Authors Note

This chapter is mainly in Sam's POV because significant changes and moments are happening that Lily will not be a part of. Also awesome news, guys! My soon to be father in law is building me a computer. Now, it's mainly going to be for gaming, but I will also be downloading Word, which I use to write. So, if my MacBook ever decides to quit, which I hope never happens, I'll have a backup computer to write with. I'm a very lucky girl and fortunate that my father in law loves to game on computers and loves to build them. I hope you guys are excited because important things happen soon. I don't own Twilight but do own Lily.

Pimpernel

Sam POV

(August 23rd, 2003)

The box felt like it was burning a hole in my dresser. The weight of it just being in the room with me, felt like it would drag me down. In short, I was scared; scared, she would say no. I had been planning today for what seemed to be a long time. Trying to get the words right or figuring out how it would all play out. It was expected, we had been dating for three years at this point, and it was natural for everyone else to assume that soon we would get married. It wasn't that I didn't love her, no, it was the sinking feeling in my gut every time I thought about proposing. I'm chalking that up to nerves, it had to be that. Marriage, it was a scary thing, but I liked to think I was ready. Oh, Leah, she was a fierce and fiery woman, I liked that about her. She was never one to take things lying down. She was dedicated to those she loved, especially her friends, well, specifically one, Lily.

Liliana Swan. Ever since that night at the bonfire last year, she seemed to be a thought in my head. It had been a full year, and she was still there. It wasn't like I spent every day and every minute thinking about her. But I would see things that would remind me of her. For instance, when the sky was clear, and the sun was shining for once, my mind went to her eyes. Her sparkly sky blue eyes that were often mesmerizing. Whenever I joined Leah when she was hanging out with Lily, I couldn't help but notice the difference between the two friends. Leah had a loud and imitating voice, while Lily had such a smoky and silvery voice. If I had to describe the two as elements in the world, Leah would most definitely be a forest fire, wild and most the time out of control, and Lily was the water in a river bed, calm and soothing. It made me wonder how the two were even friends with their differences.

Lily was a tiny woman who almost always wore wedges and flowery feminine clothing while Leah was tall and rarely wore dresses preferring t-shirts and jeans. While Leah carried a presence of powerful and intense, Lily carried a presence of passion and extreme kindness. Yet, they didn't care, they clung to each other; I guess that opposites do attract. I was terrified of Lily. Something about her unnerved me and shook me to my core. But I also scared she wouldn't think I was good enough for Leah or good at all. Her word carried a lot of weight, so I stayed in the background, while the girls were together.

I needed to get my mind off this train of thought. It was not the time to figure out why I felt a calling to Leah's best friend. Now was the time to figure out what to say and also get dressed. Walking towards my closet, I pondered what to wear, I knew my usual clothing wouldn't pass. It was going to be a simple date, just going to the beach. I didn't want to clue her in that today was the day. Grabbing a simple black crew cut t-shirt, I figure this will be good enough, and one of my pair of grey cargo shorts. Sliding my boxers off and grabbing a new pair then my chosen clothes on my body, I couldn't help but notice that the shirt was a little tighter than normal, and the pants stopped a bit of above my knee. All my clothes had suddenly decided to not fit my body. Late growth spurt, I summed it up as. Even though I had suspiciousness that a 21-year-old man is too old to have such a thing happen. I had suddenly shot up from my 6'2 frame to 6'4, and my muscles had decided to become more pronounced, but that could be just from the extra work at my job.

Going to the mirror, I decided to put my long straight black hair in a ponytail, with my hair collected it fell to my shoulder blades. I felt more sure that I looked presentable and not too dressed up to cause suspicion. Grabbing the ring box, I opened it to double-check the ring was still there and placed it in my pocket. I walked out of my bedroom and headed to the front door. I had to go over to my mother's house to have breakfast before meeting Leah. Slipping on my white pair of surfer shoes. I began to walk over to my mother's house, it was only two doors down, so there really was no need to drive unless it was pouring rain, but today the rain had held off, just a light mist sprinkled the air.

