AN: Please read and review. Let me know what you think.

Chapter 4

For some reason, I just couldn't sleep that well. I woke up and looked at the clock- four thirty in the morning. I knew that if I turned on lights or tried to read, that I'd wake Ian up. And I didn't want to go back to sleep. I have too much nervous energy- I needed to rip and run.

I went downstairs, and out the door. I didn't grab a jacket- I wouldn't need it. I phased into wolf form, jumped off the porch and ran into the forest. The ground is springy and wet, perfect for a run. I lose myself in the absolute joy that is running free for a bit. I stopped when I came to a stream. The sun is just peaking over the mountains. It is a beautiful, majestic scene. I took a few gulps of the clear, fresh, water. I see a few fish swimming and start chasing them for fun. Then, at the next bend, I spot another wolf. I howl.

"Morning, Seth," said Jacob.

"Morning," The funny thing about being in wolf form is that communication is not the same at all. If you are in the pack, you read the other person's thoughts. Jacob calls is wolf telepathy." It is nearly impossible to keep a secret in the pack. This is a double-edged sword.

You imprinted on Katie.

Yes. What do I do now? How do I tell her what happened? I can read her thoughts now. Does this mean she can read mine?

Maybe. Nessie can read mine. So, it's possible. Said Jacob

How am I going to tell her? I can't just say, "Hey, I turn into a wolf at Will. And because of this, I imprinted on you when you fainted, and this is a lifetime connection."

"Why not? Said Jacob, "It's the truth."

Everyone thinks that werewolves are fake. Then there's the exposure risk. If I tell her, I'd be putting her in danger and maybe others. What do I do?"

Three years ago, I thought the stories about the wolf tribe were myths. Vampires didn't exist, either. They are just things people us to scare each other- or so I thought. Then, I turned into a wolf. And my mate turns out to be the product of a vampire and a human. And if I can overcome the fact that I have to see Nessie in the arms of the cold ones, you can do this. And I know of a way we can figure out if she can handle the secret. The tribe used to do it, but it has fallen out of favor.

Is it some crazy, arcane, or stupid test? I thought.

Yes, Seth, it is. Sam recently discovered it. We haven't used it because every imprint has been on someone who is either already in the tribe or knows about us- like Nessie. I'll talk to Sam. We'll figure it out. And you know that I'm a lot more understanding.

And now Katie is fainting. I don't like it. I can't stop it. I can tell her when it will happen, but I can't be there all the time.

I can fix that. A puppy can be there when you can't. And it gives a really good excuse to spend time with her.

How? Jacob, Enlighten me

She needs to learn more about you. Come over and see the puppies today. Wolf telepathy works on some of them. Help me train this dog for her. Then you'll be the hero. If nothing else, it is time together.

Sounds like a plan.

Race you home.

I raced through the woods, losing myself in the forest again. I see a shortcut and jump over the fallen limbs, howling as I go. I keep running. It would be so easy to stay this way- free and happy. Then I see the house through the clearing. I look around, I can't believe it. I beat him. I finally beat Jacob. I let out a celebratory howl. I race to the back porch and phase back into human form.

"Here, Jacob, you might need these," I said, handing him a pair of black sweatpants.

"Thanks," Jacob caught the pants with his mouth and then phased.

I looked up and saw blinds opening in Ian's room. I hope she didn't look down. Maybe I could pass it off as a large dog. Did she see him phase? This could be bad. I hope all she saw was Jacob naked.

"Mom keeps a stash of clothes outside now. She said she got tired of finding shredded clothing or seeing us naked."

"Thank goodness,"

"Want breakfast?" I asked

"Sure. Who is cooking" asked Jacob

"I don't know if Mom is up. But I can make us some eggs or pancakes."

"No, I'll get something myself. The last time you made eggs- you put way too much stuff in it. I want to run a bit more."

I heard something rustle upstairs and looked up. I can see blinds open in Ian's room. I hope that it means Ian is up. I will have a problem is Katie saw me transform.