Hey ya'll!! Sorry this chapter is a bit rushed, I know but I was writing it at twelve o'clock last night, and I was dead beat. It's the hols here in Oz, but mum and I just got back from my nan's house, so yeah. It is, once again in Jacobs POV, but changes to Sam's about halfway. I'm babbling.

On with the story...

Chapter Two

Previously.

The dark, silent shadow of a wolf startled me, and I stopped short.

Sam?

The Present.

My mind was hesitant when I spoke Sam's name. I wasn't even sure if he'd heard me at first, or even if it was Sam, so when the deep, rough timbre of his voice echoed through my head, I almost whined with relief.

Jacob. I heard your howl. What's going on?

I mentally screamed at him. How couldn't he know? I was pleased that he couldn't read my thoughts anymore.

Ugh, you're not the only one. Leah thought before she could stop herself. I mentally groaned.

Shut up Leah.

Whatever. It sounded like Leah was attitude plus today.

Keep Patrolling, don't stop on my account. I directed this at Leah, sarcastically.

Oh, don't worry your pretty little head about it. She thought back pleasantly.

Shut up, guys. Geez. I heard Hayden's quiet mental voice, not meant for me to hear.

I decided to let that slide, and Leah mentally grumbled, then fell silent. She concentrated on the forest floor whirring beneath her instead, however still listening out for Sam's voice.

Most of this conversation was unknown to Sam. Once again, I was relieved that my brain was now off limits to him.

Sam. I thought again, this time with finality. We caught a scent. Vampire-just warning you to keep a look out.

He nodded his huge, black head, and the scruffy hairs blew slightly with the wind.

I thought something like that might have happened. We'll keep a lookout-how many have you got on patrol now?

He could have been asking me, in a tactical, deliberate way, who was in fact on patrol at the moment. He probably wanted to know who was witnessing and listening to our exchange. In her thoughts, I could tell that Leah agreed with me. I decided not to give out names, just numbers.

Four at the moment, not including me. I replied.

Good. Keep it that way. He sounded gruff, even miffed.

I growled profanities that he could not hear, as did Leah. The three others remained in silent confusion.

How dare he tell me what to do? I knew I was the rightful Alpha, and he knew it too. But, being the wolf with the second highest bloodlines, his authority in La Push was well known. Of course, being the first wolf to transform-not to mention the first alpha-he was older than the rest of us; and his influence and authority was assumed. It was me whose power should be unspoken, whose authority constant and remaining.

Leah's thoughts were reflecting on his arrogance. Why would he push his luck? Was it the alpha blood that overran the brotherhood bond of a pack?

Ex pack. I reminded her softly.

Regardless, Jacob. I don't know why...She trailed off.

I knew, of course. It was the pressure of the instinct. The weight of that undeniable impulse of a wolf to protect his land.

And that right there is why. I thought grimly.

Well, if he wanted to play it that way...

You would do well to do the same. My mental voice was slightly sarcastic, and I made sure to block out Leah's still cursing voice from Sam.

He growled loudly, hackles rising. I heard angry growls come from the forest surrounding him, and I recognised them as Jared's.

In defence, I snarled like a feral animal back at him, rising to the tips of my toes, stretching to my full height. He did the same, though it was nothing compared to mine.

Gloating much? Leah thought, though her mind was almost clouded in panic-for me, or Sam I couldn't tell, because the forefront of my mind was otherwise involved. She rushed faithfully to my side, her heart pounding loudly in her ribs. It took her less than a minute to arrive-the reservation, like I said before, was too small for two packs.

Leah, stay in the trees. River, Tye, Hayden, you guys keep patrolling. This could get ugly.

They obliged without complaint. I, meanwhile, struggled with the warring impulse of the alpha instinct, and you could tell Sam was doing the same. No matter how strong the urge was, we were still brothers. Restraint was necessary at all times.

Was that a command, Jacob? He mentally snarled, and the sound-which echoed eerily through our minds, was harsh and full of scorn.

I rejected the urge, the necessity to lunge for his throat-and did the only thing I was capable of doing in that moment. I ran away.

Sam's POV.

I watched as the dark figure retreated out into the shadows, suddenly consumed with guilt and self loathing. He was running away from me-and I was his brother.

Boss, it's not your fault. The alpha instinct...

I don't give shit about instinct, Jared.

He was shocked, but not necessarily surprised. He barked a harsh laugh, and it acted like a knife, cutting the tension in the air. I forced my shoulders to relax from their defensive position, and lowered myself to the ground.

My second in command decided to change the subject.

Damn, did you see how TALL Jacob was? Seriously, how does he do that?

I appreciated the change in topic-and atmosphere-though I didn't reply. I simply turned and walked, slowly, the other way.

Hey Jared, can you muster up the rest of the pack-family meeting. I chuckled darkly.

Sure, Boss.

Thanks. If Paul is still at Rachel's house, phase back and tell me. I want to talk to him myself.

I called it Rachel's house because I still couldn't bear to say Jacob's name-and I wanted to talk to Paul because it was Jacobs house he was sharing, although Jacob never seemed to go home anymore, from the reports given to me by Paul. I was tearing their family apart. Paul's mind, almost always focused on Rachel-his imprint-told of how sad Jacobs's family was. They never saw him anymore-he would always sneak in at the dead of night to grab some more shoes, or some pants. I whined softly.

S'okay boss. Um...I'm heading off now. See you in a few.

Go and get Paul first. I commanded.

I could tell he heard me just before he phased.

Then I was left alone.

There you are, my lovelies. Another chapter. Review and tell lil ol' me what you think. How did you like Sam's POV? Should I just stick to Jacob? I wanted both packs views on the situation in the story as well. Just press the green button.

Oh, and we get a surprise in the next chapter, too. ;))

xxBrookexx