New Chapter.

"It's no wonder the deaths are increasing. Of course we should have suspected that leeches were behind it."

Jacob growled as he paced slightly in Sam and Emily's place that early afternoon. It was Sunday and my day off, though of course I presently had my biology textbook and notebook laid out in front of me where I sat at the dining.

It was a few days into June already. Exams where in a few days, and graduation after that. And then there was my birthday in about 2 weeks thereabout.

I would finally be 18. Huh. Time definitely had gone by quite a lot.

"I thought the doctor mentioned something about leech police?"

Embry spoke up from where he sat and Sam grunted.

"They're called the Volturi apparently. And it would be better not to trust them, or even bring attention to ourselves if they're still not doing anything about this."

"Are they not worried about being found out?"

Emily questioned where she stood by Sam, softly rubbing her fingers against his bicep in a way to calm the 21 year old.

Jacob snorted.

"They're leeches. I don't think they really care about humans at this point."

He slapped the paper down on the dining, and I finally glanced away from my notes to look at it.

'Murder Epidemic Continues — Police Have No New Leads.'

It was a copy of the Seattle Times. As of this past few weeks, the deaths and missing people cases had cropped up and increased at a rather alarming rate, and it was sort of worse, seeing as most of these deaths happened oddly and left some of the recovered victims with odd marks on their bodies.

Who could explain away bites across bodies of the dead, especially those that hadn't been… burnt… by the vampires?

A shudder went through me and a hand took the paper from my line of sight.

I looked up to see Paul staring down at me. He gave a small shake and I sighed quietly, going back to my school work.

I couldn't wait for graduation.

Really, I couldn't.

"So what's going to happen now?"

Quil finally spoke up where he playfully arm wrestled Embry.

"Now, we increase watch of La Push, as well as the Swan house. But more importantly, we intend to meet with the Cullens and get more information on these vampires and what can be done. Why are they gathering around Seattle? Do they have anything to do with the woman hunting after Bella? We have a lot of questions that need to be answered one way or the other."

Bella shrunk into herself where she sat opposite me across the table and I felt oddly vindictive at that.

It was slowly beginning to sink in just how much trouble she had gotten herself and everyone around her in.

Jacob sighed.

"Well, it's not like we can do anything about it today. There's the bonfire later on."

I perked up at that, closing my books and stretching.

As an imprint, I had been invited to join the bonfire and I was glad to have more time with Paul.

Bella had also been invited along as well, seeing as she was sort of a danger magnet at the moment and leaving her alone at home was a bad idea waiting to happen.

With her missing pillow and shirt, we already knew whoever it is that had entered our home days back was probably in cahoots with Victoria.

They had her scent now as well, so it was a definite that they knew where we lived. Now the worry was on whether or not we would be attacked anytime soon.

"Hey."

I glanced up to see Paul's extended hand and I smiled, grabbing hold of it as I stood up.

"Time to go?"

He hummed, pressing a kiss to my forehead and I smiled.

"Yeah. Jacob, Embry and Quil are gonna help Emily with the things she prepared for the Bonfire. Why don't we head towards the Black home?"

I nodded, burrowing my head into his clothed chest and sighing.

"I would prefer spending my time with you."

These past few days had been a little crazy, what with Paul keeping up with the rest of his brothers and watching not just La Push, but my home, and then I was getting ready for exams and graduation.

I hadn't even gone to Port Angeles since I got back from Florida. No one wanted to take chances with us running into the redheaded vampire, and I was more than okay to adhere to that rule.

Besides, I had some outfits I could plan for graduation anyways, no need to get anything new for now.

Paul chuckled, softly taking a hold of my chin and pressing a soft kiss on my lips.

"I wouldn't mind that either."

"Sadly you can't."

Jared walked past with a mocking grin as he walked out the door, both of us behind and I threw a middle finger at the back of his head, making Paul chuckle.

"Come on, tiny. Let's get going."

"I told you to stop calling me that!"

I huffed at him as we got to my car and he smirked.

"Sorry short stuff, but you're just so tiny."

I sniffed, entering my car as he sat on the other side.

