Claire POV

Gary led us into the kitchen where Donna was cleaning up Sadie's late lunch. She smiled when she saw us and then exchanged a curious look with her husband.

"Todd wants to talk to all of us." He told her.

"Oh? What's going on?" Donna asked, now noticing that Brittney was holding Todd's hand.

"Something really cool, actually. But it will take a little explaining. I just ask that you listen to everything first and then Claire and I will try to answer all your questions. Sound good?" Todd said.

Donna looked slightly nervous but nodded to her husband. Gary took a deep breath and then motioned to the chairs around the table. "I guess we better sit down then."

"Thanks." I said as I pulled out a seat next to Todd.

"Are you sure the kids should be here? This sounds serious." Donna asked.

"Oh, yeah. They should love this. Don't worry, I promise everything is okay. But I should also mention that this is kind of secret and you can't just go around telling anyone else about it." Todd answered.

"You aren't making me feel better about having the kids here." Donna pointed out.

"Sorry. This will all make sense soon. But just so you know, I do have the backing of the Tribal Elders, so this is all legitimate." Todd tried to reassure them. He cleared his throat as Gary fidgeted nervously and Donna grabbed his hand to calm him.

"How much do you know about our legends?" Todd asked.

"We were raised on the same bedtime stories you were." Gary said. "We've told a few to the kids. You know, about the spirit walking and the wolf."

"Okay. That's good. Because that's the secret: it's all true." Todd began.

Gary narrowed his eyes as his son started grinning.

"Cool." Cal murmured as he stared at Todd.

Todd looked down at Brittney who didn't look surprised or upset so he continued.

"Do you guys remember back when we were kids, how I got sick and missed a whole bunch of school and then I had some serious growth spurts that everyone wondered about?" Todd asked.

"Vaguely." Donna said. "We were just kids. Anything different stood out, but after a while it didn't matter anymore."

"Yeah, well that's when it happened to me. At the time there were a whole bunch of Cold Ones in the area: vampires. Way back in my family's history we are related to someone from the last pack who protected the tribe. So I grew really fast and my temper got out of control until I changed into a wolf and joined the current pack." Todd said. He paused and let that sink in for a minute.

"I knew you were special. I could feel it." Brittney said quietly from where she sat on the other side of Todd. I leaned forward a little to see her better and she was smiling up at him. He returned her smile as her parents stared at them in shock.

"Are you insane?" Gary found his voice.

"No. I swear it's true. I have really good control now and hardly ever lose my temper. I rarely phase on accident anymore. That's why I didn't come to school for so long – I wasn't good at keeping control and staying human. I couldn't go to school and burst into a wolf in the middle of class or something. It was too dangerous at the time. But that was a long time ago."

"You don't actually expect us to believe this, do you?" Gary asked.

"You shouldn't be saying this around the kids." Donna shook her head, clearly upset that she hadn't protected them from this.

"It's true. I can prove it. We can go outside and I'll change right now if you want me to." Todd offered. "I know this sounds crazy, but I would never lie to Brittney. I just can't."

"Why?" Gary demanded. "Why are you telling us this and why are you interested in my daughter? She's only ten!"

"Whoa. Calm down Gary. I swear I will never hurt her." Todd put his hands up to try and calm his old friend.

"That's why I'm here, I think." I spoke up. Donna looked at me with questions in her eyes, and Gary looked as though he had forgotten about me completely.

"My best friend, Quil, is in the pack too. He's a few years older than Todd and we met when I was two years old. Since that day Quil and I have been connected. Growing up he was like a brother and the best friend I could have ever had. He always supported and protected me, even when it hurt him to do so. I know he will always take care of me and make sure I am happy. It's really an amazing thing. I can't imagine my life without him in it: he's that important to me." I said.

"So, what?" Gary asked and his eyes zeroed in on Todd. "Are you connected to my daughter now?"

"Yes, I am." Todd looked him in the eye as he answered and then his gaze softened and fell to Brittney again. "We call it imprinting. She is the reason I exist."

"Hold on a minute. Is this like a romantic relationship?" Donna asked.

