Anthony's POV

I stared at my son like he had lost his mind. Perhaps he had. But the seriousness in Jade's eyes made me rethink everything. Vampires? Werewolves? My logic wouldn't allow me to believe him.

"I'm telling the truth." Jade said softly, his bright green eyes locked on the floor. "It's hard to believe, I know. Took me some time too. But I love Jacob. Plus the whole Avery thing was enough proof." He raised his hand to his neck, running his fingers over a pale crescent shaped scar that I had never seen before.

Carefully, I reached out to the scar. Jade watched me from the corner of his eye as I removed his hand. My fingertips brushed over the scar that was a few degrees cooler than his skin.

"This... almost turned you into one of them?"

"Yes."

"And now... the lover of that one is after you for revenge?" I removed my hand from his neck.

"Seems like it."

I leaned back in my seat in thought. I wasn't really sure what to think. My son was in love with a werewolf? My ex-wife was killed by a vampire? How was I supposed to believe this?

"So, if I suddenly disappear, call Jacob." Jade got to his feet. "I need to go to the bathroom."

I sat up straight, concerned. "You shouldn't be alone."

Jade stared at me. "You believe me?"

"It's best to be safe."

He shook his head. "Don't worry. They won't do anything in public. I'll be back soon." He smiled at me and went to find a bathroom.

I sighed and hung my head in my hands. I was beyond confused. I really didn't know what to think or believe.

Jacob's POV

I hated that I didn't see Jade off. But I just couldn't. I was antsy. Agitated for some unknown reason. Jade always kept me calm. I was used to being away from him for a few hours because of school. I guessed just knowing that I wouldn't see him for a while was getting to me.

I stood in the wet sand of First Beach, watching the wave's crash on the shore. I tried being around everyone at Sam's but I couldn't. I was sure Jade was on the plane by then. It had been about two or three hours since Jade left. I really didn't want to think about it.

I sat down on the sand, the dark clouds hiding the sun. One knee was bent up while the other laid flat. I rested one hand on my knee while letting the other rest in my lap. I was feeling a bunch of different emotions. I had yet to figure out what I was going to do without him. It was written into my DNA that I had to be near my mate.

I tried to convince myself I would be okay as long as I could hear his voice. Maybe I would be okay. Why the hell did I convince him to leave? Oh right... So he'd be safe... I could protect him... Why don't I have faith in myself? Jade does. I growled in the back of my throat. Fuck... Just remember Jacob. He's safer away from here. Nathanial is still around. I can sense him near. Waiting, Watching.

I just stared at the waves, trying not to think about Jade. This was the hardest thing ever. He was a part of me. He was my everything. The reason I breathed, the reason I existed. How could I ever think I would be okay without him? Even if for a few months. I was such an idiot...

I ran a hand through my shaggy hair and rubbed the back of my head. I could do it. I knew I could. As long as Jade was safe, I could live. I could wait. Once Jade was safe in New York, we'd go after Nathanial. Just be patient Jacob... Patience... Remember, Jade taught you it. Especially when he would tease you. I smiled at the memory.

When it came to being intimate, Jade was so shy. Atleast, he used to be. At first it was so cute. He loved to tease me though. But once I finally nagged him, I was the one who would tease him until he would beg for it. A soft smirk came to my lips. I miss him too much already...

"You're losing it Jacob."

I snapped to attention at the soft but deep voice. How did I not sense him? I looked up at Jasper standing beside me. "How long have you been standing there?"

"Not long." He swiftly sat down on the sand beside me. I stared at him, an eyebrow raised. "Jade called me."

I blinked at him. "He did?"

"Yes." His golden eyes were focused on the ocean. "He's in Duluth, Minnesota for a layover. They'll be there a few hours."

"He called you?" He didn't call me... He checked my pocket to make sure I had my phone with me. I did.

"He wanted to apologize."

"Oh..." I turned to look at the ocean. I had never really had a full conversation with Jasper. Sure, he and Jade spent a lot of time together but not when I was with Jade. "Is he okay?"

"He's fine. There is one problem though."

I glanced at him from the corner of my eye. "What is that?"

"His father read the note."

I sat up straight. "The one I gave him?"

Jasper nodded. "The one from Nathanial."

My eyes widened slightly. "And?"

"Jade told him everything."

"E-Everything?" I was in slight disbelief.

"Yes. The truth. His father seemed to take it alright. Of course, Jade's sure his father believes he is insane now."

I sighed and rubbed my forehead. "Well that's great... Atleast he's okay."

Jasper nodded. "Alice asked me to inform you about Bella."

I took a deep breath of salty ocean air and leaned back on my palms. "Oh yea. What's up with that? I thought you guys couldn't reproduce?" I looked Jasper up and down.

"Our females can't. Apparently, males can."

"So Edward got her pregnant?" I snorted. "Wonderful."

"Not exactly." I tilted my head at him. "The child is vampiric. It's really taking a toll on Bella. Every time it shifts, it breaks a bone."

"Is... she going to live?"

"We're not sure."

"Then why not get rid of the baby?"

"Bella won't let us. Rosalie either. I know she won't make it through alive. She doesn't intend to make it through human."

My heart clenched at the thought. "How's Edward feel about it all?"

