Only a week since we started
It seems to be
For every time
I'm getting more open-hearted

Tell me please
Cause I have to know
I'm a bashful child
Beginning to grow

The Name of the Game, by ABBA, from the album The Album, released in 1977

Our run was almost over, and we had been running for a few hours now. We were due back in La Push by around twelve o'clock, which wasn't a moment too soon. Charlie would want to see his daughter, and we couldn't afford to leave anybody unprotected, especially with the Leech possibly out for Bella.

I was beginning to get annoyed at the Pack, because they were mercilessly ribbing me for Bella managing to get the jump on me and pinning me with ease. The only thing I was thankful for was that they waited for Bella to snap her own shield around her mind so that she couldn't hear them ribbing me.

"Yeah, we don't want to be pinned by the force that is Bella."

Now, I could take a joke. I can appreciate them, crack them, dish them out and take it. But it got annoying when they kept repeating it, every few minutes. It was driving me mad, and they knew it. If it wasn't 'jokes' like that, then it was little comments that they thought were smart but actually weren't. Such as-

"You are whipped Dude."

I swear, sometimes they didn't know when to stop! Quil just kept pushing and pushing and pushing I was going to tear a chunk out of him if he kept on with it! Paul wasn't much better, constantly poking fun at my expense, and I was ready to pin him down to the ground.

It was amazing how a few comments could succeed in riling me up. Despite this, I was extremely reluctant to use an injunction. Yes, it was pissing me off, but I wasn't going to use an injunction- that would be a gross misuse of power, and I knew how much everybody hated it.

"Stop it guys. It was funny the first few times but not the fifty million times after."

I was grateful for Embry right about then. Otherwise somebody would be heading back injured. Grrr. Bella carefully nudged back into the pack mind, forcing everybody to stop making jabs. Bella was thinking about seeing Charlie- a stray thought about him poisoning himself was comical-before thinking about the Leech.

She was hoping he wouldn't come back- because she didn't want to put Charlie in harm's way. It was a very real thought- because if he truly wanted to get to Bella, then getting to Charlie would be a good way to do that. As a joint collective thought, we reassured her that we wouldn't let that happen- but our journey sped up all the same.

Upon arriving back, and realising that our patrol duty was in the evening- late evening- we went for a leisurely walk (in human form) to Bella's house. While I usually drove, it wasn't that long of a walk- plus if we got bored we could just run. It was peaceful- the neighbouring woods was green and vibrant, the twitters of birds echoing around, the humming of cars far off to our right.

Walking mostly in silence, I think the both of us were just caught in our thoughts. It didn't take us very long to get to Bella's house, roughly about a twenty five minute walk. You'd think we were tired considering we had just ran back from Canada, but it was nice to have some time to ourselves.

It wasn't like we had any time in the evening due to the patrol, which Bella was doing for the first time this evening. We needed as much hands- paws- on deck, especially with the potential threat of Leech. If he came back once, he could easily do so again. And God only knows what he could do.

"Jacob?"

I turned to face her, part of her eyes hidden by a strand of her hair. She reached up and wrapped it around her ear, allowing me to see her gorgeous brown eyes. I could most definitely stare into them for forever if I could. Still, acknowledging her question rather than acknowledging the fact that I wanted to hold her hand, I finally got round to replying to her.

"Yeah Bells?"

"Why didn't you want to be Alpha?"

Well, that was an unexpected turn of events. I mentally racked my mind in an attempt to figure out if I had ever explained my birth right to her- but came up empty. I didn't think I had...maybe someone else had mentioned it to her or something. It was hardly a secret after all- well, it wasn't even a secret. It was just a fact.

"I didn't like the idea of leading, or having that kind of power over someone."

I found myself replying easily as we picked up our stride once again, just enjoying the tranquillity. My stomach was rumbling, and I could hear Bella's seemingly following suit- and it came to mind that we hadn't actually eaten that morning.