Arriving, I prepared myself. My mother had never really liked my relationship with Leah. Sure they got along, but my mom never really opened up and fully embraced her in the 3 years we had been dating. I never outright asked why, but I had a feeling it was the fact that Leah and I had two different tempers. Also, the fact that she thought that Leah was controlling me.

Opening the door, I said a quick, "Mom, I'm here." I could smell eggs and bacon wafting the air. Another thing I had noticed was my sense of smell had been heightened.

"Oh baby, I'm glad you're here, I just pulled the muffins out." I heard my mom call out.

Walking into the house and slipping off my shoes at the door, I made my way into the kitchen. Noticing the spread of food and the sheer amount, I felt touched. Mom had clearly noticed my overgrown appetite. "Mom, you didn't have to make all this, I would have been fine with just some muffins."

She replied in a playful tone. "It's my job to keep you feed and happy, Sam."

Mom was a small woman standing at 5'0 and had greying hair. She gave me my brown eyes, Leah often described them as piercing and were hard to escape from. We also shared the same russet skin and high cheekbones. I also had to thank her for my full pale lips, which was set in a firm and severe way, even when I was relaxed. I got the rest of my features to my father, the only things I could thank him for. I had a long prominent nose, not too large but fit nicely on my face and a sharp chin. My face was extremely chiseled and was clearly masculine. I clearly inherited his height even though I don't remember how tall he exactly was.

I smiled, me and mom had always been close and grew closer after my father left when I was 7. "If you say so, mom," I sat down at the table and started to grab my food. "I'm doing it today, mom. Today just feels right."

I heard a small sigh, but she turned to face me with a smile. "If you're sure, baby. You could wait a bit longer, make sure you're really ready for this life choice."

"Mom. It's been 3 years. She's it for me. There's no one else that I can see myself with." I said with a sure voice and looking her in the eye.

"I'm just saying that I want you to be happy." She replied, sitting down at the table.

"I'm happy with her mom, I don't know why you don't like her."

She grabbed her coffee and held it in her hand "I'm not saying you're not happy, and I do like her, she's a nice girl but - She trailed off.

"But what mom," I said with a steely edge to my voice.

She looked me in the eye while saying, "She's a nice girl, baby, but I don't think she's the right one for you. How many times have you guys gotten in arguments over simple things and she doesn't seem to appreciate you."

Slamming down my fork and biting out, "We don't argue that much mom, and she does appreciate me, she just shows it differently. She's the one mom, I'm sure of it. You just need to get to know her better, and you'll have time because she's going to be your daughter in law. For fucking sakes, I'm an adult and will make my own choices."

"Don't talk to me like that, Samuel Uley, and watch your mouth. I am your mother. I know you are your own person, I just feel that you should at least take a hard look at your relationship before you propose."

I knew my mom went well, but I would always disagree with her when it came to Leah. "Mom, I love Leah, and if you would just give her a chance, I know you will love her too."

My mom sighed. "I'll try, baby."

I rose from my chair and went over and gave her a hug. "Thank you."

We continued eating, staying away from the Leah argument. I loved my mom more than anything, but I knew when it came to Leah, I was sure that I was right. Time passed fast, and soon, it was time for me to go and meet Leah.

"I've got to go, mom, we'll come by after if she says yes," I said, rising from my chair.

Standing and wrapping me in a hug, "She will baby. If she doesn't, she'll have me to talk to."

Returning the hug, I took in her relaxing scent of lavender and pine, It gave me a sense of warmth and a feeling of belonging.

I walked to the door and headed back to my house to get in my truck and drive to Leah's house. The drive wasn't that long as her house and mine weren't that far. I could have walked, but I felt the need to drive to get my thoughts and nerves to calm down. Driving often helped me to calm down.

I arrived at her house and took a deep breath as I saw her walk out of the house. She was wearing a short yellow sundress which falls to her mid-thigh and had white flowers all over. Ever the practical one, she was wearing black sandals. Her long hair was falling free and framed her face perfectly. She looked beautiful, which made me nervous all over again. She quickly walked over to the truck and slid into the cab.

