Author's Note: It's been a year since I've started this little project! Woot Woot! Thanks again for all the reviews/likes/favs! You guys are awesome!

Sorry for the delay! Once again, real life...yadda, yadda, yadda

Disclaimer: I own nothing, except for Ashley and my imagination.

Chapter Summary: Jake and Ash talk, Quil stops by, and a meeting with the Cullens.

Chapter 23

"We meet with Carlisle later."

I blinked, glancing at Jake who was leaning against the kitchen counter, watching me closely. I was in the kitchen making dinner; a roast in the slow cooker, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, and for dessert, cheesecake. We were supposed to have steak, but we ended up having that for lunch. Ellie was still resting in bed…I guess the different time zone and jet lag was getting to her. I was mindlessly working in the kitchen, still feeling emotionally exhausted from the information I read.

"We're meeting at the treaty line." I nodded, not having much to say. "He was surprised to find out you wanted to speak with him."

"I guess so…I haven't exactly been the nicest to him."

Jake gave a half shrug. " 's not exactly your fault, Ash, you were attacked by one of their kind. 's only natural for you to feel some kind of apprehension when it comes to them."

"Yeah, I guess," I said. "You gonna call Sam and let 'im know?"

Jake rolled his eyes. "I wasn't," he said stubbornly, munching on some chips. I looked at him pointedly and he sighed. "Well if you're gonna look at me like that…"

"Things are already tense between you two. You don't want to make anything worse, baby."

"Sam has an issue with anything I do," Jake said in exasperation. "I'm starting to think he's just trying to piss me off on purpose," my wolf grumbled before stuffing his mouth with a handful of chips.

"Maybe, but maybe not," I said. Jake told me about the meeting with Edward, Carlisle, Sam and himself earlier after we had lunch and Ellie went back to bed. "You said it yourself, baby. He's feeling threatened, which is why he's responding the way he is. Not making excuses for him or anything, but it's probably hard for him to not be in control, especially where you're involved." Jake raised an eyebrow as I began mixing the batter for the three cheesecakes, figuring between Ellie and Jake, one wouldn't be enough. "You're technically supposed to be in his place."

"I am, but I told him I don't want it."

"Yes, but you're also willing to do anything to keep me safe, including becoming Alpha, am I right?"

Jake gave a one-armed shrug. "That's only if I feel Sam isn't acting in your best interest."

"Which means he's being pressured by you," I said, looking at Jake. Jake glanced at me in slight confusion. "If he makes a decision you don't like in regards to me, you're gonna challenge him, so he's probably trying to figure out how to make what he thinks are good decisions in order to keep you at bay."

"He wouldn't have to keep me at bay if he woulda just listened to me in the first place!" Jake said in exasperation.

I shook my head at my wolf as I finished mixing the batter before emptying it into the Oreo cookie crusts I made from scratch. Not only did Ellie love my cheesecake, she loved Oreos as well. Why not combine the two?

"If you actually think about it," I began slowly, making sure I had his undivided attention. "Sam may have been right." Jake cocked his eyebrow in question as I continued. "I mean, now we're setting up a meeting to meet with the same people we said we didn't need help from. Maybe we should've listened to him in the first place?" I said, putting the cheesecakes in the oven to back.

"No, we shouldn't have," Jake said stubbornly. I glanced at him once I was finished putting the cakes in the oven to bake. "Just the day before, the thought of anything leech scared you. I was not putting you in any position that you were uncomfortable with," Jake stated passionately. "Yes, Sam's Alpha and yes, we will protect you no matter what, but if you're uncomfortable with how we protect you, then that's a problem," he said, adamantly. "I refuse to put you in a position where you're having anxiety or panic attacks because they are what they are."

I glanced at Jake thoughtfully as he leaned against the adjacent counter, watching me closely. He was right; I wasn't too thrilled with the prospect of involving the Cullens before, but now…I needed to know information so Jake and the pack would be safe. Now that I think about it, it's crazy how Jake was so vehemently against Sam when he suggested involving the Cullens, yet now, because I wanted to talk to them, he was willing. I guess Jake was reading off of me and my emotions in his decisions. I needed to watch that, especially if Jake became Alpha. The fact that I could influence him and his decisions was both scary and exciting.

