XxX

Inspirational Song: Kelly Clarkson – Stronger

XxX

I should have been expecting the Volvo, I really should have been.

Yet my eyes still grew in shock when I caught sight of the silver car on the edge of the boundary. A very mad vampire leaned against the expensive car, his eyes black as night, and he was just glaring at the Rabbit as if it were his prey.

I swallowed hard.

"I will give you twenty dollars if you do a u-ey and drive back to La Push right now." I told Jacob, only half kidding.

Jake gave a slight smile as he pulled off to the side.

"Forty?" I looked to him with pleading eyes.

Jake shut the engine off and turned to me with a sigh, "I wouldn't mind turning around right now either, but the sooner you get this over with, the sooner...well, you get it over with."

I sighed and unbuckled my seat belt. Edward was by my door in an instant, opening it.

I stepped out, surprised that he didn't ripe the door off. His eyes were really dark.

"H-hey, Edward." I said, as he closed the door behind me.

He glared at me, silently telling me to just be quiet, before his eyes narrowed in on Jake.

I was more than happy to comply.

I heard Jake's door open and close. My eyes fluttered closed, wishing that I was just back at home in my bed and that this was all a dream.

"I'm on Bella-watch today." Jake said in a forced calm voice, I could feel the car starting to shake as he leaned on it.

"I can take care of her just fine." Edward said through grated teeth. I let my eyes open slowly, no such luck at this being a dream.

"I'm under an injunction." Jacob said, "I am staying with Bella."

"Jake." I warned as I saw him starting to blur.

His eyes instantly flew to me, and the shaking ceased. I breathed a sigh of relief.

"Come on, Bella, let's go." Edward said, taking hold of my arm.

I let out a small squeak at his strong grip.

"Let go of her!" Jake snapped. He sprinted to my side; teeth bared.

Edward complied, raising an eyebrow as he read Jacob's thoughts, "You're hoping she will choose the wolf over me."

Jake growled, angry that his privacy was being invaded.

"You think if she stays human then you'll have a chance to win her back." Edward said, a malicious smile revealing his perfect teeth, "You think that you could take Brady once you become alpha."

Jacob's mouth fell open as he looked from Edward to me. His eyes were panicked as he momentarily forgot about his mortal enemy.

"Bella, I swear—"

I pulled back from his hand, anger taking hold. I turned back to Edward who watched Jake with a smug look.

My eyes narrowed to slits, "I want to go home."

"Come on Bella, I'll take you." Edward said, reaching for my hand.

I pulled back, scowling, "No, Jake can take me." I turned back to the car and opened the door.

If Edward thought he could get away with trying to play me against Jake so that he could get his way, he was sadly mistaken.

"When did you give us up for them?" He said as I started to get back in.

I stopped and turned around, hurt tears streaking my face, "When they took me in last year. You know, when you left?"

Hurriedly, I got into the car and closed the door, making sure it was locked even though I knew it would do no good if he really wanted to get in.

Edward just sighed and turned to Jacob, "I'll let everyone else know about the meeting, dog." He sneered at my best friend. I crossed my arms and slid down in my seat, not feeling bad for bringing up last year one bit.

Jacob just glared at him before turning back towards the Rabbit. Edward was back at his car in an instant and flying down the road a second later.

"That leech gets under my skin." Jake said as he got into the car, shaking as he buckled his seat belt, "And he smells like bleach. Really nasty, strong bleach. With those really cheap tree-car fresheners mixed in."

I gave a slight bubble of laughter as the tears continued.

Jake turned to look at me, an apology in his brown eyes, "You know he was lying about my thoughts, right? I wouldn't do that to Brady. Ever."

I closed my eyes and let my head dropped back against the seat as we drove, "I know, Jake. Sorry for doubting you, but it just really hit a nerve, ya know? I mean, Brady had as much choice in this as I did and yet...he is the one being so selfless with everything that is going on. And he's just thirteen." I sighed and turned to look at my best friend, "I just want to help him as much as I can, and defending him is one of the ways I can."

