AN: How much can I apologize to you guys? I'm deeply, deeply sorry for taking so long to post. I'm ashamed of the fact that I had such a hard time with the chapter. Please leave me some feedback, so I know I'm on the right track. I'd appreciate even a simple, "Nice." It doesn't take much to please me.

Chapter 16

CatPOV

A deep, throaty growl stopped my descent. Before I could get closer to the border, and ultimately to Chance, a large black wolf jumped in front of me.

Before I could even think of my reaction, I burst into flames.

I stood there in my fiery inferno wondering what to do next. The large, black creature paced in front of me and howled. I drew a line of fire around me to protect myself. All that time training has now finally come in handy. I learned that I can control the fire like it's a part of me, which allows me to keep it from burning everything in sight.

The large wolf paced in front of me and growled. Any time he took a step in my direction, I would raise the wall of flames. I thought back to what Bella told me about the Quileute's and their wolves. She failed to mention just how big they were. I wonder if they understood human talk. Well, duh, Catherine. They are humans.

"I'm here for Jacob. He has my dog." I watched the wolf's eyes closely and his actions even closer. I didn't want him to attack me because I couldn't defend myself without hurting him. I wanted to avoid that situation at all costs.

He snorted and growled at me. I was about to repeat myself when I heard the pattering of large feet heading towards us. I turned in the direction of the sound and saw four more massive wolves running towards us. I got a little nervous and my flames grew thicker and taller. The black wolf whimpered and took a few steps back. When the others joined him, they stood behind him and growled fiercely at me. From their posture, I deduced that the black one was the leader.

"Please, I'm really not here to fight. I just want to talk to Jacob." I didn't expect this situation when I headed here, but now I felt so dumb not to. Of course they would try to attack me; that was their role. What kind of protectors would they be if they didn't try to stop the laughing vampire running straight towards their border? I'm such an idiot.

I heard footsteps coming towards us. As I turned to determine their origin, I was met with the sight of a very large, brown wolf. It was almost as big as the black one. He was the only one not growling at me. He gave me the once over then turned to run behind a bush. I heard a sound that reminded me of a thick rubber band snapping back together. I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion.

From behind the bush walked not a large brown wolf, but rather Jacob. He was wearing cutoff sweatpants and was sweating. I could feel his heat even though I was surrounded by my own fire. I smiled warmly at the sight of him and was momentarily distracted by a new warmth that had taken hold of my still heart. Jacob rudely pulled me out of my reverie.

"What the hell are you doing here?!" he yelled, crossing his arms in front of him.

His tone angered me and my flames jumped towards him. I immediately regained control of my feelings and the flames receded slightly. I was still aflame and had a circle of fire around me, though it was not as thick and high as it was earlier.

"You said I could come see Chance anytime I wanted. I kind of left the Cullens in a hurry, so I didn't bring a phone with me. I would have called otherwise."

Jacob uncrossed his arms but his expression was still hard. "If all you wanted to do was see Chance then why did you attack Sam?"

I was shocked. "I didn't attack him!" I shouted.

"Then what's up with the flames? It doesn't necessarily seem friendly."

I looked down at myself. I was so used to seeing myself in this state that I guess I didn't realize how it would seem to an outsider. I looked back at Jacob. "I'm sorry about my reaction. This has been a very rough few weeks for me. I would have been a little friendlier if your buddy here didn't scare the crap out of me."

I looked at the other five wolves that were still growling at me and pacing, trying to find a way around my defenses. "I'll put out the flames if you can promise that they won't attack me. I don't want to hurt them, but I also don't want to get hurt myself."

Jacob looked towards his pack and nodded. One of the wolves barked in protest, but Jacob ignored it. His eyes were solely on the black one. "It's alright. She's okay," he said.

Hesitantly, and still keeping their eyes on me, the wolves backed away from me. When they had backed away enough for my satisfaction, I extinguished my flames. The only evidence left behind was a charred circle around me.

Jacob took a step towards me. The wolves growled in response, but he held up his hand to stop them. His gaze never left me.

"You need to leave," he said with a strained voice. "You can't be here. Your kind is not welcome on the reservation. Go back home where you belong."