"You're right," I started, "but…but I think I'm good. I mean, if they're willing to help, they can't be all bad, right?"

"They're fuckin' leeches; they're bad enough."

"Yeah, but they don't slaughter people for fun, right?"

"Yeah. If they did, we wouldn't have that treaty."

I nodded, glancing down and sighing. "If they're gonna be helping, I think I should apologize."

"For what?"

"I dunno, for being a bitch maybe?" I said sarcastically. "I should've never went off like I did the last time we met up." I sighed, glancing down and frowning. I let my emotions get the best of me, which caused me to lash out. What's crazy is even after I was horrible to him, Carlisle was still willing to help me. I shook my head sadly, mentally kicking myself at my actions.

Yeah, I'm definitely going to apologize when I see Carlisle.

I blinked as Jake's bare feet came into view. I glanced up to see him standing in front of me just before he gathered me in his arms. I laid my head against his strong chest, feeling relaxed as I listened to the sound of his strong heartbeat.

"Don't beat yourself up over it, honey." I closed my eyes as his deep voice washed over me. "You were upset, and understandable so. Hell, I was pissed off for you."

I smiled at that. "You're always pissed off at whoever upsets me."

"Damn right. I wasn't joking when I said no one fucks with my girl."

The feeling was mutual.

Jake and I stood in each other's embrace. He was always so comfortable…and comforting. Just being in his strong arms was enough to make me feel better…somewhat. I still felt bad for being mean to the Cullen's, well, except for the blonde one…she deserved it for mouthing off about my wolf.

"You guys are too cute."

I startled, not expecting to hear the voice of my best friend. Jake let me go as I turned to greet Ellie.

"How'd you sleep?" I asked.

"Wonderfully," she said, stretching. "Jetlag's a bitch. I didn't realize just how tired I was." She sniffed the air, her eyes lighting up. "Is that cheesecake I smell?"

"Yep, with an oreo cookie crust."

Ellie smiled brightly at me. "Did I ever tell you how much I love you? Between you and momma Kim, I'm going to put on so much weight…but it's so worth it!" Jake and I laughed as Ellie glanced at my wolf. "I don't know how you've managed to stay so in shape this long. I give it another couple of months before you're sporting a gut."

I laughed, trying to imagine Jake with a gut. Yeah…I couldn't really see it.

"If it's do to her cooking, I'll gladly sport it," Jake said, winking at me.

"You two give me way too much credit," I said, feeling flattered they loved my cooking so much. "So, did you want to do anything today –erm, what's left of the day?"

Ellie shrugged as there was a knock on the front door. Jake excused himself as she responded, "I just want to relax …maybe catch up on old times?"

I smiled. "Sounds fun! We'll watch cheesy horror movies, talk about how bad the acting is, and enjoy each other's company."

"And eat cheesecake?" Ellie asked, hopefully.

"And eat cheesecake…when it's done and cooled," I confirmed with a smile.

"It's a date!"' She said smiling. "I'm gonna go freshen up."

I nodded as she walked back towards the front. I was happy she was happy and smiling, just like old times, though her smiles didn't reach her eyes like normal. Eventually she'll be back to normal, and I couldn't wait for that to happen.

I turned off the mashed potatoes and vegetables as they were done. The roast and the dessert continued cooking and I put a timer on my phone to remind myself to come back and check everything. I walked up front, surprised to see Quil talking with Jake. When I walked in the room, Quil turned to me, shooting me a huge grin.

"Hey there, girlie!"

"Hey Quil," I said, smiling at him. "What's up?"

"Eh, nothing more than usual," he said, smiling in return. "Had to talk to the boss," -at that Jake rolled his eyes as Quil jerked his thumb towards him- "here for a sec."

"Need me to step out?"

"Nah, you're good," he said, giving me a half hug. "It's a business prospect," he said, winking at me. "No worries, I'm sure loverboy here'll update you –ow!" Quil exclaimed when Jake smacked him upside the head. "Bro, chill!" He said, hitting Jake on his arm.

I smirked at the nickname given to Jake. "I'm sure he will," I said, winking at my wolf. I glanced at Quil who was sniffing the air.

"Sumthin' smells great! What's for dinner?"