Jake gave a nod and we continued on in silence.

Today wasn't going to be any easier then yesterday, and tonight's meeting would probably be even more awkward then Friday night's...if that was even possible.

XxX

"Brady, come here for a second." Sam called to the young wolf. He came bouncing into the living room, a large smile on his face.

"I want you and Paul to run a quick patrol of La Push." Sam said, nodding towards the other wolf.

"Do you want us to go out to Bella's or just stay local?" Brady asked.

"Just stay local. Jacob is with Bella so she's in good hands, I'm sure the Cullens will be close by as well." Sam exhaled loudly, looking down at the map he had on the desk.

Brady nodded and walked over to Paul, "Ready?"

The older boy returned the gesture and headed outside without a word, letting Brady trail behind.

"Isn't it weird how focused he is?" Jared asked Sam as he watched the two boys disappear into the woods, "I mean, you just said Bella is with the wolf that use to be head-over-heels for her and that her boyfriend's vampire family would probably be around her as well, protecting her from a crazy red-haired leech who wants revenge for the death of her mate and is now creating a newborn army as we speak."

"I have no idea what is going on in his head, he keeps his thoughts pretty locked up." Sam shrugged, "The only thing I do know is that his imprint is strong, and apparently that involves a stronger trust in Bella's judgment."

"What do you mean?" Jared asked, dropping his feet off the coffee table and standing up.

"I mean," Sam sighed, pushing the map off the desk in frustration, "Since she is so comfortable being around Jacob and the Cullens, because she considers them safe, that puts Brady at ease."

"So, he doesn't worry about her at all?" Jared gave a low whistle, "That's weird. I'm always worried about Kim. And she isn't being chased by a crazy, revenge seeking psycho."

Sam gave a nod in agreement, "I know what you mean, but I don't think it's that he doesn't worry. I think he just trusts her. And since she trusts Jacob, Brady trusts him to take care of her. It's hard to explain, I'm not even sure I know what I'm talking about."

Jared chuckled, "I'm guessing he will be at her house tonight, then, when Paul is on patrol?"

Sam laughed, "I don't know, after the lashing she gave him this morning, Paul seemed to calm down some. I think Paul might have found a new respect for her."

Jared stared wide eyes at his alpha.

Sam shook his head, rolling his eyes, "I said might."

XxX

Brady walked off a few feet from Paul to strip his shorts off. He tied them around his ankles and then stretched, getting ready to phase.

The boy let the wolf come out, allowing him to shift the boy's bones until they fit the wolf's. He shook his head, ruffling his fur a bit and let his tongue fall out.

You look like an idiot, Paul's wolf rolled his eyes at the pup.

Brady just shrugged.

Come on, let's get this over with. And with that Paul took off, Brady right on his flank.

Brady let his mind wander to the meeting tonight where he would get to see Bella again. He really felt like he should bring her something, but friends didn't really do that.

Paul snorted.

The ashy-brown wolf's head snapped up, What?

You two are way more than friends, the older wolf said through his thoughts.

Brady shook his head, No, she just wants to be friends.

Whatever you say, Paul said, pushing his legs to go faster.

Brady kept up easily with him as he let his thoughts wander.

I feel sorry for you, she had said. A picture of Bella flashed in Paul's mind.

A protective growl started to build in Brady's chest, but he quieted it before it escaped, What was that about, Paul?

Nothing. The wolf snapped back, his eyes telling the young pup not to push him.

Brady shrugged and kept running.

How come you aren't angry? I mean you imprinted on a fricken leech-lover! Paul yelled through his thoughts.

This time Brady didn't try to silence the warning growl.

Paul rolled his eyes, Sorry, ok? I just mean...how come you aren't fighting it? She is dating your natural enemy.

I can't explain it, Brady said, running through the times he had spent with Bella. Had it really just been a day and a half since the imprint had taken place? It didn't feel like it.

Can you try? Paul was sincerely curious.

