Bella's POV

It's been a few weeks since Tanya had arrived and told us what they had found out regarding the legend my sisters' and I are chasing. And despite this, I couldn't figure out where I was lacking. Stella and Yuki both seemed to understand, and each were dealing with that fact in their own way, while I was still just stumped.

But now wasn't the time to talk about that. The smell of barbeque meat shook away any thoughts regarding the legend. I turned my attention fully to watch Esme expertly at the grill. Despite Yuki's anxiety regarding our safety, Rose and Alice managed to convince her to come to the Cullen's place to have a mini party. The Denali's were heading back home soon and wanted to celebrate with everyone before going.

Thus we were all in the Cullen's backyard, Esme making food while everyone was scattered about, laughing and just genuinely enjoying themselves. Yuki even finally managed to relax. Though I knew her well enough to know she was still on guard. But she was having fun besting Emmett and Kate in various arm-wrestling matches while Irina and Rose watched on, amused. The duo were determined to beat the alpha but hadn't managed to push Yuki's hand more than an inch. Stella, Victoria, Carlisle, and Tanya were in a rather headed debate over some scientific question I couldn't even begin to try and wrap my mind around. Instead, I was losing rather spectacularly at chess against Edward, who even without reading my mind to see my moves, was still kicking my ass. Jasper and Alice were sitting near us, chatting about how poor I was doing.

All in all. I was having a great time.

When the food was served the vampires all sat around us, chatting together at the table while my sisters and I ate. Despite not eating, it still reminded me of the many family dinners we used to have back in the day when our mothers were still living with us. And I could tell by the little smile on Yuki's face that I wasn't the only one who noticed.

"It's stupid! There's no logical reason for it." Stella adamantly stated, I turned towards her to listen to what she was talking about.

"Not every reason is based on logic love," Victoria chuckled. "Frankly, most decisions made in life are emotionally driven and then later based in faulty logic to justify themselves. And this is probably one of those situations."

"What are you guys arguing about?" I asked, everyone now tuning into their conversation.

Victoria smirked, "The age-old question. Why are lycans and vampires considered mortal enemies? Is what the Volturi claim factual? Or is what your elders claim the truth?"

"They're both idiotic reasons regardless." Stella mumbled, taking a sip of wine. She had brought a few special bottles with her, they were a blend of wine and her blood tablets. They were a huge hit and the Denali's were already asking the price she'd want to make them more.

Thus started a long debate with everyone pitching in even more ridiculous reasons for why werewolves and vampires hated each other. The suggestions getting stupider as the night wore on. Jasper had pitched a 'vampires were jealous over the fact that lycans were so fluffy.' This had everyone laughing like crazy.

While I was laughing a sudden pinch to my stomach had me stopping. My hand reaching down to clench at my shirt. Something was pressing against the house's barrier. Looking up my eyes immediately went to Yuki. She had stood up, all joy gone from her face, replaced with a fierce expression. Her head jerked up to me than to Stella, who had gone pale.

"Someone's at the house." Yuki's words were a growl. Without needing to say any more Yuki turned and left, running towards home, Stella and I immediately following. I heard the others move quickly to chase after us.

As we got closer I smelt smoke and ash. Prompting us to run faster until we broke the clearing. The entire left side of the house was being consumed by flames, and it was spreading.

"NO!" Stella made a dash for the door, probably towards her basement, Victoria quickly moved to stop her.

"You can't! The entrance is sealed off!" Stella struggled against Victoria's arms. Her eyes wide and panicked.

That's when we heard the laughter. Yuki and I immediately turned towards it. We saw James standing there, beside him were two large shirtless men, with a tattoo over their heart. A tattoo I recognized. It was the mark of Nobuo's 'Elite Wolves.' How and why they were teaming up with a vampire like James I didn't know. I only knew anger. And judging by the growl that left Yuki's throat she felt the same.

"Stella get a grip!" Yuki's voice was firm and held the backing of her alpha nature. Stella immediately froze. "Find a way to stop the fire. Bella." She didn't turn towards me but I knew what she wanted. I growled my approval.

In seconds Yuki and I had both shifted into wolves and were charging the laughing trio. James became frightened but the other two shifted their stances. Ready to fight. The fact that they couldn't transform like we could marked them as non-purebloods but that didn't mean they weren't a threat. Every wolf branded with that tattoo was dangerous, human form or not. They were trained to fight against purebloods in either form and were ready.

James instead turned and fled, but Yuki and I paid him no mind. He was no threat to us. I vaguely noticed a few forms darting after him though.

