There wasn't much time I was allowed to grieve Yan-mei's abrupt departure. A few short days went by in those cold, wintry days, and then all hell broke loose. Naturally, I didn't have a connection to the wolves, but they were easy to read when something happened. All the sudden one day, whilst I was sitting at home, definitely not moping with Feng snoozing in my arms, Paul sat upright next to me.

By the look of concentration on his face and dead silence, I knew he was hearing something from the others. All the sudden a growl tore through his throat, restraining enough to storm to the door.

"Stay here."

I watched, brows raised.

Immediately I dialed Chi so he could babysit for a while. There was no way in hell I wasn't going to follow Paul and see what was up. During then as I made sure Chi would have everything he needed for the short visit, I didn't bother dressing up warmly for the outside. I had a feeling much like Paul, there wouldn't be much restraint once I was outside. Granted, I still didn't know his reasons, but it was a good precaution on my part.

It didn't take long for the growing teenager to stumble inside the house, worried looking. He could no sooner open his mouth to ask questions till I hurried by, tossing my jacket aside. "I'll be back soon. Take care of him."

With that, I stepped out and tossed the clothes I wanted to preserve aside. Then, with a jump, fur and muscles took over and I was running after Paul's scent. The snow was much thinner than it had been, but it still clung to my fur and flew up behind my paws.

I followed Paul's scent for a good five minutes. My concern only grew when I could smell the whole pack mingled with it.

What was going on? I knew the Cullen's weren't likely to start anything, unless…

I shuddered to think of that one unpleasant foe we had in common…

Alas, it was the only thing that made sense. My heavy paws slowed to a steady, purposeful trot once I crossed the La Push line. The pack had definitely wandered into Forks- and by the scent of it, not much further ahead. The paw prints became mingled together and then, on the edge of a large, snowy field, was the pack. The ones closest to me, Leah and Embry, raised their lips and swung their heads back. Instantly though they relaxed seeing me, but Leah's ear flickered.

What are you doing here?

I was never telepathic with them, but I could still read faces. She was annoyed, but concerned of my presence. Blankly I nodded my head over to Paul- who was still distracted nearer the field with Jacob and Sam.

I could see why.

The Cullens were fighting.

I breathed out an unsure snort from my nose, glancing at my friends nearest me. Leah gave me a dismissive grunt and turned back to watch.

Guess I'd have to hear the story later. For now, I uneasily sat down next to Leah at the rim of the trees. Everyone else was either standing or just barely sitting down, too cautious to fully sit and relax. All perked ears were on the Cullens- whom of which glanced over at some point in acknowledgement of my presence.

Jasper and Emmett, the two I was still less than fond of, were busy sparring. Jasper though was far superior in terms of speed, and it was a wonder my eyes could follow them. Their bodies, mainly.

Their limbs were too quick blurs.

The thought both struck awe and dread in me.

At least till I saw Rosalie watching me, causing my rounded ears to perk. I lifted my head, tail brushing through the grass. Her eyes lingered, a brief smile on her full lips.

Undeniably, I liked her. I still don't know how I came to even be that way with the perfect blonde, but…if not for Feng and our motherish hearts… All the sudden I spot Edward not far across the field, whispering something into a brunette's ear. Instantly my tail flops down and the look fades into blankness.

Of course. For some reason Bella was here… Although… I still wondered about the current situation myself. Edward glanced directly at me, spared a glance to Rosalie, and went back to murmuring to Bella's ear- smiling.

My ears flattened against my head.

What the hell was that?

The reddish brown wolf, Jacob, moves out of the sparring two's way as he goes across the field. Edward's smile fades and he eases to the center field, casting quick glances over to said wolf as he trades places with Bella. As Jacob adoringly settles next to the girl, a too quiet step is placed behind me.

I swivel back and hiss sharply, low to the ground.

A terrified spotted jaguar stands there, paw still lifted and shaking.

'I-It's a good thing I still got eight lives!' Chi shakes, literally flopping down onto his stomach and staring up at me with his wide eyes.

Before I can question him, paws trot over. Paul's teeth are fully bared as he comes up to us, stiff and darting his eyes between us.

Obviously questioning our presence here. I guess he was too distracted with the Cullens… not that I blamed him.

With our lack of communication, I settle a grumble in my throat and lock eyes.

I wasn't backing down. If the wolves were needed, my pack, I had a right too. Chi was just a little unruly surprise. Abruptly I look at him.

'What about Feng?!'

'Oh.' The gold and black jaguar relaxed, as if oblivious to the sparring vampires. 'I got Jaio to watch him. She's been depressed since Yan-mei took off.'

I breathed slowly. Jaio was a good babysitter. I only didn't like Chi being so sneaky. I was reluctant to think of needing to enforce my alpha orders to him like Yan-mei.

Chi abruptly perks, moving his head to the side with fully rounded ears, unblinking. 'Woah…what's going on?'

'I can't believe you missed a whole family of vampires fighting.'