"He's terrified. First time I've ever seen him like this. He's more worried about Bella. He doesn't really care about the child." Jasper paused. "No. He does care about the child. But more so for Bella."

I leaned back on my palms more. "I want to see her but I doubt it's a good time..."

"Actually, she's been asking for you."

I blinked and looked at him. "She has?"

Jasper glanced at me from the corner of his eye. "I'm not sure why. But perhaps because you are her best friend."

"Once I hear from Jade, I'll go see her."

Jasper nodded, shifting his eyes back to the ocean. "He told me he would call you after he got off the phone with me."

"How long ago was that?"

"Half an hour perhaps."

I blinked. "Maybe his dad bombarded him with questions."

"Probably."

"So, he apologized to you?"

"Yes. He was really upset that he hurt me."

"Told you. Now that he really has someone to blame, he feels horrible for how he treated you."

Jasper smiled softly. "He said he'd make it up to me." He shook his head a bit. "I forgive him either way. I was never upset with him."

I looked Jasper over for a moment. Jade and he had a lot more in common than Jade and I. And yet, he choose me. Of course, I doubt Jasper would love him that way. Jasper loved Alice the way I loved Jade. Opposites attract as they say. "You love him."

Jasper's smile grew a bit. "I do."

"You mean a lot to him. You're his best friend."

"You mean more to him, Jacob."

A grin sneaked its way to my lips. "I know. But it's good that he has others to care about other than me."

Jasper nodded in agreement. "My first and only human friend."

I smiled softly at Jasper. We could get along. We shared Jade in common and that was enough for a small friendship. We both cared about him and would do anything to make sure he stayed safe. Yea, I could deal with Jasper. He wasn't all that bad.

I jumped when my phone started to vibrate in my pocket. Jasper watched me as I pulled the small blue phone from my pocket. I smiled when I saw Jade's name blinking on the small screen. I flipped open the open and placed it to my ear.

"Hey. I was wondering when you were going to call me." As I spoke, Jasper's phone also began to ring.

"Jacob?"

I blinked at the voice that wasn't Jade as Jasper answered his phone. "Mr. Cripton?"

"Jacob! It is you." His voice sounded breathless.

"W-What's wrong?" I sat up straight, glancing at Jasper who was on the phone with Alice.

"Alice, calm down and explain to me exactly what you saw."

"Jade told me that if he suddenly disappeared to call you. So I am."

"What do you mean 'disappeared'?" I felt panic rise through my body.

"He went off to the bathroom about an hour ago and he hasn't come back. I went looking for him but I can't find him. I found his phone though. On the floor of the bathroom. Jade just wouldn't wonder off like that."

"No. He wouldn't. He called Jasper awhile ago and he was supposed to call me after but he never did." I glanced at Jasper as he quickly got to his feet.

"What do I do?"

I got to my feet when Jasper motioned for me to. "Hold on." I told Jade's father and focused on Jasper.

"Alice saw Jade in an abounded church."

"Why the hell would he go there?"

"He didn't go there. He was taken there."

"By who?"

"She doesn't know. But they seem to be planning to..." Jasper trailed off when Alice started speaking on the other side of his phone. Jasper's eyes narrowed. "We have to find him. Quickly."

"But how? Does she know where this church is?"

"No. But Nathanial is still here. I bet he had others... Damnit." Jasper flipped his phone closed and shoved it in his pocket. "We have to move. Now. Nathanial's taking off. Our only hope is to follow him."

"Shit."

"Jacob? What's going on?"

"I'll get Emmett, you get a wolf. There are more than one." Jasper turned to take off. "We'll have to move on foot. You know Nathanial's scent. Follow it. Emmett and I will be right along with you." And Jasper took off too quickly for me to see.

"Shit, shit, shit." I growled.

"Jacob! Answer me!"

"Ah sorry! Um, we have a big problem. I have to go. Now. But um, trust us okay? We'll find Jade and bring him home safe. I promise." I started to take off running. "You just go home and we'll contact you as soon as we can."

"No. I'm going back to Forks."

"Either way, be careful. We don't know what else these blood suckers might want."

"Find him Jacob."

"I will." I quickly closed my phone and without hesitation phased. My giant paws dug into the sand making it hard to run. I growled and quickly made my way into the forest. Only one person was already phased and I had no choice but to make him come with me. I was short on time.

Seth! You have to come with me. Now!

Seth was stunned for a moment before I sent him everything I had just went though. Crap! Okay, okay. I'll catch up to you. Don't wait for me. I know his scent too. I'm not that far from you.

Just hurry. Something bad is going to happen if we don't get to Jade soon. I really didn't like the look on Jasper's face.

Me neither. I'll meet up with you soon. Jasper and Emmett are coming?

Yes. Running is the easiest way to keep track of Nathanial. With four of us we should be able to track him.

Okay. We'll catch up to them soon enough.

Jade's POV

It was cold. So cold. I could feel the goosebumps on my skin. My body was shaking but from more than the cold. Fear. Complete and utter fear. Worse than when I was face to face with Avery. My hands were bound behind my back by one strong freezing cold hand.