Well, I didn't fight it because I had really wanted one. Brady said, his voice was filled with honesty, Being in the pack is nice and all but...I don't know, it's lonely sometimes. For me, at least.

Paul rolled his eyes, Brady felt a small feeling of agreement coming off him.

And I don't think of the imprint as something against my will, I think of it more like a neon sign saying here is your other half. You won't be alone anymore, Brady smiled, remembering back to when he had talked to Bella about his feelings about imprinting. He replayed the conversation.

Paul nodded, for the first time really being able to understand an imprinter.

They ran on for a while in silence

Does it bother you that she is almost nineteen and you're thirteen?

Brady thought over it for a second but then shrugged, It doesn't, because we are just friends.

What if you weren't just friends? Paul pushed.

Brady considered his question; did it bother him?

No, it wouldn't bother me, but we are just friends, Brady said.

Paul rolled his eyes yet again, Just keep telling yourself that, pup. But I can't understand why it doesn't bother you. Hell, she's dating a dead guy!

Brady shivered at the thought. It was kind of gross.

Hey, I wonder if they have ever—

Please don't finish that sentence! Brady yelled through his thought, closing his eyes as he tried to block it out.

Paul barked a laugh, What? The young lover boy can't handle the thought of sex?

No, I just really don't think it's any of my business, Brady replied honestly.

The older wolf shook his head as he felt the truth behind the pup's words, Sam was right, your imprint is weird. You aren't jealous in the slights, are you?

Unique, not weird, Brady corrected, ignoring the question.

Whatever. Paul retorted.

The had just rounded the corner, heading back to Sam and Emily's when Paul spoke again, a bit more hesitantly this time.

Bella said she felt sorry for me.

Brady smiled, Bella is like that.

You just met her! Paul said through his thoughts.

I've seen her through Jacob's thoughts before, I knew she was kind and gentle even before I imprinted on her.

Paul thought over what the wolf had said, Brady was right. Paul had seen Jake's thought too.

Bella just doesn't want you to hate her. She doesn't like feeling uncomfortable around you, Brady continued. He shifted a bit as he thought of her being uncomfortable, hoping Paul would come around soon.

Can you just try not to act like you hate her when she's in the room? I don't want to tell you what to do or such, but I want you to respect my imprint, Brady said with authority as he moved to look the silvery-grey wolf right in the eye.

Paul lifted his large head, trying to stare the other wolf down. It didn't work. Brady wasn't going to back down when it came to his imprint.

Alright, Paul said, letting his head fall in slight submission.

Brady nodded, the smile coming back to his face, before he trotted over to the large bush.

"Do you really think she meant what she said?" Paul called to Brady as he shifted back.

Brady pulled his shorts on with a smile, "Why, does it matter?"

No reply.

"Well, Bella doesn't lie...well, she does, but not when she says something so important. The lies she says are always ones like she's doing fine or something like that." Brady said, walking back through the bush, "She never lies about what she thinks of someone."

Paul nodded, lost in his own thoughts. Brady smiled, thinking Bella might have said more than that she just felt sorry to Paul.

"Come on, let's go get some food before everyone wolfs it down." Brady chuckled at his own pun. He had stolen Bella's joke.

Paul rolled his eyes and pushed the other wolf's head down before heading inside.

Brady laughed and followed after him, not having missed the new look in Paul's eyes.

XxX

I collapsed on the couch with a groan. Jake fell onto the floor and started to flip through the channels.

I pulled out my phone and set it on the table, completely ignoring it.

"So, what now?" Jacob called over his shoulder, his eyes coming to rest on a baseball game. At least I think it was a baseball game, there was a diamond shape and someone spitting, so I figured it was something along those lines.

I shook my head and pulled the pillow over it, refusing to be the weak one...or the strong one...or the decision maker…or whatever anymore.

The stress released from my body as I let everything go and I feel asleep.

"Bells?"

I startled awake.

Jacob smiled down at me, "You ready to go? Charlie came home but went down to Dad's for another game. He's probably going to stay the night." Jake smirked as if he had something to do with it.

