Author's Note: Hey everyone! Sorry this chapter took a while! I've had papers and presentations due like crazy!

Also, next chapter, I was thinking of making a little more, uh…mature, but I'm not sure yet. Any feedback on that would be greatly appreciated!

Chapter 14

We would be leaving in a while to meet the Cullen's and I was stressing over what they could possibly have to tell me. Why couldn't it be done over the phone? Was this just some ploy to get me near them so they could try and kidnap me and force me to serve them? I shuddered violently, causing Jake to look at me in concern. I half-heartedly smiled and he sighed in frustration. Jake clearly wasn't convinced I was okay…and he was right.

I wasn't okay.

But I needed to be brave, not just for my wolf but for the pack as well. The last thing I wanted was to have everyone worried about me. I sighed as I sat in the corner of the couch with my laptop on my lap, Seth sitting at my feet. What started out as the best weekend of my life was starting to take a turn for the worse. After all, the last thing I wanted to do after spending such a phenomenal night with Jake was meet with a group of vampires.

Speaking of my wolf, Sam motioned for him accompany him outside along with Jared and Paul. I watched in curiosity as Jake wordlessly followed, his intense eyes finding and holding my gaze before walking out. I smiled reassuringly after my wolf, although he couldn't see it. I needed to show my Jake I really was okay so he would be okay and not worry about me. For Jake's sake and my sanity, I would be brave.

I glanced down at my laptop, returning to the email I was writing to my best friend, Noelle. We haven't seen each other since I moved out here, and I missed her terribly. She was currently engaged to her high school sweetheart, Jeremy, who I honestly didn't like. I've never gotten along with him because he was a condescending jerk who was stuck in the 1920's and didn't believe a woman should speak her mind. Of course, anyone who knows me knows I have absolutely no problem speaking what I feel, especially when upset. Not only that, but the asshole refuses to let her work making her solely depend on him. He constantly puts her down, making her believe she's nothing without him.

Asshole.

It also didn't help that Noelle's home situation sucked. Her parents constantly argued and when she was seven her mother left her father along with all of the kids. Unfortunately, because Noelle is the oldest, she was made to help take care of her siblings. Instead of going out to the movies or mall like normal teenagers do, Noelle would stay home to babysit while her father, whom she didn't really get along with, worked two jobs. In fact, most of the time Noelle and I hung out was at her house because she had to babysit. I didn't mind though; I enjoyed spending time with her and her crazy brothers and sisters. However, because of her home situation, as soon as she turned eighteen, she moved out of her father's house and in with her boyfriend.

When I lived back in New Jersey, Jeremy tried to keep Noelle and me from spending time with each other, stating I was a bad influence. Of course, when I found this out I confronted Jeremy and we got into a huge argument in which I told him how I really felt about him...incorporating a few choice words along with it. Just because he was born rich didn't mean he could talk to and treat people horribly. Although he deserved it, I do regret telling Jeremy off as it put Noelle in a very delicate situation, and ever since then, he's been treating her worse. I wanted to say something, but Noelle begged me not to, saying I would just make it ten times worse. As reluctant as I was, I left it alone.

Now, for whatever reason, Noelle agreed to marry this asshole and wanted me to be her maid of honor. I haven't agreed yet because since I can't stand her fiancé. I would feel wrong participating in something I didn't one-hundred percent agree with. I told her we needed to talk before I agreed to anything. I don't want to hurt her, but it's something I need to get off of my chest.

I pressed the button to send my email and just stared at the screen. I hope that Noelle wouldn't take what I had to say the wrong way. If she was set on marrying Jeremy and really wanted me in the wedding, I would be there, but only for her. Jeremy could go fu-

"If you think any harder, you'll give me a headache." I looked to my left and saw Leah glancing at me from the corner of her eyes. At my blank look, Leah rolled her eyes. "That's my way of asking if you're okay."

I nodded. "Yeah, just…best friend issues." Leah cocked a delicate eyebrow, a spark of interest in her dark eyes. I smiled at her. "She's marrying this guy who I can't stand."