Next to my car, Bella climbed into her truck, Jacob entering with her while Embry and Quil got in the truck bed while japing with the other.

Arriving at the Black home, Paul and I trudged towards the backyard hand in hand while the chatter of those around us registered more in the background than anything.

"Are you okay?"

He softly nudged as we turned the corner to see a slightly raging bonfire with some logs around it and he drew me to a stop.

"Well, as good as can be. I'm… tired."

I softly admitted, nodding mostly to myself.

Paul hummed softly, drawing me into his chest and I hugged him midriff.

"It's okay not to be okay, you know that right?"

I shrugged listlessly. Everything was changing. In a few months, I HAD to leave for school. Paul and I… we hadn't really talked… about what it meant, and I know he was waiting for me to bring it up so as not to seem pushy, but perhaps my nerves were failing me at the right time now.

I looked up at him as he peered down.

"Hey… are we good?"

I softly questioned l, and he raised an eyebrow, lips quirking a little.

"We're good, Gabby. Never forget that."

I smiled, leaning on my tippy toes, throwing my arms around his shoulders as I relaxed into his soft but very hungry kisses, and I hummed, reciprocating just as much.

"Hey! Take your mushiness elsewhere!"

Jacob called out with a whine where he stood, poking the bonfire with a stick as Paul and I separated, throwing him unimpressed looks.

"Maybe looking elsewhere would do you some good!"

Paul teased his cousin who threw him a middle finger.

Old Quil who had been standing next to him saw and raised his walking cane, using the end to poke Jacob on his butt, and said boy jumped with a yelp, making Quil, Embry and Billy chuckle.

"Watch your attitude, brat!"

Jacob glared.

"I see you doing worse, old man!"

Old Quil threw Jacob a glare, raising his cane once more.

"How dare you, how dare you!"

"Ow! Dad!"

Billy ignored him.

I snickered, walking towards Billy with Paul.

"Hey Billy."

"Gabby! Good to see you again."

"We saw a couple of days ago."

Billy snorted.

"That's enough for someone to have died."

I raised an eyebrow at that.

"Geez Billy. Way to be optimistic."

He shrugged.

"Saying it as it is. Paul, good to see you too, son."

Paul grinned.

"Hey Billy."

A few feet away, Bella sat on a log, hands tucked into her jacket as I caught the wistful look in her eyes when she saw Paul and I's entwined hand.

I looked away immediately. There was nothing I could say to her about that after all.

"Gabby!! Bella!!"

The overexcited voice of Seth Clearwater cut through as I turned just in time to be swept into the strong arms of the 15 year old boy.

"Woah!"

I laughed slightly as I was lifted up and then put down.

Stepping back a little, I found myself… looking UP at this kid.

Man! It's not fair!

Just last year, I understand he was taller, but he was around Bella's height. About 5'7 to my 5'4. And then during the funeral, he had added some inches more, no doubt about that.

Now though… now he was as tall as his pack brothers!!

At least 6'0 there about and it was obvious he'd still grow seeing as he was STILL GOING THROUGH PUBERTY!!!

"Stop pouting. You're worrying him."

Paul jested with a smirk as he folded his arms but I couldn't stop myself as I frowned at the younger boy.

"It's not fair! Why is everyone I know taller than me!"

I huffed, and Seth beamed, puffing up.

"I did grow, didn't I? Isn't it great??"

"For you."

I grouched and his smile widened. I couldn't stay mad at him, he was so adorable!

"So you're Paul's imprint. What's it like? Do you think I'd have one soon? Or am I too young? I asked Leah and she threatened to bash my head in and then I asked—"

"Okay pup."

Paul stepped in, softly grabbing the younger boy by the scruff of his neck and Seth snickered.

"Let's get you to the others. Maybe you could ask them questions instead."

As he led the younger boy off, he turned to wink at me and I chuckled, watching him walk off with a flutter in my tummy.

Looking at him… basking in his presence… it never felt old. Perhaps that was what it felt like to have something like a soulmate… something better.

Everyday just felt like a newer and better beginning.

"That is so sickening."

I jumped slightly, turning to see Leah staring at me with a raised eyebrow, and I grinned.