"What time is it?" I sat up and looked outside, it was pitch black. The clock on the TV blinked a violent-red ten.

How long had I been asleep?

I jumped off the couch and grabbed my jacket, only stopping when I saw Paul leaning against the doorway. I raised an eyebrow at Jake.

Jake rolled his eyes, "He's on Bella-watch for tonight. So do you want to be carried or ride?"

I looked at him with a weird expression, "What?"

Before I knew what Jake had done, I was in his arms, bridal style.

My eyes must have widened in panic because Paul barked in laughter.

"C-can I just ride?" I didn't feel like being carried. For one, this wasn't comfortable even when Edward did it and, for the second reason, well, I just really didn't want to be carried.

Jake nodded and let me down, "Well, you might want to bundle up, it's going to be cold tonight."

I rolled my eyes, "Says the boy running a hundred-degree fever."

"A hundred and three." Jacob laughed and headed outside.

"Paul?" I asked, stopping next to him and shifting from foot to foot awkwardly.

He stiffened but turned to look at me.

My confidence seemed lost in his height, but I held my head up none the less, "I...I'm sorry, about...well, about earlier. I was out of line." I dropped my head and stared at his feet.

After he didn't say something for a while, I chanced a look up.

Paul's face softened for just a second when he met my eyes before he put his wall back up, "It's alright."

I nodded, that was the best I was going to get out of him, and I grabbed my large, brown jacket before heading out.

Paul started out before me and went straight to Jacob, whispering something to him. Jake looked surprised but nodded as I walked up.

"Hey, Bells, so Paul said you could ride with him if you like." Jacob said, looking clearly confused at Paul. Paul just stood with his signature smug look and arms crossed over his bare chest.

I looked at the man with a raised brow.

"It's up to you." Jacob shrugged and walked over to the woods to phase.

"I figured I was the best choice since I'm the fastest runner after all. Even faster than Jacob. Could give ya the ride of your life, sweetheart." He winked at me, a playful smirk on his lips.

I looked at him for a second, wondering what he was playing at, but then gave up with a shrug, "Sure Paul, I'll take you up on your offer just so long as you left me...um, dismount?...before we get to the clearing." I gave a small smile.

Paul raised his head as he laughed, "Alright. Deal." And he ran over to the trees to phase.

I saw Jacob stick his large, russet head out from the bushes, beckoning me to come over.

I sighed and walked over, careful where I stepped as I moved farther into the woods.

The large silvery-grey wolf stood tall next to the russet one. I sighed, trying not to be a chicken, and walked over to Paul.

I gestured towards Paul, "So, how do I..." He laid down, looking back at me, "Oh...so just like a horse. Well, this will be fun." I said sarcastically, thinking of all the different injuries I could get from falling off a humongous wolf. I had already started planning a believable lie to tell Charlie.

I swung my leg over, trying to get comfortable and failing.

To say it was awkward mounting a wolf who I knew was really a boy was putting it lightly, but it was still better than being carried. It would probably be faster too.

Jacob's large coffee-brown eyes looked up at me.

I nodded, "Ready."

And Paul took off.

I hadn't expected him to take off from his laying position, so I had slid back a bit. I latched onto the fur around his collar and buried my head between his shoulder blades.

Paul gave a howl like laugh as he ran faster.

I heard a growl behind me, and I chanced a look back, "Jake, I'm...I'm...fine..." I said, trying not to get nauseous by how fast the forest was moving past us.

My hair whipped around me as I turned back around. The forest was literally a blur as we ran.

At first, I wanted to bury my head again, but I didn't let myself. I forced my eyes forward, trying to make out anything.

It soon became a game of sorts, I started laughing when I saw a squirrel jumping from tree to tree above us. The little guy was trying to keep up with us, probably trying to figure out why a girl was riding a wolf.

Soon I found myself closing my eyes and enjoying the ride.

I could really understand why Brady loved to run; it was so invigorating. Riding was so much better than being carried!

My eyes fluttered open as the wind wiped around me. To soon, we came to a stop on the tree line.

