A/N: I actually meant for this to get up earlier but things got in the way. It's pretty short, but if this sparks more interest I'll have the next one pretty soon! We're getting closer and closer to them meeting, guys, if this chapter is any indication. ;)

Chapter 3

Bark vs. Bite

"Thank you for coming, guys. And thanks for being such a huge help." I said to my friends who were standing by the door about to leave.

"The party was so much fun!" Sage said. "I never knew some of our classmates could actually dance."

"And I can't believe chief Swan and your parents were actually cool with a few bottles." Aaron chuckled.

I rolled my eyes and smiled. "Well, I'm glad."

"We told everyone to leave their gifts in the kitchen, so they should all be there." Sam said.

"Thanks. And I'm sorry for what happened during dinner." I said ashamedly.

"It's fine, love. You can tell us when you're ready." Yasmine said, giving me a hug.

"That time cannot be now. My parents have been calling for ages! We better go." Laura frowned. "Bye, love, we'll see you Monday." She said, and gave me a kiss on the cheek.

Everyone else did the same and gave different variations of goodbye. I walked them to their respective cars, and they drove away.

I went back in the house, only to be stopped by Edward.

"See, Jacob and the pack didn't show up, so would you just relax." I said, crossing my arms.

"It's not that." He said, and he dragged me into the living room, where the rest of the family were already seated.

I sighed. "Guys, it's three in the morning, and I wanna get some sleep."

"We need to talk about this, Callie." Esme said, her face full of concern.

"What's there to talk about?" I asked, obliging to take a seat. "I've already said everything."

"Not everything." Edward said.

I then put on my mental shield, an ability I believe I acquired from Bella.

Edward frowned.

"Look, I'm tired. Can I please go to bed?" I pleaded, removing my black heels.

"We can't not talk about this, Callie." Rose reasoned.

"For how long have you felt this way?" Alice asked.

"I don't know. I just always get a little jealous whenever you guys do stuff with each other. Like, kiss, or cuddle, or get remarried for the billionth time." I admitted. "No offense."

Rosalie sighed.

"I don't know, guys." I said.

"What do you think we can do about it?" Carlisle asked.

"Please, don't turn anyone for me. Never do that." I begged, looking at him seriously.

"Well, think about it, Cals, what other choice do we have?" Emmett asked, leaning forward on his elbows on his knees.

"I don't know! That's the thing! And I don't see anything in my future, not even hours from now." I stood. "I tried searching earlier."

Jasper stared hard at me and I felt myself calm down.

I took a deep breath and sat down. "I don't know what to do, but I just really want to get to bed. Is that alright?" I asked Esme.

She nodded, and I picked up my heels from the floor and dragged myself up to my bedroom.

I got dressed for bed and curled up in my blanket.

"I'm going for a run." I announced to no one in particular, ready to head out of the house.

"Not so fast, what about breakfast?" Rosalie asked, emerging from her bedroom.

"Maybe later." I said, and I descended the stairs.

"Can't we talk?" Esme asked, appearing at the foot of the stairs.

"Nope, heading out!" I waved, and ran out the door as fast as I could.

"Remember to remain out of sight! And don't cross the border!" Esme called after me, but it was too late.

I didn't even know where the border was.

I decided to break away from my usual route, and ventured into the forest.

Running was always a thrill to me. Though I'm not as fast as my family, I ran in the hopes to get faster and be able to run side-by-side with them. I often competed in marathons and won, which isn't really cheating... I mean, it's not like I do have the superhuman speed that makes me all invisible when I run. Apart from my unique special ability, it's something that I like to keep with me that makes me feel more… in place, I guess, especially since I'm so different from everyone around me.

My power music was pounding in my ears, and when I checked my phone, I had already been running for around thirty minutes. As I pushed a little further, I came by a small cliff facing another, separated by a running river.

I stopped to catch my breath.

The scene was beautiful, and I looked over the cliff to the water rushing past. I then heard a low growl coming from the other side.

I looked up, and came face-to-face with a large, black wolf.

My eyes widened, and I gulped.

Stay away. His thoughts read.

I frowned. I never knew an animal able to think like a human. Plus, this wolf was way too big to be an average one.

"Are you part of Jake's pack?" I asked aloud.

It growled once more, but I can tell it was a little confused.

It's my pack.

"Oh, so you're Sam Uley, if I'm not mistaken?" I asked.

It sat down, and growled menacingly.

How do you know who I am? And how are you understanding me?

"I can read minds like my brother, Edward."

Vampire. Why have I never seen you hunt?

"I'm actually a half-vampire..." I smiled. "And, I prefer to eat human food." I pursed my lips.

I guess this is the magical border. I thought.

"My name's Callie."

He growled once more.

"I don't hunt, like, at all, if that's what you're wondering. So like, I'm not going to attack you."

The wolf seemed to chuckle.

Vampire. The word came off him as if he was spitting out the sickest poison. If you were ever going to try attacking me, I can assure you, I'll be the one coming out alive from all this.

It growled louder this time, baring its teeth.

I jumped slightly. "Look, I probably shouldn't be having this conversation with you in the first place, so I'll just... go." I said, and slowly backed away.

His eyes trailed me until I was out of sight.

Talk about one's bark being worse than his bite.