I snapped my teeth at the man standing to the left, he was prepared for that and shifted at the last moment. His fist came forward intending to connect with my head but I crouched down and jumped, ramming my head against his chest and sending him flying off his feet and into the woods. I chased after him, the scent of blood filling my nostrils as I heard the other wolf shout in pain. Seems like Yuki's aim was true.

The man I'd pushed collided with a large tree, breaking the poor thing in half as he collapsed against the base. My momentum didn't change as I pounced on him, trying to catch him before he could gather his bearings. Unfortunately, he was quick, rolling out of the way, forcing me to quickly turn so I didn't hit the tree base face first. Rather the left side of my body connected. I barely registered the pain. My entire focus on the crouched form of the man.

A low growl left both our throats. A voice filtered through my mind. "Be careful. They're faster than you'd think." Yuki warned.

"I noticed." Instead of charging I waited for him to move. I didn't wait long. He ran towards me, I braced myself as I watched him. He moved to the left, intending to strike with his left but I knew his game. I'd seen it before countless times in training sessions, instead of attacking from the left, he'll quickly side jump to the right hoping for a free hit while I uselessly snap my teeth to my left.

I was right. Instead of striking to the left I anticipated his movement and caught his arm in my jaw, causing him to shout in pain. I tightened my grip, hearing a snap, before twisting and throwing him to the ground. He rolled a few feet away, clutching at his arm. I moved towards him, quickly jumping back when he threw a rock at me with his good hand. The rock missed me by inches. But during my lapse he had moved to elbow the side of my head.

That hurt. A yelp of pain left my snout before I could stop it. But I refused to let that slow me down. I quickly slashed at him with my paw. He didn't expect the quick reaction and my claws caught his leg, hardly doing much damage in my haste but his balance was thrown. He stumbled. I immediately lunged forward snapping his leg in my teeth. He howled in pain. He moved his good arm up so he could strike my head, but I pulled my head up, his leg still trapped between my teeth, forcing him to fall back off his feet. Letting his leg go I rammed my paw against his chest, pressing down with my full strength.

I felt the air leave his lungs. He griped at me with his good arm, trying to push me off but he didn't have the strength to shove me off whilst panting for air. I growled at him, my inner wolf was mocking him. But I knew better than to gloat for long. My teeth moved down towards his neck, ready to finish him off.

Once my opponent was down for good, I ran off towards Yuki, intending to help her, only to find her shaking off her fur, blood on her claws and snout, mirroring myself, though far more apparent on her snow-colored fur than my chocolate. Her opponent staring blankly up at the sky, much like the one not too far behind me. Yuki's violet eyes turned to me. "You hurt?"

I stretched my muscles. I felt a slight twinge of pain on my side, probably where I hit that tree, and my head was pounding but nothing I couldn't handle. Yuki nodded, hearing my appraisal. We heard footsteps approaching us but despite the adrenalin from our fights neither of us tensed. Our wolves recognizing the approach of our mates before our conscious minds could.

Sure enough, Rosalie and Alice stepped into the clearing, both appraising us warily. Yuki immediately moved to press her head gently against Rose's stomach, getting an ear scratch as a result. I let Alice approach me, wary of how she'd react. Especially since the last time she heard of me taking another's life…well I feared a repeat.

I needn't have worried. Alice's fingers began threading through the fur on my cheek. Her eyes showed nothing but love. I pressed my head against her happily. "Are you okay?" her voice sounded near my ear. I nodded my head. I heard her sigh as she hugged my head.

Yuki and I wiped our faces on the grass, clearing away as much blood as we could. Then as a group we all turned and ran back towards home. The smell of smoke lingering but the scent of fire was gone. When we got back most of the Cullen's, Tanya and Irina were standing beside Stella, who was on her knees before the house. The roof had fallen in and seemed to have collapsed onto the kitchen, thus taking out my room and everything in it. We could see part of Yuki's room, one wall had been destroyed by the fire while the remaining furniture was all soaking wet. Unfortunately for Yuki that meant all her sketches were gone.

A soft whine left her before she shook herself and slowly crept over to Stella. Lying down beside her kneeling form. Yuki gently nudged her. As I moved closer I saw tears falling down Stella's face, her face was empty, but in her eyes I could see devastation.

After another soft nudge Stella spoke, "It's all gone…I channeled too much water…I never had the basement door sealed to prevent a flood…it's all gone. Everything I've collected…all my notes…" she shut her eyes, her body shaking. My ears flattened against my head. While Yuki and I had lost a few material things we loved, Stella had lost two years' worth of work. I moved to lay my head against her lap while Yuki pressed against her side, leaving room for Victoria who came out of the fallen house to kneel next to her mate, an arm around her shoulders.