"Hey Leah!"

A glint appeared in my eyes as I jogged over, arms wide to bring her into a hug and she gave me a disgusted look, raising a hand to my head so as to distance us and I laughed out in amusement.

"Don't even think about it, Swan."

"Hey! Congrats on your graduation. How does it feel?"

Leah shrugged as she put her hand down.

"Like shit."

I blinked.

"Too much responsibilities to being an adult. Better enjoy the freedom you have now squirt. It won't last."

"Huh. Hey, don't call me squirt."

Leah sniffed.

"I'll call you whatever the heck I want, squirt."

I rolled my eyes though I couldn't stop the smile on my face.

"So you're definitely not looking forward to jobs and stuff?"

Leah snorts.

"I think we'd rather deal with the whole leech business first."

"Oh yeah. That."

I stifled a sigh, something Leah noticed.

"At least you knew to be wary of the Cullens. Your sister on the other hand, is a fucking idiot."

With that, she walked off, and I continued to stare at her with amusement bubbling in my chest.

Leah Clearwater really was something else.

The bonfire picked up in no time, with Sue joining and in no time, Kim arriving.

The fire crackled and sparks shot out occasionally as we all gathered and enjoyed each other's company.

I sat in between Paul and Kim as I chattered away with the other girl while cuddling into Paul's warmth.

Hotdogs being passed around and munched on, bags of chips in hands and root beer being exchanged amongst us while the adults chugged on beer instead.

Bella sat in between Jacob and Seth, the younger boy seemingly chattering away at her while her eyes seemed almost clouded.

I stifled a snort before turning back to Kim who spoke about her scented candles business. The fact that she was still into it told me that she was very interested, and I really wished her the best for it.

She was happy and that was that.

On one side, Emily sat next to Sam as they both discussed quietly amongst each other, a book and pen in her hand as she listed things she still needed for her wedding in the summer.

A yawn escaped my lips and Paul focused on me, placing his chin on my head.

"Sleepy?"

I shook my head.

"Just a little bit. When will this be over?"

He snorted, slightly amused as he glanced down with his honey colored eyes.

"Technically this is a council meeting, you know."

I perked up at that.

"Really?"

"Yeah. This should be your first. As well as Leah, Seth and Quil. And your sister I guess."

He shrugged and I hummed, looking around curiously.

"What's going to happen?"

"Oh just sharing some of the tribes secrets. You deserve to know them now. You are one of us."

He winked and my stomach fluttered slightly.

"Oh… and what about Bella?"

He made a face for a second.

"The more vital secrets will be for another day. For today, they'll probably tell one of our stories."

I grinned, clenching and unclenching my hands in anticipation.

"Ooh! That sounds wonderful!"

Immediately I said that, Billy cleared his throat, and the chatters seemed to die down as everyone focused on the Quileute chief.

He looked into their fire, tapping at his lap where he sat in his wheelchair, his eyes burning bright like he was seeing into the past where his ancestors once lived and thrived.

"The Quileutes have been a small people from the beginning."

He began, his voice rich and deep. The words poured out with precision, as if he knew them by heart. The story of his ancestors and their ability to step out of their bodies for a period of time, down to the story of how they became wolf shifters.

Filled with heartbreak and bravery and sorrow and strength.

It was no wonder why the wolves were so close. Why they were so against vampires.

It was no wonder why they despised the Cullens for moving back here.

Because of them, they began to shift once more. Because of their continued stay in Forks, they had doomed an entire generation of Quileutes to becoming wild beasts of nature that could be difficult to control.

Because of them, their future was an unsure one. Would they live past their youth, would they age normally, would they be able to connect with the normal world as they once had?

As I looked around, watching the sad looks in their eyes, I grasped at Paul's hand and squeezed slightly, placing a kiss on his shoulders as leaning into him more.

Perhaps they hated the shift, but one could tell it wasn't everything they disliked about it.

Quil seemed to agree with my thoughts as he spoke up after Billy and Old Quil finished the story.

"Well I think shifting is cool."

He blurted out into the contemplative silence, Seth nodding rapidly in agreement and Billy chuckled but said nothing.