I had no clue who he was. Nathanial maybe? But he grabbed me in the bathroom and threatened to hurt my father if I didn't come along. I had to choice. So there I was, in an old abounded church with two vampires. The one holding me was too close for comfort as he forced me to walk down the aisle of the church.

The other vampire was sitting on top of the podium, his legs crossed and a smirk on his face as he looked me over. His hair was dark and his eyes were the same burgundy red that I remembered Avery's to be. The vampire holding me looked almost just like the other one. But I could still tell them apart. The one on the podium looked about my age while the one behind me was older looking, maybe in his 20's.

I was shoved down to my knees in front of the other vampire. "So this is him?" The one on the podium asked as the one behind me started to actually bind my wrists with wire.

"Yup. Nathanial's going to die." He chuckled while tightly tying my wrists together.

"He's more attractive than I expected." The one on the podium jumped down and walked toward me.

"Avery had good taste. He picked us didn't he?"

"He did." The one from the podium squatted down in front of me. "Name's Zander." He placed a cold finger under my chin and forced me to look at him. I knew there really was no point in fighting him. There were two of them and only one of me. Plus, they were vampires. "You're the boy who got Avery killed, hm?"

I nodded, not finding it wise to speak. "I wonder why Avery would be stupid enough to chase after a boy who's linked to wolves." The other vampire asked, finally satisfied with my being bound.

"You're attractive sweetie but you ain't all that." Zander's eyes searched mine. He leaned forward and sniffed at my neck. A soft moan escaped his throat and he leaned back, licking his lips. "Ah, that's why." He smirked. "Ramsey, smell him."

The other vampire moved behind me and leaned his head to my neck. He sniffed and moaned as well. "Beneath that wolf stench is the most floral fragrance."

"Tempting." Zander purred, brushing his fingers along my collarbone.

"We were like you once." Ramsey said, moving to stand. "Sitting there, terrified. Thinking it would be the end of our lives. But Avery was never that cruel." Ramsey smiled and moved to sit on one of the steps leading up to the podium.

Zander's eyes flashed. "That's what he wanted." He smirked revealing a set of perfectly pearl white teeth. I glanced between them confused. Zander moved to his knees in front of me, releasing his hold on my chin. "He wanted to make you part of his coven. One of us."

"He... tried..." I spoke softly.

Zander raised an eyebrow before his eyes locked onto my neck. He leaned forward and carefully ran his cool fingertips over the scar Avery gave me. "And how in the world did you survive this?"

"I... a friend sucked the venom out."

"A friend?" Zander leaned forward till his nose was against my throat. He took a deep breath and I felt him smirk against my neck. "You have vampire friends."

"Well aren't you popular." Ramsey snorted. "No wonder Avery wanted you."

"Are... you going to kill me or just play with me?"

Zander leaned back, the smirk still on his lips. "Bold little thing aren't you." Little? We're the same size...

"It's not our place precious." Ramsey said, looking his nails over.

"That's Nathanial's job. Though I wonder if he'll really kill you." Zander rocked back on his heels. "I wouldn't."

"Because you live off of sex." Ramsey commented. "You'd turn the boy for your own."

Zander smirked, licking his lips while looking my body over. Memories of what Avery did to me came flooding back. "Dead lover or a new lover? Nathanial would do it too."

"You have a point there."

"I bet your little wolf would just die if he found you were turned into one of us."

"He'd think it was worse than you actually being killed."

I swallowed hard at their words. Deep down, I knew they were right. I'd rather die than become a vampire. Jacob would hate me then.

"Then maybe Nathanial will turn him. He wants to hurt the wolf more than he was hurt."

"Yes, yes." Zander trailed his freezing cold fingers down my neck. "He did say we could have fun with him before he got here, right?"

Ramsey got to his feet and walked toward us. "That he did. But you can have him Zander. He's not my type."

Zander just licked his lips, looking over my body. "More for me then."

Ramsey patted Zander's head as he walked by. "Just be gentle with him, Kay? Nathanial will kill you if you hurt him."

Zander growled at him. "I can be gentle."

Ramsey snorted. "Right. Don't break him. Remember, he's only human." Then Ramsey left the room.

"Don't break him..." Zander growled, leaning toward me, pressing his chest against mine with his head beside mine and reached behind me. "Fuck him." I felt him fumble with the wire binding my wrists together. "You run and I snap your neck." He hissed into my ear.

"Where would I run? I can't outrun you so what's the point?"

"Oh so smart." He licked at my neck. I flinched at the cold touch. "I don't have Avery's special power of making you stay."

"He still handcuffed me to the floor..."

Zander chuckled softly as he started to pull away the wire. "We're not that bad you know. We do what we need to do to survive."

"I know vampires that don't kill humans to live."

"That's not living." He nuzzled his nose into my neck as the wire fell and he grabbed my hips. "We are the top of the food chain. Humans need to be reminded of that from time to time."

"Why my mother?"

"Hey, that wasn't my idea." Zander pulled back to look into my eyes. "So don't be angry with me. I don't kill for revenge it's so... messy. Nor do I get involved with wolves." He shivered at the thought. "I'm not an idiot."

"You're getting involved now."