I wasn't sure how long we stayed like that but eventually approaching footsteps called our attention. Yuki was immediately on her feet and growling, standing between the potential threat and Stella. I tensed and lifted my head but didn't move, intending to act as a second shield for my devastated sister in case a fight broke out. Kate, Emmett and Jasper emerged, dragging a struggling James. I heard a low growl leave Victoria's lips, her eyes narrowed in on James.

The trio stopped before Yuki. Kate forcing James to kneel before my angry alpha. Surprisingly, Yuki didn't immediately strike. Though she seemed to be struggling not to. Then she took a deep breath. I noticed Alice suddenly dash towards the ruined house, returning with a soaked blanket that wasn't too ruined, she threw it over my sister's form. I didn't understand until I noticed her starting to shrink. Yuki shifted back and easily kept her dignity intact thanks to Alice's quick thinking.

Securing the blanket tightly around her Yuki stalked close to James. "How did you come across those two?" her voice was colder than I'd ever heard her. It made me tremble. Even though her words weren't directed towards me I could feel it in every bone of my body. Yuki was beyond angry.

James sneered at her, causing a growl to leave my throat. "What makes you think-" his words cut off with a scream, Kate who still had a grip on his shoulder to prevent his escape used her power against him. Bringing him serious pain.

"That's not even the highest setting." Kate warned.

James panted and was silent for a few moments. "I found them as I was running. They were camped out near a mountain. I overheard them talking about traitorous wolves so I mentioned knowing where three pretentious purebloods resided. I convinced them to work with me. Took me a shitload of time to do that to. We knew we wouldn't be able to breach your little barrier, so they decided to flush you out. One little Molotov was all they needed."

"Did they ever contact their alpha?"

James shrugged, then screamed in pain when Kate hit him again. "I don't know! They didn't trust me okay?! They barely tolerated me! Revenge was more important. That's the only reason they let me live."

"If they didn't trust a vampire do you think they'd attempt to tell the bastard where we are?" Yuki asked me, using our inner link.

"Doubtful." Stella answered, even with her mind, she sounded broken. It brought a whine out of my throat, I hated seeing her in so much pain. "If they were wrong, they'd incur his wrath. I doubt they'd be stupid enough to do that. They probably wanted to do this to test whether we were really the ones they were after. If they knew for a fact who we were they would've brought collars. Or something of the like. They had nothing silver related." Yuki shuddered at the thought of collars.

"We can't be certain…we'll need to try and contact Kyle ASAP to be sure though. Our location would be big news and he'd no doubt hear about it. We'll need to be careful until we know." Yuki nodded to herself.

Then without warning, Yuki moved forward and twisted James's head, removing it completely. He didn't even get a chance to scream. Carelessly discarding it she turned towards our ruined home, appraising it silently. She sighed before looking to Victoria. "You mentioned you owned an apartment?" a nod. "Take Stella there please, Belle and I will salvage what we can."

Victoria nodded before picking up her distressed mate and carrying her off.

"I'll go grab you two some clothes." Alice announced before running her fingers through my fur one last time. She ran off towards her house.

"We'll help gather all we can." Esme smiled compassionately at Yuki, who gave her a soft smile in return.

"Thanks, I'd appreciate it." Rose moved to wrap an arm around Yuki, who leant against her in response.

As Emmett, Kate, and Jasper went about properly disposing of James and the two wolves, the rest of us scavenged around the house, looking for what we could save. Though Yuki and I had to wait till Alice returned with some clothes for us.

Some of Yuki's clothing survived, her piano was drenched beyond repair though, that brought out a pained whine from my younger sister, Edward told her of a friend of his that would make her a replacement which made Yuki smile slightly in thanks. Some of mine and Stella's clothes that were in the garage next to the washer were untouched, our cars were fine thankfully, the fire never having had a chance to reach the garage, a few of Yuki's sketchbooks could be salvaged, some of Stella's journals were okay but the insides were completely illegible, though we kept them all the same. And that was about it. The fire and the roof took out everything else.

Once we had everything we could save stashed into our cars I looked at Yuki. "Now where do we go?" I tried to sound calm, but I was an emotional wreck inside. This was the third home I've lost and it fucking sucked…Jasper was sending me calming waves ever so often which was an immense help in calming me down but ultimately didn't take the feeling away completely.

Yuki sighed, "I don't know…"

"Idiots." We both snapped our heads towards Rose, who had her arms crossed and a bored look on her face. She raised her eyebrow before moving to take Yuki in her arms, "You'll both come stay with us of course."