A little further away, I saw Leah dabbing away at her tears as discreetly as possible.

Bella seemed to have shrunk in on herself after hearing the tale, and she looked like to be questioning a number of things in her head.

I blinked slightly, struggling a little not to fall asleep.

"Sleepy?"

Paul asked quietly and I could only hum in agreement as I rubbed at my eyes.

"Come on. Time to head home."

I raised an eyebrow at that.

"What?"

"Tomorrow's Monday , you know. And your finals are in a few days. Not to forget your dad's gonna shoot me if you're home before 12am. It's already past 11:30."

"Oh!"

I took out my phone from my pocket and turned it on, wincing a little at its intense light.

Sure as heck, it was already past 11:30, and I had a message from my dad asking when Bella and I would be home, seeing as he had to stay at the station.

I sighed, even as Paul gently helped me up.

"Why can't I just stay over with you? I'll be even safer."

I wrapped my arms around his waist, leaning on my tippy toes and pressing soft kisses on his jaw and he chuckled.

"Now I'd really love that. But your sister is here. You think she's gonna be able to pass off a lie on your behalf?"

I sniffed.

"I'm not taking my chances, thanks."

I threw her a glare where Jacob sat next to her, whispering excitedly in her ear though she looked a mile away in her head.

"Come on, tiny."

Paul glanced down at Quil and Embry who nodded, getting to their feet.

"Alright then, we should start packing now. We have first watch with the Swans."

Embry spoke up as he stretched and Quil bounded over, throwing a hand around my shoulder and ignoring Paul's side eye.

"How about it babe? A sleepover?? It'll be epic!"

I chuckled, opening my mouth for a retort when Paul cut in.

"You know what'll be even more epic? Breaking your fucking arm."

He glared at the offending boy who let out a fake gasp of horror, hand to his chest.

"Why Paul! Why are you so rude to little ol' me? Your pack brother? Your—"

I walked off with Paul, giggling even as I waved everyone goodnight as we walked towards my car.

The journey back home didn't take long, especially with Paul driving. Yes, I let someone drive my baby. Shocking, but with my eyes so heavy, I would definitely not be taking my chances with my car. And Paul too… and myself, of course.

We trudged up the stairs, hand in hand and once we entered my room, I immediately jumped on him, laying a kiss on his lips and I felt him chuckle against me as he held my thighs.

"Well someone missed me."

I leaned back slightly.

"Do you want me to stop kissing you?"

Paul chuckled.

"Please, ravish me away."

I stifled a giggle, leaning into another kiss, this one slower and sensual.

I hummed slightly in satisfaction as he but down softly on my neck as he laid me on my bed, our bodies pressed together.

I eagerly grabbed at the helm of his shirt and he paused.

"I'm pretty sure Embry and Quil are out in the forest, tiny."

"Not my problem."

He let out a low chuckle, kissing my neck and I let out a sigh even as he let me remove his shirt.

"Just so you know how good out ears are."

I paused in that moment, tilting my head slightly and he leaned back, eyes dark with want but also glinting with amusement.

"Well… it's not like your minds are not all connected anyway."

I shivered uncomfortably at the thought and he smiled.

"I'm experienced. I know how to block my more private thoughts. It might take a while to learn for Quil and perhaps Jacob and Embry but I'm sure they'll learn soon. As for you…"

He dipped his hands beneath my shirt, rubbing circles on my skin and my eyes filtered close.

"You just have to endure some of their teasing after this… if you're up for it."

Oh I was up for it alright…

Monday.

June 4th.

Walking out of my car, I was met with a smiling Angela who had her new camera in hand.

A present she'd gotten a few weeks away from her grandparents as a 'graduation' present.

"Hey you!"

Click!

I blinked slightly surprised though my smile grew.

"Morning. And what are you doing? Cornering unsuspecting victims and taking their pictures?"

Angela scoffed as she checked the pictures.

"I am not hanging up on anyone. Only taking pictures of all the people I'll miss before graduation… which is in a week, by the way."

"Damn… time sure flies. I'll miss you so much!"

I grabbed the taller girl in a hug and she giggled as we swayed.

"What's going on here?"