Once I had dropped Bella off, I'd probably head back to Dad's to eat, and presumably either chill out or fix some cars. Maybe I would even fix a car up for Bella...granted that she had her trusty Chevy, but that thing was on its last legs- and it was even in a state that it probably wasn't even worse fixing it.

But that didn't matter for now- what did matter was finding the Leeches and making sure Bella was adapting to the pack okay.

"The role never appealed to me, and I had felt like I would make an awful leader. Even if I had wanted the position- which Sam has always offered to give me should I ever change my mind- giving a newly phased wolf power like that so soon would be like giving a baby a loaded gun and telling it not to fire it."

Bella nodded slowly, seemingly understanding my point. She understood anything I told her- and I was filled with overwhelming love for my Imprint. She was so understanding..almost to a fault. I would argue that she's too forgiving.. but then again she was (justifiably) unwilling to forgive Edward so, do with that as you will.

"I don't think I would want that power either.."

We lapsed back into silence once again, and after a few minutes we had arrived at Bella's house, with Charlie's cruiser parked in the front. Strolling to the door, Bella went in first, and while I was content to just head back, she invited me in, and I felt it was rude to say no. I wasn't particularly busy anyway.

"Dad?"

Bella shouted up the stairs, as she began to gather several plates together in the kitchen, reaching over for some bread. An awkward silence overcame us, as we waited for Charlie's response. To our surprise, there wasn't any response- until my phone made a shrill noise, startling both me and Bella, who slipped with the grater she currently had.

"Dammit!"

She cursed as I strolled over to her, tearing a piece of kitchen paper and carefully cleaned the wound. Her healing should take care of it before long- a small cut like that would take thirty seconds or so to heal. It didn't mean I wasn't worried though.

Upon removing the tissue, the wound was a small pink purse on her slightly tanned hand. It was amazing that Charlie hadn't noticed anything but the growth spurt. Upon being satisfied that Bella was fine, and she was resuming to make the sandwiches, I looked at what had caused my phone to ding.

"Charlie's at my dads."

Bella nodded, having finished serving the sandwiches and passing me two plates, each with four sandwiches on. I blinked at her, before she smiled sheepishly, walking into the dining room and sitting down with her own plates.

"Sorry..I probably should've asked but, well, I heard your stomach rumble earlier so I assumed you were as hungry as I was."

Thanking her, I tucked in, filling my empty stomach with the food I had been given. All was going well, the sandwiches were delicious, and we were just making small talk. I had excused myself to go to the toilet, before I was hit with the smell of bleach. Strong, nose burning, bleach. Hoping to God I was wrong, I hesitantly called down to Bella:

"Do you know if Charlie cleaned the bathroom today?"

"No."

She replied, and my stomach sank deeper, and fury began to fill me. Keeping as composed as I could, I carefully followed the scent to Bella's room, before pausing, clenching my fists and taking deep breaths. I could be paranoid. It could be an old scent- after all, Creepy Leech had watched Bella sleep. But rarely was my instincts wrong, and they were screaming loud and clear.

"Bella? Can you come up here please?"

A few seconds passed, before Bella was by my side, recoiling at the smell. Her eyes narrowed, her posture freezing, before I put my hand on her shoulder in an attempt to calm her down. While still tense, she nodded to me with a look that was thanking me. I pushed open the door, fighting the urge to recoil when the smell hit me fifteen times worse than it had previously.

Pushing through, Bella's room looked normal. Her bed was neat and tidy, the numerous books in her room stacked small and tucked away, and her floor empty of any clutter. It looked like a tidy room, untouched, and normal, if it wasn't for the horrible smell of bleach- or rather, Leech- looping all around her room.

Pulling out my phone, a low growl building in my chest- which I couldn't contain, even though I tried my best to- I phoned Sam, wrapping my arm around Bella almost as if I could shield her. I knew that she was a wolf, had strength and healing rivalling my own, but I couldn't help but want to shield her with my body.

"Jacob?"

"There's been a Leech at Bella's house."

