Quil POV

The holiday season is both wonderful and excruciating. It's wonderful because I get lots of time with Claire; especially this year since I was pretty much treated like family by both the Uleys and Claire's parents. It was painful for the very same reasons. I couldn't stop thinking about future Christmases when Claire and I will have our own home to invite family to for celebrations. I kept picturing that time and longing for it – knowing I can't have it yet.

Being a good guy and waiting patiently really sucks sometimes.

The usual New Year's Eve party at the Uleys was the worst though. It was two days after I took Claire ice skating and we had that amazing talk so we both know we want to be together. She actually wants to go out with me! She would date me right now if we were normal people and the same age. I get high just thinking about it. Then the knife twists in my heart because we can't do anything about it.

I was ready to throw caution to the wind, say screw it all, and just kiss her at the end of the countdown to the New Year too but fate intervened. Or should I say Embry did. Stupid Alpha, know-it-all, jerk. He must have sensed something or seen it on my face, I don't know, but he swooped over and grabbed me by the shoulder, turning me away and dragging me across the room as Claire and I stared at each other for those last few seconds of the year. At least Claire looked as disappointed as I felt.

I know that I really ought to thank him for saving me from myself, but really, what a way to go. If I could just kiss her once, pull her into my arms and feel her body melt against mine as I kiss her soft lips. . . I could die happy. But come on: when has life ever been that kind to me?

So I barely made it through the last of the holidays and I only had one day with Claire before she started school again. Now classes and homework dictate my time with her and I find myself constantly cursing her over-zealous teachers who keep giving her huge assignments so I'm only allowed to see her for dinner before she goes back to her room to finish studying and doing homework.

Two and half weeks later it was Claire's seventeenth birthday. She didn't put up a fight or insist on not having a party this year because last time things turned around for her and she actually enjoyed herself. I talked Emily into letting me pay for all the food and she baked and decorated a cake for Claire. Emily got Andrea's help again to get their group of friends to come and Claire looked happy when the party broke out that evening. I had warned the guys about what Claire said about her friends liking us a bit too much and we all kept a low profile most of the time so as not to attract the girl's attention too much.

Eventually the party wound down and people headed home, having stayed kind of late since it's a Friday night. The pack left last, all stopping to give Claire hugs and promises to beat anyone up who gives her trouble. She laughed and said that isn't a problem anymore. My mind flashed back to that Kevin kid who made her so miserable for all those years. And he had even kissed her. It was a good thing he wasn't around because I could have flattened his face without a second thought.

Through some miracle, since I already know fate isn't on my side, everyone kind of melted away after I helped Emily clean up and when I came back in from taking the last garbage bag outside, I found Claire sitting alone in the living room. She was on the couch with her legs curled up underneath her looking at the small pile of presents on the coffee table in front of her. I walked over to her, cleared my throat and asked if she would mind some company.

Claire just reached out her hand to me in answer. I took it and she pulled me down onto the couch next to her. Once I was settled she shifted and leaned against my side, resting her head against my shoulder as I draped my arm around her and pulled her close. I was truly comfortable for the first time that night and I joined her in staring at the gifts.

"What are you thinking?" I asked.

"It was a good day." She said quietly. "There's just one thing missing, though."

"What's that?" I was confused. I tried to make sure everything went right. Did I forget to invite someone? Her parents didn't come because her dad had a business conference this weekend and they celebrated with her last weekend while she was home in Makah with them.

"There's nothing here from you." she indicated the pile we were studying.

"Oh." I immediately relaxed and chuckled a little. "I can fix that."

I pulled away from her so I could lean forward and open the drawer in the coffee table. I took out the wrapped package I had hidden there earlier in the day so it wouldn't get misplaced. Claire sat up and took the present from my hands as I held it out to her. I turned a little to face her and watch as she ripped off the paper to reveal a highly polished wooden jewelry box with a painting of a wooded coastline on top. It looked a lot like a favorite spot of hers near first beach and I had to get it for her when I saw it.

"This is beautiful, thank you." she said as she ran her fingers over the smooth surface. She looked up at me with a smile and I knew I was right about the gift.

"Open it." I instructed.

She did and 'oohed' when she saw the necklace with a polished green stone. I had gotten Emily's help again and it matched the bracelet she still wore every day.

"Quil! It's perfect." She exclaimed and picked up the necklace, leaving the box on her lap. She studied the stone and the woven leather cord for a moment before looking up at me with the biggest smile.