"Yea, cause Nathanial will have my head if I don't. I do wish to live, you know." His hands felt my hips gently before slipping up the hem of my shirt. "This might be the last time you get any sweetheart. So you might want to try and enjoy it."

I narrowed my eyes at him. "I'd rather not."

Zander leaned forward, ghosting his lips over mine. I closed my eyes at the temperature difference. "Are you telling me that you've never wondered what it would be like to be with a vampire?"

"I was with one..."

"Avery?" Zander huffed. "Please, he forced you to do everything. I was in that same position before too you know. Rape isn't sex. I bet you tried to block everything out and don't think about it." I bit my bottom lip. "So I'm right." He smirked against my lips. "What I'm talking about is one of those vampire friends of yours. You've never wondered what it would be like to be with one of them?"

"No."

"You're a bad liar, Jade." He slipped a cold hand under my shirt and trailed it up my chest.

A soft whimper escaped my throat because he was right. I had. Only a few times. But I had wondered what it would be like to be with Jasper... I never seriously thought it through though. Sure, I had dreams... but those are things I couldn't control.

"So I'm right." His tongue slipped out from his lips and outlined mine. "The contrast from hot to cold can be exhilarating. I'm sure that wolf of yours is good but everyone wants to try something new atleast once."

I just couldn't let him get to me. "No. I don't."

He smirked and gripped my hips, bringing my body closer to his. "Such a bad liar."

I was trying to fight it. I really was. But it was so hard. Why was it so hard? "You're affecting me..."

"Am I?" Zander smirked against my lips. "Can't resist me?"

"That's not what I mean. You have some power... like Avery."

"Ah, you're so smart. Unlike Avery, I can't physically make you move. But I can impair your judgment in my favor. Seems like it's working."

"Shit..." I hissed squeezing my eyes closed tightly.

"You can only fight it for so long. So just give up." He ran his cold hand up my side. "Save your energy."

I gritted my teeth. It was getting hard to fight it. I couldn't give up. For Jacob's sake, I couldn't give up. But then Zander finally kissed me and I couldn't fight it anymore. My mind became foggy and I couldn't even remember who Jacob was or why I cared.

I whimpered softly in the back of my throat and slipped my arms around Zander's neck. He smirked against my lips and pulled me closer to him, our hips connecting. The kiss grew more passionate as he slipped his tongue inside my mouth. Again I whimpered which seemed to be something he liked to hear because he growled.

Zander slipped his cold hands under my shirt and we pulled apart only a second to remove it. As soon as the shirt was gone his lips attacked mine once again. He came at me too fast for me to brace myself so I was pushed onto my back. The cold stone floor caused me to gasp and made Zander freeze.

"Ah. Right." Zander grabbed my shirt and pulled me back up into a sitting position. I watched him, curious, as he laid my shirt on the ground before pushing me back down. I could still feel the cold of the floor through the shirt but it was nothing compared to Zander's touch.

"Better?" He asked. I just nodded and he smiled at me. "Good."

His lips attacked mine once again and my numb fingers fumbled with the buttons of his shirt. He situated himself between my legs comfortably and held himself above me with one hand while the other trialed along my side, leaving goosebumps.

Finally I unbutton the last button of his shirt and slipped the dark fabric off his stone shoulders. He removed the shirt and I heard it land beside us. My hands felt over his chest and the coldness sent shivers across my body. He was like ice. Hard ice. Very hard. I giggled softly at the hard member pressed against my inner thigh.

Zander smirked against my lips and pulled back a bit. My hands fumbled with his belt buckle as he hung his head against my neck. He slowly started to lick it up and down, causing me to falter more in my mission to unbuckle his belt. I let a moan slip out, turning my head more to the side to give him better access.

I eventually got the belt unbuckled and unbuttoned his pants. Zander moved his head to lick at my collar bone and I couldn't reach his pants any more. I lifted my hands and pressed them against his shoulders. He didn't budge. Of course he didn't. I gasped and snapped my eyes open in surprise when his hips suddenly ground into mine. My mind became foggier than before and all I could focus on was the pleasure.

Did vampires pant? Could they pant? Maybe human habits just died hard. Zander's panting in my ear brought my mind back into the real world. Immediately, my heart sank and I felt sick to my stomach. My body was freezing and the vampire on top of me was getting heavy. I pushed at his shoulders even though I knew it wouldn't make him move.

Zander moved to his knees and carefully pulled out of me. I winced, tears collecting in the corners of my eyes. I closed my eyes tightly and tried to figure out what in the world would possess me to do such a thing. I raised my hands and pressed my palms into my eyes. A chocked sob escaped my throat and I couldn't stop the anguish that overtook my body. How could I willingly do such a thing?

"Aw sweetheart, don't cry." I felt Zander start to clean me up with some type of fabric. "It wasn't that bad was it?" I just shook my head, not able to speak. "If your wolf really loves you, than he won't mind."

Like hell Jacob wouldn't mind. He'd rip Zander to shreds the first chance he'd get. And probably me too...

Zander lifted my hips and easily slipped my pants back on. I didn't want to move. "Come here." He grabbed my hand and pulled it away from my face. He pulled me into a sitting position and put a shirt on me. I realized it wasn't even my shirt. It was his. He started to re-button it while I just sat there, tears still staining my cheeks.