'But I-'

Paul's sudden growl snapped us out of it, with Chi a little reluctant about looking at him from the Cullens.

"This painful lack of communication is giving me a headache. May I have the honors?" We looked over to Edward Cullen, standing a few good yards away. Away from Alice and Jasper doing their sparring- which vaguely looked like flirting with her lithe movements. Paul took a few challenging steps forward, obviously regarding this as a family matter…and Chi being the annoying little cousin or something. But, as a rational feline (and far calmer), I blocked the two with my body. After a moment I had to give a bit of trust, so I turned my head from the vampire to Paul. His breath was hot and furious against the side of my back, eyes locked to the vampire daringly.

But…after a moment, he glanced at me.

Miraculously the imprint power worked again and his hackles lowered. We looked back at the Cullen.

Edward's eyes were shining in wonder. "Amazing… Paul, since you already know, I'll just be telling your wife and…" He paused, eyeing Chi. Said jaguar skidded to his paws and uneasily went to stand closer to the wolves behind me. I couldn't personally recall Chi dealing with vampires before… His lowered, skittish stance told me it was very little experience.

Edward dismissed it and continued. "We're here because Victoria," He spoke, causing my own hackles to rise now, "is basically creating a newborn army to come after Bella."

I stared, wondering how a vampire could procreate an army.

"No." Edward's face broke out into a brief, contempt smile at my apparent lack of knowledge. "A newborn is a new vampire." He explained, uncaring to Paul's protective growl at the vampire's attitude. "We…have a bit of history with Victoria. Long story short, she'll be causing a lot of problems. Not just for Bella, but any humans in the way. Basically, we'll be…not necessarily needing help, but it wouldn't hurt if both packs were aware how to fight a newborn. Less bloodshed, I guess. Now…" He turned back to his family. "Pay attention if you want good chances."

I eyed him as he returned to the field. Feeling Paul's eyes on me, I looked at him. His own look was clear and hard.

He did not want me here.

I flicked my ear and watched the sparring couples. At least now I had an idea what was going on.

Because regardless how Paul felt, I was going to do my part and protect my family. I knew later I would never hear the end of it, but for now, I was a sponge. I let nothing distract me from learning- thankful for Jasper's explanations occasionally.

Chi's uneasy shuffling and worries, Paul's obvious and hard stares, to Sam growling at the others when they were probably busy wondering if I'd be helping them…

The latter only contributed to Paul's irritation.

Only once did I turn towards the pack, realizing Sam's annoyed growling was because of their distraction about me. I hissed at them once, pointedly, and moved to sit next to Sam. Showing my stance, and backing up Sam, the two of us were able to watch the lessons and learn what we would need to know at some point.

Silence followed behind us, finally.

But there'd be hell to pay once I was home.

.

.

.

If anything, she felt amazed she could even tune it all out. That the very moment they were home and had shifted, that Ross's ears weren't bleeding. Granted, they were ringing- but ignoring the shouting that could be heard across the house.

Poor little Jaio was wide-eyed and nervous till Ross motioned her out, Feng going with her. Under Ross's gaze she jogged out quickly with the toddler, meeting Chi by the road. The teenage boy met his alpha's eyes from where he stood, at least till she nodded reassuringly.

Chi draped a toned arm around Jaio's shoulders and they walked on home. As for Ross, she sighed slowly through her lips, fogging up the glass window.

It was tempting to try and meditate on the Cullen's lessons, but…it was incredibly difficult to do anything with all the ruckus. Paul's angry shouts and him yelling all the reasons why she 'wasn't about to do so and so' were ignored, but he never stopped being loud.

The fact she could see Jacob knocking on the door through the window was surprising. Wasting no time, Ross slipped out and closed the door after her. Jacob, shirtless and tall from a recent shift, raised a brow at her. Confusion was in his furrowed brows.

"…what's going on in there?"

"I figured his thoughts would give it away. He's freaking out because I'm helping you guys."

Jacob looked at the door before Ross again, practically looking straight down with his ever-growing height. "Thoughts are harder to hear when we're normal. And why's he freaking? You and Chi would be great help. Not that we need it." he smirked.

Ross rolled her eyes and leaned against the house. "Try telling him that."

"I guess I understand… Based on what the others say about imprints." He shrugged. After a moment's pause his gaze deepened. "Ross," he quietly began, "if he's making you feel nervous you can always crash with me. Don't let him get to you."

"Aw, thanks puppy. But I'm not worried about-"

The door opened. Paul, red-faced and breathing hard stood there. He dead set his eyes on Jacob. "You trying to motivate her in all this?"

"Paul-" The feline began, at least till Paul was suddenly in his friend's face.

"I have say so when it comes to my imprint. And there's no way in hell she's being anywhere near a vampire army!"

"If she were a human, I get it." Jacob coolly spoke, eyes dark. "..But if Ross can kick your ass I don't think we need to worry about her."

And the shoes were off.