She threw her arms around my neck and hugged me tight. As she pulled back she placed a kiss on my cheek and without thinking I turned my face to meet her lips. They were smooth and soft and warm and perfect. I felt something shift inside me, clicking into place and I was completely whole for the first time in my life. My hand lifted to caress her cheek as I kissed her gently, her lips moving naturally with mine in a sweet, slow dance.

After a moment I pulled back slightly and studied her face. Her eyes remained closed a few seconds longer and she sighed contentedly. Then her beautiful brown eyes opened and met mine with a look of complete bliss. I ran my thumb over her cheek one more time and dropped my hand between us to hold her hand which was clutching the necklace.

"Wow." She breathed, with a smile.

"Yeah." I agreed. "Happy birthday, Claire."

We sat there quietly staring at each other for another minute. I didn't want to move and leave this perfect moment with Claire but then I heard shuffling feet coming down the hallway toward the top of the stairs. I heard a yawn and then Emily spoke.

"Hey guys, it's late. We'll see you tomorrow Quil."

"Goodnight Emily." I said, trying not to sound too disappointed. I don't think I succeeded.

"I'll be right there." Claire told her aunt. She still looked a little dazed and I couldn't help but smile.

I stood up, helping Claire to her feet as well. She held the box and necklace in front of her but didn't move. I wrapped my arms around her and hugged her, leaving a final kiss on top of her head.

"I love you Claire. Sleep well." I said.

Claire's arms went around my waist and she hugged me back as well as she could while holding the box in one hand and the necklace in the other. "I love you too, Quil." She murmured against my chest.

It may have just been the best night of my life so far.

. . .

Claire and I didn't speak about the kiss we shared and I guarded those memories from the pack. I didn't want anyone to comment or ruin that amazing moment. It was a special secret she and I shared alone. Sometimes when we had a quiet moment alone I thought I caught her thinking about it though. But we both knew we had to wait a while before we could do something like that again. I almost didn't mind having to wait so much – almost.

Then in late March a whole new series of events was set in motion. While on patrol one night Todd and I came across a fresh vampire trail which we followed as it zigzagged with no clear pattern all around the forest not far from the Black house. It didn't take us long to catch up to two crimson eyed leeches who were stopped in a clearing arguing with one another. We caught them by surprise and tore into them quickly. My right foreleg was broken in the fight but I still took down my leech just before Embry and Brady arrived in response to our howls. We burned all the pieces of the leeches and tried to cover any evidence of the fight before we went home.

Claire was upset about my broken arm the next day but by nightfall it was only slightly sore and bruised and I knew it would be good as new by the next day. I sure didn't mind her extra attention and cuddles that night though.

We didn't think much of it until I spoke to Jake a week later. He called to say that he and the Cullens would be travelling a lot for the next few months at least because Carlisle got a tip from a friend with the Volturi that Aro, one of the leaders we saw years ago at the Cullen place, wanted to track down Nessie. Jake said that his motives were not good so they would be avoiding the Volturi at all costs. He promised to let me know if he had to change his number or anything and that he would keep in touch.

Before he could hang up though, I told him about the two leeches we took down the week before. He asked a few questions and was really bothered to find out they were wearing black robes. I hadn't thought anything of it at the time, because really, who cares about vampire fashion? But Jake said that the robes were a Volturi thing and told us to be on alert and be careful. As soon as I hung up with him I called Embry and relayed the news.

Over the next month Jake called us every week to see if we had seen anyone else snooping around the area and tell us where they had been. They weren't staying anywhere long because the Volturi have a talented tracker on their side and Alice was watching everything closely but was still uncertain because Jake clouded her visions. We hadn't seen anything suspicious on our end but I understood why the Cullens were being so cautious. I wouldn't take any chances if Claire were in danger.

At the beginning of May Embry tracked me down while I was helping Claire study for a math test. He knocked lightly on the door and let himself in. Emily looked up from the lasagna she was putting together before it went in the oven.

"Hi Embry." She said and then worry creased her brow when she saw his face. "What's going on?"

I looked between them in concern. Something was wrong, I could feel it. Embry looked at me sadly.

"I need to talk to you Quil. Pack business." He said and angled his body back toward the door. He wanted to go somewhere else to talk. This was serious and dread settled into the pit of my stomach.

"I guess I have to go then." I said. I stood up and left a kiss on top of Claire's head. "I'll talk to you later." I said and she squeezed my hand which rested on her shoulder for a moment.

"Bye." Claire said. She watched us walk out the front door.

Embry didn't say a word as he led into the forest and finally stopped by an outcropping of rocks deep under the cover of trees. The world around us was green and eerily still.