I looked at the ground in shame and embarrassment. "I can't go home," I said quietly.

He looked at me inquisitively. "Why not?"

"I just… can't," I said, unwilling to admit to what I had done in front of so many witnesses.

Jacob understood that there was a story I was just not willing to tell yet. He took pity on me when he decided not to press the issue. "Well, you can't stay here. You have to go somewhere else."

"I don't have anywhere to go. The only people in the world who know I am alive are the Cullens and you." I pleaded with him with my eyes. There just had to be a way.

Jacob thought for a moment. "Maybe you can stay in their old house. I don't think it's been sold or anything."

I grimaced a little at the thought, but wiped the look off my face quickly. It would be better than nothing. "Can you show me where it is?"

Jacob nodded and the negative response from his pack was overwhelming. They barked and growled in objection of his decision.

"Well, send Seth with me if it bothers you so much!" Jacob cried in exasperation.

The large black wolf, Sam, howled loudly into the still night air. A few minutes later, a tall sandy-colored wolf appeared. His build was not as thick as some of the others. He trotted happily towards us, panting and allowing his large tongue to hang out of the side of his mouth.

"Catherine this is Seth. Seth, Catherine." Jacob rushed the introduction then disappeared behind a bush.

Seth approached me with no hesitation and barked. He nudged my hand and I scratched behind his ears. A pleasant grumble rose out of his chest and I laughed. I could see why Jacob chose him to come along with us. He was pleasurable to be around, and I needed that at the moment. I don't think I could handle an aggressive wolf following my every movement at the moment.

Jacob walked out from behind the bush in his wolf form. I smiled at the sight of him. He was intimidating because of how big he was, but his eyes were expressive and soft. He didn't radiate with the same kind of happiness as Seth, but it was understandable. I thought back to the story Edward told me about Jacob and Bella and couldn't help but wonder what kind of person he was before his heart was broken. Bella had described him as "endlessly happy" and her own "personal sun," but at the moment, I couldn't really see it. I made a silent vow to myself to use my infamous McCarty charm on him so I could see him smile. I don't know why it suddenly became so important to me, but I didn't dwell on the thought.

Without warning, Jacob took off running. Seth barked at me then took off after him. I took one last glance back at the wolf pack. Their eyes expressed deep suspicion of me. I wanted to convey to them that I meant them no harm. I shot them a small smile, whispered my gratitude. I don't know how effective it was, but I wouldn't consider it a wasted effort. With that, I turned and ran in the direction Jacob and Seth were running.

The woods passed by me in colorful blurs. I kept my attention solely on the two furry figures in front of me. I laughed as they ran playfully, running into each other and turning directions sharply to try and throw me off. I was too fast for them and always caught up quickly.

They slowed their running when the trees began to thin out. They stopped at the edge of the woods and stared at the large, white house in front of them. It reminded me so much of the house they had in Portland. The wolves hung back in the shadows of the trees as I moved towards the house. The morning light was starting to spill from the sky, illuminating the scene in front of me. I studied the lush green lawn, the rocky driveway that led to the storybook house. It bothered me that I couldn't help but feel uneasy. This wasn't home to me, but it would have to do.

I heard the sound of human footsteps behind me. Jacob stopped next to me, eyeing the structure with a mixture of malice and regret. Seth ran up to me with a wide smile on his face. Like his wolf form, he stood tall and thin with long limbs. I couldn't help but return his smile. His youth and happiness made him bright like a solar flare. He was impossible to ignore.

"Hi!" he yelled, throwing his arms around me.

"Whoa, buddy," I said, patting his back hesitantly. "You sure are friendly. How are you sure I don't want to bite you?"

He laughed, pulling away from our embrace. "Vamps never want to bite us. We don't smell good to them."

"You smell just fine to me," I said.

Seth gave me a confused look. He looked at Jacob who just shrugged. "I don't know what to tell you, man. She's just a freak among freaks."

I laughed at Jacob's remark. "Thanks," I said sarcastically.

Several large boxes were sitting on the front porch of the house. I walked towards them and noticed they all had my name on them. There was a large manila envelope lying on one of the boxes. I picked it up, opened it and dumped out its contents. There was a letter accompanied by a cell phone. I read the letter first.