Leah rolled her eyes, though smirked at me. "I see you and Jake have more in common than I originally thought."

I looked in confusion for a moment before realizing that Jake's best friend was engaged to a man he didn't like, or rather, hated with a passion.

I shook my head at the irony before turning to fully face Leah. "Yeah, me and Jeremy, my best friend's fiancé, may as well be mortal enemies. He's a complete jerk," I said, finally happy to have someone to listen to me vent. "He's annoying, and condescending, and thinks just because his family comes from money he's better than everyone," I said, rolling my eyes. Just talking about that asshole gets my blood boiling.

"You sure you're not referring to Edward?" I turned and saw Embry grinning at me as he sat on the arm of the couch next to Leah.

"Positive. This guy isn't a vampire, and if he was he would've gotten rid of me a long time ago. He's probably hoping I don't attend the wedding so he won't have to see me and get an earful for some bullshit he shouldn't have done," I said, frowning slightly. Embry smirked while Leah glanced at me in amusement.

"You have a knack for giving people an earful," Leah said impressed.

I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion, not knowing what she was referring to so Embry said, "Remember when you first Bella?"

I nodded. How could I forget the first meeting between Bella and myself? I didn't mean to go off on her, it just…sort of happened. But how would Leah know that? She wasn't there –oh.

"Pack mind, right?" Embry nodded, grinning at me.

"At least Jake managed to imprint on someone with a backbone. Other than you freaking out at the mention of leeches, you're okay," Leah said. I stared at the woman trying to figure out if I was just complemented or insulted.

"Uh…thank you?"

"It was a compliment," she said, smiling softly and I returned it. Leah was okay, at least, when she wasn't angrily phasing into a wolf and snarling at me. But then again, her emotions were running high that day and her anger wasn't directed to me.

"You're alright too, when you're not angrily phasing."

Leah winced. "Sorry about that, by the way. I didn't have a good grasp on my emotions and...well," Leah trailed off, playing with her hands and looking down. Embry put a hand on her shoulder in comfort and I smiled at the scene.

"It's fine, Leah," I said, smiling at the bronze-skinned woman who looked at me hesitantly, "I understand. Besides, I've found that in the brief interactions I've had with Bella she does things that can easily piss you off. Hell, if I were able to phase, she probably would've made me do it that night. Actually, if I were able to phase, Jeremy would've made me do it a long time ago."

Leah and Embry laughed

"Who is Jeremy and just what would he have made you do?" I glanced behind me as Jake and Sam walked back into the house, Sam's face an unreadable expression and Jake looking at me curiously, his body tense; most likely from the discussion he had with Sam, Jared and Paul, the latter two walked back in and went straight to the kitchen, talking quietly along the way. I eyed Jake in worry while Embry decided to answer for me.

"Jeremy is her Edward," Embry said grinning at Jake. "Turns out Bella isn't the first person to be told off by Feisty Mcfeisterson over there."

Feisty Mcfeisterson? I glanced at Embry in disbelief and instead Leah caught my gaze. She rolled her eyes and made a face, making me laugh.

"Feisty Mcfeisterson? More like mouth almighty," I glanced at Quil who was walking from the kitchen, a sandwich in hand. "I'm hoping our resident wolf girl can back up all that mouth." Quil took a bite of his sandwich while glancing at me in thought. "If not, we're gonna have our work cut out for us."

I rolled my eyes. "Of course I can back it up! Well, I can when we're talking regular humans. I'm not sure how well I'll do with the whole uh, leech, thing," I said, grinning at the tall, lanky wolf.

"Just set their ass on fire, you'll be good to go from there."

I blinked in confusion. "You mean literally?" So, other than ripping the head off a vampire, the only way to kill them was to set their ass on fire?

At my confused look, the wolves present laughed heartily. Jake was the first to recover, "Not their literal asses, honey, but yes, you set them on fire."

My mouth made an "oh" shape, making Quil laugh harder. I rolled my eyes. I'm new to this supernatural thing; it's not my fault I thought he meant it in the literal sense!