"Of course, you will, you two are always welcome. Besides, we're family." Esme smiled at us. Her gentle disposition made my heart hurt, reminding me so much of mom. I could tell by Yuki's quick intake of breath that she felt the same.

"Are you sure?" Yuki's voice was unsure.

Esme smiled wider, "Completely."

The next thing I know I'm lying down in a bed that smelled completely of Alice. Alice curled up around me. Rose and Alice drove both my car and Yuki's to the Cullen's home, with Esme driving Stella's behind us. Everyone welcomed us to our new temporary home then all let us be directed by our respective mates towards their rooms. After a shower and a quick change, I ended up here, in Alice's bed, with her arm wrapped snuggly around my waist and my own holding her against me.

We were quiet for a while before she asked the question I knew she'd been begging to ask. "Are you okay?"

I took a deep breath. Releasing it slowly before speaking. "Honestly…no." I closed my eyes. "It's amazing that you guys are letting us stay here and we're so grateful but…" I swallowed hard, the lump in my throat making it difficult to talk, "this is the third home I've been forced out of…and…it just…sucks…"

Alice's arm tightened around me, "Oh sweetheart…" I buried my face in her hair. "It'll be okay. This isn't like the first time. You've got your sisters. You've got my family. You've got me. And none of us will ever desert you."

She knew exactly what I needed to hear. I held her to me. "Thank you." The tears fell but I knew that this time, I'll be okay. Even if I only had Alice beside me. I'd be okay.

"We'll be okay. I promise." Yuki's voice filled my head and I felt her determination. I nodded though she couldn't see. I believed her. I trusted her. Her and Alice.

We'll be okay.

Rose's POV

After the fire fiasco Yuki couldn't relax. She showered than sat in the center of my bed, hugging her knees, deep in thought. I moved to sit behind her and pulled her against me. While she went willingly her body was tense. Her eyes were darting about but not seeing. She was so lost in thought I wasn't even sure she registered me.

I began trailing kisses along the exposed portion of her neck, trying to gently pull her from her thoughts to talk to me. When my lips found her pulse point I felt her shudder against me, I nipped at the skin lightly causing her to sigh and tilt her head, granting me more access that I immediately claimed. My lips didn't still until I felt her body completely deflate and fully lean against me. Kissing her pulse point once more I rested my chin against her shoulder, wishing I had chosen a different way to hold her so I could read her eyes.

"Talk to me." I kept my voice light. "Don't shut me out."

She turned towards me, her green eyes sad. "My pack is hurting…I can feel their pain. Stella is devastated…she lost so much hard work…and Bella…Bella's old wounds are reopening. They're in so much pain…I don't know how to help them. I can't even help myself…I don't know how to handle all the pain coming off them."

"Oh sweetheart." I pulled her closer. She rested her cheek over my frozen heart. "It'll be okay. I know it will be. You three are strong. You've all dealt with so much already. Let them feel the pain for today. Let them grieve. Then, help them regain their strength."

"How?" her voice was so defeated it hurt my heart.

"By being you. Just keep being their lovable young alpha. Keep doing what you've been doing. Moving forward. I guarantee you that if you do just that, you'll be okay."

A small laugh. "Guarantee huh?"

I smiled and kissed her forehead, "Yes. Guarantee."

She was quiet. Then, "I'm holding you to that. And the two puppies."

I sighed, "I said I'd consider that part."

"Same difference."

"That truly made no sense."

Giggling lightly she looked up at me. Her eyes shining. "Hey."

"Yes?" her hand reached up, fingers lightly tracing my jawline. Green eyes watching the path towards my lips before she looked up, her fingers still now.

"Thank you." She leant up to take my lips in a soft kiss. "I don't know what I'd do without you, my guardian angel."

I couldn't help but chuckle, "I'm happy to help, no matter the cause."

She kissed me once more before resting her cheek against my aching heart once more. "Never let me go?"

"Never."

Victoria's POV

She was finally asleep. Her body was exhausted. And her emotions were all over the place. At least the tears had lessened. I don't know what I would've done had they never stopped. I didn't know what to do to help her. But it seemed she took comfort in simply clinging to me. So, I held her tight and whispered reassurances to her until sleep finally claimed her.

My poor wolf. Her heart was broken. So much work, gone. All her efforts for her sisters, vanished. In one sweep.

Today was eye opening and devastating. I watched my determined mate focus all her energy into the pond located near their home. When Stella had told me about what she and her sisters were capable of doing regarding spiritual magic, I assumed it was all mental in nature. I was not prepared for the spectacle of seeing my mate command a small tidal wave of water to move to snuff out the flames. It was quite honestly breathtaking to see. Her determined face as she moved her arms over her head, the wave of water following her movements almost gleefully. Power radiating off her as she moved. It made more sense why she didn't value raw strength when she could do this.