"No!" Todd insisted. "She's just the most important person to me. I will do and be anything she needs me to be. I will protect her with my life and do anything in my power to make her happy and safe."

"What about you and Quil?" Gary asked me shrewdly.

"That is exactly how Quil treated me. I know now that I was so blessed to have him in my life." I said.

"And now? Is he still like a brother to you?" Gary persisted.

"No. Over time my feelings have changed. But we had rules and Quil has always been careful about them. He decided when I was still a child that we wouldn't pursue a relationship until I was eighteen if that was what I wanted. In a few months we'll finally be able to date." I explained to them.

"Isn't this a lot of pressure to put on a little girl?" Donna asked.

"I will never pressure her for anything." Todd said. "I just want to spend time with her and get to know her. If there's any way I can help your family, I would be more than happy to help. I just want a chance to be part of her life."

"Okay, let's step back for a second here." Gary said loudly, waving his hands for our attention. "You say that you can turn into a wolf to protect the tribe from vampires and you have some mystical connection to our ten year old daughter. Is that what I'm supposed to understand here? Because this all sounds crazy. And no offense to you, but I thought you were supposed to be the sane one or something." He pointed at me as he said the last part. He shook his head and stood up. "This is insane. I'm not going to just sit here and listen to this. I know we grew up together but this is too much, Todd. You need to get some help."

"Come outside then. Just you and me." Todd stood as well. "Let me show you and then you can decide what's best for your family. I will promise you now though, that you have nothing to fear from me."

Gary studied him for a moment and then nodded. He walked out the back door and Todd followed. I sat quietly with Donna and the kids as Todd no doubt phased for Gary outside.

We heard a loud cry of surprise and a low whimper. Donna jumped from her seat and rushed out the back door. Everyone but Sadie followed since she was still strapped into her high chair. Gary was slowly backing up toward the house, away from the large black and grey colored wolf that now stood in the center of his lawn next to a pile of clothes. Todd looked at me and let out another whimper.

Gary reached us and turned to Donna, gaping. "He, he, . . . he just exploded." He pointed toward Todd who now crouched on the ground to make himself smaller and less threatening.

Brittney took a few steps forward with wide eyes. Donna grabbed at her but she continued on. "It's okay mom. It's just Todd: look at his eyes." She went straight to him and stroked the top of his head. Todd made the odd humming noise the wolves make when they are content.

"It can't be true." Donna just shook her head and tried to hold Cal back as well. His eyes were bright and curious and he looked excited.

"It's okay." I said. "The pack's purpose is to protect the tribe, to defend life. He is perfectly harmless to us."

"He's huge. That is no normal wolf." Gary said, jabbing at the air as he pointed at Todd.

"He's special." Brittney said, still standing beside Todd and petting his fur. "Don't be mad dad. He's so nice. I want to keep him."

Todd chuffed and closed his eyes as he leaned his great head into her side. He looked happy and I was glad for him.

"You can't deny that they have something special." I said, drawing Gary and Donna's attention back to me. Cal finally escaped his mother's grasp and went over to pet Todd as well. "It would be cruel to separate them. Trust me. Quil and I were separated for a few years and we both suffered for it."

"What am I supposed to do? Just say that it's okay for a guy my age to hang out with my little girl?" Gary asked helplessly.

"Yes. Because he is the best thing that will happen in her life." I said with confidence. "I love Quil. He's been like part of the family most of my life. He was almost more strict about rules than my parents were because he wanted what was best for me."

"But you said you were separated. Did he do something wrong?" Donna asked.

"No, he didn't do anything wrong. That's a long story that I will tell you another day. Right now you already have enough to think about." I said.

"You promise we can trust him?" Donna watched me carefully.

"I've known him as long as I've known Quil. He's a good guy. I wouldn't be here to help him otherwise." I said.

Todd carefully stood up so he wouldn't jostle or scare the kids. He grabbed his clothes in his mouth then jogged around the side of the house and reappeared a moment later wearing pants and still pulling his shirt down over his head. He walked toward us by the back door and the kids ran up to stand on either side.

"Wow. I still can't believe this." Gary shook his head. Then he pointed at Todd. "You step out of line just once. . ." he threatened.