"I got a roast in the slow cooker, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, and for dessert, oreo-crust cheesecake." I shook my head in amusement as Quil glanced over at Jake, giving him his best version of the puppy dog eyes. Jake rolled his eyes before glancing at me. I grinned before glancing at the wiry man. "We won't be having dinner for a while, but would you like to stay?"

Quil grinned. "Yes! Thanks, Ash! Did I ever tell you you're my favorite sister?"

I smiled at the taller man as I felt the overwhelming feeling of being accepted by the pack once again, more specifically, one of Jake's closest friends. "And you're one of my favs, Quil."

Quil grinned before stretching and glancing at Jake. "You mentioned you were gonna work on the Rabbit. Need some company, bro?"

Jake grinned, "Sure, just like old times," he said before turning to me. "We'll be out in the garage if you need anything."

I nodded as Jake and Quil walked out. I went to the kitchen to check on the food, taking out the cheesecakes that were now done. I placed them on the counter to settle. Now, all that needed to finish was the roast, which would be another few hours.

I walked back to the front to see Ellie sitting on the couch, her hair freshly washed and wearing a pair of leggings with a long t-shirt, and was currently flipping through the channels. I joined her on the couch as she settled on some cheesy horror movie with a bunch of zombies.

"Where'd Jacob go?" Ellie asked.

"He's in the garage working on his car."

"He's a mechanic, too?"

I shrugged. "Kinda. It's a hobby of his. He's fixed my car every time I had issues with it."

"Huh," Ellie said, thoughtfully. "I figured you'd end up with someone like Jacob."

"What do you mean?" I asked, turning my head towards her.

"He's a nice guy," she said, "and he seems to have a lot going for him, not to mention he has a great sense of humor."

"Yeah, he'd have to have one to put up with me," I joked.

"Who're you telling?" Ellie teased. "He's completely different from Brandon." Psht, don't I know it. "From what I observed, you guys have more of a partnership going on. Like, he's not using you, y'know? Jacob has his own house and car and…and you can be yourself with him. I can't remember the last time I saw you this happy with a guy."

"That's because Jake's different," I said, smiling at the thought of my wolf. "He doesn't have a whole lot, but he makes the most out of what he has. He doesn't let money restrict him and while I make more than him, he doesn't take advantage of that."

Ellie smiled sadly. "I'm really happy for you. I just wish…" she trailed off, her eyes watering slightly. "Things turned out differently…for me."

"Maybe this was a blessing in disguise," I said, making Ellie frown at me. "Come on, Ellie, everyone knows Jeremy's a dick," I said, rolling my eyes. "He also treated you like shit. You deserve so much better than that."

"Ash, you've been saying that since the beginning."

"Maybe because I'm right? I mean, I only halfway tolerated him because you really liked him."

Noelle sighed. "He's been calling me, but I haven't answered."

"Next time he calls, give me the phone. I have a few things to say to him."

"Ash," Ellie started, her tone full of disapproval, "I appreciate your protectiveness, but you don't need to threaten him."

"I won't threaten him, Ellie," I said, rolling my eyes. "It's not a threat if you plan to go through with it."

"I'm pretty sure Jacob wouldn't appreciate you going to jail over Jeremy," Ellie said, rolling her eyes.

"I'm pretty sure Jake would be sitting next to me in the cell," I said, grinning. "I'd bring him just for the intimidation factor."

"You're horrible," she said, shaking her head.

"I'm completely serious."

"What happened to me being the overprotective one? Speaking of which, you know Jacob and I are going to have to have a talk, right?"

"Ellie," I whined out, frowning. The last talk Ellie had with a boyfriend of mine ended with her giving Brandon a black eye. I'd be lying if I said he didn't deserve it though.

"I promise I won't harm him," she said, rolling her eyes at me. "I just need to know you're in good hands with him. It seems you are-"

"Because I am-"

"But I need to make sure. I need to know his intentions…and if I approve, I need to know when you two are going to give me my first niece or nephew." I choked on air as the subject of kids was brought up again. This seemed to be the steady topic for the month of October. I wonder what November would bring…

"Even without your approval, we've discussed kids," I said, glancing at Ellie from the corner of my eye. My blonde best friend's eyes widened almost comically as her mouth dropped open slightly.

"Really?! Wait…you're not…?"