A brief pause, snarl from somewhere over the phone, and heavy breathing later, Sam returned, echoing into the background, stating four simple words.

"We'll be there soon."

He hung up, and shooting a quick text to my father to tell him to keep Charlie distracted, myself and Bella went back downstairs, no longer wanting to subject ourselves to the pain of the smell. Bella was slightly shaking, but checking the bond, I could sense both fear and anger, leading me unable to conclude whether it was a 'my wolf is on the edges of emerging' shake or a 'I'm terrified that my ex is here' shake.

Either would be justified- but for now, I tried to calm her down by easing the bond, while also trying to shield her instinctively. They would not get near her again- not on mine or the pack's hands. Paws? Hands. Let's go with hands.

Soon enough, the calvary came running in- and by calvary I meant Sam, Embry and Leah. Embry, you might be surprised to know, is one of our best trackers. When he tracked, he made it look so simple that I was almost in awe. Leaving the pleasantries (or lack thereof) to Sam and Leah, Embry marched straight upstairs, and you could hear his light footsteps echoing above us.

Leah had a slight quiver adorning her body, whereas Sam was still his casual self. Well, he looked casual and calm, but underneath his eyes I could see the anger beneath them. Because he was most likely feeling the same feelings I was- and not the imprint kind. The 'someone is messing with my kids' kind of feeling, or the 'my kids are in danger' feeling.

Yes, I am referring to the pack as kids, because Sam had told me, when he was briefly going over what being an Alpha included, that he often felt paternal to those within the pack. Early days between him and Emily, but on a side note, I could see Sam being a good father. Anyhow, now was not the time for that.

"Come on Bella.."

Leah soothed, guiding my Imprint out the house and far away from the haunting scent of the Leeches. She could protect herself sure, but I would always worry about her- especially considering that she hadn't even completed her training yet. Fucking Leeches couldn't hold off for more then a few weeks, could they?

"How about we go for a run, then we'll go see your Dad."

It was phrased like a question, but honestly, it was more of a statement. Leah was not one to mince her words, and was pretty blunt- she had been like that before her first phase- so when she phrased something the way she did, it was more of a statement. Still, upon my acknowledging nod, she removed herself from my hold, and walked outside with Leah, leaving us alone in the house.

Well, her house. Not the house. Upon checking everywhere else in the house, finding nothing out of place and the scent originating from Bella's room, we migrated up their to join Embry, who had a downturned smile on his face, obviously displeased. Turning to look at us, as my fists clenched and I promised retribution for what must be the fiftieth time, Embry narrowed his eyes before dramatically jumping out of the window.

Sam gestured for me to pass him the spare key, and I did, with Sam catching them with ease. I jumped out the window similarly to Embry, following his sprint into the forest that surrounded Bella's house, before quickly getting unchanged and phasing, leaving the clothes hidden in the tree.

Embry's familiar form slunk out, nose twitching as he tracked, and I followed him, trying to not cause him any disruption. We would find out who was in Bella's room- one way or another. And if it was a Cullen? May God have mercy on their souls because we certainly wouldn't.

Currently, we were pacing the old treaty line. I say old, because it was null and void- therefore no longer in use or needed. Embry had tracked the scent all the way back here, before it washed away, causing me to pace furiously. Whoever it was had been right here, near my imprint, near those she loved. Did I care that they hadn't done anything other then invade her privacy? No.

They had been near her, in her room, in her house, with no explicit permission. It was almost like they thought they could do whatever they wanted! The amount of disrespect they shoved..it made me want to shred them limb from limb. The wolf inside me was pacing, fur bristled, fangs gleaming with a thirst for blood, gleaming brown eyes hard and flinty. A low snarl was brimming in me, with a double timbre- a growl from each of me. My wolf and the human.

Claws were digging deep into the brown dirt, and my form rigid, my back arched like that of a cats. My instincts were screaming for me to protect. Protect what was mine. Don't allow them to hurt Imprint. Before I was even aware of what was happening, I was abruptly shoved into the back of my head as the wolf took over, completely ignoring Embry's worried murmurs, as he pushed his claws into the dirt, instinctually searching for his mate, who could be in danger.