Giving me a kiss on the cheek, she said, "Hey honey, where are we going today."

I smiled, "I thought we could just hang out at the beach today."

"Sounds good to me."

The drive to the beach took less than five minutes as it was close to her house. The way there, Leah talked about her plans with Lily the next day. Nodding along, I paid half attention. It's not that I didn't care; it was more that my mind was wandering elsewhere. Leah was the first out of the truck and started walking towards the sand, I took a deep breath and soon followed her. I walked closer shore where Leah was after taking off my shoes, I didn't want to get them soaking wet. I noticed that the wind had started to pick up, making the waves larger and more violent. It wasn't the perfect beach weather, but it was still warm, and the sun was trying to peek through, but the clouds were too thick.

Getting closer, I noticed that Leah was standing on the shore and letting the waves crash down on to her legs and feet just relaxing and taking in the sensation. As I reached her, I took her hand and started walking with her down the shore, holding my shoes in the other hand. We were silent as we walked just enjoying the time together. My nerves began to grow as we walked, I need to do it soon, or I would chicken out again. I tried to propose before but felt that my words wouldn't be right. I knew her parents gave me their consent, even Sue giving me a hug when I asked. Yet after I had shaken Harry's hand, he had begun to cryptically look at me. It was as if he was expecting something to happen. It disturbed me. I was brought out of my thoughts by a hand being waved in front of my face.

"Sam, are you listening to me." I hadn't even heard her speak.

"Um, yes." I lied

"Oh, really, tell me what I just said."

Taking a guess, "You were talking about work."

"I was not, I asked if you would be okay coming with me tomorrow when I hang out with Lily." She snapped.

"I'm sorry, babe, I was just thinking about work and the project that I need to do on Monday," I replied while rubbing the back of my neck.

"Whatever, so will you?"

I nodded my head "Sure, I haven't seen her in a while, and I know you haven't either."

"Yeah, it's been a while, but she's been busy with her job. We knew she would have a crazy schedule, but it's been ridicules. Hey, is there any guys at work that would be a match for her. She needs someone, I mean she's never had a boyfriend, which is crazy for her, I mean she's 19. I think she needs to branch out." She asked.

That statement sent an electric shock wave through me. "I thought she had dated that Luke guy."

She laughed, and she replied to my statement. "That stalker, fuck no. He scares her and me as well. I mean, remember her birthday last year."

"Are you sure you want me to help you set her up? I mean, has she mentioned she wants a boyfriend. Do you even know her type." I asked. I don't know why, but setting Lily up left a bad taste in my mouth.

"I'm her best friend, I know what she needs. She's been so focused on work and helping everyone she forgets to think about herself. She needs to have someone ground her and remind her that work isn't everything, God knows she hasn't listened to me about it. Besides, I want her to be as happy as we are."

"I'll think about it and get back to you."

She smiled. "Great, we'll go on a double date when you find the guy. It'll make her more relaxed and confidant instead of going on a solo date."

We walked a bit further, getting to the tidepool, and Leah crouched down to observe the sea life turning her back to me. I knew this was the moment. I slid out the box.

"Lee-Lee, can I ask you something?" I said, choking on my words.

"You just did, but sure Sam."

"Can you stand up?" I asked in a wobbly voice.

Standing up and turning towards me, she looked at me strangely. Not even noticing the ring. "Are you alright?"

I nodded, my knees were wobbling, I knew that I didn't have the strength to get down on my knees. I brought up the box to her eye level and opened the box. Inside was a simple ring. It was a petite silver ring and was only a two-carat diamond, but I knew Leah wasn't a big jewelry girl. She would want something understated and something that wouldn't get in the way.

"Lee-Lee, I love you more than anything in the world. I never want to live without you and want you in my life forever. Will you marry me?" I said with my arms shaking.

Tears began to trickle down her. I had never seen her cry. "Yes, yes, a million times, yes."