"The look on your face was priceless, Ash," Quil said grinning and plopping down on the floor and sitting Indian style (no pun intended) while continuing to eat his sandwich. I rolled my eyes as a smile made its way to my lips. It's nice to be around lively company for a change. Actually, it was nice to spend some time with people other than other hospital employees. I really needed to stop working so much.

All too soon, the dreaded time came to meet the Cullens. It was dark out and the fall air was cool. I was wearing a pair of jeans with a pink top with one of Jake's black sweatshirts that I threw on after I showered. I walked out with the pack who, much to my chagrin, were all half-naked…well, except for Leah who was wearing a tank top and shorts. Must be nice to have a body that doubles as a space heater as well.

"Are we driving?" I asked, not sure how far, or even where we were going. The pack looked at me in collective looks of amusement. "What?"

"We usually phase and go in wolf form," Seth offered cheerily. They phased to get there? How was I supposed to get there then?

"You'll be riding me," Jake whispered in my ear and I couldn't help but to blush at the double entendre. Jake grinned wolfishly, winking at me before jogging off to the tree line with the rest. Just as soon as he disappeared, Jake reappeared in his wolf form, looking majestic and powerful, much like in my dream.

I walked towards my wolf who was laying on his belly, waiting patiently for me to get on his back. Even with him laying down, he was still quite large. I literally jumped on his back, grabbing a handful of his fur to pull myself up and into a straddling position. Jake looked back at me, amusement etched on his wolf's features. I rolled my eyes, gently digging my heel into his side in warning making him huff-wait, was he laughing? I couldn't stop the smile that made its way to my face and I rolled my eyes.

"So glad you're amused by my struggle," I said, pouting a bit.

Jake smiled wolfishly at me before glancing at me meaningfully. I grabbed two handfuls of his fur and leaned down against him as he began walking to join the pack. I looked around at the phased wolves who seemed to be having a silent conversation with each other. In the darkness, I was able to recognize Leah, Quil, and Embry. There was a sandy colored wolf who came to stand by Jake, practically bouncing on his paws; a dark silver wolf who looked to be…smirking?...at me which made Jake growl in warning at the wolf; and a brown wolf who stood close to a larger black one. My eyes widened in surprise as I recognized that wolf from my dream, but who could it be? I would need to ask Jake about that later.

Jake turned to look at me, trying to convey something to me without speaking. I looked at him in confusion, trying to figure out what he wanted. "Uh, we're leaving?" I guessed. Jake nodded. "So, I should probably hang on?" I guessed once again and my wolf nodded to confirm that as well. I clung tightly to him, my hands going on either side of my wolf to hold on. When I was positioned as Jake wanted, he began trotting off, flanked by Quil and Embry. Steadily, Jake began picking up speed and I began to feel excited from the rush of adrenaline I was getting. This was amazing! I really hope Jake would be able to take me wolf riding once again!

I buried my head in Jake's strong, russet colored back, surprised when I was once again met with the scent of his body wash and…something else I couldn't put my finger on, yet it called out to all my senses, much like earlier in the day. Huh, curious.

Soon, Jake was slowing down and I finally looked up since the wind wasn't beating against my head anymore. We were still in the woods and I looked around in confusion. They meet here? The pack formed a half-circle, glancing around at each other. I wish I knew what they were saying.

I was startled as Jake suddenly laid on his belly. I guess this was my cue to get off? I swung my leg from around him and slid off him, landing on my feet. I stood beside my wolf as I watched the huge black wolf run off. Soon, we were rejoined by –Holy Shit!

The black wolf was Sam?!

Sam was the one who was challenging Jake in my dream?! But…but why?

Is it…is it because Jake is the rightful Alpha? Oh, gosh, should I tell Jake? I'm almost afraid to…I don't want to cause any strife within the pack.

Maybe the dream didn't mean anything?

Yeah, that's it.

The dream was just that…a dream.

"-out of here," Sam said, standing in front of me. I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion causing Jake to glance at me in concern.

"I'm sorry, what did you say?" Sam cocked an eyebrow at my behavior. "Sorry, I just zoned out for a sec."