"I know." Todd said in acceptance.

. . .

During the next three weeks I ended up splitting my time between chaperoning Todd and Brittney, relaxing with my friends as summer drew to an end, and doing a few family things with the Uleys. I even managed to go back to Makah for a long weekend with my parents and Devon. Alyssa was able to get home as well so we were actually all together for once outside of the Christmas Holidays.

I used all of these things to distract myself from missing Quil. My time with Todd and Brittney was bittersweet because I was happy for them, but I was just reminded that Quil wasn't here. He still called every few days but it was getting harder to say goodbye. He didn't know when the threat would end and he would come home. Not knowing was the worst part. If I knew I had to be patient for another week or even month, I could handle it because then I would know when things could be normal again. As it was now, I still had no idea when I would see him again, no idea when he would hold me again. My birthday was getting closer and I had no guarantee that he would even be back for us to have a first date. I just wanted him to be home and safe again.

My headaches had now returned full force and were turning into migraines again. I played down the pain I was in so I wouldn't worry anyone, but on sunny days it was hard to even keep my eyes open. And I tried to find reasons to stay home in my quiet, dim room.

. . .

Quil POV

I spoke to Claire two days before school started again. I missed the whole summer with her. I didn't tell her that being away from her is starting to take its toll. I don't want to worry her. Only hearing her voice just isn't enough for me anymore. I've got to see her again soon. See her, touch her, hold her: something more than this.

I'm starting to go numb again. I haven't said anything but Jake and Brady have noticed. No one has said anything because there's just no point right now. A few weeks ago the three of us took Nessie away from all the vampires and we are hiding in the Chilean Andes, just across the border. We have little contact with the outside world as a safety precaution, but Jake would never deny my calls to Claire.

I ran several miles away from the hut we are living in to call her. I could have cried when I heard her voice. She is doing well. I think seeing Todd imprint and being there to support him has really helped her. She can understand me even better than before, not that she ever had a problem with that. But it's made everything about our imprint so clear to her. Thank the Spirits for that.

I just hope I can see Claire again soon because I feel like I'm dying a little inside every day now.

When I got back to the hut Jake was tense and pacing the room. Nessie was curled up on the bed, hugging her knees to her chest. Brady met me just outside the door and wouldn't come in the hut because he was too amped up.

"What happened?" I asked. This couldn't be good.

"Edward called. The Volturi are there, talking to them at the house in Argentina." Jake said.

"Just talking?" I asked.

"So far. He just wanted us to be alert." Jake answered.

"As if we weren't alert already!" Brady yelled from outside where he was pacing now. "What does he think we are doing out here, partying like it's spring break?"

"That's not what he meant." Jake defended his father in law. "They know nothing about you two. Everyone knows I'll be with Nessie, but you are still a surprise. Edward saw all that in their heads."

"Great. But if there's a fight we'll miss it." Brady complained.

"We're here to protect Nessie. We may not need to fight." I said.

"Yeah, well, we all know you just want to go home." Brady came to the doorway and glared in at me.

It was true. I couldn't argue with him. Not that I was proud of that. I looked away.

"Leave him alone Brady. Can't you see he's suffering?" Nessie cried.

Brady crumpled slightly. "I know. I'm sorry. I just can't stand sitting here and waiting."

"Now that the Volturi are there we may not have to wait anymore." Jake pointed out.

Two hours later Jake's phone rang again. Brady had finally calmed down enough to play poker with me but we dropped the game the second he picked up.

"Yeah. . . okay. . . We'll leave now." Jake said and hung up.

I couldn't catch much from the other end of the line. I think it was Edward, but he was speaking low and fast and I still wasn't used to their quick exchanges on the phone like Jake was.

"What is it?" Nessie asked in a trembling voice. Jake pulled her into a tight hug.

"It's okay baby. Nothing has happened yet but your dad can see it. They aren't going to leave peacefully." Jake looked at Brady and I. "It's Aro, one of the head Volturi, and some of his favorites. He's got a tracker and the twins with special powers along with two others we've not seen before. Aro wants Nessie or blood. Edward and Carlisle are stalling but the fight will happen. He wants us to surprise them from behind."