Paul looked back to me with a wolfy-smile, he laid down so I wouldn't fall when dismounting.

I slid off with ease and turned back to Paul, giving him a slight scratch behind his large ears.

"Thanks Paul, that was so much fun!" I smiled as he leaned into the touch, his back leg bouncing a bit, "We gotta do that again!" With one last scratch, we headed out to the meadow.

I was still smiling when I looked up and froze. Everyone was here already...which meant that they had heard everything I had just said.

I blushed and let my hair veil me; well, this was just the perfect way to start tonight.

And to top it off I was in the middle again, literally.

The Cullens where off to my right, with a few peeved looking vampires among them. Though Carlisle just smiled his usual peaceful smile and Esme looked like she was just going to explode if she didn't hug me.

To my left was the pack. A few of them were snickering while one ashy-brown wolf looked on, disheartened.

I bit down on my lower lip, Brady being sad made me feel the same.

"Bella!" Esme finally couldn't contain herself. She ran over and pulled me into a hug, ignoring the few growls the pack gave. Surprisingly, Brady didn't do anything except keep his head down. I had really hurt him by choosing Paul to be my first ride.

I blushed at my wording and bit down on my lip, feeling like a terrible person all around.

Esme pulled back from the hug, "It's so nice to see that you are alright!" She pushed my bangs behind my ear like Emily had the night before.

I smiled up to her as she pulled back, "It's nice to see you—" I stopped as I felt the heat radiating off the werewolf behind me.

I only had to turn my head slightly to see Jake standing behind me protectively. Thankfully, his eyes weren't as harsh as they usually were.

"Oh, Jacob this is Esme. Esme, Jacob." I said gesturing between the two of them.

Esme smiled, her perfect smile a bit forced as she extended her hand, "It's nice to officially meet you, Jacob."

Jake looked to me before he looked at her, "Same." He took her hand and gave it a quick shake. I beamed, nothing could ruin this moment.

"Bella?" I jumped a bit as Edward appeared by my side.

"Can we talk?"

Except that.

Edward's eyes bore into mine, a lackluster apology oozing from the black holes.

I bit my lip and looked to Jacob, "Yeah, that should be alright."

Jake gave a curt not, his guard back up.

"Over by the tree line?" I suggested, not really wanting to cause the pack worry.

Edward stiffened but nodded anyway. He really didn't want to be overheard.

I gave a slight nod and headed back towards the woods. With a sigh I rolled my eyes, if I had to keep walking back and forth between the woods tonight, I was going to scream.

Yesterday it was the phone, today it's the woods, what would Monday bring? The newborns?

I took in a sharp breath hoping I hadn't just jinxed myself.

"What is it you wanted to talk about?" I said as we entered the woods, trying to forget what I had just thought.

He nervously looked over his shoulder before turning to me. I took in a steadying breath, trying not to let my impatience out.

"I'm...I'm sorry about earlier." Edward whispered to me, stepping into my space.

I nodded, taking a small step back, "Me too."

"So, am I forgiven?" Edward shrugged, giving me his infamous crooked smile.

I looked up to his face. My thoughts were jumping all around. He always gave that smile when he apologized and I always forgave him, just to have him do the same thing again on another day.

I knew this wouldn't be the last time, the imprint wasn't going to disappear overnight, and Edward's perfect mind won't forget his jealousy so easily.

And that is when I started to see Edward for what he truly was.

"I need time." I said before actually thinking it through.

Edward pulled back as if I had burned him, "What?" Apparently, he had been counting on my quick forgiveness.

I looked up to him, still not sure what I meant but determined to see it through, "I just need...I need some time."

His eyes grew darker, if that was even possible. He lifted his head and looked out to the tree line, "You're starting to feel the imprint too."

I started to answer but he just held his hand up.

"That wasn't to you," He spat, "I heard that arrogant mutt think it."

I pulled back, confused, who was thinking about me?

My breath caught, Brady. Edward wouldn't do anything to hurt him though, would he?

I looked up to his dark eye. This Edward could.

