Chapter 18

So I've been on a little writing spree the last few days, I've written two chapters for you, I hope you enjoy them. There is some important plot as well as a few things that are setting up for other plot lines. Enjoy xx

Rosalie POV

Every time I thought that having Bella around was actually good, just when I saw how happy my brother, my twin for all intents and purposes, was with her something happened and it all became rather complicated again. To be fair to her, it wasn't her fault that there was a wolf around, but she was friends with him and the ones most likely to make the change as well and now we had to deal with the possible ramifications to the treaty.

It had all started as a fun night out. At first I was confused about Alice's sudden need to go hunting and wanting to get everyone out, but a quick look and her eyes darting to Bella and Jasper prompted me to look at them and they were sitting very close and making eyes at each other and I knew that Bella must have enlisted Alice's help. It was a little funny to me that Bella was so afraid of being overheard but I guessed that being in a long term relationship as well as a close family had warped my own perceptions over time and it would have bothered me once upon a time.

We found the mountain lions Alice had promised fairly quickly and all had our fill before the night devolved into scrappy play fights. Emmett annihilated Edward to begin with, and after that fight was over Alice, Carlisle and I joined in while Esmé was the referee. It was a fun night, and something that I don't think any of us realised we had missed in the last few months since Bella had figured out that it was our hunting schedule impacting Jasper so much. I even shocked myself when I suggested that not only should we do this more often but we should include Bella. While I may not be her number one fan, I could see she was good for the family.

But then the light mood changed when Alice announced in the most terrified voice I had ever heard her use that she couldn't see. But before we could really react to that we could hear something very large approaching at a very fast pace. It was coming directly to us and there was something very deliberate about its movements.

Instinctually we all scrambled up the tall trees surrounding the little clearing we were in and perched on the highest branches to observe.

The wolf that burst into the clearing was almost enough of a shock to send me falling out of the tree.

I had seen these wolves before and it had not been a pleasant experience to say the least.

The wolf was snapping and growling from where it paced up and down the clearing. It could see us, smell us, hear us, but clearly couldn't get to us. The wolf had to be young, and very newly a wolf. There was something uncoordinated about his movements, he was stumbling and unsure of how he was moving.

It was there, perched on the slender branch above me that Alice found her sight again.

"Rose, Charlie is going to call Bella soon and she needs to speak with him, this is her friend Sam down there and she needs to go with her father, it's safe there. You need to get back to the house and explain the wolves to her." Alice said in the lowest possible voice, almost not audible to me, and with her eyes still blank and scanning the future.

"Why should I have to be the one to risk my life?"

"You're the fastest one who can get there and give her the full story objectively. The rest of us will run and that leads him away. I think." She said before her eyes focused again and she looked at me with wide eyes. "I can't see the wolf." She added horrified. "And we need to use Bella to open up communication with the tribal elders, they know her and will respond better."

"Fine. I trust you." I replied to her as she began to move through the trees to let everyone else know what was happening, and Edward did the same after hearing her thoughts.

And so began the latest run for my life. I was fast. As fast as Jasper and nearly as fast as Edward. And I was pushing for full pace. But if I messed up, or my family messed up and lost the wolf, I'd be dead.

I felt such immense relief when I finally saw the house and I knew I was safe.

Within fifteen minutes I'd filled Jasper in on the situation and was sitting in Edward's Volvo, the car that was parked behind mine and most convenient, with a very confused and concerned Bella.

"So it doesn't end with vampires, there are werewolves too?" She asked as I pulled out of the garage.

"Yeah," I said with a sigh, "Although these wolves technically aren't true werewolves, they do exist, although we had assumed they had died out."

"So you've met them before?"

"When we were in Forks last time we came across them. It was a shock to say the least." I said, thinking back to that day we found the wolves. "It turns out they exist purely to protect their tribe from vampires, and they very nearly attacked us."

"Wait, I thought only vampires could kill vampires?" Bella asked somewhat shocked.

"Usually, but like every rule in this world there is an exception. And although it didn't get to that point last time, I fear what a wolf could do to us should there be an opportunity to attack."

"So what happened then?" She was curious, and I could perfectly understand why, but this conversation shouldn't have happened like this, it should have happened long ago.

"We made a treaty with them. No going on their land, and they wouldn't come onto ours, no killing people and no new vampires." I outlined it basically. "So now you can see why there might be some problems. So we need you to act as a mediator between us and the tribe to set up communication so we can explain what happened on our end to have two more vampires and what's going on with you."