When he was finished he leaned forward and gently kissed my forehead. "Please stop crying." He placed his hand on the back of my head and pulled me into his bare chest. "I really don't like to make people cry."

I sniffed and closed my eyes tightly. What... is with this guy? He makes no sense... He... raped... no... It wasn't rape... I went willingly... Still, he did affect me... but now... he's comforting me?

"Zander."

Zander lifted his head at the call of his name. "What?"

"What did you do to him?" Ramsey's voice was smug. From what I could tell he was standing a little far away.

"Shut up. What do you want?" Zander growled.

"Nathanial's got a few problems on his trail." Ramsey's boots clinked against the stone floor as he made his way closer to us.

Zander released me and I just stared at the floor. "Like what?" I saw him start to redress himself, minus his shirt.

"Two wolves and two vampires."

I blinked, my vision becoming even more blurry. "Can't he take care of them?" I heard the zipper of Zander's pants.

"That's not part of his plan."

"Then what the hell does he want?" Zander's voice was annoyed.

"He's not sure if he'll get here before they do. He is going to lead them right here. That's his plan. Lead them to him."

Zander grabbed my waist and pulled me to my feet. Not wanting to seem weak, I held my ground but kept my eyes locked on the floor. "Lead them right to Jade? What kind of plan is that?"

"A good one." Ramsey stepped toward me and grabbed my chin forcing me to look at him. "You'll make a beautiful vampire."

My breath hitched and my heart started to pound. My blood went cold and my eyes widened. This can not be happening. Zander's grip on my waist tightened. "So, we have to turn him?"

"Then leave him." Ramsey released my chin. "Let him take care of those problems."

"We can't just leave him. Who knows what might happen. He might go through the change quicker than that. Or what if he hasn't completed the change by the time they get here? When will they get here?" Zander's grip on my waist tightened even more.

"Two days at the most. That's plenty of time if you do it now."

"Me? What? No. I'm not doing it." I winced in pain at Zander's grip. "Sorry." He loosened his grip but still kept a good hold on me.

Ramsey raised an eyebrow at Zander. "What makes you think I'm going to do it? Besides, you like him more."

"Exactly why I can't do it."

Ramsey growled. "Zander. Nathanial wants you to do it. Not me."

"Why me?"

Ramsey just shrugged. "I don't know. Maybe because he knows you'll enjoy him more than me. You turn him and he'll become attached to you. Isn't that part of your weird power?"

"Well... yea but..." Zander trailed off. I was so confused. Why didn't Zander want to do it? Of course, I was kinda happy he didn't. Because I didn't want him to either.

"I thought you wanted a lover?"

"I... do..."

"Then what is your issue? Nathanial doesn't want the boy dead. Look, either way the boy is going to be turned. I don't want to do it but I will if you refuse. But wouldn't you rather he be yours?"

"Yes."

"Then there is nothing to discuss. Do it. And do it soon." Ramsey glared at Zander before leaving the way he came in.

"Fuck." Zander released me and pulled away from me. I stood there, watching him pace back and forth. I fumbled with my hands nervously. Zander just paced back and forth in front of me, his eyes locked on the ground and letting out a small growl every now and then. I chewed on my bottom lip, curious as to what he was thinking.

Zander was nothing like Avery. Not even close. Zander didn't seem like that bad of a vampire. He wasn't Jasper good... but he wasn't Avery bad either. I supposed he was in the middle. I wasn't sure what to think of him. Any normal vampire probably would have bitten me by now without hesitation. But here was Zander, hesitating.

"Z-Zander?" He stopped in his pacing and lifted his head to look at me. "I... Why are you hesitating?"

"Are you complaining?"

"No... I was just... wondering..."

Zander sighed, something I didn't know vampires did, and ran a hand through his shaggy black hair. "I don't know what my problem is... I just... I don't want to be the one to turn you. And I have a problem with just leaving you too."

"I really... would rather die than become a vampire..." I bit my lip and averted his burgundy eyes. "But since I don't have a choice in the matter... I think... I'd rather it be you that did it."

Zander was quiet for a while. He just stood there staring at me. Finally, he stepped toward me, his bare feet not making a sound as he moved. He wrapped his freezing cold arms around my already shivering body and held me tightly to his chest. "It'll hurt."

"I know... I already went through the beginning stage."

"It'll get worse."

"You survived it."

"How can you go along with this so easily? I fought like hell when Avery did it to me." He sighed softly and nuzzled his cheek against mine.

"I fought Avery too... I had a choice then. Well... not really... But I thought he was going to kill me. I didn't know that by biting me he was going to turn me. With Avery... Everything happened to quickly... Right after he bit me... I think he was... he tackled? Something got him..." I shook my head to remove the memory. "But right now... I don't have much of a choice. Sure, I'd rather die but that's not going to happen." I stared at the broken stained glass window behind Zander. "I've always taken change easily. The boy I loved turned out to be a werewolf and my best friend was a vampire. I was thrown into this world unwillingly... but I accepted it. I'd rather be a vampire than have my mother killed. I'd do anything to change just that... It's the only thing I refuse to accept..."

"I'm sorry..." Zander squeezed me. "Avery killed my family to get me... So... I know how you feel."