I sighed, the weight was lifted off my shoulders as I slipped the ring on her finger.

Wrapping her in a hug, "Thank you." I whispered in her ear

She pulled back to inspect the ring on her finger. "Oh, we have to tell everyone. But we'll tell Lily tomorrow when she sees us. She's going to freak out."

"I already told my mom we'd see her after I asked. I asked your parents about a month ago."

She threw her arms around my neck and gave me a deep kiss. I wrapped my arms around her waist and pulled her closer. Trying to make her body meld into mind. The need for air came soon, and I pulled away. Suddenly the sky's opened up, and rain began to crash down on us.

"Let's go, Lee-Lee," I said, taking her hand and running back to the car.

Sam's POV

(September 1st 2003)

My body was burning, I felt like the sun was beating down on me. Yet, I couldn't escape the heat. For the past months, I have had this intense heat. It was crazy and had me worried. I had gone to Sue multiple times to try and get an explanation of why I had this insane temperature increase. Yet she said that nothing was wrong, but I knew that was a lie. No normal human's temperature is 108 without serious health problems. I had thought about going to the Forks hospital, but Harry had talked me out of it and just to let Sue keep an eye on me. There was something they weren't telling me.

My fuse seemed to shorten, everything pissed me off. Leah hadn't exactly made it easy either. I had told her multiple times that I wasn't feeling myself, but she refused to understand. She would continually argue with me and get mad when I told her I didn't feel like going out, just wanting to be alone. Work was the main thing that pissed me off nowadays. The guys would make me mad when they fucked up or decided they didn't want to work and made extra work for me. I knew I was a ticking time bomb.

"Aye Uley, come over here." I heard Elijah Wright, a fellow worker, call out to me.

Walking over, I was wondering what they want. "Wright, what do you want."

The guys around him snickered. "So, I heard your fiancé is tight with Liliana Swan." Owen Brooks, the electrician on the site, stated.

"Yeah, they're best friends. Why?" I asked.

Jack Turner, one of the sleazier guys on the sight spoke up. "Us guys were wondering if you would set one of us up with her. I mean, she's a fucking knockout. We all wouldn't mind having her for just one night. I mean, we all wanna tap that."

My voice came out fiery as I responded, "She's not that kind of girl. I don't appreciate you thinking about her like that, so stop. Besides, she's way too good for any of you."

"Oh, come on, can't you share her with us. I mean, you have to be fucking her as well. She's probably a wild cat in the bed. It's always the quiet ones." Wright said, putting a hand on my shoulder.

"Shut the fuck up, Wright. Before I shut you up." I cautioned and stepping forward, ripping his hand off my shoulder. I would fight this asshole for even implying I would cheat on Leah, especially with her best friend. Also, for assuming Lily was a whore. That one really pissed me off. I began feeling my body shake.

Nathan White, the foreman, walked up and noticing the tension and anger in the air, quickly asked with an authoritative voice, "What the hell is going on here."

I was the first to respond as I knew that Nathan was a friend of Chief Swan. "They're implying that I'm fucking Liliana, want to know if I'll share her and what she's like in bed."

As I expected, Nathan exploded, "All of you shut the fuck up. I swear if I hear that kind of talk again, I'll call Chief Swan and let him know exactly how you feel about his daughter and how you think about her. I'll give him names as well."

Everyone paled. The last thing they wanted was to have a conversation with the chief, he could be an intimidating man especially when it came to his daughter, she was his precious baby, and everyone knew how protective he was of her.

"Yes, Boss." Everyone responded.

Nathan grabbed my shoulder and noticed my shaking. "Walk it off, Sam. I'll give you a break to shake it off. After work get yourself checked out, man, you're burning up."

Their words continued to swirl around in my head; all I could do is nod as I began walking into the tree line. As soon as I cleared the clear view of the trees and got further into the forest, I began to get angrier and began to shake more.

How dare those fuckers to think about Lily like that. She's a sweet girl, and she is too fucking pure for those shit bags to even let her name grace their lips. I should fucking rip their throats out.