"We're going back?" Nessie asked.

"Yes. You'll stay back though. Rosalie stayed hidden since Aro arrived and she's heading toward the border to meet us. She will stay with you, away from the fight, so we can do our thing. But she will be able to defend you if someone gets past us. Not that I will let that happen." Jake let her go and went into Alpha mode. He quickly swept around the room grabbing the packs we kept ready to go and rolling up the sleeping bag Nessie had been huddled up on.

"We leave now." He said.

Brady and I moved then, efficiently mirroring Jake's movements like the little army we were. Five minutes later we were running down the mountain back toward Argentina and Nessie's family.

We met Rosalie as planned, received a few last instructions, and phased. Jake kissed Nessie goodbye but he was mostly being driven by his instinct to fight and protect now. As a proper pack we ran down the foothills and across a high mountain plain on the way to the house. We all knew the terrain well from hours of patrolling and getting the lay of the land for a month straight.

We slowed up when we neared the house and saw the Cullens and friends spread out in an informal line facing the small group of Volturi guard. We were behind the enemy which had been the plan all along. We watched and listened carefully as the leader, Aro, demanded one last time that they hand Nessie over to join him.

As Carlisle started to answer again that they wouldn't do it a large member of the Volturi group lunged at Benjamin and Garrett. There was a moment of confusion as the three men started to fight. I saw the South American sisters fall to the ground in front of the little girl named Jane who Nessie told us about. Her brother was concentrating on the Cullen brothers who looked disoriented and Aro was snarling at Carlisle, Edward and his sisters who still looked to be safe under Bella's shield. The Alaskan coven was trying to get to Aro's shield with varying degrees of success. That was when Jake set us loose.

In a blur of speed we joined the fight. I jumped onto Alec and ripped off his arm, freeing up the guys to fight. Jake tore into Aro's shield and Brady went after the tracker who was fighting Ben and Garrett. In one fell swoop we almost obliterated the enemy. A searing pain ripped through my head when Jane turned on me to avenge her brother.

Out of nowhere four more Volturi vampires appeared as the original group was all but destroyed. It seems Aro had a secret up his sleeve too. Two of them went after Brady while the others squared off against Jake who had already ripped half of Aro's robe with his teeth. He spat it on the ground in disgust. I fought through Jane's 'gift' and lunged at her despite the excruciating pain she was sending my way. She didn't know I was used to that kind of thing. I got hold of her leg and Jasper and Emmett appeared and pulled her arms, ripping her in two.

Just after being released from Jane's torture, I felt a new pain. Brady had been momentarily overpowered by the trained fighters who confronted him. His lower spine popped as they tried to pull him apart before our friendly vamps came to his aid. Brady dropped to the ground, unable to move while his attackers were destroyed by the Alaskan and South American covens. Jake got a few good bites in when everyone else converged on Aro. He was the mastermind behind this attack after all and everyone wanted a piece of him. I quickly collected parts, tossing them into a huge pile which Alice then set on fire.

I went to Brady, who was being looked after by Carlisle as the rest of the group finished gathering the parts of the enemy to be burned. Jake ran off to get Nessie, trusting me to watch over our brother for the two minutes he would be gone.

In the chaos of the fight there hadn't really been any coherent thought between the three of us. We let instinct take over and fought like the wolves we were. Now that things were starting to calm down I tried to get a bead on Brady's thoughts.

It's going to be okay. I thought even though I felt his pain. He couldn't move and it felt like there was a fire in his spine.

No. It's not. Brady thought.

A cold hand on my back jolted me and I looked at Carlisle.

"I need you both to phase. I can't help him this way." He said gently.

You heard the doc. I told Brady.

I can't. I don't feel my legs.

You can do this. You've phased a thousand times. I urged him.

Carlisle can help. Do what he says. Jake said he jogged back to us. I looked up to see Nessie embracing her family members.

I cringed as I felt Brady trying to draw himself in and shrink back to his human body. The upper half of his body quivered at the brink of change but he gave up and broke out in a sweat.

Edward came to our little group then and told Carlisle Brady was struggling to change.