Then I stopped. Arrogant? That wasn't Brady. Brady was never arrogant, but Paul was...

"P-Paul?" I asked, looking up to him. He looked so angelic in the moonlight; it was hard to not just stare at him...to not give him anything he wanted. I shook my head. Stupid, vampire dazzle.

He looked to me with his onyx eyes, "The stupid cad yelled it in his thoughts so I would pick up on it, I swear if that flea bag..."

"Edward, just leave him alone." I sighed, burying my hands in my pockets. I don't know what it was but having Alice, and then Edward, pick on one of the wolves in my pack was just really getting on my nerves.

I froze. Had I really just thought that? I sighed in relief, thankful that he couldn't read my thoughts.

"Edward, you need to go hunt." I said, looking into his dark eyes, "You can't think straight."

"Well, that makes two of us then." He looked at me, his eyes narrowing a bit. I took a few steps back and tripped over a branch.

I blew my hair out of my face; it was just my luck.

Edward didn't even help me up, he just took off. I sighed; I couldn't blame him. I had pretty much just broken up with him in front of the pack and his family.

I fell back on the ground, just not wanting to get up. I had hurt Edward, I had hurt Brady, Jacob was a mystery. The Cullens were probably mad at me for hurting Edward, the pack was probably mad at me for hugging Esme...

"I think I'd rather take my chances with Victoria." I regretted it the moment I said it. I sat up so quick my neck hurt, "Oh crap, I didn't—"

Too late. Esme and Carlisle broke through the tree line and knelt beside me. Sam appeared a second later with Jacob and Brady sprinting behind him, Paul was even with them.

The rest of the wolves trotted over to the tree line to stand with the rest of the Cullen coven.

"—mean it." I got out, running my hand through my hair and falling back down on the ground.

Brady walked over, his muzzle pushing gently against my head. The hurt in his eyes broke my heart even more, "I didn't mean it, Brady." I tried to smile up at him, but the hurt was too much for me to keep the façade up.

"I'm really sorry." I whispered, reaching up to gently touch the side of his face as the tears fell.

"Bella, don't say things like that. We couldn't bear to lose you." Esme said, gently touching my face, 'I'm sure the wolves feel the same way.'

Brady nodded his large head in agreement.

I chuckled, reaching my other hand up to his muzzle. Instantly I had his attention, "Can we talk?" He nodded.

"A-away from everyone?" I said, trying not to sound rude. He looked up to the pack and then to the vampires.

"We still have a lot to go over, Alice had another vision." Carlisle said, looking at Sam, "I know you would prefer to remain phased, but can one of you please change back? Our interpreter is...gone." Carlisle smiled. Jake nodded his large head and headed off to the bushes.

I looked at Alice, but she avoided my eyes. My smile dropped, it hurt for her to ignore me.

Brady nudged me with his muzzle to get my attention.

"We'll keep Brady updated." Jake said, returning in his human form, "So go ahead."

I stood up and dusted myself off, looking at all of them curiously. They didn't want me here while they were talking. That had to be the reason they were alright with me going off with just Brady.

Or they just knew we had to talk.

I shrugged and stuck my hands into my jacket pockets. Either way, I would be learning about it later. Whether I had to beg it out of Brady or threaten Jacob, I would find out what was up.

They couldn't keep it from me forever.

I headed towards the bushes, hearing Brady's heavy footsteps behind me.

Once I felt we were far enough away I turned back to him, "I'd rather not be overheard."

Brady gave an understanding nod and laid down like Paul had earlier. I smiled and pulled myself up, "I'm guessing you were listening to Paul's thoughts earlier?"

Brady gave a slight shrug, his smile coming through even on his wolf face.

I laughed, "I'm going to take that as a yes."

Unlike Paul, Brady stood up and started trotting slowly.

I leaned up to his ear, holding onto his neck, "Paul sort of scared me out of my fear, so just go ahead and run."

Brady didn't need to be told twice. He took off. But this time, I didn't hide. It was Brady and I knew he wouldn't do anything to hurt me. Ever.

