Jacob PoV

I had expected Leah's call and Sam's order since I had found the bloodsucker at the northern border of Forks and had secretly led her to Bella's house. Neither of us had given any sign of recognition. We were still enemies. Only Bella had made us allies, for the shortest time. We were both here for Bella, stubborn Bella who never accepted a No and always, always cared for others more than she did for herself. Even if it meant sacrificing everything she had worked so hard to build. I owed it to her to show her friend the minimum of respect and it seemed that the small female felt the same because she quietly walked behind me, stopped when I showed her to and never questioned anything I did.

What I hadn't expected was for Leah's call to be so urgent.

Sam, I found Bella. She said she knows what Victoria is up to and she said it's bad

Alright, let's try and see what she has to say. Even a small lead is better than none. Gather at her house

I was the first to arrive besides Leah. I had been nearby the whole night, worried sick ad yet unable to go near her. Werewolves and bloodsuckers weren't allowed to mingle. As long as Bella welcomed her friend into her home it was forbidden territory for us. Sometimes I hated the elders for their stupid treaty.

Bit by bit the others arrived until the whole pack was gathered. They were all in their human forms (the risk of being seen was too great) but looked each as menacing as if they were wolves. Anger and hatred radiated from each of them.

Sam stood in the middle, arms crossed and waited for Bella to come out. When she did, she wasn't alone. At her side was a small figure, dressed all in black, only her hands and her face showing. I recognised her immediately. It was Bella's "friend", the bloodsucker I had escorted earlier in the night.

Voices grew loud, insults and questions, threats and growls. Not even a command from Sam, the Alpha, could silence them completely.

"What is she doing here, Bella? She said herself, she would never come back", he called to Bella over the rain. I was tempted to stand up and be at her side, like I had to as her mate but it would only make the situation more complicate and so I stayed.

For her.

"She came back because I asked her to." Bella, brave as always, stood her ground.

Another round of gasps, questions and threats.

"Why?" Sam asked again.

"She has the gift of seeing the future. Sometimes she can see what someone is planning to do. I asked her to come because she is the only one who could find out what Victoria's plans are without putting anyone in danger."

More growls. I clenched my hands into tight fists. Not much longer and I would stand up, screw the consequences.

"And you believe her?" Sam laughed. "She is a bloodsucking vampire. You can't trust them. They lie with every word they say."

Bella narrowed her eyes while the vampire woman stood as still as a stone. "First, she is my friend. I've known her for a long time and I saw her gift. If she says she knows what Victoria's plans are then I trust her. If you don't trust her, Sam, then don't. I won't force you to. But you should at least listen to what she has to say."

Sam didn't answer but neither did he back up. Instead he put his chin forward, indicating that he was listening.

Bella turned toward her friend and nodded. The bloodsucker came forward, positioning herself in front of Bella so she could look Sam straight in the eyes.

"Victoria is gathering an army. For weeks now she has been biting people, young people, and turns them into new-borns. They know nothing else than pure bloodlust and will stop at nothing to ease their thirst. They are wild and they are strong. And they are many."

Sam narrowed his eyes. "How many?"

"Three dozen. At least."

Sam raised one eyebrow. "And when does she plan to attack?"

Alice shook her head. "She hasn't decided yet. But it will be soon."

I looked around. Everyone seemed to be as stunned as I was. Three dozens. 36 newly turned vampires. We were eight and we were strong, we could easily take down two to three each. But 36? This was a lot, even for us. The pack began to whisper but Sam silenced then with a sign of his hand.

"We can help you." Alice continued. "My family and I. We can help you fight them."

"Fighting alongside damn leeches? Never!" Paul had called out before Sam could react.

Alice shot him a cool look then turned back to Sam. "You know you can't take them out all by yourselves. You need us. Let us help you. We brought her here, we are the reason she hunts Bella. It's our responsibility to end this. Neither of us can fight her alone. But together we might succeed."

Not even a muscle moved in Sam's face but I knew him well enough by now that I could see he was thinking in high speed. He hated the bloodsuckers as much as any of us, but he was too reasonable to let himself be guided by this hatred. He could still see clearly and that's what made him a good leader.

"I have to discuss this with my pack. You will have our answer by tonight."

Alice nodded.

"In the meantime, stay here and do not leave this house." Sam looked her straight in the eyes but she didn't move an inch. "Don't worry, I won't. I do not intend to stay in a city full of dogs."

Sam narrowed his eyes at her last comment but let it slip. He turned around to the pack and barked a command. "Get back to the reservation. We'll meet at my house. That means you too." He glanced at me. He knew I wanted to stay with Bella especially since this female was at her house but he was still my Alpha and I had to obey. My blood boiled hot and I wanted to punch him. It got harder each day to follow his commands. I didn't know if it was simple resistance like the one a child would give when it didn't get what it wanted or if it was my blood calling me to fight him for the position of leader but either way, for at least now I had to obey him.

I shot one look at Bella who watched me with sad eyes. She mouthed a quick "I love you" which I returned with a small smile before I followed my brothers back to the reservation.