Jake and I were at a loss. Even when most of Jake's bones had been broken he was eventually able to phase. He sent memories of it to Brady, acknowledging that it hurt like hell but would help in the end. Brady made several more attempts to phase over the next hour but none were successful and we could feel his energy draining.

I don't understand. Jake shook his head.

Then I really looked at Brady and myself through his eyes. Brady was still bleeding from scratches running down his chest. Fresh blood trickled down the side of my head from my ear and the limp I had from one of the blows I received was not getting any better.

Edward crouched down beside me and looked between Jake and Carlisle.

"Emmett and Rosalie went ahead and are prepping the plane. I noticed you weren't healing and thought perhaps going back to your tribal lands may help."

We're going home? I thought numbly.

"Outside of Jake, no one in your pack has spent a significant time away from your ancestral lands. He has the imprint to sustain him. Quil has been deprived of his and Brady is away from family and the land that gives him strength. We are hoping to have you in the air within the hour and back home as soon as possible."

Thanks. I lay my head on my paws to rest a bit.

Jake phased out to be with his wife.

I was vaguely aware of people moving and talking around us but I withdrew, pulling into my own head. Brady was panicked and hurting so I thought of home. I pictured the familiar forest, the intense green of home. I thought of First beach and the bonfires. I pictured Brady's mom and sister and I felt gratitude from him though there were no specific thoughts. His mind flickered to Claire and I and then he imagined a few faceless kids in front of my house with us. It surprised me but I was grateful.

That's your future Quil. He said.

You have one too. I reassured him.

I've never been able to see it. Maybe I wasn't supposed to.

What do you mean? Are you just going to give up?

It's not about giving up. I'd like to see home again. I just don't feel it. I'm not healing. Brady said.

Neither am I.

Brady opened his eyes and looked at me where I lay next to him. He noted my bloody ear and lifted his eyebrows.

Huh. Maybe the mind reader has a point. You'll be fine once you see Claire.

And you will too when you see your family. I said.

A few minutes later Jake came over and knelt beside us.

"The plane is almost ready boys. Now we just have to get you in it. Do you wanna phase, Quil?" he asked.

I looked at Brady. I didn't want to leave him all alone like this. I shook my head.

Thanks. Brady said.

"Okay. Brady, we're going to be as careful with you as we can be, but this will probably hurt. Rosalie is a good pilot though and she'll get us back to La Push before you know it." Jake said.

. . .

After they got us on the plane Brady and I slept. Edward sat next to us to make sure we were okay since we were still in wolf form. The entire Cullen family came with us. I slept through the night. Jake woke me up a little after sunrise.

"We are almost there. I called ahead and Emily will have everyone waiting at Brady's house when we get there."

I lifted my head and Edward said the one word on my mind.

"Claire."

"I spoke to her. She's anxious to see you. How are you feeling?" Jake asked.

"Like I got hit by a truck." Edward said for me. Jake chuckled.

"I bet you do. Just wait. You'll be good as new a few minutes after you see her. I know it."

I turned my head toward Brady. He was dreaming of the forest; running through the endless green. I saw Carlisle watching us from a seat in the plane. He was probably concerned that he couldn't help us. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Edward nod.

It's not his fault. I know he's a good doc. I thought. Edward gave me a tight smile.

We landed and taxied into a private hangar. Brady failed to phase yet again and he was getting weaker. He refused to eat despite the large amount of food the Cullen's brought on the plane for us. My appetite was diminished but I had gotten some food down at least. Edward and I monitored Brady while the men carefully moved him into the back of a van with tinted windows. Esme had quickly arranged blankets and pillows in the open space to keep Brady both comfortable and stable. Carlisle arranged the pillows around his filthy furry body so he wouldn't roll or shift during the drive. When that was done and he was as secure and comfortable as we could make him Jake told me to shift. He handed me some clothes from my pack and I dressed despite the aches in my body.