Ross jumped back when the two shifted then and there- Paul going for the jugular it looked like. In the process it all scared Stormy who'd been hiding under the bench from Paul's shouting earlier. The poor mountain lion backed against the house, warily watching the giant wolves fight in the yard. Ross let the two get it out of their systems and started inside, whistling for Stormy. Said feline wasted no time bolting inside- straight to Feng's room where he'd hide under the bed like always.

While it was tempting to wait Paul's mood out, Ross had a split second decision. Shedding her outer clothes, she whistled for Stormy and went out the back door. The big baby followed at her heels, even after she shifted and darted through the woods. The two ran further till the sounds of wolves fighting was gone. Eventually, the kid's house came into sight.

Jaio was dusting out a rug on the back porch when she glanced over. At the sight of two large felines, one much larger than the other, she screamed and dropped it.

"Oh." She breathed, placing a hand over her chest. "Sorry Ross- you scared me! What's up?"

Ross glanced around and returned her attention to the girl. Without a mental connection even she still understood.

"Chi?" The doe-eyed girl blinked. "Oh! He's upstairs. By the way, is everything OK? He wouldn't tell me what happened earlier and why Paul was so angry."

All Ross could do was grumble lightly as she walked by, brushing against the girl. Jaio watched, sighing.

"They never tell me anything… at least I have you, Stormy." Her smile cut short when said mountain lion was wrestling the rug she dropped. "…never mind."

As for Ross, she checked on Feng sleeping on the couch. Seeing as how he was fine, the large black jaguar stalked up the stairs. As she walked, her eyes lingered on Yan-mei's empty room.

She stared before heading to Chi's room. The feline sniffed, verifying he indeed was inside. Closing her eyes, she chuffed and rolled against it. After a moment it opened, showing Chi smiling.

"Did you chuff at me? Cause that's really cute-"

All Ross had to do was lean up on her back legs and drape an arm around him for the boy to come out of the room.

'Let's go, chibi. We can get some practice in.'

"Gotcha." He nodded. "But you trying to reassure me like that was super adorable-"

The alpha feline grabbed his collar in her mouth and dragged him down the stairs, him yelling all the way. Ross didn't have to worry about waking Feng. Jaio had already taken him to the kitchen for lunch it looked like, and Stormy was at perfect attention by her feet for any scraps.

The two had plenty time to themselves.

After Chi shifted and they had a moment to stretch and ready, the two big cats circled in the field by Billy's house. Chi, while circling, was elegantly smooth but curious.

'So…Are we really doing this?'

'Name a human you care about.' Ross countered, sparing a glance off. She could hear a door open and close nearby. Billy probably had noticed them and wheeled out to watch.

Chi's ears folded back, distressed. 'Uh… Jaio. A few really cute girls at school-'

'The point I'm making is we need to be able to fight incredibly strong vampires.' Ross could smell fish-fry and knew it was definitely Billy. 'It'll be more than fighting Victoria, or having a spat with the wolves. They won't hesitate to kill us.'

'All this over that Bella girl? I thought you didn't even like her.'

'I don't. It's more than her though. Jacob is involved- and if that's not enough for me, the pack is him too. Which…is Paul. So we have plenty of reason.'

The male feline sighed. 'Alright, I get it. Let's kick each other's butt now.'

The black jaguar breathed out a laugh- which sounded like a rasp as a feline. With that nod, their circling increased only a moment till they both zig-zagged at another, jumping and tackling midair.

Their fight was a test of agility, outwitting the other and landing blows when possible. If not, then it was avoiding and acting quick- but smart. Ross never recalled sparring like this.

She also didn't realize how big Chi had grown. Even her, bigger than most wolves at Sam's size, Chi managed to have a few inches more than her. Despite his ever growing strength, Ross was still able to pin him down. Well, she did have ten years on him.

All the sudden cheers and whistles erupted from nearby. Ross jumped off her younger counterpart, noting the whole pack was nearby. Either by Billy's house at a distance or at the tree-line. But when she noted Paul with his arms crossed, her ears hung back.

Was he going to start raging again?

Of all things he walked over, standing before the jaguar. "Me and Jacob talked it out…well, more like fought." He explained, rubbing the back of his messy head. "Look…Ross, this isn't easy. Never has been… But I get it. Don't like the idea of you anywhere near those leaches, but I'd hate for you to hold me back from something…Especially…" He sighed, drooping his head and barely glancing up from under his lashes, "especially since you probably could kick my ass-"

The jaguar jumped the man, bringing him to the ground with her heavy paws covering him. Ross's appreciation was clear as she rolled her head over him, purring and smothering him into the sloshy grass.

Paul coughed. "Don't make me regret this kitten."

At that moment Ross dropped her entire body weight on the man, rolling and making it clear how relieved she was. Poor Chi dropped nearby, breathless and laughing like a few others. Paul wrapped his arms around the thick black feline neck as much as he could, sighing.

"On account of my now broken ribs, I regret this."