We both turned to see Jessica walking over with a curious look on her face and I waved her over.

"Get in here. I'm already missing you guys."

Jessica wrinkled her nose slightly.

"First of all, it's not graduation yet, so I'm not shedding any tears so soon. Second, we're both going to New York, so… and also, no tears! I'll cry if you guys cry!"

I sniffed, rolling my eyes as the brown haired girl stomped her feet with a pout.

"No one's crying Jess, we're just hugging."

Angela spoke up with a wry smile and without so much as a by your leave, I yanked at the other girls' pink wooly sweater and pulled her into the hug, ignoring her help while Angela laughed out.

"Gabby! This is a new jacket and it cost a lot!"

"I'm much more important than that jacket."

"I think not!"

"Excuse me—"

"What are you guys doing?"

We paused our argument, looking behind us from the three way hug to see Eric and Mike staring at us weirdly.

A glint appear in my eyes as I exchanged a look with Angela.

"You thinking what I'm thinking, Amigo?"

Angela grinned.

"Why of course I am, Mi Amigo."

Jessica blinked, confused.

"What are you both talking—"

"Gah!"

"Hey!"

"Woah!"

We dragged the two boys into our hug, squishing ourselves slightly.

"Hugs!!"

I cried out maniacally, ignoring Jessica's whining and Mike's hair tickling the side of my face.

We were slowly beginning to attract stares.

"What exactly are we doing?"

Mike sighed out.

"Some weird ritual? Just so you know, I don't think my girlfriend would be happy to see me squished between girls, even if I'm just friends with you three."

Eric spoke up and Jessica rolled her eyes snidely.

"Oh. I thought you'd have broke up with her already."

Eric glared at the girl.

"Take that back!"

I ignored them as a familiar car stopped a few feet from us and Lauren and Tyler arrived, having been dropped by Lauren's mom.

I beamed.

"Hey you two!"

I ignored the stares from the students that passed us.

Lauren and Tyler looked over and I motioned them over.

"What exactly are we doing?"

Mike sighed out and I huffed.

"We're hugging. In remembrance of our friendships!"

"What's this?? A five way hug? Count me in!"

Tyler bounded over with an easy going grin, squishing himself between Angela and Eric who yelped at being elbowed in the side.

"Woah! Too much people!"

"Lauren, get in here!"

Angela called out with a laugh and the platinum blonde looked at us with a disgusted look, arms crossed.

"Too many germs between you guys. I'd rather not."

I huffed, giving her a look.

"Better get in here or I'll tell Tyler about Halloween last year."

Her eyes widened and I smirked like a cat that caught a canary.

"Wait, what happened Halloween last year? Gabby? Lauren?"

Tyler looked between us but we both ignored him and continued eyeing each other until Lauren let out a groan.

"Fine. Move over Mike!"

She pushed her way in between Mike and I while grumbling though I could tell she didn't really mind either.

"So what now?"

A confused Eric spoke once more and Angela was the one who spoke up this time.

"Now… we take a picture!"

She raised her camera before calling over a girl we knew from our year to take a picture of us as we hugged 7 ways.

"Stop matching me, Eric!"

Jessica shrieked and stomped on Eric who let out a pained help.

"Argh! Motherfucker!!"

"Detention, Mr. Yorkie!"

A teacher's voice resonated from somewhere and I stifled a snicker as Eric turned sounded eyes at our Biology teacher.

"The bell hasn't even rang yet!!"

The bell rang in that moment. There was a moment of silence, and we all burst into hysterical laughter.

The girl with the camera took our pictures in that moment before we slowly began disentangling ourselves.

Angela thanked the student as she got back her camera and I walked over to look at the picture as well.

My smile widened.

It looked beautiful… wistful. It made my heart pang.

Our faces so carefree, laughing out loud, arms around each other, eyes closed and heads thrown back.

We looked happy.

No, we WERE happy.

"I'm definitely going to miss this."

"Me too."

Angela added and Mike cleared his throat.

"This is probably as good a time as any to mention that I got my admission to study at Whitman College."

"Oh congrats man!"

"Ooh! Rich boy!"

