embarrassment. "Oh, when I was your age, my apartment had these tenants on the first floor. Five brothers, all beautiful and perfect right? So when I couldn't decide which to dream of I just decided why not dream all at once-"

The door swung open. Chi stood there red faced, burning embarrassment, and leaving me to laugh.

"Oh gosh Chi, I'm kidding! I never dreamed of them all at once like some sort of pervert. I rotated every night." I winked. Like any teenager being embarrassed by an adult he turned away. But he made no effort for me to leave and collapsed in his bed. His legs awkwardly hung off the side, straight and motionless.

"Mfffnh."

I stood against the wall, thinking. "What was that?"

He lifted his head, speaking in one dry, short breath. "It wasn't you."

I blinked. "Huh?"

Chi huffed, making sure not to look directly at me. "I was only thinking about you earlier when Yan-mei figured it out because I…I wasn't sure who else to talk to. There's a girl I like at school." He stated, breathing deeply. "And I…I never felt like this before. Yan-mei just presumed it was you. Really, really bad timing." He murmured.

Well that took a load of stress off my shoulders. I sat next to Chi, but when I placed a hand on his arm, he shrugged away from me and groaned. Right, uncomfortable topic.

"Well, what are your intentions with her?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean if you just wanna be her boyfriend that's fine. But when it comes to acting out on these dreams we need to talk."

Chi covered his head with a pillow. "Oh gosh Ross! Gimme a break! I know all about protection! N-Not that I'm thinking about that anyway. Though I could. Not like it's impossible for Chibi." He suddenly defended.

I deadpanned. "Sure, you could Chi. Anyone could. But I don't think you realize the level of depth to…that type of thing. People make it as easy as breathing, and if you're not careful, being with someone loses it's value. And until you can learn to love someone first, you'll never appreciate that level of connection with someone."

Chi thoughtfully looked at me. "Is that why you're getting married?"

"And now the conversation turns uncomfortable." I chuckled. "Now…um…what did you want to talk about?"

Chi opened his mouth, sighing. "I- Oh God." We lifted our heads, seeing Paul had climbed the window and was now glaring in.

"Paul, it's not what it looks like-"

The window burst and the room filled with very high pitched screaming. Chi's, embarrassingly enough.

"Get back here flea bag!"

Crash.

"AH! Ross! He's gonna eat me!" was shrieked.

BOOM.

I sighed and fell back into the bed.

"Just like cats-"

Furniture was knocked over. It sounded like a rodeo was downstairs now. And, there was no way I was getting in the middle of it.

A yowl echoed. Nah, Paul wouldn't kill him. Probably just give him a few bruises for the heck of it. Or for all the unnecessary stress.

Paul's cocky laughter wasn't reassuring.

"-and mutts…"

"You're next kitten!"