Sam eyed me for a second before responding. "Stay close to me and the pack, and if anything goes down, Seth is to get you out of here, understand?" Sam stated, rather than asked. I nodded, showing that I understood. "I'm not expecting them to be hostile since they wouldn't risk breaking the treaty, but you're our priority right now."

"Can I ask questions? You know, since all this stuff pertains to me?" I asked Sam, just to make sure I wouldn't be stepping out of line.

"Of course. We're just here mostly for back-up and to make sure they don't try to manipulate you in any way, considering…" Sam said, trailing off.

"I promise that whatever they tell me, I won't run off with them in the night," I half joked, glancing at Jake.

Suffice to say, my wolf did not look amused.

I glance at Jake in worry. "Relax, baby. I promise I won't make any decisions without discussing it with you first." I ran my hands through Jake's fur and was surprised when I felt just how tense he was. "And if I start feeling uncomfortable or upset or afraid, I'll say something."

Jake eyed me, seemingly searching for any sign of deceit. He hesitantly nodded and I smiled at him, doing my best to reassure my wolf. I meant what I said, though; no decisions would be made tonight without discussing it with Jake. I trusted my Jake with my whole heart and then some, and I knew he felt the same with me. I would not do anything to break that trust.

"Jake, remember what we discussed." Sam said. I glanced at Jake who rolled his eyes at Sam and gave a tired look. When Sam turned and began walking, Jake glared at the man's back. I looked at my wolf in concern who motioned with his head for me to follow Sam. With one last lingering look of concern at my wolf, I followed after Sam. Jake came up on my right, walking closely by my side.

Sam walked slightly ahead of us, his body exuding power and authority even when not in his wolf form. I then glanced at Jake who was focused on what was straight in front of him. While he didn't have the authoritative posture down, his form definitely exuded power and strength…and protectiveness…and determination. While all the wolves were built like friggin' brick houses, Sam was stockier than Jake as well as a bit shorter, even in his wolf form. Both walked with grace and poise; both were focused; and both were natural leaders, even if my wolf didn't see it in himself. Actually now that I thought about it, Jake didn't give himself enough credit. Huh, for a guy who could be cocky, Jake could also be self-deprecating. I frowned at the thought and sighed. If only my wolf could himself through my eyes. After all, I was convinced Jake could do anything he set his mind to, and I would be sure to support him no matter what.

We made it to a clearing and I squinted. I was able to make out several bodies, recognizing Edward, Alice and Bella. Huh, why was Bella here? It didn't really concern her, did it? I vaguely registered the sandy-colored wolf catching up to us and walking closely beside me.

"Seth?" I whispered. The wolf nodded, his eyes excited. Was he happy that I recognized him?

I smiled at Seth before turning back to what was in front of me. We stopped a few feet away from the vampire family and my eyes roamed over each one. There was a blonde who was glaring harshly at me for whatever reason. If she wasn't a vampire I would've flipped her off and stuck my tongue out at her for being so rude. There was this huge, muscular guy who seemed to be sizing me up with a goofy-looking grin on his face; a stone-faced one who showed absolutely no emotion and stared blankly into space, Alice, who was looking sadly at me when she wasn't glaring at Jake; Bella, who wasn't a vampire…yet, and Edward, who eyed my right hand in relief before smiling softly at me before turning to Jake, a look of confusion marring his stone face (I wonder why?); an older woman with long, dark hair who eyed me apologetically; and a tall, older looking vampire who, admittedly, was pretty good looking for an older guy who was also a vampire.

He wasn't nearly as good looking as my wolf though.

The older looking man was smiling warmly at me and I tried to return it, but I'm pretty sure it came out as more of a grimace.

"Thank you all for coming," the man began, glancing at each of the wolves and Sam before glancing at me. "You must be Ashley."

I nodded hesitantly, not able to form a response.

"I assure you, you have no reason to be afraid of me," he said. "I'm Carlisle," the vampire said by way of greeting. I nodded.

"It's, uh, nice to meet you," I guess…

"Likewise. Though I do wish our meeting could've been under different circumstances," he said apologetically.