I began to shake even more until I felt pain surround me. I hunched over, trying to reduce the pain when my body began to twist, and the next thing I knew, I was looking down at paws.

What the fuck? What the fuck? WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK? Why are there, paws? What's going on? What is happening? Am I a fucking wolf? How am I a wolf? What is wrong with me?

I was only answered by silence. Only my voice echoed back in my head. A voice called out from the start of the forest.

"Sam? Where are you? You coming back, dude?" I recognized the voice as being Nathan's.

I can't let him see me.

I thought as I ran deeper into the forest, tripping over my newly formed paws. I couldn't tell how far I ran, but I got better at running and tripped less, but I was still freaking out.

Why did I become a wolf?

Was the primary thought that ran through my mind. When I felt like I had gone far enough away that no one could spot me, I finally stopped. My mind whirled, and I began to get a headache, looking around, I realized I was in part of the forest that I didn't know. I was lost, alone, and a fucking wolf. Laying down, my thoughts began to change.

Wake up, Sam. This is just a dream. I've passed out from anger. Just wake up, and this won't be true.

I would try to pinch myself, but every time I looked down, my hands were just paws still. I came to realize the scariest fact. This isn't a dream.

What do I do now. There has to be a way to transform back. But how?

I tried everything, but nothing seemed to work. Night fell quickly, and I quickly realized that eventually, they would look for me. But no one would know it was me. They would only see a wolf and then shoot to kill. I became depressed and laid down and for the first time since my father left. I cried.

Harry POV

(September 1st, 2003, Night)

It was late, I was sitting by the TV and the latest Settle Seahawks game. I suddenly heard the phone ring. It was late enough that I wondered who would be calling this late. Getting off the couch, I walked to the phone and picked it up.

"Hello, Clearwater residence."

"Hey, Harry, it's Charlie." I heard the familiar voice come through the phone.

"Oh, hey Charlie, have you called about the latest play. Absolutely awful, the ref is stupid." I said with anger in my voice. "I suspected the other team had bought the ref off."

Charlie sighed, "Wish I was Harry, but I'm afraid this isn't a social call. I want to know if Sam is at your place. He went missing during work. No one knows where he is, and I'm hoping he's at your place."

"He went missing, why?" The shock went through my voice.

Charlie replied in a harsh voice. "No one knows. Nathan White said there was a verbal fight between Sam and Elijah Wright that he broke up. He sent Sam on a break after noticing he was shaking. Apparently, he walked into the woods and hasn't come back. What's worrying is his clothes were shredded near the tree line. But there's no blood, so we have no clue what happened."

As soon as he said that Sam was pulled away shaking, I knew what had happened. I had been wondering when he was going to change. He had developed all the symptoms, and I knew it was going to happen soon, especially when Leah had said he was developing a shorter fuse. Billy Black had also been wondering, hoping that he would change out of view, or we would have to force the change to keep the secret.

I took a pause. "Sorry, Charlie, but he's not here. Did you try Allison?"

"She was the first one we notified to say she's upset would be an understatement."

I needed to get ahead of this. Sam was out there and knowing the boy like I do, He's probably freaking out, and we couldn't exactly leave him as a wolf forever. He needed to learn his duty to the tribe and why he changed in the first place. "Isn't it a bit soon to start a missing person search. He might come home tonight."

"We're going to wait another 12 hours before we do a full out missing person report. But we're dotting our I's and crossing our t's, before then. Are there any other people that you think he could have gone to?" He asked.

"Not to my knowledge. Hopefully, he could show up soon. I really don't want to tell my Leah that her fiancé has disappeared."

Charlie cleared his throat "I hope he shows up soon, the woods are no place to be at night."

I'll keep a lookout, Charlie."

"Sounds good. I'll give you a call in the morning but call the station if he does show up."

"Will do, give Lily my love when you see her," I said, ending the call.