"No! No, I'm not," I said, turning to her fully. "We just talked about having kids."

Ellie breathed a sigh of relief. "Good. Now, have you two talked about marriage at all?"

I shook my head. "It's been alluded to, but there hasn't been a full out discussion about it. Besides, we've only been dating a little over six months."

Ellie hummed thoughtfully and frowned. "So…the topic of kids have come up, but not of marriage?"

I glanced at her, looking a bit sheepish. "Uh…yeah?" That wasn't bad…was it?

Ellie's frown deepened. "Ashley–" Oh boy, she used my entire first name… "Doesn't that send up red flags to you? What if you get pregnant and he suddenly decides it isn't what he wants?"

"Jake would never do that," I said, feeling that overprotective urge rise in my chest.

"I'd like to hope not. It's just…history and all that," Ellie said, glancing at me pointedly.

I sighed. "Noelle, Jake is nothing like my father." Just her comparing the two together was enough to cause my blood to boil. "Jake would never walk out on his family. Jake would never decide that one day he wanted to be single again and leave his family. Jake would never belittle his child…or pick fights with his child…or leave his child in the middle of New York fucking City because she decided to stand up for her mother who was being verbally attacked by some skanky bitch that had no right to attack her in any way!"

Ellie immediately looked contrite. "I didn't mean to imply Jake was like that. It's just…I want to make sure he's as devoted to you as you are to him. I just don't want you hurt…like me."

I took a deep breath. "Ellie, trust me when I say, he's so devoted to me, it's scary," I said smiling softly. Ellie quirked an eyebrow in question. "There was an incident a while ago in which I ended up in the hospital-"

"Momma Kim told me," Ellie said apologetically. "I'm so sorry I wasn't there."

"It's fine," I said, reaching over and squeezing her hand gently. "Besides, you had your own shit to deal with." Ellie pursed her lips and nodded before motioning for me to continue. "So, I was in the hospital and Jake was with me the entire time. Before that, there was a missing person's case here and I was…afraid to be alone. Jake and his dad allowed me to stay with them until the case was resolved. Since I've been out here, he's been looking out for me."

Ellie smiled. "I'm glad. I still want to have a talk with him, though. I'll be sure to also thank him for looking out for you."

"Just don't scare him too bad," I rolled my eyes sarcastically.

"I won't. I like him, he gives off good vibes."

We continued watching the movie, occasionally making jokes about the cheesy acting and special effects. This movie was so bad, but was pretty entertaining. Soon the movie was over and I checked on the food. The roast was almost done and I put the cheesecakes in the freezer now that they were cool and a bit settled, but not before cutting a piece for Jake, Quil, and Ellie.

I walked back to the front, giving Ellie her piece with a fork. Her eyes got big and she glanced at me in happy surprise, making me smile. "They're in the freezer. I figured you'd like a piece now, though, even if it's not fully settled." Usually, I let my cakes sit for a day or two to allow all the ingredients to come together, but in this case, I'll make an exception.

"Did I ever tell you how awesome you are?"

I laughed as she took a bite and closed her eyes, sighing in contentment. "I'm going to give Jake and Quil a piece."

"Who's Quil?"

"Jake's other best friend. He stopped by earlier and decided to join us for dinner. Come on, I'll introduce you," I said, inclining my head towards the door. We walked to the garage in silence as Ellie continued eating her cake slice. "Hey guys, want a sampling of dessert?" I called as we came to the garage, rock music blaring from a radio Jake had stationed in there. Jake, who was bent over the engine of his car, peeked around, his eyes lighting up. Quil, who was working under Jake's car, rolled himself out and glanced at me, his eyes lighting up at the sound of food.

"Ash, you're the greatest," Quil said as he wiped his hands on a towel.

"Don't I know it," Jake said, walking over to me after wiping his hands and taking the offered piece. As soon as he took a bite, his eyes closed and he let out a small sigh. "This is the second most amazing thing I've tasted," he said under his breath causing Quil to snicker.

I blinked in confusion. What was the first?

Jake's dark eyes eyed my form hungrily, licking his lips while he did so. I felt my face heat up as I realized just what he was talking about. I'm pretty sure if Ellie and Quil weren't here, Jake would've pounced on me…or I would've pounced on him. Either way, there would be pouncing involved.