I nodded politely, giving him a small smile in response. I honestly couldn't say the same. I've had enough dealings vampires to last me for a lifetime, and then some.

"So you had something to talk to us about?" Sam asked, eyeing the Cullens in question.

Carlisle nodded, offering me a sad smile. "Yes, actually, all of you need to be informed about the latest turn of events, as I'm afraid young Miss Ashley's life is in danger."

I froze, my eyes going wide as I eyed the vampire in unmitigated horror as I heard Jake growl lowly, along with the rest of the pack. Sam frowned before asking in a dangerously controlled voice, "Danger from what?"

Carlisle met Sam's dark, intense eyes head on. "The Volturi."

I looked at the handsome vampire in confusion before turning to Jake to see if he recognized the name. Jake spared me a quick glance, his expression showing slight worry as he narrowed his eyes at the vampire.

"And what is that?" I asked, frowning at Carlisle.

"Honestly, did your dog not tell you what Edward said on the phone?" The blonde-haired woman spoke snidely and I glared harshly at her. Jake glared dangerously at her and there were low growls emanating from the pack. I glanced at Jake, feeling appalled on his behalf.

"Don't pay Rose any mind," Bella said, smiling timidly at me, "she doesn't mean any harm."

"Then tell her to watch her tongue before I get mad," I said dangerously, suddenly not caring she was a vampire. No one disrespected my mate.

"Oh look, this little human has a backbone," she mocked.

"Rosalie!" Carlisle whispered harshly.

"You're damn right, along with a pocket full of matches," I said dangerously, not quite sure where this sudden bravery was coming from. Did I have a pocket full of matches? Absolutely not. However, she didn't need to know that! A few members of the pack… snickered? Wolves could do that?!... while the rest growled at the blonde bimbo, seemingly backing me up.

"Ashley, relax," Sam said, glancing warningly at me.

"She started it," I said defensively glaring at the blonde who was still glaring at me, but now sizing me up as well. I met her glare head on with one of my own, my brown eyes meeting her own topaz color. I may not have supernatural strength, but I could and would definitely fight you with my words. Fucking disrespectful-ass vampires…

Carlisle glanced at Rosalie disapprovingly, but her gaze never left me. I fought the urge to sneer at the blonde, and instead rolled my eyes. I hope she wasn't looking for an apology. Unless she respected Jake and my pack, she would be faced with more hostility.

I mean the pack. They're not mine. I'm technically not even a part of the pack. I'm just dating Jake, who happens to be a part of the pack. Right? Right.

Even if a small voice at the back of my head was saying otherwise.

"If there are no more interruptions," Carlisle said, directing that comment to Rosalie, but I nodded still. Carlisle glanced back at Sam and me apologetically, "Shall we continue?"

Sam shot a look at me, almost as if to ask "are you done?" I motioned with my hands for him to continue. The larger man glanced at Carlisle before nodding. What? I can't help it if I'm a bit…protective…of my wolf. If she said something again, I would make good on my promise and set her ass on fire, possibly even literally.

I'm sure someone here has matches.

"The Volturi are our governing council, if you will. They were developed to keep peace within the vampire world."

My eyes widened in shock. Huh, who knew vampires had some type of established government? I just assumed they recklessly attacked humans…after all, isn't that what Victoria did?

"After the events that transpired with Victoria," Carlisle began and I turned my full attention towards the man, "we did some research after finding out about your ancestry-"

"Which was really none of your business to begin with," I interrupted, glaring at Bella who's the one who probably told everyone. Bella looked apologetically at me before glancing down. My gaze once again found the blonde-haired woman's eyes, who glanced between Bella and myself before grinning wickedly at me. All right, this blonde is clearly nuts.

Carlisle cleared his throat, capturing my attention once again. He directed an apologetic smile towards me before acknowledging my wolf. "Admittedly, I let my curiosity get the better of me, and for that I apologize. If not for that curiosity, we wouldn't be in this situation now."

"And what situation would that be?" Sam asked seriously.

