Ch. 1

I was so close. I could almost taste the sweet and tart taste of an apple. The shadow I clung to shifted abruptly when a bright light was cast across my hiding place. I jumped back into the bushes, swearing under my breath. I sidestepped to another tree. I could see the looming shape of a person in the orchard, shining a lantern's glow into the darkness. I crept slowly up behind him and whacked him hard on the head with the handle of my sword.

"Jeez, Jake. Do you have to bring a lantern with you everywhere? Scared of the dark?" I laughed as he spun around, spooked by my sudden appearance from the darkness. Jake winced and felt the growing lump on his skull.

"Ow, Bella, do you have to hit me every time we meet?" He closed a shutter on the lantern so that the burning flame shed a warm glow, turning the darkness into dancing shadows. I laughed and walked towards the tree I had originally targeted. One strong hit and four apples fell to the ground. I sighed and bent to pick them up. They were a little bruised and maybe two days overripe, but hey, that was life.

"Okay, so do you have it?" It was time to get down to business, play time was over.

"Of course I do Bella. Jeez, why would I even show up without it? I still remember what happened last time." He shuddered, and automatically felt another spot on his head. I held back a laugh and tried to look serious.

"Enough with the small talk, give it." I gestured towards the brown leather bag that he carried on his back. He quickly covered his face and head with his forearm, as if afraid that I would strike him again. I laughed and he looked up seeing my humor filled face and relaxed. I pointed to the bag again, hoping he would catch my meaning and comply. But instead of opening the bag as he usually did, he crossed his arms and frowned, looking confused.

"What are you willing to give me this time. I don't see any other bags with you, so I am assuming that you are hoping I will let you pay me back later." This time, I was the one who frowned.

"Jake, you know that this is important. You know that I have nothing other than my sword. Oh and let me remind you, who saved you from Laurent, huh? Who?" He lowered his eyes and muttered something under his breath.

"What was that? I couldn't hear you." I smiled at him and went to give him a light punch on the arm. "Don't worry Jake, we can get through this. I just need a little help along the way. What are friends for, right?" I looked up and saw that big smile and laughed. He opened his bag and pulled out a large cloth bag. My eyes widened, for a large bag meant that he had a greater amount than last time.

"Here, take it before I change my mind." Jake said gruffly and threw the bag at me. I caught and tucked it into the pouch in my skirt. He looked at me strangely for a moment and his expression changed. "Bella, you know that they are going to kill all of us humans by over-feeding. Why do you even hope to defeat them?"

"I don't know Jacob. Why keep breathing, why keep living if not for the small hope of freedom? I know that you and the wolves hate them, why don't you try to help me other than supplying my needs?" That was a good question and he knew it. Why was the pack so determined to stay hidden instead of fight back the vampires.

"Um, I have to g-go. S-see ya Bells!" And before I could respond negatively he gave me a crushing hug and ran into the woods. I could have easily followed him but was in no mood for running. About a thousand questions still buzzed through my skull. For example, why the heck was he so nervous?"

I sat leaning against a tree and bit into the fruit. My empty stomach welcomed the nourishment. My eyes zeroed in on the lantern Jacob had left accidentally. I snatched it closer and glanced around. I usually had a sixth sense about being watched. Sensing nothing I relaxed against the trunk. Hand itching to look in the bag, I finally gave in.

The large sized cloth bag contained two smaller bags. I was surprised, for this was unusual. I reached for the lighter of the two, and looking inside, gasped at its contents. Inside were about thirty snack bars, from before the take-over. "Wow, Jake. I'll be in your debt for eternity." Stashing the sacred food in my travel bag, I prepared myself for the next bag. Breathing deeply I opened it and smiled.

Werewolf claws.