Quil shook his head at the both of us as he walked over to me and grabbed the piece of cake. He took a bite and grinned happily. "Ash, you keep this up and you may find yourself with another houseguest."

"You're always welcome here," I said, smiling at the lanky, yet muscular man. Jake made a face at Quil and Quil stuck his tongue out, making me roll my eyes at the duo. "Speaking of houseguests," I said, grabbing Ellie's –whose face was buried in her plate –arm, coaxing her forward and effectively ending the immature contest between Jake and Quil. "Quil, this is my best friend, Noelle Woods. Ellie, this is Jake's other best friend, Quil Ateara."

Ellie came forward and, once her and Quil locked eyes, Quil's gaze softened and his mouth fell open slightly. I blinked, glancing at Jake whose eyebrows were practically in his hair, he was so surprised. I glanced at Ellie, who was transfixed on Quil's face, her eyes wide and her fork sticking out of her mouth.

Did Quil just…?

Oh my God, he did!

Yes! Take that Jeremy!

I couldn't help myself as I squealed, breaking them both from their trance. Finally, something good happened to lighten my mood!

Quil was slightly out of breath and Ellie was blushing. Both turned to look at me –Quil's expression one of disbelief and Ellie's one of confusion –before turning to look at each other. Ellie held her right hand out shyly.

"It's nice to meet you."

Quil watched her in complete awe as he extended his hand and grasped hers, making her gasp softly. "Likewise."

I glanced at Jake, a huge grin on my face. Jake shook his head at me in amusement, his expression clearly saying, "This is what you asked for."

For the second time today, he couldn't be more right.

Later on that evening, Jake, Quil, Ellie, and I sat down and had dinner. I smiled as I noticed Quil staring shamelessly at Ellie, catching her every time she would steal a glance. I was so excited for my best friend, I could barely contain myself. Quil was such a nice guy and totally Ellie's type; tall, lean, and built. I would have to talk with Ellie to see where her head was.

"So, do you work in Security like Jacob?" Ellie asked, finally working up the nerve to address Quil directly.

Quil blinked in confusion as Jake shot him a meaningful look. Quil cleared his throat before nodding. "Yeah, it's a group of us."

"That's cool," she said. "Must be fun working with a friend. I tried getting Ash-Bear to major in education as well-"

I rolled my eyes. "Teaching isn't a passion of mine."

"-But she decided to go the business route," Ellie continued like I hadn't interrupted her. "Can't say I blame her. After all, that's where all the money is."

"Yeah, but it's also cutthroat and stressful," I said frowning. "And I'm called in bullshit meeting's all the time-"

"And you work like a dog," Jake added.

"And I work like a dog," I confirmed.

"Do you at least like it?" Quil asked, genuinely interested.

I shrugged. "There's good days and bad days. If I could go back and do it over, I may have chosen another career. Pay is good, though."

"Like what? And I swear if you say education I'm so not talking to you for the rest of the night," Ellie said, narrowing her eyes at me and making me laugh.

"No, definitely not education. I don't know…like, I'm fine with my degree…just not sure if I'll be in the hospital long-term. It can be very draining running that department."

Quil shrugged. "There's a clinic here on The Rez. I'm sure they can't afford to pay you as much as you're getting, but it's something."

"Sue's always helping out there," Jake added. "If you're interested, you can always talk to her."

Hmmm…it would be nice to work a little closer to home, especially now that my home is with Jake. "I think I might."

"So Noelle," Quil started, getting her attention. "How long have you Ash known each other?"

"Wow…a pretty long time," she said, cocking her head in thought and glancing at me. "What's it been? Sixteen? Seventeen years? Damn, that's a long time!"

Had it really been that long?

"We met one day in Pre-K. Ash took my doll without asking. I got mad and pushed her and she pushed me back. We ended up fighting, literally rolling around on the floor," Ellie said, her voice tinged in nostalgia.

"Good times," I said, smiling. "We've been best friends ever since." Jake shook his head in amusement as Quil laughed. "Then my mom met her and her family and Ellie became part of my family."

We continued eating, talking, laughing and joking more. When it was time for dessert, I brought out the cheesecake, now chilled. Jake, Ellie, and Quil dug in with gusto, the three commenting on how good it is. Quil and Ellie than began their own conversation as Jake helped me clear the table and wash dishes. I told him he didn't have to, but he insisted.