"The Volturi found out about Victoria about a week after the incident," Carlisle said apologetically. "They came to get information about what happened and found out about you in the process. You see the leader came and he possesses a gift known as tactile telepathy. He was able to see my thoughts and memories, including all of the research I had conducted on the Blackfoot tribe and-"

Telepathy?! These vampires have special powers?! Are you kidding me?!

Now, they knew because they read Carlisle's memories…

But Carlisle knew because either Edward or Bella told him.

And Edward knew because Bella told him

I turned my gaze on Bella who refused to meet my gaze (or was that glare?) head on. If she hadn't told Edward, we wouldn't even be having this conversation right now!

"It's not Bella's fault, Ashley," Edward spoke up, defending his fiancée. I turned my glare to him in response.

"Then whose is it?" I asked rhetorically. Was he really going to sit here and tell me it wasn't her fault?! The head vampire guy saw information regarding me because Carlisle was doing research that he wouldn't have done had he not known!

"It's mine. I told Carlisle."

I glared harder at the well-spoken vampire, narrowing my eyes dangerously. "And who told you?"

Edward looked uncomfortable but before he could say anything Bella responded. "I'm so sorry! I didn't mean for this to happen."

I blatantly ignored her as I turned back to Carlisle. "So what do they want? To turn me?" Jake growled harshly at the thought, along with Seth, and probably most of the pack but I honestly wasn't paying attention to them. "Kill me? Turn me into a slave and do their bidding?"

"As of right now, they know that there is someone from the tribe, however they are not sure of who it is as they are not able to actually see you from my thoughts."

"How is that even possible?" I asked to myself.

"It's your ancestors," Edward said, responding to my question, "They were not only able to shield vampires from other vampires, but also themselves. They were only destroyed because they were not able to physically defend themselves against the threat."

My eyes widened in shock. So I was able to block vampire powers? What? How is… How even… The fuck is… Where do…

"Huh?" I finally said, unintelligently. My mind was currently a jumbled mess.

Carlisle smiled softly at me. "Your ancestors, they were quite amazing. Perhaps with the proper guidance, you can-"

I glanced at Jake as his sudden movement caught my eye. He was shaking his head frantically as if to say no, staring at Edward as he did so.

Edward in turn, frowned, shaking his head in confusion. "I'm sorry Jacob, but I cannot hear your thoughts."

My mouth dropped open as I looked at Edward in shock. He could hear thoughts? I glanced at Jake who was looking at Edward in shocked confusion before glancing at me, his eyes conveying all of the shock I was currently displaying.

"Wait, you can hear my thoughts?" What an invasion of privacy!

Edward shook his head. "I was never able to hear your thoughts," Edward said, glancing meaningfully at Jake. What was that look for? Edward turned back to me and said, "that was how I originally knew something was different about you."

He was never able to hear my thoughts? And now, he couldn't hear Jake's thoughts? What was going on?! Just when shit started to make sense, this up and happens!

"If you would allow us to help-" Edward started before he was abruptly cut off by a sharp snarl from Jake. I watched in surprise as Edward tensed and eyed Jake. Seth moved closer to me, glancing between Jake and Edward warily before glancing at me. Jake stopped glaring at Edward to spare Seth a glance. Seth nodded, but didn't move from his close proximity at my side. I'm not sure what silent conversation was taking place between them, but I was prepared to jump on Seth's back and book it out of there if I needed to.

I watched as Edward stared at Jake, seemingly watching his every movement. Was it because he could no longer hear my wolf's thoughts? Maybe that was a good thing since Jake was probably mentally ripping Edward to shreds right now.

"Thanks for the offer," I started, making Jake turn his head to look at me, "but I won't be needing your help."

"Ashley, you don't understand what they're capable of!" Bella exclaimed. "Don't let Jake's dislike for Edward cloud your judgement."

I stared at the longhaired woman. She thinks Jake is clouding my judgement? She's one to talk. "Bella, rest assured Jake's not influencing my decision."

Bella looked at me in disbelief and I cocked an eyebrow at her, crossing my arms over my chest. She did the same before responding, "Really Ashley? Are you really saying Jake's reaction isn't influencing your decision?"