"Why would you stay with someone who did such a thing to you?"

"I didn't have a choice. His power, remember? It even works on vampires."

"But Avery's dead..."

"I've been with Ramsey and Nathanial so long that we have this link. Avery was that link. Now that he's gone the link is chipped. But it's still there. I could run all I want... but Nathanial would find me and kill me as a traitor. Ramsey would help him too. As I said before, I'd like to live."

"So... you're stuck?"

"Exactly." His cool hands began to rub my back. I could feel his temperature through the shirt I was wearing. "I admit... it'd be nice to have someone here who was on my side..."

"I'd... be on your side."

Zander hummed and gently kissed my cheek. "I figured as much. With a newborn on my side... Nathanial and Ramsey wouldn't touch me."

"Then you could be free?"

Zander nodded. "Maybe..." He shifted to place his lips at my ear. "If you helped me take down Nathanial. Only a newborn has the strength to do that." He whispered ever so softly in my ear. I swallowed hard and raised my hands to grip his biceps. "I know you want revenge on him. Revenge isn't my thing... but only with humans. I'd love to take out my own personal revenge on Nathanial. He was Avery's sidekick and the reason I'm stuck."

"I'll help you..." I whispered back to him.

I felt him grin against my ear. "We have to go along with Nathanial's plan. I'll have to leave you here to suffer through the change alone... But you have to run as soon as you can. Once Nathanial leads them here, you have to run. They only have to see you. Nathanial expects you to attack the wolf but you have to fight it. As a newborn you won't have any control. But you have to fight it. Let the wolf see you and run. Come find me. Once your one of us I can communicate with you. Through your mind. It has something to do with the connection between my venom and your blood."

"I... I can't let... Jacob see me like... that." Realization dawned on me then.

"You won't have a choice."

"No..." I closed my eyes tightly and buried my head in Zander's neck. "Jacob will hate me... It'll break his heart... and mine... He just can't see me like that..."

"He'll have to know somehow. The best way is living proof. It's part of Nathanial's plan. We have to follow it."

I just couldn't let Jacob see me like that. So I was hoping I would turn before he could find me. I'd rather him think I was dead than a vampire. "Okay..."

"Are you sure?"

"What choice do I have?"

"Right..." Zander pulled back and searched my eyes. "Promise you won't abandon me?"

"I promise."

He bit his lower lip and my eyes locked on those teeth. "I really don't want to just leave you... I'll stay as close as I can... and keep an eye on you. If you turn before they get here, I'm going to come get you, okay?"

I nodded. That was the outcome I was praying for. "Just... get it over with..."

Zander nodded and tilted my head to the side. He lowered his head to my neck, the side opposite of where Avery bit me. His lips ghosted over my skin sending shivers over my entire body. My heart pounded in my ears. I couldn't believe I was willingly letting this happen. What the hell was wrong with me? I couldn't fight it though. I knew that. If Zander didn't do this, Ramsey would. And I was sure he wouldn't be so gentle and kind about it. Atleast I wouldn't be alone in the end. For some god unknown reason, I trusted Zander. I just hoped he wasn't playing me to get what he wanted. And if he was... He sure was very persuasive.

I closed my eyes tightly when he lightly kissed my neck. He nuzzled the spot with his nose gently before placing his lips there once again. My hands gripped his biceps has hard as they could but I was sure he didn't feel a thing. Before I could brace myself his teeth sunk deep into the flesh of my neck.

I called out in pain and clung to Zander like he was my only life line. He let his teeth stay there, allowing the venom to sink into my blood stream well. I could feel the burning fire start as soon as his teeth sunk in. I could feel the venom quickly spread through my blood as my heart started to pound faster.

Then I couldn't take it any longer. The excruciating pain flowing through my body. It was all I could think about. I couldn't even feel Zander holding me anymore. I didn't even know if he was still holding me. I didn't care anymore. Why the hell did I agree to this? What the fuck was wrong with me? One thought entered my mind before I was completely absorbed by the pain. Can a vampire commit suicide?

Jacob's POV

Tracking Nathanial turned out to be an easier task than I thought it would be. It was almost like the vampire wanted us to follow him. I had a sinking feeling that maybe it was all a trap. Seth was far on the other side of me but close enough that I could still communicate with him. Jasper and Emmett were somewhere between us.

It took more self control than I thought I was capable of not to catch up to that vampire and rip its head off. But we needed him if we had any hope of finding Jade. Wherever Jade was, it sure was far away from Forks. We were in Minnesota already after a day and a half of following him. Jade's plane had landed there and I was wondering if that's where they took him. Some place near the airport.

We were in the woods that were filled with hills and small mountains. It was stuff that I wasn't used to. But that didn't keep me from keeping close to the vampire. I could tell Seth was starting to get exhausted. Honestly, so was I. But we couldn't stop. Jade's life depended on us getting there in time.

Suddenly, Nathanial stopped. He just stopped. Seth and I skidded to a halt but Jasper and Emmett kept going.

What do you think is going on?

I... don't know... Maybe we're here?

Then... we should trust Jasper and keep going?