But once the flames had gone, so had her energy, forcing her to her knees, completely drained. Knowing where her priorities were, I quickly ventured into the fallen building and down into her lab. Only to find the entire thing flooded. Vials broken coloring the water different shades, cabinets knocked over, countless items drifting lazily, broken glass everywhere, the occasional book floating about, papers nothing but useless mesh. My heart sank at the sight. Knowing what this would do to my mate.

"Scar?" her weakened voice, full of desperation was something I'll never forget. Nor will I ever forget the pain I saw in her eyes when I told her what happened.

When James had showed up being dragged by Kate and Emmett I had to force myself to stay still. My mate needed me. And that trumped revenge. Besides, I could see Yuki's wolf shaking in anger. And good Gods…when she spoke to him, I was afraid. This was not a girl you should piss off. That was proven even more when she easily decapitated James with little effort. Discarding him as if he were nothing to her. And I suppose to her, he was little more than a pest. A pest that hurt her sister. A pest that was easily disposed of.

A knock on my door caused my body to tense. Looking down I saw Stella still deep in sleep. I gently untangled myself from her, watching as she clutched a pillow and pressed her face against it, mumbling to herself in Japanese. As I exited, I made sure to close the bedroom door as quietly as possible. She needed rest.

When I opened the door I found a familiar face. My body tensed, my eyes narrowed and a low hiss left my lips. Laurent quickly lifted his hands in an unthreatening manner. "I simply wish to speak with you."

I reluctantly let him inside. At least this way I needn't worry about potential witnesses if I decided to give him the same treatment James received. "Keep your voice down. You wake her, you're dead."

He nodded. Glancing around my apartment as he spoke, "What happened to James?"

"I'll give you one guess."

A sigh. "I see…was anyone else injured?"

"Depends on the type of injury you're referring to." I leant back against the bedroom door while he stood in the center of the room, watching me calmly.

He didn't understand but didn't ask for clarification. "If it means anything. I didn't know what he was planning. He disappeared on me. I tried following him, but he was quick. I just knew it had something to do with you or the wolves. I saw him just this morning. He was standing beside two men with marks over their hearts. I didn't like the looks of them, so I fled before being seen. I truly didn't know what they were planning."

"Then how do you know anything happened?"

"I saw the golden eyed ones capture James. He was running towards the spot we split at, probably hoping for me to back him up. But." He shook his head, an empty look in his eyes. "He dug his own grave. Only a fool would provoke an obvious threat."

"So, I take it you won't be seeking his revenge?"

"Am I right to assume one of the wolves ended him?" I nodded. "Then no. I can handle a few vampires. But not a wolf. I am no fool. But now. I have nowhere to turn."

"Unless you want to give up your hunting habits, you're right."

He frowned. "What do you mean?"

I shrugged. "The Cullen and Denali families are kind. If you asked, I'm sure one would welcome you. But neither group tolerates hunting humans."

"Then why did they accept you?"

"My Stella created a blood substitute. Tablets that change water cells. Honestly tastes just as good. And I'm not directly apart of their family. Only connected through the wolves."

"Will your eyes change?"

"Honestly, I'm not sure. It didn't change the Denali's eye color, or Rose and Alice's eyes. I'm the first red eyed vampire to begin solely using the tablets. I've been using them since I met Stella and there's been no change yet. We've no idea. It could happen or it couldn't. Only time will tell."

He nodded. "Maybe I shall try…though it would probably be best if I waited at least a day. I doubt my presence will be welcomed now."

"That would probably be best." I suddenly nearly fell backwards as the door I was resting against opened. I quickly caught myself and turned to see Stella, her eyes red and puffy. "Hey," I moved to wrap my arms around her waist, which she welcomed easily. "I'm sorry if we woke you." My lips kissed her cheek softly.

Stella hummed softly, her arms wrapped loosely around me, her eyes on Laurent. He was still standing in the middle of the room, stock still, unsure of what to do. "You're right." Stella's voice was hoarse, she cleared her throat before continuing. "Yuki especially will not want to see you right now. But if you can do me a small favor, I'll vouch for you."

He nodded, "Name your price my dear."

She squeezed me once before leaving my embrace to head into the kitchen, grabbing a stray paper I was given by my landlord, turning it over she wrote out a list. "With my lab destroyed, and our supply of tablets now severely limited, I need more supplies. I can get most of the instruments from work but there are a few things I can't get. If you could get them for me it'd be a great help. I'd ask Scar but I don't really want her to leave my side for long right now."