I glared at the woman. "I'm not going to lie, it does play a part." Bella cocked an eyebrow so I continued. "But it wouldn't have to if you didn't say anything to Edward!"

Bella frowned before huffing. "I said I was sorry! How was I supposed to know the Volturi would find out?"

"Gee, I don't know," I said as I placed my index finger on my chin and feigned thinking. "Maybe because you want to be a vampire and would therefore be privy to all things vampire?"

"I didn't know that would happen! Jeez, Ashley! Just because you and Jake are together and Jake blames me for everything doesn't mean you have to!"

"Did you ever stop to think that maybe he and the pack are speaking the truth?" I asked, emphasizing the "and" to show it wasn't just Jake who supposedly blamed her for everything. "Maybe you're just to blind to see it! Maybe if you-" I said, waving my hands around to show I meant everyone standing on the other side facing us, "-weren't selfish and stopped to look at how you've affected everyone's lives on the reservation, none of you would be blamed for any of this…this…bullshit!" I said, practically yelling at the end. I was breathing deeply, trying to keep my emotions in check. All I could see right now was Jake upset because he had to put his dreams on hold because he had to phase because of them!

I felt a hand placed on my shoulder and I turned to see Sam, his eyes boring into mine before glancing at the vampires. "Am I right to assume there is no immediate danger?"

Carlisle nodded, his expression strained. "As of right now, you are correct. Alice is watching closely to make sure. If anything develops, we'll contact you."

Sam nodded, and with that, everyone was gone save for Bella and Edward. Edward was watching me with an unreadable expression on his face and Bella was glowering at me.

"That's not fair, Ashley," Bella said angrily, "it's not fair that you blame me and the Cullen's for everything! You don't even know everything to make a sound judgement!"

I stomped my foot angrily and took a step forward, Jake and Seth taking one with me. "I know enough to make an informed observation!"

"No you don't! You think you do but you don't! You have no idea what the Cullen's have been through! What I've been through!"

"And you have no idea what your supposed best friend has been through! What the pack has been through! What the families of the pack have been through!" I yelled, before Sam stood in front of me, effectively blocking my view of the two.

"Edward, I think you and Bella should leave," Sam said calmly. I glared at the huge man's back as that was the only thing in my line of sight.

"I'm not done speaking to her yet!" I heard Bella say. I tried to peak from behind Sam to see what was going on, but was unsuccessful.

"Yeah, well I'm done with you!" I yelled back from behind Sam, doing everything I could to get around the huge man. "I'm done with you and your stupid decisions that have now gotten me mixed up in this stuff! Not everyone wants to become a vampire, Bella!"

"You are the most –hey! Edward, put me down!" I heard Bella yell.

"Ashley," I heard Edward say mixed with Bella still fussing, "I just want you to know that my family and I are sorry. We never meant to get you mixed up in all of this, and we will be more than willing to work with the wolves to keep you safe, even if you don't want us to help, especially after what you've done for Bella and what happened to your hand which I'm really sorry about. Farewell."

Argh! Stop trying to make me feel bad about what I said! I still mean it! It's because of you that my wolf-

"Are you ready to go?" Sam asked me, turning around and eyeing me in slight amusement. I nodded, turning to Jake who motioned with his head for me to get on his back. This time, I was helped up by Sam, who then ran off to phase. I held onto Jake tightly as he began trotting off into the woods before picking up speed.

All too soon, we were back at Jake's house. He let me down off his back just outside the tree line before running in.

"Ash, that was hilarious!" I watched as Quil jogged over to me and stood before me with his shorts on, holding out his hand for a high five. I hit his hand in slight confusion, not quite sure what I was being commended for. "Our resident good-girl geek is a total badass!"

"That was classic!" Embry said, coming up to me as well. "I was half expecting you to turn into the Hulk and take out that blonde leech!"

"A pocket full of matches?" Paul said in amusement. "I would've paid to see you literally set her ass on fire."

"Nice work in setting Bella straight," Leah said, impressed.

"What happened to your hand?"

I blinked as Jake stood before me, pulling his shorts on and effectively killing the positive mood. I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion. What was he –oh.