His thoughts in contrast to mine, were very simplistic, focusing on one thing in particular. Mate. Protect. Enemy. Hurt. Pain. Where? Not here. Need to be by her side. I was just thankful that he wasn't concentrating on the Alpha position, because I quite literally couldn't do anything to stop him at this point.

-Bella's POV-

My life was really fricking strange. Well. I guess we knew that already, considering my ex was a vampire, beat me within two inches of my life, and I suddenly became a werewolf. Oh, and I was destined to be with Jacob, someone who I had practically been raised with until I stopped coming to Forks. So yes, my life was weird, but I was slowly adjusting. Very slowly. When you suddenly obtain an entity within you that didn't exist before, it's throwing.

She was always there, lingering under my skin, either pacing, snarling, or giving me advice, through the innocuous feelings and thoughts that I knew weren't mine or Jake's. Sam had appeared while I had talked with Charlie, who of which was unaware of my ordeal with Edward. Which was good, because I didn't want him to get hurt because he decided to shoot an invulnerable vampire. Once, I never would have dreamed that Edward would hurt Charlie, but after everything that had happened? It was a very real possibility.

Both Leah and Sam were teaching me some basic pouncing manoeuvres, so that I had some self defence should we get attacked- which was getting increasingly higher since one of them had been in my room. I couldn't establish who it was- because not only did all their smells smell exactly the same- the blend of sugar and bleach in my nose- but they had left no traces. At all. If it wasn't for the scent which was definitely fresh, it wouldn't have been noticeable.

But, I also knew that it hadn't been circumstance- whoever in there had some intentions, but whether they were malevolent or benevolent I didn't know, and neither did the Pack. Honestly, after the Cullens had left me, without any form of goodbye or maybe you know, any sort of closure, I wasn't eager to see them. And if it was Edward, I wasn't letting him near Jacob or Charlie, and I wouldn't let him close to me again.

I was momentarily jarred as a russet blur dashed in front of me, and curled around the front of me protectively, like a shield. I would recognise the body anywhere- and there was only one member of the pack with russet fur.

Jacob was snarling, lip curled at both Leah and Sam, and I was confused- they hadn't done anything, so why was he so aggressive? From what Jacob had told me, this didn't look like a claim for the title of Alpha, (he would have been lunging for Sam's throat by now if it was the case) so what on earth was it.

"He's protecting his Mate. You. That isn't Jacob"

Sam explained, maintaining a clear distance between the still snarling Jacob. Well. Jacob Wolf? Wolf? Fido? Definitely not Fido. He most likely would see the funny side of it, but to call him fido would most likely insult me as well, So, no dice. We'll just go with Jacob, for the sake of keeping everything clear. Something must have spooked him for him to suddenly lose it, because Jacob had the best control in the pack.

"It's his wolf."

"What do I do?"

I asked, trying to stay as still as I could in order to try and calm him. No doubt if I moved, he would get more agitated, and possibly do something that rational Jake would regret later. Wagging my tail slowly (inner wolf told me that was a sign of being friendly? I need to google about wolves when I get the chance), I slowly nudged his side, drawing his attention to me.

"Let him know you are there, safe. He should snap out of it soon after."

Following Leah's advice, I slowly and calmly moved in front of him, blocking his sight of Sam and Leah. Making a weird crooning noise (which was odd to hear, I was learning new things) I shoved my head under his as he inhaled. I wasn't particularly good at this bond thing, but trying to remember what Jacob had said, I imagined it in the back of my mind, and imagined wrapping my hands around it and soothing the frays.

It wasn't easy to read, it was kind of like those English texts you have that are filled with words you don't know the meaning of, but from what little I could tell he was running heavily on his instincts- his wolf. Wrapping my shield around him, pushing out the small wall that usually circled around the pack and narrowing it down around just me and Jacob, I rubbed my body up against his, crooning and making a weird sound consisting of various different pitches.