"What's going on Embry? It'll just be easier if you spit it out." I said.

"Okay. I've thought long and hard about this and I got advice from both Jake and Sam, so just know that I didn't make this decision lightly." He started.

Oh man, I knew this couldn't be good.

"Jake needs some help. The psychic one has determined that the Volturi are going to catch up with them soon, no matter what they do. The Cullens have already contacted some of their friends from before and they are all meeting to stand up for Nessie again. Jake hates to ask for it, but he would like some back-up of his own. I can't leave the Res and I wouldn't leave it unguarded anyway. You and Brady have the most experience so I'm sending the two of you down to Costa Rica to help Jake."

I sat still as the news sank in. I would be leaving Claire, leaving the Res, heck, leaving the country to help Jake and his imprint. If it weren't for Claire I would be excited. I was torn between dread and duty, but I knew what I would do. There really was no question because this was why we were wolves.

Embry was watching me nervously.

"Okay." I said with resolve.

"What?" Embry asked in shock. "You aren't going to rip my head off or yell or anything?"

I shook my head. "If I needed Jake he would come to help me. You are a good Alpha, Embry, but we both know Jake would still be it if he could stay here. Plus we've been friends forever and I know it's probably killing him that Nessie is in danger. I won't turn my back on him now."

Embry just nodded and looked impressed.

"Don't get me wrong: this sucks and its going to be hard to leave Claire behind, but you'll take care of her, right?" I said.

"You know I will." Embry said.

"When are we supposed to leave?"

"There are tickets for a flight tomorrow waiting at the airport for you."

This was happening fast. Okay.

"How long will this take? What's the plan?" I asked.

"Jake didn't say. I got the impression he has something in mind, but he didn't want to go into detail over the phone."

I took a deep breath and steeled myself. "I better go tell Claire and my mom."

"I'll drive you and Brady to the airport in the morning. The flight leaves at ten."

Now I just had the problem of breaking the news to Claire.

Embry stayed behind as I walked slowly back to the Uleys. When I walked in I found Emily sitting at the table with a very nervous looking Claire. She looked like she wanted to jump out of her seat and run to me but held herself back.

"It's something bad, isn't it? I can feel it." Claire said.

"I'm going to go help Jake. The Volturi have been trying to track down Nessie and we need to keep her safe. I don't know how long it will take or exactly where I'll be for a while." I decided to just say it all and get it over with.

"You're leaving?" Emily asked in shock.

"I have to do this." I said this more to Claire than Emily.

"When do you leave?" Claire asked.

"In the morning." I said. I felt my heart rip in two as Claire's face crumpled.

"I'm so sorry, honey." I went to Claire, pulled her to her feet, and wrapped her in my arms. "I'm going to miss you."

Claire started shaking and I realized she was crying. "Do you have to go? Can't one of the others do it instead?"

"Brady is going with me and Embry and Todd will stay here to protect the Res. It's what Embry decided."

"But why can't Todd and Brady just go so you can stay?" she suggested.

"I have more experience and Jake is one of my oldest friends. Embry would go if he could, I know it."

Claire shook her head against my chest. "I don't want you to go. Not now."

"I know, honey."

"What if something happens to you? We never had a chance to . . . we've never even been on a date. What about next Valentine's day?" Claire asked in a panic.

"What about it?" Emily asked, breaking into our conversation. I had forgotten she was here.

"We kind of made some long term plans to go out. Claire will be eighteen by then." I said, hoping Emily wouldn't freak out right now. I had a very limited amount of time left with Claire before I left for who knows how long and I didn't want to waste it fighting with Emily.

"You two have talked about dating? I had no idea you had made that step yet." Emily said more in surprise than anger. Maybe it was okay after all.

"We had a heart to heart last Christmas. I would date him right now if I could." Claire said boldly.

Did I mention that I love this girl?

I kissed the top of her head and Claire quickly turned and reached for me. I leaned down slightly and she locked her arms around my neck in a fierce embrace. I straightened up and held her against me with her feet off the ground. Her body was pressed against mine and I felt her take deep breaths around sobs that caught in her throat.

"I don't want you to go." She asserted and tightened her grip slightly.

"I don't want to leave you, but I need to do this Claire. It's important. The guys would help me if it was you, so I need to go help Jake and Nessie." I gently pulled out of her embrace while still holding her up so I could look her in the eye. "But I swear that I will do everything I can to come home safe and as quickly as possible. Valentine's day is still mine, got it?"