Catherine,

When you get this, make sure you call Emmett. He's worried sick about you and I can't see you when you are around the wolves. I packed a few of your things for you. I foresee you redecorated the house a little. Don't worry; it won't hurt Esme's feelings.

Alice

I smiled at Alice's words. I picked up the cell phone and scrolled through the address book. Everyone's number was programmed inside, including Jacob's. Jacob came behind me and began to read the note over my shoulder.

"What's it say?" he asked.

"It's a note from Alice. She just wants to let me know that Emmett misses me and that she sent me some of my stuff."

"That was nice of her," Seth said, joining the conversation. We all just stood around for a bit in an awkward silence.

"So…" Seth said, kicking around the dirt that had settled on the wooden porch.

"Um… can I see Chance?" I asked. "He was the reason I came here."

"Oh, yeah," Jacob said sheepishly. "I had completely forgotten. Seth and I will head back to the reservation. Will you be alright for a little bit?"

I shrugged. "How much trouble can I get into?"

Jacob rolled his eyes at my response. "Just sit tight. I'll be back in a little bit."

With that, the two men ran into the forest. Before he was completely covered by the trees, Seth turned and waved at me. I waved back and smiled at his exuberance.

As I heard their footsteps descend further into the forest, I opened the cell phone and located Emmett's number. I took in a deep breathe before I hit the Send button. I didn't even finish the first ring before I heard the line pick up.

"Catherine?" Emmett's voice came through the receiver in a panicked state.

"Hey, buddy. Miss me already?" I tried to laugh but it came out sounding like I choked.

"Of course I miss you. Are you doing okay? Alice told us about what happened in Texas. You holding up okay?"

I drew a deep, shaky breath. "Yeah, I'm fine. As fine as one can be when the see how their selfish decisions have shattered the lives of the ones they love."

"Don't beat yourself up over it, Catherine. It won't help anything."

I decided to change the subject. "How's everyone?"

"Oh, they're good. Carlisle and Esme are worried about you. So is Rosalie, but she's confident that you can take care of yourself. Bella and Edward miss you tons, especially Bella. She misses someone to talk to about school. Alice is pretty tight-lipped about your future. It's driving all of us crazy."

It didn't escape me that he skipped a person in the family. "And Jasper?"

Emmett sighed. "Jasper is… still angry about the situation. He's expressed the feeling that he's… okay with you not being here."

My heart panged at the thought, but I knew his feelings were justified. "It's okay, Emmett. He's allowed to feel that way."

"Aw, screw him. He doesn't know nothin' about nothin'. When are you coming home?"

That was a topic of conversation I definitely wanted to avoid. "I don't know yet. Alice says there is something out in the world that's waiting for me. I don't know if it's here, but here will do for now."

"What could possibly be in Forks of all places? The only person you know is Jacob, and he's no fun."

"Au contraire, I now know Seth. He seems like a nice guy."

"Oh, yeah! He's a funny kid. He likes vampires! Only us cool kids like vampires."

I faintly heard the running footsteps of two animals, one large and one small. "Speak of the devil. Jacob is almost here with Chance. I have to go; I promise I'll call again soon. I just need this time, you know?"

"Well, don't keep me waiting too long. Take care of yourself."

"I will, I promise. I love you."

"Love you too, kid. Oh, and Catherine?"

"Yeah?"

"Don't let Jasper's feelings keep you from coming back. He'll warm up to you again. He just needs time."

"Alright, I'll keep that in mind. I'll talk to you soon. Bye."

I hung up the phone and couldn't help but be thankful the conversation was over. I didn't want to lie to Emmett, but I was feeling more and more that I would never go back. Now that I knew of Jasper's feelings, albeit the abridged version, it only solidified the thought.

Chance's loud panting tore me out of my depressing thoughts. I turned to him and immediately an enormous grin broke out on my face.

"Yeah, he has that affect on me too," Jacob said in reference to my smile. "He's really special."

"I know," I said, never taking my gaze off my best friend. He ran towards me in wild abandon, his damaged ears flapping in the wind. I laughed as he attempted to bowl me over.

"Aw, you can't do that anymore, Big Guy. I'm stronger than a brick wall." I laughed as he picked himself off the ground. He trotted over to me and licked the palm of my outstretched hand. I giggled at the sensation.