Whatever it was, it seemed to be calming him down.

"I'm here...I'm safe...I'm with you and you with me. There are no enemies."

Rumbles emerged from Jacob's chest, as he circled around me anxiously, with his eyes slowly losing that wild, animalistic and hard glint. His fur slowly fell back down, looking less like he had been hit by lightning and more like he had professionally groomed, and his rumbles ceased once I gave him a shy lick on the muzzle.

Jacob didn't know, but I was aware of his love for me. It was hard not to be when you were surrounded by a pack of mostly males, and Jacob wasn't exactly subtle. And honestly? I had some of those feelings..but I knew I wasn't ready.

He was everything I needed and more, but the heartache over Edward still lingered. I wanted to get into a relationship, but it wasn't fair to him right now, not when I was still hurting. Jacob blinked his softened eyes, before looking at me.

"Sorry.."

"It's fine.."

I shrugged off his apology, because it wasn't his fault, and it wasn't like he had hurt me at all. It had lasted less than fifteen minutes, and all he had done was be overprotective. He really didn't have any reason to apologise, at all. His would be response was cut off by a loud and sharp howl, along with a stream of thoughts from Embry, who, judging by the images he was projecting, was near the old treaty line.

"Sam, the Cullens are back! And they wish to talk to you."

Great. Just fucking great. I wasn't one for swearing, but this was not only incredibly bad timing, but I didn't want to see them. At all. I couldn't stop the involuntary shiver as Jacob chuffed in an attempt to calm me. Sam growled, loud, sharp, and with an Alpha timbre that made my whole frame tense.

"Let's go...entertain them. If they don't have a very..."

You could tell he was angry, just by the curl of his lip and the fact that he broke off into a snarl halfway through his sentence, joined by both Jacob and myself (to my surprise). But again, thinking on it, I realised that I was angry. Beneath the pain and the fear and the betrayal, I was furious.

"..good reason, then we will tear them limb for limb."

As the rest of the pack phased in, Sam ordered Seth, Brady, and Collin to run the borderline- he didn't want them near the vampires if he could help it, and the role needed to be filled anyway. It was a stroke of luck that we were all able to phase, because normally myself, Jacob, Seth, Collin and Brady would be in school now. Leaving the pack short. So I guess there was a positive about the situation.

"You don't have to come Bells."

Jake offered, as they began to sprint to where the vampires were, as Embry was stood watching them with a wary glare and a low rumble. If that was what Embry was like, and he was considered to be the most passive of us, who knows what the rest of the pack would be like.

With a determined glint in my eyes, and my fur standing up on edge, I refused his offer, either this being a very good idea or a very bad one. But I needed my closure if I could ever hope to move on with Jake.

"No. I need to see what they will say. I need the closure."

With no more of a word said, and ignoring the possibility that the pack might have to attack (because, despite everything, I'm not sure how to feel about that) the pack gathered at the old treaty line, where the amber eyes of the ones who I considered to be my old family met my ones. Thickening up my shields, and wrapping them around my family, I vowed to do everything I could to protect my new family. I could only hope I could do enough.

Author's Note

I did say I was going to bring the Cullens back into it. And I have. Finally, the actual plot line is going to kick off, Bella possibly getting the closure she's been needing.

I'm back to school now, which is why this chapter was released at 9PM rather then the other times I have adopted during my study leave. Plus, I ended up adding a bit extra to the chapter, so I only just finished it and edited it.

I'd like to thank everyone who reviews, and while I always respond, to those who have their PM's closed, I'd like to say thanks in here instead! I've been forgetting to add it into the notes, but today, drugged up on Naproxen and some flu stuff, I finally remembered.

Go figure.

So before I go, here's a question. What is everyone's favourite genre of music? You might've guessed that I have quite a few different tastes, but my favourite is rock. Especially 80's rock, like Bon Jovi and Aerosmith.

So, to everyone, have a nice week, and I'll see you when I see you!

~Cait