Claire nodded and then surprised me by suddenly pressing her lips to mine in a desperate kiss. I completely forgot that we had an audience as I kissed her back with the same intensity. This was very different than our first kiss and would have been equally enjoyable if it weren't for the pain of our looming separation flavoring it. I felt Claire's hands slip through my hair and grip the back of my neck, forcefully holding me to her. She didn't need to though – I wasn't going anywhere just yet. I tightened my grip around her waist to show her I wanted this just as much.

A sharp intake of breath from across the room preceded an angry outburst. "Quil! What do you think you're doing?" Sam's voice demanded loudly.

Claire released her grip and I opened my eyes to see hers wide with surprise and fear.

"Oh no." She muttered under her breath.

I lowered Claire's feet back to the ground and finally looked over her head to see Emily staring at us and Sam fuming behind her.

"Let go of my niece, Quil." Sam ground out.

I released Claire only so I could take a defensive stance in front of her. I put up my hands in a calming gesture toward Sam. "Don't freak out man, I wasn't taking advantage. Claire knows I love her and we got caught up in the moment."

"What kind of moment was that, Quil? The kind where you violate a girl half your age? Her parents trusted me to watch out for her and here you are kissing her under my roof! And in front of my wife!" Sam stalked toward me the whole time he spoke.

"I started it Sam." Claire practically yelled. "So back off!"

Sam stopped short and stared at Claire.

"You . . .what?"

As much as I loved watching Claire stand up to Sam, it was time for me to step in.

"Sam, listen to me. I just got the order from Embry: I leave in the morning to go help Jake and Nessie with the Volturi situation. They are in Costa Rica right now but I don't know if that's where we'll stay or how long it will take to end this. Claire was just upset that I'm going away. You won't even have to ground her to keep us apart because in less than twenty-four hours I'll be out of the country. Just calm down and let us have a nice goodbye; please?"

"It's true: all of it." Emily finally found her voice.

"You're going to help Jake?" Sam asked as he tried to process this new information on top of the kissing. At least he was distracted from that for a moment.

"Yes. My flight leaves at ten in the morning."

"You are going up against the Volturi again?" Sam continued.

"I think so. If that's what it takes, that's what we'll do to get them to leave Nessie alone." I said.

"That's . . . wow . . . I'm sorry, man." Sam stepped closer and gave me a man-hug with strong pats on my back. "I guess I should say good luck then. Be safe."

"I'm coming back." I said with certainty as I turned toward Claire. Her eyes were glassy with unshed tears, but she managed to nod to show me she understood.

"So, am I just supposed to forget that you kissed each other? What do I tell Sally and Mark?" Sam asked.

"Nothing. They don't need to know because it won't happen again until I'm eighteen." Claire said.

I just nodded, willing to go along with almost anything as long as I could spend a little more time with Claire tonight.

Sam looked uneasy but finally nodded. "Fine. I won't say anything as long as you two stay under control for the rest of the night."

"It's a deal." I said quickly.

I coaxed Claire back to the table to finish studying before dinner. Then I ate with the family and spent a half hour more with Claire before I realized I still hadn't talked to my mom. I had gotten distracted by everything that happened with Claire but I needed to go and say goodbye to family and pack some things.

Claire walked with me out to my car and I noticed Sam watching us from the doorway to make sure there was no repeat of earlier. I couldn't blame the guy, but I still thought he needed to relax a little. He knows me better than that.

That's not to say I wasn't tempted to kiss Claire again. Of course I wanted to, but I also knew it wasn't the time. I had no idea what the next few days, weeks or months held for me, but I knew I had to find a way to survive and come back to Claire.

I had to.

So for now I settled for pulling Claire into a tight hug. She buried her face in my chest as she clutched me tight around my waist. I rocked slightly side to side to comfort her.

"I'm scared, Quil. I'm afraid you won't come back." She said in a small voice, squeezing me tight, her hands gripping the back of my shirt in fists.

"Its going to be okay, honey. I will make it all okay as soon as I can and before you know it I will be home, bugging you all the time, and taking you on that date." I told her, murmuring into her sweet smelling hair.

"I hope so. I'm going to miss you so much."

"I'll miss you too, but I will call when I can. You study hard for your finals and have some fun with your friends. I just want you to be safe and happy." I said. I breathed her in one more time and released her, "I need to go now."

Leaving a last kiss on her head I made myself get in my car and go. In the rearview mirror I saw Claire watching me from the front porch while Sam and Emily waited to take care of her. She was going to be fine.

. . .

A/N: There you have it. We've made some more progress. Was it good, bad, ugly? Do you hate me for that last part? Leave a review and tell me what you think.