Completing the list she handed it to Laurent. He scanned it and nodded. "I see. I have an idea where I can get all this. How soon would you like it?"

She shrugged, leaning against the counter, "I'll get most of the rest at work tomorrow…or later today I guess." Her eyes moved to the digital clock on the stove. "I've got a shift in six hours. So later today would be great or even tomorrow. Just as soon as you can."

He nodded once more before pocketing the paper. "I'll get it. Thank you. And I am truly sorry for whatever James has done." He bowed at her, she simply nodded once more as he left.

I immediately moved to pull Stella back into my arms, her arms pulling me against her. She rested against me. "Come, you need rest. Especially if you really want to go into work. Though I think you need to take a day at least…"

As I expected she shook her head no. "I can't. My sisters and I need those tablets. We gave the Cullen's a small amount and I'm sure the girls have some in their cars but it won't be enough for long. They take twelve days to make. I need to start the process as soon as I can."

She looked up at me. I didn't like it but I knew I couldn't stop her. My face must've given away my thoughts, "I'll go in, talk to my boss and tell him what happened. I'll finish that shift then take a week off. You can help me start the process, then afterwards it's all just a waiting game."

I smiled, "Sounds like a plan my love." I leant down, kissing her softly before I pulled her back towards the bedroom. "You need rest."

She nodded, lying down with no resistance. Immediately she moved into my arms as I laid beside her, falling asleep almost instantly. As I ran my fingers through her hair, I couldn't help but marvel at her strength. Despite her loss, she was already moving forward. My girl wasn't one to let anything stop her for long. Just another reason to love her.

Rose's POV

Yuki borrowed my laptop to set up Skype so she could contact her friend Kyle. Bella and Alice were sitting on the couch next to us. The others had gone to school while the Denali's had gone out with Carlisle and Esme to give us some privacy. Yuki had sent a message earlier in the day, hoping he would find it in time and would be able to call around noon his time.

We were all just sitting in the living room, waiting for the familiar ringtone. Bella had an arm constantly draped over Alice. Considering the haunted look in her eyes I assumed the old wound Yuki briefly mentioned was still causing her some pain. Yuki for her part was standing strong. She appeared relaxed with a determined look in her eyes as she watched the screen. No sign of the pained look I saw last night, for which I was grateful.

Finally, the sound split the silence. Yuki immediately moved to answer while Bella shifted so she could be more easily seen by the camera. It took a few seconds but soon a face I'd seen only in a memory appeared. He was in a dark room, the only light source being the computer he used, but his grin was bright.

"-Yuki! Bella! Long time no see! How are you two?-" I couldn't understand the words he spoke but my brilliant Yuki had decided to type out what was said between the two in a notes document so Alice and I could keep up.

"-Been worse. Been better. How you been?-" Yuki couldn't seem to help but smile at her old friend. Bella gave him a little wave.

He shrugged, "-Eh you know. Same old same old. I take it this isn't a casual call?-"

Yuki frowned and shook her head. She went into explaining what had happened before asking if it seemed like the 'almighty dicklord' or his Elite Wolves had heard any interesting rumors regarding her pack's location.

Kyle thought for a moment before responding. "-I'm not sure…it could be possible. A few weeks ago the Elite Wolves began acting weird. Excited and on edge. Like they know some big secret. The only thing I can think of that would cause such a reaction would be if they found your hideout. It's no secret the Elite Wolves never liked your pack. But I don't know. I can start asking around or sneak about to see if I can get any juicy information to bring you.-" He grinned at his idea making Yuki frown.

"-Hey now…I don't want you putting yourself in danger now. If it wasn't so serious I wouldn't ask you to even attempt this. As it is…-" Yuki sighed. "-I really need to know if my sisters and I need to run or what. Please please please please be careful. But please find out something.-"

Laughter rang out, "-Oh love, you have little faith. Don't worry, I'll get you some juicy info!-" he winked at us before grinning wider, "-By the way, both your mates are hot! Catch you two later! Stay safe! Love you two!-"

Waving widely he hung up. Yuki just sighed before chuckling to herself. "Damn I miss him…"

"Same." Bella laughed. She kissed Alice's forehead, "Though I would've gone with gorgeous."

"What? Don't you think I'm hot?" Alice huffed, crossing her arms.

Yuki scoffed, "Please, you've got nothing on my Rose." She turned to wrap her arms around my neck, pulling herself on my lap, much to my amusement.

"Psh. That's not even a contest. I'm clearly hotter!" Alice stuck her noise up, trying to look haughty. She just seemed childish to me.