"So another complication to all of our lives." She stated, sounding almost as displeased as I did.

"Believe it or not, before you we lived a very peaceful life." I added dryly, not truly having a go at her… well maybe a little.

"Oh don't worry, I know I've fucked up all of your perfect lives," Bella laughed, "I really am sorry that I made everything complicated." She added.

"Don't apologise. I've been a real bitch to you and you didn't deserve it." I sincerely apologised. "I just worry about my family, they are the only thing I have left in my life and I will protect them with my life. But I acknowledged some time ago that you are a part of the family now and that means worry about and will protect you too."

"Thank you Rosalie, that really does mean a lot to me."

The rest of our trip passed in silence. Bella thanked me as I pulled up in her driveway.

"Be safe around the other boys on the reservation, you never know who'll be the next one." I said to her.

"I will, and you too, and pass that on to everyone else, if he's anything like his is as a person as a wolf, Sam won't stop until something makes him." She said to me before she made her way inside and I headed back home. Ready to make my way back out to the rest of my family with Jasper.

Bella POV

The ride home with Rosalie was uncomfortable but also enlightening. It was a good chance for us to talk and to find out about the wolves was truly incredible. It was bizarre to think there were more mythical creatures running around this tiny town. But also I wasn't totally surprised. Jacob had told me about the wolves so long ago when I forced him to tell me about vampires. Of course I hadn't beloved him but I really should have when half his story turned out to be true.

I ran inside to grab my keys, a bottle of water and a granola bar before I made a record breaking drive (well for the truck anyway) to La Push. The whole way I could feel that pulling feeling in my chest again. It normally wasn't so strong but I knew Jasper was heading out into a possibly dangerous situation and my instincts screamed against letting him.

I didn't know where anyone would be, but I knew Leah would be distraught so I tried the Clearwater's first.

I found Seth sitting on the front step looking lost.

"Hey Bella." He said as I stepped out the truck.

"Hey Seth, how's it all going?" I asked.

"It's all a bit of a disaster." He sighed. "No one knows where Sam is, Leah is both upset and furious, I don't know what to do and they won't let me join the search." He unloaded.

"That's really rough Seth, do you think me seeing Leah will help?" I asked as I placed a consoling hand on his shoulder, unsure of what else to say or do.

"It might, but I think she's asleep now, I can go check if you want?"

"No that's alright Seth, I can come back after. Do you know where everyone else is? I want to see what I can do to help." I asked, not wanting to interrupt Leah if she was asleep, I had a feeling she wouldn't be getting much at the moment.

"Yeah they moved the headquarters, I guess you could call it, to Billy's to give Sam's Mom some peace. Your Dad came and picked mine up nearly an hour ago to head over. I can call you when Leah wakes up if she wants some company if you want?"

"That'd be great Seth, let me know if you need anything else too." I responded before I headed off to Billy's just a short drive away.

Billy's house was in absolute chaos. Charlie's car was parked out the front and I could hear several men talking inside through the open front door and I could see the boys through the window to the living room. I didn't even knock as I walked in, I made my way to the tiny kitchen packed with people looking over a map and deciding where they were going to search. Charlie looked up as I entered and nodded to acknowledge I was there, but I pretty quickly figured out that I was of very little use there in front of so many people I couldn't openly speak with.

I waited for people to leave in the living room with the rest of the boys. Jacob was sitting on the floor by the small couch that was occupied by Quil and Embry and there were two other boys, well one was more of a man really, standing by the door obviously listening to what was being said in the kitchen and waiting to be told what to do.

"Bella!" Quil greeted me as I walked in.

"Hey guys, how are you doing?" I asked. They all gave varying replies somewhere along the lines doing alright but worried. "Me too." I answered with a lie. Well not really, I was worried, but more about my adoptive family being chased by a deranged wolf that had once been Sam, and not so much about Sam. But it was a little concerning how easy it was to lie.

"Oh, this is Paul and Jared." Jacob said as a bit of an afterthought. "Paul is Sam's best friend, and Jared goes to school with us and is also mine and Quil's cousin."

"Basically everyone here is related." Jared laughed, the other boys joining in.

A minute later Charlie and Harry came into the room and asked who was joining the search. All of the boys were and they quickly separated them into the groups they would be joining and everyone headed out. It was a sight to see, all the boys looking serious and everyone dressed in hiking and hunting gear, a few of the men with guns in case there was a threatening animal. Little did they know there was most definitely a threatening animal out there.