I took off running with Seth close behind. He moved closer to me till I could see his sandy-colored coat out of the corner of my eyes. It was midday but the sky was overcast, like it was going to storm soon. We soon caught up to Jasper and Emmett who had stopped. They had reached the edge of the woods and were standing in the clearing, looking up at a large, dark, and crumbling church.

Seth and I stayed put in the trees at the edge of the forest. I could no longer sense Nathanial. Like he had suddenly disappeared. Cautiously, I stepped out of the forest and approached Jasper. His eyes were locked on the church and the look on his face concerned me.

"You might want to phase, Jacob." I stared at him, curious as to why. "Just trust me."

I did as he wanted and Seth trotted up to me. He motioned to the small pack attached to his leg with his head. "Thanks." I took the pack and quickly pulled on the pants he had. They were a little small on me but they would do. "I sense more than one vampire, why did you have me phase to human?" I asked Jasper while walking up to him.

"Look closer. What do you really sense?"

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. Just the scent of vampires. Not the presence. And it was faint but... My eyes snapped open. "Jade."

"There are others near... Watching."

"It's a trap." Emmett said, his eyes glancing around the place.

"I don't have a choice. I'm not just leaving him in there." I growled softly. "Where the hell did Nathanial go?"

Jasper pointed at the church. "You can't sense him, but he's in there. There's some type of barrier over the church preventing us from sensing them."

"I can smell them though." I crinkled my nose at the stench.

"We can't tell how many are in there."

"Well, we can't just stand here debating about it. I'm going in. Jade's in there." I was starting to get antsy. I didn't want to go in there alone but I would.

A loud animalistic growl broke through the silence. It came from inside the church. Whatever barrier there was over the church it was suddenly broken and I could sense only two vampires inside. They were... fighting. One was Nathanial, the other I didn't recognize.

"Jasper?" Emmett asked, glancing at him.

Jasper closed his eyes like he was in pain. "We can handle two vampires. Especially if they are fighting each other. Emmett and Seth, go after Nathanial. Jacob, you and I will go after the other one. Once they are taken care of we can find Jade."

"I don't sense a heart beat in there, Jasper." Emmett stated.

I glanced at him, my heart sinking. Was it too late? "It could be another barrier." Jasper said.

"Should I phase?" I asked Jasper to which he nodded. Quickly I did so, knowing the reason he asked me the phase to human was so we could communicate.

"Go." Jasper said softly.

Emmett disappeared with Seth right on his heels. At the same time, Jasper took off with me behind him. Jasper and Emmett broke through the doors of the church and split. The two fighting vampires paused in what they were doing and gave us enough time to separate them. Emmett tackled Nathanial with Seth right behind him.

I got to the other vampire before Jasper and tackled it onto its back. It hissed and quickly pushed me off it, throwing me back into a few pews, breaking them. I growled loudly and went for the vampire once again. Then I noticed that Jasper wasn't moving.

"He's a newborn!" Jasper hissed at me before I could stop. Once again I tackled the vampire who held its arm over its face to try and protect it. I latched onto the vampire's arm, my teeth sinking in. I heard the bone snap causing the vampire to hiss in pain and move to get away from me.

The way he shifted caused a stream of light from the broken roof to expose his face. My whole world stopped in one second. I couldn't move. The vampire's eyes locked with mine and he stopped moving as well. Blood poured around my teeth from his arm but it didn't seem to affect him. He was staring at me with wide blood red eyes. Eyes that used to be green.

The vampire suddenly snapped out of it and shoved me off him. My jaw unlatched from his arm and I rolled backwards. The vampire got to his feet and stared at the wound in his arm that stopped bleeding. He hissed and turned his eyes to Emmett and Seth who were still trying to control Nathanial.

"Bastards..." The vampire hissed. "He's mine!" The vampire was gone in a flash and Emmett and Seth were thrown off Nathanial. Before Nathanial had time to react the other vampire snapped his neck and ripped his head off. The image was almost too much for me to take. The vampire threw the blonde head over his shoulder into a pile of burning pews. I didn't notice that when we busted in. The vampire was quick in throwing the rest of the body into the fire.

I, along with the others, was frozen. Jasper seemed to be too stunned to move while Seth and Emmett were trying to recover from the wounds that the vampire gave them just by tossing them into the stone wall. I didn't think they had noticed exactly who that vampire was yet.

The vampire brushed his hands off and spun around, a grin on his face. "Revenge is so sweet." He giggled softly and then seemed to remember us. He froze in his spot, looking me over. After a second his eyes narrowed, he bore his teeth and he crouched down, ready to attack. I moved to stand in front of him, growling softly.

"Jacob, he's a newborn. Be careful." I heard Jasper say softly.

The vampire glanced at Jasper but his attention was on me. Then he shook his head and stumbled backwards onto his butt. I did the only thing I could think of. I phased to human.

Jade's POV

My throat ached horribly and my mind was clouded. My focus was scattered. When I awoke I was alone and felt like shit. All I felt was a burning hunger that needed to be satisfied. And then Nathanial showed up. I didn't have time to realize my movements were faster, my body was stronger, and my vision was sharper. I just attacked him.