Oh boy.

I forgot just that quick Edward brought it up. Why did he do that right there in front of the pack?! Did he have a death wish?!

I smiled hesitantly as Jake looked at me expectantly, along with the rest of the pack. "You have to promise me you won't get upset," I said seriously. I couldn't risk Jake running off and starting a war because of something that happened months ago.

Jake eyed me, his arms now crossed over his chest. "Ashley, I'm serious."

"So am I," I said stubbornly.

"Fine," Jake said coolly.

I sighed. "So, you know how Edward and Alice came to get me from your house during the whole Victoria fiasco?" I asked and Jake nodded in response. "Well…" I started, playing with my hands, "…Edward may have scared me and I may have punched him in the face."

Silence.

Jake was eerily still, his eyes staring straight ahead.

"Dude," Quil said in awe, "you punched a vampire and lived to tell the tale? You're definitely a badass!"

Jake eyed my right hand and frowned before looking at Sam. "Sam, do it."

Huh? Do what?

Sam walked over to Jake. "Jacob, you WILL NOT go after the Cullen's and do any type of harm to them."

I eyed Sam in awe as he spoke in a tone I've never heard him use before. What was going on? I glanced at Jake and saw his eyes were closed and his body trembled slightly. He opened his eyes, looking at me intently.

"Alpha order," Leah said, standing by my side. "It's an order given by the Alpha that can't be broken."

I frowned. That seemed a little extreme, didn't it?

"Sam and Jake talked about this on the way to the leeches," Embry said, standing by Leah. "Jake can be a bit of a loose cannon, especially when it comes to those he cares about."

"Yeah," Quil said, "Jake knew if one of the leeches said something he didn't like, he would've reacted, and then we would've reacted, and of course the bottom feeders would've reacted and, well…it just would've been bad, y'know?"

I nodded. At least I didn't have to worry about Jake running off and getting into a fight with the Cullen's.

Jake took a deep breath before coming over to stand by me. "I really wish you would've told me but," Jake ran a hand through his thick black hair, "I can see why you didn't. Just don't go around hitting anymore leeches, yeah? I doubt I'd be able to be restrained again."

"Deal," I said, holding out my hand for a handshake. Jake cocked an eyebrow but took my hand anyway, pulling me over to him and tucking me under his arm.

"Ashley," Sam began, "Do you mind if I give this information to the council? They may be able to give us more insight on everything. We also need to know how Edward is not able to read Jake's thoughts anymore. I'm sure it has something to do with you, but maybe there's a way you can safely block the pack's thoughts from them as well."

I shrugged. So long as it stayed within the pack and is was used to benefit the pack, I didn't mind at all. "Fine by me."

Sam nodded before saying goodbye and leaving. Jared left as well, along with Paul and the rest of the pack. I sighed as Jake and I walked back into his house. I plopped down on the couch and Jake sat down next to me.

"Baby, do you think what I said was too harsh tonight?" I asked. I had been reflecting on that conversation on the way back. Was what I said wrong?

"Hell no," Jake said, leaning against the side of the couch. I moved over and snuggled up under him. "They needed to hear it."

"Yeah, but, Carlisle looked really upset after I said what I did. He seems like a nice guy…for a vampire."

Jake shrugged. "He may be nice, but right is right and wrong is wrong. They moved back, knowing it would trigger us to phase. Now we're stuck here on the rez since we now have an obligation to protect it."

"Well, now I can help you protect it! After all, Quill thinks I'm a badass."

Jake chuckled, as he wrapped an arm around me. "'Badass' is not the first word that comes to mind when describing you, that's for sure."

"Oh really?" I said, crossing my arms over my chest and staring at Jake. "And what's the first word that comes to mind when describing me? Geek? Dork?"

"No, more like sexy, and that's only the PG thoughts."

I blushed at Jake's response and he grinned.

"Glad to know I can still make you blush."

I rolled my eyes before yawning. Jake kissed my forehead and told me to get some rest. I complied, feeling safe in the arms of my wolf. No matter what may come, I knew I would be safe as long as Jake was by my side.

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