Just know you're not in this thing alone
There's always a place in me that you can call home
Whenever you feel like we're growing apart
Let's just go back, back, back, back, back to the start

Anything that's worth having
Is sure enough worth fighting for
Quiting's out of the question
When it gets tough, gotta fight some more

Fight For This Love, by Cheryl Cole, from the album 3 Words, released in 2009

Author's Pre-Note

There is a very brief mention of abuse. It is mentioned in passing, and is not gone into depth. Please be advised. If anyone is triggered by it, it is in Bella's POV, skip over the three line paragraph where 'And after that failed' is mentioned.

Bella's POV

I found something new out today. You might think one of several different things. There were a lot of possibilities after all.

Possibility number one: I had found a way out? No, as much as I tried, between my senses being dampened, and the two (that I knew of) vampires watching me, I hadn't found any escape routes.

Possibility number two: That I had found out where I was? No yet again, I hadn't been able to narrow down my location any further.

Possibility number three: I'd managed to contact the pack? Yes, I had managed to do that, but the agony it had put me through was nigh on painful during the duration needed.

No, what I had found out, was that Edward could still drink my blood. I know, weird right? Werewolf blood, in general, was supposed to repulse vampires, supposed to make them stop drinking before they injected their venom into us.

Funnily enough, judging by the continued drinking of my blood by Edward, it seemed to taste nice to him. Odd, I know. My theory- just a theory- was that I was supposed to be his singer. The one whose blood sang for him the most. Well, it was either that, or Edward was just delusional.

I guess it depends on what you think. And before you think that it was perhaps a difference with me, perhaps because I became a wolf a completely different way, Victoria hated my blood. And me. But also my blood. Because, after Edward egging her on- ew, by the way.

Seeing the two of them interact with one another was almost weirder then the fact that Edward still seemed to think I loved him and he me (he has a funny way of showing it)- she had bitten my paw which they had pulled out of socket- Oww it had already healed the wrong way- and drew a large swirl of my blood. It sounds quite clinical when I say it like that, doesn't it?

Like a doctor drawing blood. Her face turned almost immediately into one of disgust, as she spat it out much like a child would with a vegetable they didn't like. It was quite amusing to be fair. Don't think I deserved the backhand I got for snickering though. She had turned to face Edward, who had been leaning against the wall, mouth in a cocky smirk.

"She truly doesn't taste divine?"

He sounded so surprised, that I was beginning to think that when he supposedly got this illness, he lost a few brain cells. Or more then a few at the very least. Throughout the whole experience, I had remained stubbornly silent, refusing to say anything. He knew I could, if we go back to the situation where I got kidnapped, but I chose not to. I wasn't going to speak to someone who treated me so badly. When I hadn't talked, he started to try other methods.

His first attempt was to starve me. I hadn't eaten since a couple of hours before he grabbed me, and at the very least a few days had gone by, and at the most, two weeks. A varying time-frame I know. To accompany the starving, he tried emotionally manipulating me. It's almost as if he wanted me to get Stockholm Syndrome, although I guess that would work for his advantage.

And after that failed, because I was more resilient then he gave me credit for, he tried physical abuse. Cuts, bruises, broken bones, slaps here and there, you get my point.

It wasn't pleasant, but I got by, because I knew Jacob would find me like he promised to do. The only problem was that the defined line between the human and wolf, Bella and Bella-Wolf, she and spirit, was blurring as more and more energy of mine was being whittled away. Soon, it would be difficult to see where Bella began and the wolf ended.

And that scared me- because we both had our own individual personalities, and to have them smooshed into one consciousness wouldn't be good for either of us- I just had to hope that Jacob would be on his way soon. No, that was the wrong terminology. I didn't have to hope he would be on his way soon, because I knew he would be searching for me anyway. I just had to hope he would be here on time.

Jacob's POV

I had a lot of fun savouring the various expressions on their faces. It wasn't enough to distract me from the fact that Bella had managed to contact me, but it was amusing all the same. Of course, we had all rapidly moved on from the revelation, and instead were gathered around a map of Earth. It covered the span of the table on the plane, and had the capital of each city marked clearly, as well as major airports.