"Quil was in the supermarket and ran into a kid we went to school with," Jake began, grabbing my attention. "He's having issues with his car and Quil volunteered me to look at it," Jake said, rolling his eyes. "Long story short, Quil called the kid when we were in the garage and I told him I'd look into it for him."

"That's great, baby," I said, drying the dishes Jake passed over as he washed them. "He gonna pay you?"

"Yep. I'm thinking picking up some hours at the local garage, too. The owner's been begging me to work there. It'll be more money for us."

"More money for you," I said, making Jake cock an eyebrow at me. "You're starting school soon. You're gonna need that money for books."

"It won't all be spent on books. We can get more furniture for our house," he said, bumping into me. "More pictures, paint, whatever."

I hummed in response. "Only if we're not just using your income and you let me pay for some things…or at least go half."

"Okay," Jake said, smiling at me. I smiled in return before he leaned down to peck me on the lips.

Once the kitchen was clean, we made our way to the front, Quil grabbing a chair from the kitchen to sit on and eyeing the couch warily. First Embry and now Quil…was there something I was missing? I went to sit on the couch but Jake grabbed me, making me glance at him in question.

"Meeting," he whispered, glancing at the clock. I nodded, completely forgetting about going to talk to the Cullen's. I glanced at Ellie who was busy trying to find a movie to watch.

"Ellie, Jake and I have to step out for a bit, you mind?"

"Nah, you two enjoy yourselves," she said, smiling at the both of us before glancing at Quil. "You cutting out, too?"

"Naw, I'm gonna stay a while," Quil said, glancing meaningfully at Jake. Silent conversation seemed to pass through them before Jake nodded. Quil gave him a half smile before turning back to Ellie and asking her another question. I grabbed my jacket and my tote bag before Jake and I walked out.

"So, how do you like my best friend?" I asked as we walked toward the tree line.

"She seems really overprotective."

I glanced at Jake in the darkness and quirked an eyebrow. That wasn't exactly what I was expecting to hear.

"What gave you that impression?"

"I heard your conversation," he said, stopping and looking over my shoulder. I turned to see what he was looking at and saw a figure walking towards us. "I know we haven't really talked about it, but I do want to marry you one day." I turned back to Jake so see him staring intently at me. I smiled at my wolf.

"I'm in no rush. I know we're in this for the long haul, so I'm not worried."

"Do you want to get married?"

"Of course I do! I just…it's not a huge deal to me if we do things 'out of order.' Like, it doesn't matter to me if we get married first or have a child first," I said truthfully. All that mattered was that Jake and I were happy.

"Good," he said, bending down to kiss my forehead. "Just know, no matter what, you and our kids will have my last name."

I smiled, feeling my heart flutter. I wouldn't have it any other way.

The figure got closer and I was able to make out, what looked to be, Embry strolling towards us. "Embry's coming too?"

"Yeah, always good to have back-up. Quil was supposed to come too, but he's kinda enamored with your best friend right now."

"So, other than her being over protective, how do you like her?"

"She's fine," he said, shrugging out of his shirt. "She seems pretty nice."

"I'm glad you two are getting along," I said as Embry finally reached us. "Hey Embry."

"Hey, Ash-Bear," he greeted, grinning widely. I rolled eyes in response. "What's up man," he said, greeting Jake.

" 's up," Jake said as the two slapped hands. "Thanks for coming with us."

"You don't have to thank me, Jake. I told you I have your back."

I smiled as the two shared a moment. I know Jake had me and he knew I had his back no matter what, but it must be reassuring to him knowing his friends still supported him.

"So you wanna talk to them, huh?"

"Yeah, I need more information. Did Jake tell you…?" I asked, trailing off.

"Yeah. Shit's fucked up, man," Embry said, shaking his head sadly. "Those things won't get away with this."

Embry walked off to phase as Jake began stripping in front of me. I did my best to not stare, but couldn't help it. Jake winked as he passed me his clothes, and I folded them before sticking them in my bag. "Where're your shoes?"