I sighed into the wind, enjoying the feel. Brady was running as fast as he could, probably trying to outdo Paul.

I laughed as we slowed down, he laid down once he came to a full stop so that I could get off.

I was still smiling as I walked around to his head, "You are by far my favorite wolf to run with." I reached up and scratched behind his ear like I had done earlier with Paul.

Brady's smile grew across his face.

"Well, go ahead and change." I said, turning around to give him some privacy, "I promise not to peek." I counted to about thirty.

"You can turn back now." He said. I smiled, my eyes meeting his.

"Sorry I don't have a shirt." Brady said, looking down, "It's just easier to carry a pair of shorts around."

I nodded, "I understand, and, really, I don't mind Brady." I walked over to a log and sat down, thankful that my jacket was waterproof, "As long as you're comfortable, I'm comfortable."

Brady nodded as he walked over and sat next to me, "Good, good. So, what did you want to talk about?"

I sighed, my foot kicking at the mossy ground, "I'm guessing you heard what Edward and I talked about?" Might as well just dive right into it, or maybe the correct way to say it was fall into it.

Brady looked away, an apology etched into his face, "Sorry, I couldn't help it."

I nodded and exhaled loudly, "Well, don't worry about it. But something did dawn on me when I was talking to Edward."

His curious eyes met mine, waiting for me to continue.

I sighed, "I never get to make my own choices, it seems." I pulled at the thread on my sleeve again, "Edward always tries to make my decisions for me. He's always trying to...trying to...control the situation." I looked up to Brady but quickly turned away, "He's always trying to control me."

Brady bit back a growl as he looked out over the forest. I smiled, he wasn't the type to interrupt me or push his own opinion on how he felt about me or what I should do.

"I love Edward, and I love Jacob." I whispered. I waited for a reaction but didn't get any. Brady just turned to me with understanding in his eyes.

I had to look away, "And I...I care about you. A lot."

Brady nodded, turning back to the forest.

"But it feels like I'm being controlled by the imprint, and that makes me upset." I said, pulling at the thread with more force, "I'm tired of feeling controlled...controlled by Edward, controlled by Renee, controlled by the imprint...but...I'm also not upset...about the imprint, that is...it's...it's showing me a-a new side of Edward and Jacob, and it's...it's showing me what I actually need." My courage was faltering.

I saw Brady nod from the corner of my eye. He bit down on his lower lip and that made me smile.

"I need to be me. I need to be my own support system, and I need to find my own self esteem for a while. I've been relying on everyone else for too long." I finally got it out and it felt...good...no, it felt great!

Brady smiled as he turned back to me, "I'm proud of you, Bella."

I pulled back a bit, my eyes widening. Not the reaction I had been expecting. But then again, Brady wasn't Edward or Jacob.

"I'm proud that you are finding yourself in all of this." Brady started to reach for my hand but stopped and took his back, his eyes falling to his lap, "I'm just happy for you."

My heart just about exploded. Definitely not the reaction I had been expecting.

I started to reach for his hand, "Brady, I—"

A howl cut me off.

Brady listened, a second one.

"Wait here." Brady stood up and ran towards a bush. I nodded, tapping my foot as I waited.

And waited.

And waited.

I exhaled loudly when Brady came through the bushes.

"I was starting—" I stopped when I saw how worried his eyes were, "Brady? What's wrong?" I stood up and walked over to him.

"T-the newborns...they are...they are attacking Tuesday...a-around...around noon." He got out, his eyes guarded as he looked around the place we were, "I need to get you back."

I nodded, stepping back to give him room. I didn't get a chance to turn around as Brady shifted in front of me, his clothes laying in shreds all around us.

"Or you could do that." I quipped. Brady laid down and I started to get on, he pushed me up with his nose and took off.

"Please calm down Brady, you're making me nervous." I whispered into his ear. I instantly felt his muscles relax as we continued to run.

I sighed and buried my face into his soft fur, trying to hide from the world around me.

And then everything went black.

XxX