Carlisle descended on me the moment I was human and clothed. We got into a second van with seats and he took my vitals and talked to me while we drove. I eagerly took in the familiar landscape out the windows and kept gulping down great breaths of the salty air. It just felt right. Emmett and Edward sped us down the road and soon we entered La Push. I felt a surge of energy pulse through me. This was my land. I didn't even mind Esme fussing at my side, trying to clean my face and tidy my matted hair a bit now that my ear stopped bleeding.

We pulled up in front of Brady's mom's little house and I could see her. Claire glanced between the two dark vans anxiously, not knowing where I was. My heart thudded at the sight of her and her eyes locked on my van. I was out the door before Emmett could put it in park. I swept Claire into my arms and held her so tight. She wrapped her arms around my neck and clung just as tightly. I could feel her body shake as she cried. I breathed deep and felt whole again. She was my home.

Claire turned her head to kiss my cheek and gasped.

"You're bleeding!"

"I'm okay now. All I needed was you." I said into her hair as I held her close. She smelled so good and it felt right to have her in my arms. She was all I would ever need again.

"I missed you so much." She said. It was music to my ears. I couldn't speak. I just squeezed her tighter.

A cry to my left drew my attention away from Claire for a moment and I remembered Brady. His mother Linda, and little sister Christina were beside him crying. His mother was holding one of his giant paws and his sister's hands fluttered above him, looking for a safe place to touch him. I became aware of my surroundings again but didn't release my hold on Claire.

"He hasn't been able to phase since he was hurt yesterday." Jake was telling the group gathered around our vans. "We think it's his back."

Several people in the group gasped. I saw that everyone from the pack, past and present, was there with their mates and families. Emily and Kim were crying, the men's faces were set and grim.

"He isn't healing. We thought bringing him home would be his best chance." Edward said. He was greeted by nods and murmurs of agreement.

Embry appeared beside me and patted my back roughly.

"Good to see you again." he said and nodded to Claire as well.

"It's good to be back." I said.

"Was it a bad fight?"

"I'll tell you everything soon. Two of the leeches got a hold of Brady though." I said.

Embry nodded gravely. "I should have gone instead."

"You couldn't. You made the right call." I said.

"Quil is right." Jake said, approaching us. "Brady wanted the fight. He's been going crazy waiting for it."

"We're so grateful for his help." Bella told Linda about her son.

"He wanted to be there." Edward said from his position near Brady. "He wants you to know that."

"Is he in pain?" Christina asked.

"It's less now. He is relieved to be home and is happy to see you again. He was holding on for you." Edward said for our friend.

"Holding on? But he can't die. The wolves heal too quickly." Linda protested.

"Perhaps not under normal circumstances, but his situation for the last few months has not been normal. And his injuries are severe." Edward said patiently but not without sympathy.

"Well he's home now." She responded firmly. "He will be fine."

. . .

Edward and Carlisle Cullen stayed until Brady was able to phase late that night. Most everyone else dispersed an hour after our return. Jake and Nessie remained with Claire and I. Occasionally Edward would update us on Brady's thoughts or state of mind. He was resigned and peaceful. Edward pulled Jake and I aside to tell us that Brady expected to die and was at peace with it. Neither of us took this information well.

Those were a few of the rare moments I spent not touching Claire. From the moment we were reunited we had been hugging or holding hands at the very least. Even when we ate some food that Emily came back with and insisted we all eat, I ate using my left hand so I wouldn't have to break contact with my imprint. I wasn't about to be away from her for very long if I could help it.

Around midnight Brady finally phased human. He was weak and hurting and I think it took all of his energy to do it. Thankfully, being home had helped him a bit but he still wasn't healing at a proper rate. Edward and Carlisle shared a frown as the doctor examined my pack brother. Edward whispered so that only Jake and I could hear that Brady's back was still broken and the feeling he had regained in his arms was fading again. Jake and I left him with words of encouragement and carefully touched his head or shoulder. Claire and Nessie both left him a kiss on the cheek and we retreated to give Linda and Christina some time alone with Brady.

An hour later our brother was gone.

A/N: please don't hate me. I have nothing against Brady, its just that in wars and fights between supernatural beings there are losses - and not only on the bad side. That's why it took me so long to get this chapter up. I fought to keep Brady in some way but it just wasn't meant to be in this story.