"Didn't wear any," was the simple response before he phased. Huh, I didn't even notice. Embry trotted over to us in his wolf form, standing next to me. I smiled at him before patting his head. That smile turned into a laugh when Embry huffed and rolled his eyes. "Someone's been spending too much time with Leah," I teased.

Jake lay on his belly and I jumped up on his back, grabbing and tugging at his fur to kelp me. I heard a snort of amusement before I felt myself pushed up gently. I looked behind me to see Embry's head under my foot to give me some leverage. I was finally able to hoist myself on Jake's back, with the help of Embry. "Thanks Emb."

I was halfway laying on my wolf, bracing myself against him. "If this continues, we're gonna need to invest in a saddle." Jake glanced back at me, giving me a look as I heard Embry snort in laughter. I hope Jake knew I was completely serious.

Jake took off running along with Embry. The cool night air whipped through my hair as I held on tightly to my wolf. I sighed in contentment as Jake's wonderful scent surrounded me. It was spicy, yet woodsy and sexy and all distinctly him. His scent always managed to bring me comfort and relax me.

Soon, we were nearing the treaty line, at least, I'm assuming so since Jake and Embry started slowing down, eventually coming to a stop. Jake turned to Embry, a silent conversation passing through them. Embry nodded as Jake stooped down to let me off. I slid down Jake's side before he stood up again, moving back some as he phased back to human. I went to him, giving him his pants, which he quickly put on. I figured he didn't need his shirt.

"Emb's staying phased just in case, though I don't foresee an issue," Jake said, buttoning his pants. "Precaution and all that."

I nodded as Jake reached his hand out for mine. I grasped it and began walking with him towards the treaty line. I pushed down the small feeling of nervousness I felt in the pit of my stomach. I didn't particularly care for leeches before, but after reading what happened, I definitely didn't like them now. I mentally reprimanded myself…the Cullen's are different.

We walked out of the trees to see three figures in the distance; two taller ones and a shorter more feminine one. As we walked closer, I realized it Alice standing there amongst them. I eyed them closely, their stone faces expressionless. While their actual faces didn't so much as twitch, their eyes were…kind?...sincere?...apologetic? Jake squeezed my hand gently as we walked closer. I smiled softly and squeezed back, shooting him a reassuring look. I knew Jake was worried about me, but I would be fine. After all, these weren't the same monsters that slaughtered the Blackfoot tribe mercilessly. We stopped a few feet from the invisible boundary line. I was standing between Jake and Embry and Alice was standing between Carlisle and Edward.

"Hello Jacob, Ashley, Embry," Carlisle said nodding to each of us. Embry said nothing and Jake nodded in return.

"Hi," I said in return, addressing all three at the same time and giving a little wave. "Thank you for agreeing to meet with me," I said genuinely. Carlisle gave a small smile. "If you don't mind, I have a few questions, but," I started, eyeing the three vampires. "Before that, though, I want to apologize for my behavior from before."

The three topaz-eyed vampires across from me looked genuinely surprised. "There's no need-" Carlisle said before I interrupted.

"No, there is a need. I should've never went off like I did. I was upset, yes, but I shouldn't have blamed you for anything. You guys are…you're nothing like I read about."

Carlisle gave me a soft smile. "Apology accepted, Ashley." I smiled at him in return before glancing at Edward and Alice. The two watched me closely before offering a small smile as well. I returned the smile, feeling relieved they accepted my apology so quickly, although, because they were so nice about it, I felt even worse about my actions. "Now, you have questions?"

I nodded, glancing briefly at Jake before turning back to trio. "I noticed you had names written in parenthesis. I'm assuming you know these-" Things? Assholes? Monsters? "-people?"

Carlisle nodded sadly. "I believe that two of the vampires described are a part of the Volturi. Aro is one of the leaders and Jane is one of the guards. We are positive it was these two the descriptions were alluding to."

"How do you know?"

"Not all vampires have abilities," Edward said, "and it is not common for vampires to have the same ability."

Huh…curious.

"So," Jake started, his handsome face contorted in a frown, "the same leeches that pretty much enslaved the tribe are the same one's after Ashley?"

"That is correct."

"Fan-fucking-tastic," Jake mumbled, shaking his head.

My sentiments exactly, baby.

"How'd you get this information?" I asked, frowning.