For example, Heathrow was marked as a major airport in London. I'd always wanted to go England.. it was unlikely we'd ever get a chance to go, because of Pack business and defending La Push and all of that fun responsibilities. Anyway, we circled Anchorage Airport with a massive black marker. We hadn't figured out why Edward had flown from such a big airport, with plenty of CCTV and all that, but I wasn't going to question it.

"We know that wherever Bella went, it took her roughly seventeen and a quarter hours. We know he took a Boeing 747 from the airport. While no flight plan was filled, and the transponder was turned off soon after take off, we know that this specific model of aeroplane can travel 550 miles per hour, or approximately 885 kilometres per hour."

They were just facts, but I think I could see where he was going with this. Hundreds of years and a doctors degree I had not, but I did have a basic education. And in that education, we learned a specific formula called the speed-time-distance triangle. Since even Edward couldn't defy physics with engine specs- something that made my inner mechanic smug- we could use it to work out a distance.

"If I'm thinking along the same lines: to find the distance we multiply the speed by the time."

The things I do for love. Talking civilly to Leeches just because they can help me find Bella. Like I've said countless times before, there was nothing I couldn't and wouldn't do for Bella. Doctor Leech looked up from the map, as the pack stood behind me, each with different emotions on their faces. Embry's was calm, collected, like he was getting a relaxing bath rather then in a potentially confrontational situation with our arch enemies.

He would make a good second.

My wolf rumbled, and I couldn't help but agree. The traits he was displaying, the level-headedness that he possessed, and not being afraid to protect were admirable traits. Especially when you remember the fact that he had stood up to me when I was getting worked up about meeting Bella. He was stubborn in all the right ways, determined, but wasn't submissive to me either. He was willing to challenge me, not for position, but for what was right.

Seth, on the other hand, was like a child on sugar, trying to convince their parents that they weren't on a sugar rush. Barely contained excitement was making itself evident, but I knew that he was excited because we were with the Leeches. It wasn't even because we were on a plane. It was because we were close to finding my Imprint. His kind of enthusiasm was almost a relief- because while it didn't make light of the situation, it in some way helped to keep us calm.

The cub is young. Respectful of his superiors, but young enough to not truly understand. He needs guidance by the Alpha.

Again I found myself agreeing with my wolf's analysis. He was really good at it, it seemed. Our final member of our little Pack, Jared, was watching with a wary eye, and neutral look. Only the slight curl of his lip gave any sign that he was displeased with our alliance. I couldn't blame him in all honesty though- I didn't like to trust them any more then necessary. There was a reason majority of the pack stayed back in La Push after all.

He has good reason to distrust. But to be an effective Alpha, or Beta, or Third, you must be willing to make sacrifices for the good of the pack. It is up to the leader to choose what sacrifices are beneficial.

Yet again, I agreed with my wolf...and then I realised why he was making these analyses. It wasn't just because I had started the topic- it was because he wanted us to become Alpha of the pack. The agreement I received told me I'd hit the nail on the head.

It is our birthright, our duty, our pack. Current Alpha does not have the blood, the knowledge, the strength. He is weak Alpha, but strong Beta. We need to lead eventually, for the good of pack. It is no longer a choice- just a matter of when. We will wait until Mate is safe, but heed my words Alpha.

I had no clue what to say to that. I had been debating taking leadership one day..but it was a decision I was unsure of. One that I would have to discuss with Bella. It had always come across as a choice to me- one that my Dad disapproved of- but a choice nonetheless. It was a choice to become Alpha- but here it was being portrayed that it in fact wasn't. What was I supposed to say to that?

"885 kilometres multiplied by 17.25 is 15,266.25 kilometres. If we compile a list of countries within that distance, or there about, we can use other slips of information to narrow it down."