I knelt down and pressed my nose to the top of his head. I inhaled deeply and immediately felt at home. "Missed you, Chance," I whispered. He grunted in response and wagged his tail happily.

I stood up and looked at Jacob. He was watching me closely. It wasn't a scrutinizing look, but more like he was trying to figure me out.

"What's the matter?" I asked.

"You look awful," he said scrunching his nose.

"Really?" I looked myself over. My clothes were torn and the bag that I had been carrying could hardly be considered a bag anymore. I managed to keep my most precious belongings from being damaged, but most everything else was ripped or broken.

"I guess you have a point," I said with a big smile.

Jacob returned the smile, though it was very small. His eyes looked sad, and I felt something inside of me break. I didn't like that he was upset.

"I'm sure you have plenty of things to do. Go ahead and get going. I'll be fine." I looked at Jacob, but it seemed like he was lost in some memories far away from where we were now.

I decided to leave him to his thoughts. Chance wouldn't let him off so easy. He softly placed his wet nose on the back of Jacob's hand. Jacob reacted almost instinctually, petting the top of Chance's head. His eyes lost their glaze and he focused on me.

"Need a hand?" he asked.

I knew that I could easily carry all the boxes as well as Chance and Jacob by myself, but was touched by his offer.

"Of course," I said. I grabbed most of the boxes, leaving Jacob to the rest. I set them down in the living room and took a look around. The layout was slightly different than the house in Portland. Where it had lush white carpet, this house reflected the woodsy atmosphere of Forks. There were only hard wood floors and warm earthy tones throughout the rooms. The back wall was completely made of a thick glass, allowing a little bit of Forks enter into the empty house. There was dust, but that was to be expected. There was also very little furniture. I would spend the next few days cleaning it to my satisfaction as well as ordering things to decorate the home with. I felt silly being one person in the enormous house, but it would just have to do.

I heard Jacob walk in behind me followed by the soft click click of Chance's nails on the floor. He ungracefully dropped the boxes on the ground. He looked around the house. The pain on his face was obvious. He did not want to be there.

"Can you show me where to hunt?" I asked. I knew where, but he didn't have to know that.

"Sure," he muttered.

We walked out the back of the house and reentered the woods. Jacob did not shift into a wolf. He walked at human speed, so I obliged him by doing the same. Chance ran ahead of us, eager to explore his surroundings. It was silent for a while. I didn't want to pry, but once again, my impatience got the better of me.

"Penny for your thoughts?" I asked.

He slowed to a stop. I stopped next to him and gave him a curious look.

"Why did you leave?" he asked with a hoarse voice.

I couldn't look him in the eye. I was so ashamed of the circumstances. I recounted the story, fidgeting while I recalled the fight with Jasper. I could hardly contain the sobs when I told him about Emmett and how I drove him to pick sides. My heart panged when I thought of the look of regret and guilt in his eye when I told him I was leaving.

I turned to walk away, but Jacob's warm hand stopped me. I turned and the heat from his hand spun my emotions out of control. I felt the familiar warmth spread through my body, but I stopped it before it could become a flame. I felt human for the first time in many months. I relished in the feeling when Jacob interrupted my thoughts.

"Don't go. I'm sorry." His eyes reflected his sentiment. He was sorry.

"I'm just embarrassed, that's all. I attacked my family, the only people in the world who love me and accept me for who I am now. And I took that love and spat on it. What kind of person does that make me?"

Jacob smirked. "Just a little damaged." He took me by surprise and wrapped his arms around me. A sudden heat ran through my body and I became even warmer. Jacob jumped away from me.

"Oh my God, I'm so sorry," I said, apologizing profusely.

Jacob's face was calm, but his shaky voice betrayed him. "No, it's okay. It just took me off guard. How do you do that?"

I shrugged my shoulders. "I don't know. Just when I woke up, I could turn into a human fire ball. Since then I've learned to control it." I laughed while I continued. "Carlisle has a theory for it all, but it's really uninteresting. You may actually die from boredom if I go into the details."

Jacob broke into a sunny smile. His simple answer threw me into a tailspin.

"Cool."