Forgive any of the errors. it's past my bedtime. Hope you enjoy.

love, ash


I shook my head, "No thank you. I'll try this one solo." I try to smile before turning and running into the safety of the trees, but I know it doesn't reach my eyes.

I couldn't lie to myself and say that Edward's words and tone didn't hurt. He must think so little of me. It made no sense. He wasn't acting like the kind man that volunteered to take me hunting my first night here.

It's crazy to think that I have only been here for 5 days. It seemed like I have known the Cullens my entire existence. I felt right to be there with them and enjoy this life with them. A family. I thought longingly. Then I sighed. I couldn't have it though. Not if my existence caused Edward so much anger and distress. He barely left his room. The others didn't seem bothered by it, but I was.

Just 6 more days, I told myself. Then I will leave and not cause him anymore problems. The sadness that washed over me was strong enough to cause venom to prick in my eyes. I shook my head to try and clear it from these thoughts. I did need to hunt since my shield used up all my energy.

I opened my senses and found a herd of deer just a mile or north. I broke out in a light run. It wasn't long when a terrible smell hit my nose. I couldn't help wrinkle it in disgust. I came to the trail with the scent not long after, it was traveling west. Shaking my head, I continued on, glad whatever animal that made that smell was going in a different direction.

I was about to break into the clearing where the deer were grazing, when a very clear growling and running came from behind me. I turned slowly, letting my shield reach out to sense what was coming. My instincts were telling me there was danger and that I needed to run. But I was confused. Animals can't harm me. Only other vampires.

I sensed 5 creatures coming in my direction. I decided to listen to my instincts for once and forgot about the deer, running back to the Cullens and to safety. I had my shield trying to watch the distance between myself and the creatures that were now clearly chasing me. When suddenly, something hit me from the side. I was concentrating too much on what was going on behind me and not anything coming from any other direction.

I sprang back up on my feet and stared in shock at what was in front of me. It was a wolf, but had to be 7 feet tall. It snarled at me with his teeth and my instincts screamed at me that they would definitely hurt. More were coming up behind him and it was clear I would be surrounded soon.

My shield was now stretched in every direction and I could sense Carlisle, Jasper, Emmett and Edward coming from the south. I panic not wanting them to get hurt too. Torn I decided to run south knowing this is what Carlisle most likely wanted. The wolf snapped at my heels trying to get me to stop. I broke into a clearing when one of the wolves launched himself and I was still too weak to pull up my physical shield. So he was able to pin me under him. I pushed my hands up trying to keep his teeth away from my neck. I think a scream escaped through my lips.

Suddenly, I hear a murderous roar and the wolf is hit hard off of me. Edward stands in front of me and hisses at the wolves that had started to surround me. They snarled and bared their teeth back at him. Carlisle joined him and tried to restrain him by placing a hand on his shoulder. Emmett appears and helps me back on my feet. He seems to check for any damage before looking on to the threat at hand.

"Edward, enough." Carlisle states in a firm voice. Edward jerks quickly to straighten out of his crouch. He turns to me, I can see absolute panic in his eyes. He too seems to be checking for any kind of injury. His hand comes to a tear in my sleeve from the wolf's claw. His eyes change from panic to murderous. I found myself reassuring him, "I'm okay." I say in a hushed voice. Dimly aware that Carlisle seems to be trying to talk to the oversized wolves. Edward's eyes meet mine for a moment and the world seems to freeze.

Or at least in my mind it does. He closes his after a moment or hours I'm not sure, before opening them back up and turning to Carlisle. He starts translating for the wolves. I stare in confusion as they have a conversation with the wolves. Well more like an argument.

Apparently, I crossed into their land. Even though I had no idea that it was against the treaty, I was apparently fair game. Carlisle was apologizing and stating that I was new to the family and still learning. They must of asked about my diet because Edward answered in a murderous tone that I was learning the animal hunting lifestyle.

They finally seem to come to some agreement and Edward states that something is understood. I frown when he turns, grabbing my hand to turn and pull me back toward the Cullen property. I could sense the others flanking us on either side. When I was hopeful we were out of hearing range for the wolves. I asked, "Um, what just happened?"

Carlisle sighed from my right, "It would seem that the Quileute wolves have returned."

"Quileute?" I repeated still confused as we made it back to the porch. Esme was there and rushed to bring me into a hug. This caused me to have to let go of Edwards hand even though I really didn't want to. "Oh my sweet daughter, I am so happy you are safe." Esme whispered into my ear. I relaxed in her embrace, letting those words wash over me.

Rose speaks with disgust in her tone. "You're telling me oversized dogs are back?"

"You've met them before?" I asked. Confused now beyond belief.

Carlisle has us settle in the living room and tells me the legends of the Quileute tribe. I stare at him in shock. He then explains when he, Edward, Esme, and Rose met Ephraim Black the Alpha and chief. They had made a treaty stating that the Cullens could stay if they kept the diet and stayed off Quileute land.

I frowned, worry growing in my gut, "That's why they were so angry. They were accusing you all of breaking the treaty. Oh Carlisle I am so sorry!"

Carlisle smiled at me sadly and kindly. "No, Bella. I am so sorry! I told everyone the day they arrived of the land boundaries to watch and I fear I did not tell you."

Edward spoke now, "No, Carlisle. I feel responsible too. I took her hunting the first night and I had every opportunity to inform her." He turned to me and looked into my eyes, "Bella, you have my sincerest apologies," and bowed his hand in remorse.

I was momentarily distracted by Edward's apology. My heart was trying to tell me if I was apologizing more than just for the wolves. However, I would have to analyze that later. "Well I may be on thin ice with the wolves, but there was no harm so let us just forget about it. I forgive you both of course. No harm no foul" I stated in a firm voice.

Edward scoffed at my words and shook his head. I frowned at him. Carlisle spoke quietly from the couch, "You are far too kind, Bella."

I smiled at him before sighing, "Well I never got my hunt in before being interrupted by oversized, shapeshifting natives?" I ended that like a question. Emmett cracked up at my confusion. "Carlisle if I travel south do you think I'll be ok?"

Carlisle nodded, "Yes, the Quileutes have to stay on their land like we do ours." I nodded and rose from my seat on the couch. I sensed Edward taking a step in my direction and looked over at him. He seemed to hesitate before asking nervously, "Do you care if I join you?