Then these idiots had to interrupt. Atleast I got him in the end. And now that stupid wolf that bit me wanted a fight. Well, I'd give him one hell of a fight. The burning hunger running through my body was all I wanted to satisfy. But in the back of my mind, something was tugging. This wolf... I knew him. He was familiar.

Jade! Run! Remember what we agreed?

I glanced at the vampire behind the wolf. He was familiar looking too. Was he the one speaking in my mind?

No. Jade. It's Zander! Remember! You have to fight the hunger!

I shook my head and stumbled backwards. I fell onto my bum, a growl escaping my throat. What the fuck is going on? I forced the burning hunger to die down like the voice in my head told me too. My nostrils flared at the smell of wolf. I swiftly got to my knees and returned my attention to the wolf before me.

Only he wasn't a wolf anymore. He was... human? His body ceased movement and I just stared at him. The hunger disappeared and only desire remained. A different desire than before. That was when everything came flooding back to me. Zander turned me. I was a vampire now. I narrowed my eyes slightly, looking the man before me over. I knew him. My heart knew him but my vampiric mind wanted to attack him. I fought hard against it.

"Jacob..." The name slipped through my lips before I could stop it.

He nodded and took a step toward me but the vampire behind him told him to stay put. I growled at that vampire who growled back at me. I glared at him before shifting my eyes back to Jacob. Jacob... Werewolf... My... wolf...

Seeing Jacob through vampire eyes was a whole new experience. He was sharper, handsomer, and more beautiful. His brown eyes bore into mine as he stayed still. I saw something in there I had prayed not to see. He was hurt. He couldn't believe what had became of me. More memories started to flood through my mind. It was too much for me to handle.

I hissed in pain and held my head between my hands tightly. I bent over and started rocking back and forth. Jacob was my lover. Jasper was my best friend. Seth and Emmett... I hurt Seth and Emmett. I hurt them! Oh god what have I done...

Run Jade. Before it's too late. Don't put Jacob through more pain. The longer you stay the harder it is for him to see you.

My eyes snapped open at Zander's voice. I thought vampires didn't have hearts but I could feel mine shattering. Before I even thought about it, I was on my feet. I met Jacob's eyes and that was when my heart disappeared. I couldn't take the pain in his eyes. The betrayal I knew he was feeling. His heart was breaking along with mine. I could practically hear it.

"I..." My throat started to burn, the thirst returning. I swallowed hard out of human habit. "I'm so sorry..."

Jacob reached out for me but I was gone before I had time to even consider it. I heard Jacob call out my name but I forced myself to keep running. I sensed Zander appear beside me but I just kept running. I had to get as far away from Jacob as I could before I started to loose control of myself. I knew this control was only temporary until the thirst took over.

Let's feed before you totally lose it.

I didn't care anymore. I just followed Zander. Can vampires commit suicide?

If we could do you think I'd still be here?

Jacob's POV

My heart shattered when Jade suddenly disappeared. I called out his name and went to catch him but Emmett suddenly grabbed me, keeping me in place. I fought against him but it was useless. How could this happen? We were too late. Far too late. I stopped fighting and Emmett carefully released me.

I didn't want to seem weak in front of them but I couldn't take it. I fell to my knees, letting the tears fall that I had been holding in ever since I realized who that vampire was. The pain that over took my body was worse then anything I had ever felt before. I felt like I was going to just die. Like my heart was going to stop beating just like Jade's did. But he wasn't dead.

I pressed my palms into my eyes to try and stop crying. But it was useless. He wasn't dead. Just a vampire. I convinced myself once before that I could be okay as long as he was alive. Did this count? He wasn't exactly alive but he wasn't dead either. He still existed. It was all too much to handle at once.

"What do we do now?" Seth asked softly. He must have phased back.

"Jade recognized us..." Jasper knelt down beside me, like he was speaking only to me. "He has more control than a typical newborn. But not enough control. He ran because he could only keep control for a short period of time. He ran because he didn't want to hurt us. He's conscious of himself and what has happened to him."

"He did kill Nathanial." Emmett spoke.

"Um, Guys... the fire is kinda growing..." Seth said, worried.

"We need to get out of here." Jasper gently touched my arm. I didn't even flinch. "You're exhausted Jacob. Seth too. We'll fly back to Forks."

"We can't leave without him." I growled out.

"Jacob... He chose to leave. It's safer this way. For everyone. He might come back when he knows he has control. He'll only live for blood for a few years."

What little bit of a heart I had left clenched tightly. "A few years?"

"If he ever comes back..."

My throat was so tight I couldn't even speak. "Jade loves you Jacob." Seth spoke softly. "He may be a vampire now... but he still loves you. Couldn't you tell? Even I could see the pain in his eyes."

I nodded once. Seth was right. I saw Jade's heart breaking along with mine. "Do you think... this was Nathanial's way of getting back at me?"

"I'm sure it was." Jasper tugged my arm up. "Jade will come back eventually. I just know it. I'll have Alice keep an eye out for him. If he's close by then maybe you can just go to him. But for now, it's best that he adjusts to his new life."

I had no choice but to accept this. But what was I going to do until Jade decided to come back? If he decided to come back... His father was going to kill me... Jasper tugged at my arm once more and I finally got to my feet. We had to get out of there before the whole church burned down.