I immediately punched in the numbers to the Black's house, knowing Billy, like I do, he's still up watching the game. Even though he uses a wheelchair, he'll know what to do. Also, being the chief, he needs to know this new development. With the Cullen's being here and Sam being the first to go through the change, we can only assume that more will be following.

"Hi, Jacob Black here," I heard a voice squeak out.

"Jacob, It's Harry, put me on the phone with your dad. It's important." I rushed out

"Okay, Harry"

It seemed like forever before I heard Billy's gravelly voice, "Harry, What's going on?"

"It's Sam, Billy, He's undergone the change."

"I understand, is he at your house? It's dangerous for him to be around people this soon."

"That's the thing Billy, apparently he went missing during work and didn't return after walking into the forest. I fear that he went so deep that he's lost. Charlie is going to wait another 12 hours before he starts a search. We have to find him soon. I'm afraid if they find him as a wolf, they'll just shoot him."

"You're right; we need to find him soon. I wish I wasn't in this godforsaken wheelchair I would be on the ground with you. When are you going to start looking?" He said with an angry tone as if cursing the fact he couldn't be on the ground helping. I understood the only person who could really look deep in the forest was me. The only other person who knew of the truth of the ledged was Old Quil Ateara, and he was too old to be trekking around the woods.

"I'll start tomorrow at daylight. It's too late in the night for me to be bumbling around the woods looking for him. I know he can survive for one night." I responded.

"Alright. I just wanted to update you on the Sam situations."

"Thank you. Keep me posted." With that, he hung up the phone.

That night I had a hard time sleeping, knowing that a boy, my soon to be son in law was alone in the woods.

Sam POV

(September 15th, 2003)

Two weeks, I've been stuck as a goddamn wolf for two weeks. I don't know how long this hell will go on, but with every day that goes by, I get angrier. Not angry, no one has found me but mad at myself for not figuring out how to turn back human. I had survived by acting as a literal dog and hunting wild animals and drinking from streams. I was hungry, tired, and, most of all, scared. I had made a home in a clearing by a pond that deer frequently came to drink from. Thanks to my fur, I was able to stand the autumn chill at night and the freezing rain.

I couldn't help but wonder how my mother was dealing with my disappearance or how Leah was coping with it. Am I still a missing person, or am I presumed dead? Was anyone still looking for me? Around the first week, I came to the realization that my life will never be normal again. I'll always have this danger around me. I would be a dangerous person. Can I ever control this part of me? I hated myself. My thoughts swirled around me, making me more depressed and pissed off.

Leaves rustled, I heard footsteps, slowing walking towards where I was. I quickly ran to the protection of the tree line. I was nervous was it a hunter or someone looking for me, How would I even communicate that it was me. I would forever be stuck like this.

"Sam, Sam, you can come out if you hear me." A familiar voice rang out, "Sam, I know what happened, I'm here to help."

It was Harry if anyone could help me, it would be him. I walk out of the tree line and further into the light of the clearing. I stopped when I was 5 feet away from the man.

"Sam, I'm sorry I didn't find you sooner, but you did a good job of hiding. I applaud you for that, you mustn't reveal this secret."

I could only respond by nodding my head up and down. I so badly wanted to ask how to return to my true form. I was tired of being this creature. I hoped this wasn't going to be the rest of my life. I had plans for the future, and being a wolf forever was not part of it.

"You need to turn back, the fact that you haven't managed it alone means you are too angry still. You need to relax and think about your human form." He rang out with knowledge and serenity.

Is it really that simple? How do I relax, I'm a swirly ball of hate.

I tried to relax, but nothing was working. I couldn't stop being angry at myself and the world for cursing me. I was about to give up, just accept the fact I would always be a wolf. Suddenly, a voice popped into my mind, it was familiar, but I couldn't place it with a face. It was a female voice. It was calming, soothing, and, most of all, enchanting. The sound was so clear and bright. I wanted to know who it was. I knew it wasn't Harry and he hadn't brought anyone with him.

"Sam, relax, everything is going to be okay. Just listen to me and take a breath. You can do it."