"There's a database I was able to access. I used to be a doctor at a teaching hospital located on a University in Montana several years before my family and I moved back to Forks. I had a colleague that who, with a group of students, did research on the Blackfoot people, and actually sat down with a few of them and transcribed their legends. Of course, the tribesmen didn't want their names divulged for fear of being found out."

"The tribe is still in Montana?" I thought they all dispersed across the US.

"A few members are still there. The majority have migrated far away from Montana, though mostly to the southeast."

My eyes widened in surprise. "My family is from Florida. My grandmother migrated to New Jersey when my mother was still a child."

Carlisle nodded. "From what I gathered, the majority attempted to stay along coastal regions."

I furrowed my eyebrows in question. "Why would they do that?"

"The sun," Alice supplied simply.

"Oh, right. You guys combust or something?"

"Not exactly," Alice said, frowning. Before she could elaborate, Jake responded.

"They sparkle like fairies, honey."

My eyebrows flew into my hairline. They…sparkle? So every vampire movie I've ever watched in my life has been wrong? Does a stake to the heart kill them? Can they come near crosses? Huh, if crosses don't harm them, then are some religious?

"Must you be so disrespectful?" Edward asked glaring at Jake before turning to me. "Our skin looks like a regular humans but rather than being soft and pliant, ours is hard and reflective. Therefore, when in the sun we…shine."

Silence.

Vampires…sparkle…?

I was so afraid of a being that sparkles in the friggin' sun?

You have got to be kidding me.

"Was there anything else, Ashley?"

I blinked, glancing at Carlisle before glancing at Jake. My wolf's features were all business as he asked his question.

"How many in the Volturi?"

Good question, Jake!

"Over thirty," Alice said, "There are three main leaders, Aro, Caius, and Marcus." Wait…did she just say Marcus? "Then, you have the Volturi guard; Jane is a part of that."

"Unless preparing for a battle, all members do not travel together at the same time," Edward added. "Usually, the guard comes to scout and report, however, that is not to say Aro, Marcus, or Caius won't leave their post to investigate."

"I was emailing back and forth with someone named Marcus," I said, causing the trio to raise their stare at me. I soon explained how I tried to go online to get information, the website I stumbled on, and the correspondence between Marcus and me. "He mentioned he'd soon be here."

"They had Marcus email you?"

"Aro probably knows I'm watching him," Alice said, thoughtfully. "It would make sense for him to have someone else email you, though I would've never suspected Marcus."

"I don't think any of us would've," Edward said, thoughtfully. "Has he emailed you since?"

I shook my head. "I haven't heard anything more…well, except from you guys."

"I'll continue to watch them," Alice said. "We'll update you if anything changes."

I nodded. "Thank you," I said, sincerely. Alice smiled.

"Also," Carlise began, drawing my attention to him. "I take it you and Jacob spoke about the arrangements at your place of work?"

"Yes, he did. And thank you…for everything." For helping me…for not being blood-thirsty maniacs…for not attacking people…for showing me you're not monsters.

"It is our pleasure," Carlisle said, nodding at me and extending his hand. I glanced at Jake before releasing his hand and stepping forward to shake Carlisle's extended one, slightly surprised by how cold and hard it was. I can see now why they sparkle in the sun. I ended up shaking Edward's hand as well before Alice's, Jake following behind me and following suit. Embry stood back, watching the scene, though he did nod at the three vampires. "Should you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us."

"We will, and Carlisle?" I called out just as he turned around to leave. The topaz-eyed man turned and looked at me in question. "Please, feel free to stop by my office anytime." Carlisle smiled at me, his eyes showing appreciation.

"Thank you, Ashley. If it is also okay with your mate, I would be honored to take you up on that offer."

I glanced at Jake, my eyes hopeful. Jake glanced at me before turning to Carlisle. "I suppose it's okay, especially since he'll be watching to make sure you stay safe." I smiled at my wolf before leaning against him. "As long as he still adheres to the rules."

Carlisle nodded before turning with his family and leaving. I watched them, surprised by just how fast they moved. I wonder who was faster, them or the wolves.

"You get the info you wanted?"

I turned to Jake, nodding. "I appreciate them being honest and forthcoming, especially considering my attitude towards them."

Jake nodded, bending down and kissing my forehead. "Come on, let's go home."