"You're a ballerina comparing herself to a Goddess. Just take the loss Ali." Yuki kissed my cheek before resting her head against me.

Alice was about to retort but Bella kissed her cheek, "You're smoking hot to me Raven."

That seemed to be all she needed to hear. "Good. Come on, we're going out."

"Huh? Where?" Bella was startled but didn't protest as Alice pulled her up and towards the garage.

"It's a secret!" and with that they were gone.

"Hm. That was odd." Yuki mumbled, her eyes on the door her sister vanished from.

"Not really, this is Alice we're talking about." Before she could react, I slipped an arm under Yuki's legs and stood, carrying her as I made my way upstairs. And much to my surprise she didn't say anything. Instead she just held me tighter, completely content to let me carry her off.

Once we were in my room with the door closed I let her go, setting her on my bed while I checked all the windows. "Hm…I'm not opposed to you just randomly taking me wherever, but this checking all the exits is making me a little nervous Rose."

"I just want to make sure no one overhears us. I'm not sure when the others will be back."

"Hm…and here I thought you'd wait a bit longer before trying to seduce me." That caused me to stop in my tracks, my eyes immediately landing on my lounging mate. She was at the edge of the bed, leaning back on her hands, her head tilted slightly to watch me with those piercing green eyes. At my shocked look she chuckled. "What's with the frightened look?"

"I…would…never…" I honestly felt insulted she would even insinuate…though to be fair I was acting rather…yeah…probably should've done this differently…

Yuki rolled her eyes and fell back on the bed, stretching her arms up, closing her eyes as she relaxed. "Relax angel. I know." She mumbled to herself in Japanese, another chuckle leaving her lips.

Frowning, I quickly moved so I was looking over her, my arms placed on her waist, making her green eyes open immediately. "And just what are you mumbling to yourself now?" I made sure to keep plenty of distance between us and made sure my hands were simply resting against her. I more than anything wanted to make sure she didn't feel trapped.

"Uh…" Yuki didn't move. Her cheeks flushed a lovely red. Her eyes darting between my eyes and lips.

"Well?" I pitched my voice low as I slowly leant over her, with only inches between us. The darkening look in her eyes nearly made me claim those tantalizing lips of hers. But I refrained, for now.

Yuki visibly swallowed. Her eyes struggling to focus on my own. After several minutes she spoke softly. "Just that…if…it's you…I wouldn't…really…mind…you know…" her cheeks darkened, but I couldn't figure out if it was from embarrassment or lust.

"Is that so?" she nodded slightly. "So if I just leant forward, a few inches more…?" Another nod, her eyes falling and staying on my lips, begging me to kiss her. I felt a shiver run through me, this is not what I intended but good God. How could I possibly pass this opportunity up?

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, then sat up putting distance between us before I forgot myself. "No, not like this…" I sighed, I nearly lost it there. Opening my eyes, I saw my blushing wolf sitting upright now, her face angled away from me but I could see her eyes clearly, and the regret and desire still in them. Reaching out I placed a finger on her chin, tilting her head up before placing a gentle kiss on her lips, making sure to keep it light and ending it far sooner than either of us wanted. "Later my love, I don't want to be hurried when I love you."

Her cheeks darkened further. Slowly she reached up and ran her fingers through my hair. "How much later?"

I chuckled and kissed her once more, "Not long if you keep looking at me like that."

Another blush as she looked away, mumbling to herself. I didn't ask this time. I had a good idea of what she said.

"Well…now that that's passed…can I bring up what I originally wanted to talk about?" I moved over to the window, making a show of checking it again so I could give my wolf some time to calm down.

After a pause she cleared her throat and spoke. "Yeah?"

"I realized something the other day…after putting a few pieces together. Remember when the Denali's told you what they learned of the legend and how a wolf needs to accept themselves completely, both the human and the wolf to stop the transformations?" I rested against the windowsill, watching my young mate. Her eyes looked haunted as the memory from long ago passed through her mind. She visibly shook herself, chasing it away.

She nodded, "Yea…how could I forget? That's the day I learned I'll probably never be rid of this damned curse unless I can accept what he did." Her eyes were hard, angry. She was glaring at the floor. "But I just…can't…not until I see him kneeling before me…powerless."

"You're wrong." Her head shot up. "If accepting what he did to you was really what you needed to do to break the curse, they why did you not break the curse before he hurt you?" confusion replaced anger. "That day, you said that before he hurt you, you accepted yourself completely. Then why did you not break the curse?"

Yuki was quiet for a moment. Thinking back to a time before the pain. "I did though…I accepted who I am."