Sometimes, I wish I had the ability to do complicated sums in my head. Give me a pen and paper, and a couple of minutes, and I would've worked it out simple enough. Maths had always been my strong suit- a skill that came in very handy when it came to cars. Specific measurements, lengths of car parts, dimensions, things like that. So yeah, while I was good at maths, doing it instantaneously, even with my werewolf mind? Didn't have a chance.

"So what countries does that narrow it down to?"

Crossing my arms- and cherishing opposable thumbs!- I looked at the piece of paper that Carlisle was studying, half convinced that it was about to burst into flames at the speed of his writing. Or that the pen was going to drastically burst, spilling ink everywhere. Control was a difficult thing to master- and oh my God how am I complimenting a Leech? Eugh. I think I'm delusional- I'm going to put it down to imprint separation and be done with it.

In an odd, and uncharacteristic, human-like move, Carlisle fidgeted, narrowing his eyes almost as if in concentration. I notice these things because I'm watching them like a hawk- or rather a concerned and worried sick imprint.

"She could possibly be in Russia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, Ukraine, or Tajikistan. We need to narrow it down further."

"You don't say."

Jared muttered, scowling and flashing his eyes dangerously. Flicking my eyes to him in the universal sign of 'Play Nice. You don't have to like them but they are helping us' I asserted a little bit of my dominance over him, pressing down on his presence a little. I hated doing it, especially with someone I deemed to be my friend, but I couldn't have him potentially endangering the chances of saving Bella.

Yes, I'm aware of how hypocritical that may sound, especially with my earlier reveal, and I do take responsibility about that. It had been a quick decision on my part, and I was really fucking lucky that it didn't endanger our attempt at locating her. I got cocky, grateful to see my Imprint, and it was a stupid decision that I shouldn't have made.

The sign of a good Alpha is one who realises when he has done wrong, so that he can amend such decisions.

Pointedly ignoring my wolf- who was incessant on calling me 'Alpha', even when I wasn't- I turned to look at Carlisle, with Jared wisely keeping quiet. None of the others had mentioned anything, much to my thanks, but I watched carefully, wishing I'd managed to glean more information from Bella.

"What else did Bella tell you?"

Now, he was definitely just asking that in a misguided attempt to make me feel comfortable. Or the rest of us comfortable- it wasn't just about me you know. The reason I knew this, was because the damned Leeches had essentially an eidetic memory, so that once they'd seen or heard something, they would never forget it.

It helped that Bella had mentioned it as well. Holding my tongue- resisting the urge to be immature and say 'I think you already know the answer'- I took a breath in, before shifting my weight onto my other foot.

"It was cold. She was shivering, despite us naturally running hot. There seemed to be snow as well."

I saw him confer to a screen to his left- which seemed to be displaying weather forecasts for all of the countries he listed, as he scored several off. We were getting there..slowly but surely. There were still far too many countries. Every so often, he would confer with Psychic Leech, who's eyes would grow glazed, followed by either a nod or a shake. I clenched my knuckles, in an attempt to keep my impatience as they repeated the routine. The damned Leech hadn't made it easy for us, not at all.

"Is there anyway you can find out more? There are still several countries she could possibly be in, and we do not have the time to investigate them all."

He was really trying my patience, but I reigned it in. But only just. I couldn't resist the curling of my lip though- that was just instinctual. I sighed, before thinking. I hadn't been able to break down the barrier with the two of us- but what about if there were four of us on my side?

Could it break then? Would I be able to hear her voice? I weighed up the pros and cons of the decision, with my wolf chiming in with his own advice. Sometimes it was helpful to have another persons input on something..even if said other person was a wolf spirit.

During a harsh winter, A Alpha may have to make sacrifices or tough decisions to keep the Pack safe. Without these hard decision, they shall doom the rest of the Pack. While you could risk harm to either side of the bond, the 'wall' should not be present. Preventing us from seeing our mate. Wrong. It needs to go. The strength of four of our Pack, is stronger then one. Perhaps pack-work shall break it. Try.

He put it better then I did. I had to take risks...other wise I might not see Bella again. Nodding, tensing, and sighing hard, I looked into the onyx eyes of the Leech.