I felt my body respond to the voice, taking in its comforting words. I felt my body shift. I looked down and saw hands. I wanted to cry but kept my composer.

"You might want to put on the clothes I brought," Harry said as he tossed me a pair of pants and a shirt. I was confused until I looked down. I was completely naked. I felt a blush come over my face. No one wanted their future father in law to see them naked.

I scrambled to put on the clothes. Not caring whose clothes they were. I immediately found a problem. The pants barely fit and come to almost my calf's, I had suddenly grown again. I felt that I would rip the shirt with the slightest movement because my muscles had become extremely pronounced. It was not what I was expected after basically starving for two weeks.

"What's wrong with me?" I asked with a scared voice.

"You have been chosen by the spirits to become the first protector of our tribe."

"What spirits? What do you mean protector? Why am I a fucking wolf?" I said, getting increasingly angrier.

Harry suddenly backed up. "Calm your temper, Sam, You will phase if you become angry. I also didn't bring a second pair of clothes. We will head to Billy's house. All will be explained there."

The voice came through my head again. "Calm down, Sam, It will be alright. Follow Harry, he'll explain everything."

Taking a deep breath, I nod to Harry, signaling I was calm. He began to walk back the way he came, and I followed him. I hadn't noticed how far I had gone in the forest when I was running away, but it took us a good 15 minutes to reach Harry's truck. It was my first sign of civilization in two weeks, it felt strange. Opening the door to the passenger side, I almost ripped it off just by unlocking it. I marveled at my new found strength. It only made me more sure I was a dangerous person now. The time it took to reach the Blacks little red house felt so short. But seeing as I the time I spent as a wolf seemed to pass so slowly. I gently opened the door this time; being aware I now had superhuman strength. Making it to the front door took little time with my long legs. Harry opened the door. Clearly, Billy had expected us.

"Billy, I've found him. He's here." Harry called out.

"I'm in the kitchen, I felt that today would be the day. I sent Jacob to Charlies for the afternoon. Lily said she would watch him. He didn't seem too mad about that, it seems he has a little crush on the girl." Billy responded

We walked into the kitchen, and I saw Billy sitting at the small table's head with a grimace on his face. Billy looked like time had worn him down, and stress had clearly gotten to him. He looked me in the eye.

"I'm sorry it took so long to find you, Sam. We didn't expect you to hide so well. I'm sure you have many questions, and I will answer them all. But I'm guessing your first question is why you have become a wolf."

I nodded my head.

"Do you remember our legends?"

"Yes, I've heard them since I was a child," I responded, thinking where this conversation is going.

"Do you remember what our first story is?" Billy said with a clear and strong voice.

"The first story is about the spirit warriors and how they were able to shift from human to wolf. Because of the magic of our tribe, our people never disappeared. Why is this important?"

"It is because the magic still flows through us. It has blessed three families—my family line, The Ateara line, and finally, your family line. When the cold ones appear, the genes cause the change. It is important to protect our tribe. It is your duty."

I immediately got angry again. Another thing my father had cursed me with. It was his fault I was now a monster. The voice came through once again. "It is not your father's fault this has happened, but you must accept your duty to protect those you love."

Shaking my head, who is this voice, why does it seem to know everything? Why does it instantly bring me comfort?

"The cold ones are you saying the exist? How?" I asked

"No one knows of how their existence started, but our people have always had their own protectors to keep us safe and battle against the cold ones. You are now one of them."

"Who exactly are the cold ones that have cursed me?"

"Do you remember the legend of my grandfather, Ephraim Black? The pact he made with a coven of the golden eye cold ones." Billy said with an increasingly serious voice.

"I do, but what does that have to do with my change?"

"They have returned. They have caused your change. It is now your duty to protect our people. You must ensure they uphold our treaty." Billy then went on to explain the exact details of the treaty.

"But I don't even know what the boundary line, also who exactly are they?"

"They are the Cullen's. Last time our people encountered them, there was only five, but it seems they have added two to their clan."