"But you didn't accept your wolf."

"What?" Quizzical green eyes studied my own golden ones. She stood, a new and different anger in her eyes. "You didn't know me before. You have no right…!"

I quickly moved to her, once again placing my hands on her waist as nonthreateningly as I could. "Snowflake." She fell silent, now just quietly glaring up at me. Betrayal in her eyes. But I didn't back down. "You hate being the alpha." Shock. "You told Jacob in the clearing that you were the only one of the three of you who could take the position, but you loathed it and have said you wish you could've given it to one of your sisters instead. Out of the three of you, you had to take it. Because your wolf, is an alpha wolf."

Gently pressing against her I sat her back down, this time I knelt before her so I could watch her expressions. She was wide eyed and silent, her lips pressed tightly together as she took in my words. "If that's how you feel now, then I doubt you felt differently before." I reached up and cupped her cheek. "What he did, hurt you. But it isn't you. Just an act you faced. It is a part of you yes, but not who you are. An alpha though, is what your wolf is. If you can't accept that major part of your wolf, you can't break the curse."

Yuki was quiet. For a long time. I didn't move. Nor did she. We stayed still. Her breathing and heartbeat the only sounds. Until she finally parted her lips. "He raped me." her voice was quiet and shaky, but in the silence it felt like a yell. "I detest him and what he did. But that doesn't define me. That isn't me."

She was quiet again. Determination shinning in her eyes. This time, her voice was steady. "He raped me. But that doesn't define me. I am still Yuki Cross. I'm still standing. And I'll make him bow to me for what he did." Her eyes, once unfocused, zeroed in on me. "I'm not defined but what he did. Only my actions define me."

My lips formed a soft smile, "What you just said, is something that took me years to understand." I leant up and brushed her lips with my own. "You're still here. With me."

She clutched at me, burying her face against my neck breathing deeply. "That still leaves one problem now."

I ran my fingers through her dark hair. "I'm certain you'll come to understand that to. But that's something I can't help you with, never having been a wolf myself."

Yuki chuckled, "You'd make a pretty wolf."

"Well duh. I'm fucking gorgeous."

That made her laugh. "Well, aren't you full of yourself." She leaned back, grinning at me.

I merely raised an eyebrow. "Who's the one that called me a Goddess?"

She rolled her eyes, "Oh great, I've just inflated your ego even more. I didn't think that was possible."

"Well, you've just accomplished the impossible my love," grinning I kissed her again, longer this time. "And I'm certain you'll accomplish your task, regardless of the impossibility."

She smiled, "Well duh. I'm fucking amazing."

We both laughed until her lips caught mine, cutting us off. Pulling back slowly she spoke, "Thank you. I really love you, you know."

My breathing caught. My eyes searched hers. I saw only love shinning in her green eyes. I grinned. Leaning in to take another kiss, until she had to force herself away, breathing heavily. "I love you to." My voice was soft. Her cheeks flushed as a happy grin spread across her lips.

She kissed me again, softer this time. "Good."

Yuki tilted her head, her eyes going to the window, listening to something I couldn't hear. A few seconds passed before I could hear it, someone was running toward the house. "Victoria." Yuki stood, heading downstairs with me at her heels. We had just exited the house when she stepped out of the forest's edge.

"Hey," she walked up to us, her eyes lingering on Yuki for a few seconds before she spoke again, "I'm here to pick up any of Stella's things, and her car. I'm going to pick her up in a few hours."

I motioned toward the side of the house around the corner, we had all three cars parked there, "We've got a few bags of her clothes already in her back seat."

"Belle and I found some of her journals that weren't…well they're partially legible." Yuki moved to head back inside but Victoria stopped her.

"That's fine, just toss them." Yuki stiffened at the dismissal. Victoria smiled softly, "I've already got a plan set up for that, I just need some spare time. Don't worry. It'll be fine. Trust me."

Yuki ran a hand through her hair, pondering. Finally she nodded and headed inside, coming back with Stella's keys which she tossed at Victoria. "Then you're all set….she okay?"

Victoria twirled the keys in her hand. Her eyes thoughtful. "She's…not letting it drag her down. Like you, she's moving forward."

With that she left. Stella's car making barely a sound as it joined the others on the freeway. "Moving forward? Is that how it seems?" Yuki was staring at the ground, her arms wrapped around herself, eyes seeing nothing.

"Oh love," I moved to pull her in my arms, running my fingers through her hair, "that's how it is." I kissed her cheek, "Come on, let's take a walk." A soft hum was my only response.

A/N: Thank you for reading!