Tyler playfully teased and Mike rolled his eyes though his smile was still on his face.

"Shut up, man!"

We laughed and jeered and congratulated as we headed towards our respective classes.

Whitman was a private college in Walla Walla, Washington. Mike was going to be studying Business so as to be able to take over his parents place when the time came for him to.

It seems we all knew where we were going to now. Amongst my friends, that is.

Tyler was going to WSU, Washington State University, just like Eric. As for Lauren, we already knew she was taking a year off to be with her daughter and also prepare herself for a number of things.

Jessica was going to NYU and Angela had her mind set on Seattle University. As for me, yes I'd gotten an acceptance into NYU already but I still had my hopes set on Juilliard and though I was still filled with worry, I was counting down the days to getting my letter from them. Hopefully it would be a positive one.

As for my sister, she had been a little quiet lately but that was to be expected. Having a vampire, or rather vampires after her seemed to have mellowed her down.

I worried for the boys and Leah still though.

They were the ones standing in the way of Bella and possibly me, being vampire food. At the moment, they were planning meetings with the Cullens. Said people I'd been making sure to avoid, especially that new one. She just had an odd outlook to herself that made me fear her. And for the first time in a long time, my sister agreed subconsciously with me, seeing as she stayed away from her at all times too.

Shaking my head, I snapped out of my thoughts. It wouldn't do to bury myself with worry.

Finals were in a few days and Graduation in the coming week. There were other things to worry about for now. Including the fact that I would be turning 18 in a few weeks time.

I could hardly wait!

The rest of the week went by as smoothly as could be.

The whole town seemed to be in a festive spirit surprisingly enough.

Mom had also called to inform about her inability to make it for graduation. Phil had gotten into a minor accident and broken his leg so mom had to stay with him so he wouldn't stress the leg, especially for travel.

I would have been hurt if I hadn't seen my mom just a few weeks back, but I had and so I wished Phil a speedy recovery.

Also, it was probably a good thing. I don't know how my dad really felt at the moment. When hed5 been informed of my mom's pregnancy, I think he'd genuinely been surprised at that, and I'd seen the numerous emotions that went through his eyes in that moment before he'd called to congratulate her.

I knew he was still fond of my mom, but I think that was the kick he actively needed to realize mom was really moving on with life and he needed to as well.

I don't know, but there was now a certain air to him. A change that I'd been noticing slowly but surely. Hopefully he opened up to the thought of relationships again. If anyone deserved happiness, it was my dad.

Another thing I knew was that I needed to talk with Paul. It was something I'd been avoiding for quite a time now. But it wouldn't take long for me to be forced to bring it up, especially since I knew he was giving me the space I needed.

With graduation on the horizon, I had plans for my future. Plans that I didn't want to give up on. I love Paul, no doubt about it, but I also worried about us. I was looking to school in New York, and then after that, find a place in the world of theatre and stage. La Push was a small town far from New York.

It scared me what that meant. What it could mean. If I would have to make a decision that would leave me sad forever. Would I have to choose one over the other? Because I know who I would choose, but leaving my dreams behind let me know that I would be unhappy for the rest of my life.

No matter how I looked at it, I would have to talk with Paul one way or the other.

But perhaps not now. Perhaps after all this issues got dealt with. The vampires and graduation.

Yes.

I could go with that.

The week passed without issues, thankfully enough.

Thursday and Friday got filled with Finals. It was almost like a calm before the storm and as I dropped my pen with a small sigh, realizing this was the end of my High School years, it felt like one less baggage off my shoulder.

Exchanging giddy smiles with my close friends where we sat as the teacher went about collecting our papers, I couldn't help but think… things were going to change even more.

It was only better to embrace it now.

With my head held high and my shoulders straight.

For graduation was nigh.

And that's it!

Next chapter is graduation, graduation party and another imprinting!

I'm a few chapters this fic will be ending!!!

It's been a long time coming, hm?

We'll surely miss Gabby once this is over. Don't worry, I intend to have epilogues so you know where your favorite characters end up later on.

The vampire fight will come up soon too while Gabby eagerly awaits her letter from Juilliard.

A calm before the storm indeed.