A chill ran down my spine. Lily had often talked about Carlisle Cullen and how he was the only one whose intellect ran on the same level as hers. She had said they had become close friends at work. I felt like vomiting, knowing she was so close to a killer every day. I wanted to go and save her.

"The treaty is still in place. We will leave them alone and not reveal their secret. You cannot tell anyone about what has happened. You will only be able to share this information with your pack brothers. We suspect that you will be gaining them very soon. As the first to shift, you will be the alpha. If Jacob does not phase, you will become the next chief of the tribe."

"Not even Leah or my mom," I said, looking towards Harry.

Harry nodded with a frown on his face, "Yes, not even Leah or Allison."

"This is bullshit. I don't want to be alpha, I don't want to be chief. I just want to be normal." I said, standing up.

"Sam, there is no more normal for us. It is the way of the tribe that the alpha of the pack will become chief." Billy said in a calm voice. He looked sad as if he didn't want this to happen to anyone.

My mind went to reason. No one deserved this, I didn't want this. But I didn't want this to happen to anyone else. "I understand. Can I go home now? I need to see my mom."

"If you can keep your temper in control. If you phase close enough to someone, you will seriously hurt them. Maybe even kill them." Harry said with a pointed stare.

"I understand. But I need to see my mom and Leah. I won't tell them what happened, but they need to see I'm alive." I said with a pleading voice.

"Alright, son, I'll take you to your moms. Your truck is already at your house." Harry said, looking at me with a sad look. As if he knew something else that he wasn't telling me, But my head was already whirling with all the information I was given today.

We arrived at my mom's house in no time. I immediately ran out of the car and to bust into the house.

"Mom!" I screamed.

"Sam!" I heard footsteps running from the hallway. I ran to meet her halfway, wrapped her up in a giant hug, and lifted her off the floor.

"Oh, baby, my baby. Where did you go? I thought I had lost you." My mom said, crying into my shirt.

"I'm sorry, mom, I didn't mean to make you worry. I'm here now, and that's all that matters."

"I love you, baby."

"I love you too mom," I said, squeezing her tightly.

For the rest of the day, mom spent time babying me, which I gladly accepted. I had missed human interaction and missed her, especially. I missed her hugs and her scent of warmth. Before I knew it, I was growing tired and decided to go to my house. Walking in, I could smell the dust in the air and wrinkled my nose. I would have to clean tomorrow. I started to head upstairs when I heard a huge banging on my front door. It was around 10 at night, so I wondered who it was and went to go discover it. Opening my front door, I was immediately met with a slap to my face.

"Ow, what is your face made of stone, you asshole." I heard a voice immediately call out and recognized as Leah.

"Lee-Lee –" Not knowing what to say next, I felt words die on my lips.

"Don't you dare fucking Lee-Lee me. Where the fuck have you been." She said seething.

"Lee-Lee look, I can't explain, but just know I'm never leaving again. I promise."

"That doesn't make it better, and that doesn't explain where you've been I deserve an explanation."

"Look, you just have to trust me. I mean, love is built on trust." I said, pleading with her. I hated the fact that she was mad at me.

"No, that isn't a fucking explanation, Sam. Just fucking tell me." She said, raising her voice, almost getting to a full shout.

I knew I had to lie, something that I hated doing, but she left me no choice "I took a walk after I got in a fight with a guy at work and I just went too deep in the forest and got lost."

Leah took a moment, and her stance relaxed "That isn't the full story, you're hiding something."

"I swear that's the truth, Lee-Lee."

"No, it's fucking not. But fine you don't wanna tell me then that just fine. Just know I'll figure it out eventually, and then I'll really kick your ass." With that, she turned and walked away and got in her car.

I quickly went inside and closed the door. One thought ran through my head.

"I hate my fucking life."

Well, that's it for this chapter. I've made Sam a little bit more chill if you guys haven't noticed. I just feel that for my story to work, he needs to have better control over his emotions. Also, who do you think the voice is? Leave a comment.