"You heading out with us Bella?" Charlie asked as everyone started to leave.

"Nah, I don't think I'll be much help in the woods, I'll stay here and keep Billy company, and then later I'll head around to see Leah." I answered, not quite believing I would be able to speak with Billy alone so soon.

"Good call. I have a bad feeling about what could be hanging around in the woods, I'd rather you not out there." He said and I nodded my agreement and promised Dad I would stay out of the woods.

And then everyone was gone.

I made my way back to the kitchen where Billy was still looking over the map.

"So what's with the whole big search party, we both know they aren't going to find him?" I said.

"I don't know what you mean Bella, we are concerned for Sam's wellbeing and are all looking for him." He answered.

"Cut the crap Billy. I knew everything." I answered, annoyed that he thought I had no idea what I had gotten myself into.

"Everything?" He questioned.

"Yep. The Wolves, the Cullen's, and the treaty. Plus probably a whole lot more than what you know." I said.

"How can you know everything and yet still stay with that leech?" He asked, somewhat outraged, "Do you know what they truly are and what they are capable of?!"

"I know better than you Billy," I said and took a breath before continuing. "But I also know that I can't live without Jasper." I answered, unconsciously rubbing the bite mark scar I still had on the inside of my wrist. As I did whenever my thoughts drifted towards the attack and everything I had learned about vampires as a result.

"You haven't even tried. Can't you see how this will affect Charlie?" He continued.

"Look Billy, this is none of your business but I am dealing with the consequences. And I would love to give you the information I know about Sam, but if you are just going to attack me for my life choices then I'll leave."

"What do you know?" He asked tersely.

"That he is currently chasing my family and boyfriend a few miles out from Forks and I am the only link you have with them."

"Wait, they know where he is and are willing to help?" Billy asked, somewhat bewildered.

"Yeah, and someone is going to message me every time they pass a land mark that we can track." I replied, pulling out my cell phone, and opening the message I had received on my way to La Push. "Edward messaged me a while ago saying they were passing this trail here." I said, pointing at the corresponding trail, the one that lead to Edward's meadow.

And so began my tense day with Billy. He didn't want to see my side of the story when it came to vampires, and I couldn't accept his side that all vampires where monsters. I knew for a fact they weren't. Billy and I hardly spoke other than for me to update him on Sam's location while he kept himself entertained with maps and a newspaper and I busied myself on my phone.

That changed at lunch time when my phone ringing broke the heavy silence around the small kitchen table. I didn't feel like talking in front of Billy so I took the call outside and away from the window.

"Hey Emmett." I answered.

"Hey Bella, look, we lost the wolf. One minute he was on our tails and the next he was gone so we doubled back to keep looking but we came across another scent and we think he's trying to track that."

"Who's scent Emmett?" I asked, fearing the worst.

"Victoria's." He answered and I had no words. I could hear the wind whipping past the phone so I knew he was still travelling fast, but I had no idea where he was or where Victoria was.

"Where are you, is she near Forks?" I eventually asked.

"I'm down the bottom of the Olympic peninsula with Edward, Rose, and Jasper. We are still tracking Sam and now Victoria. Alice, Esmé and Carlisle have gone back to trace where Victoria came from. Don't worry Bella, you're safe, Forks is safe, and if it looks like she starts heading back up your way we'll be right there."

"Thanks Em."

"No worries Bella. We'll let you know how it's all going but the updates will be fewer and far between, we'll mostly just let you know if we are heading back up North for any reason."

So I was safe, but my worst fears were confirmed. Victoria was in the general area and could very well be after me.

I updated Billy, saying that Sam had found another vampire's scent and was tracking them so they were following as well. I didn't tell him that I knew who the vampire was or that it could be a potentially dangerous situation though. I needed time to process that myself.

I ended up at the Clearwater's again, hopeful that I could see Leah and try to help her out a little. Seth was inside this time, he let me in, and I found Leah and Sue at their little dining table nursing cups of tea with another woman. I could only see her from behind as I entered, and Sue stood from where she sat opposite the door and hugged me, pulling me in to sit beside Leah.

"Thank you for coming Bella, we could all use a friendly face and some news, Charlie told me you would be at Billy's when I saw him as the search party set off. Oh, and this is my niece, Emily." She said gesturing to the woman I didn't know.