"I have an idea. Everyone."

I turned back to face my mini-Pack, who were watching my interactions. I smiled sharply, a crooked grin- one that was similar to a cat who got the canary. While I hadn't got Bella safe in my arms, I at least was on the right track. Tensing, coiling my muscles, I reached down to my bottle, and with a smirk that was unnecessary, clenched it tightly.

"Phase."

And I threw it down sharply, causing the phase to creep over me like a second skin. It took less then a minute for the familiar russet fur to settle over me, the claws and fangs of a hunter grow in, the sharp increase of my senses adjusting. I was going to find her. There was no doubt about that.

"We're going to try and communicate with her like I did before."

My unspoken words were: 'I don't really know how to do it but I'm going to try anyway'. Because while I could communicate with Bella somewhat through my bond..even not being able to speak, I had no idea how to actually bring them with me. It was a door in the back of my mind..something I instinctively knew how to traverse. Even when weakened I could do it.

But never had I tried to bring someone along with me. Much less three others. Settling into the pack mind, almost withdrawing from my body entirely, I just chose to manifest myself in my normal body. It was jarring, mainly because I was usually a wolf when I was in the pack mind, but I think I pulled it off. I wasn't naked at the very least. Although, it was hardly the first time they'd seen me naked, but I'd rather reserve that for Bella.

"What do you need us to do Jake?"

Embry asked, with an undertone of curiosity. He was unperturbed by me manifesting- is that the right word? This is confusing- my form, and instead was just determined to see whatever I was suggesting through. It made me wonder what I'd done to inspire such loyalty from them. Seth sat down on his haunches, turning his head inquisitively like a child.

But that's what Seth was...and it was a fact that I feel like we forgot far too much. And he'd come with us on this cross country trip..without his family, not even his sister. It was irresponsible.. and probably a decision I will regret in the future. Mentally waving my hands, and gesturing to myself- something that was as weird as it sounds, believe you me- I tried to explain what I wanted them to do- trying my best to not seem like I was out of my depth.

"Withdraw from your bodies like I have, and manifest yourself like I have- it doesn't really matter what form you take."

While I could tell Jared looked uncomfortable, he still did as I asked, and within a minute, three others joined me in the pack mind. There was Jared, who had manifested himself as his wolf, looking around sharply. I don't think he was expecting it to seem so blank. Seth was the second to appear, manifesting as a wolf, but not his wolf. He seemed almost..wooden in nature. Fur etched into the wood, looking detailed but not quite real.

His body was sleek and shiny, and it suddenly clicked why he had manifested himself in that form. He crafted similar wolves with his dad, an activity that I knew, both of them bonded over. Embry was the final one to 'arrive', and like me, he just went as his human form. Perhaps it made him feel safe, perhaps he felt like it would link him to his humanity, or perhaps he just thought it was the easiest form to assume. It wasn't my business.

"Follow me."

I started to withdraw back into my mind, but concentrated on leaving an open path, lighting it like a runway with flashing lights. Whether it was due to my Alpha blood, or the stress of the situation, the pack mind.. or whatever the hell this was...it was relatively easy to manipulate. I guided them through, before treading back along our bond, hoping that Bella was waiting for us there. Whether she would be or not wasn't a thought I wanted to entertain.

Author's Note

Guess who managed to get a chapter written while she was in Edinburgh? Moi. And, it's actually a decently long one too.

So, I guess my forewarning was irrelevant in the end. Figures.

I had fun in Edinburgh though. Went to a Writer's Museum, the National Scottish Museum, went to the Botanical Gardens, even watched the first Short Circuit on the TV and a Ninja Turtles Movie that I can't remember the name of.

Don't ask. There were some random things on TV.

So, here is this weeks question. I'd better make it a good one. If there was one thing that wasn't real that you could make real, what would it be?

Honestly, I don't particularly know the answer to that. Super Powers? Super Heroes? World Peace? Equality?

I have no clue. I hope you guys have better ideas then me.

Anyway, I'm going to have a strum on my guitar.

See you all next week!

~Cait