Emily looked every part the beautiful Quileute girl. Dark skin, darker hair that fell dead straight down past her shoulders and big brown eyes. But her beauty was marred by a series of scars along the right side of her face and on her exposed right forearm. I tried not to stare and introduced myself.

"Lovely to meet you Bella," She said in a lovely voice, "Although I wish it had been better circumstances." She added, and I could see from the way she carried herself and spoke that she was older, perhaps a couple of years older than Leah, who was a year older than me, and that she had wisdom beyond her years too.

"Yeah, same to you." I replied as Sue set down a mug of tea in front of me that I hadn't even noticed she'd left to get. "Well do you want to hear what I know so far?" I asked, mainly addressing Leah who hadn't even said anything yet, not that I blamed her. She nodded and for the first time I saw the vulnerability in her face and tears in her eyes.

"Well they haven't found anything yet other than the footprints they already knew about so they know he walked out of the house voluntarily, and Charlie doesn't think there is anything to suggest there was anyone else around or that there was foul play." I started, not sure how much Leah knew and trying to weave the lie in my head believably. "Right now they think he just got lost in the woods and they are confident they'll find him soon. They haven't found anything to suggest he won't be. Not even any animal tracks."

"So you know nothing?" Leah said in a flat voice. There was so much pain in her eyes but she kept it all out of her voice, not willing to fully show her true emotions.

"I'm sorry." It was all I could offer her. But hopefully by telling her no one was worried that anything bad had happened to him it would help calm her down.

We made small talk and tried to keep the conversation light but Leah was off in another world throughout it all. Not too long after I arrived a small beeping from the kitchen started.

"Oh, my pie is ready." Sue said as she stood up. "Would everyone like some?" She asked and we all nodded.

"I'll help you." I said standing up, I needed to let Sue know what was actually happening, and I knew she was in on it.

"Thank you Bella." She said and I followed her into the kitchen.

"So I gather you know everything?" She asked me quietly.

"Yeah, the Cullen's filled me in on it all. They've been keeping me updated, he's safe and eventually they are going to try and lead him back towards La Push." I answered.

"Oh good, Carlisle's a good man and I'm happy to know he's helping. It was a bit of a shock for us all that Sam changed so suddenly, we thought it was still a while off."

"Carlisle's the best, and the rest of the family try so hard to emulate him."

"I work with him at the hospital sometimes, when I'm not at the clinic here that is, and it really helps that we have the Cullen's willing to give us a hand to track down Sam, otherwise we would just have to hope for the best and wait."

The pie was delicious, although Leah understandably hardly touched hers. I had a couple of updates from various Cullen's throughout the day and when necessary I passed on the information to Sue who could pass it around without Leah getting wind of it.

I spent the whole afternoon there with Leah and the other women. We tried to support Leah and any news that was being fed through to everyone was passed on to Leah to try and calm her nerves. I wished I could tell her everything, but it wasn't my call to make. I wished that there was an easy solution that Sam would be home soon and she could stop worrying and everything would be back to normal. But I knew it wouldn't be. Sam was a wolf now. A protector. And he wouldn't be able to tell Leah and there would forever be a void in their relationship because of it.

As the sun was setting all of the search parties made their way back in, and I left for the night. Wanting to get back home to find out more of what was happening and hopefully have a chance to speak with Jasper. As I was heading to my truck Charlie was dropping off Harry Clearwater, and called out that he would see me at home but he wanted to call past Billy's first. Harry stopped to talk with me in the driveway as Charlie drove off.

"Bella, thank you for coming to support Leah, I know it must be difficult for you to be on the opposite side of this—" He began.

"There aren't any sides here Harry," I cut him off. "Leah is my friend, as is Sam, and all the Cullen's and myself want is a peaceful life here and we will all cooperate with whatever is needed to help with that."

"That's good to hear Bella. I'm glad we can all be reasonable about it." He paused to chuckle quietly. "Well Billy doesn't see it quite that way but the Cullen's haven't caused any trouble. But anyway, we are going to have a small council meeting tonight, are you coming back tomorrow? There might be a few things we need to pass on to the Cullen's and through you is our best bet at doing that." He asked.

"I'll be here as early as I can be, and I am more than happy to pass on any messages. I'm hoping to at least speak with them tonight so I'll pass on anything they want you to hear as well." I said.

"Thank you, I really appreciate that."

"Any time Harry." I answered and then left. I'd had enough of the awkward conversations that revolved around me being the 'vampire girl' as I'd dubbed myself, and about their assumptions about how I felt in this situation.